Summary: By going back in time and rising Tom Marvolo Riddle, Harry Potter hopes that this shall he enough to prevent the rising of Lord Voldemort.

Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me, the credit goes to JK Rowling . The idea on which the story is based is not originally mine either.

Note: English is not my main language so please exuse any posible mistakes.

Chapter 2.

Tom Riddle didn't know what to make of the man in front of him. From the moment, this Sergius Slytherin entered the room, he could feel something...something he did not have a name for. Something familiar and yet...not. When the man studied him, he felt unsettled, but he said nothing and took his own time to observe the man instead. To be honest, this man was an imposing sight. He was not a tall, bulky man, no...but he carried the presence of those nobles in the movies he once saw on television. Not that he had the chance to watch television much. If Mrs. Cole would catch him, she would make sure he was in too much pain to get out of the bed for a week.

So no, the man didn't look like something he should be scared of. He was dressed in a leather jacket, that reached the middle of his tights. And since it was opened, Tom could see that underneath he had nothing but a plain white shirt. His denim jeans and leather shoes were also quite ordinary. However, he knew that the man was anything but. Tom knew appearances can be deceiving, and he could feel the power this man possessed rolling from him in waves. His mind was already racing to find ways in which he could acquire that power for himself. The gentle touch of fingers on the bruise around his eye made him tense but the look in the man's eye made him relax. It was anger but Tom knew instinctively that the anger was not directed at him but at the person who caused this.

It had been a long time since someone touched him with something resembling kindness. Martha, the last orphanage helper used to come and sit by his bed in the evenings. Sometimes, she would bring him food, and they would have a picnic and after that she would treat her fingers true his hair and tell him stories. But Martha was gone now, Mrs. Cole made sure of that, and with her gone so were the stories and the kindness. It was OK thought. He didn't need anybody. He was fine by himself.

The man sitting in Martha's place is telling him they are kin...family. He isn't sure what to think of that. Based on the physical aspects alone, they could be. He certainly looked like a carbon copy of Sergius Slytherin, only much younger. So yes, maybe they are relatives, and so? What? What does the man want? Tom does not have anything to give, and he makes sure to tell the man that.

The man seems very surprised at hearing his reply. His eyes widen momentary, his mouth opening and closing immediately. Tom thinks he looked funny for a second there. Then the man smiles at Tom. A brilliant wide smile that makes Tom's breathing stop. Because no one smiles like that at him. Tom started, his lungs screaming for air without registering the discomfort, until the man spoke.

"Breath, Tom. You look ready to pass out. And listen to me, young man. You have much to give. Maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but someday...someday you will be great."

The man sounds so sincere that Tom is ready to believe him, if not for the fact that he was not even a step closer to figuring out what the man wants. Taking a big breath, readying himself for any disappointment, Tom opens his mouth and asks.

"Why exactly are you here for, Mister Slytherin? We are kin, yes. However, that does not mean you are obligated to come, visit and talk to me. I am fine on my own." His voice is shaky, and he sees in the man's eyes that he does not believe a word of what he said. Tom doesn't believe it either.

" Maybe you don't understand Tom, but family... for me, is the most important thing in the world. If I had known of you sooner I would have been here. I have just recently been informed of your existence. I do not live in this country but now that you are here. I will relocate. I want you to think carefully Tom. My greatest wish is for you to allow me to adopt you. I live alone. My house is big enough for both of us and another soul, especially a bright child such as yourself, would be very welcome."

For the first time in his life Tom Marvolo Riddle felt hope. Hope that he has a change to get out of this hell. That the starvation and beating would stop. Hope that this man would take him in, rise and take care of him like a proper human should. However, the hope deflects as his mind reminds him of the fact that he is...different. He can do things...things that other humans can't.

"Look at me, child."

This person voice makes him feel lightheaded, and he can't help but listen. The man gestures with a hand toward a notebook (the single one he has) sitting on the table, near the window. Later, Tom would say that he did not, in any way, felt his jaw drop open or his eyes widen impossibly wide, as the notebook flew into the outstretched hand of the man sitting next to him. He barely managed to choke out the words.

"You are like me"

The man gave him another of those brilliant smiles and, with a note of...was that playfulness?...said.

"Yes, I am like you." the man winked at him, paused and then continued in a more serious voice.

" And there are many others like us, Tom. A Wizarding world, full of magical people. If I had not come, you would have learned about this on your eleven birthday, since that is the legal age a child can buy a wand. A professor from a magical school, probably Hogwarts, would have come and explain this to you and, at the same time, delivering a letter which invites you to attend to they school."

After this explanation silence ensures. The man was probably giving Tom the time he needs to sort all this into his mind. A world full of people like him. So...he was not so alone after all. Not so different. He wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing. On one hand, he was glad there were other people like him out there, humans, which could understand him, and with whom he could talk about his abilities without them believing he was crazy, but on the other hand...Tom wanted to be special. He wanted to be unique. He wanted to feel like he was the significant one for once. Tom wanted...he wanted.

Shaking his head to clear the dizziness caused by his thoughts fighting around themselves, Tom sighted and buried his head dipper into the pillow. He startled when heard a quiet chuckle and felt a hand gently petting his hair.

"Tell me, young Tom, did you decided? Shall I make arrangements for the adoption papers? It's quite easily done with magic" the man gives a tired sigh and then continues.

" From a look in the matron's mind I know what is happening with you here, and, even if you decide not to come and live with me, I will make sure Mrs. Cole is fired. I will tell you now that such a thing will not happen in my house. You shall respect me and I, in turn, shall respect you. I shall feed you, clothe you and teach you all I know. When you are eleven, if you wish, you can go to a magical school. If not, I am more than qualified to home-school you. It would probably be better if you would go to a school, since there aren't many children of your age around my home, so you would not have many friends, but it will be your decision, Tom."

The man smiled at him and continued to play with his hair. If he was honest with himself, Tom knew he already decided. He knew now what that unnamed feeling he had when the man entered in the room was. It had been his magic recognizing a similar one to it's own and confused at the "scent" it was getting. Every time the man spoke, touched or sit closer to him. Tom felt safe, secure, like nothing could ever hurt him. He could feel his magic now. It was inside, pulsing and screaming "one of our own, our blood".

This Sergius Slytherin will take care of him. He was sure. Tom will go with the man and maybe someday...someday he shall be as Great as this man said he will.