Part 13
Tom smiled softly as he watched Zeus talk to his parents. No matter how many students they taught, Zeus is their all time man turned and smiled at Tom making him flush.
"What is going on in your little head?" asked Zeus as he walked over and placed an arm around him. Tom was not short but he was shorter than Zeus.
"I am not little," groused Tom but he did not shake him away. He kind of liked being held like that by Zeus.
"Oh, please. I still remember the boy who only reached just above my knee pointing his fingers at me -
Tom pinched him in response. Zeus held up his hand defensively with a smile.
Tom dragged him up to the top floor and they sat talking about Zeus's work and the people he met while travelling, the interesting things he learned and the likes. Tom fell asleep on Zeus's shoulder.
Zeus sighed as he came to the present from his reminiscences to find Tom asleep and smiled a bit. Tom is one of the few people who understood Zeus so well. He cast a feather light charm on Tom and lifted him in his arms. He knew from Orion that Tom had trouble sleeping. Especially after his grandparents' passing. Zeus was not going to wake him up now.
Zeus laid Tom down on his bed and pulled the blanket over him. He then turned to leave. He felt something pulling him and turned to see the pin of his coat was clinging to Tom's shirt. Zeus detached them and for a moment he couldn't look away from Tom who looked so innocent and peaceful in his sleep. He knew Tom's parents were going to tell him the truth about what triggered the adoption at first. He also knew Tom's parents loved him more than anything in this world. He wishes the kid does not forget the fact when faced with the past.
Tom's sixth year was not bad. His OWL results had been fantastic and he chose only the subjects he needed for NEWTS. Tom raised an eyebrow when they saw Francis, one of their year mates walk over. Tom realised the boy was smiling at Septimus who looked stopped before them.
"Septimus I was wondering if you would like to go out with me?" asked Francis. Tom looked at Orion who looked furious but Septimus seemed to be giving it thought.
"Yes, sure," said Septimus with a small smile.
Orion looked stricken but he has perfected his poker face well over time. After Francis left, Septimus looked excited at them. He had been lacking in confidence since the incident last year and was wary of trusting others.
"I should give it a go, shouldn't I? Or I would remain pathetically scared," said Septimus and looked at Orion for approval. It was painful to watch. Tom and Abraxas exchanged a look of obvious exasperation.
"You should. I will help you pick up the clothes," said Orion.
Septimus dressed up for his date. Orion picked the best for him. The thought of Orion left Septimus with a sudden urge to cry. He had always thought Orion would be his one. It seems his friend will never be interested in him that way. Septimus sighed and then walked out. They were in Tom's parents' quarters.
All three of his friends sat there in the hall. Harry was playing with Orion's hair. Manik was babbling to Abraxas and Ayna was running around. Kaira is at their home in Hogsmeade.
"Pretty," beamed Harry looking at Septimus and extending his small hands.
Septimus bent down and pressed a kiss to the kid's arm before looking up at Orion who was looking at him strangely. Orion has never looked at him like that and he can't seem to place the kind of look.
Tom gave an approving nod and Abraxas wolf whistled. Ayna, like the very impressionable child she was followed it with whistling.
"Okay, I think all of you have taunted him enough. You will be fine. Here have this calming draught," said Gellert walking in and handing over a vial to him. Albus followed shortly after with a small smile. Septimus took it gratefully.
"Thanks Uncle Gellert, Uncle Albus," smiled Septimus and then took a deep breath before walking out. Gellert looked at Orion for a moment. Orion felt both his professors looking at him.
"I have behaved like a fool for many years. I expect you wouldn't make the same mistakes. Trust me, I despise advising on teenage romance," said Gellert. Albus punched on his elbow making him huff.
Tom laughed loudly.
"Father you were 17 when you and dad fell in love," said Tom.
"I seriously hope you don't come to our doorsteps with a boyfriend till you are at least 30," said Gellert.
Tom gave him a blank look.
"Your father is just joking," said Albus and pulled Gellert away. Orion watched Septimus leave with a heavy heart.
Septimus wanted to cry towards the end of the date. He can't do this. Francis is so earnest and kind. It's not fair to him. As they were about to leave, Francis looked at him.
"I like you Septimus but I won't be heartbroken or anything. I can clearly see that you are not here. I mean, it's stupid. Everyone knows who your-
Septimus hugged Francis tight.
"I am so sorry. You are a great person Francis but I-
"It's okay," said Francis and pressed a kiss to Septimus's lip, a very chaste kiss.
Septimus reached back. All three were waiting up. He sat down between them.
"Let's have a sleepover," Septimus and all of them readily agreed.
All four of them laid down. Orion ran a hand through Septimus's hair.
"What happened?" asked Abraxas.
"It's nothing. He is great but he also realised that I am not into him. That's all," said Septimus.
Orion looked at Septimus who just gave him a small smile before he slowly fell asleep. Orion just looked at him.
"You should get your shit together," said Abraxas to Orion who nodded.
Septimus watched as Orion walked back from the quidditch practice, Tom closely behind. He was waiting at their tree with Abraxas. Both joined and they had a hot chocolate which Snow brought for them.
"Have you made a list of where all we need to go for Halloween shopping?" asked Orion.
"Yes," smiled Septimus.
"Hey Orion, Fancy going to Hogsmeade with me?" asked a blonde girl from the year below, Astreya something- was her name. Orion almost cursed her. Why do these people trouble him when he is trying to peacefully court his Septimus.
"You could go, I don't mind- started Septimus.
"No," snapped Orion to the girl who huffed and waved at him and left.
He then looked at Septimus and got up and stormed off. He knew he was the reason for Septimus to not even consider the possibility but he couldn't help but be upset. He bathed and got out and lounged in his room, too upset to go back. Then after an hour Septimus walked in. He carried a plate of food, from soups to desserts. Orion realised how hungry he was. Septimus's seems to have freshened up too. They ate dinner in silence.
"I didn't mean to offend you," said Septimus after they were done.
"You did not," said Orion. Septimus looked at him for an explanation.
"May I kiss you?" asked Orion.
Septimus felt his cheeks flush. Orion was looking at him the same strange way he has been looking at him for some time now.
Septimus nodded, not sure if this is a dream.
Orion took a deep breath and let it out. He moved forward and pulled Septimus close to him. He bent his head and kissed Septimus on his lips.
Septimus was frozen, shocked. He felt Orion's lips claim his own. Septimus kissed back and he felt Orion pull him closer.
Septimus blushed when they broke apart and Orion was looking at him in that strange way. It made Septimus feel all hot. He realised his arms were around Orion. They laid there, Orion pressed against Septimus.
"Is this one of those flings for you?" asked Septimus voicing his biggest fear.
"No, Septimus, I would never disrespect you like that. Of course, you are not a fling," said Orion.
"I hope I am not being presumptuous but I am sorry for being an oblivious asshole," said Orion, a pleading look on his face. Septimus broke down and cried. Orion hushed him, panicking.
"Don't cry, Septimus, please," said Orion, wiping the looked at him.
"I don't want you to reciprocate just because I like you that way. I only want you if you want me that way," said Septimus.
Orion laughed at that, raising Septimus's face.
"Here I thought you are the intelligent one among us. Of course, I want you. I wouldn't do that betray you or myself like that," said Orion and kissed Septimus again. This time they kissed slowly, taking their time and laid there talking after that.
They were sleeping in each other's arms when Tom walked in later.
Emory heard Thomas calling for them from downstairs, but he was a bit too sleepy and he had the warm weight of the three young Riddles around him. He opened his eyes. Sure enough, Alex was cocooned in his chest, Ethan and Luke asleep on both sides. Obviously, they crawled their way closer after Thomas left to set up breakfast. He had this obsession with waking up which Emory looks forward to cease a bit once they have house elves. Thomas is still thinking about employing house elves. They will only do so when they move out of Little Hangleton anyway.
It was the end of October and eight months since he met Thomas. A lot has changed. Towards the end of August, Emory had taken Thomas to his- soon their house in Wiltshire. The manor was unused for so long and therefore refurbishment was necessary. Thomas was overseeing it. Emory smiled as he thought of Thomas's meeting with his mother. They get along very well and Emory is sure she will come back from her extended vacation in France to live with them soon if Thomas has anything to say about it. Except for the extended Black family, everyone was happy. And, even the extended family was outwardly respectful of Thomas. That always worried Emory especially because he did not like the way they looked at Tom.
"Are you four going to stay in the bed? It's 8 am," said Thomas, now standing at the door with a raised eyebrow.
"Sweepy," mumbled Luke snuggling closer to Emory. Thomas shot him a glare. Emory huffed and gently placed Alex on the bed. He then picked up both Ethan and Luke who mildly protested but let Emory take them to brush.
Thomas huffed and woke Alex and carried him had a very awake and happy Alex on his hip when Emory got down with the smiled as he served pancakes and all of them sat around to have it.
When Thomas collected plates he pressed a kiss to Emory's forehead making him smile happily.
Tom watched amused as Septimus and Orion were having a hard time to not look at each other.
"Just kiss already," teased Abraxas. Orion shot them a look but Septimus was blushing a bit. He then took a deep breath and true to his character looked at Orion and pulled him close and peppered kisses everywhere on his face. Tom and Abraxas were laughing. Orion huffed but did not say anything. He kind of liked it.
Tom looked at his parents. They seemed worried. Actually they looked worried for the past one month at least. He was sure he heard dad crying at least twice in the past week. His Father was trying to look stoic but he knew the man was upset too.
"Are you both separating?" asked Tom worried. Albus and Gellert looked at each other surprised.
"No, Tom, love we are not," said Albus reassuringly.
"Is it that you don't want to blood adopt me? I -
"That's not it Tom. We didn't realise we were distressing you with our worries," said Gellert and walked over and hugged Tom to him.
"Oh, Father I was so worried. I don't want to lose either of you," said Tom sobbing.
"You will never lose either of us son. We were worried yes. We were upset too. But it is about something that happened years ago. We never told you the circumstances of your adoption. Now that we are blood adopting you, we wanted you to know what happened then," said Albus.
"Dad, why would I be upset over it?" asked Tom, exasperated now.
"Whatever you are going to hear now, Tom, please understand that we love you more than anything in this world. We would die before harm befalls you. You make our world. You gave a new meaning to our life and continues to do so. You make this family what it is," said Gellert.
Tom looked at them both.
"You are both worrying me now. Just say it already," said Tom.
"Tom, son, when I met you at the orphanage, you worried me with your sadness and the -
"Darkness. I know," said Tom.
"I went back to a seer. They had a lot to say about your future. I can show you," said Albus looking at his oldest.
Tom nodded. Gellert sighed and cast a spell which showed the possible future when Tom was eleven. Tom felt himself shake as he watched. He felt his Father hold him close to his snuggled closer to his Father as if he were a child again once the memory was gone.
He felt dad hug him from the other understood what they were trying to say. However, he needs time to digest this. He stood up and looked at his parents.
"I need some time," said Tom and rushed away. He flooed himself to Little Hangleton.
Thomas was watching Emory rock Alex to sleep when the floo opened and Tom fell out of it. He straightened himself and gave one look to all and then stormed off to his room.
Thomas was on his feet worried. He was about to go behind him when Emory caught his hand.
"Call them and ask what happened?" said Emory.
Thomas nodded. He can only imagine how worried Albus and Gellert might be. He called them on the telephone.
"This is Thomas. What happened to Tom, Gellert? He looked like a storm cloud just now," said Thomas.
"He is there. Good. We just told him about the circumstances of the adoption. He had dinner but please keep an eye," said Gellert. Thomas could hear Albus's panicked voice.
"Don't worry. Tell Albus too. We will talk to him," said Thomas.
Thomas didn't sleep. Emory sat by him. The kids, Ethan and Luke had run after Tom who let them in. All three were now curled into a ball as they slept.
"Do you think he will listen? Understand?" asked Thomas.
"Tom is a very sensible kid. He will understand. And us Slytherin, we don't really care about the circumstances as long as we get the love," said Emory. Thomas laughed, a small happy laugh as he looked at Emory.
"He is a sensible kid, yes. I can't imagine what they must be going through," said Thomas.
"I can't either. I don't want to. I cannot imagine a day when Ethan, Luke or Alex walks out on me," said Emory slowly.
"I don't think such a day will happen. They might walk out on me, not on you," said Thomas.
"We will see," said Emory with a small smile.
Tom woke up to three people jumping on his bed. He opened his eyes to see Ethan, Luke and Alex, all with naughty smiles. Tom gathered all three in his arms and cuddled them.
"Hawry?" asked Luke with a raised eyebrow.
Tom cursed himself. Harry is going to be inconsolable without him there. He had also promised to bring Harry and the kids to Riddle Manor today.
Tom need not have worried. As soon as he got down, he was attacked by three pairs of small hands. He bent down and pressed a good morning kiss on all of their forehead. He looked up to see Uncle Lautaro standing there with Kiara in his hand. Tom took Kaira and let Uncle Laut hug him and ruffle his hair.
"Come back home fast yeah? We all miss you," said Laut. Tom nodded and watched as his uncle left.
"Come on, it's time for breakfast," said Emory walking over.
"Fat'er," smiled Luke and practically climbed up Emory. Harry laughed seeing it. Tom wondered how his parents were faring. He forced himself to stop thinking at that point. He does not know how he will get over this revelation.
"Am I a bad person for feeling that I deserve him too. He is my son. I looked for him everywhere and finally I have found him but he is not mine," said Thomas, his head on Emory's chest. Emory smiled as he ran a hand through Thomas's hair.
"You are only human Thomas. We are all entitled to our feelings. Life has not been fair to you. But I believe we are all slowly mending, healing," said Emory.
"I should talk to him and make him understand. Maybe after he calms down a bit," said Thomas. Emory nodded and pressed a kiss to Thomas's hair.
Tom sat watching as Harry and Luke played some puzzle games while Ethan was running around with Ayna. Alex and Manik were just blabbering in the childspeak that they are developing. Kaira, the beautiful young one is asleep in the portable cradle. She is big for cradle now, but prefers to be rocked to sleep, hence the cradle.
Thomas sat down beside him.
"Mr Riddle," said Tom looking at him.
"Tom" - Thomas extended his hand to place it around Tom who turned to look at him and hugged him. His son was crying hugging him tight.
"Oh baby, don't cry," said Thomas rocking him gently. Tom just stayed like that, calming down.
"I- I know they love me. I just- Do you think they would still love me if I turned dark?" asked Tom.
"Oh, Tom, is that what you worried about? I think Emory would be the ideal person to answer that. Trust me love, they will not hate you even if you become a megalomaniac," said Thomas with a small smile. They both turned and sure enough Emory walked in.
"I heard your question Tom. You know your father was the darkest Wizard of the century, right?" asked Emory.
Tom gave a small smile. "Yes"
"And Lord Grindelwald did not achieve that title easily. Have you read his story or asked your parents ?" asked Emory.
"I did not. My father is my superhero. I never did care what he was. I only cared about what he is to me and our family," said Tom slowly.
"That's a wise thing to say Tom. So you see, your dad Albus Dumbledore- he was supposed to be the downfall of Grindelwald. Light against Dark- that was how it was. They overcame it all and - as they say the rest is history," said Emory.
"Dad is brilliant. Father can never say no to him," said Tom with a fond smile.
"True. They were living the life of two recluses till some six years ago. They came out of their shell, made a family and in extension- Tom you made that family. Each one of them love you. Not because you did anything for them- because you are their son," said Emory.
"Do you think they would condemn you because you became a dark wizard?" asked Emory. Tom shook his head.
"Would they have taken me in if I- if I did not shock them with the future so much?"asked Tom.
"Tom we are both Slytherins here and I hope we are on the same wavelength on this. No matter the what would have beens- they took you in. I don't know what would have happened- but after seeing them bring you up and guard you like dragons, I am forced to believe that- they would have. If not then, at least later. Even if they wouldn't have- Does it matter now? After these many years and a huge family around you?" asked Emory.
Tom nodded.
"I am behaving like a child," said Tom sniffing.
"You are a child," said Thomas ruffling his hair. Tom let him do that and then took a deep breath. He might as well talk about it now.
"Mr Riddle- I - I have a question for you," said Tom. He looked at Emory who was about to get up.
"Please stay Em," said Tom.
Emory nodded and sat back.
"You know in the wizarding world, there is something called blood adoption. My parents asked me if I want that a couple of years back and I had agreed. I- I want that. I mean, I love that I have you in my life and I would never less be a Riddle- just that I would also have the Grindelwald- Dumbledore blood in me. I want that. I want no one to question my claim on them or theirs on me. I- I don't know how you feel about that. I thought I should say. Zeus thought it's better if I told you myself," said Tom gently. He looked at Emory for help. Em was holding Thomas who looked shocked for a moment.
Thomas was shocked yes. He was also going through various emotions. Happy, Sad, Resignation and Hope. Happy because his son considered him and cared about how he received the news. Sad because his son would never totally be his. Resignation because he knows that is what is best for Tom and Hope- Hope because Tom was looking at him hopefully. Hoping that Thomas wouldn't be too sad. Too broken up. Thomas put on a brave face and smiled.
"I am happy for you," he said truthfully hugging Tom. As they stayed liked that Thomas realised he was crying when Emory wiped his eyes before Tom could see.
"Thank you," said Tom.
Emory gave him a new cloth and Thomas narrowed his tear filled eyes even as he used it to wipe his eyes and clear his nose. Tom had left- that was 15 minutes before and he has been crying ever since. Emory was letting him, only giving him one silk handkerchief after another.
"Do you think I am being stupid?" asked Thomas. Emory just gave a small smile.
"I have only known these three for the past eight months and this close for only five. I am high on self preservation and wouldn't make such attachments so soon. But here I am. I would curse anyone who suggest that they are any less mine. I totally understand. The love we have for our children- it's equal parts unconditional and possessive. There is nothing wrong in what you are feeling now. Ultimately, you focussed on Tom's happiness and gave him what he wanted. That's what parental love is from what I understand. You are entitled to cry some more if you wish" said Emory.
Thomas just punched him softly on his chest and then rested his head there, staying like that for some time. It calms him.
Gellert looked at Albus.
"He is our son. He will understand," said Gellert. The voice lacked confidence though. The confidence Gellert was born with. It sounded weak, his voice. They haven't eaten anything after Tom left though they were acting all confident.
Albus ran his hand through Gellert's hair. His husband was looking thoughtful- eyes red rimmed.
" Will he hate us?" asked Albus.
Gellert wanted to tell him a solid no. He cannot imagine a life where their Tom hates them. However, it is a possibility. A very real one.
"I don't know," said Gellert finally.
"Do you think he will decide to stay with Thomas?" asked Albus, voicing his biggest fear of losing his son. Gellert was silent for a moment.
"Not a day goes by when I don't worry about it," said Gellert slowly.
Tom smiled as Uncle Gabriel hugged him tight.
"You had us all worried," he said. "I needed some time to think, Uncle Gabe. I am sorry I worried you," said Tom as Uncle Laut, Uncle Noma, Uncle Abe and Gaen took turns hugging him. Then Uncle Kieran also hugged him, along with his aunts.
"Where are they?" asked Tom.
"Haven't left the rooms after you left. Haven't eaten anything either," said Aunt Gaia. Tom felt a rush of sadness. He didn't intend to hurt them. He asked Snow to bring food for both and then knocked on their door.
"Enter"
Tom stepped in. He saw their exhausted forms in the sofa. Tom ran over to them. His parents were looking at him hopeful and worried.
Tom is here. He is hugging them both tight and then he turned to snow who brought the food and handed a plate each to both of them. He then sat between them watching as they ate. Gellert felt like crying when Tom leaned into his shoulder when Albus fed him, like always.
Tom looked at them both as he laid there, later, in Albus's lap as Gellert told him of his past. "I wondered if you would still love me if I turned dark," said Tom gently.
"Tom, we-
Tom raised his hand and nodded.
"I don't think that anymore," said Tom.
"We- we wouldn't abandon you or stop loving you even if you become the darkest Wizard ever to walk the earth," said Albus running his hand through Tom's hair.
"I know," said Tom.