The blood adoption is a simple ritual, really. It was to be held in the castle in Spain. Tom was very excited to have everyone there. It is a place close to his heart and he can feel his grandparents here. Tom watched as Zeus stepped in. He looked so regal, just like the head of the most ancient and noble house of Blacks.
"Toooom"
Tom turned only to have three bodies crash into him. Harry was having a sleepover at Riddle Manor. Tom bent down and hugged all three of his brothers.
"Go on, Ayna, Manik and Kaira misses you," said Tom. He saw Aren walk in and with a wave, Aren led the troop away. Sure enough Orion and Septimus walked in closely behind. They were all getting ready for the event, having reached here much earlier. Septimus was letting Orion arrange his robe perfectly with an exasperated look. Tom and Abraxas, who followed them shared a knowing look.
"Zeus is here. Let me go berate him for not turning up early," said Tom and walked off not noticing all three of his friends sharing a knowing look.
Zeus looked up as Tom came down the stairs. For a moment, Zeus couldn't help but think that Tom is beautiful, in a platonic way of course.
Tom folded his hands, each arm gripping the other elbow as he looked at Zeus who knew he can't not answer.
"I had some Black family business and the preparation for the Wizengamot sitting," said Zeus apologetically. Tom just scowled.
"I bet Javer was against you coming. I don't know what I did him wrong," said Tom, a scowl on his face as he thought about Zeus's new boyfriend. He has met the guy once.
Zeus looked at Tom. It is true that Javer tried to keep him from coming. However, Zeus would never miss something so important to Tom for anything or anyone in this world. Javer can be replaced as far as Zeus was concerned. Tom, however, cannot be.
Zeus snorted.
"No one will keep me away from you," said Zeus, not realising what he just said. Tom tried not to think of the second meaning as he grabbed Zeus and dragged the much respected lord through the hall where many of his associates were watching like he is a misbehaving child. Zeus tried to keep his dignity as he followed Tom.
"The ritual dress for the spirit guide, I have set it up in the room for you. You look tired. Maybe you can sleep in tomorrow morning," said Tom.
"Yes, that is what I thought too. Then I can join in on all the fun. Now, I still wonder why you asked me when those three would do it without a second thought," said Zeus.
Tom gave a small smile.
"That is the problem. I cannot ask just one of them. It's not fair. You know, for Orion and Septimus's wedding, it's good that the other two of us will be the best men. Imagine the trouble if they were marrying out of us," said Tom as if it is a thing set in stone.
"You seem so sure about them. Not that I don't think that's exactly what is going to happen. Still wondering about the surety in your voice," said Zeus amused.
"I just know," said Tom with a small smile.
"So, while their marriage dilemma is solved and Abraxas's also since Orion is his cousin and so wouldn't feel left out, What about yours? How will you ensure all of them are included?" asked Zeus, looked at Zeus and he could only stare silently at him.
"I am not getting married. Now stop teasing me and get ready," said Tom, cheeks red as he looked away.
Tom beamed as he saw his parents. Both had the loving smile as they looked at him. Harry was holding to Tom's hand now.
"Tom, carry me," said Harry with a big pout.
"After this is over, I will carry you as much as you want," said Tom with a reassuring smile. Harry gave a long suffering sigh and a pitiful huff. Tom was ready to surrender and pick him up when Gaen stepped in. He took Harry up and ruffled Tom's hair.
"You can't carry him around for the ritual. Now go, I will squirt here," said Gaen amused as he watched Harry already playing with Kieran's hair which was a bit long now and said man indulging his nephew.
Tom breathed in and nodded. He looked at his entire family. All his uncles and aunts were smiling at him and he can even see tearful eyes as he stood in front of his parents, Zeus beside him.
Zeus squeezed Tom's shoulder. He took a deep breath and looked at the priest. He is an ancient wizard by the name of Lorfithel Maveloniye. He is from the Celts and came here as a special favour for his parents. The Wizard gave him a small smile before asking him to extend his hand.
Tom did and then the Wizard tied a thread of blood red colour in his arm. He then looked at his parents whose arms were tied together too. Then he watched as the man kept a bowl of stone before them. With an Aguamenti, the bowl was filled.
"He is going to prick your finger now," said Zeus gently. Tom nodded and he saw his parents looking worried. He rolled his eyes at them. They had been worried about it earlier itself and Tom had talked them down about using unorthodox methods. He wanted to do this the way it is done.
In the side, Emory gripped Thomas's hand gently to comfort him. The man looked ready to dive in and save his son at the mention of blood. Thomas leaned on Emory, needing the support. Emory already had Alex tucked into his chest, watching with wide eyes. Luke was in Septimus's arms and Orion was letting Ethan cling to him like a koala. The kids were extremely fond of the younger ones.
Zeus flinched as he saw the blood leave Tom's hand. Gellert and Albus's hands were also similarly bleeding at the tip of their thumb. The thumbs were then pressed together and the Wizard started chanting.
"The blood of the sires will now run in his veins," said the Wizard as they watched the water in the bowl turning a golden colour with all three of their blood joining.
"Now, Tom, you can dip his hand in the bowl," said the Wizard. Tom nodded and did the same. Sure enough, golden fumes surrounded Tom who then fell into Zeus's arms. Zeus lifted Tom and carried him bridal style to his room.
The Wizard stopped the parents from following. The ritual circle shouldn't be broken. The ritual will be complete only when Tom is brought back by Zeus. All stood waiting.
Zeus could still feel the fumes that were glowing around Tom as he almost blindly carried him. It was not the fumes that were responsible for Zeus's state, but watching Tom flail like that and wilt did a number on him. Zeus laid him down. The flames and fumes slowly disappeared when Zeus brought the water.
Zeus stopped and stared for a moment. Tom was beautiful but the result of the blood adoption, they have left a couple of symbols , marking Tom as the son of his parents. It only added to the beauty that is Tom. A blonde stripe of hair ran straight through his brown hair in the edge, obviously from Gellert. From Albus, he inherited the red hair which was now a stripe in the hair that curled in front. There are never bigger physical manifestations, only now Tom has his parents' blood running through his veins too. Magic will now detect him as the blood child of his parents.
Zeus shook him awake and gave him the water, holding him close and letting him lean on him as he had it. Tom looked inquiringly at Zeus who smiled and summoned a mirror. He showed the mirror to Zeus who looked at the blonde and red stripes with a small smile and extreme fondness. Then Tom noticed that he can see Zeus through the mirror. His eyes lingered for a moment as he looked at the reflection of the two of them in it. He shook his head and looked at Zeus who was oblivious to what was happening.
"We should go now," said Zeus. Tom nodded and let Zeus lead him out.
Albus was gripping Gellert's hand tightly. Both were worried and just wanted to see Tom. Their son has to be fine. The only consolation was that Zeus is with him. Both parents agreed with the choice of spiritual aid.
They saw Harry was now asleep in Gaen's arms. Good thing too because it would have been a riot if he saw Tom being covered in fumes. Then their eyes fell on Luke and Ethan both were widely looking around. So was Alex, Manik, Ayna and Kaira. They had discussed this earlier. Whoever is holding the kids were to close their eyes when it happened. Thankfully, it passed without much difficulties.
"Tom," said Manik stubbornly as he pouted at Lautaro who gently smiled at him.
"Your brother will be here soon. He just went to bring you all a surprise," said Lautaro, looking worried at Gabriel who looked equally worried. They turned to Noma who was gently rocking Ayna to keep her from running away. They were all worried about Tom.
Sure enough, the door opened and out walked Tom beside Zeus and they approached the ritual floor. Tom beamed at his parents, his eyes full as he stood there. He could see that his parents were looking at him the same way.
The Wizard nodded with a smile and asked them to extend their hands. Their hand was held above and and the threads were undone and they fell into the bowl. All remnants of the ritual needs to be thoroughly disposed off as blood rituals can be misused. The Wizard waved his wand and said something in a language Tom did not recognise. He sighed contentedly as he watched the concoction evaporate with the thread having dissolved in it. Then the bowl was broken with a spell, the broken pieces turned into powder and then, before their eyes, the powder flew off, as if it were a cloud and vanished into the air.
The Wizard looked at the three of them and smiled.
"I present Tom Marvolo Riddle Grindelore," he said announcing the blood adoption. Tom smiled at the surname. His parents and he himself was wondering about the practicality of using the two big surnames. The parents had decided that they will give Harry the same surname when the occasion arose. They will hereafter be known as Grindelore's. Perhaps not soon because everyone in this generation will find it hard to change. However, Tom knew, this is what they will be called in the generations to come.
Tom ran into his parents' embrace as soon as it was over. He just stayed there for a moment, collecting himself. His parents pressed a kiss to his forehead and he smiled.
Tom then turned to where Thomas and Emory stood. He walked over to them. He hugged Thomas, for the first time.
"Thank you," said Tom revelling being able to get the love of his biological parent. Tom smiled at that. He now had four biological parents.
Thomas was surprised. He had for a moment thought that he forever lost Tom and here he was. Emory gave Thomas a knowing smile.
"This hair looks good on you. I am so happy for you," said Thomas truthfully. Tom nodded with a small smile and pulled Emory into a group hug.
Tom watched the memory of what happened. His parents were showing him in a pensive. He felt his cheeks turn red when he saw how Zeus carried him. Tom shook his head. He looked at his parents. He was very happy. It has been a couple of days since the ritual and they were all back at their home in England.
"I - I wanted to ask you something," said Tom. He was snuggling to his Father's shoulder. Harry was asleep to Gellert's right and Albus sat in the floor leaning on Gellert's legs.
"Ask away," said Gellert running his hand through Tom's hair.
"I- I was thinking that maybe I should call Mr Riddle something familial," said Tom. There was silence.
"You know how possessive I am of our family. But Tom, I understand. And we both have discussed this, your dad and I. Thomas and Emory and the three kids, we are all a family now. Loath are we to share you with anyone, but Thomas is not just anyone. He deserves it," said Gellert finally. Albus looked proudly at Gellert and looked at Tom.
"What he meant is, he will be jealous, but he will be okay. In my cases like your father just said, I think it's the right thing to do. We will be a bit jealous, but we will be fine," said Albus with a small smile.
"You are both unbelievable," said Tom and just hugged them both tight.
When Tom arrived at Riddle Manor, he saw Emory first. Emory was teaching Ethan and Luke in the garden. Both were very eager students and Emory knew how to keep their attention and develop their interest in studies.
Tom waved to them as he stepped in. The boys knew better than to run away while they were in lessons. Emory gave Tom a conspiratorial smile.
"Thomas was very busy packing. He seems to think that this manor is going to vanish with all our things when we move. As if we can't just apparate back and get it," said Emory in exasperation.
Tom stepped in. He asked the Malfoy elves who were involved in packing about Thomas and they directed him to the kitchen. Thomas stood there looking over something that was cooking, Alex hitched to his hip.
"Bwother," beamed Alex wriggling down Thomas and toddling over. Tom lifted him up and smiled at Thomas who looked pleasantly surprised.
"Tom. Wonderful. I was just making tea. You will stay for dinner right?" asked Thomas.
"Yes, I am staying the night. Harry has a small fever or he would have joined us," said Tom apologetically to Alex who was looking at the door. Alex nodded, a pout on his face. Tom was sure that by the time all his siblings were in school, he will have grey hair. They are going to be spoilt brats. All of them. Maybe not Harry, Luke and Manik. All three of them were of a softer disposition. But stil, troublemakers.
He joined them for tea and watched happily as Thomas, Emory and the kids, all resembled a very happy family.
Once they had dinner, all six of them sat in the hall. The kids were playing in the side.
"I wanted to ask you something," said Tom. Thomas and Emory looked surprised.
"You know you don't need to make introductions with us, right Tom?" asked Emory seriously. Tom nodded and then breathed in and out.
"Would you mind if I called you Papa?" asked Tom looking at Thomas who was just looking at him. Thomas was not sure that he heard right. He needed to be sure. He felt Emory's hand squeezing his shoulder offering silent support. Thomas realised he was leaning back into Emory's arms.
"I would love that," said Thomas to Tom who smiled and hugged his Papa. Emory ruffled the kid's hair. He was so happy for Thomas. He deserved it and Emory knew it was something that always saddened Thomas.
"Hug," screeched Ethan and jumped on them and the other two followed. It was a tangle for a moment, but both adults were happy to have this, a family- a complete family.
Once the kids were asleep, it was just Thomas and Emory who excused himself when all three whined for a story. They watched him leave.
"They have him wrapped around their little finger," said Thomas amused.
"That they have," smiled Tom. Thomas had Tom closer to him, not wanting to let go of his son anytime soon.
"Ours would have been a sad story if not for all these magical people in our lives," said Tom.
"True. All that happens is for good. My father used to say that. He had a spiritual calling towards Eastern teachings. I am starting to believe that notion- All that happens is for good," said Thomas.
Both of them went up to see Emory half asleep along with the kids. Thomas smiled as he shook the man awake, and they both left for their room while Tom stayed behind and shared room with his siblings for the night. He wondered if Harry slept. Tom had to talk to him half an hour before he convinced Harry to let him leave.
Orion watched as Septimus was having his hair managed by his mother. Mrs Black is extremely fond of him. Probably only her other than Tom and Abraxas were hundred percent sure about Orion and Septimus ending up together even before they were old enough to start having such feelings.
"Ogling your own boyfriend?" asked Zeus as he sat down beside Orion who rolled his eyes. Then he looked at Zeus.
"Do you think we should have a marriage contract in place? I mean, we never know how our extended family's mind work. I will kill them if they try and separate me and Septimus," said Orion firmly.
"Don't worry. I have something in mind," said Zeus.
"So, dumped that fool yet?" asked Orion, not hiding his distaste for Javer. Zeus gave an amused smile and nodded.
"He should have known better than to badmouth my family and friends," said Zeus huffing.
"You are rising in prominence in the Wizengamot. What is it all about?" asked Orion leaning on his brother's shoulder. No restrictions inside their home.
"Professors feel it is the best course of action and our father and uncles agree. I think we are all in a way preparing for a war on the system. The civil war is raging, albeit all covered up. They are losing. However, they will try infiltration. We need eyes everywhere to tackle that," said Zeus. Orion nodded.
"Don't worry about my safety. Kieran has taken it upon himself to guard me," said Zeus, exasperation in his voice while mentioning his friend.
There was joined them then launching himself on Zeus's lap.
"Here I thought he is old enough to go to Hogwarts," snorted Orion teasingly. Aren gave him a playful nudge but laid across both his brothers' laps knowing he wouldn't be dropped.
"So, Where is my oldest brother in law?" asked Aren. Zeus looked confused.
"He is due anytime now," said Orion with a smirk that was sent Zeus's way. Then the fire burned green and Tom dropped on his ass. He closed his eyes.
"You better not laugh, all of you," scowled Tom and then opened his eyes. To his mortification he saw Zeus was also here. The man was smiling and extended his hand pulling Tom to his Tom walked off to meet Mrs Black, Aren attached to his side already.
Zeus turned and met Orion's smirk. Realisation dawned on him and he was horrified by the implications.
"You are both idiots. He is a child like you two and Ax (Abraxas) as far as I am concerned," said Zeus and stormed off.
In Malfoy Manor Abraxas was having an irritating day. His dad was busy with Bryn but asked him to stay back till he comes out before Abraxas can leave for the Blacks' place.
Bryn- Abraxas scowled. He like all the Weasleys- even Bryn. But he was so stuck up and looked so superior and even in behaviour is so refined that Abraxas doesn't think Bryn thinks much of him.
Then the office door opened and Bryn stepped out first. His red hair was artfully cut and gave a sleek - professional look. He is a man in every sense of the word and had an intimidating aura that anyone would think before crossing him. More like Zeus, but his cousin is softer in the edges and well- his cousin who is like an older brother and a very approachable person for the people he cares about.
Bryn looked at him.
"Is Septimus staying the night? What are you four planning?" asked Bryn.
"Er- I think so. After lunch at Blacks we are going to Toms'. Tom's parents promised to teach us a new lesson in fire magic," said Abraxas, rambling because of his nervousness.
"You are all learning a lot it seems. Will Zeus be there at the next sitting?" asked Bryn.
"He told Tom he will stay till the blood adoption when he came. So, I don't know. His stays are indefinite as you know," said Abraxas.
"Tell him that we need to have a talk. I would send an owl but it will take time. Tell him it's easier if the meeting is being held today," said Bryn.
"Is it the business?" asked Abraxas.
"No," said Bryn but did not expand. He left with a graceful pop.
Abraxas stared at the spot for a moment. Then he turned to see his father standing there.
"A very smart boy- that. I am so glad that he is here to handle the business," said Armand.
Abraxas did not say anything.
"Would make a good son- in-law too. I have told him that it wouldn't be a criteria for him to hold the position as you have no interest in it- he is Sheridan's brother anyway, this family. However, you know your extended family. Seeing Emory's decision as much as we all love having Thomas in our family, I am afraid it wouldn't be long before they insist on a marriage contract for you. Orion's courting of Septimus is also a fuel," said his dad. Abraxas actually understood all the implications and thought about Bryn Weasley. Well- he cannot be blamed for his cheeks flushing a beautiful shade of pink.
"I am not going to do anything you cannot live with. But I want you to think about it," his dad said holding him for a moment and then letting go.
"What has got you all red?" asked Septimus surprised. They were in Orion's room. Well, Orion and Septimus was. Tom would obviously be in Zeus's room. Septimus was sitting back and Orion was laying on his lap. Abraxas smiled. He liked seeing Orion pull down his defences before Septimus, more than before.
"Let's go find Tom, I will tell you all together," said Abraxas.
Tom arranged Zeus's books in order. Every time he comes in here he does this and then Zeus will somehow make it a mess soon. Said man was laying on his sofa and reading something.
"So, when are you leaving?" asked Tom, his attention only partially on the books.
"Soon. The work I am being offered in Gandhar is old magic. I want to learn more before I settle down here. Besides if I stay too long, the extended family will start harping for my wedding. I already have a bad feeling about it as they are not talking about it at all. I mean, I am 22 now. I fully expected them to ask me to begin the courting now. They never tried after the initial disastrous attempts. You see after the ascension as the heir," said Zeus.
Tom was curious. He sat down next to Zeus.
"Maybe they don't want to do it until it's absolutely necessary. I mean you do have power over them. You are only 22, they don't want to make you unnecessarily hostile," said Tom. Zeus looked at him.
"You have grown up Little one," said Zeus. Tom took the pillow and hit him everywhere with it. Zeus did not attempt magic to stop him.
"Don't- hit - call- hit -me - hit- little- hit-one- hit"
Zeus decided to use a different weapon. He used his fingers and started tickling Tom. They rolled over and Tom's face was red. Zeus watched amused as Tom laughed while trying to hit him. He looked adorable.
"Ehm" Both looked up hearing the throat clearing. It was Orion who made this sound. Septimus stood beside him and Abraxas followed them.
Tom huffed. He looked at Zeus, they were both on the ground, side by side now. Tom sat up and grumbled.
"Don't be like that litt- ouch- I am a Lord you know. Show me some respect," said Orion rubbing his arm gently where Tom hit him with a wand less stinging hex.
Orion snorted as he sat down on his brother's bed. He pulled Septimus to his side.
"I can walk," said Septimus exasperated but sat down next to Orion and leaned on Zeus who ruffled his hair.
"Now, what are you all imps doing here?" asked Zeus as Abraxas sat down next to him leaning into him. Tom sat next to Orion, an arm around his shoulder like they always do.
"Axe has news," said Aren from the door and ran in.
"This squirt," said Orion exasperated but watched as Aren climbed up and sat next to Tom, joining the crowd.
"Father said that I should consider a contract with Bryn," said Abraxas, face red and blushing.
All others in the room was surprised at that.
"You will not do anything you don't want to do. Bryn may seem harsh and tough outside but I know he wouldn't approve of anything without your consent either," said Septimus firmly.
"I know. But you should know that in my case a contract is an inevitable necessity. The extended family is not happy with Uncle Emory marrying Uncle Thomas but is quiet because they can do nothing when it comes to uncle. And then there is Septimus and Orion but at least they can force anyone they want on the Black heir and therefore who Orion chooses wouldn't matter much with them. But I am an entirely different case. I am the heir to the Malfoy name. They have a say in it. Father said he would never force me but I know he wants to protect me. Bryn, I grew up seeing him and I trust him," said Abraxas finally.
Zeus cleared his throat.
"Abraxas, you should know that if at all you don't want to do this, you will not be doing it. If they attempt to remove you from the family, I will take you in and I know Uncle Armand will approve of it. So make decisions only after giving it a great deal of thought," said Zeus. Tom felt so proud of the man as he heard it and beamed. Orion gave him a knowing look.
"What?" asked Tom.
"You are so oblivious, I wonder how someone as wise as you can be so foolish at times too," said Orion incredulous.
Tom just looked at him not comprehending what Orion was saying other than insulting him.
"Brother, he wanted to see you. Bryn, I mean," said Abraxas remembering his words. Zeus nodded and got up to send a letter to Bryn, leaving the room. Aren crawled and laid down in the bed. Already sleepy, Abraxas and Septimus joined him from both sides.
"Mother adores him. Well, she adores you too. I can see why," said Orion smirking.
"Because Septimus is going to be her son- in- law. Sorry to break it to you but you were the last person to find out. And me because I am that good, sweet and innocent," said Tom magnanimously. Tom could hear Septimus and Abraxas snicker at that.
"Tom"
It was Zeus calling him from his office room. Tom stood up immediately and said "Coming" as he rushed out.
"Not because she could see that you trail my big brother like a kicked puppy," said Orion muttered but Tom did not hear it. All others in the room exchanged an amused look.
Hey, what do you all think about this so far?