Chapter 7

Tom's eyes were wide as saucers as he took in the spacious and luxurious interiors of the Bentley. Dobby was manning the car once again as Hermione and Hadrian sat on either side, their hands wrapping around him. Hadrian and Hermione were lost in thoughts. Little Tom, though was thrilled and enjoying the drive. His eyes glued to the window, he was tracking the sights racing past and grinning happily.

Words seemed almost superfluous at this point. Everyone stayed silent as they drove to their town house, parked the car in the rear garage and entered the living room. Hadrian guided the two towards his study and instructed Dobby to arrange for a simple Brunch in the formal dining, as a family party to welcome Tom.

They planned to spend the afternoon shopping for necessities with Tom. But first things first; Tom needed words, rules, and assurances. From his own personal experience Hadrian had instinctively understood that, at this point, rules and expectations penetrated far better conveyed permanence and reliability than a thousand loving words.

Before love could take root and grow, trust and structure had to come in first and get enmeshed and established. And that would be the place for them to begin their relationship with Tom.

Seated behind the table in the Lord's Study, Hadrian waited quietly while Hermione cuddled and soothed Tom's nerves and the little boy finally found the courage to raise his eyes and look around curiously. When their eyes met, Hadrian smiled softly and cleared his throat. "Welcome home Tom. My name, as we mentioned once in the orphanage, is Hadrian Peverell and this is my Wife, Lady Hermione. Do you remember that?"

Tom nodded solemnly. Hadrian smiled at him and Hermione softly added, "We have been preparing for quite a while to fetch you from there and welcome you home..." Tom looked surprised. The idea that they had already expected him was astounding.

Hadrian continued, "I know you have many questions and doubts but I would like to explain certain things before giving you a chance to ask your questions. Would you mind listening carefully, son?" Tom swallowed nervously and nodded, his eyes widening when Hadrian called him son.

Hadrian continued, never taking his eyes off the child. "We did not bring you home out of pity, or just because you looked bruised. We have been searching for you. Do you know why? It's because we are family. We are distantly related at least ten generations away I think. And family always looks out for each other."

Tom's eyes widened impossibly at that. Hadrian switched to pose with an impish grin, and chuckled, lightening the mood. He ten winked at him and almost whispered, "Our families have shared a really special little secret that is only ours. And the rest of the world no longer remembers our little secret. Do you know what that is?" Tom barely shook his head.

"We... you, she and I... we can do magic. And not just any magic either. A really special, rather precious magic. A magic that soothes hurts and helps those in pain. In a way, its a kind of magic that angels in heaven would have, you know."A demonstration was in order. But no tables would be turned into pigs. Hadrian remembered the pretty little magic Lily used to do as a kid in Cokeworth.

With that idea in mind, Hadrian opened his palm and a conjured rose petal of the deepest red color lay dormant within the folds of his hand. As Tom watched curiously, the petal rose gently in the air, twirled and multiplied and reformed itself into a delicate rose. A single large thorn on the newly formed step pricked and then ripped at Hadrian's palm and Tom gasped in alarm.

Hadrian smiled soothingly, "It's alright. I'm going to now demonstrate our special magic. Watch and learn, Tom." Hadrian then turned his focus towards the now bleeding cut and hissed" Hhhheal a ssssssoothe" and Tom watched in avid fascination, gasping loudly when the blood vanished and the skin knit together and smoothened; it looked barely disturbed and smooth, pink and healthy. Not even a hint of the earlier bruise remained.

"Wow! You simply told your hand to heal and soothe and it did... Wow..." Tom barely whispered, his hands cupped over his lips. Hadrian beckoned Tom over and gently placed him in his lap and embraced the excited little boy. This would be the most important lesson Hadrian could ever impart to this precious child.

"I spoke a magical language when I did the magic, darling. And you understood. Right here is proof that you belong with us. We share that same kind of magic. This is something not even other magical folks have, this ability to communicate in a special, truly magical language. And we are given this special gift for a purpose."

Hadrian paused to let that message float a bit and then sink in. Looking at little Tom, in his beautiful blue eyes, he explained himself. "I use this special magic to help people in pain. I'm what's known among magic folk as a healer, as is Hermione. Like doctors. And it gives us an incomparable happiness when we help someone. No wealth or things can make us feel that happy. Its the beauty of that special magic."

Hermione tapped his nose playfully and butted in, "And when when we discovered the such vibrant magical vibes of the loveliest little magical boy in that orphanage, we absolutely knew you were ours to bring home. From now on, we would like to be your family, as you would be ours to love and cherish and play with. If you wish, you can call us mum and dad. We'd love you no matter what you'd call us, okay?" The little guy only stared. It worried them, this lack of reaction, but they smiled expectantly, and waited for him to respond.

Hadrian and Hermione had discussed this at length and studied psychology of stress and trauma a bit before taking on this herculean task. They knew only too well and from personal experience that trust was not instantaneous but built over years, deed by deed by deed. But they had to begin somewhere, so they had chosen to begin with words. He finally nodded briefly, turning his eyes downwards to hide his tears.

"Anyway, we have researched the family tree extensively," Hermione continued where he'd left off, gesturing to the tapestry hanging in the wall by their left; she gathered the little one into her arms, and carried him over to examine the tapestry up close.

"Your mommy went to heaven after she gave life to you. Look at that! Ooh she was pretty, like you are. Her name is right there. Can you read it? M- E-R-O-P-E... Merope Gaunt. What a lovely name... And your name branches off from her, see?"

Tom curiously followed the trail of her fingers moving over the tapestry. "And see where it connects to Hadrian and me? Here is proof that you belong with us. Of all these people who lived before our time, we are the only ones left in this family." She watched the child fingering the trail she pointed out and then gently caress Hadrian's face. She had to smile at how easy it was to fall in love with her man.

"We want you to tell us whatever you need, whenever you need no matter day or night. Nothing is too small or too much. All we need is a loving angel boy, who tells the truth, heals and cares and loves. A sweet child who laughs and plays and has loads of good, kind fun. Think you can do that, sweetie?" She planted a soft, brief kiss on his puckered forehead as she asked.

Tom seemed to ponder the request silently. He had no immediate answer to offer them. He kept switching his attention between the tapestry and Hadrian. Finally, in a hesitant, soft voice, eyes lowered, he whispered, "What if I'm bad like Mrs Cole says? A real demon child? Will I have to go back there?" Hermione's eyes swam with anguish and pity. She looked at Hadrian, helplessly.

Hadrian returned to the desk, plopping the clearly worried child on the desk, facing him and gently cupped his cheeks, nudging him to face his new father. "Shall I tell you a little story? It's my story. Its a big secret. A family secret. A family secret means that no one outside of our family should ever know... I'll teach you how to protect our secrets too, just like you mum and I do." Tom nodded, chewing his lower lip anxiously.

"So... my story.. hmm... No one in our world really know this. But I'm an orphan too. I don't really remember my parents. They died when I was a baby too. I grew up with a foster family who didn't particularly like me. They thought I was a freak; a demon child. huh..." He exhaled deeply, shaking off the horrid memories.

"There was never enough to eat or a safe, clean or comfortable place to sleep. The few clothes I had were rags. That family, all of them, kept telling me what an abomination I was and how much they suffered to feed and house me. Hunger and thirst was so constant, even now, I still can't entirely eat very much."

A shudder ran through his body and he deliberately looked away, willing his pains to fade into the background. "They thought me a demon child too. There was nothing I could do right, in their eyes. For too long I used to think my name is Freak..."

He wasn't Harry Potter anymore. He willed himself to remember that he was now Hadrian Peverell, safe and not hunted anymore. "That's my secret, son. A past like yours. Let our pasts be our family secret. Only us three need know, huh?"

Tom's eyes widened in sudden understanding, and a tiny hand shot out, to gently pat Hadrian's arms. What horrors had turned this sweet, empathetic child into a monster and a remorseless dark lord? He desperately hoped to nurture this sweetness and keep his goodness intact. His anger towards the hubris of men like Dumbledore rose exponentially; he could sense Hermione's vehement agreement.

Hadrian sighed and turned his attention back to his family with a sad smile. "And then the story gets better. I got my own miracle. I met your mum here when I was a little kid. She told me I was brave and kind and a great friend. She told me there was more to life than books and cleverness and magic. It amazed me how differently she saw me. I was still me. How could one bunch call me a freak, and the other like me so much?" He had finally caught Tom's undivided attention.

"Different people will see different things in me, and that idea was as astounding as it is still true. Your mum here, she's a lovely soul, so she would see only lovely things in me. Since I like her version better, I always strive to be that. I love that she sees me as nice and good and wonderful. So I work hard at being nicer, kinder, more helpful, smart, knowing more and being more. I work at it every day."

"So, what my old family said? I make it all a lie and what I am, the truth. I make that choice everyday, with everything I do. It's our choices that define us as good or bad. We think you're wonderful, kind, smart and sweet. Mrs Cole can call you a giraffe if she wants. Her calling you a Giraffe a million times isn't suddenly going to make you a giraffe now. Or a little piglet perhaps? Oink Oink Oink..."

Hadrian snorted and making funny faces, tickled Tom and the little boy burst out laughing. With that, the sad seriousness dissipated to make way for laughter, and they spend a few minutes laughing together as Hermione sent tickling jinxes and a cheering charm at them both. Tom's eyes were fairly shining and glimmering with curiosity and joy.

And what a lovely sight that was...

A few minutes later, they quietened down. The two Peverells fairly glowed in joy when they heard a soft affirmation, spoken with true conviction, "I'm not a demon child. I'm sweet and kind and smart and helpful."

"Mrs. Cole wasn't right when she called you such bad names. It is never okay to hurt anyone like that. She doesn't have what we have. She will always be sad but we can be happy... We can live beautifully, and with Magic. Now, your Dad here and I, we absolutely adore little kids who are kind, sweet, helpful, smart and gentle, magic or not."

Hadrian then looked at him seriously. "All we have is rules about stuff. We don't make messes. We don't yell or hurt each other. We always do our chores with joy. We are unfailingly polite to one and all. We never lie or hide anything from each other. And we stand together as a family, no matter what." Little Tom nodded, just as seriously.

"And most importantly, we don't force anyone to do anything against their will. No matter what people in Wool's told you, you get to choose what you want to be. Everyone gets to choose."Hermione spoke with conviction.

Hadrian ruffled his hair and added, "We brought you home and we mean to keep you with us as long as you want us to. Which means the only place you would go from here would be school, shopping, hang out with friends, look for more cousins, tag along with your dad when he works, and learn how to run our businesses and help people like we like to do. And then every time, we will all always come home."

"All you have to do is the best version of you, you can be. What do you want to be, Tom? Think about that everyday my darling. We'll help you become whatever you want to be. You only need to tell us what you need." Hermione added, as she bussed his cheeks and smiled at him, pouring out a lot of gentle magic into her touch. Tom practically melted at that.

"I don't want to be Tom. I want to be someone else. Someone like you. Can I?"

"Of course, sweetie, we'll figure out a way. We have magic, and lots of paperwork to make that happen. Tell you what? We'll take a few days and pick a nice new name you can like, and get the Goblins to magick it to be your real and true name. How about that?"

"Goblins?"

"They run the magical banks. How would you like to meet the smartest elf in the world?"

"Elf?"

"Oh, yeah... they're the absolute best. Dobby is my best friend ever. Here, let's introduce you... Dobby?"

Dobby, in his Elfin appearance, popped in, took the little boy's hand and led him into the dining, chatting about all the wonderful things they could shop for, magical animals and amazing dragons. Tom was officially hooked.

Conversation flowed as the family shifted to the dining and pulled all stops to thrill the little one at the grandeur and wonder of a simple, loving mealtime in the hearth of a magical family embrace and soothe all four bruised souls.

With a lot of persuasion, Dobby had begun to join them in the private meals but today was for two satisfied wizards and a happy witch.

In the afternoon, Tom was given a quick tour of the residence and shown his room. The promise of having the exact same layout in all their other residential properties meant stability and safety that the little Tom had yearned and dreamed and wished upon a few shooting stars for and his young mind could barely wrap itself around the concept of dreams coming true.

Already, his slightly pinched look had relaxed and smoothed out into glints of happy mischief. Having witnessed the cold and calculating mask in Dumbledore's pensieve, this shift was rather noticeable to Hadrian and eased much of his concerns and worries.

He hugged Hermione and they walked in a partial embrace, fondly watching as Tom slowly emerged out of his shell and began to skip ahead, engaging in a million questions a minute, Hermione patiently answering them one by one.

Then the three went shopping in Muggle London for clothes, shoes, stationery supplies, more toys as a treat, a haircut, and a lovely treat of low tea, with fresh, clotted cream, scones and the works. While they had sat with tea and warm cider Tom, an elderly couple had come up to compliment them on their lovely family.

Hadrian had noticed the joy of being included without even a doubt even by strangers and ruffled his hair, fondly grinning at him. It was already dark when they were done for the day, in the muggle side. They headed out to Charring Cross.

By the time they entered the leaky cauldron, little Tom was already drooping, utterly spent from an unexpectedly active day. Hadrian quickly swooped him up and Hermione hooked her arms through and together, they passed the folding passageway and entered the Diagon Alley, looking for all the world to be a beautiful family. Tom's sleepy eyes were wide with wonder and his head was whipping everywhere, taking everything in all at once holding on to wakefulness and unwilling to miss even a single thing.

Hadrian swiftly moved them through the throng of Yuletide shoppers and entered the Gringotts, quickly approaching a free teller. A swift few words later they were all quickly ushered into a plush office, and settled down to wait for Sharptooth. Tom was already fast asleep in Hadrian's lap but his hands were tightly wrapped around Hermione's ermine cloak.

Hadrian and Hermione were aware that Tom would not be exactly able to consent but they needed to protect his identity and past. They intended to infiltrate British Wizarding community as pure-bloods of impeccable pedigree in order to change the system from within. Their brief interactions with the Blacks and Potter was only a stepping stone.

The Gaunt inheritance needed to be locked in, privatized, and protected. Slytherin Locket needed to be recovered from Borgin & Burkes or Hepzibah Smith. But that wasn't so urgent and could easily wait.

Tom and securing his identity was a more urgent item on their to-do list. He needed to go through a partial blood adoption with multiple blood samples, and then finally Hermione's to ensure blood family magics and alter his appearance enough to dissociate from the Muggle, Tom Riddle Sr.

Before war begun full swing, they needed to acquire tutors and groom the little guy to make sure he would be secure and safe when it was finally his turn to go to Hogwarts. And they needed to choose a new name, as Tom had been reminding them every ten minutes, all day. Even the little guy wanted to leave his past and old identity far behind.

There was much to do and not a lot of time before the global war descended up on them all.