Disclaimer: HP and Co. belong to J.K. Rowling, not myself.

A/N: Here's another chapter for you guys. Sorry about the wait! Hope you enjoy!

R/R

Chapter 8: Home for the Holidays

Draco smiled lightly as he closed the lid to his trunk, finally finished packing everything he figured he'd need for the holidays. The train would be leaving early in the morning and he wanted everything to be set so he didn't have to rush around at some ungodly hour to find his things. Checking the time, Draco was pleased to see he still had an hour or so before dinner although he really had no idea what to do with that time. Orion was with Severus getting his hand re-wrapped since he'd messed up the bandage in Herbology trying to pull his gloves on or something. Grabbing a book, the blond teen headed for the Common Room to see who was still around, he knew the others were probably packing as well, since none of them enjoyed the last minute scramble to find belongings that some other students cough-Gryffindors-cough seemed to do every year.

Settling in the Common Room, Draco was pleased to see Blaise sitting there looking bored.

"All packed then?" Draco asked curiously as he settled down next to his Italian friend.

"Yupp, finished about fifteen minutes ago" Blaise said with a small grin. "Theo's still trying to find all his stuff and Vince and Greg haven't started yet" He added.

"Ah, Orion still needs to pack, I promised to help him later since he's with Sev right now" The blond murmured, summoning a chess board and placing it between him and Blaise. Chess was always a good way to kill some time.

"Why is he with Professor Snape?" Blaise asked curiously as the pieces set themselves up.

"Messed up his bandage in Herbology trying to get his gloves on" Draco said with a smirk, "So Sev said he'd re-wrap it and apply the potion now since tonight might be a bit busy and stressful for everyone with tomorrow being the beginning of holidays"

"Ah" Blaise nodded, "Makes sense" He added as he sent one of his pieces across the board, not really paying attention to what he was doing.

"Are you excited to be going home?" Draco asked Blaise rather suddenly. He knew the Italian teen loved going home to his house in Italy but he also knew how Blaise felt about his mother's constant stream of men.

"I'm actually rather excited" Blaise murmured, "Shockingly my mother is currently single so it'll just be me and her" A goofy grin gracing his face as he thought of the first holiday in a long time where it would just be him and his mother.

"Oh Wow" Draco murmured, looking surprised. "Are you still coming to the New Years party at the Manor?" He asked curiously.

"Of course" Blaise said with a smirk and raised eyebrow. "Wouldn't miss it for the world Dray, you know that"

"I was just checking, it will be a bit different this year" The blond explained, "My father wants to officially introduce Orion since this summer was not a good time" He added at Blaise's inquiring look.

"Ah, that should be interesting" Blaise murmured, staring intently at the board as the Common Room door slid open and Orion walked in. Draco glanced up, grinning brightly as he saw his younger brother. Despite having known about Orion since June he still felt a small, happy flutter in his chest every time he saw the younger teen. I

"Hey" Draco murmured as Orion flopped down on the couch next to him and immediately snuggled into his side. He was much more comfortable with Draco now and had begun seeking physical reassurance of his brother's love and affection. Draco wrapped an arm around the younger blond who mumbled a hello and stared aimlessly at the chess board.

"You okay?" Draco asked softly, glancing worriedly at Blaise.

"Sore and a bit worried" Orion murmured, his eyes half closed. Draco nodded in understanding, getting his hand worked on always bothered his younger brother and going back to the Manor for Yule and meeting 'Uncle Tom' was extremely stressful for Orion. Shrugging in Blaise's direction he moved a piece on the board, a malicious grin on his face as he put his friend in the 'check' position.

"What?" Blaise growled, immediately examining the board. How the hell had he missed that? Draco chuckled as Blaise started trying to counter the move though he figured his friend would be unable to.

"How long till Dinner?" Pansy's voice asked from behind Draco. Startling both blonds, Draco spun his head around to gape at the girl.

"Where the hell did you come from?" The older blond gasped, placing a hand over his heart as if to calm it.

"My dormitory room" Pansy said with a grin as Draco rolled his eyes at her. "Well?" She asked, cocking out her hip hand resting on it as she looked at the three boys.

"Half an hour" Orion mumbled, checking the clock above the fire. The young blond was still snuggled up against Draco and tired but he figured he'd better answer Pansy's question since neither Blaise nor Draco seemed capable at the moment.

"Thank you" Pansy said with a grin before she settled down on the chair opposite the couch and the current chess game.

"Welcome" Orion mumbled as he let his own eyes drift back to the game. It was pretty funny since Blaise was still trying to figure out how Draco had put him in check and how to get himself out of the position.

-Blood-

"Done" Orion said with a relieved sigh has he closed his trunk. After dinner Draco had helped him finish packing his trunk, which had proven a lot more difficult then it had used to be since his older brother was such a bloody perfectionist. Draco had been horrified to hear about how he packed when he had been in Gryffindor and had decided to give him a tutorial on proper packing methods. Despite how ridiculous the whole scenario was, Orion was still pleased to be spending some private time with his brother before going home tomorrow. He felt a familiar flutter in his stomach, one part excitement and one part nerves. He was so happy to have a place to call home but he was also extremely freaked out at the prospect of meeting his new godfather. He really wasn't sure what to think of that situation, he still felt like he was getting used to his whole new family but to know that the Dark Lord was his godfather was just beyond overwhelming. Plus what was he supposed to do about Sirius? He still cared deeply for the man though he had yet to speak to him about any of this. He knew Sirius knew since it was in the Prophet and he was sure Dumbledore had also informed the man. He just hoped he could maintain a relationship with Sirius, he wasn't sure he could handle the man hating him. Shaking his head Orion pushed the depressing thoughts away, there was no sense in stressing over these things right now. That was one thing he and his therapist had discussed in-depth. The woman had been adamant that Orion stop stressing and worrying about things he had no control over, it was a hard thing to do but in the long run it would be beneficial for him.

Draco watched his brother curiously for a moment before double checking to make sure they were as packed as they could be. He was a bit worried about Orion with everything that would happen over the Holidays. Yule at Malfoy Manor was by no means a small affair, there were dinners and parties, political things and all sorts of people in and out of the Manor and he was a bit worried that Orion might not handle it all that well. Plus there was the whole issue of meeting Tom, which was going to be extremely stressful for the young blond as well. Biting his lip he shrugged it off, there was nothing he could really do beyond be there for Orion and support him through everything and that was what he would do.

Both brothers spent the remainder of the evening in a pensive silence, both extremely concerned about what the coming weeks would offer.

-Blood-

Sirius Black was gaping at the letter he'd jus received from a rather proud and intimidating looking eagle owl. His best friend and packmate Remus Lupin was reading the letter over his shoulder, eyebrows slowly making their way higher on his forehead as he read.

"An invite to Malfoy Manor for Yule" Remus breathed, it was a statement not a question.

"What should we do?" Sirius asked, he wanted nothing to do with the Malfoys, with his cousin Narcissa, but after everything that he had heard this summer he did really want to see Har-Orion. It had hurt a lot to find out what had happened all those years ago. To learn that Lily and James had done something so atrocious, something so DARK. Neither of them had believed it until Albus had told them in person, neither of them willing to believe more trash from the Prophet. It had hurt so much, Sirius had been devastated to learn that his godson, the little boy-turned-man that he loved was, in fact, the missing Malfoy child. It sickened and shocked him, though he did not blame Orion at all, that poor child had been through hell, lived a lie his entire life and Sirius wasn't about to add any more grief or weight to his shoulders. No, shockingly enough Sirius was angry at Lily and James, frankly he was disgusted with them and had said as much to Albus.

"Should we go?" Remus asked, his soft voice breaking through Sirius' depressing thoughts. After a moment of debate, Sirius nodded.

"We go" He murmured, "Despite everything, Orion is our cub, he is still my godson and everything and I will not abandon him. He probably needs us more then ever now and we will be there for him. I don't care that he's not really Harry Potter or really James and Lily's son. He's a hurt child who's had everything torn from him and we will support him" Sirius said passionately as Remus nodded in agreement.

"I'll respond then" The werewolf said with a small smile. Sirius nodded happily. He and Remus were going to see their cub!

-Blood-

Orion and Draco stepped off the Hogwarts Express onto the crowded platform surrounded by their group of friends. Orion pressed closer to his brother in shock, he hated crowds and the huge crowd of parents and students on the platform made him extremely nervous. Draco squeezed the side of his arm reassuringly before leading Orion over to where their parents stood, aloof, amongst the other Slytherin parents.

This was a novel experience for Orion, having an actual family who gave a damn about him waiting on the platform and he was stunned by it. In that single moment when he lay eyes on his mother and father and saw their happy smiles (which were quickly hidden behind the stoic masks) he felt almost overwhelmed and he smiled in return as he quickly hurried towards his parents. Draco chuckled, seeing the sheer glee and happiness on Orion's face and hurried after his not-so-nervous little brother. It was exciting and adorable all at the same time, it seemed Orion was finally beginning to accept their family and the young blond definitely fit right in.

"Hello" He greeted both his parents as he moved to stand near them, Malfoys didn't show emotions in public, though that rule seemed fairly relaxed for Orion. However he knew a bigger and more personal greeting would take place at Malfoy Manor as soon as they headed out.

Lucius wrapped his arm around Orion's middle, as Narcissa did the same with Draco as they prepared to apperate out. Quick goodbyes were bid to their friends with promises to see one another over the Holidays and with loud, simultaneous cracks the Malfoy family apperated back to the Manor.

Landing in the personal family room, the family quickly settled themselves on different pieces of furniture, leaving the luggage for the elves to deal with. Orion yawned, settling himself on the couch next to Lucius and across from Narcissa and Draco.

"How did your last week of classes go?" Narcissa asked once an elf had arrived and served them refreshments.

"Fine, a bit boring though" Draco responded as he let his Mother fuss over him for a moment. He loved coming home and spending time with his family. Everything was so much more relaxed and comfortable. People seemed to think his parents were abusive, which they weren't at all, he figured people assumed they were cruel because of the whole 'being dark' thing, but what did your political beliefs have to do with your parenting ideals?

"Most of the Professors seemed sort of distracted this last week" Orion explained, "So it was mostly theoretical work and quizzes, nothing challenging" He added.

"Ah, they probably look forward to vacation as much as you students do" Lucius mused as he sipped his wine thoughtfully.

"Probably" Draco echoed, chuckling lightly as Orion rolled his eyes. Despite the relaxed atmosphere in the room, there was an underlying tension in Orion which was probably associated with him having to meet Tom soon. Despite Orion's apprehension, Draco was rather excited to see the man he saw as an Uncle. He had missed talking to Tom and just spending time around the man, most people were terrified of him or enamored with his power (his Aunt Bellatrix to be exact) but Draco enjoyed spending time with the Dark Lord, he learned a lot and when Tom was just being Tom he was actually pretty fun.

"Are you alright love?" Narcissa asked Orion as she watched him twist his hands in the hem of his shirt, robes having been discarded the moment the boys had walked in the house.

"Just nervous" Orion murmured softly, offering his Mother a shy smile.

"There's nothing to be worried about Ori" Narcissa said gently, immediately figuring out what was bothering her youngest son. "Everyone is very excited to see you and reconnect with you, your godfather in particular is having a very difficult time staying out of this room. I believe he's pacing the halls as we speak, hoping to be invited in" She added, glancing at the door with a cheeky smile. Orion stiffened noticeably shrinking into Lucius's side visibly as he turned to stare at the door, face pale. Lucius sighed, gently stroking his son's soft hair.

"Relax Orion, Tom means you no harm. He's your godfather and he cannot wait to meet you" Lucius said gently as he tried to reassure his nervous son.

"I-I dunno. I know I said I'd meet him but...I'm scared" The young teen said softly, looking up at his parents with wide, worried eyes.

"I know love" Lucius murmured as Narcissa and Draco watched intently. "But I promise you that all Tom wants is to meet you and create a relationship with you. He is your godfather, he is the person your Mother and I trusted with your life should anything happen to us. Just like Draco with Severus or Lily and James' trust in Sirius Black" Lucius murmured. "Tom is Lord Voldemort, he has done horrible things, things that this family has supported in the past and supports now. However with our family and in private he is Tom Riddle, a member of this family, your godfather and someone I consider to be a brother" Lucius said gently. Orion huffed softly and pushed against Lucius' side before glancing up at his Father and looking around at his family. Thus far these people hadn't led him astray and he did trust them. Sighing softly he nodded lightly.

"He can come in" He murmured, looking at Draco for reassurance. Draco grinned brilliantly and rose off of the couch to go and open the door to the family room.

"Uncle Tom?" The blond's voice sounded in the hall. "You can come in" He said, grinning as his Uncle stepped into the room.

Orion sucked in a breath, staring in shock and awe at the tall man in front of him. Tom Riddle looked nothing like the Lord Voldemort from the graveyard. The man was tall and well built with luscious dark-brown hair. His skin was slightly tan and he had a solid build. The only thing that reminded Orion that this man was Lord Voldemort was the dangerous and flashing red eyes. Draco grinned brightly and tossed his arms around his Uncle and let the man pull him close.

"Hello Draco" Tom murmured, his voice as deep and soothing, another shock to Orion considering what he had heard in the graveyard.

"Tom" Lucius inclined his head while Narcissa rose to hug the man. Lucius would have gotten up but Orion was plastered to his side and Lucius didn't want to move the young teen who was clearly terrified.

"Lucius, thank you once again for allowing me to stay for the Holiday" The tall man murmured, his red eyes on Orion as he kissed Narcissa's hand.

"You know the Manor is always open to you" Lucius chide gently, "Severus will be joining us later in the week once he secures the lab at the school"

"Good, I have many things to discuss with him" Tom murmured, sitting down in the chair closest to Lucius and Orion.

"Tom, I'd like to re-introduce you to my youngest son and your godson, Orion" Lucius said, gently nudging his son to try and get him to interact with the man.

"It is a pleasure to see you once again Orion, you can call me Uncle Tom, Draco does" Tom said gently, looking at the shaking teen with concerned eyes.

Orion sucked in a deep breath and looked at the man, it was easy to see him as a completely different person than the man in the graveyard since they looked nothing alike. Opening his mouth, Orion realized he really had no idea what to say to the man and just made an embarrassed squeaking noise. Tom chuckled lightly, grinning at his godson.

"I want to apologize formally for everything that I did to you when you were disguised as Harry Potter" Tom said suddenly. "I had no idea that you were my godson. I would never, ever hurt you Orion. I feel disgusted with myself for my actions as well as disgusted with Dumbledore and the Potters for subjecting you to everything that you have had to endure under the guise of the Potter heir" He said, his eyes flashing dangerously. Orion gaped, Tom Riddle, Lord bloody Voldemort had just apologized to him. Shaking his head he stared at the man, before nodding his head.

"I-I understand" He said in a shaky voice. "I am a new person now I suppose, or back to who I was supposed to be all along. I can't say I understand the reasons for your actions against Harry Potter, but from here on out I promise to only judge you based on your actions towards Orion Malfoy" The blond said suddenly, surprising his family.

"Well then I can only hope I live up to your high standards. I promise as your godfather to spoil you rotten" Tom said with a wink, earning a shy giggle from Orion. Orion wasn't comfortable with Tom yet, but as long as he only saw him as Tom Riddle he could see himself forming a relationship with the man. It was like his father said, this was the person his parents trusted with his life should anything happen to them. So he did want to get to know and trust the man, but he knew it would be a process and he was still recovering from everything that had happened to him. However, Lord Voldemort may have tried to kill him, but he had never done what the Dursleys had, and that made him a lot easier to forgive then he had initially anticipated. Smiling Orion snuggled back against Lucius' side and drifted to sleep, emotionally exhausted from the last few days.

Tom watched Orion drift to sleep and felt amazingly pleased that the lithe teen had felt relaxed enough in his presence to fall asleep in front of him.

"How was school Draco?" The man asked curiously as an elf appeared quietly to offer him a glass of wine. Taking the glass, Tom turned his attention back to his nephew while sipping the slightly tart liquid.

"Good, a bit boring, but it's nice having Orion there" Draco responded as he glanced at his dozing younger brother.

"I imagine it is very different having him around" Tom mused curiously.

"Yea it is" Draco said with a grin, "But I like it. I find myself always looking out for him, making sure he's alright and stuff" He murmured, "I never expected to be that way with anyone, but I guess its instinct with him" He nodded at the sleeping teen.

"Probably" Lucius pipped up, "He is your little brother who we've only just found, we all find ourselves looking out for him and feeling protective urges" He added as Tom nodded.

"He's the baby of the family" Narcissa said suddenly, joining in the conversation rather unexpectedly. "It's only natural for us all to feel those emotions. He was torn from us brutally and we thought we'd lost him, only to realize he's been within our grasps all this time. We all feel like we have much to make up for. Lucius and myself as parents, Draco as a big brother and Tom as his godfather and potential mentor" She said, watching as all three men nodded in understanding.

"Don't let him hear you calling him a baby, he gets so annoyed when I call him things like 'kiddo' or 'baby brother'. He hates it" Draco said with a smirk. Lucius snorted in amusement, shaking his head at the antics of his oldest son. Draco was a fantastic older brother and he was so pleased to know he was looking after the youngest Malfoy at school, not that he'd ever doubted Draco.

"I'm going to put him to bed, he's completely out" Lucius murmured, standing up and carefully settling Orion into his arms, holding him bridal style with his head pillowed on his shoulder. "I shall return once he's settled" He added before walking briskly yet carefully out of the room. The trio watched him leave before resuming quiet conversation, most of it directed at the young teen who had so easily wormed his way into their carefully protected hearts.

A/N: So, the first interaction between Tom and Orion goes fairly smoothly! In the next chapter we see Sirius, Remus and Severus along with Tom's take on his first time seeing Orion in fourteen years.