Jim Brandon, the manservant opened the door to receive the mail. He knocked on the library door.

"Come in!"

"Letter for you, sir." He said handing the letter and exited the room.

Sitting at the desk was a young man of twenty, reading a book. He was handsome in classic sense – angular face, neatly combed hair with curl in the front, pale. The very epitome of tall, dark and handsome. Black eyes looked away from the book and studied the letter on the table. Reaching with those painter's hands, he slit open the envelope. It had only the receiver's address. Curious, he unfolded the letter.

4th January 1926,

London.

Dear Sir,

I apologize for assuming, beforehand. I have very recently adopted a baby boy born on 31st December whose mother unfortunately died birthing him. As if fate, I was the one who had helped her to the nearest orphanage and held her hand as she gave birth. She named the child Tom Marvolo Riddle before she died. The name Marvolo obviously, caught my eye. I come from a family, which had produced at most two or three magical person of whom I am no part. Now why would such a woman who clearly poor and heavily pregnant be doing in London? The only thing new and expensive on her person was a wedding ring. All this pointed to one scenario –a path forbidden to all magical kind. She had enthralled the unfortunate man with the strongest and the only love potion known to magical kind. But she must have been very bestowed with the man to feel guilty and stop giving him potion in hope that he would stay and learn to love her now that she was with his child. The man obviously didn't and no one would blame him. A magical person too would not have abided being violated and emotionally manipulated! As such I completely understand your anger and resentment if you are indeed the man and your want to nothing whatsoever to do with her or anything associated with her but I felt it prudent to inform you about the child. For it will be one nasty shock to come face to face with your look alike in future. He is extremely adorable, has coal black hair and eyes and I have a feeling he will most certainly take after you. If I may be so bold to suggest, move on, do something with your life so as to forget about this wretched incident and someday you will! I profoundly apologize if this letter has caused you more pain than numb it. It was never my intention.

Your,

Well-wisher.

The young man sat froze still holding the letter. His mind completely blank. It had been roughly one year since the terrible incident had happened. It still made him feel violated and his blood boiled every single time, even at whisper of it came to his mind. It has ruined his life. He knew what had happened with him and lack of proof was driving him insane. All he ever felt now a days was deep angst and fierce resentment towards everything. He spent many hours in shower scrubbing hard to tear away the skin that she had touched.

His eyes came back to focus. This letter confirmed it all, proved him right. But with the good news came the bad. That wretched incident had borne an evil. But I shall not think of it! The woman clearly didn't expect me to acknowledge that evil spawn's existence nor did she want me to. She truly understood him and had even suggested him to move on with his life, to do something that will completely occupy his mind and never let it wander to the incident. And so shall I! For the first time since that fateful day he truly, utterly felt free! Sighing in the newfound peace, he closed his eyes and leaned into the chain.

"Tom dear, the luncheon is ready!" came the voice of his mother.

Tom Riddle rolled his eyes as ever at her archaic use of the word lunch. Honestly! With a smile he stood up. This is the new beginning and I will cherish it! Entering the dinning room Tom bestowed his mother a kiss on the cheek for being patient and supportive through out his struggle and sat down to savour his first proper lunch. Mrs Riddle was shocked at seeing her son smile, more so at his affectionate gesture.

"Mother how many time do I have to remain you? This is not 18th century any longer. People simply don't use the term 'luncheon'." Said her son filling his plate just like the old times before it happened. Smiling delicately with moist eyes she kissed her son on the head. Tom simply smiled and dug into his lunch.

"Won't father be coming?" Tom asked his mother but was answered by the footsteps.

Mr Riddle walked in as usual, but was thrown away by his wife's happy smile and his son's changed demure, he looked happy. Whatever did happen? Looking at his wife for answers he strode to his chair and sat down. His wife simply smiled brightly. Through out lunch he observed his son daring not to speak, afraid that the newfound happiness might vanish. Tom could feel his father's gaze and his parents' mutual curiosity at his newfound happiness. Deciding to put them out of their misery, he sat up looking them in the eyes.

"Father, mother I have finally decided to pursue my ambition of studying law. I shall go to Oxford tomorrow itself if you consent, of course."

"Of course dear!" said Mrs Riddle smiling imploringly at her husband.

"I am very much pleased that you are finally pursuing your dream. You shall leave tomorrow if you please. I consent!" said Mr Riddle looking pleased but, stilled shocked.

"Thank you! I shall then prepare for tomorrow." Said Tom smiling.

Mr Riddle was shocked again seeing his son smile. Only yesterday he looked depressed. Whatever happened was no short of miracle!

"Not before spending some time with us!" said Mary.

Tom simply nodded in reply. So the family was sitting in the hall near fireplace enjoying the newfound happiness. Mr Riddle was going through his mail and Mary Riddle was knitting while Tom simply sat enjoying time with his parents.

"What is it?" asked Mary looking at husband who looked little bemused.

"The empty apartment in our building near the King's college was recently rented by a young lady. Mrs Penham had phoned yesterday to inform about the lady's little problem; she has recently joined a job and by no means, pay now. The young lady has promised to pay at the month's end with the advance for the next. I had agreed since it seemed like a fair deal. The young lady has written thanking me!" replied Nicolas Riddle now looking amused.

"That's very polite of her." Said Mary smiling.

Sitting on the opposite armchair, Tom stiffened.

"Can I see the letter father?" asked Tom faking amusement.

"Of course!" said Nicolas handing him the letter.

The handwriting was the same, confirming his suspicion. So that's how she found me! Elise Lane. Either the woman is stupid or she knew I would probably find out. If it was the latter then the woman was clearly telling him that she didn't want anything to do with him and the feeling be mutual. So she found me by mere coincidence! It was bit disappointing, but he was thankful nonetheless. Smiling ruefully he returned the letter and stood up to finally start packing.