Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Tom hated the summers with a burning passion. He hated being stuck at Wools, he hated Mrs. Cole, he hated the war and the bombs that would drop on the city each night. But most of all Tom hated how powerless he was. He had only been back a couple days and he could barely stand it.

Tom was in the kitchens making a meager dinner for the orphans and staff when the horrid old Mrs. Cole stuck her head in the room. “Devil child, come here” snapped the woman.

Tom looked up with a sharp glare before coming to stand in front of the Matron. “Yes, Mrs. Cole”

“There is a man here to adopt you. Go get your things and for heaven's sake don’t ever come back” barked the woman.

Tom was shocked. He was fifteen years old, his chances of being adopted were long past, especially given how he had been returned as a kid when his magic started to show. Who could this random man be and what did he want with him? Mrs. Cole obviously didn’t care, happy to have her hands free of another orphan and him especially.

As Tom packed his things he wondered about his future which was waiting a few floors below. Would this man let him continue at Hogwarts? If he didn't, Tom would just run away, he was old enough he didn't actually need a guardian, he could look after himself. His meager possessions in his trunk, which was magically locked to keep out any thieving orphans - as Tom would know, he made his way down to the reception room.

Stepping into the room and setting down his trunk he was surprised to find how young his adoptive father was. The man could barely be twenty years old, how did he convince Mrs. Cole that he was fit to adopt? Maybe she was just that willing to be free of ‘the devil child’.

The man turned and smiled at Tom, he had piercing green eyes that glowed the color of Tom’s favorite curse. Short messy black hair appeared stylishly tousled though Tom assumed it was a side effect of the man running his hand nervously through it. He had a distinctive scar that ran from his forehead to his right eye, it looked like a lightning strike. The man was well dressed in dark pants and a vest over a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up revealing strong muscled arms. A golden pocketwatch rested in his hand.

“Ah, Thomas!” greeted the man with a sharp smile. “Right on time” he slipped the pocketwatch in his vest pocket and stepped forward with his hand outstretched. “Hadrian Peverell”

“Tom Riddle, sir” replied Tom politely, the last name caught his attention… could he be a wix? His last name was the same as that in the tale of the three brothers… but the Peverells were supposed to be dead in Britain. And why would he be adopting Tom?

“Well do you have everything? Ready to get out of here?” asked the man.

“Yes sir” agreed Tom.

Peverell moved to take Tom’s trunk, lifting it easily. The young men made their way out of the orphanage to a glossy black automobile with its top down. Tom couldn’t imagine the amount of money his new guardian must have in order to afford a car like this when most people couldn’t afford bread. Peverell placed Tom’s trunk in the boot of the automobile before opening the passenger side door for Tom.

The teenager cautiously climbed into the car sliding onto the comfortable leather seats as Peverell circled the car and climbed into the driver’s seat.

The mystery man started up the car and the pair pulled away from Wool’s orphanage for what Tom swore would be the last time. Even if things didn’t work out with this man, Tom would never return to that hell hole.

“Mr. Peverell, where are we headed?” asked Tom.

“Just call me Harry, Thomas, and we are headed to my ancestral home, Arce Umbrarum. We’ll drive a little longer before apparating the rest of the way”

Tom translated the name to mean Castle of Shadows, before freezing as he processed the rest of Peverell, Harry’s, sentence.

“You’re a Wix!?!”

“Of course I am, Thomas, as are you” replied the man pulling up to a ramshackle shed. “Hop out, I’ll park and then we’ll pop to your new home”

Tom stepped out of the car more confused than he was before now that he knew the other man was a wix. Who had sent him to Tom? Was it one of his “friends” feeling bad for him? If it was Abaraxas Tom was going to strangle the blonde peacock.

With the car secured in the shed, Peverell returned carrying Tom’s trunk. “Have you slide along apparated before?” he asked.

“No sir,” replied Tom through gritted teeth, upset to admit to not having done something so simple that he knew his peers did often.

“It’s a simple enough process, hold onto my arm and there will be a strange tugging sensation like you are being pulled through a tube. It will only take a moment and then we will be at our destination. It will be uncomfortable the first couple times, but get easier the more you do it” explained the man, holding out one lightly muscled arm to Tom.

Tom held on tight as the man popped them to his new home. It was just as he said, a moment of distinct discomfort before Tom opened his eyes and saw a beautiful gothic castle in front of them. The gates that stood in front of them had two skeletal horses inscribed in them which Tom recognized as Threstals.

“Welcome to Arce Umbrarum, historic home of the Peverells, Thomas. Hold your hand up to the gates and I will add you to the wards” ordered the man.

Tom complied and winced involuntarily as one of the horses moved to bite his hand causing him to bleed. Peverell reached out and carefully took Tom’s hand in his before wandlessly and wordlessly healing him. Tom stared up at the man, just how powerful was he? What was Tom getting into?

“Very good, you are now officially added to the wards of the estate and won’t face pain and death upon trying to breach them” said Peverell casually. He pushed open the gates and made his way down the path still carrying Tom’s trunk… he really had to get that back. Tom hurried after him.

“I was told that there were no more Peverell’s left in Britain, that you all had died out?” asked Tom.

The man laughed darkly, “Oh, they just wish that we were gone”

The pair climbed the stone staircase that led to a heavy front door. Peverell tapped out a pattern on the door before turning the knob and pushing open the door revealing a grand marble entry way.

“Orchid” called Pevrell, finally setting down the trunk which Tom quickly moved to stand by it. The trunk contained everything he owned in this world.

A small house elf dressed in a black toga popped into the room.

“Master Deathy”

“This is my new ward Thomas Riddle, he will be placed in the room next to mine. Please take his trunk to his room and inform Sage that we are ready for our evening meal”

“Yes Master Deathy, welcome Master Toms” said the elf, popping out of sight with Tom’s trunk.

“Master Deathy?” asked Tom with a quirk of his eyebrow.

Peverell’s handsome smile was as sharp as a snake strike to the boy’s heart, “Come now, Thomas, you must have heard the stories of my family… Death is an old friend of ours. But come, you must be hungry. Sage has prepared a meal for us”

Tom followed the man through the halls of the winding castle to what appeared to be a beautiful dining room. There were two places set at the long table at the head and to the left of the head seat. Peverell took his seat at the head of the table leaving Tom to sit beside him.

The food appeared on the table once they were settled, a warm broth with a roast and fresh bread with cheese and mixed fruit. Luxuries that Tom hadn’t experienced anywhere but at Hogwarts.

“I am sure that you have many questions, Thomas, I want you to know that you will never be in trouble with me for asking. If I don’t want to answer something I simply won’t” said the man.

Tom had hundreds of questions racing through his mind but surprisingly the first one to leave his mouth was, “Why do you keep calling me Thomas? It’s just Tom”

“Oh? I was under the impression that you were named after your late father, my condolences on his death”

“You know who he is and he’s dead!?!” exclaimed Tom.

“Of course, unfortunately war has its casualties, Thomas Riddle Sr. and his family passed away this past spring. When we go to the bank we will sort out your inheritance from both him and your Mother’s side of the family. The Gaunts, horrible folks that they were… not to speak ill of the dead. You will make a much better heir than those fools, the perils of inbreeding. The wixen world really needs to get with the times” said Peverell casually as he blew Tom’s mind.

Tom had managed to track his mother’s family back to the Gaunt’s through Slytherin’s line and had planned to go and face them this summer and claim his birthright, only now they were already dead!

“Why did you come get me? You seem to know so much about me but I know nothing about you” asked Tom warily.

“Ahh, yes. I have a dear friend of mine who is a seer. She directed me your way” said Peverell. “I returned to Britain recently at her direction”

“Have you been back for long?” asked Tom thinking that the return of this Lord Peverell would be a big enough deal to be heard about at Hogwarts.

“No, just long enough to get the castle in working order. I could hardly bring you back to a tomb now could I?” smirked the man.

“This seer friend of yours… Why would she send you to get me?” asked Tom.

“You are going to do great things Tom and change our world. You should hardly be rotting in that Muggle hellhole”

Tom puffed up at that, he knew he was important and a seer had confirmed it! He would change their world and shape it to his liking.

“What do you expect from me as your…” asked Tom leaving the last bit ambiguous.

“You are my ward until you come of age. I had your magical guardianship transferred from Headmaster Dippet to myself. I expect you to conduct yourself in a manner which will not bring shame upon our house. You are free to roam the castle except for any areas warded against you for your safety. I have a large library for you to pursue as you desire and a duelling room which you can practice in. The trace will not trigger if you cast while within our wards. When we go to the bank tomorrow we will sort out your heirships, unfortunately you can not touch your vaults until you come of age. I will provide you with money and all that you need while you are my ward” explained the handsome mysterious man.

Tom considered his words carefully… and what do you want in exchange for me being your ward?” asked Tom, this seemed to all be rather one sided. Tom had learned early on that people never did something for nothing. Men especially always wanted the same thing from a beautiful boy like him. Eyeing the man sitting next to him Tom figured giving him his body in exchange for food, money, safety and power was worth it.

“For you to be happy, to study hard and bring honor to the Peverell name” replied the man… Tom figured that he must be a Hufflepuff or a Gryffindor with that kind of response. Tom didn’t believe him. The man must be getting something else out of this arrangement, why else would he do it?

Peverell spent the rest of their meal describing the castle grounds to Tom. When they finished eating Peverell called for another elf, “Bloom”. A new elf popped into the dining room dressed similarly to Orchid.

“Thomas, this is Bloom, she will be your personal elf. My personal elf is Lily, Sage is our cook, Orchid is the housekeeper and Carnation oversees the care of the animals on our property. I trust that you will treat our elves with care and respect as members of our family. I know how most Purebloods see elves, but that is not how such powerful creatures should be treated” cautioned Peverell, and something in his eyes had Thomas agreeing with the request.

“It’s nice to meet you Bloom,” said Tom charmingly.

“Master Toms is most welcome here” chirped the elf.

“Bloom, we are headed to Thomas’ room please make sure everything is ready for him there” ordered Peverell.

“Yes, Master Deathy” nodded the elf, before popping away.

Peverell led Tom up a large spiral staircase and down a long hallway before stopping before a portrait of a beautiful snake wrapped around the stem of a lily. Tom hissed hello to the snake as the pair stepped through the doorway revealing a beautiful and spacious room done up in shades of green and silver. The furniture was a deep dark oak, a huge bed covered in what looked like a hundred pillows dominated the space. Tom explored the space more, finding a cozy study spot, a large bathroom with a huge soaking tub. He also had a balcony which looked out over the back grounds of the castle.

“What do you think?” asked Peverell, leaning against the wall his toned arms crossed over his muscled chest.

“It’s brilliant, sir”

“Just Harry, Thomas” corrected the man before pushing himself off the wall.

“I’ll be in the room next door if you need me. Call for Bloom if you have any requests. We will leave for Diagon Alley after breakfast tomorrow” said the man. He stepped forward then and placed a large warm hand on Tom’s shoulder, he was close enough that Tom could smell the man’s intoxicating cologne. “This is your home until you come of age. Rest and trust that you are safe here. I will see you in the morning”

Tom watched as Peverell, Harry, exited the room, closing the portrait behind him. Tom swore in that moment that this wouldn’t just be until he came of age, he would bend and twist this man to his will. He was clearly an angel sent just for Tom and who was Tom to deny fate something so sweet. Hadrian Peverell would be Tom Riddle’s, in all ways, forever.

Chapter Text

Harry collapsed against the bedroom door that he had firmly shut behind him. He had done it. His plan was officially in motion. Operation “Stop The War From Happening” was officially a go! Harry was under no delusion that he could fully change the teen in the room next to his, he just hoped to stop the boy from losing his sanity through Horocruxes and seeking to rule the world through vigilante violence. If he could push Tom in a better direction, such as politics, maybe their world wouldn’t suffer as much in the future.

Harry hadn’t lied to Tom, Luna had suggested this path of action. She had been rather tightlipped about how it ended but said it was better than the death and destruction they had suffered at the mad man’s hands.

At twenty years old Harry was no stranger to violence and death. It had been incredibly easy to do away with the Riddles and the remaining Gaunts. In doing so Harry removed horocrux sacrifices and cleared the way for Tom to receive an inheritance that would ensure he would never have to suffer and scrape in that shop in Knockturn Alley; not that Harry would allow that to happen again. Tom was Harry's now, his to care for, his to look after. He would ensure that the teen would want for nothing and hopefully turn his brilliant mind to greater things than death and destruction.

He was the Master of Death, who had turned back time for one man, he would not be stopped. Albus Dumbledore, Gellert Grindelwald and the ministry had better watch out!

***NGDGU***

Tom woke up feeling like he was at Hogwarts, he was warm, comfortable, full and at peace. Opening his eyes he found himself not in the Slytherin dorms but in his room at Castle of Shadows. Yesterday came flooding back to him in waves and he smiled a dark content smile as he remembered the beautiful angel of a man who had been sent to save him from his muggle hell.

A loud pop signalled the arrival of a house elf “Good morning Master Toms” greeted Bloom with a curtsey. “Master Deathy is awake and asks that you join him for breakfast before heading to the Alley”.

That's right! Hadrian had said that Tom had inheritances to claim today and that he was going to give Tom access to the Peverell vaults. Remembering his plot to ensnare the man and keep his attention forever Tom carefully went through his morning absolutions making sure not a hair was out of place. He selected the pair of slacks that he knew made his ass look fantastic and paired it with a green button down shirt with the top few buttons undone. Checking himself out in the mirror Tom bit his lips till they were red and smirked proudly, he looked ethereal and other worldly, who could resist him?

Exiting his rooms, Tom followed Bloom through the winding halls back down the dining room from last night. Entering the space he spotted Hadrian sitting at the head of the table dressed in black slacks and a navy blue button down today. The man was reading the Daily Prophet when Tom entered. He looked up hearing his approach and did a double take upon spotting Tom. Success!

“Good morning, Sir”

“Good morning Thomas, and it’s just Harry, no need to call me sir just yet” said Hadrian with a teasing smile.

“Oh?” asked Tom intrigued

“I will be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts this coming year,” explained Hadrian.

“What happened to Professor Merrythought?” wondered Tom.

“She is leaving on extended sabbatical to work on a research paper, she’s apparently been planning the trip for years” said Hadrian distractedly as he flipped through the last few pages of the day’s paper.

“So is there a Lady Peverell for me to know about?” asked Tom, helping himself to some eggs, toast and fresh fruit. He needed to know about any possible competitors who would be facing an unfortunate death at his hand.

“Not really my area” smirked the handsome man.

“Oh? You have a consort then?” asked Tom, the man’s comment reassuring him of his chances with Hadrian. Sixteen was courting age after all, and Tom would be sixteen in December, giving Tom seven months to turn the man’s head permanently towards him. This powerful dangerous man would be the perfect consort for Tom’s rising star.

Homosexual relationships were not frowned upon in magical society as there were potions which allowed a same sex couple to procreate.

“Not yet” allowed the man, turning to his own breakfast and offering Tom the paper.

Good… Tom would just have to keep it that way. He took the paper and flicked through it, not used to having access to the news over the summer. Normally Tom would have to rely on his knights to give him the important news upon their return to school or in their meager letters. Now though Tom would be on top of things upon returning to Hogwarts in September, and he would be returning with a secret weapon - Hadrian.

When the pair finished their meal, they made their way to the atrium where Hadrian apparated the pair to Diagon Alley. Upon landing Tom continued to hold onto Hadrian’s arm as they made their way through the Alley. The man had quirked an amused eyebrow at him but didn’t protest escorting Tom through the streets.

Their first stop was the bank. Tom had never been inside Gringotts before, why would he? He was a poor orphan without a vault. Stepping into the opulently designed space Tom was blown away by the sheer power and wealth the Goblins had amassed.

Hadrian led Tom over to an open teller off to the side.

“Good morning Master Sharptooth, may your gold ever flow”

“And may your enemies fall at your feet, Master of Death. How may Gringotts assist the Peverell line today?”

“Sharptooth, this is my ward Thomas Riddle, we are here to get his heir rings and add him to the Peverell vaults”

“Very well, you will need Deathstriker then if you’re here for heirships” said Sharptooth, hopping down from his stool and leading the pair through a set of side doors.

The trio stopped before a door marked “Inheritance Matters - Manager Deathstriker”

The door opened to reveal another goblin sitting at a desk who actually smiled when he spotted Hadrian. It was a terrifying looking thing. Sharptooth left them then, returning to the front.

“Master of Death”

“Deathstriker it is good to see you again”

“It is always a pleasure to assist the Peverell family. Though I thought your lordship had been sorted out” commented the goblin.

“Mine has been, you did an amazing job with that Deathstriker. But we are here today for Thomas” said Hadrian, placing his hand on Tom’s lower back. “I have taken him in as my ward. We are here for him to claim the Gaunt and Slytherin heir rings. On the muggle side he will also be taking over the Riddle estate once he is of age. I trust that you can handle that with the Queen’s Bank?”.

“Of course Lord Death, let’s get your ward sorted” agreed the goblin, gathering a couple parchments, ring boxes, a crystal bowl, a dagger and a blue potion. “How convenient that those families have passed and an heir has been found so quickly”

“Quite” agreed Hadrian with a mean smile… had Hadrian killed his family? No way! Sure the man was dangerous and apparently the Master of Death… whatever that meant… but he wouldn’t have killed Tom’s family for him, right? Tom would have to investigate that more later…

“Young heir, please add five drops of your blood to the potion” ordered Deathstriker, pouring the potion into the crystal bowl and offering Tom an elegant dagger.

Tom easily slit his finger, and added the required blood to the potion. He turned to Hadrian and pouted deviously. “Kiss it better?”

The man smirked and took his hand wandlessly and wordlessly healing him before raising his finger to his lips and laying a feather light kiss to it. “As you wish”

Deathstriker cleared his throat loudly, regaining the couple’s attention. He had poured the potion on a parchment to reveal Tom's results.

Name: Thomas Marvolo Riddle Jr.

Mother: Merope Medusa Gaunt
Father: Thomas Christian Riddle Sr.

Magical Guardian: Hadrian James Peverell

Heirships:
Slytherin (Mother)
Gaunt (Mother)
Riddle (Father)

Vaults *can not be accessed until heir is of age*:
Slytherin - #20
Gaunt - #148
Riddle - Queen’s Bank #34875

Maladies:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Soul Bond:
Hadrian James Peverell

Tom stared transfixed at the last item on his blood test. He was right! Hadiran was his in every way. Tom didn’t quite know what a soul bond was but it seemed like magic was giving Hadrian to him.

“Well young heir it seems like we have some rings for you” said the goblin. He passed over the first ring box which included a silver ring with snakes carved around it with emeralds for eyes. “This is the Slytherin Heir ring. Place it on your right ring finger. The rest of the rings will meld with it”

Tom followed Deathstriker’s directions. The next ring was a simple gold ring with an R engraved on the top. “This is the Riddle heir ring”. Tom slipped it on and watched transfixed as the two rings heated up and merged leaving only the Slytherin ring behind.

“Finally the Gaunt ring” said Deathstriker passing over a silver ring with a single snake forming the letter G. Tom slipped this one on too. “Focus on which ring you want to show and the ring will respond”

“Thank you Deathstriker” said Tom respectfully. He was in awe of the power and wealth that now rested in his hands.

“I believe you also have the ring I commissioned?” prompted Hadrian.

“Yes, Master Death” nodded the goblin, pulling out another ring box and handing it to Hadrian.

Tom turned to look at Hadrian in question.

“I promised you access to the Peverell Vaults didn’t I?” said the man, opening the box to reveal a beautiful golden ring in the shape of the Deathly Hallows with diamonds encrusted in it.

Tom smiled demurely and lifted his left hand towards Hadrian. “Put it on me?” he asked coyly, batting his long dark lashes.

“As you wish” replied the man in a deep tone, sliding the ring onto Tom’s left ring finger. The pair locked eyes and as Tom stared into the man’s darkened eyes, he had never felt more powerful. Tom was the spider wrapping the fly in his web, and as much as Hadrian might struggle he was now Tom’s for eternity.

“This ring will work for purchases and is directly connected to the vault that I set up for you” said Hadrian. “It is a spin off of the Peverell family vault, number one here at the bank”

“Thank you Hadrian”

“Of course, Thomas, anything you wish”

Tom was making a list.

***NGDGU***

Harry did his best to hold in the smirk he felt as the pair finished their business at the bank. Tom was good Harry would admit, but after years of outmaneuvering his older self, Harry could easily spot the boy’s manipulations. If there was one thing that Harry knew about Tom Riddle it was to let the boy believe that he was in charge. All the while Harry would be spinning his own web around Tom, binding him ever closer to him and changing the fate of the world in the process.

Harry hadn’t come to the past seeking to take Tom as his consort, but the boy’s obvious interest in Harry was flattering and another way to bring him ever closer. If the boy wanted to flirt, Harry would let him, he wouldn't act on it though until the boy turned sixteen and was of courting age. At which time a betrothal contract might just come in handy… Harry would need to get the goblins working on that.

The pair left the bank and Tom retook his place on Harry’s arm letting the older man lead them through the streets to Twifflet and Tattings. Stepping into the shop, Harry instructed Tom and the seamstress to put together a full wardrobe, everything from the basic underthings to dress robes to shoes all on Harry’s galleon.

Tom’s eyes lit up as he felt the various fabrics such as acromantula silk and dragon hide. All new and all for him. Harry’s heart warmed at the true joy in the boy’s eyes.

The seamstress took the teen’s measurements and quickly began flipping through magazines pointing out different options which Tom either approved or vetoed. Around them cloth was cut, ribbon spun and clothing came together by magic.

Tom shot a look towards Harry at one point during the ordering process, it was faint but Harry noted the fear in his eyes. “Thomas?”

“I can get anything I want?” checked the boy.

“Yes, anything you desire” said Harry, the gods knew that the Peverell family had enough gold to dress Tom in pure acromantula silk from head to toe ten times over and still have vaults overflowing.

Tom stalled for another moment, before motioning towards a different stack of magazines… “Can we look at those too?” he asked the seamstress.

She positively lit up eagerly grabbing the magazines gushing how Tom “had the shape for them” and how he would look “absolutely gorgeous”.

A lightly blushing Tom picked out a couple items that Harry couldn’t see. It didn't matter though, whatever made him happy.

Harry paid for the purchases and was assured that the items they were not taking today would be delivered to Arce Umbrarum by owl order no later than the end of the week. Shrinking their purchases, Harry stored them in his magically expanded robe pockets.

The pair headed out of the shop stopping at Scribbulus Writing Implements for new quills, parchment and ink for Tom. Harry even bought the boy a Slytherin branded writing set that Tom had been eyeing covetously.

Their final stop for the day was Magical Menagerie. Harry had to pick up some treats for his new owl, Selene, and Thomas was likely to find something that would catch his eye Hadrian was sure.

Collecting his owl treats, Harry looked around for Tom and was unsurprised to find him in the back of the shop hissing at a familiar, though much smaller than he remembered, snake.

“Something catch your eye, Thomas?” asked Harry.

“Isn’t she just gorgeous?” cooed Tom, looking down at a young Nagini. “Can we please take her home? I promise to keep her under control”

Harry caved almost instantly looking into the boy’s hopeful eyes, plus he could hardly leave Nagini here until Tom could afford her himself.

Turning to the snake Harry leaned in and hissed, “You will protect your new master with your life. You will not harm me or your new master”.

“Yes speaker” hissed Nagini

“What is your name?”

“Nagini”

“You speak!?! How??” asked Tom with stars in his eyes looking up at Harry.

“Later, Thomas. Get your snake and let’s head home” ordered Harry, making his way to the counter to pay for everything Nagini would need.

Shrinking Nagini’s cage, supplies and food Harry stored them in his robe pocket before turning to where Tom and Nagini were eagerly hissing at each other. Tom was telling her all about the castle which would be her new home.

“Come Thomas, it’s time for us to return home, if we are any later Sage and the others will be cross with us” ordered Harry, placing his hand on the teen’s shoulder and steering him out of the shop and apparating them home.

Chapter Text

Tom spent the next week exploring the castle with Nagini ever at his side. Hadrian had explained that their soul bond allowed for him to speak and understand Parseltongue since it was a talent Tom possessed. Hadrian had hinted that some of his gifts would also extend to Tom but didn’t answer when Tom pressed him further. Not that it mattered, Tom had the rest of his life to uncover all of Hadrian’s secrets, as Hadrian was his, magic had said so.

A soulmate! It was like something out of Grimm’s fairytales which Tom had read growing up. Tom was like Cinderella being whisked away from his horrible orphanage to live in a castle with his very own Prince Charming. Tom had seven months to convince his soulmate that they were meant to be, which hardly seemed like a huge lift given Hadrian’s reactions to Tom so far. “As you wish” the man had said, Tom figured all he needed to do was bat his lashes and say please and Hadrian would do whatever he asked. That made Tom feel powerful!

Tom and Nagini were curled up on an incredibly comfortable couch in the massive Peverell library when Orchid popped in to find them. “Master Deathy summons you to lunch” chirped the elf.

“Thank you Orchid” said Tom, “Please let Hadrian know that we will be there momentarily”

The elf curtseyed and popped away to follow Tom’s demand. Tom could get used to the luxury of having servants, food always on hand and interesting books as far as the eye could see. Stretching Tom rose to his feet rousing Nagini from her nap in his lap.

“Where are you going master?”

“It’s time for lunch with my beloved”

“OOH! The chicken room!” hissed Nagini excitedly, wriggling her way down to the floor to follow him.

The pair made their way down to the familiar dining room where Hadrian awaited them. Hadrian sat tall and composed in his seat at the head of the table, though a soft smile graced his lips when Tom and Nagini appeared.

"Speaker!!! Is there chicken for me too?” asked Nagini excitedly racing along to wrap herself around Hadrian’s seated form.

“I believe if you take your seat that you will find Sage prepared a treat for you as well” hissed Harry in a fond tone.

“Come take your seat Nagini” ordered Tom, sliding into his own.

Nagini unwound herself from Hadrian and slid over to the seat next to Tom which had a comfortable green pillow added to it to give her the necessary lift to see over the table. With them all seated, Sage made the food appear before them.

“Eggy!!!!” cheered Nagini as she spotted a large chicken egg on her plate. She swallowed it immediately and hissed contentedly.

Tom reached out with his free hand and laced his fingers through Hadrian’s. “How was your morning?” he asked.

“Boring yet productive” sighed Hadrian, squeezing Tom’s hand before letting it go to run distractedly through his hair. Tom took a moment to fantasize about what it would finally feel like to run his own fingers through the dark tousled locks. “This afternoon will be much better”

“Oh?”

“Yes. It’s about time that Britain learns of my return and just what that means” said Hadrian.

“How have you managed to keep your return a secret for so long?” asked Tom

“Imperio can get you far, and money even farther” smirked the man, winking at Tom playfully.

Tom’s mind screamed “MINE!!!”. This powerful dangerous man was all his.

“How do you plan to announce your return?” asked Tom.

“I’ll stop by the ministry and see Minister Spencer-Moon, make sure he knows that we will be having none of that Grindelwald nonsense in our country. Then I figure I'll drop by the Daily Prophet for an interview. I’m sure one of the cockroaches there will be desperate for my story… too bad the Quibbler isn’t in Britain yet” mused Hadrian.

Hadrian did that a lot… mentioned things from his travels which just served to pique Tom’s curiosity even more.

“The Quibbler?”

“Alternative Newspaper… my seer friend and her father ran it” explained Harry.

The seer who pointed Hadrian to Tom… Tom owed this woman a great debt. Tom hated owing people things, but he would make an exception for the mystery woman who had sent him his angel.

“What is her name?”

“Hmmm, oh Luna” said Hadrian distractedly.

“I’ll be coming with you today” decided Tom, he wanted to see his soulmate in action, it was sure to be thrilling.

Hadrian raised an eyebrow and gave Tom a look, “Oh will you? And what do we say when we want something, Thomas” he prompted.

“Please let me come with you today, sir,” said Tom widening his eyes and pouting slightly.

“Geez, put away the puppy dog eyes, you menace. Yes, you can come with me. It’s an ideal time to introduce you as my ward to the world and let them know if they mess with you they will have to answer to me” said Hadrian.

Tom held in the shiver that wanted to run through him at Hadrian’s words. His beautiful avenging angel wanted to tell the world about them!

“Finish your lunch, you’re still far too thin” ordered Hadrian, “We will leave for the ministry once we’ve eaten. You will need your new dress robes”

Tom nodded and took a bite of his sandwich happily. Soon everyone would know that this powerful dangerous man was his!

***NGDGU***

It took some convincing of both Tom and Nagini but it was declared that the snake would stay home while Harry and Tom went to the ministry. The past week with Tom had been interesting… reflected Harry as he slipped on his black acromantula silk dress robes embroidered with his family crest in silver. On his right hand sat the resurrection stone which he had retrieved when murdering the Gaunts. He tugged on a pair of heeled dragon hide boots and ran a brush through his hair, he frowned at the shock of silver that had appeared in the front of his hair and stubbornly remained since his death in the Forbidden Forest.

Tom seemed to be adjusting well to his new living arrangements and seemed fascinated by Harry. Harry was going to use every bit of that fascination to mold his future consort into a model citizen. He would be making a statement, not just that the Peverells were back and not to be messed with, but that Tom was his in every sense of the word and he would defend him with all of his power - social, political and magical.

Deeming himself ready, he exited his room to wait on Tom. He didn’t have to wait long before the teen joined him in the hall. Tom was dressed in dark blue acromantula silk robes embroidered with golden accents which brought out the beauty of his brown doe eyes. His hair was perfectly coiffed and styled. He looked like a china doll come to life.

The teen looked Harry over appreciatively, making Harry preen silently.

“Ready Thomas?” asked Harry, walking over to the boy and placing his hand on his back to guide him down the hall to the atrium.

“So ready!” said the teen.

Reaching the atrium, Harry wrapped an arm around Tom’s waist and apparated them to the Ministry of Magic.

***NGDGU***

Landing in the atrium Tom took in his first ever look at the Ministry of Magic, the place he would one day rule as minister with Hadrian at his side. The atrium was huge and had tons of fireplaces which workers came and went by. In the center of the atrium was a huge fountain with two wix in the center holding up their wands and a bunch of creatures looking adoringly up at them. The inscription read “Magic is Might”.

“Ugh, I hate that thing” muttered Hadrian. “It’s so tasteless, speciesist and just plain wrong given that all of those creatures have magic”

Tom looked at the fountain in a new light spotting house elves which he now knew to have powerful magic all their own, goblins, centaurs, werewolves, mercreatures and more. If they all had magic, then that meant that they would all be his future subjects, he would have to brush up on his knowledge of each species to best understand and know how to manipulate them.

Hadrian held out his arm to Tom and said, “First stop, Minister Spencer-Moon’s office”

Tom wrapped his hand delicately around Hadrian’s offered arm and allowed the man to lead him over to a lift. Pressing the button for the first floor the pair waited as the lift took them to the top of the ministry.

Tom looked around in awe as they stepped out onto the top floor of the magical government, the windows showing that they were far above the ground… how they hadn’t been bombed by muggles yet Tom didn’t know.

“Muggle repelling wards” whispered Hadrian to Tom’s silent question.

Tom quickly schooled his face into one of polite disinterest.

“Good boy, let's go put the fear of the gods into this sham of a minister” praised Hadrian.

Tom glowed at the praise and floated on air as they made their way over to the secretary’s desk.

“Good afternoon, I would like to speak to Minister Spencer-Moon,” said Hadrian with a charming smile.

“Do you have an appointment?” asked the woman with a bored look at the pair.

“I think he’ll make time to see us, I’m Hadrian Peverell”

“Sir, I suggest you stop lying before I call the Aurors. All the Peverells are dead… everyone knows that. ” Tom internally bristled, how dare she not be amazed by Hadrian and his power. How dare she question them.

“Well I am happy to prove everyone wrong,” said Hadrian stretching out his right hand to show off his lordship ring engraved with the symbol of the deathly hollows.

The woman suddenly stiffened seeing the ring. “I am so sorry Lord Peverell. Wait here just a moment and I’ll get Minister Spencer-Moon. Can I get you and your companion anything to drink while you wait?”

“That will not be necessary, we need to see the minister now” stressed Hadrian.

“Of course sir, one moment” rambled the woman disappearing through the door behind her desk.

“How dare she disrespect you” hissed Tom.

“Peace, Thomas, it's not a mistake anyone will make again after today” chuckled Hadrian darkly.

Their prey’s secretary exited the office with a harried smile and gestured for them to enter. “The minister will see you now, Lord Peverell”.

“Thank you,” said Hadrian graciously, leading Tom into the office of the most politically powerful man in wixen England. Tom looked around the space mentally redecorating it to his own tastes.

“Lord Peverell, please forgive the confusion, we were under the impression that your line had died out,” said Minister Lenord Spencer-Moon. He was a tall imposing man who carried himself well. He stood from the chair behind the desk and held his hand out to Hadrian in welcome. “Welcome back to England my Lord. How may the office of the minister serve you today”

“Thank you Leonard” said Hadrian, shaking the man’s hand firmly before settling Tom gently in the available chair before the desk and moving to stand behind him. Hadrian’s hands settled on Tom’s shoulders supportively.

“And who is this young man?” asked the minister, eyeing the pair curiously.

“My ward, Thomas Riddle, heir to the Slytherin and Gaunt families”

“No!” said the minister, shocked and confused.

“Show him your ring, darling” instructed Hadrian.

Deviously Tom held out his left hand to show off the diamond Deathly Hollow on his ring finger placed there by Hadiran’s very hand. The minister raised his eyebrows at the ring and its placement.

“The other one, Thomas” corrected Hadiran in a long, suffering tone.

Tom smirked and held out his right hand showing first the Slytherin ring, then the Gaunt ring.

“Very well how may I help the Peverell - Slytherin family?” asked the minister, retaking his seat in shock.

“As you have gathered I have just recently returned to our great country. In my travels I have seen the chaos the Germany’s Dark Lord’s foolish war has wrought. I am here to ensure that you are not buying into Albus Dumbledore’s ex’s rhetoric”

“Pardon?”

“Surely you know that Albus Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald were lovers up until a few years ago. They drafted Grindelwald's policies together to subjugate the muggle world. Bathilda Baggshot, Gellert’s aunt, is quite chatty about it all” said Hadrian, blowing both Tom and the minister’s minds.

“You’re telling me that one of my main advisors was key to the current war waging in Europe?” demanded Minister Spencer-Moon.

“The optics aren’t great minister, I would cut your losses quickly” advised Hadrian seriously. “We don’t need any Grindelwald sympathizers here in England”.

“Quite right,” agreed the man. “This administration has a hard stance against the invading darkness, trust that we will deal with this oversight Lord Peverell".

“Thank you Leonard, I knew you were a good man” praised Hadrian. “The sooner that Grindelwald supporters are removed the lesser his hold on our great country. I am glad we are on the same page about this threat”.

“Of course my lord. Will you be joining the Wizengamot when it resumes in October from the summer hiatus?”

“I will, I look forward to assisting in making our country a power of the world again” said Hadrian, holding out his hand to the minister to shake. “Thank you for giving us a moment of your time today”

“Of course, any time Lord Peverell” said the minister shaking his hand. “Thank you for bringing your concerns to me and I look forward to working with you in the near future, as well as your ward when he comes of age”

“Thank you Minister Spencer-Moon, it was an honor to meet you” said Tom sweetly getting to his feet and playing up his innocent act.

“It was wonderful to meet you too, Heir Riddle. Please let me know if there is anything else you both need. The minister’s office stands ready to assist”.

Hadrian placed a hand on Tom’s back and led him out of the room. Once they were safely alone in the lift descending to the atrium, Hadrian leaned in and whispered in Tom’s ear “Well done, my little viper, well done”.

Tom could have died at that moment as a happy man.