The next morning Harrison got dressed in a pair of black dress pants and a green silk shirt and walked into the hallway which looked completely different than the night before. Christmas decorations littered the hall, wreaths hung on the doors and mistletoe hung from the ceiling. He could smell cinnamon and cocoa causing him to grin, he loved Christmas Eve. His father didn't like decorations, in fact he hated them with every fiber in his being. But Harrison liked them, so Tom always had the house elves put decorations up for Harrison to wake up to on Christmas Eve and they'd all be taken down by the time he woke up on boxing day.
He walked down the hall and saw that the portrait of Antioch Slytherin was back to normal. Antioch glared at him as he passed, but Harrison ignored him. The banisters were littered with lights and Harrison saw a large twenty foot tall Christmas tree in between the spiral stair case. It was even more beautiful than all of the trees at Hogwarts. Miniature snakes slithered around the bottom of the tree, they would flash silver every ten seconds causing them to hiss and Harrison to snort. He always liked to see what new things the house elves would come up with for decorations.
On holidays they would always eat breakfast in the dining room in the back of the manor, so Harrison walked through room after room until he reached large black doors. The double doors were three times the width of normal ones and twelve feet high. Before he reached them they magically opened and he stepped inside. As usual he could see the snow covered grounds of the manor through the large window that covered almost the entire back wall. The snow was a foot high and the trees looked frosted, he smiled at the scenery. As usual two large Christmas trees stood on either side of the fireplace. Both of them were covered with silver and gold baubles and flashing green lights. A fairy fluttered on the top of each tree and the fireplace was roaring, the flames were charmed green for the occasion.
"Good morning Harrison," Tom smiled when he saw his son.
"Good morning father," Harrison said but he paused when he saw Luna sitting at the table. "Hello Luna."
The way Luna looked at Harrison he just knew that she knew how he felt about this situation.
"Hello Harrison," Luna replied.
"I take it Uncle Lucius was able to get the paperwork through," Harrison said as he pulled out his chair.
"Of course," Tom responded. "She was delivered by a Ministry employee this morning. Everything is official, I will be her guardian until she turns seventeen."
"Great," Harrison said. A part of him meant it, he had always wanted a sibling. But, another part of him reminded him that she wasn't his sibling and she never would be. Especially since he knew they'd have some form of romantic or physical relationship.
"Is she coming with us to Malfoy Manor tonight?" Harrison asked as he poured syrup on his pancakes.
"She is," Tom answered. "I told Lucius to inform Narcissa."
Further conversation was halted when the morning paper arrived. Harrison unfolded his copy of the Daily Prophet and he saw the other two do the same.
"I don't normally get the paper," Luna frowned as she looked at the paper in her hands.
"I took the liberty of getting you a subscription," Tom said absentmindedly. "It's important for you to keep up with current events."
Harrison eyes immediately went to the article on the front page.
Lovegood Residence Attacked by Death Eaters
By Rita Skeeter
Last night the home of Xenophilius Lovegood was attacked and destroyed by Death Eaters. Around three PM several Death Eaters were reported to have ransacked his home, killed Xenophilius, and cast the dark mark in the sky. Thankfully his daughter, Luna Lovegood, survived the attack, however, she was not unharmed. Sources at St. Mungo's tell me that she had several large gashes on her face and arms.
No sooner had healers at St Mungo's cleared Miss Lovegood to be back to full health had adoption papers been filed at the Ministry of Magic. Lucius Malfoy filed the papers on behalf of Tom Riddle, a name not nearly as well known as the Malfoy's. Tom Riddle is known to be a wealthy gentleman who donates thousands of galleons a year to St. Mungo's and other charities. It isn't know how he acquired his vast fortune, but it is known that he has an eleven year old son. Harrison Riddle is an eleven year old student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry who just this year was sorted into Slytherin. Not much else is known about the Riddle family other than they have properties all around the world.
The papers for Tom Riddle to become Luna Lovegood's legal guardian were approved. Miss Lovegood was taken just this morning to Riddle Manor, the grand home of Tom Riddle and his son. I for one would like to thank this generous man for his kindness towards a young girl in need. It isn't known how Tom Riddle knew of the young girl, but a source inside the Ministry tells me that his son met Miss Lovegood sometime ago and the two had become friends. If only everyone could be as generous as him the wizarding world would be a better place.
Xenophilius was the editor and owner of the magazine 'The Quibbler' and he was predeceased by his wife Lila Lovegood.
Harrison had to suppress a snort when he read about his fathers generosity. Harrison knew his father only did that for appearances sake. He looked up at Luna to ascertain her reaction, she looked sad, but also resigned like she knew there was no other choice. He heard his father clear his throat and both kids looked at him.
"Luna took a vow this morning never to betray me which is why I'm allowing her to stay here. I won't have someone living here who won't keep my secrets, however, there are ways around everything," Tom paused to take a sip from his glass. "Since Luna will be living here she needs a room and I've had the house elves prepare one of the guest rooms because I don't have time to take her shopping." Luna nodded in understanding. "Once Harrison returns to Hogwarts, I will take you, Luna, to Diagon Alley and we can furnish the bedroom next to Harrison's and you can get whatever clothes you need. If you ever need something snap your fingers and a house elf will come,they've already been told to listen to you. Once you learn their names if you want a specific one, call them, and if they know what's good for them they'll come." He paused and took a sip from his glass. "There aren't many rules at the Manor, however, the most important one is to never speak of what goes on inside this house to anyone. Do not tell anyone of the professors once you begin at Hogwarts and do not tell any friends you make. The only way you can speak of anything you hear here is with mine or Harrison's permission. You took the vow, but I can never be too careful."
"I understand," Luna told him.
"Good," Tom continued. "You will obey everything I say and if Harrison tells you to do something you'll do it. You must also dress for all meals in appropriate attire and show my inner circle respect. While Harrison is at Hogwarts I will begin training you and when I'm not available someone from my inner circle will take over for me. Come September when you begin at Hogwarts, I want you to do your best in every class, I don't accept second best nor do I accept failure. You will be introduced to my inner circle this evening at the Malfoy Christmas party. Some of those in the outer circle and normal ranks will be attending as well. By now they will all know that I am your legal guardian and if they value their lives they won't harm you. However, there are those Death Eaters that are too prideful and arrogant to know what's good for their own health. Do you understand the rules you must follow?"
"I do," Luna answered before she looked at Tom questioningly. "What do I call you, Mr. Riddle or by your first name?"
"You may call me Tom," he replied.
Harrison raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. He knew his father didn't like his birth name, he thought that it was too common and muggle. Only certain people were allowed to call him by it. He glanced at Luna who was staring out the large glass doors, a peaceful look on her face. But then again he couldn't think of any other name that'd be appropriate.