Chapter: The Arrival of Tom Riddle at Hogwarts

### I apologize to everyone for the delay, I was out of ideas and played Hogward Legacy again to inspire me. Well, I want to thank everyone for waiting and enjoy the chapter.###

Tom Riddle sat stiffly in the orphanage's small, dimly lit office. His dark eyes were fixed on the tall, bespectacled man who stood before him. Albus Dumbledore, dressed in a suit that seemed oddly out of place, exuded a calm authority that unsettled Tom. He was used to adults who were either intimidated by him or disdainful of him, but Dumbledore was different. He seemed genuinely interested, and that made Tom wary.

"Tom," Dumbledore began, his voice gentle but firm, "I want to talk to you about some important things before we go to Hogwarts. It's a school for young people like you, where you will learn to harness and control your abilities."

Tom's expression didn't change, but his mind was racing. "I've always known I was different," he replied flatly. "I can make things happen. Things that other people can't explain."

Dumbledore nodded, acknowledging Tom's words. "Yes, Tom. You are different. You are a wizard. And Hogwarts is a place where you will learn what that means. But there are some rules you must follow, rules that are very important for everyone's safety and well-being."

Tom raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Rules?"

"Yes," Dumbledore continued. "At Hogwarts, we do not tolerate stealing or any other form of misconduct. The school is a place of learning, and it's also a place where you will make friends, form bonds, and grow as a person."

Tom scoffed at the mention of making friends. Friends were unnecessary, he thought. Friends were for people who needed others. He didn't need anyone.

Seeing the skepticism in Tom's eyes, Dumbledore leaned in slightly, his tone softening. "You may find that there is more to life than just proving you are better than others, Tom."

Tom's lips curled slightly in a mix of annoyance and curiosity. "I am better," he stated matter-of-factly. "Better than everyone here."

Dumbledore paused, his gaze steady. "Perhaps you are, in some ways. But at Hogwarts, your abilities must be used responsibly. You'll have the chance to discover who you truly are and what you want to become."

There was a moment of silence before Dumbledore continued, his voice now carrying a note of caution. "One more thing, Tom. When you arrive at Hogwarts, it would be wise not to mention your surname to anyone."

Tom's curiosity piqued at this. "Why not? What's wrong with my name?"

"The name Riddle," Dumbledore explained carefully, "once belonged to someone extraordinary. A wizard who left a significant mark on our world. But it is also a name that could bring undue pressure upon you, expectations you may not wish to carry."

Tom's mind raced. Someone extraordinary? A wizard? Why had he never known this? Why had no one told him about this mysterious Riddle?

"Who was he?" Tom demanded, his voice sharp with frustration. "Who was this Riddle you're talking about?"

Dumbledore met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "You will learn about him in due time, Tom. For now, it's important that you focus on your own path."

This answer did not satisfy Tom. His fists clenched in his lap, anger simmering just below the surface. He hated not knowing. He hated secrets, especially when they were about him.

Seeing the storm brewing in the boy's eyes, Dumbledore stood up, signaling that the conversation was over. "Come, Tom. It's time to take you to your new home."

As they left the orphanage behind, Tom's thoughts were consumed by the unknown wizard named Riddle. Whoever he was, Tom vowed to find out everything about him. And when he did, he would make sure that everyone knew his name, his full name, and feared it.

As Tom Riddle and Albus Dumbledore left the orphanage and headed towards the Leaky Cauldron, the young man could not hide his nervousness and curiosity. The pub was small and somewhat gloomy, but something about it seemed different, almost magical. Dumbledore nodded to the pub owner, who gave them a smile and a wink, clearly recognizing the Hogwarts professor.

"This is the Leaky Cauldron, Tom," Dumbledore explained. "It is the gateway to the wizarding world in London. From here, we can access Diagon Alley, where you will find everything you need to begin your journey to Hogwarts."

Tom looked around, trying to hide his fascination, but it was impossible to hide the gleam in his eyes. He had always known that he was different, special, but seeing all this magic in person and so close to him made him both excited and irritated. How could a place like this be just a few miles from the orphanage and he had never known it existed?

Dumbledore walked over to a brick wall at the back of the pub and drew his wand. With three precise taps, he drew a shape on the wall, which began to move and open, revealing a passageway to a whole new world. Tom could barely contain his gasp of awe as the wall transformed into an archway that led into Diagon Alley.

Diagon Alley was vibrant and full of life. Witches and wizards of all ages bustled about, carrying bags, discussing items to buy, and darting in and out of shops. The windows were decorated with cauldrons, wands, books, and even exotic animals. Everything was so new and different from the dull, grey world Tom knew.

As they walked down Diagon Alley, Tom tried to take it all in. He didn't know where to look first. There was so much to see, so much to learn. A broom shop caught his eye with its models hanging in the window, each one more impressive than the last. At another point, he saw a group of witches discussing the latest edition of the Daily Prophet.

Dumbledore watched Tom with a kind, amused gaze. For the first time since he had met the boy, he saw a light in his eyes that was not of anger or frustration, but of genuine curiosity and excitement. It was as if, for a moment, Tom was just an eleven-year-old boy, marveling at a new world full of possibilities.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Dumbledore said, with a slight smile. "A whole world, hidden from Muggle eyes, but so vibrant and full of life."

Tom didn't answer right away. He was too busy staring at a wand shop, where a sign in the window read: "Ollivanders – Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC." He knew that wands were essential to wizards, and the thought of having his own wand sent a tingle of anticipation through him. But his initial fascination soon gave way to a wave of frustration. He couldn't believe that there was a world full of magic, so close to where he had grown up, and he had never known about it. How many years of learning had he missed out on? How much power could he have accumulated if he had known about this world? Dumbledore, noticing the change in Tom's expression, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "There is much to discover, Tom. And you will have time to learn it all. But remember, knowledge and power must be used wisely." Tom looked at Dumbledore, his dark eyes still shining with a mixture of anger and determination. He wanted to learn everything he could, as quickly as possible. He wanted to make up for lost time and show everyone that he was more than just an orphan. That he was special. That he was someone.

As they continued down Diagon Alley, Dumbledore felt a small sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, Tom still had a chance to find his own path, a path not defined by power or darkness. But that was a choice only Tom could make.

The future was full of uncertainty, but one thing was clear: Tom Riddle was about to embark on a journey that would change the wizarding world forever.

Dumbledore and Tom continued their journey down Diagon Alley until they reached the imposing white marble building of Gringotts. As they approached the entrance, Dumbledore turned to Tom, a serious expression on his face.

"Before we go in, Tom, I want you to remember what we discussed. Do not reveal your surname here, especially not in Gringotts," Dumbledore warned. "Leave all the talking to me. Just keep quiet and watch, okay?"

Tom nodded, but he couldn't hide the frown of irritation that formed on his face. Minutes ago, he had been fascinated by the magical and grandiose sight of Diagon Alley. Now, Dumbledore's reminder of the taboo that seemed to surround the name "Riddle" brought back all his doubts and resentments. Tom had almost forgotten about the mystery surrounding his origins, but now he felt the frustration rising within him again.

As they approached the great bronze doors of Gringotts, Tom felt a chill run down his spine. He was about to enter the wizarding bank, a place that, from what he had heard, was run by goblins. As they walked through the entrance, he saw the goblin bankers for the first time. Small, pale-skinned creatures with piercing eyes, the goblins watched each customer closely as they entered the bank.

Tom and Dumbledore walked over to one of the counters. The goblin who served them, who appeared to be the head cashier, wore a grim expression. His name, according to the small plaque on his desk, was Longclaw.

"I would like to make a withdrawal of funds for Hogwarts orphan students," Dumbledore said, keeping his voice calm and polite.

Longclaw narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Name?" he asked, his voice thick with irritation.

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore," Dumbledore replied firmly.

The goblin paused, looking closely at Dumbledore. Then he turned his sharp eyes to Tom.

"And the student's name?"

Dumbledore hesitated for a moment before answering. "His name is confidential. Please record him as Tom Marvolo for the time being."

Longclaw frowned, clearly irritated by the unusual request. However, after a few moments of consideration, he shrugged, seeming more interested in avoiding complications. "Very well. Tom Marvolo," he murmured as he wrote the name down on a piece of parchment. "But remember, Dumbledore, that we have our own rules here at Gringotts."

Before Dumbledore could respond, the bank door opened again, and a group of wizards entered, attracting everyone's attention. It was the Black family, consisting of Orion Black and his father, Arcturus Black, accompanied by the Malfoy family, with Abraxas Malfoy and his father, Septimus Malfoy.

Tom eyed the new visitors curiously. He had heard of the Black and Malfoy families, known for their purity of blood and pride. The young Riddle wondered what kind of connection these families might have with his own past, and if the name "Riddle" was somehow connected to them as well.

Dumbledore, noticing the arrival of the aristocratic families, hurried to finish his business with Longclaw. He knew that the presence of the Blacks and Malfoys could complicate things for Tom, and the last thing he wanted was to draw attention to the young wizard.

"Is everything in order now, Longclaw?" Dumbledore asked, with a polite smile.

The goblin gave a brief nod, handing Dumbledore a small leather pouch containing the funds needed for Tom's purchases. "Yes, everything is in order. Have a good day."

Dumbledore thanked him and led Tom away from the counter, leading him out of the bank and back into the bustling Diagon Alley. As they walked, Tom couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions – fascination, frustration, and most of all, a growing curiosity about the mystery surrounding his name. What was so special about being a "Riddle"? And why was Dumbledore so insistent that he keep it a secret?

These were questions Tom was determined to answer.

Dumbledore and Tom hurried out of Gringotts and back to Diagon Alley. Dumbledore could tell that Tom was irritated by their hasty exit, so he tried to calm him down.

"I apologize for the hasty exit, Tom, but the Black and Malfoy families are difficult to deal with, especially if they find out anything about the Riddle name," Dumbledore explained, his tone cautious.

Tom, still frustrated, looked at Dumbledore with a mixture of curiosity and impatience. "When will I finally know the truth about my name, Professor? Why all this mystery?"

Dumbledore sighed, choosing his words carefully. "Tom, families like the Blacks and Malfoys despise everything Muggle-related. Many of them have very extreme thoughts and behaviors on these matters. I don't want you to get mixed up in this, at least not until you understand the wizarding world better. I promise that when we get to Hogwarts, you'll know all about your name. But for now, it's best if you don't worry about it."

This answer didn't satisfy Tom. On the contrary, it only increased his irritation and frustration. He felt that there was something very important that was being hidden from him, something that had to do with his identity and his place in the wizarding world.

They continued their walk down Diagon Alley until they reached Ollivander's shop. Dumbledore opened the door and motioned for Tom to enter. The room was dark and quiet, with shelves crammed with boxes of wands that went from floor to ceiling. Behind the counter, an elderly man with white hair and curious eyes watched them enter.

"Welcome, welcome! I am Jon Ollivander," the man said, smiling. "Albus Dumbledore, it is a pleasure to see you again. And this must be a new student, I suppose?"

"Yes, this is Tom," Dumbledore replied, with a friendly smile.

Tom looked around in fascination. He was curious about the wands, wondering how something so small could contain so much power. Ollivander began to pull several boxes off the shelves, offering wands for Tom to try. One by one, Tom tried them, but none seemed to work properly.

After several attempts, Ollivander finally took a wand from a dusty box at the back of the shop. "Let's try this one, Tom," he said, handing the wand to the boy.

As Tom took hold of the wand, he felt a warm sensation run up his arm. A golden glow emanated from the tip of the wand, illuminating the entire shop. It was clear that this was the right wand for him.

Ollivander grinned broadly. "Ah, a yew wand, 14 inches, phoenix feather core. And what an incredible match! This is one of only two wands made from the feather of Niklaus's phoenix. Niklaus was Magnus Riddle's familiar."

Dumbledore, who was standing next to Tom, quickly raised his hand, trying to stop Ollivander from saying more, but it was too late. The name "Magnus Riddle" echoed in Tom's head like a bell. He finally had a clue to the mystery surrounding his name.

Dumbledore sighed in frustration, putting his hand to his forehead. "Jon, I wish you had been a little more discreet," he muttered.

Ollivander looked from one of them to the other, confused. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked, not understanding what had happened.

Tom, meanwhile, was in a whirlwind of thoughts. The name "Magnus Riddle" was now etched into his mind, and he knew he had to find out more. The mystery surrounding his origins was only just beginning to unravel, and he was more determined than ever to understand what it meant to him.

Tom tightened his grip on his wand, feeling the power pulse through it. He looked at Dumbledore, waiting for an explanation, but the professor only sighed, visibly frustrated.

"Tom, I know you have many questions," Dumbledore began, his tone more serious. "And I understand your curiosity. But there are things you are not yet ready to know. I promise that at Hogwarts you will learn what you need to know, but you must trust me for now."

Tom kept his eyes fixed on Dumbledore, his mind racing with questions. Who was Magnus Riddle? Why did he seem so important? And why was his own name being kept secret?

"I just want to understand," Tom said, trying to remain calm, but his voice betrayed growing frustration. "Why can't I know about my family now? I have a right to know who I am."

Dumbledore nodded slowly. "You're right, Tom. And you will. But knowledge is a powerful thing, and sometimes it's best if it comes in its own time. Let's focus on preparing you for Hogwarts now."

"I'm not a child who needs to be protected," Tom said, his voice low and determined. "If there's something I need to know, I'll find out, with or without your help."

Dumbledore felt a chill run down his spine. He saw, in that moment, a glimpse of a dark future, where Tom's extraordinary talent might be led astray into dangerous paths. But he could not force the truth upon the boy, not yet.

"Tom, knowledge can be a powerful tool, but it can also be a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. I only ask that you be patient and use your time at Hogwarts to learn, grow, and discover who you truly are. I promise that all will be revealed when the time is right."

Tom didn't answer. He just put his wand back in its box and left the shop with Dumbledore, his thoughts revolving around the name that had now become an obsession. Magnus Riddle. Who was he? And why did everyone seem so determined to hide this truth?

As they walked out of Ollivander's shop, Tom found himself struggling with anger and confusion. He knew Dumbledore was hiding something important from him, something he deserved to know. But he also knew there was no point in pressing the professor now.

Walking through Diagon Alley, Tom observed the shops and the people around him, but his mind was elsewhere. He barely noticed the curious looks he received from other wizards and witches as they passed by. All he could think about was Magnus Riddle and the mystery of his own name.

They stopped in front of a robe shop, and Dumbledore turned to Tom. "We need to get your school robes," he said, trying to bring Tom back to the present. "And then we'll go to the Owl Emporium and see if there's anything that catches your eye."

Tom just nodded, still lost in thought. As they entered the robe shop, he knew that a new phase of his life was about to begin. Hogwarts was just the beginning, but he was determined to discover the whole truth about himself and the mysterious Magnus Riddle.

Dumbledore, on the other hand, watched Tom with a watchful eye. He knew that the boy was special, that he had great potential, but he also knew the dangers that potential represented. And deep down, he hoped that Tom would choose the right path when the time came.

As the seamstress adjusted Tom's robes, Dumbledore reflected on all he had learned at the orphanage and the choices he would need to make in the future to guide Tom on the path of enlightenment. He knew that Magnus Riddle was a complex figure, with a legacy that could both inspire and corrupt. And it was his duty to ensure that Tom followed a different path, one that led to something greater than power and control.

Tom slowly began to focus on the present moment, but the seeds of curiosity and frustration had already been planted. As they continued their shopping in Diagon Alley, Tom knew he would not rest until he fully understood who he was and what his name truly meant.

And so, with his new wand in hand and a mystery to unravel, Tom Riddle took his first steps toward the future, a future that would change the wizarding world forever.

Dumbledore and Tom walked back in silence, the weight of the day weighing heavily on both of them. When they reached the orphanage, Dumbledore paused at the entrance and turned to Tom, trying to find the right words.

"Tom, I know today has been full of revelations and has perhaps raised more questions than it has answered," Dumbledore said, his voice soft but heavy with concern. "I am sorry it ended this way. But I want you to know that in time, all of this will make sense. You are destined for great things, and everything you have learned today is only a small part of your journey."

Tom, still frustrated and angry, simply nodded, not looking directly at Dumbledore. He was exhausted, physically and emotionally, and just wanted a moment to process everything that had happened.

"I understand," he murmured, before turning and walking into the orphanage without looking back.

Dumbledore watched Tom disappear into the darkness of the building, a deep sigh escaping his lips. He knew that Tom's path would be arduous and full of challenges, and he was unsure how the boy would react to the truths he would inevitably discover.

After ensuring that Tom was safe inside the orphanage, Dumbledore turned and headed back to Diagon Alley. He couldn't get Tom's look of surprise out of his mind when he heard Magnus Riddle's name, and he knew that he needed to resolve the situation with Jon Ollivander.

When Dumbledore entered the wand shop, Jon was still there, sorting through some boxes, but he looked up immediately when he saw the professor enter.

"Albus," Jon said, a look of confusion still etched on his face. "I didn't quite understand what happened earlier. When I mentioned Phoenix Niklaus and Magnus Riddle, I thought it was a good thing. Anything to do with Magnus is seen as a source of pride and respect."

Dumbledore sighed deeply before answering. "Jon, it's not just Magnus's name that's the issue. It's the context in which it comes to Tom. Tom's full name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. He is, by all accounts, a relative of Magnus, though the circumstances of that relationship are still a mystery to me. What I do know is that Tom knows nothing of his own heritage, and that creates a minefield of emotions and expectations."

Jon frowned, surprised by the revelation. "So he's really a Riddle? That's... unexpected."

"Yes," Dumbledore confirmed, "but please, Jon, I ask that you keep this a secret for now. Tom needs time to understand who he is, without the pressure of a name that carries so much weight. The wizarding world can be an unforgiving place for those who are different, and Tom has enough challenges ahead of him without adding to this burden."

Jon nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation. "I understand, Albus. I'll be careful what I say from now on. But honestly, I'm worried. What do you think will happen when people find out about Tom? About who he really is?"

Dumbledore looked at Jon, his blue eyes shining with a mixture of concern and determination. "To be honest, Jon, I don't know. I don't know how the world will react when the Riddle name resurfaces through Tom. But what I do know is that my role is to guide him, to help him find his own path, without being consumed by the legacy of his name."

Jon nodded again, feeling the weight of Dumbledore's responsibility. "If you need help, Albus, you know where to find me."

Dumbledore thanked him with a smile before saying goodbye and leaving the shop. He knew that the next few weeks and months would be crucial for Tom, and he was determined to do everything he could to ensure that the boy chose the right path. But as he walked through the quiet night of Diagon Alley, he couldn't help but worry about what the future held for Tom Marvolo Riddle.