Changing The Past

11. TOM'S INHERITANCE

Just a quick little part in Tom's POV about his inheritance. 

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Tom was curious about his inheritance when he woke up on Saturday. He already knew about his lineage but he was curious to see what else was on his inheritance test especially after hearing the description from Professor Slughorn. He got out of his bed and noticed that Hadrian was gone which was understandable as he noticed that Hadrian never truly slept in. He went down to the common room after getting dressed looking impeccable as usual. He sat in his chair and waited for his 'friends'. He didn't like to call them that. He didn't need them.  

Hadrian eventually joined him as well as the rest of their little group and then they went to the great hall for breakfast. When they got there, they all went to their spot in the middle of the table but then Tom noticed that Hadrian was going to sit at the end of the table like he normally did during breakfast time. Tom gently grabbed his arm and guided him to the spot next to him. This action snatched Dumbledore's attention unbeknownst to Hadrian. Tom knew of course but he didn't let it show as he ate his breakfast. Eventually, Slughorn was making his way to them and they were leaving. 

"Hold on tight boys and don't let go. This may be disconcerting."

The three of them left with a pop and landed outside of Gringotts. They walked inside without Slughorn who said he would meet them here when they were done.

Tom watched everything with calculating eyes. He was surprised with Hadrian speaking the goblin language as not many wizards bothered to learn it. After a few words were exchanged and giving their names, they were off to get their tests done. They met with a goblin named Ironclaw. Tom handed over two sickles and started the process of the test. 

Tom Riddle Inheritance test:

        Father: Tom Riddle Sr. - Muggle

        Mother: Merope Riddle Née Gaunt - Pureblood

        Paternal Grandfather: Thomas Riddle - Muggle

        Paternal Grandmother: Mary Riddle - Muggle

        Maternal Grandfather: Marvolo Gaunt - Pureblood

        Maternal Uncle: Morfin Gaunt - Pureblood

        Direct line inheritance:

               Gaunt

               Slytherin

        Indirect line inheritance:

               Potter

               Peverell

               Gryffindor 

Tom knew most of this information beforehand but he didn't know fully what lines he is directly and indirectly inheriting. He heard Hadrian start to talk again and looked up.

"We would like to change our names as well while we are here and when can we have access to our vaults?"

"You need to be at least fifteen for the Peverell and Gaunt vaults and seventeen for the Evans vaults. You need to be seventeen for the Gryffindor and Slytherin vaults yet they only hold priceless artifacts and family heirlooms. As soon as you sign for them, you will be able to request an inventory to be taken. As for the name changes, you can change them now. I have all the paperwork needed here. What names would you like to choose?" Tom needed to think but not very hard. The answer was obvious even if he, himself, didn't see it yet. He could choose either Gaunt or Slytherin. If he chose Gaunt he wouldn't have as much standing compared to the Slytherin name. It is well-known that the Gaunts are descended from Slytherin but if he took up the Gaunt name he would be starting with absolutely nothing thanks to his 'family'. Tom inwardly sneered at that. He decided on a name. 

"I would like to change it to Hadrian Peverell."

"And I will change mine to Tom Marvolo Slytherin."

"Just sign at the line on the bottom of the paper. Make sure to sign the full name you would like." Hadrian and Tom both signed their own papers and gave them back to Ironclaw. Tom watched carefully during the exchanges between Hadrian and the goblins. He watched as Hadrian inquired about emancipation and thought about getting emancipated himself. The meeting with Ironclaw was wrapping up and soon, they were meeting up with Slughorn and going back to the school.