Summary: What do you do when everyone who ever knew you has abandoned you, when your chances are blown apart by circumstances beyond your control, forces set by fate that you cannot influence? You die. This is the story of Tom Marvolo Riddle.

Excerpt from Prologue

It cried out of the womb, but minutes after it had adjusted to the warm air of the orphanage, it quieted. A half an hour passed while they cleaned mother and child, rinsing the dried blood and changing the white sheets of the bed. Midnight drew closer. When they were through, Abbey helped wrap the baby in a dark blue blanket. It looked healthy, though pale. But as it gained strength, the mother on the bed seemed to lose strength. With care Abbey handed the bundle to her, placing it in her weak arms.

“His name,” Merope gasped, “Tom Marvolo Riddle… Tom’s his papa’s name; Marvolo his grandpapa’s… he would’ve wanted…” and trailed off, her eyes fluttering.

Summary: As Severus Snape lies dying, he relives other memories, memories that he did not give to Harry.