Is Harry Potter related to Tom Riddle?

[prefectmarcus at yahoo.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 24459

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., "Haggridd" <jkusalavagemd at y...> wrote:
> In this long hiatus between GoF and OoP, my mind wanders and 
wonders 
> about whether Riddle and Harry are related by blood

> Haggridd

If I had a nickel for every time I've seen this come up in the 
several HP boards I've frequented...

Anyway, if they were related, we know several things.  One, Harry's 
mother was a muggle.  Two, Tom's father was a muggle.  Three, Tom is 
the last descendent of Slytherin.  Four, Harry got his hair from his 
father.  Five, Harry's parents were surnamed Potter and Evans.  Tom's 
father was surnamed Riddle.  We don't know about his mother.

Given these facts, what is the closest relation they can be?

Let's make two assumptions.  (1)Nobody changed their names.  (2)
Slytherin descension came through Tom's Wizard side

First the wizard side.  Tom Jr.'s mother could have been a half 
sister to James Potter.  This would mean that Tom Jr. and Harry could 
be half-first cousins on the wizard side.  If the Slytherin 
descension doesn't come to Tom through the Wizarad side, they could 
be full first cousins.

If we are talking muggle side, Lily Evans would have to be a first 
cousin of Tom Riddle Sr. or neice.  If the former, Tom Jr. and Harry 
are no closer than second cousins.  If the later, Lily and Tom Jr. 
are first cousins making Tom Jr. and Harry first cousins once removed.

Personally I doubt the connection, thinking it is just a red 
herring.  

Marcus