Wizarding aristocracy (rather long)

[plaeides at home.com]

No: HPFGUIDX 9788

> But wait..maybe my memory is failing...I seem to recall the in CoS
> Riddle is described as being an orphan, but in GoF he's described as
> murdering his wealthy parents....What have I missed?  I don't have a
> book near me...help!

In "Goblet of Fire" it is explained how Tom Riddle's father was a 
muggle and his mother a witch. However his father abandoned Tom and 
his mother when he learned of her, er, talents.  When she died and 
the father had the child forced into his care, he sent Tom off to an 
orphanage.  He re-married and (I presume) had another son.  Tom
Riddle murdered his aristrocratic father, step mother and half
brother in their home one night.  If I recall, these were the first 
deaths of his rise to power as the Dark Lord.