So Merope Gaunt is one of my favourite characters despite the fact she is clearly a rapist. JK Rowling did a fantastic job in creating a character that is more than the sum of her parts. I always read her as a tragic character in the true sense of tragedy- her positive traits always lead to negative outcomes, which made her a really sympathetic villain.

So this is a one-shot that's been stewing for some time that looks a little at her self-loathing from an outsiders perspective.

Trigger warnings for self-hatred etc.

"I hope he looks like his Papa." You whisper as you die, wishing with your last breath that your son may have a life that is better than yours, that he could find the love in this world that you could not.

To most your wish was shallow, how could a good life be interchangeable with good looks?

But I have learnt the hatred behind your words. I can read the wish for your child to be void of you.

How could you see nothing within you?

I have known you since you were that child who almost passed at her birth; it was you who met my gaze as your aunt took her own life. You found purpose then; without love you survived.

How many of your father's punishments did you live through? How many times did you think of ending it when your love left you before you remembered your child? It was your bony corpse I tried to collect as you starved on the streets and still you defied me.

In some ways I am disappointed that this is your end.

As the matron of the orphanage takes away your son; you greet me. Even in death you are hunched over with pain that is too great for someone of your years.

"Did I do the right thing?" You ask; the peace you grasped when you accepted your life had finished: already lost from you.

Does it matter? Is peace only for those who achieve the perfection of the gods? Have you escaped the abuse of your family only to become your own torturer?

"Please, I need to know if my son will be okay." Again you surprise me; how can you so filled with hate and defeat, find the energy to love?

Why are you incapable of loving yourself?

I close my eyes and see the destruction and pain your boy would bring.

I see the sad fate you have chosen for your love.

I don't answer the question.

"What will you do?" I ask, hoping you will find happiness in me.

There's nothing more you can do.

Well I hope you liked it!