Tom was having time of his life and it was only the first day of the college. Everyone in the class was intriguing, each had a story to tell, secrets to hide. People in Little Hangleton thought of him to be very snobbish and callous rich brat but he was different, always had been; he could read people like an open book. He had only one thing in common with all the rich brats – he had too much time to kill and too little to entertain him. Result: he read a lot and observed a lot to keep his mind occupied and of course reading Sherlock Holmes did that to people. And being too intelligent didn't help the matters either. Mr and Mrs Riddle were good parents but they were not the modest of lot, Tom knew and that just cemented his reputation in the village. His little exposer to the people and their ways had made him ignorant to humanity, his love for science – it's cold reasoning and lack of a fellow intelligent mate proved it vain to even try understanding people. So Tom settled for reading them; deciphering the codes that were people. It was what he could understand and what he found far more intriguing, fun.
It was their first weekend and his 'mates' were excited to look around the Oxford. Tom was excited too despite being the only one who had seen around. They were at the museum when Tom accidently ran into someone, barely managing to stop before clashing. It was a woman carrying a child. She looks around my age and the baby might be around eight months.
"I apologise, I was not watching where I was going." Apologised Tom looking at the baby who looked fascinated with his scarf.
"I apologise too, was bit distracted." Apologised the girl with a chuckle.
"Riddle, Tom Riddle. Nice to meet you." Said Tom looking at the girl.
"Elise Lane. Pleasure."
Tom froze. It was she. His obsession. In flesh. He stared at her. And she stared back. Their eye contact was abruptly broken by the baby. He was tugging the scarf. Their eyes at once focused on him.
Tom looked up feeling eyes on him and again returned to the fascinating scarf the stranger was wearing, tugging.
"Tom." Said his mama in that voice. She used it whenever he was doing something she didn't agreed with. But he wanted the scarf; it was so pretty. So he made a noise to say no.
"I shall buy you the exact same one. Let got, please." Said his mama. His Granma had taught him to call so; he liked it. Looking at his mama he tried to find if she was being sincere.
"I promise." Said his mama. She always knew what he wanted! Looking back at the pretty blue scarf, he let go and his mama kissed him on his head. He loved it when she did that!
"Again, I apologise! He is a very curious thing." Said Elise looking up to see Riddle Sr. watching Tom who was also watching him. She had completely froze up the moment she saw Riddle Sr. It was only her excellent senses that came to her rescue on time! He looked up dazed and nodded.
"Not at all! He's adorable. What is his name?" asked Riddle Sr. finally coming to his senses.
He's looking for confirmation.
"Thank you! His name is Tom Marvolo Riddle." Replied Elise calmly. Giving him a second to gather his wits she said, "We must be off now!" and started walking away. She would not run; it would change the dynamic, make things complicated and awkward.
Tom too walked away to join his friends who bombarded him with questions, which he answered nonchalantly. The rest of trip was a blur to Tom but he of course never showed it. Finally sitting on bed, curtains closed, did he let the thoughts of morning's happenings fill his mind.
Elise Lane, beautiful with most exquisite eyes – vivid mixture of deep blue and bright green. Not ever had he seen such a girl but then again he lived in a small village. She was just like he had imagined her to be. Level headed. She had known running would make things complicated and awkward. The last thing they wanted! And the child. He took after him. Same coal black hair and eyes, pale skin. The child had looked at him with interest. Intelligent too if his responses were anything to go by. More than a look alike then, maybe. What is to be done?
Sighing, he closed his eyes; decision already made, subconsciously. And the lack of rings and the tan line cements it. Finally opening the journal he wrote down about his first weekend. Next day, they again set out but today Tom had eyes only for one person. Four hours later he saw her, he noticed she did bought the scarf for the child. Suddenly their eyes met and in that moment it was decided, they will meet.
After dinner he excused himself and made his way to the spot where they had seen each other this morning. Tom saw her standing with the child in her arms and picked up pace.
"Good evening!" said Tom finally reaching.
"Evening! I am lodging at Bed & Breakfast." Said Elise and started walking. Tom hurried along.
Not a word passed between them except Tom's blabber. Elise nodded at the owner and climbed up followed by Tom. Finally reaching the room she opened the door and they walked in. It was full moon so Elise only switched the fan and sat down at one end of the window seat, Tom in the lap. Tom taking it as invitation sat opposite to her, facing her. Both looking at each other in the eyes.
"Are you really ready to talk?" asked Elise.
"Yes. Better today than someday!" replied Tom.
"You don't have to get involved." Said Elise. The moment their eyes met in the museum she knew he was intelligent.
"I know and admit that I am still undecided on that matter." Said Tom.
"Yes I can imagine why." Said Elise.
"Thank you for the letter." Said Tom.
She nodded. She understood. He was not angry any more.
And they lapsed into silence.
"My parents don't know about anything." Said Tom breaking the silence. The child was watching him intensely again.
"I gathered as much." Said Elise.
"Is he one of them?" said Tom.
"Depends on how magical the mother was." Replied Elise.
He nodded. He understood. She needed facts.
"Not much, in fact I'd say she was barely any compared to what her father and brother did." Answered Tom.
"Magical families inbreed to have magical offspring's. And to keep the line pure, just like the blue bloods. The whole magical world is the product of inbreeding, so much that all families are related – closely or otherwise." Said Elise lapsing into silence.
Tom mentally gagged, the practice was not new but it was denounced for some time now. No wonder the Gaunts were unstable. Outward he had a blank face.
"I know. The magic prevents any physical defects from manifesting but mentally not quite. Many families are known for it." Said Elise.
Tom nodded. She wanted the name.
"The Gaunts." Said Tom.
Elise raised a brow. Tom returned the gesture.
"The Gaunts are the only surviving decedents of a famous wizard. The family is known for their inbreeding. No wonder they went insane and lost all the glory and wealth. Their ancestor is one of the monarch of sorts in the magical world with a very terrible reputation, of course." Said Elise.
Tom snorted. Why am I surprised?
"Indeed. But from what you have described I'll say she was a near squib, a squib being a magical born with no magic. She had enough to brew the love potion. I have yet to see Tom do any accidental magic – children do that when they are very emotional or in danger. If he turns out to be one then I'd say it would be because of you. Your gene unlocked the magical one and saved him from being born insane." Said Elise finally spilling the beans. She had deduced it when she had read the book.
"In essence he is me with magical gene." Said Tom finally understanding the reason behind her elaborate explanation.
Elise watched him silently, letting him fully grasp the meaning of it. Chances were he would consider being part of his child's life or he could simply sever ties at the possibility of Tom being magical.
"There is a magical society hiding along side ours, isn't it? And they have their own government." Said Tom finally.
"Yes. There are memory charms, which are used to wipe out a magical incident from a non-magical person's mind to maintain the statue of secrecy unless you are a parent or spouse to a magical person. It is commissioned by their government." Said Elise. He was quick; she'll give him that.
"Why didn't they do anything when I was fed the love potion? You did say it was illegal." Asked Tom.
"Crumbled government. And brewing love potion is not taught only how to recognise it." Replied Elise dryly.
"Huh." said Tom.
For the first time since the conversation had begun Elise smiled. Tom smiled too.
"Looks like Tom's asleep." Said Elise gently turning Tom to hold him properly, got up and put him on the bed with pillows on either side and kissed his forehead.
"How old is he?" asked Tom looking at the sleeping child. It was clear that the child meant very much to Elise. She was a great mother.
"He has just turned ten months." Replied Elise.
"Good night then! It will be my curfew any moment." Said Tom walking towards the door.
"Good night!" said Elise.
He successfully reached before curfew only to be interrogated by his friends. Tom answered that he had just went for a walk. Of course, they didn't believe him so he gave them a rational answer, which shut them up just fine.
Tom decided not to pen down the day's incident. Adolescents are a big security hazard. Thinking no further about the conversation he fell asleep.