CW: Hospitals

Chapter Twelve: Making Amends

It had been a week since Merope had announced her willingness to visit St. Mungos. Tom had been surprised by her sudden decision, surprised that his words could inspire quite that much action on her part. He knew in his previous life he had been able to bend mostly everyone to his will, but he had not spoken to Merope with the intention to manipulate her at all. He merely wanted her to feel better.

He had insisted on visiting alone first, in order to make certain Marvolo was ready for the visit. He had also taken precautions, securing protection around Merope and requiring that he be present the entire interaction with Healers outside the door. Merope had readily agreed to these terms, while Marvolo had agreed begrudgingly. Part of the old man was simply lonely, but a larger part of him was curious as to why such a powerful wizard as Tom would want to protect Merope in the first place.

And so it was that morning Merope and Tom set off after breakfast to St. Mungos. They did not apparate directly there, instead choosing to apparate near there and take a scenic walk up to the building. Tom wanted to give Marvolo time to take his potions and fully wake up before going to visit. Tom was worried, which was a new experience for him. Not that he hadn't been worried before, but he'd never really been worried for another person before. Nagini hadn't counted as she was partially his horcrux at the time.

He did his best to hide his concern though, for Merope's sake. Which was also so foreign to him, he used to not care literally about anyone but himself. He tried to reason that it was indirectly for himself, but that didn't ring true. Ever since he had experienced remorse, Tom had been able to experience a sense of empathy that he had repressed in his previous life. But as they came up to the worn-down department store entrance, Tom's anxiety slightly showed on his face.

"I'll be alright." Merope spoke gently, smiling up at Tom. "I know you'll be there the whole time, so I'm not as afraid."

"Of course," Tom faked a sense of confidence. "It'll be fine - let's get out of this chill."

They walked into the building, which instantly transformed into the lobby of St. Mungos. They checked in with the witch at the front desk, who recognized Tom due to his constant visits and simply waved them in without any questions. Together they walked up the stairs and down the hallway where Marvolo's healers stood waiting for them.

"He's doing well today." The head Healer spoke first. "He actually seems...excited? He's doing his best to hide it, but he's been looking forward to this all week."

Tom felt Merope's shoulders relax slightly hearing the encouraging words from the Healer.

"Thank you, we really appreciate all the hard work you've been putting forth for him." Tom spoke for them both.

"Of course," The head Healer shrugged it off, although in truth he really appreciated Tom's consistent gratitude and open praise. He had never once critiqued or complained to any of the St. Mungos' staff, a refreshing change for everyone in the building. "There will be a healer outside the door at all times if needed, and they will contact me immediately if needed."

Merope nodded and thanked them all in her quiet manner. The head Healer walked away to make his rounds. And together, Tom and Merope walked into Marvolo's room.

The room looked simple, but tidy. Merope's eyes wandered over the furniture, which looked more comfortable than the initial hospital rooms for short-term guests. Over the weeks, Tom had brought in small hints of green in the form of blankets, slippers, and jumpers for Marvolo to wear to keep out the chill. The Healers required all patients to wear the same robes, but Tom knew Marvolo felt more dignified wearing these simple garments as well.

Merope's eyes finally settled on the rocking chair, where Marvolo sat staring back at her. He had taken a fondness to the rocking chair and staring out of the enchanted window. Maybe it was because of his age or because he was completely taken care of here, but Marvolo felt completely content to just sit and enjoy the scenery. The old man looked healthy, but also older. There was a softness where the previous hatred used to swallow up his character.

The two Gaunts simply looked at each other for a time, noting just how much they had changed since being separated. Merope looked hopeful seeing how much kinder and older Marvolo looked now, while Marvolo looked almost proud seeing how elegant and powerful Merope looked. She stood with a quiet confidence now that he had never seen before or thought her capable of possessing. He sat with a humility that made her feel much safer than she thought she ever could around her father.

"Merope." He finally grunted softly. "You look well."

"So do you, sir." She murmured quietly.

There was a silence as both wondered what to say next.

"I've been thinking -"

"I've been practicing -"

They spoke at the same time, Merope instantly silencing herself and blushing once she realized.

Marvolo paused, stammering because he had been thinking about how to word this for so long and really had no idea how.

"Merope, I've been thinking about my life a lot recently. About all of our lives." He again paused, swallowing his pride. "And I was very sick, Merope. Coming here, to St. Mungos, has helped me think with a much clearer mind than I have in many years."

Merope nodded, but he knew that it wasn't enough just to offer this excuse for his actions.

"I...I regret how I treated you, Merope. You are a descendent of Slytherin, my daughter. You deserved to be treated much better than you were."

Marvolo had said this last part looking at the ground - it was the closest to an apology he had ever given in his life. His own parents had drilled into him that apologies were only for weaker beings than their family, and he would always be fighting their voices in his head. But now, after seeing things more clearly, Marvolo was willing to fight. Not just for himself, but for his family.

When he was able to look up again, he saw Merope's eyes filled with tears.

"I forgive you, father." Her voice cracked with the emotion she felt, but it was strong and sincere. Marvolo quickly looked back down and wiped his own eyes. He may be fighting, but crying in front of people was a fight for another day.

"What did you want to say, before?" He changed the subject.

"Oh! I wanted to tell you that I've been practicing my magic. Tom, he's been tutoring me." Merope was practically glowing with pride as she demonstrated some of the charms and spells she had learned to her father.

She had always wanted to be an excellent witch for herself, but deep down she had also really desired the approval of her dad. His jaw dropped as Merope performed more and more complex magic around the room. Again not wanting to seem weak, but also wanting to improve their relationship, Marvolo quickly closed his mouth and said.

"Well done."

Merope and Marvolo continued talking, in their own way, for the next half hour. Mostly Merope spoke of the lessons she was being taught by Tom, not yet feeling safe enough to mention the muggle village. Little did she know that Tom had already had several discussions with Marvolo regarding muggles, especially the ones near the Gaunt house. Between Tom and the Healers, Marvolo's hatred and extremism had been cooled down into a neutral temperature.

As they said goodbye, Marvolo felt slightly anxious and in a moment of 'weakness' asked before they left.

"You will come back, won't you, Merope?"

Merope turned back to her father at the door, grinning from ear to ear. "Of course, father."

Tom could simply not believe how well that had gone. Neither could the Healer outside the door, who had expected Tom to march out of the room within the first ten minutes with Merope. They had worked incredibly hard with Marvolo to get past his mental and physical difficulties due to the inbreeding in his family, but this...this was a miracle.

Merope felt miraculous as well - all of that resentment, shame, and fear had left her body the moment she had said she forgave her father. And she had, with all her heart. It had only taken one look at Marvolo, not to mention that apology he had given, to know that the man before her was not the same person who had tormented her. If he could fight his demons, then so could she.

Notes:

I know the process of Marvolo's improvement is faster than it would be in the real world. I took some creative license here and decided that the Healers in St. Mungos could magically heal the hereditary issues, meaning that Marvolo could at least think clearly. He's still not perfect, but he cares about family more than anything, especially now that he can think beyond his obsessions.

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