CW: Orphanages, mentions of abuse/bullying, chosen names

Chapter 33: The Reopening of Wool's Orphanage

The next day was long and hard for Tom, but he was determined to finish the orphanage that day. Death helped him by taking the children off to help her create the nursery, but Tom was convinced that this elevator project was going to be the end of him. It simply refused to take shape under his hands the way he wanted it to, going so incredibly slowly even when it worked.

"I hate getting older." Tom hissed, taking a break after yet another failed test run.

"I've heard that complaint thousands of times," Death chuckled. "And yet it never gets less amusing to me."

Tom jumped about a foot in the air, surprised by Death's sudden appearance. If he hadn't been a good distance away from it, he would've fallen right down the elevator shaft.

"Bloody...hell…" Tom panted, trying to calm his heart down. "You scared me."

"Would you say I scared you to Death?" Death's eyes sparkled with mirth.

Tom narrowed his eyes at Death, distinctly unamused. He didn't have to laugh at Death's self-aggrandizing pun; however, as several ghostly children did it for him. They appeared around the corner and sliding down the empty elevator shaft, giggling and smiling everywhere.

"We finished the nursery!" One little girl said cheerfully, swaying back on her heels and smiling up at Tom. "It's got lots of room, just like you wanted."

Tom nodded, patting the girl on the head. "Well done, now why don't you tell Death all about what the playroom should look like?"

Death smirked at Tom, then ushered all the excited children back downstairs to craft the playroom, which would take up an extensive amount of space in the back of the building, leading out to the gardens for outside play. It wasn't that Tom didn't enjoy being around the children, but he was still so frustrated with his limited abilities and this uncooperative elevator that he really needed some space.

So, naturally, Billy popped up to watch him struggle. He leaned casually on the opposite wall, glancing at Tom as he attempted yet again to make the elevator functionable. After yet another failed attempt, Billy spoke.

"Are you sure you don't want to look at some instructions?" He smirked. "Us 'muggles' do know a thing or two about these things."

"I think I can manage an elevator - it's just an overlarge pulley-system." Tom gritted out, frustrated with himself and trying to catch his breath again.

"Whatever you say, Tom."

Three more failed attempts later, and Tom was practically growling. "Right, fine! Where's the book?"

Billy laughed, pointing to a large book on the subject that was conveniently left out. "You're still so bloody proud, Tom."

Tom muttered under his breath, opening up the book and skimming the table of contents.

"What was that?" Billy asked, taking a seat next to Tom.

"I said," Tom took a deep breath. "At least I wasn't a bully."

Billy's eyes narrowed. "No, you were a psychopath who killed animals and people."

Tom couldn't argue with that, so instead he said.

"Maybe we should both take this opportunity to change then."

Billy blinked, thrown off by the change in Tom's attitude. He stared for a few moments into Tom's eyes, searching for something in them. Eventually, he murmured softly.

"You really have changed, haven't you?"

Tom looked back at Billy, nodding sincerely. "Yes, or at least, I'm trying my best to change."

Billy laughed, clapping Tom on the shoulder. "Well, let's see if we can't make a magic elevator work."

They shared the book, learning how to pull off the physics and mechanics of the elevator. Tom wrote down various spell ideas to try out on it, waiting to ask Death which one she thought would be most appropriate. Despite their complicated relationship, Billy and Tom actually worked really well together. Where Tom was perfect control, Billy was spontaneous ingenuity - where Tom was weary of listening to others, Billy welcomed information from all angles.

By the time Death came back, the two of them had come up with a rather comprehensive plan. She only made a few notes, switching out one spell for another and suggesting a different material, but then nodded her approval.

And, after a whole day of struggling, Tom was finally able to erect the elevator. Wool's Orphanage...was complete.

They all stood together in silence for a moment, the impact of what they had all accomplished still processing. And then the children all burst into applause, whooping and dancing around with pure joy. Even Death clapped demurely, a sparkle in her eyes. Tom's eyes filled with tears as he looked at them all - this was one of the proudest moments of his life, and it wouldn't have happened without them all.

"Thank you." He said to the crowd. "Thank you for believing in me after all of my mistakes. Thank you for helping me create this place. Your lives will be safe now, I promise."

The children whooped, some crying and some laughing. Billy threw an arm around Tom, hugging him sideways and grinning.

"Now all we need is a new name." Billy said. "Wool's is an awful name."

"A new name?" Tom asked, looking confused.

"New name!" The children chanted excitedly, dancing with joy.

"Alright…" Tom pondered. "Well, I'll let you lot decide on a name then."

The children's eyes gleamed and then quickly formed a huddle to discuss. They knew Tom would never ask for it, but they wanted to name the place he'd made after him somehow. The only problem was that Tom hated all the various names he owned - Tom, Riddle, Voldemort - all had terrible memories. And Evermore was just Death's name whenever she bothered with the mortal world, so it wouldn't do either. Finally, they decided on a name they hoped Tom could be proud of.

It was the little girl who announced their decision.

"We've decided…" She looked up at Tom hopefully. "To name it after the wizard who has moved mountains on our behalf and will be remembered as long as this building stands. 'Everest Orphanage: School and Home for All'."

Everest… Tom blinked, tears falling down without him realizing it. Hearing himself called by that name… it just felt...right. It felt like coming home after spending his whole life stumbling in the dark. Like the first breath after almost drowning.

Tom sank to his knees, welcoming the embrace of several children. They didn't need him to explain how he was feeling - they'd known him long enough to understand without being told. So they just held him, their joy and acceptance permeating the whole space with warmth. Even Death felt a little emotional as she watched the scene. It was in moments like these that she truly appreciated her purpose in this world.

The sun set outside, and Tom had to go home to eat supper with Marvolo. He hugged them all in turn one more time, then walked with Death to the outside of the orphanage.

"I'll need to begin vetting teachers and caretakers tomorrow." He said conversationally, trying to be businesslike.

"I've already got a list of them for you, all with excellent references." Death smirked, handing him a rather long list. "If they met with your approval, we could be reopening this place in two days."

Tom blew out a gust of air, surprised by just how quickly this had all happened. He turned to look at the building, unrecognizable from his childhood nightmare.

"Thank you," He murmured. "For allowing me to make something so beautiful."

"Not at all," Death waved him off. "I've been wanting to get involved with an orphanage for centuries."

Tom gave a shaky laugh. "Alright, well, thank you anyway. I'll see you in two days."

He apparated away, leaving Death standing there in the snow. With a lazy waved of her hand, she erected the new sign post, smiling to herself.

A few days later, Everest's Orphanage was a fully functioning building with a carefully selected staff. The children were in shock the first week, surrounded by warmth, comfort, and kindness they had never before experienced. The school served to educate orphans, magical children pre-Hogwarts, and even had some night classes for the adults of London. And the hospital wound up saving the lives of thousands of children, both orphans and the children of poor families. It stood tall in London - a beacon of hope and promise.

Notes:

I'm sorry for not updating - I've been kinda stuck when it comes to this story and because we're coming towards the end now I get sad when I try to write it. But anyway, I hope you like this chapter.

Happy Reading!