"Come out and show me Tom!" Zia called through the door of the fitting room. Zia was taking Tom shopping for some new clothes, and Tom had insisted that she sit outside of the fitting room door while he tried on the clothes. She wasn't quite sure why he was so adamant about it, since he was only four years old, but there were a lot of things that Tom did that other children didn't. Birthdays and holidays had come and gone, and as she sat waiting for him to emerge she realized that she had been taking care of him for three years. During those years, she had continued working as a secretary for Papa Charlie's office and took Tom to various places when they had a little extra money so that he could learn more about the world. Occasionally they made small trips to Diagon Alley, because she felt that it was important for both of them to learn about the magical world. Yet Tom was learning at a much faster pace than the average child, and she felt that it was time for him to attend a muggle primary school.

"How is this?" Tom's voice interrupted her thoughts and she examined his clothes.

"It looks nice, you did a good job putting it all on," she informed him. He smiled for a moment, then his face darkened and she received a suspicious look.

"Why are you getting me new clothes?"

"Because you need them," she replied. His eyes narrowed.

"Tell the whole truth, Auntie." She sighed. He always knew when she wasn't telling him everything.

"I've enrolled you in the primary school close to where we live. I want you to learn how to do some of the basic things they teach there," Zia explained. Tom's lower lip poked out in a pout.

"But I don't want to learn those things. I'd rather stay home with you."

"Tom, you know that I went to muggle schools when I was little don't you?" she asked him.

"I never thought of that," he said. She could tell that he was rearranging priorities in his mind now. Sometimes she found it strange how easily they could read each other, but she guessed that it was because of how often they were around each other. "When does it start?"

She bit her lip apprehensively. "Tomorrow." His eyes flashed.

"Tomorrow?! You didn't even warn me. Auntie, that's too soon. I refuse. I refuse to go," he said stubbornly. She sighed.

"Tom, you know that we don't have a lot of money. I want to start saving now for when you need to go to school to study magic, and to do that I have to keep working. I can't teach you everything that I'd like you to know by then with how much I work, there isn't enough time in the day for me to do all that. I know that you're ready to go to school, I know that you're a quick learner." She told him. He shook his head.

"No. You didn't tell me until now, that's inconsiderate." Zia patted the spot next to her, indicating that Tom should sit there. He slowly walked over and climbed onto the seat.

"Tom, I know it is short notice, and I apologize for not telling you earlier. I wasn't actually sure when it started, and I only barely enrolled you a couple days ago. But what I said is true. I would not have done this if I didn't think you were ready. I want you to learn what you can while I'm working during the days, and I will come and get you when school is done. We don't have a lot of money and I cannot afford to stay home and give you the education you deserve to keep up with your level of intelligence. I'm only one person." Tom stared at the wall, completely still and silent. He was processing her words, and she could tell he was still upset. After what seemed like an eternity, he touched her hand.

"You'll come get me every single day? And take me in the mornings?"

"Of course," she replied.

"And in the evenings we will read and practice our magic?"

"Definitely."

"And you'll still take me places on Sundays when we can? Holidays too?" She laughed.

"Of course, Tom! Just because you're at school learning doesn't mean we're not going to see each other every day."

"Okay. I will go, and I will make you proud of me, I promise." He told her resolutely. Zia smiled.

"Now let's finish getting you those clothes!"

Tom stood at the door and watched his aunt leave, then reluctantly turned into the classroom. He Aunt Zia had been greeted by an older woman, who had introduced herself as his teacher, Mrs. Parker. Looking around, he took note of the other children already in the room. Then Mrs. Parker directed him to his seat, which was identified by a folded piece of paper with his name written on it neatly. Auntie Zia had gotten him new clothes and school supplies the day before, and although he had promised her he would go and do well, he still didn't like it. A girl sat next to him.

"I'm May!" she said excitedly.

"Tom," he replied simply.

"Nice to meet you, is it your first day?"

"Yes."

"You look younger than me. I'm six. How old are you?" she asked him. He was slightly annoyed with her questions, but answered anyways.

"Four." After a few more questions, May finally went quiet because Mrs. Parker began class, for which Tom was grateful since her questions annoyed him. He sat there quietly and calmly even though the rest of the children were fidgeting. He listened intently when the teacher spoke. He did his work when it was given to him. Then it was time to play.

Tom walked to the building blocks, and began construction of the castle he had seen in the books his Auntie bought from Diagon Alley. Two other boys moved next to him, and blocked his way.

"You don't have a dad, do you?" one of them asked. Tom frowned, said nothing, and tried to move around the boys to his block castle.

"You don't even have a proper mum, we saw. You're raised by your aunt. What happened, too ugly for your real parents? Bet they took a look at you and dropped you as soon as they could," the other boy said. Tom felt his face grow hot, and glared at the boys now.

"Get out of my way." The boys laughed.

"You're younger, and you're smaller. I'd like to see you try to make me," the boy said.

"I'll repeat myself once. Get out of my way," Tom said softly. His voice was icy, and his hands were balled into fists. The boy who had spoken last cracked his knuckles.

"And your aunt? Ugliest creature I've ever seen. I'm not even sure it's female. It does resemble you, though," he continued. Tom saw red.

"Don't. Insult. My. Auntie."

The phone rang at the office, and Zia picked it up, bringing it to her ear.

"This is Mr. Tanner, principle of South London Primary School, may I speak to Zia Gaunt?" came a voice over the phone.

"This is she," Zia replied, wondering if she had messed up some of the enrollment forms.

"Your nephew is Tom Riddle, isn't he?"

"Yes, he is. May I ask why you are calling?"

"There's been some trouble at school."