A.N. — On the day Harry and Dumbledore venture to a certain seaside cave, it's time to highlight the matron of Wool's Orphanage that took those kids on that trip. Too bad she's not highlighted in this site's character list (but her charges are).
180. Mrs. Cole
Mrs. Cole knew all the horror stories the children had heard about orphanages, and endeavoured to make Wool's the opposite of those bad rumors.
Tom Riddle, though, was doing his best to shatter the fragile, halcyon atmosphere she'd built up.
The moment his mother died, Cole had feared for Riddle's future. Not because she thought herself incapable of raising Tom, but for the resentment he'd doubtless grow up with. That Riddle's mother, who'd very much wanted him, was cruelly denied to Tom, would surely rankle. Cole could only lend any necessary support, and hope her presence guided little Tom right.