Written for Assignment #7 on Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry forum: Careers Advice, Task 3 – Write about an abusive relationship. Word count: 370. Abuse has different faces…
Because I love you
She looked at the restrained man one more time and willed herself to go back to work. She had no time to waste; the Amortentia was almost ready and she desperately needed to finish the brewing. So far, she had used milder love potions, but they seemed to wear off too quickly. Or, perhaps… Tom really loved this Cecilia girl. No, he couldn't. He was supposed to love her, Merope.
She focused on crushing Moonstone pieces to a fine powder, humming softly under her nose. Satisfied with the results, she checked the recipe again and added it into the bubbling potion. All right, now stir. Seven times clockwise, one counter. Seven times clockwise… The cauldron's contents slowly changed the colour, and Merope smiled triumphantly at what undoubtedly was mother-of-pearl sheen. With a flick of her wand, she put out the fire.
She poured some of the potion into a small cup and turned to Tom. It was time wake him up. Simple Ennervate did the trick. But she stayed away from him for a moment later. He looked around, confused.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded. "Release me this instant!"
"Everything is all right, love," she assured. "You just need to drink it."
"You are demented!"
Merope shook her head slightly, and came closer to Tom, bringing the cup to his lips.
"Drink it," she repeated, this time with more force. Not able to move or do anything to release himself, he obliged after a moment. Seconds later, his face brightened up. She did it.
Merope's live started at the very moment when her brother and father were taken away – or so would she say if anybody cared to ask. She was not as useless as they deemed her to be, nor was she completely stupid. However, she knew quite well what – or rather who – she wanted. After just a few days of staying on her own, she went to the Riddle Manor and begged the elderly couple to take her in as a maid.
For the next couple of weeks, she worked hard under their scrutinizing looks, until, gradually, they stopped paying attention to her. And these weeks paid of… Tom Riddle was hers, only hers.