Heirs of the Founders 20

Tom's Unbreakable Vow

Tom's four-year sentence in Azkaban was ending. As the ministry visited him over the years, they saw that he was not the same boy when they placed him into Azkaban. He was humble, yet eager to leave and start a new life. He stated repeatedly he did not want to end up as his uncle. Serena monitored his father for him, but Tom did not send another letter to Mr. Riddle. He had nothing important to say. He wanted to wait until he was out of Azkaban and free before writing to his father once again. Serena tried to get a hold of Raye but she was on the otherwise of the world focusing on her curse breaker career. Serena was able to speak to Amy about Tom's upcoming release. Amy was hesitant about walking into Azkaban, and she was tied up working at the hospital. She did offer to be Tom's healer as he recovered.

"Four years in that place had to do a lot on his body and mind," said Amy as she ate lunch with Serena in the cafeteria of St. Mungos. "He will need more than just chocolate."

"I understand you don't want to come with us to Azkaban," Serena said, "it's enough that you are willing to help him get back on track. After all, we are the ones that helped but him in Azkaban. Have you heard from Raye?"

Amy shook her head. "Not since we left Hogwarts."

"She should be here," said Serena.

"Serena, she feels like she has already done her part," Amy pointed out. "She found justice for what he did. He killed her best friend. I guess she isn't really over it yet."

"He's one of us, Amy," Serena muttered. "A founder's heir. We can't turn our back on him."

"You said that Tom is better now," said Amy. "He won't go back to his old ways. I think it would be a bad idea to involve eRaye in this. Besides, she is so busy, traveling the world."

Serena heaved a sigh. "Yes, she probably forgot about everything."

Amy ate some of her sandwich while Serena ate her soup. "Ugh…why does my soup taste so old?"

"I don't know," said Amy. "I don't ever eat it."

Serena ate what she could of her soup as she conversed with Amy about their careers and lives. Serena left to get ready for her next Kwikspell lesson. It was difficult for her to teach with her mind so much on Tom. She knew she wanted him to be free and out of the cold, dark prison of Azkaban, but was Tom truly ready to be set free? She hated to think he would turn to his old ways, or he would forget how to function after being in prison for so long.

--

Serena went with Ogden and other ministry officials to Azkaban for Tom's release. Tom greeted them kindly as they entered his cell. Morfin looked at the lot with a hunger in his eyes. He muttered some words in Parseltongue, but Tom ignored him. A stack of papers sat next Tom.

"What is that there, Tom?" asked Ogden. "A book?"
"Yes sir," Tom smiled. "I've been writing about my time here. It's not finished yet."

When the officials looked curious, Serena smiled. "I've given him parchment when I came here. I didn't know he was using it for a book."

"I was going to wait until I tried publishing it," said Tom, gathering the parchment. "Some of these are the letters Serena wrote me."

Tom stood to his feet and followed the Ogden and the others out of the cell. He started walking away and Morfin called after Tom in Parseltongue.

"Wait, halfblood!" he shouted. "Wait! I have something to tell you."

"Silence, Gaunt!" exclaimed Ogden.

"No, it's alright," said Tom, turning around. "He's just asking for me to wait."

Serena looked at Tom nervously and he gave her a weak smile. Tom stopped at his uncle's cell. "What is it?"

"I don't think I will get out of here alive," said Morfin. "So I want you to carry out my father's will."

"I'm not going to start attacking Muggles," Tom said coolly.

"You're the last remaining descendent of Slytherin," said Morfin, pulling off a silver stone with an ugly black ring on it. "halfblood or not, you're the one that has to bring honor to our name."

"Uncle Morfin," said Tom. "Your sentence ends in six months, less if I can manage it. There is a department in St. Mungos for—for people like you Uncle and you can go back home. I'll have it all fixed up for you for when you get back."

"Iff I get back," said Morfin. "I'm sick, boy."

"You're not going to die, Uncle Morfin," Tom insisted. "Not here."

Morfin held out the ring and offered it to Tom. "Take it. Slytherin's blood still runs in your veins, after all."

Tom shook his head. "Give it to me later. I'll see you in six months."

Tom walked back to the group, Morfin still ranting on.

"Don't go, Halfblood! Come back here! It's up to you to l ive up to Slytherin's name! I am dying!"

"What was that about?" Serena asked Tom.

"Just wanted to say goodbye," Tom shrugged. They exited the fortress into the warm rays of the summer morning. Tom stopped and looked up. It was the first time he felt the sun in his face in four years. It felt good.

"Ready?" Ogden inquired.

"Yes," he said. "I have one last request though."

"What is it?" Ogden asked him.

"I want to make an Unbreakable Vow," said Tom. "With myself."

"Tom," said Mr. Potter. "You don't--,"

"No," Tom said firmly. "I've got to do this, before I leave." He pushed his papers into Mr. Potter's hand. His mind was made up.

"Very well," said mr. Potter. "Who would you like to be your bonder?"

Tom looked the group over and his eyes fell on Serena. "Serena, would you do it?"

"What?" Serena asked in surprise.

"Please," he said, "It's because of you I made it out of here in one piece. Only appropriate if you be my bonder."

"What do I do exactly?" Serena said.

"Just come close to me and hold your wand out," he said. "I'll do the rest."

Tom knelt down and grasped his hands as if he was praying. Serena squatted next to him, her wand pointed at his interlocked fingers.

"I vow never to kill again," he said. A thin ribbon of fire issued out of Serena's wand and circled around Toms hands.

"I vow to never become Lord Voldemort."

A second firey ribben joined the first. Serena can tell by the the fire reflecting off his eyes that he was serious about keeping his promise and he was truly sorry for the pain he has caused.

--

Amy looked over Tom and was impressed and astounded at the state of him. Through her research and experience of other prisoners of Azkaban, she learned that such people suffered ill effects of the mind and body. In addition to going completely insane, the body begins to shut down. Though Tom was obviously not at his best, he was not at his worst either. Tom was malnurished and his lungs were iritated from the bad air he was breathing in for years. After Tom got some decent food into him, gained ten to twenty pounds and let his lungs breathe in fresh air, Tom would have a speedy recovery.

"You're very lucky Tom," said Amy after a routine examination. "It's been three days since you've been admitted and you're recovering nicely."

Tom smiled. "Thank you."

"I was surprised to see you at first," said Amy. "You didn't look the same."

"I know," said Tom, brushing his hair back. "I need a haircut. First thing on my list when I get out of here. By the way, when can I leave?"

"I will have to speak with Healer Jones first," said Amy. "She has to make the decision."

Tom nodded. "I'm just anxious to get home."

"Home?" asked Amy. "The orphanage?"

Tom shook his head. "That was never a home to me. I mean the home where my mother grew up."

"But that place is nearly dilapidated," Amy frowned. "I can't see how anyone could live there."

"My mother, uncle and grandfather lived there for years," said Tom. "I plan to fix it up for when my uncle returns home."

"That is very nice," said Amy and she conjured a tray of food. "Well, eat. You need your energy."

Amy walked out of the room and left Tom alone. While Tom ate his meal, he worked on his book. He hadn't come up with a title yet. He wrote mainly his thoughts and feelings of his time in Azkaban. It was more of a journal than anything else. He wondered if it was worth trying to publish. He knew that previous prisoners wrote of their experience in Azkaban. Why would his be any different? He didnt' care. Tom had such emotion built inside him and because he had no wand to allow him to charm and hex, he used a quill. As he wrote, he learned that the quill could be as mighty as the wand.

Serena visited Tom every day and helped feed him his meals on occasion. He didn't seem to mind. It kept his hands free so he could scribble notes down into his notebook.

"I'm anxiosu to read your book," she said, glancing down to his hand.

"You'll have to wait until it's finished," he said. "And if I still decide on publishing it."

"You don't think you'll be successful?" Serena sked as she put the spoon back into the soupbowl.

"Well, yes and no," said Tom. "How many books are there about azkaban prisoners? Who would be willing to publish it? And who'd want to read it? Not just that...I don't think I'm willing to let total strangers know everything that went through my head when I was in there. I'm also concerned what will happen if it does get published and becomes a best seller. I might get so wealthy that it goes to my head. I might turn out like...my father."

Tom groaned and turned to his side. Serena set the soupbowl aside and started to smooth his hair. "Tom, you just got released from Azkaban. Don't worry about publishing your book. It is pretty personal. But I''m glad you're trying to get your emotions out in a healthy way. I'd say just try to finish your book and if you deicde to publish it after all, then you can. Don't try to do so many things at once. Do it one at a time."

Tom sighed. "All right. I just...want to feel like I've still got something in me that's brilliant. I want to use what's left of my talents in some way."

"Oh, you will," Serena promised him. "You will. As I tell my students, you can't expect to become a skilled witch or wizard over night. It will take lots of time and hardwork."

The door opened. Serena turned and Tom sat up. Amy entered the room with Healer Jones, a middle aged wizard with brown hair. Behind the healers was Professor Dumbledore.

"Professor Dumbleodre?" Tom mumbled in surprise.

"It is good to see you again, Tom," said Professor Dumbledore with a smile and a small bow. "How are you feeling."

"I'm well, thank you," said Tom. "And you, sir?"

"Blooming," he said.

"Tom, we have good news for you," said Healer Jones. "You have fully recovered and will be leaving tomorrow."

"Brilliant!" Tom exlaimed and serena beamed at him.

"Yes, I've found you a job," said Dumbledore, "at the Hogs Head in Hogsmeade."

Tom raised an eyebrow. "Hogsmeade? But I was going to go to the village where my mother lived."

"I know," said Dumbledore, "I understrand you wish to repair the home and this job will provide the funds for your project. My brother owns the Hogs Head and it so happens he needs a hand running the pub."

"Oh, of course," said Tom. "Thank you, sir."

Tom knew he was a penniless orphan and it would take time and money to repair his home. Tom planned on doing that himself. He knew the reason why Dumbledore was giving him the job was so that Dumbledore would keep an eye on him. Nevertheless, Tom decided to take him up on his offer. Hogsmeade was close to Hogwarts and Hogwarts was always his favorite place in the world. Perhaps this was also Dumbledore's way of reconecting Tom to Hogwarts. For that, Tom was thankful. He would see the students come into Hogsmeade. He could help them with homework. Though Tom did not graduate Hogwarts, he knew plenty. He knew the styles of all the teachers.

After they discussed his recovery and dismissal, Dumbledore left and the two healers remained in the room with Serena.

"A job in Hogsmeade," said Serena, "can y ou believe it, Tom? But why the Hogs Head? I never once saw a student go in there."

"Because Dumbledore's brother owns the place," said Tom. "he wants tokeep an eye on me."

"Just to help you recover," said Healer Jones. "You might have complications after you leave."

"What sort of complications?" Tom demanded.

"Nightmares, fatigue, anxiety," Healer Jones explained. "Now, I have more tests to run—serena i f yu could excuse us?"

"Yes," said Serena, standing up. "I think I'll and get Tom some new clothes."

"Good idea," said Amy.

"I'll see you soon," Serena whispered to Tom and she exited the room.

--

Serena came with Tom to the Hogshead to help him get settled. Aberforth looked a mighty lot like Albus Dumbledore but he didn't act like him. Aberforth was quiet and a bit grumpy. His eyes did not twinkle and like Dumbledore's and his mouth was usualy in a scowl when Albus' mouth was in a smile.

"That bloke is Professor Dumbledore's brother?" Tom groaned to Serena once they got to Tom's room.

"Hard to believe, isn't it?" Serena said with a shrug. She placed hsis uitcase on the bed and opened his dresser drawers with a flick of her wand.l She spotted a few termites in the drawers and gasped.

"Oh dear!" she cried, taking out her wand. "WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!" she levitated the termites out of the drawers, opened the window and tossed them out. "And stay out!"

Serena unfortunatly found more unwanted guests in Tom's room. It took a while for her to get them out and make his room looking homey.

"I don't think Aberforth would want me to put any thing on the walls," said Tom as Serena placed a few pictures on the wall.

"Don't worry," she said, "I'm just using a non-permanent sticking charm. You'll be able to take them right off. There…now this place looks more livable!"

The pests were gone from his room. Every piece of furniture was dusted and the bed was crisp and clean. There were pictures of landscapes and castles about the room. Serena was not sure what pictures he'd want so she went with buildings and landscapes. Serena looked at the room for a few seconds and turned to Tom.

"Want to grab something to eat?" she inquired.

Tom shook his head. "I'm supposed to speak with Aberforth about my work. I think he wants me to start right away, actually."

Serena frowned. "Oh, right...well, some other time. I do have tests to grade. I hand them back in class tonight."

"What is the test on?" Tom questioned.

"Charms, mostly," Serena said. "Little charms, like heating and freezing charms…"

"Second year stuff," said Tom.

"Yes," said Serena. "They can't learn complex spells. Just things that make it easy for them at home."

"Well if you need any help," he said, "send me an owl."

"I will," said Serena, embracing him. "I'm so glad you're out of Azkaban."

"Me too, Serena," said Tom. "Me too."

--

Aberforth put Tom to work right after Serena left. It was simple, menial work. Hardly no one came in during the day and those that did come were middle age wizards and witches. Tom bussed the tables and wiped the counters and cleaned the dishes. He watched the wizards play card games while he worked. He did not get drinks for the customers, as it was Aberforth's job. It was just as well since Tom did not know his drinks. He could not remember the last time he tgasted buterbeer. Tom had no interest in the customers, for they were mainly old men.

Tom learned that there was not much people on staff. It was just the landlord, Aberforth; Tom as the busboy and Mary, the maid in housekeeping. Tom felt sorry for Mary sometimes, as the rooms were in poor shape. She appolgozied to Tom abougt the state of his room many times, insisting that she had already cleaned it. Mary was an old widow and she took the job at The Hogs Head because she felt too alone at her home. It reminded her too much of her dead husband.

When he had free time, he woujld work on his book. He somehow felt like he was still in prison. He did not have many choices. The Hogs Head was grimy but it was a step up from Azkaban and he had more space to move around than Azkaban and the hospital. A new term had just started at Hogwarts. Sometimes Professor Dumbledore, now Headmaster of Hogwarts, would come down to the pub to visit.

"Isn't there a hogsmeade weekend soon, Professor?" Tom asked as he polished a mug.

"Yes, in two weeks," said Dumbledore. "You ought to make these place more friendly for the young, Aberforth, if you want more buisness."

Aberforth frowned and went to get more ale for Dumbledore.

"Professor," said Tom. "I still have some books from my Hogwarts days. Serena kept them safe for me—I could start a tutoring group for students that are having difficulty."

Aberforth looked at Tom in surprise and Dumbledore smiled. "I think that is a good idea, Tom. I'll mention that in breakfast tomorrow."

"You be sure it doesn't interfere with the work you're paid to do," Aberforth warned.

"Yes sir," said Tom.

Tom wrote up a tutoring announcement and asked Professor Dumbledore to duplicate it and have it posted on the bulletin boards at Hogwarts.

Tom knew he could handle tutoring students while working at the Hogs Head. Business was slow during the day. Those few that came during the day were men with no jobs, or worked night shifts. Tom cleaned the last mug so it was sparkling and then washed his rag. He noticed that Aberforth used dirty rags to polish the glasses. With the way Aberforth ran thing is n the Hogs Head, Tom was surprised that it did not run out of business. Tom re-read all his books to refresh his mind about all he learned. He also checked out books to learn things he did not know before. He knew he was a smart and talented wizard, there were two years of Hogwarts that he missed out on. It pained him to the very core that he did not finish Hogwarts. He felt feelings of regret every day for opening the chamber of secrets. He knew he should've realized then that the action would end his education there. Tom just believed it wouldn't happen to him. Yet even heirs of founders were not exempt from the rules of Hogwarts.

It was the night before the first Hogsmead weekend. While Aberforth was in his office counting the money made from the day, Tom was in the dining room cleaning the tables and putting the chairs on top. Though most pubs were open all night, Aberforth closed his pub at 1 in the morning. The door opened, and the pig's head on the door squealed as the door came shut. Tom's back was to the late customer.

"Sorry, we're closed," said Tom. "We'll be open again at eleven."

"Oh surely you can make one exception, Tom m'boy," said a familiar voice.

Tom stopped wiping the table and froze. He swallowed and somehow managed to turn around. There before him was his old head of house, Horace Slughorn. Over the years, Slughorn's ginger mustache and straw-colored hair grayed some. Slughorn looked more paunchy but his eyes were the same as ever. He was wering a fine waistcoat.

"Professor Slughorn?" Tom sputtered.

"Yes, good to see you again," said Professor Slughorn. "I'm sorry to come so late, but I won't be long. I wanted to be sure I saw you in private."

"Well, that wouldn't be too difficult," said Tom. "We're pretty slow during the day. Let me get you a drink then."

Slughorn followed Tom to the bar.

"What can I get you, Professor?" Tom asked, grabbing an empty glass and looking at the different drinks at the bar. "Firewhisky? Butterbeer? Gillywater? Hmmm...I'm not sure what this is."

"A butterbeer will be fine," said Professor Slughorn. Tom pulled on the tap and the rich smelling liquid came forth. Tom set down the foamy brew in front of Slughorn.

"Serena was here earlier today," said Tom. "She offered to sell a keg of pineapple ale to Aberforth but he wouldn't budge. Serena thought it would help his sales with the Hogwarts kids."

"Oh, what a shame!" said Professor Slughorn.

"It was a decent asking price too," sighed Tom. "But he insisted it was too much. I guess the funds are low now that he's hired me."

"Ah, I see," nodded Slughorrn. "Well, I hope things get better. So, Dumbledore's told me you offering a tutoring program?"

"That's right," said Tom. "I thought it would boost sales here, and help shape young minds."

Slughorn smiled. "Excellent idea, Tom. I knew you would go far. Look at you...even though after all that's happened, you managed to persevere."

"Thank you, Professor," said Tom. "I learned my lesson."

"Good," said Slughorn. "I've suggested some of my students to come here. They are in need of a little extra help. How much do you plan to charge, by the way?"

"Few sickles a visit," Tom answered with a shrug. "I can only see the students here though, for Hogsmead weekends. I'll just explain my services with the students get here."

"Tom, the pub is closed!" exclaimed Aberforth as he walked out of his office. Slughorn looked at him and waved.

"Evening, Aberforth," he said. "Or, rather, morning, isn't it? Well, I must say I'm sorry you couldn't buy Horace's Delight—the pineapple ale—it is surely a winner."

Slughorn dropped a few sickles down, more that was needed to pay for his drink. He thanked Tom and was on his way. Tom handed the money to Aberforth and went to lock the door. After he was done cleaning, he went up to bed. Somehow, he felt that the next day looked promising.

TO BE CONTINUED