Heirs of the Founders
Chapter 21
Tom's Transformation
Tom enjoyed tutoring the students and the students enjoyed it as well. Tom felt as if he was back at Hogwarts. Tom fined an honest, cheap fee for two sickles per client. However, there were several students that remembered him as the boy that was expelled for opening the Chamber of Secrets and killing Mytle Mason. They weren't really interested in being tutored. They wanted to give him a hard time about the past. Three Gryffindor boys and a Hufflepuff girl--all seventh years--approached his table while he was helping a group of third year Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and one Gryffindor with their homework. One of the Gryffindor boys was black with dreadlocks.
"Remember me, Riddle?" he demanded.
Tom looked up. It took a few seconds for him to recognize the boy. "Terrence Jordan."
"Wow, you do remember my name!" he said with mock surprise. "Now, can you remember what you did to me my third year?"
Riddle looked down. "That was four years ago, Terrence and I'm sorry."
"You tried to have me killed!" Terrence slammed his hands on the table.
"Not to mention my brother!" added the Hufflepuff girl.
"I'm sorry—you are?" Tom inquired.
"Kelly Hanson," she muttered. "Phil's my brother. You trapped him in the Quidditch closet with Jocelyn Banks."
"No," said Tom, "that was Olive Hornby."
"Oh, that's right," said the Gryffindor boy next to Terrence. "Olive Hornby was your accomplice. She got the muggleborns alone and you come in for the kill! They should've left you in Azkaban!"
The third years at Tom's table looked around, feeling embarrassed and scared. Noticing this, Terrence looked down at them.
"You should be scared," said Tom, "I was just as old as you when your tutor here put me in the Hospital Wing for a whole year!"
"Why are you bothering tutoring anyway?" asked the third Gryffindor boy. "You didn't even finish Hogwarts."
Tom looked up at the four seventh years. "Let me ask you a question you all should know—What is a Protean charm?"
They all looked back at him with blank faces. Tom smiled. "A protean charm makes items change form—not exactly transfiguration—it gives things a sort of disguise. The wand movement is complicated, you have to tap the thing you want to change several times. The incantation is Converto. It is N.E.W.T standard. I suggest you learn it if you want to pass your N.E.."
"Why you--," began Terrence Jordan. Before he or his friends could do anything, he was grabbed from behind.
"Stop it," said a deep voice. "Tom has already done his time. He isn't' doing anything wrong and he's right—it was a long time ago."
Tom recognized the voice and the face. It was Rubies Hagrid. Rubeus grew at least two feet taller over the years.
"Rubeus, have you gone nutters?" asked Terrence. "He framed you!"
"'Course he did," said Rubeus. "I almost got expelled too, but it all worked out in the end. Besides, we've all made mistakes. I smuggled in an acromantula's egg and fed it scraps. I still go into the Forbidden Forest looking for beasts to tame. You set off dung bombs in the hallways every Halloween, right?"
"Well, yeah," said Terrence.
"Now leave 'im alone so he can do his job," Rubeus released Terrence.
"Thank you, Rubeus," said Tom.
Rubeus nodded, walked to the bar and ordered a drink. Terrence sighed and shook his head.
"Come on," he said to his friends. "Let's go."
Reluctantly, Terrence and his friends left the pub. Tom looked to his clients. "I'm sorry about that."
"Is it true?" asked Jenny, one of the Hufflepuffs. Jenny had dark brown hair that fell to her shoulders and deep brown eyes. "Did you really...attack those people?"
"Yes," Tom replied. "And I really, really am sorry."
Jenny frowned. "I"m sorry, Tom...I don't want to continue." She looked frightened.
"I understand," said Tom. "None of you have to stay."
Jenny looked at the rest of the group. "Are you coming?"a
"I still don't understand how to use the Riddikulus charm," said one of her classmates with a shrug.
Jenny got up and left the group. When she was gone, one of the boys leaned toward Tom. He was the only Gryffindor in the group.
"So...what was it like?" he asked.
"Was what like?" Tom inquired.
"The Chamber of Secrets!" the kid asked excitedly. "I bet you found all kinds of cool stuff in there! Was there any treasure?"
"No," said Tom, shaking his head. "I only found the basilisk."
The Gryffindor boy face faulted. "Are you serious? You found no treasure, or tunnels that lead you to other countries?"
"I'm serious."
"Not even an underground library?" questioned a Ravenclaw girl named Heather.
Tom laughed. "Not even that. It was just a giant pit, probably right under the lake. Sometimes there was water dripping off the ceiling. There were many pipes too, that led to the school. The only 'cool' thing was the chamber itself. There were sculptures of snake heads along the hallway and there was a giant statue of Salazar Slytherin. That's where the snake was hiding in."
"And that's it?"
"That was it," said Tom. "To be honest with you, I was kind of disappointed myself. The legend of the Chamber of Secrets already says there's a monster inside there. Wasn't much of a secret, was it?"
The students laughed.
"More like, Slytherin's Pet Chamber," said the Gryffindor boy.
"You're right," said Tom. "That's a lot like it was. I was also hoping to find more down there. An underground library would've been nice." He leaned toward Heather.
"What was Azkaban like?" asked the Gryffindor boy, Joseph.
Heather nudged him. "Joseph!" she hissed.
"What?" Joseph asked. "I just want to know if really is the way Professor Roberts is. He's never really been in..."
"It's all right," said Tom. "As you probably already know, Azkaban is out in the middle of the ocean."
The students nodded.
"And the guards are dementors. There are thousands of them flying outside the castle and gliding down the halls. But it always seems like they're inside your mind, draining every last happy thought and memory from you. All you can think about are your worst memories. People went crazy. I remember hearing men screaming and banging their heads on their walls."
"What about you?" asked Joseph. "did you...?"
"Did I lose my mind?" Tom asked. "Well, I think I was close to it. I had a habit of pacing my room and drawing in the floor. My cell was dirty...I don't think it's ever been cleaned....so I just drew and wrote in the dirt. I tried to write out potion formulas that I could still remember, and I would draw a snake in the dirt and talk to it so I'd have someone to talk to."
The Hufflepuff's eyes bulged. Joseph grinned.
"That's amazing!" he said. "I mean...you didn't go as far gone as the others. You tried to keep yourself busy."
"Yeah," pointed out Issac from Ravenclaw. "Keeping your mind busy in moments like that keep you from going insane...or so I've read."
Tom smiled. "You're probably right. But there was a main reason that kept me sane."
"What?" Joseph asked.
"Letters and visits from a friend of mine," said Tom. "Serena Moon."
"Hey, isn't that Sammy Moon's sister?" inquired Joseph.
"Yeah, she is," said Michelle from Hufflepuff. "She's my uncle's Kwikspell teacher. She's really nice."
The door opened and Sammy Moon entered the pub.
"Speak of the devil!" exclaimed Joseph. "We were just talking about you, Sammy!"
Sammy went to the bar and ordered two butterbeers. He came to Tom's table.
"If you're done tutoring, Riddle," he said, "I want to talk to you."
"All right," said Tom. He looked to his clients. "Keep practicing those spells, but do so in a place where you're not likely to leave a mess. And send your essays to me if you want me to proofread them for you."
The students said their good-byes and thanks and "Okay, Tom's" as they gathered their belongings and left the table. Sammy placed a butterbeer in front of Tom and took the seat across from him.
"Thought you'd be thirsty," said Tom. "Studying always makes me thirsty."
"Thanks," said Tom, noticing Sammy's Headboy pin. "So, you're headboy now—congratulations, Sammy."
"it's Sam," said Sammy, rolling his eyes.
"Sam."
"Thanks," said Sammy.
"So what can I do for you?" asked Tom. "You need help with homework?"
Sammy shook his head. "I'm doing fine. I'm here because of my sister."
"Is Serena all right?" Tom asked urgently. "Is she ill?"
"No, she's fine," said Sammy. "At least...healthwise, I think. I think...she's in love with you, or something."
"In love with me?" Tom felt a peculiar sensation in his chest. "Did she ask you to come see me?"
"She did," said Sammy. "She couldn't get away from work to see you herself. She's busy teaching her students, and she's helping out at the Rabbit and Moon Pub because I'm in school now. Our parents are on holiday for the week."
"Holiday?" asked Tom.
"Yes," said Sammy. "In India. Serena told our parents they needed to go away for their anniversary and India was a place to get...in touch with themselves."
"How long have t hey been married?" Tom inquired.
"Twenty-five years," answered Sammy.
"Quarter of a century."
"I know," said Sammy. "Listen, do you love my sister or not?"
"What?" asked Tom.
"You heard me," Sammy said firmly. "Do you love her?"
"I—I don't know," said Tom. "Sam, I just got out of prison. I'm just trying to get my life back."
"You didn't see her when you were in Azkaban. She cried her eyes out all the time—she couldn't even metamorphose. She stayed in her room and wouldn't come out. I don't know how she found a way to leave for school. But even at school...she was the same. A little happier, maybe, because she was writing you. But she was absolutely obsessed with you. You were all she wanted to talk about. She blames herself for your imprisonment."
"It wasn't Serena's fault," said Tom.
"I know," said Sammy, "we've told her. "I overheard her talking to Mum one day about you. Mum asked her if she was in love with you. Serena said she thought she was."
"She doesn't know?" Tom asked.
"That's what she said," Sam told him. "But I think she does, at least now."
They were quiet for a moment and they drank their drinks.
"Listen, I don't care if Serena's got feelings for you are not," said Sammy. "Or if you have any for her—but if you love her, then tell her. If you don't—don't lead her on."
"Lead her on?" said Tom. "But we're not seeing each other."
"But I'm sure that's what she wants," Sammy told him. "She talks about it to her girlfriend, Arabella. She said she hopes to marry you someday."
Tom nearly choked on his drink. "What?"
"I'm serious," Sammy said. "Just think about what I said." Sammy got up and left the table. Tom sat down his drink and looked at his tutoring schedule. He had no more students to see so he finished his butterbeer and returned to his "real" job. He knew Sammy had a point but if he was right and Serena was indeed in love with Tom, what was Tom to do about it?
--
Throughout the school year, Tom continued to tutor kids. He actually became more popular as the students learned more about his opening the chamber of secrets. Those that thought he was dangerous just left him alone. Sammy did not come back to "warn" Tom about Serena. In fact, he never saw Sammy enter the Hog's Head again. Tom's tutoring business helped The Hogs Head get more customers and they started making more money.
Tom got permission to borrow a school carriage to visit the Gaunt House. As he was making more money, he wanted to take a look at the house to see what he needed to fix it up before he started his project. He was shocked and disgusted to see the run down, dilapidated and filthy shack. It embarrassed him to know that the last remaining Slytherin descendants were living in such conditions. Every piece of furniture was broken. The walls, floor and ceiling was covered in grime and the walls needed to be painted. The stove did not work. The place was infested with rats, termites and roaches.
"It will take me forever to clean this place," said Tom as he brought out a notepad to write down things that he would need.
Nevertheless, things got better for Tom. Aberforth started to act a little less grumpy now that his pub was becoming more popular. He got more drinks for his customers and he made his pub look cleaner. Tom learned his drinks quickly and worked the bar several nights. He learned quickly that being a bartender meant more than just serving drinks. Sometimes he had to breakup fights, push drunkards out and sometimes he would listen to customers talk about their life ordeals. Tom was a very good talker, and quite the listener too. He gave good advice to everyone of his customers, though it was hard for some of them to take. One nervous customer talked Tom's ear off about how he did petty crimes and felt like he was going to crack and start cursing everyone.
"Mr. Price," said Tom, leaning forward. "Let me give you some advice. You need to go to the Ministry of Magic and confess."
"But..." Mr. Price mumbled
"Listen," said Tom, "you just sold some stolen goods. Now you might have a hard time finding a job, but you might not go to Azkaban. Trust me, I was in Azkaban for four years and I haven't seen a petty thief there. They only lock up violent criminals."
Mr. Price tapped his fingers. "But I have a wife and three kids...I was just trying to provide for them and..."
"You need to see a professional," said Tom. "I'm sure you can find one at St. Mungos. Now it's late and I'm sure your family is worried about you. You should go home and be with them. I'll walk you out."
"T-thank you, Tom," said Mr. Price as Tom walked a round the bar. "You're such a good young man."
"Yes, I know," Tom murmured, though he wasn't entirely convinced. He walked Mr. Price outside the Hogshead. "Good night, Mr. Price. You sure you're all right to apparate or walk home?"
"Yes, I'm fine," said Mr. Price. "Good night, Tom."
The next morning, Tom got quite a nice surprise. He was turning down the chairs from the tables when Serena walked in.
"Working hard, I see," Serena said brightly.
"Serena!" he exclaimed walking over to her to greet her with a warm hug. "How are you?"
"I'm good, thanks," Serena said with a smile. "Sorry I haven't been in for a while. I've been so busy with the pub and my students."
"I know," said Tom. "Sammy told me you were looking over the pub while your parents were in India. How did they like it?"
"My dad loved it," said Serena, "but I think my mom didn't. I guess she just didn't fancy the food."
"What brings you here?" said Tom.
"I have a delivery," she said, waving her wand and conjuring a large barrel. "Horace's Delight!"
"I didn't know Aberforth ordered any," said Tom as he bent down to examine the barrel. He picked it up and carried it to the bar. "Professor Sluggers must've talked him into it. Aberforth—your order's here!"
"Coming," said Aberforth, emerging from his office. "Thank you for bringing it by, Serena. I hope it was no trouble." Aberforth handed her payment in a sack.
"Of course not," said Serena. "Thank you. I hope your customers enjoy it."
"Actually, customer," said Aberforth. "Horace would most likely drink it all before anyone else gets a taste!"
The three of them laughed. Then Tom remembered something he wanted to give Serena.
"Serena, no customers will be coming for a few hours," said Tom. "Let's go for a walk. There's something I'd like to get for you."
"Oh?"
"Wait here," said Tom and he rushed to his room to get his "present" for Serena. He told Aberforth they wouldn't be gone long and they left the pub.
"Where are we going, Tom?" Serena asked.
"Just to the gates," said Tom. "I go there sometimes, to think and look at the school. Not much has changed."
"Yes," said Serena. "I know."
They walked onward to the gates, talking about their jobs and lives. Tom leaned against the gate, reached into his pocket and handed Serena four galleons and seven sickles. "There. I didn't think you wanted the knuts."
Serena stared at the money in her hand and looked at Tom in confusion. "What's this for? Aberforth already paid me for the ale."
"It's not for the ale," said Tom. "That's the the money I owed you for paying for my wand."
"Oh!" Serena's eyes widened as she remembered the moment. It was so long ago. "Tom...but your wand was destroyed. You don't..."
"Just as well," said Tom. "I said I was going to pay you back. I'm sorry I'm just now doing so."
Serena smiled. "Well, thank you, Tom. And it's all right." She looked at the money in her hand and her smile grew wider. "Hey...let's see how many sweets we can get from Honeydukes!"
"What?"
"That's what I was going to get," said Serena, "before I paid for your wand, a treat I mean. So...I guess now I can have that long awaited treat!" Without waiting to hear Tom's protest, Serena grabbed Tom's hand and pulled him back down the high street. They entered Honeydukes and bought a stash of licorice wands, fudge and other goodies. They were like children again, sitting on the grass and eating their treats.
"I'm leaving the pub soon," said Tom.
"What?" Serena asked. "Don't you like working at The Hogs Head? You helped them make good business!"
"I know," said Tom. "But I've finally got the money to leave. I got more than I expected from tutoring kids, and I've got a publisher for my book."
"What?" Serena gasped. "Your book?"
Tom grinned. "Yeah, I just got the acceptance letter yesterday."
"Who's publishing it?"
"Obscurus books," said Tom.
"Hey, didn't they publish Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them?" said Serena.
"Yeah," said Tom. "A pretty good firm. They'll start publishig it right away and it should be in stores in a month. Maybe less."
"That's amazing!" Serena exclaimed. "I'm proud of you, Tom. I can't wait to read it!"
"Thanks," said Tom. "As soon as I get my payment, I'm moving to Little Hangleton."
"Little Hangleton?" Serena asked. "Where your father lives?"
"Yeah," said Tom. "I want to fix up the place where my mother grew up in time for Uncle Morfin to come home. He'll be released in three months."
"So, you two, will live there, together?" Serena asked nervosly.
"Yes."
"But aren't you afraid?" Serena asked him.
"Afraid of what? My uncle?" Tom laughed. "Serena, I was with him in Azkaban for a whole year. If i can be with him there, I can be with him in the home he grew up in. Besides, he won't be living there right after he's released. I'll put him in the Janus Thickey ward. It's specialized for people like Uncle Morfin. Once's he's all sorted out, we'll live in his old home and..."
"And?"
"Everything will just be normal," said Tom.
Serena smiled but in the inside, she was crying. She hoped and wished that she would be with Tom after Azkaban. She wanted to share her life with him. When he had told her he had something for her, she wanted to believe t hat it was an engagement ring. How foolish of her to believe they would end up together. Serena hugged Tom quickly and stood up.
"It's so good that you're going to help your uncle," said Serena. "After all, he's the only family you have left...after your father of course. I'll help you, if you'd like."
"You don't have to," said Tom. "I'm sure you're busy with work."
"Oh, now that my parents are back," said Serena, "I don't have to work in the pub all the time. My Kwikspell students are doing better. I know...I can have my students come to your house to put their their skills to practice!"
Tom raised his eyebrow. "Have you seen the place, Serena? It's a mess. I went there last week to see what shape it was in, and I never been so disgusted in my life. No offense, but they might not make a dent."
"I have seen it," said Serena. "Not the inside, of course. But my students have to learn someway. I won't have them use difficult spells, just basic cleaning spells. And if that doesn't work, we'll bring plenty of cleaning supplies. They have to learn someway and I'm running out of ideas."
"How many students do you have?" Tom questioned.
"Just a dozen," said Serena. "And they're all aged eighteen to thirty."
"Well, all right," said Tom. "I guess I'll get done faster this way."
Tom ate a cauldron cake while he talked on about his book and fixing the Gaunt house. "It'll be hard," he said. "But I can do it."
"That's right," said Serena, beaming. "We'll be done in no time, you'll see."
Serena did not care that she would spend days, maybe weeks, refurbishing the Gaunt house. It would be a hard and nasty job, but she would be near Tom. She knew it was important that he would do this for his uncle and Serena wanted to be there for him, every step of the way.
To Be Concluded