The Love Story of Harriet Potter and Tom Riddle

Chapter 20 - What's to Come

Thank you for reading! I don't own any of Harry Potter! Please let me know if you enjoy! Updates every Saturday!
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Although Tom had been wounded by a muggle weapon, the severity of his injury dictated the need for several magical treatments.

His bones that had been cracked by the bullet had to be mended with a dose of Skelegrow.

His torn flesh had to be repaired and the massive loss of blood he had experienced created the requirement for several days of bed rest and regular doses of a blood-replenishing potion exactly every two hours.

Tom's professors were kind enough to bring his assignments to him so that he could continue his studies during his recovery.

By using the special Portkey Dumbledore had granted her in light of the unique and tragic circumstances, Merope came to the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts each day to visit her son.

Tom asked little about his father, though, he was too comforted by the sight of his favourite ladies to care much.

Unless class was in session, Harriet stayed at his bedside.

Her meals were brought with Tom's.

She slept in the chair next to him and woke with a stiff neck each morning, but as soon as she saw the handsome smile form on his lips at seeing her there once his dark eyes cracked open, Harriet forgot about her discomfort.

Madam Pomfrey always shook her head as she made her rounds and observed the loving devotion Harriet showed Tom.

It wasn't her place to judge, but Madam Pomfrey hadn't been as accepting of the news reported in The Daily Prophet as other members of Britain's wizarding world.

She kept a close eye on her patient as the days passed.

Tom Riddle junior struck Madam Pomfrey as many things, but certainly not as an innocent victim.

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Towards the end of Tom's recovery period, Harriet sat one weekend afternoon, free from the obligations of an academic day, and held his hand in hers as they gazed at each other.

"It disgusts me to be seen like this, sweetling," Tom said as he flashed Harriet a handsome smile.

"Like what?" Harriet blinked, "You've been injured, Tom. Of course you had to recover."

"Alphas should not be the ones lying in bed while their mates tend them." Tom snapped as his frown faded, "You'll never find me like this again, Harriet Potter. Do not worry about that."

Harriet sighed as she pushed Tom's pride aside and answered, "You're human, Tom. Illness and injury is unavoidable."

Tom cast her such a deep scowl that she frowned.

Harriet furrowed her brow as he glared at her as if the truth she had spoken angered him.

".....What's the matter?" Harriet asked after a tense moment passed.

"Nothing, sweetling." Tom shrugged quickly as he slapped a pleasant smile on his face again, "Sorry.....my thoughts wandered onto other topics."

"Other topics?" Harriet blinked, "Like what?"

"Like what comes next after I get out of here." Tom replied with a weighty sigh, "I have much to do."

"About your father, you mean?" Harriet asked.

"Yes.....and no." Tom shrugged, "I suppose he and mother will enjoy their reunion for a time, though I am anxious to learn more about my heritage and stake my official claim to my birthright.......You'll have to visit Riddle Manor soon under more pleasant circumstances, sweetling."