Burning Obsessions : Tom Riddle

43: For Old Time's Sake

[victoria's pov]

"And you're now wanting a career change because?" Headmaster Dippet asked me as I sat in his office.

"I'd like to start where I've always felt like home," I lied. This question was quite silly as I doubted he would really want to hear about Tom and my relationship. It was the only real relevancy as to why I wanted to go back to Hogwarts. To feel at ease.

The office had not changed at all. The only difference was that I was now a guest, less intimidated by its

"The job had always been on my mind since last school term ended and rumour had it that you still weren't able to find a suitor so I'm taking it as a sign," I continued. "I have my application completed-"

"I've seen your application and I've also seen that Enzo Zabini from the minister's office has put in a good word for you," Dippet interrupted. "You are fully qualified educationally, but you're still quite young. Would you be able to handle the load of students?"

"Yes," I responded confidently. "Yes, I can."

That was six years ago in nineteen forty-five.

Six years without Tom.

Six years without anyone.

I had sealed myself a permanent job and a reliable home, full of much life. In the summer, it would be at my quiet manor. I refused to fall into his clutches once again. What more could I need?

As much as I loved Hogwarts, I missed London. I missed Gwen's presence in the summer as I hadn't seen her since I graduated. I was afraid that she'd notice I hadn't aged. She had always been the brightest of her age when she was young.

But now she is forty years of age, but she wasn't even old. Simply frail. It was a blessing that her sickness had let her live this long. It was quite impressive how the modern use of muggle medicine worked exactly like magic, having its consequences as well.

But how much time would I have left to really say goodbye? That, I didn't know.

So there I was, walking the cobblestone streets of London. I was going to pay her a surprise visit.

She had always hated them.

But I also knew she hated being alone, hence why she was still at the orphanage.

I waited for the cars to pass by at the end of the street. London had grown busier compared to the last time I looked. It had become a tourist sight now that the muggle war was over.

So much death and tragedy that was brought upon both worlds. Death must have been too busy to remember about Gwen.

The wind blew in the winter chill, but it was not horrible.

There was a cafe playing sad French music behind me that caught my attention as I waited for the light man to signal. I had never truly listened to music before or paused to appreciate it. Not since I met Tom. My attention was abruptly changed when I heard my name behind me.

I turn around and come eye to eye with Druella, who has a carriage beside her. A baby carriage.

Not sure what to make of this, I'm paralysed and nod my head politely. She frowns and approaches me slowly.

"Please, try to understand," she said. "I know I was truly wrong for all I had done and I would go back if I could, but I can't so please let me fix things right now."

Not an inch of her was plotting. So I inched to the empty cafe chair and we sat ourselves down. We didn't say a word as I watched her sleeping daughters. The one on the right had dark curls and tightly curled fists as she slept. The other had brown hair, mixed with Druella's blonde and Cygnus' brown hair. She slept peacefully, laying upward with a smile on her face.