Marked • Tom Riddle

His Promise

   Anything. Everything. That is what he had promised in order to obtain my forgiveness, and that is exactly what he had given me. Nearly a week's worth of gifts and tokens serving as an apology filled the foyer of the Rosier estate now that space had run out in the chambers. There were too many reminding me of the love he shared for me and the pain he had caused me. Why did the two emotions have to coincide in such a devious way? I wanted to believe the gifts were a kind gesture, but my memories told me otherwise - these gifts were not for me, they were for him. They were a way to dampen his guilt, but I did not wish to be bought - I could not be bought. So I left. 

   I'd only returned home for a short while because I'd soon come to realize Mother would not rest until I went back to him. Even Father, now that Tom had earned his friendship, was partial to the idea of me returning to the Dark Lord's estate, albeit in more discrete ways than Mother. So, feeling alienated in my own home, I had taken the generous allowance that I'd accumulated throughout the years and put it towards a small flat in a well-protected building. I did not enjoy using appearance-morphing potions at the best of times, but a diluted one with weakened effects was not so horrible when needed to change a few features of the face. A charm that transformed my hair from my typical, raven locks to a more subtle brown added to my shifting appearance. Using an alias to protect my identity was a necessity as I came to see my name thrown about random columns of gossip magazines and the Daily Prophet. 

   I did not want to be found. At least, not yet, and not by everyone. Yet, so much time spent with the bustle and energy of the staff and Tom left me at a disadvantage. Loneliness was a much more prominent feeling now, one that I could not ignore. It was good there were a couple of people I could still trust with my whereabouts. 

   Ruth sat across from me, sipping uncomfortably from the tea I had brewed for her. The potion was fading along with the charm that colored my hair, and she was witnessing the shifting aspects with a keen eye. I supposed it would be strange to start a meal with one person only to finish with someone who looked completely different, but stepping out of the room to take more of the potion seemed unnecessary in the presence of a trusted friend. Even one who was staring at me as though I was a circus oddity. Taking a sip from my own tea, I cleared my throat and she nearly jumped in her seat. 

   "How long do you plan on staying here?" Ruth asked. 

   "I don't know," I answered truthfully. "Until I am able to determine a clear path for myself, I suppose."

   "Will he allow that?"

   I shifted uncomfortably. I had not informed her of my possible pregnancy, mostly because I did not think there was anything worth telling. Sure, the last time I'd bled had been well over a month but any lateness could be attributed to the stress I'd been put under. Nor had I experienced any more episodes of nausea or sickness. The pregnancy was a delusion Tom wished to entertain for his own sake, and right now, I wanted nothing to do with it. "Well, I do not think finding me is beyond his capabilities. It has been well over a week now. If he does know where I am, he has not yet come knocking."

   "Then why the drastic measures, Karina?" Ruth eyed my appearance and the flat that remained relatively unfurnished. 

   "I just," I paused to think. "I need to be someone else for a while." 

   She considered my answer, biting the inside of her cheek as she set her teacup aside. "Hmm, well, I'm glad you consider me someone you wish to see during this time."

   "Of course, you are always welcome, Ruth." I offered a smile, but it failed to come across as genuine. I could feel it in my face as well as see it in hers. Happiness was something lacking in my system these days. I missed him. I hated him.