Unplanned Parenthood

188 3 0
                                    

Summary: Tom recieves unexpected news and it threatens to upend all his plans.

Ship: HarryPotterxTomRiddle

All credit goes to Squibnation10 on Ao3

----------------

Tom steps out of the shower, the mirror boasting an anti-vapour charm that allows him a clear view of his body, the Alpha lines, and his wet, long brown locks. Securing a white towel, he gently pats himself dry before moving to the mirror to brush his teeth and inspect the smooth skin of his face.

Completing his grooming, he enters his room to the backdrop of soft music downstairs and a lingering, sweet scent enveloping his sheets. He closes his eyes briefly before donning his formal robes, buttoning them slowly, his fingers hovering over the cufflinks. Each one is adorned with an emerald green snake.

Opting for plain black cufflinks today, Tom later dries his hair and secures it in a long ponytail.
He kept it long because his husband enjoyed playing with it. He's used to the length by now, but Tom prefers a clean look for work.

As Tom descends the stairs, holding his briefcase securely under one arm, the aroma of fresh bread mingling with oily fried goods and a growing undercurrent of anxiety reminiscent of burnt toast, Tom wrinkles his nose in distaste.

"Tom," Harry, clad in an apron, rushes to finish platting the food. "I've made breakfast—"

"I need to leave early today," Tom interrupts, not seeing Harry flinching slightly. Tom strides towards the Floo. "Might be back late. I have a lot to do today."

"I'll wait for you," Harry offers softly, following after him, wiping his damp hands on his apron.

"No need."

Harry scrambles to reach him before his departure. Tom mechanically turns to face his husband, giving him a customary kiss on the cheek, internally wincing when he catches the scent of talcum powder. Harry stands awkwardly, wringing his hands by his sides, his eyes wide and doe-like. Harry opens his mouth but closes it just as quickly, biting his lip as if to stop himself.

Tom's inner Alpha screams for him to do something and act on his instinct, but he bites the inside of his cheek, nods once, and forces himself to step through the green flames. Pushing aside the boiling emotions in his stomach to focus on his work ahead.

***


Hermione Black's wand gracefully dances across her desk, a typesetter typing a letter while she quickly skims and labels a few files.

She eyes Tom as he enters. "I'm still reviewing," she says, not asking why he's in early. Hermione, a Beta, is ruthless about completing her work and unapologetically stands her ground when facing Alphas—that's precisely why Tom hired her as his assistant. No matter how early he comes to work, Hermione is still one step ahead of him.
When she is prepared, he becomes even better prepared.

"Send me what you have so we can get a move on the case for Friday," Tom says. They have a significant case to present to the Wizengamot, and Tom is determined to be perfect. His formidable reputation stems from his flawless defence in court, making him a force to be reckoned with.

Traditionalist families like the Malfoys have tried to undermine him with bribery and scheming, but these efforts have been futile. Opinions are changing, with emerging concerns about Muggle technology and a shifting economy that demands a more Muggle-friendly approach to help open people's eyes. Despite being married into noble families, Tom and Hermione are constantly reminded of their outsider status due to their blood status.

Tomarry One ShotsWhere stories live. Discover now