Always || Tom Riddle

The great escape

WARNING: STUPIDLY LONG CHAPTER AHEAD! 

"TOM?!" His gaze turned to me, he was pale, looking as helpless as ever sat beside the rose bushes shivering, clutching to his coat for warmth. I outstretched my hand, helping him up and guiding him into the house, sitting him down the in the seat beside the fire and poured him a cup of tea. "I can't believe you're really here" I spoke up, as I too took a seat in front of the fire, Tom looked up from watching the hypnotic flicks of the flames to meet my eyes. "I am afraid that I am in a beautiful dream, and that any minute I will wake up from it to cold harsh reality" Tom placed his cup of tea onto the coffee table, stood from his seat and knelt before me, taking my hands in his. "It is very much real, Clara, I promise" He lifted my hand to his lips, and smiled weakly. "How did you escape?" Charlus' voice broke the moment, and Tom got to his feet, keeping a protective hand on my shoulder. "I think you will find Dumbledore has a few tricks up his sleeve" 

 "Why did you come back, if only to cause Clara even more pain than she is already going through. When they find you, and they will, you will be ripped from her, and she will feel the pain of your loss, until you are gone for such a long time that she barely even remembers the sound of your voice" Tom frowned at Charlus, as he leant against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, a sad look hidden beneath his bright blue eyes. "It sounds as if you speak from experience" Tom said carefully, looking to be trying his best to not push Charlus over the edge. "I do" Charlus said simply, glancing over at me before averting his gaze back to Tom's. "You can stay here, they won't think to look here because truth be told, the Ministry doesn't even know we are here" Tom hesitantly nodded his head in thanks, and Charlus left, heading back up the stairs to his room. 

Tom brushed his lips against my forehead and made for the front door. "Where are you going?" I asked, joining him by the door, putting my hand onto his hand, which gripped the door tightly. "Dumbledore is not all that he seems, he has all but threatened to blackmail me if I so much as do anything to cross him or the ministry. I cannot have someone, especially as powerful as Dumbledore trying to use my past against me. I need to retrieve the diary and any memories he has in that cabinet of his." I paused to think, knowing Tom well enough to know that he would leave whether I begged him to stay or not. "If the ministry finds you there they will take you straight back" 

"That's a risk I am willing to take" He replied determinedly. "Well you cannot go alone, at least allow me to come with you" I knew exactly what his answer would be, but it was worth a try. "No, not in your state-" He lovingly raised a hand to stroke my cheek, his hand trailing across my cheekbone and down to my chin, hooking it with his fingers. "Stay here, where I know you will be safe. I will be back before you know it" And then he stepped around me and opened the door, I made no move to stop him as he apparated to Hogwarts. I could only hope that he returned successfully, and was wise enough not to do anything stupid to get what he wanted, which could result in him being thrown back into Azkaban. 

*** 

Five months later

Tom had thankfully returned with his Horcrux diary, the memories, as well as, the time turner, and so far we had been safely hiding at the Potter's house in Godric's Hollow. However, it was likely that we would have to leave soon, the Ministry was searching all of the houses in the neighbouring villages, it would not be long now until their gaze turned to the Potter's house. I was now nearing the end of my pregnancy, the others kept treating me like I was some sort of fragile ornament, which annoyed me to no end. "It's time!" Penelope popped her head into the bedroom that me and Tom had been resting in. I sat up on the bed, gently removing Tom's arms from around my waist. "I trust you have everything ready?" Penelope asked, raising her eyebrows questioningly. "Yes, we have everything packed and ready to leave"