Voldermort is Gone Tom Riddle is Here

Tom's Test of Faith

Tom Riddle woke up with Draco Malfoy's body pressed snugly against him. He smiled slightly at the sight. The boy was beginning to trust him more and more. After he had run from his father, about three days ago, the boy had become perfectly obedient, a tad more confident, but still nervous and anxious, especially if he did something wrong, or what he believed was wrong. He was constantly looking for approval, and desperately sought it. It was comforting to give the boy what he so often longed for, and so rarely got. It made Tom feel special, somehow. Now, however, he needed to have a talk with Draco. A talk to see just how loyal and faithful the boy was to him, just how much he would trust him. He needed to put his plan in place to trick Dumbledore, but without the Malfoy heir's compliance, his plan was a bust. It all evolved around the 14 year old boy, sleeping in his arms.

Tom thought back to a conversation that he and Draco had had earlier.

"Yes, Draco?" Tom had asked, as Draco had been sitting somewhat uncertain for the last several minutes. Tom had noticed that the boy rarely ever spoke, unless given permission, though Tom had gotten good at noticing when the boy wanted to say something, but was unsure if he was allowed to or not.

"You are going to Hogwarts are you not?" The Malfoy boy had asked, his silvery blue eyes wide, vulnerable. Tom had sighed and laid his book aside, to try and comfort the young child.

"Why would you ask that, little one?" Tom had asked. Draco had bitten his lower lip, nervously. It was clear he was unsure whether or not he should really approach this subject. "Draco." He had said, his voice returning to it's cold commanding tone. "Tell me why you would ask that question. Now." Draco inhaled a shuddering breath.

"It's just that, Hogwarts is coming up, and you...haven't gotten a letter that I'I've seen, and you haven't really talked about it. And I just wasn't sure if you even wanted to, or needed to, or if it was safe for you or something and I was curious..." The blonde had paused in the middle of his sentence. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything, it isn't my business. Sorry." The boy had bowed his head, as if he anticipated a blow. Tom had rubbed his eyes aggravated. The damage that Lucius had inflicted on the boy ran far further than anyone saw. Not even Tom could see the depth of the damage forced upon the boy.

"I do not wish to speak of this with you right now, Draco." Tom had said curtly. The boy's eyes had widened, and Tom could feel the fear and terror radiating from the boy. "Draco?" Tom had called. He stood and leaned over the boy, pressing his index and second finger underneath the boy's fleshy chin, eliciting a flinch, and lifted his head to force his eyes to look at him.

"I'm sorry," He had whined, fear flowing through his words. Tom sighed audibly.

"It is fine. I am not mad."

"You-your not going to punish me?" Draco asked, hesitantly.

"Why would I?" Tom had inquired.

"I...it was not my position to ask, and I did anyways, and I..."

"Draco," Tom had spoken harshly, cutting the boy off. "You were curious, we have spoken about this before. I am not angry, annoyed, yes, but not angry." The boy's eyes filled with water. Tom realized that he had said the wrong thing. He had said that he was annoyed, which, from Tom's past experience with the boy, was worse than simply being angry.

"I'm sorry, my Lord, I didn't...I hadn't meant to annoy you."

"It is fine, I am simply stressed as of late." The boy looked down, Tom sighed deeply. "I am not going to punish you, Draco, alright?" Draco nodded his head, before looking up at him hesitantly, from his place on his knees, before he cautiously wrapped his arms around Tom's waist and buried his head in the older boy's chest. He let out several weak and shuddering breaths.