RIDDLES PROPERTY

chapter 42

Tom got up quickly when they apparated and looked at where they were.

His orphanage.

He was legal in the wizarding world, but in the muggle world he was still a minor. Still under the orphanages protection. Emelia's eyes started opening up.

"Tom, where am I?"

"The orphanage I used to live in."

He looked at it with hatred. She got up and looked at it. The weather around it was gloomy and it was all brown and dark. The brick was stained with soot.

"I can't be here.", she told him.

"That's a shame because by now they'll think of you as an accomplice.", he picked up the newspaper and saw the headlines, "Youre missing from your home and your beloved husband is worried."

"Take me home. I can explain to them. This is not me. I didn't help you with anything."

He let out a loose laugh.

"They barely gave me a fair trial, Emelia. I know I turned myself in, but I could've easily told them who it really was."

"I didn't kill her."

"It sounds as if you're trying to convince yourself. Don't be silly. Let's go."

He grabbed her wrist and she tried to pull away, but he had an iron grip.

"You don't own me, Riddle, let me go."

"I wonder if that tattoo I engraved last year is still on you?", he said in a cocky tone.

She nearly slapped him, but realized who she was dealing with it. Tom was a skilled wizard, but he liked using psychological tactics.

"Ophelia needs me, your own child. You want to leave her with Fred? He can't even stay home for a whole bloody day without going to work, or wherever he goes."

His eyes narrowed and he looked at her in slight surprise.

"You said my child."

"It's possible, yes. Please let me go back home, Tom."

Emelia's hand lifted hand and she caressed his face while looking up at him. His breathing slowed down and he bit the inside of his mouth, not sure of what to do.

"I'll let you see her.", she said.

He remained in thought.

"Why should I? I've been in Azkaban for so long, Emelia. I'm the only one in centuries who's managed to escape. Emelia, it was so cold there. The dementors would torture me everyday."

"Flee the country. I don't want you to be incarcerated again. Tell me something I won't forget, it's crazy what you did for me. I know you're hurting."

"I'd do whatever I could do, I know how much it matters to you. If you were my little girl I'd go into hiding with you."

She realized the song lyrics he was stating and her heart melted. Emelia had left her mother at home with her abusive father. Each day she was with him he'd be going senile while she had a bland life with a child they didn't know of. Riddle's offer started sounding more compelling by the second. She was so tempted to say yes, but realized what a horrible mother she'd be to Ophelia leaving her with Fred.

"You're my own Roman god, you know? The solemn, hard-working man who isn't capable of emotions, but stole my heart. Then you left and I had to adjust. I may never be happy again in the way you made me, but Ophelia will. I shall be a good mother."

He looked at her with his grip loosening, but she didn't move yet.

"I hope to be your daydream, we could've been beautiful. I could've given you a taste of paradise, Emelia. Goodbye...for now."

Tom let go and stepped away. He apparated and she was left standing there. Emelia looked around at the location a bit more. She understood why Tom was the way he was. The orphanage was joyless and depressing. She looked at the large clock in the middle. It was nearing 6 and she knew she could possibly make it back without Fred noticing.

"Ma'am, are you a residence here?", a voice behind her said.

Emelia turned around to see a frail old woman. She was still wearing a nightgown and had a pale complexion with grey hair.

"No, I'm sorry. I'll leave.", but before she walked away she turned around, "Actually, madam, I have a question."

"Yes?"

"Did you ever take in a boy by the name of Tom Riddle?"

"Tom...yes. He was quite troublesome and odd, mysterious, if I may. Do you know him?"

"Yes. Do you know anything of his parents?"

The question seemed to pop into her head almost naturally. She wasn't quite sure why.

"I'm not sure of his father. His mother...Merope? Melinda? I'm not sure, but she died after giving birth to Tom. You resemble her a little bit."

Emelia nodded.

'Melinda...Merope. I'll need those names.'

"Thank you, ma'am. Have a good day."

The old woman waved and went back in. Tom's mother had died, which she didn't know. She believed they'd abandoned him, but she was proven wrong. Emelia had to get back home.