Folie à deux | tom riddle

PART II

Your return to Azkaban is marked with a great deal of staring and snide comments. The general consensus amongst your peers is that you shouldn't have returned.

"It must have been dreadfully traumatising." Hermione had said.

"Doctor L/N, I would not begrudge you if you decided to leave us here." That particular comment had come from Minerva.

You refused to leave. Once upon a time, Azkaban had been like a virus, working its way inside of you and eliminating anything it touched with its dark aura. Now, you remained inside the belly of the beast, very much parasitic in your own right.

Still, the first time you had entered your office you felt on edge. It was becoming a place automatically associated with anxiety – like you were constantly waiting for something to happen, to see Dolohov's face pressed up against your window. You constantly looked over your shoulder when you walked down the hallways. Every single time you were alone in your office you locked the door. Yet, you dare not speak of it. Everybody seems determined to have you transferred out. At first, you think it's maybe guilt on their part that the new Doctor was nearly killed. But then, you recall every little thing they've said to you.

The encouragement to leave Azkaban had started the first day you arrived.

Why?

There's more paperwork for you to fill out – there's always more paperwork. They ask you to write down your statement for the record. It's strangely easy to lie and write that you don't remember much, that it's all a blur, and the head trauma must play a role in the memory loss. It's all made up. You don't want to bother having to create a story and stick to it, or worse, come up with something radically different from Tom's version of events, since he's already recounted it to them.

You're aching to go and see him again. But, there's been no visits between him and yourself scheduled, on account of your alleged 'fragile mental state.'

Those very words give you pause. You stop writing, your jaw tensed, and you put down your pen. The decision to confront Doctor McGonagall is made in an instant. You'd liked her well enough to begin with – that firm, strong Scottish accent of hers, and her gentle mannerisms make her seem like a kind-hearted figure. And she is, extremely so. But from the first day you entered the gates, she presumed you to be weak and incapable. It was infuriating. You were no less qualified than the rest of them.

It was then that you rose, gingerly unlocked the door to your office, slid the key onto a chain around your neck, and promptly walked to Doctor McGonagall's office.

You rap on the door thrice, entering slowly. The door creaks open, revealing her sat at her desk, her hands folded together, and a stern look on her aging face.

"Doctor McGonagall." You nod at her respectfully.

"Doctor L/N," She sighs wearily, gesturing to the seat opposite her. "Come, sit. I've been expecting you to make a visit to me at some point."

You sit, looking her in the eye. She hides behind her half-crescent glasses, but there's courage in her eyes. "I'd like to talk to you about Tom Riddle."

"Doctor L/N. What happened to you was an unfortunate incident that we are trying our best to prevent and remedy. But, the truth is, Azkaban is dangerous. And if you're not equipped to handle that, then, quite frankly my dear, you should leave."

"I'm fully equipped to handle it, Minerva." You rebuff her. "I'm not afraid of Tom Riddle. In fact, I'd like to be afforded the opportunity to be reinstated as his therapist."

She looks taken aback, her eyes widening in surprise and her shoulders going slack. "You... would like to see Mr. Riddle again? After what he did to you?"

"I would."

"Doctor L/N, I simply cannot allow that, for your own safety –"

You interrupt her. "Then, please, let me bring a guard into the cell with me. Restrain him. Anything. I just think that this incident should not inhibit any progress I was making with my patient."

"He's dangerous. Tom Riddle is a major threat, and a murderer several times over. One of his victims he killed in front of you." Doctor McGonagall stresses.

"I know. He doesn't scare me."

She sighs. "He should, Doctor L/N. You're very courageous, and that much is admirable. But, I shan't put you in danger."

"I won't be in danger if I'm accompanied." You say, pausing for a second. "Please, Minerva. I need to try. I can't give up on him too." Your voice is softer now, gentler, imploring her.

"Alright, Doctor L/N. As long as you remain aware of the risks, you're accompanied, Mr. Riddle is restrained, and you stay vigilant, I will allow it." She begrudgingly concedes, looking weary.

You grin. "Thank you, Minerva."