Tom was perfect. He was the lone brilliant star shining in the night sky, always just out of Merope's reach. On the rare times he had seen her, he had an expression on his face that Merope knew was a mixture of repulsion and pity. To Tom, she was simply the old tramp’s daughter. The noble house of Salazar Slytherin and her being pureblood would mean nothing to him...

(COMPLETE) Merope Gaunt. The mother of Lord Voldemort. To many, she is a squib, to others, a tragic figure who ensnared Thomas Riddle's heart with dark magic. Her legacy is one of sorrow, betrayal, and the shadows of a name feared by all. Even Albus Dumbledore, the wisest wizard of his time, never truly unraveled the mystery of Merope's life. But what if there was more to her story? What if, before the darkness consumed her, she knew love? What if the woman who was discarded, feared, and forgotten once held a life full of hope, a chance at happiness? Beneath the weight of her tragic fate, buried beneath the ashes of war, is a story of a woman whose potential was never realized, whose heart was once tender and full of dreams. This is the story of Merope Gaunt, and how the world's cruelest judgments may have eclipsed the love she once held, and the life she might have had.

Merope Gaunt and her family have also been the talk of the village, but never for a good reason. After years of abuse at the hands of her father and brother she now finds herself alone. The Riddle family sees this as a chance to finally remove the eye swore that is the Gaunt home. By offering Merope a place in their home. Though she knows their offer is not out of sympathy she agrees if it means she can be close to their son, Tom. Thus becoming the new housemaid, and despite keeping her magic ability a secrets the Riddles soon discover another talent of her's. She soon builds a strong sisterhood with other young maids that make her understand she is not alone when it comes to suffering in life. For the first time in her life she has true friends, true support, and true ambitions to survive in her new freedom. In time Merope learns that the snobbish handsome Tom Riddle is a facade, and he learns Merope is far more noble than anyone could imagine. Tw: adult language, drug use, and sexual content Also: No love potion!