Hello, lovely~ I know you’re probably busy with your life and current WIPs, but I have a question. So, you posted this idea of a fic about Hermione adopting Tom as a little kid and I was wondering if you would write about it. Again, i don’t mean to overstep or anything. Anyway, have a nice day~
Of course! I’m working on ch4, now (it’s been one of my nano projects), but here’s something from ch3.
If anyone wants to help alpha or beta this mess, let me know! Should be about ten chapters, no more than 50k. Famous last words.
Hello, Tom greets, unconcerned if he’s caught hissing, but careful not to say too much. His fingers form a ladder for her. The snake flicks its tongue in response, before tilting her head to study him. “I want this one,” he turns to tell his guardian, all but forgetting their chilly exchange moments before.
“She’s gorgeous,” Hermione kneels down to examine the creature, placing her hand on Tom’s arm. “What do you want to name her?”
Tom tries not to scoff. Snakes already have their own names, and to call them something else is insulting, but she can’t have know that. What’s your name? he whispers to the green beauty.
Zephra, she replies, what are you called, little one?
Tom clenches his jaw, not happy to disclose it, and not particularly happy with the simplicity of his name. Tom Riddle, he reluctantly offers, would you like to leave this place with me?
The snake doesn’t respond, but instead twines her lithe body around Tom’s arm to peer at his guardian with inquisitive red eyes. Who’s this? she inquires. Feeling protective, his back straightens and he narrows his eyes at the creature. The snake’s tongue flicks out to taste the skin of Hermione’s wrist, and she doesn’t flinch away. She’s been in the presence of the Ancient One, young master. Tom frowns, pondering the odd statement. The Ancient One?
This is Hermione, he hisses with an edge of possessiveness. She cares for me.
I like her taste, Zephra says, can we keep her?
Tom turns wide eyes back to Hermione to find her watching him closely in quiet amusement. She doesn’t seem bothered by he and Zephra’s interaction, or his unusual affinity towards her. Tom wonders at his snake’s assessment of his guardian. He’s always held the opinion of snake’s in high regard. They are good judges of people, he’s learned long ago.
“I think they’ve bonded,” Hermione remarks to the shopkeeper, “how much will it be?”
Tom cradles Zephra protectively to his side, allowing the little snake to stay curled along his wrist and refusing to cage her for the walk home.
I will keep her. I will make her adore me.