Chapter 3
Tom was sitting at the table in the room and writing down what products sold best this week. Lady Sigyn called it the control of customer taste. Minky brought him dinner and dessert. She was a very good cook. Tom ate baked rolls. He was already used to their taste, but he still couldn't believe that his life had changed so much in 2 weeks.
When he was offered the job, he expected the typical hard work, like carrying and stacking toys, something to do with his Muggle upbringing. However, the magical goods flew into place by themselves, thanks to Minky's magic. He was responsible for the store and the mood of the customers. He practically felt like the master of this shop, because Lady Sigyn was always somewhere else, and when she did come, she mostly spent time in his room rather than in the shop. Of course, she was interested in her business, but it was clear that she did it in a noble way, not typical of small shopkeepers. She couldn't have been of low birth. She wore the best dresses, although they still had nothing to do with wizarding or muggle fashion. They had the style of medieval fairy tales, they were floor-length with long sleeves. She always wore complicated hairstyles and jewelry.
The store was practically his, except for Minky. The little elf helped him arrange the goods, sort out the bills, deliver parcels, and also dealt with the receivables for the Ministry and Gringotts. She was very smart, resourceful and full of spirit. In a way, she was like a combination of a good aunt and a mischievous sibling. Plus, she loved gossiping about wizards from other houses. She was thrown out of Selwyn Manor for an act she did not commit. Ronald Selwyn, who was a third year at Hogwarts, destroyed his father's prized cup and said it was Minky. That was awful. Tom didn't have a clear conscience, but sometimes he was accused of things he didn't do. He felt so furious then. Minky lost her home, but thanks to Lady Sigyn, she was needed again.
Then he heard a knock on the door. Only one person did it.
''Come in.'' Tom sorted out the papers and made room for another chair.
Lady Sigyn walked in, wearing a blue dress with a belt around the waist, and her hair was loose.
''Hi Tom,'' she smiled.
''Hello,'' he replied politely.
Lady Sigyn took a seat at the table and asked him about his day. He briefly described Abraxas' visit, real Malfoy - the ignorant one, and several mothers with children.
''Well, not everyone is as knowledgeable as you,'' she said to his claim about Malfoy's stupidity.
''He should be, he belongs to the elite. It creates social expectations,'' said Tom.
''If we're on the subject of social expectations,'' she pulled out a medallion with a beautiful S.
''What is this...what it looks like...'' Tom felt a connection, something drew him to this locket.
''Your mother Merope sold it before she had you. I thought he should come back to you,' Lady Sigyn replied.
Tom put the locket around his neck. He hated his mother. During a hearing at the Ministry regarding granting him an apprenticeship with Lady... It was revealed that she had used a love potion on a Muggle before her death. Auror Potter went to his father's house. However, the Riddle family did not want him. He felt a little angry, but on the other hand he couldn't be surprised by them. He always dreamed of a father who would get him out of the orphanage. However, this was never possible. He hated both families. Gaunts and Riddle... but when he put the locket around his neck he felt better. He didn't care about them. However, he took the locket. Because he came from Lady Sigyn. She bought it for him, just like she gave him the protection of an apprentice title, she gave him the whole store and Minky...
''Thank you.'' Tom smiled. Lady Sigyn enjoyed politeness and acts of kindness. But true, not the pity type to look better. Her feelings were always sincere.
''It's your ancestor's locket. Salazar Slytherin'' she replied.
''You think I'll be in Slytherin,'' Tom replied.
''Well, you have the qualities for it. You are ambitious, clever and independent,'' she said.
''I prefer Ravenclaw,'' Tom replied.
Lady Sigyn blinked in surprise at his words. She looked at him curiously 'Why'
He didn't want to talk about hating the Gaunts. It was inappropriate. A lady like that shouldn't listen to his dark thoughts. But he already had a suitable excuse.
''Because I don't want to be in the dorm with Abraxas Malfoy. And he's too stupid to go to Ravenclaw'' replied Tom.
Lady Sigyn laughed.
''Well, fine. You can request the house you want. I'm sure it will be taken into account,'' she smiled.
Tom nodded. Lady Sigyn loved both Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. He would try to get into Hufflepuff, but knowing his past, he probably wasn't the right fit. He remembers the rabbit and his wardrobe. Ravenclaw was okay. He loved learning and read often. It's definitely suitable for this house. Only academic achievement is needed, not moral purity. Recently he was considering giving up Hogwarts.He would rather stay with Minky and Lady Sigyn. However, the offer of formal education and learning incredible magic was tempting. He decided that if Hogwarts did not meet his expectations, he would give up and return home...
The shop was his home. It wasn't the home he had imagined as an orphan, but it was wonderful. Every morning waking up in warm sheets, eating breakfast with Minky, interacting with customers, talking to Lady Sigyn.This was his home. And Hogwarts won't take that away from him. He'll find out everything he needs to know and come back.
''During the week, the most popular items were plush hippogriffs for children under 5 years old. Girls aged 5 to 11 took miniature witch dolls and sets of robes to dress them up with, the most often. Boys that age mostly took miniature brooms and are waiting for the release of a special Quidditch pitch set for miniature brooms... at least a few have asked about it,' Tom replied, reading his report.
''I understand, so we need to make new sets soon'' Lady Sigyn nodded.
Tom nodded and started writing down as Lady Sigyn dictated to him what sets and toys they were preparing for February.