Chapter 10
Tom kept a record of products sold. Two rabbit balls, three elephants with a trunk that trumpeted bubbles, 36 pairs of bookmarks that sang beautifully when you finished the book... The store was closed today, so the pesky employees had the day off. Minky was baking a plum cake and Lady Sigyn was writing a letter at her desk.
''Tom, I have a favor to ask you,'' she said. Today she wore a green dress that would have been simple if it weren't for the large green opal-like decorations, Tom wasn't sure what it was, but it was certainly an unusual dress, like everything she wore.
''I'm listening, Lady Sigyn,'' he walked over to her, adjusting the cuffs of his robes.
''Today Auror Potter invited us both to a big broom race, he wants to introduce someone to us... unfortunately I can't go. I have a fitting for new clothes and then a meeting with Jocunda. But I would like you to go, could you do it for me...Minky will take you there and then pick you up,'' she said.
Tom nodded, of course they had to maintain proper relations with the important people, it was very important in their buisness.
''Tom, if you don't want to, no problem... it's supposed to be a form of entertainment. You're working a bit too much, you should save your strength,' said Lady Sigyn.
''I...it's a great honor to be your apprentice and I must maintain the standards,'' replied Tom.
''I know, but try to rest. Rest is important to calm your spirit and thoughts, then it allows you to work with even greater strength,' she replied, lightly tapping his shoulder, smiling.
She was so... Tom thought ethereal was the right word to describe it. She was like a flashing star that seemed to move between the horizon and the earth. Always moving and her light comforted.
''I'll try,'' he replied.
''I have prepared a suitable robe for you,'' she said, showing him a gray, elegant set.
''I prefer the dark blue one,'' he replied. He was a Ravenclaw and he was going to emphasize that in this race.
''Of course, it should be in the closet,'' Lady Sigyn said, going to the closet and looking through his outfits. In addition to the robe, she picked up the appropriate headgear and placed it on the chair. Then she left and Tom changed his clothes.
He remembered how Lady Sigyn had introduced Minky to him on his first day and fed him a hot tray of soup. It was the best meal he had ever eaten. Then there was ice cream... Fancy chocolate flavored ice cream. He had never eaten chocolate before. Marmalade or honey was the height of extravagance in the orphanage, and no one dared to dream of chocolate. The next day they went to the Ministry of Magic... He remembers his shock when Lady Sigyn handed him clean, fine clothes... Not as fancy as the ones he wears now, but back then they were the best clothes. He had to try not to cry when he heard that he would get a dozen more... his own, new, clean...
There he met Auror Zachary Potter, a man with black hair that was perfectly slicked back. His large, thick mustache showed traces of gray, and he wore large glasses and a light brown robe. He was the one who presided over his practice case. He was told this was normal procedure when a case was difficult. They searched for his relatives for some time. Fortunately, a wizard knew his family on his mother's side because he was there to intervene. He still remembers how at the next meeting Auror Potter looked at him sadly ''Unfortunately, my child...your Muggle family was offended by the use of Amortentia. I explained the matter to them and gave them the appropriate resources to heal Tom Riddle, but they decided they didn't want to deal with raising you. Well, now we have to find family for you on the Gaunt side...
''I don't want to,'' said Tom defiantly.
Auror Potter looked at him.
''I...I want to stay with Lady Sigyn...'' Tom replied shyly, trying to be charming. ''It's possible, there is a clause for orphans and abandoned children in the apprenticeship law... she will then become your legal guardian,'' replied Auror Potter. Tom then became worried...if she would want him. It was almost like adoption... He was distrustful at the time and thought Lady Sigyn would abandon him because he caused trouble. How wrong he was. When he came out of the Auror's office and looked at her... He choked it all out. She just smiled and followed him into the office.
''Of course I'm taking Tom on as an apprentice and I'll take care of him until he's 17,'' she smiled. Tom then felt something he had never felt before - relief. It was funny now, he knew Lady Sigyn, he knew she cared about him. But then he was so full of doubts. He left his room. Lady Sigyn put on her traveling cloak and was obviously getting ready to go out.
''Here, Tom, take your entry ticket here, and I bought you some binoculars,'' she handed them to him.
'Thank you,' Tom replied politely, examining the binoculars that were decorated with stars.
''I'll be back for dinner for our delicious plum cake,'' she smiled and hugged him.He was still getting used to hugs, even though he was hugged quite often. He was hold his hands behind her back. A mother's embrace, a mother's care...He pushed those thoughts aside and smiled.
''I'll be fine,'' he said confidently.
'I know, you're a smart boy,' she replied and walked out the door.
Minky was finishing baking, and Tom was looking at the warm cake that Minky had set on the counter to cool, casting another spell. ''Master Tom don't worry, the races are great...Minky has been there many times before. Master will like it,' Minky babbled.''I'm not sure,'' Tom replied, but he wanted to see if this sport made more sense than Quiditich. Finally, Minky grabbed his hand and they moved to a beautiful forest clearing. Auror Potter was wearing an orange robe and was reading a book in front of a gold-colored tent.
''Ah, Tom...Lady Sigyn sent a letter saying she couldn't come, but don't be afraid young man, we will take care of you'' he laughed. Then two people came out of the tent. It was a young woman with dark hair pulled back into a bun, wearing a yellow and black robe, and her green eyes winking happily at him. Next to her was a young man in a gray robe with messy hair and brown eyes.
''This is my son Fleamont and his fiancée Euphemia Shafiq, a talented beast... let me... champion of the junior dueling class, it's a pity she's not in my division'' laughed Auror Potter.
'I prefer honorable duels to chasing social outcasts,' she laughed.
''Don't be so snobbish, my dear,'' replied Fleamont Potter.
To which she playfully kissed his ear and they started giggling. ''Young ones, don't pay attention to them... sit down, my friend Bernie will be here soon with some food,'' replied Auror Potter, and Tom sat down. Auror Potter showed him a potions book, boasting about the potions the Potters had created.