A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Epilogue

Reposted: March 5, 2022

There's still two chapters (that I know for certain) that are still in the process of being revised, so stay tuned.

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As you've probably noticed by the title, this is the epilogue. It's shorter than I would have liked, but it is here.

Summary: Ten years later

CRASH!

Tom sighed loudly. "Noah, was that you?"

"No." The voice came from behind the door of the art room. Bracing himself, Tom entered.

A seven-year-old was sitting by the cabinet, surrounded by splatters of paint. A can was lying on the floor beside him.

"Noah." Tom rubbed his face. "What did I tell you about that shelf?"

Noah shrugged. "Can't remember."

He smiled that damn smile that looked so innocent, and Tom found himself giving in. "Remind me to ask Molly why she called you an angel," he said, taking out his wand and cleaning the mess up.

The orphanage had been a great idea, he reflected, carrying Noah through the hall. He and Harry hadn't been the only ones with shitty upbringings, which was somewhat reassuring but mostly frustrating.

Noah, for instance, had been dropped off four months ago after he was bitten by a werewolf. He was immediately given Slytherin's Wolfsbane and a home until he was adopted or at least steady on his feet.

Sixteen-year-old Riley had been disowned when she came out as asexual, a term Harry had instantly latched onto. She took an immediate interest in potions and was constantly asking Severus questions.

Molly absolutely adored them all. Her motherly instincts made her the perfect candidate as the matron of Riddle's Orphanage — and yes, Tom was aware that the name wasn't very extravagant, but it served its purpose.

Tom entered the dining hall, where lunch was just being served.

"There you are, Noah, dear," said Molly, smiling. "Eat up, you must be hungry."

"Starving." Noah sat down and dug in.

Harry went up to Tom and kissed him on the cheek. "You finally found the little devil, I see."

Tom snorted. "I though you said he was an angel."

"Well, the devil did used to be an angel," Harry pointed out. "By the way, have you seen Ron and Hermione's daughter yet? Rose is so cute."

"Just give her a few years."

Harry grinned. "Hey, Molly, Tom and I are heading out."

"You'll stop by tomorrow?"

"Course." Harry ruffled Noah's head and followed Tom out the door.

When they returned home, they came across Sirius hollering and chasing Remus through the hall.

"What did he do this time?" Tom asked a cackling Bella.

"Remus dyed his pants pink," she explained.

A yelp told them Sirius had finally caught Remus and one look as Harry passed them confirmed it.

"Don't start making out," he said.

"No promises," Remus called after him, struggling to get out from under Sirius.

"You might want to be careful, Sirius," warned Tom. "You don't want anymore gray hairs, do you?"

Sirius sat up, glaring. "I'm not that old."

"Can't blame him for forgetting your age, though," Remus piped up, managing to wriggle into a half-sitting position. "You still act like a five-year-old."

A very offended Sirius knocked him back over and they began rolling on the floor yelling.

Harry exchanged a glance with Tom, who shrugged. Then they quietly continued on to their room.

Azure was curled up by the window. She had been slowing down in the last few years, but she still annoyed the hell out of everyone. Affectionately, of course. She lifted her head as Harry sat down. 'Hi, hatchling.'

'Hey, you. Enjoying yourself?'

'Mhm.'

Tom sighed contently. "It's a good day."

"Yeah. Can you believe we made it to this point?"

He felt Tom's arms wrap around his body. "No, but I'm not complaining one bit."

"Me, neither."

It did feel strange, Harry reflected. When he had first stepped into Gringotts, he hadn't anticipated the things he would learn. He hadn't foreseen such corruption in the former headmaster of Hogwarts. Nor had he expected the lengths he would go to maintain his image. But in the end, it hadn't mattered. The truth came out. The future of the wizarding world was brighter.

And it had all started with a little help from a snake.

Aaannnndddd... that's a wrap for ALHS! And here's some wrapping paper because why not? *holds it out*

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I do hope you are all well-hydrated now (again, excluding Ramadan). And if not... *grins* Tomling, Something, dildo lover, Cody, Tommy-boy, Rob Tiddle, Tomcat, and....................................................................................................................................................

Tomalongadingdong!