A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

65: Ding Dong! Tomalonga is Back!

Reposted: January 24, 2022

Like my chapter title? Came up with it back in early December.

——————————

*gently opens door because the poor door doesn't deserve to be slammed* Did someone ask for an update? Well, here it is

Summary: Harry returns to Hogwarts; Tom is reintroduced to the world

Alternate summary: Harry's family loves being dramatic

When Harry returned to Hogwarts, he was subjected once more to curious stares and whispering. Some people wondered how Tom had remained sane for so long, while others talked about Dumbledore and his meddling ways. One person bluntly asked Harry to his face if Tom was a good kisser.

That startled Harry into answering yes before he could fully process their words. Pretty soon, everyone was gossiping about their relationship, much like they had with Tracey. And if anyone had expected Tracey to be devastated that Harry was taken, they quickly realized that wasn't the case.

"That's right!" Tracey shouted once while eating lunch. "Harry and I have never been in a relationship! He's gay! And I like food!" And then she took a big bite from her roast beef and raised her fork in the air, prompting many whoops and hollers from students of all houses.

And Remus may have secretly given her three points, but you can't prove that.

To Harry's surprise, Ginny came up to him and told him how everyone was talking about wanting to meet Tom.

"Really?" Harry said, surprised. "Even though you all thought he was Voldemort barely weeks ago?"

Ginny shrugged. "Well, I know Fred and George do. After they saw his memories at the trial."

Harry raised his eyebrows but wasn't really surprised. "I'll ask Professor McGonagall and Tom if they're all right with that."

It took a while, but McGonagall eventually agreed Tom could visit that Saturday. Harry guessed she wanted to meet Tom for herself, as did the other professors.

It was a hesitant Tom who stepped into the headmaster's office— headmistress now— on Saturday morning, though it wasn't Dumbledore who greeted him on the other side. Instead, he found himself facing the heads of houses.

"Um, hi?" he said uncertainly.

"Good morning, Mr. Riddle," McGonagall said. "You already know Professor Snape."

"We've met," Tom said, and Severus rolled his eyes.

"These are Professors Pomona Sprout and Filius Flitwick," McGonagall continued, gesturing to each of them in turn.

"Nice to meet you." And not as a raging lunatic, he added silently. "Er, where's Harry?"

"Hiding from Remus," Severus said. "I heard him hollering something about monkeys and grapes."

Tom slowly nodded, his eyebrows furrowed. "So how many people know I'm here?" he asked, deciding not to question Severus for the time being.

It turned out the whole school knew, which made it difficult for Tom to travel. Thankfully, he remembered at least most of the castle and didn't get lost.

At one point, though, he rounded a corner and found himself face to face with a group of redheads and a bushy-haired girl.

"Look who decided to join us, Gred," said one of them.

"I see, Forge," the other one replied.

"Oh, no," Tom groaned, for these must be the Weasley twins.