C113 Steve’s Answer

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After dropping Druella off, Tom brought the car back to Slytherin Manor, but he wouldn't be staying there.

He opened another portal and appeared in his room in Kamar-Taj. As the portal closes behind him, he takes off his shoes and collapses on the bed.

Because of the time difference, It's bright and sunny outside compared to America. Though, that wouldn't stop him from getting the sleep he surely needs.

"So, how was your date?" A voice is heard from his doorway.

"I think it went well." Tom answers tiredly as he could recognize that nosy voice anywhere.

In the door stood the Ancient One in all of her bald glory.

"That's good." She says as she strolls in and sits at the edge of Tom's bed. "I've heard news from the sanctum in London."

"Oh really, what did you hear?" Tom mutters as he shoves his face into his pillows.

"You have become quite famous in your community. Everyone is talking about the mysterious Tom Riddle that killed the dark lord." She says as she sees Tom about ready to doze off.

"Huh? That was fast. I was planning on it though, so no big deal." Tom mutters again as his eyes start drooping.

"Hmm." She hums and stands to cover Tom with his blanket. "Goodnight, Tom."

"Goodnight, Mom..." Tom answers as he falls asleep.

The Ancient One just stood there shocked. She knew it was a joke when he called her mother earlier, but he didn't seem to be joking now.

'He must have spoken subconsciously...' She smiles as that must mean he sees her in that way.

A few tears fall from her eyes as she sits at the side of Tom's bed and strokes his hair. Outside the window, she sees many students training in the courtyard.

Pride swells in her chest as she thinks of all that she's accomplished. If only she could spend more time on this earth to look after her adopted son.

She always thought that she was ready to die. After all, she's been on this earth for longer than most.

Although, those feelings changed when Tom entered her life. He shattered her plans and blocked her from seeing most of the future's important events. She couldn't even see her death anymore.

'I don't know if that's a good thing or not.' She thought.

The Ancient One has no idea whether she would die or not. That was far scarier than knowing 100% that she would die.

Standing to her feet, she tucks Tom in and closed his curtains. Leaving the room, she looks back for a moment and smiles.

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When Tom woke up, he found out that he slept for 12 whole hours. The strain from the days of training without sleep combined with his battle against Grindelwald must have taken a toll on him.

He decided to skip training this morning and take a day off. After cleaning up and getting changed, Tom left for Slytherin Manor.

When he arrived, it was the middle of the day. Steve and Peggy were eating lunch served by blushing elves.

"Hello, Peggy. It's good to see you again." Tom announces himself as he enters the dining room.

"Tom..." She says as she stands up and walks over, enveloping Tom in a hug. "Huh? What's this for?"

"That was for saving my fiancé," She pauses and pulls away. "and this is for knocking me out."

*slap*

"Okay, I deserved that." Tom says as he holds his left cheek.

"Yes, you did." She says as she sits back down.

"Has Steve received his punishment yet?" Tom asks, causing Steve to glare at him.

"Nope, but I'll think of something far worse for him..." Peggy announces.

Steve started feeling paranoid about whatever she would do. That could be a punishment in itself.

"Well, feel free to ask for any magical help in his punishment. Think of it as an apology gift." Tom offers as he smirks in Steve's direction and takes a seat at the table.

"I'll let you know if I come up with anything and need help." She smirks as she stares at Steve's expression in delight.

Now, Steve's paranoia started getting worse as he thinks of whatever she would do to him with magical assistance.

"Master wants lunch?" An elf asked as it appeared at Tom's side.

"Yes, a full English breakfast, please." Tom says and the elf pops away. "Have you come up with an answer for me?"

Steve and Peggy pause at his question and looked at each other for a moment.

"We talked about it and I'm willing to join your team." Steve announces. "I have a few conditions though."

"Of course, what would they be?" Tom asked with a pleased smile.

"First, Peggy will join our team." Steve says and looks for Tom's reaction.

"That's fine. Although, I'll have to come up with some enhancements for her. Maybe some enchanted clothes and weaponry?" Tom thinks out loud causing Peggy to perk up slightly.

"What would that entail?" She asks.

"Well, I'd have to look into it." Tom moves his hand to his chin and thinks for a moment. "Things like bulletproof clothes and guns with unlimited bullets wouldn't be too hard though."

He's already been thinking of those sorts of things for when he recruits Black Widow, so he should be able to make them for Peggy as well.

"Thank you. That makes me feel better about her joining the team." Steve says sincerely as Peggy says her thanks as well.

"No problem. What are your other conditions?" Tom asks.

"I can't leave my men thinking I'm dead. I need to let them know I'm okay." Steve looks straight into Tom's eyes. "Especially Bucky."

"*sigh* This one is a bit harder to agree to. If it was just Bucky, then yeah sure. I wouldn't care one bit. If a lot of people know you're alive, the chances of that being revealed grow more likely to happen." Tom explains.

"I agree, but I can't keep it from them. I'm sorry." Steve apologizes as Peggy puts her hand on his shoulder in support.

Seeing them like this, Tom couldn't help but sigh.

'Why must everyone make things harder?' He thought as he tried to think of a solution.

"If you can't agree to this, then I'm sorry Tom, but I won't join the team." Steve says as he stands to walk out of the room with Peggy trailing behind.

"What if I make them magically incapable of revealing the fact that you're alive?" Tom called out, causing them to pause in their steps and turn around.

"Is that even possible?" Peggy asks curiously.

"Yes."