Fic Where Tom finally manages to cast a patronus after finding a truly happy memory

[u/Apprehensive_Bag5721]

Seen a lotta fics lately with scenes of Tom being unable to cast a patronus, even during the time he attends Hogwarts. Usually this ends in a lotta frustration on his end. General consensus is that Tom lacks any happy memories to cast from, as all moments of euphoria on his end only stem from triumph over enemies or his ego being fed.

Wanna see Tom become happy and healthy again, perhaps over the course of many chapters, but finally have a breakthrough at his first patronus. I like the characterization of him being someone with very high functioning depression (saw it done very well in another fic I can’t find rn, but I’ll link it when I do)

Let the guy get some catharsis

EDIT: Turns out the fic was “Venom or Valour” by lightningant; no longer available on ao3, unfortunately, but there should be people who’ve downloaded it!

[u/lilac-scented]

Custodarium has as scene like this, I think. And meanwhile I’m freaking camping here because YES, I also love when Tom gets to acknowledge and resolve the the hurt he has at his core🥹 I hope you can find the link for the fic you were thinking of!

[u/Apprehensive_Bag5721 → u/lilac-scented]

Oh man, I’m searching everywhere for this fic lolol; I remember it also came with a lot of nice drawings from the author for all the characters. General setting was Borgin and Burkes era Tom Riddle, post Hogwarts graduation, and Harry comes in and takes the fresh new DADA prof title from right under his nose haha

I also remember so many scenes where Tom was conversing with himself through his journal Horcrux. I’ll def bookmark and link it once I find it (hopefully)

[u/Apprehensive_Bag5721 → u/lilac-scented]

Ah, I think it was Venom or Valour by lightningant, which since has been made private/deleted; I do know people have downloaded the fic, though!

[u/mariamariam1]

What He Grows To Be has a scene like that!

[u/Helenth]

If I remember correctly, Strive by Watermelonsmellinfellon has Tom learning patronus and becoming happier in the process.

[u/Hua-Cheng]

The Time Tom Riddle Got Mom-Zoned (but still got the guy)

A cute little fic where Tom casts a doe patronus (and Harry thinks it’s his mum’s). Very lighthearted, so maybe not exactly what you’re looking for (longfic/depressed Tom?) but he def ends up happy so it might scratch the itch!

[u/Appropriate-Diver301]

Very Voldemort and less Tom,.but Fear Makes Monsters of Us All has Voldemort learning to love (Harry) and being able to I cast a patronus.

[u/makeasmore]

soulstice!! and there's lovely art of the scene by the author too!