Chapter Text
When Albus and Gellert first bring him home from the orphanage, Tom's tiny feet do not touch the floor for a month.
Gellert carries him everywhere; sits him on his lap during meals, totes him around while doing chores, and so on and so forth.
Tom doesn't seem to mind. Besides, this way everyone always knows where the baby is.
They become such an inseparable duo that Albus laughingly addresses them as 'Gellert-and-Tom'. Gellert-and-Tom are called in for breakfast (Tom is always dressed in a neat little outfit, occasionally one mimicking Gellert's), Gellert-and-Tom are informed that it's time for a nap, Gellert-and-Tom are asked for advice regarding a bit of paperwork.
One day, Gellert sits down next to where Albus is working and gives one of his rare grins. "Guess who learned a new word today."
Tom stares passively at Albus, who smiles as well. "Let’s hear it, then."
"Go ahead," Gellert prompts, and when Tom swivels to look at him, points to himself. "Who's this?"
"Ell'an'om," Tom says.
Albus starts to laugh.