"The Serpent's Teeth"
(A Tom Riddle love story)

22nd December 1944
Sunday

Waking up disoriented and with a terrible headache, I don't dare to open my eyes, the light hurts bad enough even through closed lids.

Where am I?

The background noises don't sound like my friends and weren't they going home anyway?

It sounds more like a teapot...

Tom!

I must be in Toms room.

But how did I end up here?

I vaguely remember drinking with some guy because Tom ignored me at Slughorn's party.

Crap!

I have had clearly too much to drink.

I have never blacked out before.

Or ever had hangover.

I slowly I turn on my back.

Unfortunately, I feel sick from the movement and jump out of bed frantically, ignoring the dizziness.

In record time I kneel in front of the toilet.

I only realise that Tom went after me, as he's holding my hair up for me.

The day can only get better.

"Do you want some tea?"

He asks me after I rinsed my mouth.

"Sure," I whisper and press my fingers to my temples.

My head!

Tom leaves the bathroom and I risk a glance in the mirror, my eyes are red, my makeup is smudged and I'm pale.

I look sick.

I quickly wash my face with cold water until I look presentable.

I'm wearing one of Toms T-shirts.

Did he change my clothes?

A light blush starts covering my cheeks as I imagine that he saw me half naked and I can not even remember it.

Cautiously I walk outside.

Every step, every vibration of my body causes an unpleasant stinging in my head.

Never again will I drink this much.

And never again because of him.

Tom looks to me from his armchair.

"I ordered a potion for your headache."

"Thank you,"

I mutter, and take the vial with the clear liquid.

The flavor reminds me of smelly feet, but it immediately shows its analgesic effect.

Relieved I sit down next to Tom and reach for my teacup.

"Never again," I moan and am delighted with the amused twitching of his mouth.

"I would not recommend it to you."

"How did I get here?" I look at him questioningly, slightky worried about his answer.

"I carried you."

"Why?"

"You were laying in a deserted corridor, laughing hysterically and wouldn't calm down."

"Oh," I breathe my cheecks turning red.

Embarrassing.

"What...did I say?"

"You wanted me to leave you alone, and didn't want to stay here. I put you to bed anyway. "

"Does that surprise you?"

Did I just say my thoughts out loud?

I put my hand infront of my mouth.

I'm clearly not ok yet.

"I'm not good for you, Hazel," he says emphatically and looks me in the eye.

Confused, I look back.

He wanted to protect me?

Protect me from himself?

"I know," I reply with a smile.

"Then why are you still here?"

His voice resonates with resignation.

"Because I don't care," I whisper, and take a big gulp of my tea, so that I have a reason not tolook at him.

"That's stupid."

"It's friendship", I reply, no longer avoiding his gaze.

"Aren't your friends missing you?"

"They have all gone home."

"Then we're probably the only ones in our year who stayed behind. I am the only Slytherin spending his holidays here. "

"Then let us celebrate Christmas together," I suggest.

"I don't celebrate Christmas."

"That means that I''ll be all alone on Christmas?"

"Do you want to stay with me during the holidays?"

Startled, I look over at him.

"Are you serious?"

"If I know you well enough, you'll come visit me every day. Why don't you stay here then?"

"I'll just quickly pack my things," I smile and stand up.

I'll be staying with Tom for two weeks!

Once I'm at the door, Tom calls me again.

"What?"

"I know that there's only a few people here now, but don't you want to get dressed first?"

He says with a smile, pointing to my dress.

"That would be better yes," I laugh.

As soon as I'm fully clothed, I head back to the door.

"See you, Tom!"

"See you."

With my packed bag I scurry through the corridors.

If I have forgotten something, I can just go back and get it.

I haven't even finished to knock as he opens the door for me and lets me in.

"I made some space for your clothes in the closet. I hope that will be enough."

Smiling, make my way to his closet and open the doors.

The space is more than enough.

It is magically enlarged and thus almost twice as large as the one I have in my room.

"Fits perfectly," I smile and sit down beside him.

He smiles back slightly, staring into the flames.

Tom twirls his wand lightly between thumb and forefinger.

The holidays can begin.