His Salvation

Gabby was walking back from the Prefect's meeting a few weeks later.

"Gabriella!" Tom Riddle caught up with her. He had messy dark brown hair and bright blue eyes.

"Hey, Tom. What's up?" she asked.

"Well, I was wondering if you wanted me to walk you back?" he offered.

"I'm going to the library," Gabby shook her head. "You can come if you want."

"Library? We have a library?"

Gabby Laughed.

Tom liked it when his beautiful red haired fairy laughed. The Muggle type, mind you - the ones who tricked men into being their prisoners and slaves. Tom felt like Gabby already had him under her spell. She had his heart under lock and key.

"So, did you hear about the person who was petrified?" he asked casually. He sure as hell wished the stupid mudblood had died.

"Did they find the culprit?" she asked. Tom noticed her smile had long ago vanished.

"No," he shook his head. Tom's face was grave. Damn, he was a good actor.

"Isn't that exciting?" she said suddenly. "Horrible for the boy and all, but there's something that could possibly kill us at any moment."

"I'll protect you," Tom said smiling. Gabby found this exciting. Would she think the same if he told her?

They sat in the library quietly talking while Gabby did her homework.

"Gabby?" Tom asked.

"Hmm?" she didn't look up from her work.

Tom swallowed the lump in his throat.

"All done," she snapped her book shut causing Tom to jump a bit. "Ready to go?"

"I wanted to tell you that..." he faltered. Could he tell her? Was he ready for her to know his secret?

"Go ahead, Tom. I'm listening," she said touching his arm lightly as they walked.

Tom melted. Next thing he knew, Gabby was in his arms, they were on the ground, and it was pitch black.

Stupid basilisk! He was just about to tell her.

"Tom, what happened?" Gabby whispered. Her breath was hot against his cheek.

He took in the sweet scent of strawberry perfume before responding. "I'm not-"

However, he was cut off by a large bang as something that sounded like a statue fell. There was a loud hiss and something else fell.

"Gabby, close you eyes," Tom whispered. Something slithered over his leg and he could feel Gabby shake.

"Get lost," Tom hissed at the basilisk, his own eyes shut tightly. "Leave!"

"Yes, Master. But before I do, who is this girl?" the gigantic serpent hissed back.

"She's someone whom you may never go near again," Tom hissed through barred teeth.

"So, you fancy this witch, then?" it asked.

"Yes, now leave!"

"Sorry, Master." The snake was soon gone.

Tom waited a few minutes until he was sure it was gone. "Gabby, I think it's gone," he whispered.

He heard a soft sniffle. Merlin, she was crying. Something wet fell on his cheek. A tear. She was actually crying!

"Gabby," he stroked her hair softly, "It didn't hurt you, did it?"

"No," she sobbed out.

Tom sat up pulling her with him. "Don't cry," he whispered stroking her hair again.