Basically, I'm a sucker for happy endings and romance stories. I'm trying to keep Tom as canon as I can, but giving him the ability to fall for someone. Don't worry, he won't become an angel. Hope you enjoy. Reviews always help motivate me ;)

It's late by the time I arrive at Hogwarts. I'm exhausted and all I want to do is collapse into a bed and sleep for days. Instead, I'm stuck at the front gates. They're closed and warded, as they should be. I want to scream. I've made it through hell to get here and now I'm stuck outside anyways. I close my eyes, trying to think. I raise my wand and fire a spell at the gates. I know I could never force my way in, but I just need someone to notice a disturbance in the wards.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, as I wrap my cloak tighter around myself, a man is walking down from the castle. His beard and hair are a delicate red, like a small flame in the dark. My breath hisses in. I didn't think I would meet him so soon. I watch the ground until he arrives on the other side of the gates. 'Reveal yourself,' he commands. I allow myself to melt out of the shadows, but leave my hood pulled up.

'I need asylum,' my accent colors my words.

'From what?' He asks, less aggressively.

'Not what, who...' I start, 'Grindelwald.' At that, the gates start to creak open.

'Follow me,' he barks. I follow him meekly, trying to keep up with his long strides. Once in the castle he leads me to an office. After traveling through various convoluted corridors, we arrive.

'Tea?' He asks.

'Please,' I say, still cold. Always cold.

'Who are you?' he asks. I bite my lip as I grip the sides of my hood. He watches me expectantly. Holding my breath, I let it fall. My golden hair and blue eyes are unmistakable. He looks as if he's seen a ghost.

'I've heard a lot about you, Albus,' I say quietly.

He's gripping the kettle a little too hard as he asks, 'How?'

I wring my hands, 'My mother and father met 16 years ago in Paris. I was born in 1927. My name is Marie Rosalie Riposte...Grindelwald. I hadn't known who my father was until last year, now I'm forever disgraced with his name.''

Dumbledore watches me. 'I see,' is all he says.

'Please, you must understand,' I say, 'I can't pick who my father is. I never wanted this. So, I beg of you to allow me to stay here.'

He sighs. 'It's not my decision, but I can take it up with the Headmaster.' I nod and he leaves the room.

A few moments later he returns with a man I can only assume is Headmaster Dippet. I explain the story once more. They confer quietly before the Headmaster announces, 'I could not deny your request. You are a child. You're welcome here at Hogwarts.' I fall to the floor, bruising my knees. Tears prick at my eyes.

'Thank you,' is all I can manage.

'Let's sort you quickly and get you into bed,' Dumbledore says. I nod, returning to my seat, sipping my tea.

Dippet waves his wand a seconds later, a ratty hat flies into the room. 'Ready?' he asks.

I nod, 'Yes.' It slips over my eyes.

'Slytherin, I think is the only match for you,' it mutters in my head. Before I can ask why, it is announced to the room. It's pulled off my head and I look at the men.

Their expressions are guarded. I sigh, 'I don't believe in my father's atrocious ideas on blood purity,' I defend myself hotly.

'Miss Riposte, I assume you'll want to go by that name?' Dippit asks.

I shake my head, 'Rosalie, please. Even Riposte is traceable.'

'Well, let's alert the Slytherin prefects. They can help you find your room. Tomorrow, you can meet your Head of House. I understand Beauxbatons has an accelerated program, so you'll fit in fine with your fellow fifth years.' Dippet calls a name I don't know and the crack of apparition fills the room.

A house-elf is given instructions to summon two people and prepare a bed in my dormitory. I recognize one of the names of the people. Black. Of course I have heard of them. The other one, I didn't recognize, Riddle. I sip my tea, waiting for these prefects to arrive. Dippet leaves.

Alone with Dumbledore, I say, 'I'm sorry, you know. For what my father did. He told me. I'm sorry. You have every right to hate me and I am forever at your mercy and in your debt for giving me this chance.' The old professor nods. A soft knock at the door brings us out of the loaded conversation. Dumbledore waves his hand and it opens. I bite my lip. Of all the things I learned with my father, wandless magic might be the only one I'll care to keep up. I wonder if they learned it together.

A girl and a boy walk in. They're my age, I can tell. She is beautiful. Grey eyes, curly black hair, she's a Black through-and-through. I rise to greet them. The boy is also beautiful. His face is angular, aristocratic, despite the unknown last name. His eyes are dark grey, his hair black as night. He is very attractive. She is wearing a dressing gown over her night clothes, hair rumpled. He looks impeccable, still in his robes, not a hair out of place.

'Hello,' he greets, before continuing. 'What is going on, Professor?' he asks.

I interject, 'Hello, my name is Marie Rosalie. I'm the newest student in your house.' Black's eyes widen.

One of Riddle's perfectly arched eyebrows goes up. 'Is that so?' his voice is like velvet, smooth and mysterious.

I sigh, 'I'm a refugee. From France, because of the muggle war, because of Grindelwald really. In any case, I look forward to a new start here.'

'Well, Ms. Rosalie, welcome,' Riddle says.

The girl extends her hand, 'Dorea Black,' she introduces herself. I shake her hand.

'Tom Riddle,' he extends his hand. I reach to shake it, but he brushes his lips across the back of my hand, ever so lightly. It's only my sheer willpower that prohibits the blood rush to my cheeks.

'It's a pleasure,' Riddle says.

'Enchanted,' I reply. Our eyes lock. He looks away first and I blink a couple times.

'Please take her to her rooms,' Dumbledore's voice brings me back to the present.

'Of course,' Black agrees.

'Please bring her to breakfast tomorrow as well. She is the newest student of your house. As prefects, it is your responsibility to ensure she is adapting well.'

Riddle meets his eyes, 'Naturally, professor.'

'Follow me,' Black says. I do so, trailing behind her. Riddle brings up the rear of our small group. She leads me down a few flights of stairs and through many hallways. It'll be a wonder if I ever figure out how to get around this place. We're in front of a stone wall when Black announces clearly, 'Salazar.' A small door opens and she steps through it. I follow and Riddle after me.

'Thank you, Ms. Black,' I murmur after she has shown me my room.

'Dorea, please.'

'Marie,' I tell her.

'You know, you lucked out by getting Slytherin,' she giggles. 'We get our own rooms after fourth year. It's quite nice!'

I smile, 'I do enjoy my privacy, if I'm honest.'

'Of course. Well, the loo is over there. We usually head to breakfast around 8am. Either Tom or I will wait in the common room for you.'

I sit on the bed, 'I can't thank you enough.'

'It's my pleasure,' Dorea says. Then, she's gone.

I try to fall asleep, but mostly I toss and turn. The room feels too cold. I always feel too cold. My window looks out into the depths of the lake. It makes the room feel insulated. I feel safe, for the first time in many months. I close my eyes eventually. But I see my mother's corpse, as though the image has been burned into my eyelids. So I open my eyes and stare out the window until I can see the green water brighten with the sunrise.