Disclaimer: Same as prologue

Chapter 36

The rest of the exam period passed quickly. Aidan had opted to stunning Tom, levitating him to his dorm bed and placing a sleeping charm on him whenever he stubbornly remained with Aidan as he studied past twelve and well into the morning, which was something that happened almost daily. Aidan knew Tom wanted to help but he was not willing to have Tom perform badly just to help him. Tom usually woke up with a scowl every morning Aidan did that to him but never did anything to prevent Aidan from doing the same thing the night after.

The holidays were coming in the not too distant future and everyone was excitedly talking about how they planned to spend the holidays now that the exams were no longer hanging over them. Tom was silent while the others talked excitedly, Aidan knew that it was because he would have to go back to the orphanage he hated. Aidan frowned a little at the thought of Tom having to spend the entire summer in a place he hated and resolved to find a way to not let Tom go to the orphanage that year. A quick look at the staff table later and Aidan had a good idea of how to get Tom out of the orphanage.

"Should we be worried?" Xeno asked as he noticed the gleam in Aidan's eye once he had begun to plan. His words drew the rest of the Court's attention towards Aidan.

"No, you lot don't have to worry. It does not have anything to do with any of you … well most of you anyway," he amended after some thought. Aidan stood quickly after that and left the Great Hall without another word to anyone. The Court exchanged puzzled looks but decided to ignore it for now. Aidan would tell them when he wanted to.

Aidan traced his path so that it would cross with Dumbledore's so that he could talk with the other man. He sped his pace as he saw the wizard in front of him and about to enter his office. Aidan knocked on the door of Dumbledore's office and Dumbledore looked up before he smiled and motioned Aidan into his office.

"To what do I owe this visit, my boy?" Dumbledore said as Aidan sat down in one of the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk.

"I was wondering if Tom could stay in the castle for the holidays," Aidan started.

"I don't think so," Dumbledore started and at Aidan's look hastily continued, "you were a special case because I am your guardian and I usually stay at Hogwarts. I believe Mister Riddle is happy going to the orphanage. He has never complained."

"He isn't happy at the orphanage," Aidan rebutted. "Could you not at least ask Headmaster Dippet? I'm sure if you argue enough you can convince him!"

Dumbledore did not looked particularly convinced about asking the headmaster yet so Aidan continued.

"Please? He can keep me company during the holidays so you don't have to worry that much and we will probably be spending most of our time with Arianna and Aberforth anyway. We won't bother anyone!" Aidan said, trying to convince Dumbledore.

Dumbledore smiled, "My, my 'we' already Aidan? Very well, I'll try my best but I can't promise anything."

Aidan cheered at Dumbledore's words. He would wait until Headmaster Dippet agreed before he told Tom though, he would not like to get Tom's hopes up before they were sure just in case the headmaster refused to allow Tom to stay. Aidan hoped that the headmaster gave his permission for Tom to stay.

The Court was not entirely sure how to take the air of anticipation that surrounded Aidan for the next week. They were not sure if he was simply waiting for something to arrive or if he had pulled another elaborate prank that he was simply waiting for the right time to let loose on the school as he had done a couple of times before. They were not entirely sure if they should be worried or excited. Tom had asked Aidan about it but Aidan had acted as if he had not heard the question and continued talking to him about whatever he felt like.

When Aidan was finally told to stay back during one of the Transfiguration lessons, he was a bundle of nerves. He could not deny his excitement at the possibility of having company his age during the holidays and getting Tom out of the orphanage earlier. He wanted Tom to meet Aberforth and Arianna officially.

"Professor?" Aidan asked as the classroom emptied, he could see Tom lingering by the door waiting for him. Aidan thought for a second then waved Tom inside so he could hear the information from the horse's mouth. Tom walked closer into the room to stand next to Aidan while Dumbledore watched in amusement, somehow knowing that Tom did not know what Aidan was planning yet.

"The headmaster agreed to your request. It did not take much to convince him, especially after I mentioned you. You've grown on him apparently," Dumbledore said, smiling slightly in resignation. "I'll send a note to let them know."

Aidan whooped and jumped up and down excitedly. Tom simply looked confused at Aidan's excitement and waited for Aidan to calm down and explain. He stumbled slightly when Aidan turned to share his excitement with Tom and hugging him, throwing his entire body weight into it, Tom's arms wrapped around Aidan immediately to steady Aidan as he tried to gain his balance. Tom couldn't help it, Aidan's laughter and excitement was contagious and he soon found himself laughing for no reason other than the fact that Aidan was, still not letting go of the other boy. Dumbledore had left at some point without them noticing.

"We're going to have a fun holiday," Aidan said at last as he managed to control himself a little bit.

It took a moment before Tom realized exactly what Aidan had said, "We?"

Aidan grinned up at him, "Yeah, the headmaster just gave permission for you to stay at Hogwarts with me for the holidays."

"So that's what you were anticipating for the last month?" Tom asked smiling brightly at the thought of not needing to return to the orphanage. He would never need to see that place again because he would be of age even in the muggle world by next year. The only thing better than that thought was the thought of being able to spend the entire holiday with Aidan.

"How did you get Dumbledore to ask Dippet?" Tom asked.

"I really didn't do much, I just convinced him to at least ask Dippet if you could stay. He asked Dippet and as you heard, Dippet agreed," Aidan said brightly. "I think you've grown on him."

"That's all your fault, Aidan," Tom sighed, somehow he was not as shocked as he should have been at the news.

"Yip, I know, but you love me all the same," Aidan teased back, getting out of Tom's relaxed grip.

Tom instantly missed holding Aidan's warmth.

"Besides, you still have to officially meet Arianna and you have to meet Aberforth too! You haven't met him yet have you? He's Dumbledore's younger brother who owns one of the pubs in Hogsmead …"