The last Hollingworth - a Hogwarts Story

Fever dreams

As the winter break came I was really suprised that almost everyone had left.
It seemed like Tom and I would be the only slytherins that were staying.

I diddnt mind at all.
I liked having some time for me.
I thought it would be good for me.

After the weekend at home I wasn't alone for a minute. I searched for company everywhere I could.
And my friends diddnt let me down.
The thoughts in my head seemed to consume me when I was alone.
But I had to sort them out.
I had to be stronger than this.

At the first day of winter break I walked into the great hall for breakfast.
There were a hand full of hufflepuffs,
a few ravenclaws
and round a dozen gryffindoors.
I made my way to the slytherin table and sat down right next to Tom.

He didn't even said something.

That was odd.
I was expecting some comment, a sarcastic response that he wanted his peace.
But he was just pushing his breakfast around on his plate.

He looked pale.
I mean he was always pale but he looked even more pale.
Almost sick.
Like he hadn't slept at all.

„Everything ok Tom? You look like shit"

He diddnt even looked up.
He slightly coughed.

„I'm fine. And your attempt of being nice is failing heavily"

His voice was raspy.
He was sick.
Very clearly.

„Tom you're sick. Why aren't you in your bed? All rivalries aside."

I tilted my head slightly to the side trying to look closer at him.
He turned slightly away.

„I said I'm fine."

„Tom you're obviously not. You look like you're dying any minute. I don't wanna explain that to a teacher"

I said raising my eyebrows.
He finally looked at me.
His eyes were glassy.
He tried so hard to keep up his cold and hard demeanour.

I reached out and layed my hand on his forehead.
His eyebrows narrowed, I could see that he had a ton of comments already on his tongue.

„You're burning Tom. You have a fever. You shouldn't be here"

As much as I hated him, I couldn't ignore that he was miserable.
After all he helped me.
And I wanted to return that.
I didn't wanted the fact that I would owe him anything.

„You're going in your bed right now!"

My voice left no room for discussions.
But he still tried.

„Youre not my mother. And even she can't tell me what to do."

He stood up.
He was clearly shaky.
He was really not well.
I small wave of pity came over me.
I quickly shook it off.
I hated him.
Why would I pity him.

„But I will go. Simply because I need to rest. Not because you told me to."

I smirked slightly.

„Whatever eases your mind."

I mumbled.
I watched him walk off.
He had barely touched his breakfast.
I sighed.

Why was I such a good person?
Why couldn't I just leave him be?
He wouldn't care if it was me.

But I this was just me.
I couldn't see someone suffer like that.

So after lunch I knocked on his door.
After some seconds the door opened slightly.
I almost had to laugh.
Tom was wearing some pyjama pants and a tight tshirt.

He looked adorable.
I had never seen him like this.
Before he could even say anything I bursted in his room.

„Who said you could come in?"

„I said. So lay back down sick boy"

With a grin I placed the things I had in my arms on his desk.

„What do you want Elisabeth? I'm not in the mood for your..."

He then saw all the things I brought.
He sat down on the edge of his bed.

„Don't talk. Just accept help. By Merlin this is not so difficult."

He sighed and shook his head.
But he didn't said anything so I just kept speaking.

„So I spoke to madam Pomfrey.
She gave me this.
You should take this in the morning and in the evening.
Preferred with a meal.
I also bought you tea and soup.
I suppose you know how to heat these up with your wand. You can't be this stupid.
Oh and when I'm sick I used to take a bath. So I bought you some bath salts. They are good for your breathing. Oh and they are black. Just like your soul"

I placed all the things on his bedside table.
I was practically standing right in front of him.
He said nothing.

After I finished I looked up and saw him just staring at me.
I couldn't quite read his face.
It was the same emotionless expression he always had.

„You're welcome. And if you need anything text me. I know you're in the group chat so you should have my number"

I turned to go.
Something about this made me feel uneasy.
Normally he would complain, make comments, say anything.
But he didn't.
Untill I reached the door.

„Why do you do this?"

His voice sounded genuinely confused.
I looked back and smiled.

„I know we are not friends or anything. But being nice costs nothing. You helped me. And I appreciate that. So I help you."

With that I left.
I didn't even expected a thank you or anything.

Maybe I did it because I wished someone had done this for me when I had no one.
Maybe it was just repaying the favour.
Maybe I cared.
Even tho I hated him.

I got into my room and layed on my bed.
I pulled out my phone.
I ignored the massages from everyone.
All he questions if I'm ok.
I didn't wanted to answer this.
I didn't even knew myself.

My phone buzzed again.

I grinned at my phone.
He must be out of his mind.
But I still put on my hoodie and left making my way to his dorm.