As they entered their own welcoming ceremony, the kids marvelled at the size and of the grand hall, they were being guided towards. The ceiling was mesmerizing, with its floating candles, that shimmered and lit up a beautiful, picturesque, deep blue night sky. The atmosphere was golden and all you could hear was the excited muttering from all the students, sitting down in the isles as they witnessed their new peers, get their first taste of the wonders Hogwarts brings.

"Calm, calm." An elderly, tall man calmly, ordered. Tom watched as the old but powerful man settled the assembly down. He also noticed Dumbledore, the magical professor who told him he was a wizard "You're a wizard Tom." At the time, he believed this Dumbledore character, to be the man tasked to take him to the asylum because that's what the other young boys, at the orphanage, kept telling Tom, he would eventually go to someday, little did Tom know this was the man who would change his life for the better.

"Now as most of you will already know and some wont I am Armando Dippet your head master. Hogwarts is a place for one to learn and become the wizard or witch they're destined to become. However, first, for that to happen you all must be put in the right direction and this hat," He pulled out a battered, old and peculiar grey hat from behind his tablet. "will lead you in that direction."

"Now who wants to go first." The hat itself suddenly said, in a rusty, blunt and cunning tone. All the kids suddenly shied away, taking a step back in order to relinquish themselves from that responsibility. Tom however, decided he would not be afraid of a hat and was just about to forward himself to go when...

"Okay." A sweet, excited voice answered, from the end of the row.

A small, black girl with very long, wavy, ebony curls that dangled neatly down her back, swung towards the great, oak chair and with an etiquette fitting her background, she sat down - legs folded, chin up, back straight, in the grand armchair. Dippet, smiled genuinely at the keen child and gently placed the hat on her forehead.

"Mmm let me see now….Oh is that right….hmm prosperous things I see for you young child…Hmm I see…well admittedly your certainly grow into a great witch there as well…Hmm okay….Slytherin!" The hat finally shouted. Oddly, it was as if throughout the whole sorting, the girl seemed to be muttering something but no one else seemed to notice other than Tom.

"Next!"

"I'll go." Tom, loudly stated. Dippet skimmed the boy over and then called him forward. Tom felt as if he was sitting on a thrown, it was so grand and beautifully engraved with the finest carvings of famous warlock proverbs. Dippet slowly placed the hat on Toms head, just as he had with the previous girl and then the debating began.

"Oh oh my, no question about it, you will be more than prosperous here young man, oh such power, such ability. Yes definitely Slytherin!" Tom would be damned if he had any clue what the hat was drabbling on about but he felt rather good about his sorting. With the very little knowledge he had on the wizarding world, he did at least know that some rather strong and notoriously powerful wizards had indeed been sorted into Slytherin, so what harm could this house do him? The rest of the time passed by quickly, all thirty six, first year students, were eventually sorted into their houses and like Tom suspected, he was quick to settle into Slytherin.

In the few months ahead, Tom became somewhat popular in the Slytherin house, known as the vague, expressionless boy who held an unusual natural authority to him. The rest of the boys in his house were always quick to seek his attention and please him, as if they felt obliged to. From the start it was clear Tom was everyone talented in magic, more than talented, prodigious! His ability to comprehend new information within a short period of time was inhuman, he was always the first to answer questions and he was constantly being found in the library gathering more and more knowledge of the Wizarding world. The teachers glorified him and for once, in a long time, Tom actually felt good.

One autumn afternoon, Tom walked across field of snow to his next lesson - History of Magic- until he came across, a bundle of girls all huddled around, something or someone.

"Ah and what is it we have here? Ratty Rosonda being her usual weird self." A girl teased. No sooner after the nasty comment was made did Tom recognise the voice to be Amorada's, a Slytherin, girl in his year.

The girl being picked on, tried to move past her but Amorarda was just as fast to cut the girl in her tracks.

"Going so soon? You know it's weird it's like the sorting hat sorted you into the wrong house. You do not seem to be much of a 'prosperous witch' to me, more like one of those silly Gryffindor wimps or even a funny-in-the-head Hufflepuff." All the girls around her began to shake with laughter.

"And you don't seem much of a Slytherin with your lack of intelligence. The sorting hat is always correct. I wouldn't question it again if I were you." Tom cut in, keeping his voice low and cold. They all turned round, shocked out of their wits Tom would make such a comment. Then the girls around, Amorarda began to snicker at her.

"Oh Tom! I was only yanking her wand… Hey stop laughing " She said awkwardly. Her face grew red from embarrassment. However, they kept on giggling in what Tom thought was a pathetic, high pitch tone. Amorada walked away from them all, with her chin raised at almost a 180 degree angle, in order to try and save what was left of her dignity. Tom just glared at the girls as they walked away and shook his head, clearly displaying how pathetic he thought they all looked, in that momentt. Without even considering the girl he had just helped, Tom began to continue his journey to History of Magic.

"Thank you." a small, giddy voice thanked. Tom turned around surprised. Not knowing what to say or do, Tom just nodded awkwardly at the girl and then turned and carried on his way.

"Oh wait! Please wait!" The girl said eagerly. Tom turned around again, this time a lot more irritated.

"My names Rosonda… Rosonda Excalibur." It's not as if Tom didn't know who she was, they were in almost all the same classes and it's not like there's that many people in a year group, hell the number of students in the school was so small, Tom practically knew off everyone in the bloody school, there really, was no need for introductions.

"Tom, Tom Riddle."

"Oh how nice! Though very muggle father would say." Tom faked a smile and rather determined, began to head again to his History lesson.

"Wait I'm sorry. You're going to History aren't you? I am too, we can walk together." She suggested. It's not as if Tom didn't know why Rosonda was so eager, to communicate with him. Although Rosonda was undeniably bright, the girl just didn't fit in. Not in Slytherin, which was the truth. Amorarda was right, Rosonda was much more suited to Gryffindor. But even for a Gryffindor she's too polite and humble and for a Hufflepuff she's too intelligent and talented, for a Ravenclaw she is too adventurous and wild and as we said for a Slytherin she's too precious, too nice. Perhaps it was the fact she had the admiral quality of staying true to her un-conventional self, which got her into Slytherin or maybe it was because of her blood line… she is off course a descendant of the great Merlin himself after all and a pure blood…who knows? Tom thought.

"Alright." Tom said simply, with a genuine smile. A smile was not a thing he practiced often…well not genuinely.

Entering the history lesson together, the two sat beside each other conversing away, to the surprise of many in the Slytherin house.

"Tom what are you doing with Raving mad Rosodna!" Mardo Rosier whispered into his ear, whilst Professor Lordy raved on. Overhearing Rosonda bit her lips, suppressing all her anger.

"Raving mad Rosonda..." Tom said. Rosonda's heart sank even more…even Tom believed she was bonkers. She tried her hardest to keep up, the clueless poker face, she had bravely been putting on daily that term.

"...happens to be one the few witches that have a direct heritage to the great Merlin himself and we all know Merlin was taught by Salazar. I think Rosondas rather good company to keep actually don't you?" Tom finished.

"Er yes…I didn't even think of that but now you come to say it…your fathers Elyon Excalibur and your mother…" Mardo stuttered, trying to dig herself out of the grave hole she had put herself in.

"Nimue Excalibur. Yes, yes they are," Rosonda sternly, stated. Rosondas blood boiled. "And you are a half-blood, half-wit!" She hissed and just before she could regret her harsh words and apologise, Tom cunningly, smiled at her and so all Rosonda did is proudly smile back.

In two short weeks, Rosonda and Tom became like bowtruckles on doxy eggs. Wherever Tom went there would be Rosonda and wherever Rosonda went, Tom was soon to follow.
"Are you excited for are first attendance to duelling club!" Rosonda squealed as she rushed to the class.

"I don't believe in excitement or games," Tom said looking down at the girl "But I guess miss Merrythought's lessons are more interesting than others." Rosonda rolled her eyes at his typical stubbornness and smiled as they came to the door.

"Ooh nice to see some fresh faces. First years don't usually chose this club and I mostly advice them not to, very determined children I must say." Miss Merrythought professed to Rosonda and Tom as they came in, though her warning didn't discourage them.

"Okay seen as your so brave, how about you face Mr More here. He's one of the best wizards in the year above you at Defence Against the Dark Arts. It will be good to test your abilities." The teacher dictated. Aware of the many eyes, of older students watching him, Rosonda stepped on the platform. Surprised Tom pulled on her cloak for her to come back because he knew she wasn't skilled enough to face Moor. Yet she nudged him off and walked down the platform to face her opponent.

"On the count of 3. 1...2...3_"

"Slugulus!" George More said quickly.

"Expelliarmus." She counterbalanced.

"Immobilious." A white streek, flashed from the tip of his wand all the way towards Rosonda. But Rosonda was ready for it….

"Expelliarmus." She yelled, dispelling his attack.

"Eructo." A red flash eructed.

"Expelliarmus." She said again, her defense mechanisms were getting weakers and both Rosonda and More knew it. The boy and all the other people in the hall began to laugh.

"Hmm is that all you've got?" George More spat.

"Eructo." He said viciously.

"No, no it's not! Protego!" Rosonda shouted. Tom nodded to himself proudly, continuing to will her on in his head. Slightly more impressed George tried another tactic, a different spell a more harsher spell…he was purposely being cruel.

"Diffindo!" He cried. Not expecting such a strong charm to come forth and knowing she wouldn't have time to counterbalance the attack, Rosonda tried to dodge it but…

"Aargh." she yelped

"Rosonda!" Tom ran to the platform, in her aid. The charm had torn through her cloak sleeve and caused a deep cut in her arm.

"Move , move, oh dear let me take you straight to the medical room, come along."

It wasn't long before Merrythought was back who simply stated.

"Now lets carry on…More, Riddle, your on."

The two boys stepped on the platform and organised themselves into the professional duelling stance. Tom would show this More guy a lesson, whatever the price.

"Stingify." George More shouted quickly, flicking his wand in a precise manner.

"Expelliarmus" Tom responded, just as fast. Georges wand flicked out of his hand suddenly but he was quick to catch it in the other.

"Diffindo." George made a slicing gesture with his wand.

"Protego." A translucent circular barrier covered Tom from Georges hex before it hit him. Growing frustrated, at his inconsistency to even touch Tom with at least one charm, George came to worry about his reputation, being beaten by a 1st year didn't look good.

"Glacious!" George howled.

"Flame freezing charm!"

"Immobilus."

"Finite Incantatem." It was getting harder for Tom to reverse Georges strong charms.

"Posture Riddle, posture!" was all professor Merrythought could yell.

"Engorgio! Slugulus Eructo!"

"Protego Maxima, Fianto Duri, Repello Inimicum!" The audience watched in awe of Toms last charm. Never had a 1st year attempted such a charm and excelled in it with such confidence.

"Brackium Emendo." Tom attacked. He had only read about the charm in an old DADA book he found in the library, never had he thought of actually using it but this Moor guy meant dirt to him and seeing him in pain, for what he did to Rosonda, would bring Tom nothing but joy. However causing someone pain would get him in trouble so he did the next best thing which was this spell.

Georges bones, or should I say lack of, made him melt to the ground. Crying in shock the boy slid on his two arms to Miss Merrythought, tears streaming down his eyes like a baby.

"Merlin's beard! Boy, you have no bones in your leg. Okay club dismissed, I think that's enough injuries for one day. I will see you all next week. Bye now." She said, whilst making hand gestures to scurry everyone along. "Now let me get you to the medical room. Oh and Riddle… well done, quite impressive, I must say." George only grimaced annoyed at being beaten but Tom just smiled smugly, at himself and dashed out the classroom in a rush to find Rosonda.

Tom was running so fast, he almost tripped over his own feet as he rounded the corner, that brought you straight into the medical ward

"Can I see her, please!" He eagerly asked the nurse.

"How did I know you'll be coming." The nurse laughed "She's in there." She gestured her head towards, a light blue curtain, which Tom pasted towards.

Upon seeing Rosonda's smiling face, all the muscles in Toms body finally relaxed. "You wouldn't believe what I've just done." And Tom began to tell her everything, that had just happened.

A few weeks later

It was 12pm in the morning, all the Slytherin house students had gone up to their dorms, yet Tom and Rosonda still laid on the old vintage mat on the stony Slytherin common room floor. Opening the small grey cage in her hand, a small, thin, scaly snake silvered out of the cramped enclosure. It had deep forest green skin, with thick black spiraling rings with a golden outline imprinted onto its tiny scales and a yellow flat belly. The creature also had small, sharp, white teeth like that of a kittens and it was cute in it's own way with its round deep black eyes.

"I hate keeping her in there, but some people just have a fear of snakes."

"Yes, I know."

"Oh sorry for presuming, I didn't even think about you having a fear of them, I can put her back in her cage now if you would like me-"
"No off course I don't fear snakes. I talk to them." Tom interrupted. Rosonda stared at him astonished by what he just said.

"You what? Bu_but…but how?" She stuttered.

"I'm not particularly sure, I just can and always have."

"But Tom you do know the only other people or person who is known to speak in the language of, what your essentially saying, parseltongue is-"

"Salazar Slytherin, yes I know."

"That must mean-"

"Perhaps but lets worry about that later."

"What is she saying." Rosonda said hastily.

"What?" Tom said giving her a confused look. She then pointed promptly at the snake.

"What does she say Tom."

"That she prefers when you let her rest on your neck."

"Oh that's no good, mother says 'what if one day that snakes wraps itself slightly too tightly around your neck and SNAP! you die. Mother is always quite blunt with these things you see. Tell her that." As ordered Tom spoke in the foreign tongue to the snake explaining what Rosonda had just told him. Tom chuckled at the response. Amazed that Tom was able to talk with the small reptile, Rosonda gasped.

"What's so funny? What did she say." She said eagerly.

"Aha that she's not likely to kill you. If it weren't for you she'd still be living in that dreaded pet store with although noisy owls and scummy rats. And snakes are a rarity for wizards and witches to buy because they're too expensive, so she could have been in that pet shop for years if it weren't for you."

"Is that why you didn't get one Tom."

"No Dumbledore said an owl is more practical."

"Hmm I guess you're right. We have several owls in my home, we only got the snake because daddy wanted to spoil me but I truly love her to pieces, I just can't think of a good name."

"I thought you named her Loyalty."

"Yes, yes but it's too plain…hmm what is the word for loyalty in parseltongue?"

"Lorotamaynaginiro."

"Lorotamaynaginiro it is." She smiled smugly at him.

"You can't be serious." Tom shook his head.

"Okay we'll call her Lorotamay for short." the pair just laughed.


I think this is where you put Authors Notes... Anyway hiya this is my first fanfiction so I'm quite excited. I've really studied into this fanfiction, making sure everything in general fits into the Harry Potter books and nothing contradicts without a reason. E.g Dippet is headmaster, snakes are allowed as pets but are extremely rare, which is why no one really has them, 1st yrs don't usually duel but Tom and Rosonda are the exception.

Things to understand: In Toms time period, it is normal/acceptable for society to be quite prejudice about muggles/muggle-borns . So don't be surprised if a characters openly rude about blood purity, it's not right but it's just how they acted in that time period. So some of them are still supposed to be likeable characters even if they make ignorant and naïve comments.

Diffindo- severing charm (cutting/tearing into objects)

Brackium Emendo- charm that removes bones