A/N: Hello, people!

I don't own Harry Potter.

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-Some ruminations on Tom and Harlinas. Things change since some people aren't so jumpy or wordy in this. Dumbles isn't suspicious of anything! MUAHAHAHAHA!

-Hope y'all enjoy what I did!

Albus Dumbledore regarded the two children in front of him with interest. From what Mrs. Cole had told him, both children were something to be lightly concerned about though in different ways.

~.O.~

"I was wondering if you could tell me anything of young Tom and Harlinas' history here?" Albus had said, a charming and disarming smile upon his face.

Mrs. Cole poured herself her first glass of gin and took a long drink. "Harlinas has only been with us for about a year. Poor dear," the woman shook her head in commiserating pity. "She'd been found cleaning the house of a family that had gone on holiday and unfortunately had an altercation with the Nazis."

She finished her drink quickly, pouring another straightaway. "It turned out that she'd been with them for almost three years. The husband found her wandering a dirt road and forced her to become their servant when she claimed her parents had been murdered. Bugger was looking for free service knowing that the poor child was all alone in the world. As they fed and clothed her for her troubles, she was too terrified to go anywhere else, not knowing if she'd find food if she ran away.

The constables brought her here after a thorough questioning of course."

Albus knew the name Selwyn very well. The family was a Neutral one that usually had children sorted in either Ravenclaw or Slytherin. The word a few years back, about them being destroyed by Gellert Grindelwald for refusing to side with him, had devastated the lot of Magical Britain. To find out what had happened to the heiress who had never been found and assumed dead with her family, was a relief as well as a cause for concern.

The girl had been somehow removed from the fight and left alone. Muggles had found her and took advantage of her youth and innocence and forced her to work for them. What kind of child did such treatment breed, he wondered.

Mrs. Cole continued on. "She never causes a fuss and is on genial terms with the rest of the children, though she actually spends most of her time with Tom. She does the best in classes alongside Tom and causes no disturbances. She is a good girl.

Tom Riddle," the woman sighed. Those two words had been loaded with several emotions and Dumbledore stiffened in worry. What was this one like?

"I am… divided on how to describe Tom," said the woman, finishing her second glass of liquor. "On one side I know that there is more to him than he lets on, my instincts tell me this, you see. But on the other he's an angel."

She gave an incredulous shake of the head. "Perfect student, has never received less that perfect scores. Favorite of all his teachers. Tom is talented. At everything," she insisted with wide, imploring eyes. "That boy can touch any instrument and learn, solve any equation in seconds, simply hear something in another language said only once, before he can do it as well. No struggle.

I know objectively that when a child is strangely good at everything, the others will become jealous and hard-hearted. The other kids, besides Harlinas, hate him."

Another shake of the head, followed by her third glass of gin. Dumbledore was still on his first, having decided to give the old woman his attention first and foremost. The news itself didn't seem all that troubling in truth. Some children with magic were simply more talented than others. Albus had been one of them.

"He doesn't start fights. Despite what the children claim, Tom Riddle has never started a fight. He will finish them however. That boy will not allow anyone to walk all over him and he will have his revenge. It's never bloody or physically painful, but you see, Tom is good with words. Psychology and all that rubbish. He knows how to play. He knows how to make you second guess yourself. He has torn down so many of the children here that they no longer seek physical confrontation with him. Most of them are fearful of him.

He is abnormal."

The third glass was emptied swiftly and Mrs. Cole shook herself, leaning back in her wooden chair. "Some of them much older than him won't even be in the same room with him. One boy used to scream in terror upon seeing Tom's face. He had to be transferred because he was going mad here and Tom simply stared at him with his polite, little smile as if nothing was wrong with the situation."

"Tom is only eleven," interjected Albus. While it did seem a little worrisome now, knowing that Riddle wasn't a bully was good news. "How could such a young boy be capable of such terror?"

Mrs. Cole sent him a pitying look. "A lot of people don't realize just how terrible some children can be. They're overlooked often enough. I have been here for nearly forty years, Mr. Dumberton, I have seen a lot of things but nothing will ever equate to Tom Riddle. There is something different about him and it's obvious in the way he holds himself. He knows that he is different than everybody here. Everyone except Harlinas perhaps.

She is the first person Tom has ever shown an interest in, let alone personal respect for. He offers his arm, holds doors open, pulls out her chair for her when necessary. And I know what you're thinking but he is not smitten with her."

It certainly sounded as if he was smitten. Albus never did that at Tom's age. He was more interested in sports and magic.

Long fingernails tapped an agitated rhythm against the desk. "Those two are incredibly intelligent and I think both have realized that out of the boys, Tom is the best, and out of the girls, Harlinas is the best. They have no opposition and decide to remain together more often than not. They aren't friends. I have watched how they act together and while Harlinas is more open with her emotions and is generally kind to everyone unless they offend her, she is still cold. They treat everything like a business deal. As if both are two different leaders who are coming together and gathering their forces and talents against everyone else, simply for mutual gain and nothing more.

Tom is a voracious kleptomaniac. He started collecting trophies from the people who bullied him. In truth, they gave these items to him of their own free will, but only to appease his raging temper. Tom likes to have what others don't and by having someone like Harlinas on his side, he seems to feel more in control of the situation. With Harlinas depending on him for anything at all, keeps him above others. He is better than them by having her attention."

Albus was beginning to gain an understanding of the woman's worries about Tom Riddle. The boy seemed like a covetous collector. From what he knew so far, he'd compare Tom to Horace Slughorn, one of Albus' fellow professors at Hogwarts.

Mrs. Cole gave a sigh. "Last summer, we took the children to the shore like we do every year. Amy Benson and Dennis Bishop had a terrible experience and will not explain what happened. I know that they both fear water, especially if it is gathered in anything bigger than a cup. My instincts tell me Tom Riddle had something to do with it, because both are a just some of the children who haven't learned to leave him alone. They bully him constantly in any way they can manage. After that day, they wouldn't even look at him.

But Tom was with Harlinas all day! She dove for oysters while he held the bucket. Harlinas managed to find an incredible amount of wild pearls, though she thinks no one but she and Tom knows. It is difficult to shuck oysters; it's very time consuming. So if they were together all day, breaking open shells in order to collect pearls, how could Tom have done anything?"

The woman seemed baffled and Albus himself was a little confused.

"Harlinas does not like bullies and I think it is because of her time with those people," spat Mrs. Cole, disgust evident. "She has intervened in several issues and managed to absolve some on her own. She would not let anyone be bullied. So while everything in me says that Tom is responsible, logically he can't be."

"Other than these concerns, do you think there is anything about Tom that is worth knowing?" Albus asked, trying to get back onto track.

Mrs. Cole finished off another glass of gin. "He was born ten minutes before the new year. His mother was named Merope - odd name, I swear - and she asked that he be named for his father, Tom Riddle. She then gave him the middle name, Marvolo, for her father. The poor girl passed on not an hour later."

Marvolo was a magical name. Several families had used that name before. It was safe to assume that Tom wasn't a Muggleborn then.

"Do you believe Tom would apply himself should he accept the invitation to Hogwarts?"

A snort was his immediately response. "Tom strives for something better than what this place has to offer. He would probably give a kidney if it meant earning higher education and having a chance to do something better with himself."

Albus had a feeling he'd be dealing with two Slytherins in the near future. And while they should be watched, it couldn't be that bad. Not if Tom had Harlinas Selwyn on his side to lessen the blow of the Slytherin prejudices.

Yes, he'd keep an eye on them, but he wasn't overly concerned at present.

~.O.~

Tom Riddle had relinquished possession of his chair the moment he and young Harlinas had entered the room. She had given him a nod of thanks and seated herself. Tom stood behind the chair, to her left, which put her at his right hand.

"Now, Ms. Selwyn, I trust you already know the reason for my visit?"

The young girl nodded, her unearthly eyes sparkling. The last time he'd seen that color, his sister had just been killed.

Albus shook himself from his thoughts, focusing on Tom next.

Tom was giving him a calculating look, one that spoke highly of his disbelief and his annoyance. "'Witchcraft and wizardry'?" the boy spoke softly, mouth curled into a sneer. "I'm afraid I do not believe you, professor,"

The last word was very nearly a hiss. His eyes took on a threatening gleam. "I know your kind. You want to have us looked at. You want to lure us in so that we'll spill our secrets to you and then you'll lock us up and do tests on us!"

Harlinas placed a calming hand on his arm and he stepped back once, his anger seemingly lessened.

"Professor Dumbledore speaks the truth, Tom," said the girl with finality. "He has letters for us."

Albus produced the letters out of thin air, hoping to impress upon Tom that he was indeed being truthful. The boy's eyes only widened. His control was far too good for him to respond any other way,

Both children took their letters and read then silently. Tom looked at Harlinas expectantly and she gave a shrug, "I wanted to surprise you. You don't think it strange that plants randomly lean toward you when you're around?"

"Stray wind," the boy countered, eyes alight with unknown emotion.

Her deadpan stare was his only response.

"Professor," Tom began, turning to him, "-how would we be paying for this? We're orphans."

Albus drew himself up straighter and cleared his throat. "Hogwarts is funded by the Ministry -yes Tom, we have our own government - and all students who attend are paid for by the Ministry. There is a separate fund for those like yourself for you to purchase supplies like spellbooks and uniforms however.

Ms. Selwyn, I take it you will petition the Goblins for an inheritance test?"

Harlinas nodded. "Yes, sir. I will use the money from my trust to pay for my school supplies."

Albus clapped his hands. "Splendid! Would you prefer me to accompany the both of you to Diagon Alley or would you like to lead your friend, Ms. Selwyn?"

"I'd like to show him around if that's alright with you, sir. Tom would probably accept this all from someone he's known longer," she said sweetly, calm smile in place.

Albus gave an understanding nod. He knew why they'd prefer to go without supervision, he wasn't too old to see the cunning in the choice, but he also could see the fact there. Tom Riddle was new to magic and having someone he at least respected explaining everything to him would most likely be better in the long run.

"Then all I have to do is give you your tickets!"

Albus produced both from the pockets of his suit coat. Harlinas accepted hers graciously and Tom was more skeptical, looking his over and quirking a confused brow.

"Platform 9 ¾, are you joking?"

"Magic, Tom," said Harlinas simply.

Albus returned to Hogwarts that afternoon with an expectant outlook on the upcoming term.

"Okay, he seemed to take everything really well. Good acting by the way."

Tom smirked, reclining on his bed. "I am a great actor. Good signalling."

Harlinas returned his confident smirk. "I have skills."

"Sure. When are we going?"

"Tomorrow morning," she decided. "We'll have all day to explore."

Harlinas placed the small bag of pearls on the marble counter top. The Goblin teller took the bag and peered inside. He quirked a brow, but deposited the bag on a golden scale. Magically, the scales began to tip back and forth until they evened out.

"Four and a half pounds in wild, untainted pearls. The pearl rate has risen recently due to the scarcity in acquiring them. You're lucky you visited us today as the rate had nearly doubled just hours previous."

"How many Galleons will it be, Master Goblin?" Harlinas asked. Since she knew what to do, Tom had let her do the leading until he got a feel for the environment.

The being gave her a piercing look, before rattling off, "Fifty-six Galleons." He retrieved the proper amount and slid it across the wood.

"How much for an Inheritance potion?"

"Fourteen Galleons," he said gruffly.

Harlinas split the Galleons up and passed over fourteen of her own. Tom mimicked her, reluctantly giving over the money.

The Goblin snatched it all back quickly and summoned two bottles. Both were tall and slender, with a beautiful blue glow. He then prepared two pieces of parchment and demanded their names.

"Harlinas Salacia Selwyn."

"Tom Marvolo Riddle."

The Goblin did not comment, he simply wrote a name on each parchment and gestured for them both to drink their potions. As expected, both parchments began to fill up with black lines.

Harlinas smiled at her results.

Name: Harlinas Salacia Selwyn

Father: Arwel Caradog Selwyn

Mother: Chandra Selwyn nee` Emrys

Status: Pureblood

Title(s): Heiress Selwyn, Heiress Emrys, Heiress Apparent Peverell

Family: Selwyn, Emrys, and Peverell

Vault(s): 109, 213, 214, 245, 567

Current Vault Access: 109 and 245

Tom's results had something she'd expected.

Name: Tom Marvolo Riddle

Father: Tom Riddle

Mother: Merope Riddle nee` Gaunt

Status: Halfblood

Title(s): Heir Slytherin, Heir Apparent Peverell, Heir Apparent Gaunt

Family: Peverell, Slytherin, Gaunt

Vault(s): 77, 245, 562

Current Vault Access: 245, 562

The Goblin hummed and snapped his fingers. Two Goblins appeared on either side of him. To the right one he said, "Rhabrach, your missing heiress has returned. Ms. Selwyn, please follow him. Ragnok, Mr. Riddle will speak with you about the Gaunt and Slytherin titles. When both heirs return here, I will direct you to the Peverell account manager and he will explain what your titles as apparent heirs include."

Harlinas waved to Tom as she followed the Goblin who was to help her. Hopefully Tom remembered all she'd told him about dealing with Goblins.

Rhabrach was surly and very candid. He got right to the point and didn't linger on unnecessary information.

"You will accept your rings. Your trust vault is number 109. You will have access to the others upon reaching your majority where you will assume ladyship.

At present, you have fifty-five thousand Galleons in your trust with five thousand being added every year from the main Selwyn vault. These deposits will cease when you come of age.

There are no marriage contracts drawn for you.

The name Selwyn owns twenty-nine percent of the Daily Prophet and seventeen percent of Flourish and Blotts. As the shareholder with the largest investment in the Daily Prophet, I would suggest striking on the chance while you can and purchasing more shares from other holders while the iron is hot. He who controls the media has the power after all. They can make one either innocent or guilty depending on their mood and having control over them would benefit anyone."

Harlinas was nodding because she understood his point. It would be smart of her to take control of the Daily Prophet while she could.

"How much would it be to take twenty-two percent more of the Prophet?"

One did not need to own all the shares or votes in anything in order to hold the most control. So long as they possessed fifty-one percent, no one would be able to outvote them, making their vote the deciding vote. Harlinas intended to play smart.

She may not need control of the Prophet now, but eventually it could come in handy and Rhabrach was telling her that people were weak in the monetary department at present and would be easily swayed by gold.

The Dark Lord Grindelwald was running people all over Europe ragged and so of course these people would need all the help they could get.

"It would cost you eleven thousand two hundred and fourteen Galleons and ten Sickles," was Rhabrach's curt response.

"I'll take it," she nodded.

After a few more moments of discussion, Harlinas accepted her rings which would allow her access to her trust vault, and was ushered from the room, finding herself waiting for Tom in the lobby.

"You are the Slytherin Heir," said Ragnok when the ring accepted Tom. "Your grandfather and uncle and several before them weren't considered worthy of the title. Count yourself lucky that you did not inherit their madness."

He held out a piece of parchment. "The Gaunt family were the last descendants of Slytherin. Your grandfather managed to squander whatever was left of the family wealth so the Gaunt vault is empty of everything. You do have access to the Slytherin vault now and there is over one hundred thousand Galleons within, plus other items.

You do not have any marriage contracts drawn. No debts to be paid. Overall, you have a fresh start. I hope we can make this partnership as lucrative as possible, Heir Slytherin."

Tom nodded calmly, taking the offered ring and slipping it on his middle finger, on his left hand.

"The ring is protected like all Heir rings and no one but you will be able to see it or remove it. The Slytherin vault is 562, I hope you find what you are looking for."

Tom returned to the lobby to find Harlinas awaiting him. She smiled, "Everything alright?"

"Yes."

"You two will follow Ragnarok now," said the Goblin from earlier. He gestured to a much older looking Goblin. One who didn't seem to be feeling anything.

Once inside the office, the Goblin gave a sigh. "There are two other Heir Apparent Peverells, but neither were accepted by the ring. A few years back, one Marvolo Gaunt tried to claim that it was a Gaunt Family Artefact but we of Gringotts have been around far longer and know truth from lies. The ring was removed from his possession. His ancestor should have never taken it when it had rejected him.

The Peverell brothers were Antioch, who died without siring progeny, Cadmus, whom the Gaunt family comes from, and finally, the Potter family came from the youngest brother, Ignotus. Charlus and Fleamont Potter did not pass the requirement for the Heirship and Fleamont had to relinquish the Peverell Family Invisibility Cloak. Until the true Heir is decided, no one may use the ring or cloak or wand. The wand is lost, having been stolen from Antioch after he'd received it. No one may take anything from the vault until permission is given by the heir.

Heir Slytherin, place the ring on your left ring finger and we shall see if you are accepted."

He wasn't. The ring gave no reaction in the least and Ragnarok sighed again, a great rattling of breath that seemed to heave his entire frame. "Heiress Selwyn, if you please?"

Harlinas allowed Tom to slip the ring on her finger which was strangely intimate for that split second. Her attention was nabbed to the ring however, because the odd marking on the center of the black stone was glowing, which caused Ragnarok to lean forward in interest.

"Well I'll be. The ring has chosen you and you aren't even blood related."

He sat back, rummaging through his desk. "That means you have the ownership of the ring and the cloak now. If the wand ever comes into your possession, it will need to be returned to the vault once you die. You have the power over the vault now."

"I'd like to allow Tom to remove objects. I don't know the other two so they will not receive the same luxury."

Tom smirked and sent a thankful nod her way.

"Very well then. Will you be visiting your vaults today?"

A/N: Another is done!

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