~Chapter 9~

Two weeks before term started, Dumbledore was seated in his office. He was mulling over his thoughts, waiting for two people to arrive for a special meeting he has planned. He already held similar ones with others and planned another a little later with the Order but he needed more time to think. For now, the staff was on the top of his list. When a knock resounded, feeling the familiar magic, he let them in. Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape stepped inside. He offered them lemon drops. Both declined politely, though they did accept tea.

"Thank you for coming," Dumbledore smiled, gesturing for them to sit.

"What is it you called us for?" Severus inquired.

"It is about this year's latest batch of first years." The old man drew his hands together into a folded position, fingers lacing together. "Particularly, two very special students will be attending with us very soon."

"Potter and Riddle," Severus growled.

When he first heard Lily's child survived, he was relieved, but also heartbroken his longtime friend was gone. Part of him had wanted to see the child but with his history and the child's value in the wizarding world, it wasn't safe. He was furious though when he learned that Lily's murderer, his master had not only survived but had been reduced to an infant. What more, he had lost his memories, leaving him a blank slate. And for some godforsaken reason, Dumbledore felt to leave him with Harry Potter than incinerating him or tossing him into the Veil. When he first heard the news, he made certain his former mentor knew of his displeasure.

"Exactly. Hagrid has informed me that the boys seem quite close, viewing one another as brothers."

"You do realize that Riddle is also the Dark Lord, the murderer of Potter's parents? The same man who murdered dozens upon dozens of people, magical and Muggle alike," Severus inquired with a glare.

"Voldemort did," the headmaster reminded, ignoring the uncomfortable looks they wore. "Tom Marvolo Riddle is an innocent child this time around. Hagrid saw nothing concerning that would lead him to be a threat."

It wasn't entirely true, recalling his mentioning of the boy's eyes flashing red, but they didn't need to know that, not now at least. It could end up being nothing. He would have to see it for himself to be certain.

"And how exactly is he going to handle attending school? There are staff, portraits, and ghosts for that matter who know who he was, what he had become," Minerva spoke up. Whether she fully believed Dumbledore or not, she was more concerned about the negative reactions that could come.

"Not to worry," Dumbledore reassured. "I have covered all possibilities so such things shouldn't happen."

Severus felt there was more to it but said nothing.

"Then what do you want with us?"

"I will need your word that you will watch both Harry and Tom, ensure neither strays. Severus, this job will be especially important for you."

"Why me?"

"I'm quite certain despite his new upbringing; Tom will still end up in Slytherin. Therefore, I need you to keep a close eye on him, redirect him should he stray off course."

"Redirect him? You want me to mentor and protect that monster!" Severus snarled.

"Severus, please, the boy is harmless. He is of no danger and will continue being so, so long as you watch him in your house. If he misbehaves, discipline him accordingly. It is something Horace sadly neglected as did many others the few times he's ever been in trouble. It may have helped curb his tendencies and lead him on a less dangerous path had he had proper guidance."

While not visible, a sadistic smile formed within Severus' mind. Discipline the brat? He would certainly do more than that to ensure that monster never harms another again and repents for every life he's killed. Memory or no memory, he will make him pay.

"And what of Harry?" Minerva inquired. "You said the boys have become close. Wouldn't that mean they may end up in the same house? What will happen if they're sorted separately?"

"They shouldn't get special treatment. If they're in separate houses, they stay in separate houses," Severus stated, returning the glare she sent him.

"And that will be the case. The boys will see plenty of each other outside their dorms."

Minerva felt that might not be so easy but neither man, the older one especially seemed eager to listen. While they seem confident Tom will end up in Slytherin but what about Harry? The Dursleys were not a kind bunch and she constantly worried about that little boy, even worried for Tom despite who he is. Unless they did a complete change due to those letters, there's a chance Harry could end up in Slytherin as well. And there's considering the Sorting Hat. It listens to each child than simply selecting a house. It reads their minds and listens to their concerns should they have any, so for all any of them know, they could end up in an entirely different house than what's expected.

***0***

At present, the deputy headmistress stood before the group of first years, eyes scanning the crowd. It was surprisingly easy to spot Harry and Tom. They were standing close together, hands clasped tightly together. She fought back a smile as she thanked Hagrid and guided the children inside the waiting room. When she saw everyone present, she gave the students a small smile.

"Welcome to Hogwarts."

She proceeded to inform them about the start-of-the-term banquet starting soon but not until after the sorting. She told them all of its importance, how they should view their soon to be house and schoolmates. She informed them of the point system, including rewards and consequences that involve them as well as a trophy at the end of the year. Continuing her well-recited lines, she eyed the two boys. They stood close, their hold on their hands firm. The sight warmed her heart.

"Maybe it was the right thing leaving them together?" she mused internally.

She noticed however, they seemed rather small. As far as she could remember, Harry's parents weren't small. And Tom looked a bit smaller than she remembered. Something didn't add up, concern and curiosity already settling into her mind. She'll have to talk with Hagrid and hear his experience with the boys.

"I shall return when we are ready for you," Minerva informed the children. "Please wait quietly."

As she left, various children began to talk while trying to clean themselves up.

"How exactly do they sort us into houses?" Harry asked, looking to Ron hopefully.

"Some sort of test, I think. Fred said it hurts a lot, but I think he was joking."

"Our copy of Hogwarts: A History doesn't say anything about how the sorting takes place," Tom murmured. He pressed closer to Harry, the other doing the same. Being in such a cramped crowd, it was making them nervous.

"You got it too?" Hermione asked excitedly.

"I thought it'd be fun to learn more about the school," Tom said, feeling his legs tremble slightly.

What kind of test could be done to sort them? What if they have to do it separately? What if he and Harry are sorted into different houses? He knows Harry told them they would be together but he was honestly scared. What if he gets put into the same house as Malfoy and he doesn't have Harry? Or Harry gets put there and he's in another? Could they ask for a resorting? Would such a thing exist?

"Tom, calm down, take a deep breath," Harry whispered, forcing the boy to look him in the eye. "It'll be okay."

Swallowing thickly, he nodded; the pair jumping along with others when close to twenty ghosts flew in. They were arguing about someone named Peeves and whether to forgive him or not, most against it. Once they realized they had flown into a room full of first years, a monk calling himself the Fat Friar greeted them with a happy smile.

"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" he beamed. "My old house, you know."

"Move along now," Minerva said sharply as she walked back in. "The Sorting Ceremony's about to start."

Given her return, the ghosts floated away through the opposite wall. She had the children form a line, taking notice that neither Harry nor Tom have let go of each other's hands. Their bond was clearly strong and she silently prayed they will be sorted into the same house. She led them back into the hall and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall.

Harry and Tom awed at the sight. There was so much going on. Floating candles, an enchanted ceiling, and the tables lined with students and what looked like the staff table at the end of the room. On the tables were glittering gold plates and goblets, all appearing empty, likely in preparation for their arrival.

"Harry?" Tom whispered. They ignored Hermione telling someone about the ceiling and where she read it.

"Yeah?"

"We'll be in the same house, right? We'll make sure that happens?" His voice sounded so small and unsure. He was scared, his hold on his hand tightening.

"Yeah, we'll make sure," he reassured, giving his hand a comforting squeeze.

They turned back to the front in time to when they had to stop, watching the professor set up a stool and plopping a hat on top. They knew that if Petunia ever saw it, she would have done everything to get rid of it. Before they could dwell more, they jumped as did several others when the hat twitched, a rip near the brim opening wide like a mouth. The next thing to astonish them was when it sang!

"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty.

But don't judge on what you see,

I'll eat myself if you can find

A smarter hat than me.

You can keep your bowlers black,

Your top hats sleek and tall,

For I'm the Hogwarts Sorting Hat

And I can cap them all.

There's nothing hidden in your head

The Sorting Hat can't see,

So try me on and I will tell you

Where you ought to be.

You might belong in Gryffindor.

Where dwell the brave at heart.

Their daring, nerve, and chivalry

Set Gryffindors apart;

You might belong in Hufflepuff,

Where they are just and loyal,

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true

And unafraid of toil;

Or yet in wise old Ravenclaw,

If you've a ready mind,

Where those of wit and learning,

Will always find their kind;

Or perhaps Slytherin

You'll make your real friends,

Those cunning folk use any means

To achieve their ends.

So put me on! Don't be afraid!

And don't get in a flap!

You're in safe hands (though I have none)

For I'm a Thinking Cap!"

Everyone burst into applause, watching as the hat bowed a bit before settling back onto the chair.

"So we've just got to try on the hat?" Ron whispered to them. "I'm so gonna kill Fred. He was going on about wrestling a troll."

Harry and Tom smiled a bit weakly. While wearing a hat was much simpler, they wished they didn't have to do so in front of everyone. What would happen if they ended up separately? Would they be able to ask for a retry? Will they be forced to accept or could they quietly ask after the sorting? They jumped when names began being called, finding it was alphabetical by surname. That meant Harry would go before Tom. The older boy shifted uncomfortably, praying they'll be together.

Tom watched as student after student was called up. Most of the houses received cheers but Slytherin would receive hisses and boos. When he heard Malfoy's name called and the hat screamed out Slytherin, he felt queasy. The names went on, Tom feeling ready to pass out from nerves before snapping to attention when Harry's name was finally called. He watched his best friend look at him worriedly briefly, eyes on them, on Harry.

"We'll be together," he reassured though it sounded forced. He reluctantly let his hand go.

Tom wanted to run after him, almost jumping out of his skin when a hand rubbed his back. He looked back to see Ron.

"You okay?"

"I…I'm just worried we won't be in the same house."

"You two are really close. I'm sure you will. Look at my family. We're all in the same house."

"But you're related."

"You and Harry practically are."

Tom wanted to argue but the hat let out a loud shout of, "Hufflepuff!"

Harry pulled the hat off, casting Tom another reassuring look. He placed the hat on the stool and went to join his new house. Many of them were cheering and shouting, pulling Harry into reachable hugs when he found a seat. He looked uncomfortable with the attention, green eyes focusing on Tom.

"I just have to get to him," Tom told himself.

"Riddle, Tom."

The boy felt himself stiffen when his name was suddenly called. Slowly, he walked towards the stool, glancing around at all of the faces. He saw Hermione and Neville sitting at Gryffindor, eager smiles for his sorting. Malfoy was sneering. Harry was smiling, hopeful and eager for him to join. He clenched his hands as he sat on the stool when the hat was moved. He felt a tingle in his head as if it was being slowly squeezed. He made a small noise, the professor giving him a look before gently setting the hat on his head, his sight cut from the world.

"Let me be with Harry. Let me be with him. I have to be with him. I have to. I have to," he thought, body starting to shake. The uncomfortable feeling in his head was getting worse, wanting this to be over. He wanted to be back with Harry. He would make it go away, he felt certain. He always knew how to make things better even when they weren't. He…

"He gives you hope," someone said, finishing his thoughts. There was a small chuckle coming from an unknown source that made the boy jump. "Harry certainly means a lot to you, and you certainly mean a lot to him."

Was he hearing voices?

"No you aren't, I'm in your head, yes, but due to very old enchantments. Quite a nasty little headache you've got going on there. I suggest going easy on the sweets tonight, don't want to make yourself sick."

"So you really can read my thoughts? You can read Harry's? Read everyone's?" Tom inquired, chewing his bottom lip. He wasn't sure if that was good.

"How else do I find the right house for each of you?"

"I suppose that's true…"

"Hmm… You're a tricky one though. You are very ambitious. You could rise so high in Slytherin."

Tom shook his head, almost knocking the hat off. "Not without Harry!"

The hat chuckled, as if it knew his answer already. "Of course, of course, your devotion to Harry is very strong. I believe I know the perfect house for you."

"So long as it's with Harry," Tom prayed, hearing the hat chuckling again.

"I think you'll manage, young man."

Tom was about to ask, worry still present when the hat let out a loud bellow.

"Hufflepuff!"

Removing the hat, he barely paid attention to anything else around him, almost dropping it to the floor as he ran for the table.

"We did it!" he practically sobbed, throwing himself into Harry's arms.

"I knew you would!" Harry laughed, his voice thick, tears in his green eyes.

They felt arms wrap around them, older students and those their age greeting them happily. Cheers from Gryffindor grew louder when Ron's name was later called and had been sorted into Gryffindor. They waved to him when catching his eye, the redhead waving back. They were a little saddened they weren't in the same house as him, Hermione, and Neville, but they were together at least and that's what mattered.

***0***

As the last few students were sorted, the staff was floored. Those aware of Tom's identity had all been expecting him to fall into the same house as before. Minerva though couldn't help but wear a smirk as she put the stool and hat away.

Dumbledore hadn't been expecting it. Tom was supposed to be in Slytherin. He's destined for Slytherin, so why is he in Hufflepuff? Is it possible that his bond with Harry truly is that strong to sway the hat's decision? He'll have to think about this, uncertain if this could be a good thing or not. Masking his worries, he greeted the students warmly with a silly speech. When he finished and thanked them, the tables filled and groaned under the weight of fresh, hot food and ice-cold drinks.

Severus eyed the boys, scowling and studying them. He ignored Quirrell trying to make small talk, finding him an annoyance. Why did the Dark Lord end up in Hufflepuff? He's by no means a badger! He's a snake through and through. Yet, there's no way the hat made a mistake. He watched how close the boys sat, practically cuddling as they laughed and ate. Their focus was almost entirely on each other. They rarely gave anyone else attention unless it was directed at them.

They looked somewhat uncomfortable by questions sent their way, likely pestering the Golden Boy about his life. Studying his former master, Severus was rather surprised how different he expected him to be. Riddle wore innocent smiles, he acted childishly, and the way he was eating was hardly dignified. Severus had become familiar with what he was like as a child, Dumbledore showing him the memories. He did it to give him an idea of what the Dark Lord was like and what to look for should those traits reappear.

Severus heard students from Gryffindor groan and laugh, spotting Sir Nicholas showing his nearly severed head. He inwardly shook his head as he turned his attention back to the two children. They remained mostly focused although they did start talking to more from their new house. They even talked with the Fat Friar when he appeared, the jolly ghost happy to have so many new faces in his house. Out of all of the ghosts, he was the least upset or worried about the Dark Lord's return. He always held faith in people changing and believed this was the boy's chance at redemption.

Severus's mind drifted when focusing on Potter as he ate and talked. He silently wondered how Lily would have reacted to seeing her son in school. Knowing her, she would be proud of her son no matter what. As for the Dark Lord? He couldn't say. She was a forgiving person, but she also had her limits…

He crushed the memories that threatened to surface and turned his attention to the headmaster. He was unsure what he's supposed to do now. He was told to watch the Dark Lord and he intends to do that, but not having him in his house will be harder. Is this job going to fall on Pomona then? How much of this matter does she know? How well equipped is she to handle Riddle should he get out of line? He'll have to talk to him after the feast and then go from there.

When dessert was served, he watched as the boys nearly stuffed themselves to the brim in pastries and ice cream. Severus was surprised how much they could eat, some of the older badgers telling them to pace themselves a couple of times. They were embarrassed but recovered fast when more sweets were presented. He was even more surprised by how much of a sweet tooth the Dark Lord seems to have. That could be something useful. He could use that against the brat if he needed to get information from him or if he became a danger. He could slip something into his food to incapacitate him or make him spill his secrets. He hardly seemed guarded about what he put in his mouth, only bearing some protection over what was his and Potter's plates as did the other.

Severus noticed the Potter brat looking his way before grabbing his head, appearing to be in pain. The Dark Lord reacted, worry in his eyes. Based on his lip movements, he was asking if he was okay. One of the older students showing similar concern with the way he rubbed his back.

"Are you sure, you're okay?" Tom gave Harry a scrutinizing stare.

"Yeah, I just ate the ice cream to fast," he laughed, rubbing his scar slightly. "By the way, you've got chocolate smeared on you." Without missing a beat, he grabbed a napkin and wiped his face, the other pouting.

"I could have cleaned it," Tom muttered, cheeks slightly pink.

Harry shrugged in response, the other unable to hold his expression as they resumed eating, taking it slow. They tried whatever they could reach; most of what was offered they never had or heard of before. As they did so, they snatched a few biscuits that looked to be a good late-night snack should they need it. They had done the same during dinner with some rolls and whatever else they could hide in their robes. They noticed a few others squirreling similar snacks in their pockets, showing it wasn't completely abnormal.

"Hey…er…Cedric, right? Who is that man next to Professor Quirrell?" Harry asked after a bit.

"You mean Professor Snape?"

"Yeah."

"He's our Potions professor and the head of house for Slytherin. He's a bit intimidating and strict, but he's a really good teacher."

"Is potions like chemistry?" Tom asked curiously. He remembered when he and Harry were in the toy store in Diagon Alley he spotted some potion kits for kids. They reminded him of those chemistry kits Dudley sometimes got so he can make messes and stink bombs.

"Chemistry? Never heard of that."

"Oh, that's basically the Muggle version of potions," a boy named Justin Finch-Fletchley piped up.

"It is?" another asked.

"Yeah, I mean, I don't know much about it. What about you, Tom, right?"

"It is, and we know a bit. Neither of us really got to learn. We mostly read about it at the library near where we live."

"So you're Muggle-born? So am I."

"I don't think I am. I know my mother was a witch."

"How do you not know?" another boy their year sneered.

"I've only lived with Harry. I…I never got to learn about my parents."

A girl thumped the boy on the back of the head lightly before giving Tom a comforting smile.

"It's okay if you don't know. And I know it may not seem like it, but here in Hogwarts, we're all family. Each house is like a second home, so think of us as extra brothers and sisters."

At this, both seemed intrigued but said nothing more. They continued to talk, Tom explaining what he learned about chemistry to those who asked. Many who never heard of it listened intently, amazed such a thing existed.

"I wonder if Muggles started chemistry because of wizards?" the girl, Hannah, wondered.

"I can try asking my aunt, I bet she'll know. She works at the Ministry so she's always learning something new," another girl, Susan, beamed.

"You could also try asking Professor Burbage," a male student suggested. "She's our Muggle Studies professor. She's fascinated by Muggles and loves teaching students about them."

Everyone continued to talk, making Harry and Tom feel more welcomed than they initially believed. Becoming so engrossed, they nearly missed when the desserts vanished and Dumbledore stood, silencing the room with a twinkle in his eye.

"Ahem… Just a few more words now that we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you."

I know I didn't "have" to put in the Sorting Hat's song, but why not, right?

And as much as I care about Snape, he's going to be an ass. But will he remain one though?

And I will admit, the original draft to this, I had set Harry and Tom to be in Gryffindor, but after talking with my beta reader, we decided Hufflepuff would be a far better choice and I'm happy for it. It gives more room to explore new ideas and with a House that seems to have so little known about it in the books beyond a small number of characters.

I want to thank Krysania (Tat) for helping me with this chapter.