Parseltongue will be in this format

Hi, guys thanks for trying out my story, in case this isn't obvious this is a gay love story, any distressing triggers have been warned and any new ones to come will be notified to those reading at the top of the chapter so please read the notes. If you see a spelling or grammer error let me know, thanks!

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thank you, let me know if you have any questions about the story.

The young child made his way back to the orphanage around noon, knowing that the children would be sitting down for a rather...selective lunch. He didn't want to be mobbed on his way in by little sticky hands trying to pry the bag he held out of his grasp. It was normal for him to miss meals and well, the matron didn't care too much as that meant more food to spare, she didn't ask as long as he stayed alive unfortunately for him. The lady from earlier that morning was kind enough to not only buy him two new pairs of shoes but a new comb, four white dress shirts, two pairs of slacks, a pouch of sweets, enough so that everyone in the orphanage got one, and a custom bracelet he was eyeing all month, they ate some lunch as they waited for the engravings to be done; it was Ailill's gift to Tom. All the clothes were a few sizes too big in efforts to help keep them around longer should the two boys grow anytime soon. The woman was far wealthier than he imagined and didn't bat an eye at his requests even offering to buy more but he didn't want to chance his luck; greed can be your downfall too quick to notice. The woman also bought him some non-perishables, she must have felt really bad about his living situation. Ailill doesn't think he's had a haul this big in ages, usually, it's just some food or nothing at all but words of gratitude which were useless.

Quiet as he could be, Ailill made his way down the hall of the Orphanage listening to the chatter of the dining hall, the squeals for toddlers, and mocking snarks of older children. He started to head up the rickety stairs, the old wooden boards groaning under his weight and flecked paint coming off under his hand on the railing. The scratching of a chair on the floor caused the hall to quieten as footsteps made their way into the hall. There with dark hair graying at the sides and a severe expression stood Mrs Cole, the matron of Wool's Orphanage. She eyed Ailill for a moment, taking stock of what he looked like and had on him.

"You not eatin'?" the woman asked him with a clipped voice.

"Nah," Ailill responded with a wicked grin. "Met a nice lady who wanted to do some charity work."

A slow horrifying grin took place over Mrs Cole's face, there was a reason Ailill was her favourite among the children despite his devil like nature, the boy always exploited what he could, and if that meant one less mouth to feed for the day so be it.

"You keep that demon away for the day and I'll leave you off doing chores. Just keep him occupied and out of sight." the older woman bargained.

Ailill nodded, "Send him up after eating and you won't see him till dinner."

"Fine with me."

She turned around and glowered at the small heads peeking out from behind the cracked door, the little ones squealed a quick 'Hi, Ailill!' before hightailing it back into the hall, the matron following. Ailill shook his head in amusement and finished his trek up the stairs and down the hall to a small room shared by him and Tom. He stashed his bag containing that morning's goods and started folding his bedding that he didn't do this before he left when he could hear quick steps making their way to the room. Quick as lightning, Tom Riddle stood before the doorway in a threadbare sweater and worn slacks, frowning as Ailill finished folding his blanket.

"Where were you?" Tom demanded. "I woke up and you were gone, you said you'd stop doing that!"

Ailill sighed in exasperation, "I was on a walk, Tom."

"That's it? That's all you're going to say?"

"There's nothing else to say, it was a nice walk in the morning sun." The older boy said strolling over to the desk and sitting in the chair messily; legs sprawled out in front of him. The bright sun rays hit the window letting a rainbow-like effect dance around the room. Tom moved to stand in front of Ailill between his legs with hard eyes and pinched eyebrows.

"You can't just go out and around like that without me, I forbid it. If you want to go on a walk-"

Ailill shot a hand up and harshly gripped the boy's face before pulling him down, forcing him to bend over to meet older eyes. Tom gritted his teeth as his cheeks were squished by pale hands, the picture of resignation when in reality he was bubbling with giddy nature inside, very rarely did Ailill snap at Tom to the point of physicality, it was mainly brutal words that were exchanged. He loved it because Ailill was his most beautiful, cruel with cold whiskey eyes practically sucking your soul out of its vessel. Many would think Tom and Ailill were equals if not Tom superior when such an opposite is true. Ailill holds the power between the two of them and Tom knows it, he does not try to push such a boundary, happy to keep the other at his side. To him, Ailill is his only superior; everyone else are mainly bugs ready to be squashed.

"Know your place and mend your words, Tom. I do not take orders from you, understand?" Ailill questioned and he stared into icy eyes.

"Yes."

Satisfied, Ailill patted the boy's cheek. "Good boy."

Tom huffed feigning anger but he couldn't quite pull it off with a flush rising to his cheeks. He crawled into Ailill's lap, the older boy having a bigger frame despite the little age difference, this was due to Ailill eating far more nutritious meals by 'working' every day on the street. He tucked himself into Ailill's neck, a common move he did after being scolded, his way of saying sorry through physical touch more so than words. Ailill only wrapped his arms around him, fingers running through inky locks, soothing the boy and showing that he forgave him.

After a while of dazing in and out of sleep, Tom murmured a soft "What did you get today?"

"Hmmm," Ailill said. "Well I met a nice lady saving her from some low lifes, she was so generous and offered to buy some stuff for me and my little brother." He then gave Tom a playful squeeze as the younger boy sneered, he hated being called Ailill's brother.

"What exactly did you get?"

"Some clothes, a new comb for your pretty hair and a surprise for little Tom Riddle~"

Tom lifted his head from Ailill's shoulder, excited and curious about what this 'surprise' is. He thought the comb would be more suited for Ailill as the boy's hair rested on his shoulders in thick, dark strands. He loved his hair, it was always so soft and the day after washing it, it curled into soft waves making him only prettier. Sometimes he thought Ailill was a porcelain doll if he did not witness all the bones shattered by his bare hands, perhaps a violent porcelain doll?

"What's my surprise?" Tom asked, tilting his head trying to do puppy eyes in hopes Ailill won't hold out on him. The look only resulted in an amused look and fond pinch to the cheek.

"If you stay with me for the rest of the day and don't cause trouble I'll give it to you tonight."

That was a stupid request as if Tom would willingly part from Ailill's side. The younger boy nodded his head before removing himself from Ailill's lap and heading over to the little shelf housing some books. He picked up one and wandered over to one of the twin beds and plopped down, patting his side for Ailill to join him. Standing up only to groan at the pop his knees gave and shooting Tom a teasing glare in retort to the other boy's snicker, Ailill hobbled over to the bed and flipped down belly first resting his head on the curve of Tom's stomach. The two nine-year-olds quietly enjoyed the stillness of the day save for Tom's voice reading the story aloud. The blue eyed boy wove fingers through long black hair just like Ailill had done to him moments before.

Time passed quickly and before they knew it dinner had come, they lazily got up one putting back the book and the other stretching like an old man before robbing the tiny pouch of sweets from his cubby. They both made their way down the corridor hand in hand as they approached the dining hall.

The hall was scarcely full, only a few children who were on cooking duty being there. Ailill always preferred to arrive earlier not wanting the last pick of seats. He told Tom to go sit and that he would bring the food to the table. Ailill walked up to a fairly young woman plating food and shot her a dashing smile.

"Martha, my favourite worker, how are you this fine evening?"

Martha eyed the boy with amusement laced with affection, she had looked after the boy the most when he was a babe. Sometimes she couldn't believe how big he was already.

"I'm good, dear. Now, what do you want?"

"Ah, you know me so well! Say, if you can plate up an extra slice of meat for both Tom and I, I'll guarantee you I'll have the kids quiet for the rest of the evening."

That did sound like a nice plan, she had been meaning to start that book she's had for a while. And they did have some extra meat that was going to be dried, two slices wouldn't go astray.

"Fine," She agreed reluctantly "but no funny business Ailill, I don't want to be taking anyone to the hospital later on."

"Deal, my dearest Martha." Ailill's smile was small but genuine.

Grabbing his two plates Ailill made his way to Tom who was sitting at the end of the bench leaving a space on the edge for Ailill, effectively separating him from everyone else. Possessive bastard.

He placed the plate in front of Tom and the two started to eat as the rest of the children started to file into the hall and grab their plates of food. The once rowdy hall was quiet with everyone eating under the watchful eye of Mrs Cole. As dinner was coming to an end Ailill stood gathering all attention to him and got a raised eyebrow from the matron while Martha just looked on curiously like Tom.

"All right everyone, do you know what day it is?" Ailill asked with a fake grin.

A collective mutter of 'Friday' rang around the room.

"Yes, and what happens Friday?" that only got blank looks in return. "Really? Okay then. Listen here crotch goblins, you keep quiet for the night and not disturb anyone at all, that means no fights, no shouting, and no bothering any adults unless it's extremely important. If you do all those, everyone will get a sweet on the way out after dinner."

At the word 'sweet' hushed excited whispers started up, the orphanage never really could indulge in luxuries like sweets so it was really rare that they got any. Little eyes stared up at Ailill with shine, hoping the promise to be true.

"If we have a deal once you're done dinner, come up to me and I'll give you one, but be warned if you don't abide by the rules next time I get sweets I'll eat them right in front of you, it only takes one person to mess this up. Martha and Mrs Cole will be telling me if you didn't follow the rules."

He got nods from the women in question happy that they get at least some form of a peaceful night. The children were eyeing each other with distrust knowing just how true Ailill would keep his threat should one of them mess up. Tom was looking at the boy with glee knowing now that after dinner none of the other children can come to bother him and Ailill. Plus, he'd be getting his surprise later.

Quickly finishing their dinner the children started to form a line in front of Ailill waiting for their turn to get a sweet. Once everyone except the adults and Tom had gotten one the children had all raced off like goblins to eat their prized confectionary in peace. Ailill glided on over to Mrs Cole with a smile she'd consider suspicious. He handed her a small heart-shaped sweet much to her surprise and inkling that she'd be repaying for this sweet in due time. After accepting a sweet with a sigh Ailill did the same to Martha only receiving a hair ruffle instead of a sigh.

Tom came up to Ailill's side and nabbed his hand, dragging the boy out of the hall and up to their shared room intent on having Ailill for the evening and getting his surprise. Ailill only laughed as he was dragged finding great enjoyment in Tom's impatience. Once they got to their room Tom let go of the boy and sat on his bed, his eyes urging Ailill to hurry up. Snorting, Ailill went to his cubby and took out a blue velvet box that contained the bracelet he had waited for earlier that day. Tom was eyeing the box in his hand with suspense, once he was seated on the bed next to Tom he held out the box to the other boy. Tom looked at the box for a few seconds before carefully prying the cover off and peering inside. He reached in and picked up the dainty bracelet with a silver plated snake on the outside. He stared for what felt like ages to Ailill and he finally got fed up.

"Turn it over, there's more on the inside."

Flickering his eyes up to Ailill, Tom did as told, seeing the beautiful cursive inscription, Ailill and Tom, 1926. Forever as one. It was a common thing Tom said but Ailill never really acknowledged it, hoping the boy would drop it sometime. It was kind of embarrassing to hear but since it's on the bracelet he'll surely stop now. Tom had a drop roll down his cheek that the other boy didn't point out knowing Tom hated showing weakness, especially to him.

"Will you…" Tom's voice wobbled before he cleared his throat and tried again in a stronger voice. "Will you help me put it on?"

Smiling endeared by the 'strong facade' Ailill softly took Tom's hand and bracelet then clipped the clasp around his pale wrist, the silver shining in the light of the moon. It looked perfect on him, the snake gleaming. Tom intertwined his fingers with Ailill's, both just sitting in the silence of the room content with each other's company. The two fell asleep like that, interwoven together with smiles on their faces. The next day everyone was questioning Tom on where he got the bracelet, some in awe of the pretty design and others with raging jealousy. To keep Tom from blowing up Ailill hauled his ass out the back door and down the expanse of the garden to where they knew a few slithery friends were sliding about. Ailill couldn't speak to snakes like Tom could, something Riddle found a bit relieving but also annoying. It would be cool to have their own language but it's also nice to be better at something Ailill isn't. He already beat him in his control of abilities, Ailill didn't need to concentrate anymore and Tom couldn't make him do stuff as he can do to others. Another thing is Tom can talk about Ailill for hours in the snake language and the boy would never know, it bugs Ailill sometimes but the starry look in dark eyes stops him from making a scene.

As Tom sat on the ground and Ailill lied down, a few garden snakes came out of the shade excited to see their 'speaker' friend and his loved companion. While the snakes can't communicate with the other boy they still like him and his calming energy along with the fact that the young snakeling speaker adores the boy.

A decently sized snake wove its way around Tom's arm when it was held out to it and a smaller black one chanced its luck on getting up onto Ailill's chest for a nice sun nap.

"Little speaker you're back again~" the snake spoke pleasantly.

"Yes, look what Ailill got me." Tom spoke in a haughty manner showing off his bracelet with pride.

"Oh~ very pretty, speaker's mate has good taste."

Tom flushed at the insinuation of Ailill being his mate but did not correct the snake. He gave a look to the other boy and found him sleeping away under the sun with a small black snake curved against him. It was a cute sight. They bathed in the sun for hours, content with the heat and each other's company. They skipped lunch and dinner after sleeping through it but weren't too worried with the goods Ailill got the day before.

As night drew near the two boys decided to head back inside not fond of being in the cold as the sun set down for the day. Tom was clingy, refusing to part any physical contact from Ailill no matter how awkward it looked or felt. The older boy indulged him knowing Tom would only feel this sappy for a few more hours before he returned to his aloof, cold behaviour, or what he tries to put up anyways. The orphanage was quiet with children tired from a tiring day of doing nothing. Saturdays were the only day in the week that's chore free, Sunday is more so for religious celebration. Tom and Ailill don't actively participate and the matron doesn't make them on the premises that they stay out of the way and don't cause trouble on that day. Monday through Friday are free game though.

Tom went to sleep that night happier than he'd ever been, happier than when he found out he could do mysterious things, happier than that Christmas where Ailill saved up so much money by selling things and working that he bought Tom a range of books, even happier than when Ailill finally stopped pushing him away. With the bracelet gifted to him and the inscription confirming it, Ailill is now his and he, in turn, is Ailill's. He now has physical evidence that the boy cares for him and promises to always be by his side.

No one can separate them now.