No one spoke for a few seconds, the two who were occupying the room stunned into silence at the sudden appearance and Ailill just sizing up the newcomer. Ailill didn't think he was making the best first impression, with his pants having been ripped at the knees and his shirt stained with a concerning amount of crimson, not his of course.

"Aillil!" Tom shouted in shock after coming out of his stupor. "What happened?!" The boy abandoned his book and hurried over to Ailill determined to see if he was injured.

"Hmm," Ailill hummed. "Some bastard picked a fight with me, nothing I couldn't handle. Blood's, not mine Tom, don't be panickin', 'kay?"

"How can I not panic when you are covered in blood?"

"I just said it wasn't mine!"

"That's not the point-"

A cough broke up the budding argument, Dumbledore looked at the new arrival with uncovered interest. So this was the other supposed magic-user? Unlike with Tom, the man couldn't really feel the magic when the boy first entered the room, but the longer he was present the more this pressure seemed to develop, cold and unfriendly. However when Tom got closer to Ailill Dumbledore could nearly see the magic encase the boy, almost like a protective layer, it wove around him and sat idly. The professor had no doubt that if he attempted to attack Tom, Ailill's magic would react extremely violently. The real question now is, why didn't Ailill show up on the underage magic registry?

"Hello," Dumbledore greeted. "Ailill, yes? My name is professor Dumbledore. I've come to offer Tom a place for school."

Ailill whistled slowly, nudging Tom with his elbow. "Damn doll, knew you were smart but to have schools scout you? That's next level."

Tom flushed a faint pink but clearly basked in the other child's praise. "He's from a magic school."

Ailill looked surprised before turning a critical eye to the fancy-dressed man. "Magic? There's a school for that, for real?

"Yes...for real."

"Damn, nice goin' Tom!"

"Actually, Ailill," Dumbledore said. "I can clearly tell you have magic too but for some reason, you have not come up on the magical underage registry. It's something we do to keep track of newborn children into their late teenage years to make sure they don't use magic irresponsibly. Would you mind giving me an example of you doing magic so I can confirm that you do indeed have the ability to wield magic?"

"Huh," Ailill said. "Uh sure, no worries. Anything specific you want me to do?"

"Not at all, anything will do."

"Wait," Tom cut in before retrieving a marble from the shelf in the room. "Do the marble thing."

"Sure."

Dumbledore watched as the boy plucked the marble offered to him and with an almost bored stare started to levitate the little orb before making it spin in rapid succession. The orb vibrated violently before a crack sounded and the marble burst into dust. the fine powdery substance diffused through the air as Ailill dropped his hand looking at Dumbledore with questioning eyes.

"Yes, you do have magic. I'll have to notify the ministry about this. Don't worry we'll have this sorted out before school starts."

"Okay" Ailill shrugged unbothered.

"As I was saying earlier, both of you will be getting funding from the government for school that will pay for your school necessities and clothes. You will have to go to Diagon Alley where you will purchase such things. I will draw up instructions for all this, don't worry. I can escort you to Diagon Alley if you so wish."

"Thank you, professor," Tom said hastily. "But we don't mind going ourselves, right Ailill?"

"Not at all, kinda sounds like an adventure." The boy said with childish glee.

"Very well then," Dumbledore said, starting to get up. "I'll make sure you two know how to get there. And Ailill as I mentioned to Tom earlier Hogwarts has a no thievery policy, we don't tolerate it. The same goes for violence."

Ailill raised an eyebrow at the older man, "I only use self-defence, professor don't mistake me there."

"Violence is violence, Ailill."

"This blood was from an old man trying to pick me up, thinkin' I was a prostitute. I told him to leave me alone politely and when he tried touchin' me I brushed him off before telling him to get lost." His voice turned harsh. "The final time he grabbed me and I said 'sir if you don't leave me alone I will get physical', he didn't listen and so I took matters into my own hands. Are you telling me to not fight back? To take it?" Aillil didn't look happy. "Sounds like victim blaming to me sir, and I dunno if I want to attend a school that victim blames."

"Wh-what of course, not" Dumbledore stumbled hastily trying to rectify his obvious blunder. "I was clearly assumptious, please forgive this one, Ailill."

"Right, you best be on your way, professor. I'm sure you're very busy."

The dismissal was clear but polite, Dumbledore had obviously stepped on some of Ailill's toes making that comment. He decided it was best to be on his way before the boy became agitated, even if the boy had control like Tom said, it's best not to poke at a person whose magic is so potent. It would only spell disaster for those who meddled.

"Ah, your right my boy," Dumbledore started to leave the room. "I hope to see you both come this September."

"As do we professor."

"Goodbye Ailill, Tom."

The scrunching of Tom's face made Dumbledore pause in the opening of the hall.

"Do you not like your name, Tom?"

"It's just a bit common," Tom pursed his lips. "Don't you think?"

"No," Ailill gave him a weird look. "What? You want a different name?"

"Well, one that wasn't so common would be nice." Tom definitely did not pout.

"Imagine if your name was something like Cletus?"

"Who on earth would name their child that?!"

"Someone who didn't want a common name." Ailill's smile was mocking in nature but his eyes were warm. The two boys had all but forgotten about Dumbledore who was watching the two interact with an amused glint in his eyes, the wariness that was present around Tom after dulling with seeing the child act so guileless with Ailill. So different he was around his companion. He decided it was best to leave, he was already after saying his farewells anyways.

Once the man was gone Tom had noticed and whirled to Ailill murder shining in his eyes, playful banter gone "Someone touched you?"

"Eh?" the other boy cocked his head to the side at the quick subject change. "Yeah but he ain't doing much but becoming food for the rats now." the little doll-like face had a malicious smile stretching across his lips, the kind of smile that made Tom remember just why he adored this pain in the arse.

"Well then, good. He deserved it."

"Duh."

The two stood in silence before what just happened settled in.

"Wait- Magic school?!" Ailill bellowed.

"I knew we were different, Ailill! This proves it, we're going to go to a school of magic and be with people of our own kind."

"Maybe I can die there without you knowing?"

"You bastard. I told you to stop saying that, as long as I'm alive you won't be dying anytime soon."

"We'll see."

The days passed agonisingly slow, as least to Tom. Ailill had doubled his working hours which seemed impossible, saying he was trying to get a bit more coin so that they could get things for school, thinking that the school support wouldn't be quite so considerable. After practically pacing holes into the floor of their shared room an owl finally came to deliver Ailill's letter, the same one Tom was given. Along with the letter was a piece of paper with a detailed directory guide on how to get to Diagon Alley. That night when Ailill finally returned, looking a bit roughed up but satisfied he promised Tom that they'd go to Diagon Alley the next day, that he need not worry about Mrs Cole's permission he'd sort it out. And sort it out he did, the next morning the two headed off bright and earlier one with a faux calmness and the other with a heavy coin pouch and tired bones.

The directions were clear and concise, no waffling around it seemed. They were to head to a pub in London called Leaky Cauldron, a weird name but who's Ailill to judge? They were to ask for the barman named Tom, telling him that they wished to go to Diagon Alley. Pretty easy right? Wrong. Every goddamn street the two boys walked down someone called out to Ailill. It wasn't so much delaying them but it annoyed Tom to no ends, can't these people see Ailill is with him for the day. They should all just go away. If a few people had mysteriously fallen or come across a form of misfortune once the two were out of sight well that's just a coincidence. Tom's petty possessiveness never failed to amuse Ailill, it was like owning a cat, they claim to never love you but the moment that you show attention to another thing they've decided that your face is the best spot in the world to nap on. Tom was such a cat.

When they reached the Leaky Cauldron they headed inside and to be quite fair they had every right to grimace, the place was dark and dingy with shrouded figures sitting in corners and hidden faces mumbling away to themselves. Wary of the new place, Ailill wrapped his arm around Tom's waist in order to keep the boy close to him don't he be kidnapped. Tom was just as cautious if not more, he leaned into Ailill and didn't budge from the other's hold even as the two made their way towards the counter where a man in his early twenties was cleaning glasses. He was average height but the hunch in his shoulders gave the illusion of a far shorter man. His hair was blond but thin and looked rather brittle.

"Hello sir," Tom started with a charming fake smile. "You wouldn't happen to know where the barman Tom is, do you?"

"You're lookin' at him, kid." The man, Tom said. "How can I help you?"

"We've been informed by Professor Dumbledore that you can help you get to Diagon Alley?" Ailill cut in with honeyed words and polite smiles. "We'd most appreciate your help."

"Ah," Tom nodded in agreement. "You two must be muggleborns then. Please, follow me."

Tom, the barman, walked around the counter and was heading for the back door, the two boys following him closely.

"What does that word mean?" Tom asked curiously. "Muggleborn, was it?"

"It refers to your blood status." The older man informed. "Those who were born to muggles, non-magical folk, and have magic are called muggleborn. Those with parents or grandparents split between muggles and wizards are referred to as half-bloods. Pure-blood families are wizards and witches without known Muggles or Muggle-borns on their family tree. Or so they claim. It's best you stay out of pureblood supremacist's ways," Tom said looking uncomfortable. "They can be rather opinionated on muggleborns."

"Your knowledge has been extremely helpful," Ailill said as they walked out a door and into the back of a walled courtyard with a dustbin. "thank you."

"No worries," The man waved away. "Now to get to Diagon Alley you must tap the brick from the rubbish bin, three up and two across with your wand. You'll be getting that today. I'd advise heading to Gringotts first, it's the huge white building, hard to miss, that's where you'll get magical currency to buy stuff with. That is if you're exchanging money."

"We intend to, yes." Ailill watched in fascination along with Tom as the wizard brought out a thin stick and tapped the bricks on the wall just like how he described it. The wall shifted and groaned, brick rippling and moving in tandem as they made an opening that led to a whole other world. At first, it seemed like Tom wasn't breathing, Ailill concerned for him placed a hand on his chest just above his diaphragm to see if it was moving at all, and sure enough, it wasn't so he gave him a considerable whack that got it moving again leaving the other boy wheezing.

"The bloody hell, Ailill?"

"You weren't breathin'," the boy said unconcerned. "had to fix that, I'm gonna be dying first, not you. I get first pick 'cause I'm older."

"That's not fair."

"Too bad."

Tom huffed at the stubbornness of his companion, would it hurt him to let Tom have the last word sometimes? Probably. Should he still allow it though? Yes. Bastard, but loveable.

"C'mon," Ailill nudged him. "Let's go to Gringotts and get the school funds, I'll also change some other money so we can have a bit extra to buy some other things if you see something you like."

Tom's chest was warm with an emotion he does not like to think about a lot, he knew Ailill didn't have much, even with working. The majority of the stuff he gets is for Tom, the money he's been collecting was so Tom could buy additional things. That's why Tom swore to rise to status, to money, to power. He will grow to give Ailill the life he deserves, so the boy can lean on him, take and want for nothing from the sheer fact that Tom can provide him with all. It was his ambition, his goal, his vow. And he always keeps his promises to Ailill.

The two headed into the bustling street after saying thanks to the barman once more, everyone wore strange clothes, it looked like average muggle outfits but with weird dresses or coats on top. Tom and Ailill clearly stood out and so the older boy hurried the two down the street despite Tom's protests, they kept to the shadows and sidelines of the street, hoping to not draw any more attention. Tom didn't dare speak when he saw the pensive look on Ailill's face knowing he must have a good reason for being so hasty in their pursuit of the wizarding bank. Up ahead an imposing snow-white multistoried building was located. It towered over neighbouring stores and glinted in the light practically blinding in its radiance, Tom nearly crashed into a person as his eyes never left the building, he barely escaped by the skin of his teeth with Ailill yanking on his sweater and pulling him in front so he could keep an eye on him.

They approached the building and glided up marble steps, polished and glowing. The pillars had gold embellishments and the doors were a heavy set of burnished bronze. The doors are flanked by a small creature in a uniform of scarlet and gold, its face was set in a snarl and Tom was looking with both prudence and curiosity. Ailill's eyes were flickering everywhere his mind going a mile a minute watching everything he could but for different reasons to Tom. Tom was enamored by the new environment, the shiny buildings, the new people, the bursting bookstores, his eyes just couldn't get enough. Ailill on the other hand was watching the dark looks thrown their way, the arrogant curl of lips and disgust laced eyes that burned into him as he shielded Tom, to him his eyes were watching the predators. They were in new territory and it would take time before he was confident enough in his surroundings to revert to his more extroverted nature but for now, he will play meek and self-preservation will be his top priority...Tom is unfortunately included in that package.

They walked through the doors bypassing the unknown being, Ailill dipped his head in respect and greeted, getting a widening of eyes and quirk of lips. Ailill did not know this being and who is he to say they do not deserve his acknowledgement. He may be new to this world but until proven otherwise he will not be rude to others lest he be provoked. Once passed the first set of doors there was a small entrance hall and another set of doors. Engraved on these silver doors were the words:

Enter, stranger, but take heed

Of what awaits the sin of greed

For those who take, but do not earn,

Must pay most dearly in their turn.

So if you seek beneath our floors

A treasure that was never yours,

Thief, you have been warned, beware

Of finding more than treasure there.

"Bit ominous," Ailill spoke in a murmur to Tom's ear. "Don't you think?"

"Personally, I think it's quite nice." Tom rebutted.

"Of course you would, little weirdo."

"Who are you calling little, I'm nearly your height and then I'll surpass you."

"Come tell me that again when you reach farther than my knees." Ailill sneered playfully.

Through these doors, that was also flanked with the same beings from the other entrance, was a vast marble with hall long counters stretching along its length and doors lining the walls. At every high-rise desk, there was also the same creature. They sat in high chairs and were conducting business with the people below. Ailill took Tom's hand and started to briskly walk down the hall looking for an open desk, once he located one he made a beeline for it and dipped his head once more to the being sitting down. He side-eyed Tom before grabbing the back of his head and forcing him to bow his head, much to the surprise of others within the vicinity. The action drew attention and caused the one sitting at the desk to question Ailill.

"Child," it spoke in a grating low voice. "Do you not know what we are? Why do you bow?"

"I'm sorry," Ailill rose after being addressed. "I am ignorant in the ways of the wizarding world and wished to offer my respect. If my action has offended you, I beg your pardon."

"We are goblins, people do not bow to us."

"Have I offended you? Or is my action not welcome?" Ailill questioned.

"Well, no."

"Then please," The boy said. "Let me do this as a sign of respect. You are from what I can tell, an intelligent being and living. I have no reason to not show you respect nor have you provoked me to be disrespectful. Until proven otherwise you shall receive respect and courtesy from me."

A slow curl of lips into a sharp smile made its way onto the goblin's face.

"It would be nice to have more people like you in this world, alas that is not the case. My name is Hornwak, how may I help you today?"

Keeping his hand firmly clasped around Tom's sweater as the boy's eyes roamed over the other figures within the room.

"Greetings to you Hornwak. My name is Ailill and this is Tom Riddle, we are to attend Hogwarts in the coming September and we're told to locate this place to receive school funding. I would also wish to do some currency exchange."

"Of course, Mr Ailill. I will need your Hogwarts letter to confirm acceptance to the school."

Ailill handed up the two letters to the goblin who read over them and then handed them back. In silence, the goblin filled out a form and then with a poof, the letter was gone. In return, two pouches appeared and were handed to the two young boys.

"Inside you will find a card that will tell you how much the currency is worth, as for the currency exchange, how much do you wish to exchange?"

Ailill's eyes flitted for a moment. "Ten pounds please."

Beside him, Tom nearly bellowed.

"Ten pounds?! How on earth did you get ten pounds Ailill?"

The boy cut the younger with a sharp glance, "If you have questions, Tom you can ask later. Let us finish our business first." He handed the goblin his own pound pouch and watched as Hornwak counted the money before that pouch too vanished leaving another in its place.

"May I ask a question, Hornwak?"

"Please do Mr Ailill."

Tom found it slightly amusing the put-out faces of the other people around him, from what he observed goblins weren't courteous creatures and we're rather blunt and borderline rude in nature so for people to see a goblin being completely civil if not polite to a mere boy it had to be a blow to the ego. Bumbling idiots, Tom thought. You cannot compare to Ailill, of course even these creatures treat him with the respect he deserves.

"What other services do you offer here at Gringotts?" Aillil asked.

"We offer a range of services," Hornwak said. "We can do stock exchanges, renovation request takeovers, where we oversee the spending of money on infrastructure and construction projects, we also offer inheritance tests. Anything of interest?"

"Inheritance tests? Would you please elaborate for me?"

Hornwak nodded, "Inheritance tests are where we can see what bloodline and who you are related to by taking some blood. It is a harmless procedure and could offer you clarity on whether or not you are related to someone within this world or nominated to take over family seats within the British wizarding government."

"I see," Ailill hummed contemplating. "How much for such tests?"

"One test is 3 sickles."

"Please give me a moment." Ailill bowed to the goblin as he turned his back to him. "Tom, I ask you this now, do you wish for an inheritance test? This will tell you if you have wizarding parents."

Seeing the serious look in his eyes, Tom nodded with conviction. "I would like one, Ailill."

Having his answer, Ailill turned to the goblin holding his money pouch, "We'd like two tests please, Hornwak."