It was a bad day.

The sky poured in grief as the unforgiving raindrops hit the panes of the window with no remorse. The dark sky rolled about grey and bleak sucking the life out of the atmosphere as it shrouded the world in shadows. It was the 28th of August 1939 and in four days Ailill and Tom were to be heading to Hogwarts for nine glorious months of magical schooling. Only Ailill from the looks of it wasn't going to be in the best of conditions.

Tom sat on the chair beside Ailill's bed sick with anxiety and furious with his inability to help the boy. He hates when Ailill gets like this, the dead unresponsive tunnel of his eyes, the empty mannerisms to his actions. The constant dazed look on his face as he lays in bed all day forgoing food and company. The boy gets like this every once in a while, there are times where he will just float away into his own head not caring for the world around him not caring for Tom. And Tom despises it.

Ailill will be fine one day and the next he will be laying in bed with his eyes wide open but unseeing. He will feel like he's floating inside his body but too tired and far away to reach for the safety bars to help pull him away from the never-fading currents of his mind. He forgets who he is, what he's doing, and who he cares about. All he feels is a soft caressing of his mind as he lay floating on an empty sea of blackness.

Tom always stays by his side during these episodes, bypassing food and sleep to make sure Ailill is okay. When they first started to happen and the matron called in the doctor Tom was raging, this stranger wasn't qualified to look after his Ailill, what if he hurt him? Alas, the doctor claimed Ailill was showing signs of disassociation, a trauma response. Both the matron and Tom were skeptical, sure the orphanage wasn't the kindest of places but no one ever stirred up trouble for Ailill, nothing to warrant disassociating anyways. With the diagnosis in place, all they could do was be there for Ailill and hope he comes out the other side relatively unscathed.

Tom had asked once after an episode why he had these intense bouts of dissociation. Ailill had only smiled sadly at him and been quiet the whole day, other times he's been willing to share why he got so numb. He speaks of always feeling tired with the world and feeling too worn out to want to keep living, that yes even with Tom by his side sometimes it's just so hard to not feel disappointed when he wakes up and realises that he's lived another day.

Tom had begged and pleaded and threatened the boy with a shine to his eyes to never leave him, to be forever as one. Ailill couldn't promise the boy anything but he did try to be more engaging, to try and wake in the morning and not feel too bad, to feel the brush of the blankets and realise that he had been tasked with living another bleak day. As much as he'll deny it, Tom does make Ailill's existence a bit more bearable but he couldn't tell the boy, or else the limpet would never detach itself from Ailill.

But still, Ailill had some relapses into the void of numbness every once in a while. Every time it happened it got harder for Tom to not get exceedingly frustrated with himself. He'd do anything for Ailill to be free from the clutches of his mind, he would kill a country, commit mass genocide and even play genuinely nice with others, all for Ailill. These times were the only ones where people within the orphanage would feel actual sympathy for Tom, they could see that while unhealthy the bond Tom cultivated with Ailill was the only thing chaining the boy to his sanity.

Two days went by before Ailill started to show signs of return, Tom had slumped in relief as he saw the trickle of awareness seep into Ailill's eyes, he tried to ignore the stabbing pain that resided in his chest as he could see the cloud of agonising disappointment accompany that awareness. Recovery was slow like usual, Ailill's recoupment is always unrushed to start, he'd be extra quiet for hours before slowly incorporating physical contact that he'd seek out Tom for. Ailill is to never be touched before he looks for it himself after these episodes, making this mistake leads to broken bones and further setbacks. After becoming comfortable with his surroundings once more Ailill will become vocal, for days he will be rather subdued but ever so slightly his known dry wit and crass mannerisms would bleed back in until it was like they never left.

On the day the two were set to leave to Hogwarts Ailill was rather silent, not uncommon after his recent events but still a little disconcerting. The trip to the train station was full of silence from all parties, Ailill, Tom, and Mrs Cole. The matron had insisted on at least accompanying the two boys to the stations if nothing but to keep them out of trouble. Everyone knew it was just because she'd miss Aililll, Tom wasn't deluded into thinking the old bat of a woman would miss him for even a second.

After bidding the boys farewell after trying to subtly and affectionately make sure Ailill was alright Mrs Cole left the boys on the train platforms to find their train. She'd miss Ailill, the little devil that while a pain in the arse, always tried to help out around the orphanage whether that be by doing the chore no one else could, or gaining 'donations' to help their financial crisis. The boy was a real help, a loveable one even.

Tom held on to Ailill's hand as he dragged the boy to the platform, it was supposed to be between platform 9 and 10 according to the instructions of Dumbledore. They were supposed to walk at the wall holding the platform 9 indicator and they would pass through. Doing as told Ailill and Tom had their breath caught in their throat, there in the misty haze of steam engine fumes stood a huge hulking scarlet train. It was surrounded by families all of who were either helping people get on the train or getting on themselves. Taking a quick glance at the clock on the wall Ailill kicked himself into action and started to pull Tom to the train to board. It was nearly eleven.

The boys got their tickets checked and set about finding a compartment, it was difficult enough to find an empty one but they managed. It was rather recluse and near the back of the train. They settled in and placed their trunks on the overhead hanging after taking out the respective books that they wished to use to entertain themselves. Tom sat next to the window and Ailill sat right beside him leaning against the other boy as he cracked open a book without saying a word called 'The Beetle and the Bard' the so-called story where the Elder Wand originated. Tom did the same after making sure Ailill was comfortable, his own reading material was a book on courting rituals, the title was self-explanatory and Tom had insisted on getting one when he had confirmation that Ailill accepted his offer. He wanted to do it the wizarding way though, said the muggle way was beneath them. Ailill had only smirked briefly at the title before turning back to his own book. He tried to ignore the sickness that rolled in his stomach as he thought about a future with Tom, as he thought about living for many years to come.

The two were happy out in the silence of their compartment and blessed to have that last for at least two hours. Unfortunately for them at one o'clock and two hours into the journey and another five to go they were interrupted. The knocking on the glass of their compartment stood little Alphard Black with a charming boyish smile and excited gleam in his eyes. Sharing a quick look with Tom, Ailill gestured for the door to open and his magic responded stunning Alphard. Without the door in his way, the young Black took the silent invitation and sat down after a healthy dose of gaping at Ailill's advanced use of magic.

Raising an eyebrow at the boy Ailill started him into speaking,

"Hello," Alphard said. "I'm not sure whether you remember me. My name is Alphard Black and we met at Diagon Alley a while back. Y'know," he smirked. "That time where you essentially scolded my uncle. Hilarious by the way, ten out of ten would watch again."

Alphard had an easy-going attitude, the kind of person Ailill was sure could entice you into conversation and have you spill your secrets without you even knowing.

"We remember," Tom assured. "It was quite the day I must admit."

Alphard nodded and looked at Ailill to make conversation. The boy in question looked right back at the Black and didn't speak, he didn't want to. He was tired. A confused and unsure glint appeared in the boy's eyes as he didn't look away from empty whiskey. Seeing where this was going Tom cut in much to the approval of Ailill.

"Ailill isn't in the mood to talk," Tom said to Alphard, a warning very clear.

"I see." Alphard acknowledged turning his attention to Tom even if his eyes strayed back to the splayed out Peverell every few minutes. He was intrigued by the completely different character that showed itself. In the bookstore, Ailill was radiating self-importance and dominance but here on the train, the boy seemed sullen and tired as he burrowed his way into the Slytherin heir's side which by the way was kind of suspicious. Even by friend standards they two seem abnormally close.

For the next few hours, the Black boy kept Tom engaged in conversation and while someone else would have been gutted for interrupting his reading time Alpahrd was a pureblood information goldmine that Tom made sure to exploit, the trip was once more uneventful but like always fate saw Ailill the slightest bit relaxed and sent trouble his way.

With a bang of a door and an unsightly grin, Rastus Lestrange decided to join the party. The Lestrange boy had been hopping through all the carts on the train looking for the Black boy and here he found him next to two mudbloods. Was the boy insane?

"Black, what are you doing in this close of proximity to filthy mudbloods?"

Alphard could do nothing but gape at the audacity of the newcomer, was he looking for death calling not only the last of the Peverell line a mudblood but the Slytherin heir as well. Tom stared at the boy he saw while getting his robes, yes he had been a rather distasteful view.

"Seriously," Rastus continued unaware of the growing dark looks being sent his way by Ailill. The boy was a fun toy to entertain him while he was bored in Diagon Alley but when he just wants peace the little shit is a pain in the head. "How far had the Black line fallen to be seen even near mudbloods, ugly ones too. I mean look at him," Lestrange jutted his chin at Tom. "he's rather hideous isn't he-"

Without even being seen Ailill had closed his book and with anger, in his actions, he had placed his open palm on Lestranged mouth before brutally grabbing his face and pushing him outside his carriage against the one opposite. The boy hit it with a resounding smack as he struggled to breathe with his mouth covered. At first, Rastus was enraged before that fell away to delight in seeing his little pet right up in his face. The poor thing looked tired, see this is why he needed to just come and be with Rastus. If he was under his care he might not be so tired.

"You," Ailill hissed. "were entertaining for a short while but now yer just pissing me off. Fuck back to where you came from, I'm not in the mood to indulge you."

He let go of the boy's face and strode back into his carriage, Lestrange caught his breath before planning to pick a fight again only to be interrupted by Alphard.

"Are you insane, Lestrange?" he said hurriedly as he rose from his seat and made his way over to the boy.

"What?" Rastus said. "No, I'm just making sure the mudbloods-"

"That," Black cut him off. "Is Marvolo Slytherin and Ailill Peverell and they are most certainly not mudbloods. Not only have you embarrassed yourself but you've insulted them! Multiple times. I suggest you beg for forgiveness because once we reach Hogwarts I will not side with you, I will not hang out my neck for your stupid mistakes. Go and plan to grovel, it would do you no good to try now, not with them annoyed at you."

Taking the advice with no little amount of fear and disbelief Rastus left. If he played his cards right he might be able to get back into good graces but it won't be an easy fix. Fuck, he thought this is not what I planned for when leaving to Hogwarts.

Alphard warily made his way back into the carriage.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "Rastus didn't mean-"

"Are you a Lestrange?" Ailill asked.

"No," Alphard said.

"Then it is not your problem."

Taking that as a sign to shut up, Alphard sat beside the window and looked at the moving scenery for the rest of the trip as Tom and Ailill read. With only half an hour left on the ride, the three boys decided it would be best to change into their school robes. Alphard excused himself to find the carriage where his luggage resided. Tom and Ailill made quick work of changing both excited to experience the next step in their lives. Tom nearly cried with relief when he could see Ailill perk up a bit more, he still looked tired but the exhaustion was washed away by the thrum of anticipation.

Soon the train stopped and the occupants were starting to disembark the train. Hand in hand the two orphans followed the gaggle of children their age hearing a loud,

"FIRST YEARS THIS WAY, FIRST YEARS THIS WAY PLEASE."

It was the calling of a man in his 30s who held an old oil lamp with a smile. Once he concluded he had all the first years he started leading them away from the rest of the students and towards a very large dark lake.

"No more than four to a boat, please get in and be careful not to fall over."

With the instructions given the first years did as told, Ailill and Tom snagged a boat that was soon joined by Alphard and another boy that had long hair that looked like it was spun pale gold. Ailill found himself admiring it as the two sat in front of him much to Tom's ire. Once everyone was seated the boats with no paddles started to move. They glided along the dark waters that looked so tempting to fall into; as if hearing his train of thought Tom quickly wove his hand around Ailill's waist and pulled him to his side refusing to let go. The boats continued their trek as the moon hung in the sky casting its silvery glow. A sharp gasp broke the silence of the night before awe whispers rang around. There in all its magnificent glory stood a grand castle illuminated upon a large cliff. Tom stared in wonder as warmth filled his heart, this was a feeling of being home. The same warmth he gets from just sitting with Ailill, happy to have him around.

After a little bit, the boats came to a stop and the children got out onto land, they were ushered up to the entrance of the castle where a robed Dumbledore was waiting with a twinkle in his eyes and warm smile.

"Thank you, Mr Kettleburn," Dumbledore said to the only other adult who nodded before leaving. "I welcome you all to Hogwarts and hope you find it to be your home for the next seven years. Please follow me."

Ailill watched in barely concealed disgust, just what the fuck was Dumbledore wearing? Even by wizarding robe standards, those things were horrendously ugly, Ailill had thought the man had some fashion sense when they first talked, clearly he was wrong, so very wrong.

Dumbledore led the children into the castle and stopped them in the hallway close to the entrance, "wait here as I check that the headmaster is ready for the sorting. I will be back momentarily."

As the professor disappeared the upstart of excited talking ran amongst the children.

"I wonder how we're sorted." one girl muttered anxiously as she fiddled with her hair.

"I'm not sure, but I hope I get Gryffindor. That's where the brave go. What about you, Evan?" a boy next to her puffed out.

"Oh, um I'd like to go to Hufflepuff I think." A shy voice spoke.

"Hufflepuff," A boy who was a bit away from the group sneered loudly. "Only idiots go to Hufflepuff. They're useless."

"The only idiot here is you if you think like that," Ailill muttered quietly. Clearly, he wasn't quite enough because the boy heard him. The stranger turned to face Ailill with a disgusted face under his blond curls, they weren't as nice as the boy's hair from the boat.

"What do you mean? Hufflepuffs are where the unwanted go."

"No," Ailill corrected. "It's where the loyal go."

"So?" the boy challenged. "That's just as useless."

Ailill leveled the boy with I look that made him feel stupid, "loyalty is priceless, I'd rather have a Hufflepuff at my back than any other house."

"Since you're such a Hufflepuff lover that's probably where you'll end up"

"That'd be pretty fuckin' awesome," Ailill agreed ignoring the gasps that came from his crude language. "But I'm not as hardworking as them, I'd never get in."

"I still don't see why you like them." the blond boy said.

"Well," Ailill started. "Think of it like this. The loyalty of a Hufflepuff is priceless, I myself would much rather them over the others because to have a Slytherin at your side means they could stab you in the back to achieve their goals, to have a Gryffindor at your side means you could be abandoned in your time of need for them to fulfill their 'righteous' ideals and to have a Ravenclaw by your side means they would forgo you if it meant they could seek out knowledge elsewhere but a Hufflepuff, the loyalty of a Hufflepuff means they would live for you, kill for you, die for you. Never underestimate loyalty just because you've never experienced it." He looked around and saw the considering faces of the children before him. "But of course these are stereotypes that I'm basing off of just like how you based Hufflepuffs to be useless off a stereotype."

Within the space of 2 minutes, Ailill had made the least favored house seem like the tales of gods, amazing and revered. He made those who dreaded being sorted there reconsider it in a new light. Albus Dumbledore stood in the shadows as he listened to the silver-tongued speech of the boy he had seen not too long ago. He had worried about that pair but seeing the way Ailill had shot down the prejudice that always circled the Hufflepuff house eased the wariness in his chest, perhaps he made a judgment too soon about the boy. He'd just have to make sure he was wrong about young Tom Riddle too.

"Children," Dumbledore said, leaving the shadows. "The sorting is ready."