Hearing the call of the professor the children quickly straightened themselves still throwing appraising looks at Ailill for his wise words not a few seconds ago. With quick but unhurried steps the man led the group of eleven-year-olds through the beautifully twisted halls that gleamed in the low glow of the oil lamps. They approached two heavy-set doors that towered over the gathering.

"The sorting," Dumbledore started as he placed his hand on the door and pushed. "Shall commence."

With a loud bang that opened the doors to a room where sound bounced off every wall, the laughing of children and teenagers creating a joyful atmosphere. As the new students made their way into the hall the faces of awe filled the older students with pride and the teachers with fondness. The hall was lit by thousands and thousands of candles that were floating in midair over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. Each table had children of all ages in assigned colours; red, yellow, blue, and green. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting on a raised platform overlooking the hall. The hundreds of faces staring at them looked like pale lanterns in the flickering candlelight, Ailill and Tom looked upward and saw a velvety black ceiling dotted with stars. It was hard to believe there was a ceiling there at all, and that the Great Hall didn't simply open onto the heavens, inviting stars to be the light that lit up the magnificent castle.

The children were made to walk down between the tables of yellow and blue, Ailill and Tom were near the edge of the group at the back. Being rather cynical despite the setting, Ailill turned to Tom and had to say in a voice louder than a whisper due to the lowering noise of the hall's occupants.

"I'm tellin' ya Tom,'' Ailill started in a suspicious voice. "With the way, they're makin' us march it's like we're about to be a sacrifice."

The unexpected comment made a student in yellow who was nearest to the group snort loudly. Ailill's words had also raised a laugh out of a few other first years but theirs were a tad more hysterical. Seeing Tom's raised brow of incredulity, Ailill pouted

"Aye, don't look at me like that," He borderline whined. "I'm just sayin' even if I want to die I've got enough pride for it to be done well. We don't know what these weirdos will do with our bodies."

The boy in yellow was now dying off on the sidelines of laughter as his friends tried to get him to spill why he was laughing so hard. The first years that had been listening into Ailill started to pale and look at their surroundings suspiciously while shuffling back and closer together. Tom only shook his head knowing Ailill's more mischievous side was out to stir up trouble.

With Dumbledore up at the top near the head table and next to a stool with a hat on it the hall started to quieten till it was silent.

"When I call your name please step forward and sit on the stool," the man in hideous robes said. "We will place the sorting hat on you to determine where you will go. Now, Alfred Alox!"

None of the first years moved until within the tightly knit group a voice rang out,

"We won't let you kill us!"

The surprise that showed up on everyone present's face was exceedingly amusing to Ailill, once more the yellow robes boy was slipping off the bench as he struggled to breathe.

"I- what?" Dumbledore asked flabbergasted.

"And you can't have our bodies either!"

The small group of first years all nodded in solidarity making the whole spectacle comical.

"Plus," Ailill said, taking advantage of the commotion. "Your robes are as ugly as hell. I need a word with your stylist!"

Another squawk from the table of yellow. Poor thing must be suffocating.

"Children," Dumbledore said in both a confused, if not a little offended at the last comment, and soothing manner. "No one is going to kill you, and er, no one is going to take your bodies. As for my robes, well, orange is in this season."

Hearing the words of the man all the first years whipped around the Ailill as if his word was the reassurance they needed, finding himself under 32 pairs of eyes Ailill shrugged his shoulders,

"Maybe they don't want us to die," he said with a quirk to his lips. "We shall never know. But he definitely lied about the orange thing."

Feeling somewhat more confident in the situation but still very wary, a boy stepped out in front of the group and approached Dumbledore with the trust of an alley cat. Taking a seat on the stool the old hat was lowered over the boy's eyes. A few seconds had passed before a booming voice rang out,

"RAVENCLAW!"

Removing the hat and hopping off the stool the boy scampered off to the table dressed in blue and Dumbledore called the next name. Child after child went up and got sorted while Ailill was examining Tom's nails finding his own unamusing. The group dwindled until a few were left, then it was Ailill's turn,

"Ailill Peverell!"

Seeing the last name Ailill noticed Dumbledore's widening of eyes as he took in the boy he had met not too long ago, to think he was a Peverell. With an elegant stride, Ailill made his way to the rickety stool and sat down before crossing his legs to be more comfortable. The rim of the hat fell over his eyes,

"I swear if I get hat hair I'm suing." Ailill sniffed in a haughty manner, teasing colouring his tone as he drew a laugh not only from the students but a few chuckles from the head table.

"Well hello little Peverell"

Not expecting the voice Ailill flinched in his chair and shrieked,

"Mother of all things nice why didn't you say it could speak?! I just about had a stroke I did, what if I died, huh? You lot gonna pay for my medical bills?!"

"Ailill just do the sorting!" Tom shouted at him from below.

"Fine! Have fun in the world while I'm dead, you bastard."

"Amusing one you are."

Ailill only huffed in response, "Thanks, I try."

"Yes, I'm sure you do. Anyways, you're a rather complex individual I must say, loyal to a fault, thirsty enough for knowledge to seek it out, brave to the point of crushing prejudice under your foot, and sly with an ambition to make a comfy living for yourself. Yes, complex one indeed."

"Don't forget my wish to die, still planning that."

"Right, can't forget that." the hat paused before taking on a much more serious tone. "You are old and tired, you do not have much fight in you to continue in the world of the living. I'm not sure even that boy you love dearly can tether your soul for much longer."

"Life...has always been undesirable for me. I will make sure Tom is stable and then slowly wean him off my presence till he needs nor longs for me no more. He will be great just without me by his side."

"Such loyalty you hold for him but do you not worry about the consequences of your actions? The imprint you have left on the boy, especially after accepting such a thing like courtship?"

"I will admit that was a foolish move on my part I had not thought it through but with my recent episode of succumbing to my mind, I believe it would not be fair to hold him so close...I am willing to remove that instance from his memory; he has told no one so it wouldn't be too hard."

"And would you do it now? The longer you draw it out the harder it would be on his mind, the complexities of the brain are so intricate."

"I came up here to be sorted and instead get a therapy session." Ailill mused mirthlessly. "However you have shown me the road I need to take, it is not wise for me to let him live this fantasy, it would only ruin him once I leave."

"And of your placing? Normally I would send you to where you will thrive to succeed in life but you it seems will not go on for much longer."

"I would like to spend my last few years with him, guide him a little more before leaving."

"Then let it be,

SLYTHERIN!"

Having the hat removed and greeted to applause Ailill squinted into the light. He rose from the stool and turned to Dumbledore,

"So, any hat hair?"

"No," Dumbledore chuckled. "Your hair looks fine Mr Peverell."

"Sounds fake but okay. Also orange is not your colour, try a blue instead."

Not letting the other man speak anymore Ailill made his way to the table of green that was looking at him appraisingly. He sat down next to Alphard and nodded to the boy receiving one in return. He then turned his attention to the sorting waiting for Tom's turn.

"Marvolo Slytherin!"

The hall went dead silent at that announcement, but Ailill being the loving friend he is couldn't pass up the opportunity to embarrass his friend, with a shit-eating grin Ailill placed two fingers in his mouth, and wolf-whistled loud and clear. Tom went a bit pink but other than that walked on, he knew it was Ailill. The little arsehole always pulled this crap on him. The Slytherins turned to Ailill at his whistle all looking at him like he was mad,

"What?" he defended. "I had to give him a confidence boost." the twinkle in his eye knew just how much his words were bullshit. No one looked at the melancholy that hung behind the shine.

"SLYTHERIN!"

"No surprise there," Ailill snorted to Alphard who nodded in agreement.

Getting off the stool and heading to the Slytherin table many students shuffled around and made room for the boy who was to be sitting at the table that graced his name, they did so in hopes of enticing the heir to sit beside them. Tom ignored them all heading straight to Ailill. Said boy was sitting on the bench taking up enough room for two, Ailill ignored the pointed look he got from Tom keeping his grin on his face even as the whole hall had their attention on them.

"Can I help you, good sir? Ailill asked.

"Yes," Tom drawled just as bored sounding. "Please move your legs to make room for others."

"Hmm, most sorry but I cannot do that, you see I have a medical condition- Okay ow, ow, ow! Bitch move yer fat ass!"

Tom, who had enough of Ailill's tittering just up and sat on his legs making the boy rethink his choice of sitting position. Complying Tom stood up once more and let Ailill move his legs before sitting down again. The whole show amused quite a few people who thought the two boy's relationship was rather cute.

Finally standing up, the headmaster, Armando Dippet spoke,

"Welcome all to Hogwarts, those who returned and those who are new. I wish you all a wonderful year. Without further delay, please, enjoy the feast!"

As if his words were magic, out of nowhere plates of food started to line the tables, dishes of potatoes, meat, vegetables anything your heart desired. It was so overwhelming to the likes of Tom and Ailill who always had to eat rationed amounts of food. Ailill kept an eye on Tom to make sure he wouldn't overindulge in case his stomach can't handle it and becomes sick. Not many people were chatting as they were more interested in eating their fill. As Tom started to head for a second serving Ailill gently grabbed his hand to stop him. Tom gave him a questioning look, Aillil took their intertwined hands and placed them on his lap before leaning close to Tom,

"If you want dessert it's best you don't eat anymore, if you eat too much you'll get sick and won't be able to attend classes tomorrow."

Taking his advice Tom sat and waited for the savoury meals to be cleared off and the sweet dishes to appear. After about twenty minutes the hot dinner meals disappeared and in its place were the likes of treacle tart, brownies, ice cream, and jelly. Tom only took a small brownie starting to feel the effects of eating a full meal. Ailill on the other hand grabbed a small bowl of jelly preferring the wiggly substance.

Another forty minutes passed before everyone was finished and the Headmaster stood once more,

"What a lovely evening this has been," Dippet said. "I wish for everyone to have a nice night and I shall see you all in the morning. Prefects, please welcome your new housemates with great kindness. Good night and good luck!"

After the man's speech ended the boom of chatter started up and two teenagers approached the first year Slytherins.

"First years please follow us, we are the 5th year prefects and will be in charge of you all for now."

Doing as told the gaggle of children followed the teens out of the hall and into the corridors. They passed paintings that moved and cooed at the bright eyes of children, they ventured up staircases that spun and groaned with effort, they saw ghosts that floated about chattering away. As they made their way further into the castle they approached a wall that had snakes coiled around its edges.

"This here is the Slytherin common room, it is password protected and the password changes every two weeks. The new password will be posted on the notice board inside." The girl prefect said. "Colbuer!"

With swift motions, the wall broke away and revealed a room encased in green fabric. Beckoning the children inside the prefects lined them up to face the common room.

"My name is Gemma Farley and this," she gestured to the boy beside her. "is Yedan Yaxley. First things first, we are the house of snakes and therefore hated by most within this school, to battle this we keep a united front. If you have a problem with your housemates it stays in the house, it should never grace the halls of Hogwarts. If you have a problem you are to come to us and if we can't help you it goes up the chain of command until eventually, it reaches the Head of House, Horace Slughorn, you are to never go straight to him unless its life or death were talking about." Her eyes pierced the children with seriousness. "Finally, these are your people for the next seven years, make do. Girls dormitories to the left, boys to the right; your luggage will already be there. Now the head of House will have a few things to say."

"Ah" A clean-cut man spoke from the sidelines. "Well done young Farley! Welcome first years, my name is Professor Slughorn and I teach potions here. I don't have much to say for Miss Farley is very efficient in explaining all that is needed to know. Please do seek help if you so need it and tomorrow morning I will be awaiting you all in the great hall with your schedule. The Prefects will be waiting here in the common room to pick you all up at eight so they can escort you around the castle and take you to breakfast." His eyes crinkled but held a calculating gleam. "I hope to see you all well rested tomorrow so off you pop and get a good night's sleep."

Having been dismissed the children split off and headed to their rooms boys one way and girls another. Walking hand in hand as usual Tom and Ailill follow the other boys to a room that had a placard posted with all their names. Stepping inside the boys separated to find beds for themselves. Ailill took the one closest to the door with no argument preferring an easy escape route while Tom took the one right next to him. The other boys in the room settled down before turning their curious gaze to the two boys that shocked the school; Ailill Peverell and Marvolo Slytherin.

Within the room was Rastus Lestrange, Alphard Black, the pretty blond hair boy, and the curly blond hair boy. Within total, six boys joined Slytherin and four girls.

"So…" Alphard said breaking the stifling silence. "I think it would be best if introductions are made. I'll go first. My name is Alphard Black from the ancient and noble house of Black."

Following his example Lestrange went next, "I am Rastus Lestrange heir of the Lestrange line."

"I am Abraxas Malfoy, heir to the noble house of Malfoy. Pleasure." Pretty blond hair boy.

"I am Alexius Avery, Heir to the Avery line." Curly blond hair boy.

Ailill nudged Tom to go, "I am Marvolo Slytherin, heir to the Slytherin and Gaunt line."

"And I am Ailill Peverell, last of my line therefore heir to my line. Lovely to meet you."

All six just watched the others, scrutinising them. Lestrange stepped up to Tom and Ailill before diverting his eyes to the floor,

"I apologise for my behaviour upon both our first and second meeting," he said, voice subdued. "I see the errors and disrespect in my ways and wish for forgiveness."

Ailill watched him until the boy squirmed under his stare, "Of course, Lestrange, we are to be housemates for many years to come, it is best that we get along, no?"

"Yes," he nodded frantically. "You are truly too kind, thank you."

"Yes...kind I'm sure." A pause before, "Quiet the collection this year I must say," Ailill spoke, breaking the silence once more.

"What?" Alphard asked.

"The collection; A Black, Malfoy, Lestrange, Avery, Slytherin and Peverell. It's like a candy box to other purebloods trying to find suitable spouses."

"He's not wrong," Avery said with a quirk to his lips. "We'll definitely be approached about courtship. Mother has been looking already."

A few of the boys give sounds of agreement.

"And Peverell? Surely you are not short of courtship offers. You are rather a vision and old but new blood." Malfoy asked, sounding a bit too interested for Tom's taste.

"Ha," Ailill laughed. "Sorry to disappoint Malfoy, but I am being pursued by an efile. Persistent creatures they are."

Tom frowned at the lack of mentioning the courtship they held, Ailill on the other hand studiously avoided Tom's eyes knowing what he's going to do is for the best.

"An efile?!" Alphard exclaimed in awe. "Very rarely do they deem someone worthy to court, how ever did you get its attention."

"I didn't do it purposefully," Ailill sighed. "I was in Knockturn with Marvolo when the blasted cunt was following us, told it to back off and it picked a fight so I slammed it to the ground."

"Slammed it to the ground?" Avery sounded confused. "With what?"

"With this" Even as he lounged on his back Ailill had let his magic go and engulfed the room, it was heavy and cold but oh so addicting. It swirled in the air a mirage of icy blues and cobalt shades. The chill from its potency was evident in the frost slowly creeping along the walls. The boys in the room got hazy-eyed as they got drunk off of the magic in the air, it was like a magic high. As quick as it started it disappeared and quite a few of them had to swallow a whine of discontent.

"Ailill," Tom said. "has advanced control over magic, he is the one to help me perfect my own."

"Then you two live together?" Black said a bit breathly.

"That's a conversation for another time," Ailill cut in. "I'm rather tired after today and think a good night's sleep is the most beneficial thing for tomorrow."

The boys huffed in agreement as they pottered around and got ready for bed. Tom, while eleven years old now, was anxious about sleeping by himself when after so long he had slept beside Ailill. As the rest of the boy closed the curtains of their bed Tom resigned himself to a night of fitful sleep. Crawling into his bed he lay on his side to face Ailill's bed only to see the open side of one curtain, an invitation. Tom smiled to himself as he quietly got up and moved close to Ailill before slipping under the blankets.

It was stupid of him to think going to Hogwarts would change them, Tom and Ailill are forever as one.

Ailill later in the night felt hollow in his heart as he raised his wand and willed his magic to do his bidding, it was for the best after all. Tom will be great, just without him.