Tom's ears were flattened against his skull, embarrassment was burning through his fur as the Sorting Hat's gleeful statement echoed through the office.
The hat had exposed his hidden thoughts with all the subtlety of a Howler at breakfast. With an indignant yowl, he swiped up at the battered hat atop his head.
Though being sorted into Hufflepuff was indeed satisfactory, this business about the kitchens...
He'd already made it abundantly clear—his interest in Hufflepuff had absolutely nothing to do with the kitchens being conveniently located a mere staircase away from the common room!
The hat's insinuation was nothing short of slander!
"Congratulations, Tom. Hufflepuff will be an excellent home for you. Loyalty and integrity will become your most precious treasures during your time at Hogwarts—far more valuable than any amount of Galleons or even the finest salmon."
Before Tom's indignant claws could make contact, the Sorting Hat lifted itself with remarkable quickness and soared across the office and settled into Dumbledore's outstretched palm with a whump.
This was one of Hogwarts' founding treasures. The thought of explaining to the castle's portraits that a cat had somehow destroyed it was not an experience Dumbledore cared to entertain.
Though the hat bore various protective spells layered like pages in a book Dumbledore had no comforting illusions.
After witnessing Tom produce a hammer from thin air, and apparently cross the boundary between life and death with the ease of stepping through the Hogwarts Express barrier, he suspected that ordinary magical protections would prove as effective as a Jelly-Legs Jinx against a mountain troll.
"Of course," Dumbledore continued smoothly, "considering your rather unique circumstances, and given that all student dormitories have already been allocated for the term, if you need it, I can certainly arrange private quarters."
Observing Tom's indignant paw-waving, and hoping to prevent next year's incoming first-years from facing a Sorting Hat crisis, Dumbledore hastily changed the subject.
(Since the Headmaster is offering, I'll trouble you for that arrangement, then!)
Tom's irritation vanished. Taking Dumbledore's conversational olive branch, he allowed his fur to settle and his tail to still. He'd only intended to give the presumptuous hat a proper scare anyway. He had no real plans to actually damage Hogwarts property.
Besides, if he actually destroyed the Sorting Hat, the burden of repairing it would inevitably fall on his shoulders. Tom had learned long ago never to create unnecessary work for himself—that was Jerry's job.
"As for Ariana..."
Dumbledore's voice softened as he turned his gaze toward his sister. Unlike the castle's other spirits, Ariana appeared almost flesh-and-blood real, her expression was readable in ways that most ghosts' faces were not.
And right now, that expression showed unmistakable disappointment at being separated from Tom into a different house.
"What would you prefer? Should I arrange a single room for you as well, or would you rather share quarters with the other young witches?"
As a ghost and more significantly, as his own sister, Ariana's situation transcended mere "special circumstances" and ventured into territory Hogwarts had never anticipated. If he could provide Tom with private room, extending the same courtesy to her was not only reasonable but necessary.
Of course, unlike other ghosts, Ariana's appearance was indistinguishable from a living person. Therefore, if she wished, she could room with other students without raising suspicions for a while.
The difficult challenge lied elsewhere. She would need to exercise discretion. At least until he and the Ministry of Magic reached some form of understanding about her unprecedented enrollment, revealing her true nature as a ghost would create complications even he might find difficult to untangle.
"(★ω★) Could I share a room with Tom?"
Ariana's response came with instant sparkling enthusiasm, her eyes were brightening like Lumos charms ignited in darkness.
Though they wouldn't share a house, if they could at least maintain the same living quarters, the separation might prove to be bearable. She could accept that compromise~
"???" ×3
Watching Dumbledore's expression darken instantly, McGonagall suddenly regretted her choices.
She regretted checking the Book of Admittance today when she might have waited until morning. Regretted seeing Ariana's name inscribed in fresh ink among the incoming first-years. Regretted her sense of duty that had compelled her to find the Headmaster immediately rather than sleeping on the information.
Most of all, she regretted being present for this particular conversation, which was rapidly spiraling toward territory that made her horrified.
Though she admired Dumbledore, she couldn't shake the sensation that an enormous, glowing character reading "DANGER" had appeared above her head like a ghostly warning sign.
[Absolutely not! Out of the question! I'm in Hufflepuff and you're in Gryffindor—how could we possibly share a dormitory?!]
"(｡•︿•｡) But..."
Ariana's enthusiasm deflated.
She turned the full force of her pleading gaze toward Dumbledore, eyes were brimming with hope and desperation.
"No."
Confronted with his sister's vulnerable, pleading expression, his resolve wavered. For one second, agreement nearly escaped his lips.
He forced himself to close his eyes, physically blocking out her imploring look. Only then could he have sufficient determination to refuse properly.
"No, Ariana. I'm sorry, but no."
The school rules contained no clear prohibition against cross-house residency, the Founders had never imagined circumstances requiring such a rule.
But this precedent could not, and must not be established with his own sister as the test case. Particularly not when the other party was a cat with a known talent for chaos that would make the Weasley twins look like model prefects.
Seeing Ariana preparing to negotiate further, Tom quickly intervened.
[Enough, Ariana. Setting aside whether the rules even permit us to live together, even the closest friends need their own private space, you know~
More importantly, you came to Hogwarts specifically to make friends, to experience everything you missed. Correct? If I'm constantly with you, how will you meet new people? How will you form your own friendships, separate from me?
Befriending your roommates will be the essential first step toward making friends with everyone at Hogwarts.]
Though Tom privately questioned why Ariana whose stated primary goal involved making friends, which seemed quintessentially Hufflepuff hadn't been sorted into his house, he recognized that his argument was having the desired effect.
"(´-ω-`) All right. I understand."
Seeing both of them opposed to her idea, Ariana nodded obediently to show she accepted their reasoning.
Dumbledore exhaled with relief.
"So then, Ariana, have you decided? Would you prefer private quarters, or would you rather live with the other young witches in your year?"
"Hmm..." Ariana considered the question with visible thoughtfulness, her fingers were tapping against her chin. "Brother, which dormitories still have available spaces?"
Tom had imparted his friendship wisdom with her. If she wanted to make friends, she should start with roommates! Therefore, she needed to find a dormitory with actual living, breathing students to befriend.
"Certainly," Professor McGonagall responded, stepping forward with warmth after receiving Dumbledore's subtle nod of permission. "If you're willing, I can escort you there immediately."
She paused, giving a genuine smile.
"I should properly introduce myself. I'm Professor McGonagall—Minerva McGonagall and I serve as Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmistress. You may call me Professor McGonagall, or simply Professor if you prefer."
"Thank you very much, Professor."
Ariana executed a graceful curtsy. Then she turned toward Tom, her expression was brightening with determination.
"Don't worry, Tom. Though we're in different houses, we can still attend classes together, can't we?! House assignments don't determine who we spend time with. This won't affect our friendship at all!"
"Precisely correct." Dumbledore's voice resonated with approval. "There has never been any true barrier between the four houses—they're simply your homes within Hogwarts. What they become, what they represent, depends entirely on the young witches and wizards who dwell within them. That means all of you have the power to shape their character."
Dumbledore's voice was gentle and encouraging.
"As long as you hold to that belief, even a Gryffindor and a Slytherin can become excellent friends."
{In his office brewing potions, Snape: Achoo!}
"Brother is absolutely right!" Ariana's enthusiasm was rekindled. "Tom, I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow in the Great Hall and you'd better tell me all about the special features of the Hufflepuff common room."
[Gladly! But you'll have to share Gryffindor's secrets with me too~]
Watching his sister's genuine smile, something tight and painful in Dumbledore's chest loosened slightly. The corners of his mouth curved up.
"All right, Minerva." He straightened. "The hour has grown quite late. Please escort Ariana to the Gryffindor dormitories and introduce her to her roommates. Try not to startle them too badly; being woken by their House Head and a new student might prove alarming."
He turned his attention to Tom, his expression was warm.
"I'll take Tom to Hufflepuff. The Badgers tend to be night owls, so his arrival should cause less disruption."
Then, with emphasis: "Children, once you've reached your respective common rooms and been shown to your dormitories, I want you both to get proper rest. You have a full schedule of classes beginning tomorrow. You'll need your energy, particularly for Professor McGonagall's class. She has demanding standards."
McGonagall's lips twitched with something that might have been amusement.
Tom and Ariana nodded their agreement in unison.
Professor McGonagall inclined her head toward Dumbledore in acknowledgment and began guiding Ariana toward the spiral staircase.
"Wait, Minerva."
Before she could leave, Dumbledore spoke again.
"After you've seen Ariana settled in her dormitory and ensured she's comfortable, please return here. There are... arrangements we need to discuss."
Dumbledore's tone remained pleasant.
"Regarding the matter of securing the Ministry's approval for Ariana's enrollment as a ghost. I'll need your assistance in communicating with the Ministry."
McGonagall's footsteps faltered, though decades of professorial composure kept her expression blank. Her spine straightened slightly.
"Of course, Headmaster. I understand."
She'd known it. Knowing this many secrets, there was bound to be additional work waiting for her!
After watching them depart, Dumbledore turned to Tom.
"Come along, Tom. I'll escort you to the Hufflepuff dormitory."
Tom said nothing, simply padding quietly behind him. Just as the two were about to exit the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore's steps hesitated and he spoke softly,
"By the way, Tom... thank you. Truly. For bringing Ariana back, for helping her overcome her emotional barriers, for enabling her to open herself to making new friends.
In my youth, my arrogance led me to neglect her feelings—it remains my greatest regret. Now, thanks to your help, I finally have the chance to make amends for past mistakes."
Dumbledore's eyes glistened with moisture that he didn't bother to hide.
'Not just me—many others can now rectify the errors they once made as well.'
The last thought remained internal.
(Don't mention it, Headmaster.)
Tom's cat voice carried lightness, pulling him both back from the overwhelming emotion.
(After all, you've provided me with considerable assistance as well, haven't you ~)
Tom swished his tail in a casual, "it's nothing special" sort of gesture.
"Heh."
Dumbledore chuckled softly and shook his head.
"Ever practical, even in moments of sentiment. Yes, I suppose that's one way to view it—though I suspect my 'considerable assistance' pales in comparison to resurrection."
He cleared his throat, visibly pulling himself together.
"Speaking of assistance—I recall you mentioned enlisting young Hannah as an employee? Something about a business venture? Does the school need to provide any resources for that arrangement?"
(Not at the moment.)
Tom felt supremely confident in his business venture. With himself as the living advertisement, how hard could it be to rake in Galleons?
"Very well. I trust your judgment." Dumbledore's tone shifted, becoming gentler. "However, regardless of your confidence, I can offer you an empty room—think of it as a gift from this old man."