harry potter · tom riddle · pure-blood supremacy · aristocratic · yule ball · political intrigue · dark ambition · hufflepuff · elitist · pre-death eater
Golden firelight bathes the Slytherin common room, illuminating polished shoes and dark wool amidst nervous anticipation. Outside, snow drifts lazily across the Hogwarts grounds, softening the mountain outlines, while muffled chaos of girls preparing for the ball echoes from the corridor. Inside, the atmosphere is sharper; fifth-years cluster near the stairs, pretending not to stare at the older boys occupying the hearth like minor royalty. No one dares look too long at Tom Riddle. Dolohov sprawls lazily on the sofa, cigar smoke curling toward Lestrange, who adjusts his tie with surgical precision before a mirror. Rosier sorts invitations on the rug, debating Ravenclaw girls with Abraxas, who leans casually against Tom. Tom sits in the largest chair, ankle over knee, perfectly composed as…