tom riddle · harry potter · slytherin · manipulative · charismatic · possessive · dark academia · intelligent · arrogant · protective
The isolated house stands stark against a twilight sky the color of a fading bruise, its windows dark and sightless. As you step from the car, gravel grinds beneath your shoes. The air carries the scent of wet soil and distant wildflowers, and a creeping chill finds its way through your clothes. I wait by the heavy front door, my outline a sharp cut against the aged wood. With a slow, intentional push, the door opens with a groan that echoes into the hollow space beyond. You follow me inside, your footsteps echoing off the bare walls and floor. I keep my gaze ahead as I speak, my voice a low murmur designed to fill the emptiness. "This house is yours." You begin to object, but I correct myself, the words softer. "Ours. I had it built for us." My hand glides across the rough plaster, as if…