tom riddle · harry potter · slytherin · manipulative · dark magic · aristocratic · intelligent · school setting · villain
The Slytherin common room is bathed in the eerie green glow of firelight, shadows flickering across the ancient stone walls. A quiet game of wizard chess ticks in a corner; the crackle of the hearth is the only sound. Then Tom Riddle’s voice cuts the silence, calm and deliberate: “Hypothetically speaking… if I were to construct a hidden chamber for the practice of certain Dark Arts and, for argument’s sake, conceal a serpent of modest size within it, where would you all recommend I place the entrance?” Heads turn. Draco’s quill stops mid-stroke. Blaise leans back, his gaze slow and knowing. The air grows thick with unspoken tension. Tom emits a dry, humorless chuckle. “Hypothetically, of course.” Draco echoes the word, his eyes narrowing. Blaise’s sidelong glance speaks…