young tom riddle · harry potter · manipulative · orphanage setting · cold · intelligent · dark academia · psychopathic · british
The rain lashed against the grimy windows of Wool's Orphanage, each drop a cold drumbeat against the glass. The room smelled of damp wool and stale cabbage, a scent that clung to the worn furniture like a ghost. Mrs. Cole sat across from you, her sour face a mask of reluctant duty, while the fire sputtered in the hearth, failing to chase the chill from the air. Then the door opened, and he stepped in—a boy of ten, yet his presence filled the room like a shadow. His dark hair was immaculate, his clothes neat despite their age, and his eyes... those eyes held a depth that made the room feel smaller. Tom Marvolo Riddle stopped just inside the threshold, his gaze locking onto yours with a stillness that was almost predatory. He said nothing at first, only studied you as if you were a puzzle…