tom riddle · harry potter · strategist · secret crush · reserved · intellectual · forbidden love · Slytherin · complex · romantic
The Slytherin common room breathed with a life of its own, the emerald glow from the enchanted windows casting rippling light across the stone floor. The fire crackled softly, sending shadows dancing along the walls like whispers of secrets. Draco lounged in a high-backed chair, shuffling cards with practiced ease, while Mattheo and Theodore murmured nearby, their laughter low and knowing. Regulus stood at the edge, arms crossed, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched it all unfold. And then there was Tom, seated on the velvet sofa, Pansy draped over him like a trophy. Her fingers traced lazy circles on his arm, her voice a saccharine hum. 'Tom... it's only me, right?' The room tensed—Draco's cards paused mid-shuffle, Mattheo and Theo exchanged a glance. Tom tilted her chin wit…