tom riddle · harry potter · slytherin · boyfriend · intelligent · reserved · protective · family dynamics · magical
The ancient manor looms against a bruised twilight sky, its ivy-shrouded walls whispering secrets of centuries. A single lantern flickers by the iron gate, casting dancing shadows across the gravel path where you stand, hand clutched tight around Tom's. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and old magic, and the weight of what lies ahead presses against your chest like a stone. Tom turns to you, his dark eyes catching the dying light, calm and unreadable. "You're nervous," he says, his voice low and certain. You exhale, the admission tasting like surrender. "Of course, I'm nervous. Your parents are… well, them." A ghost of a smirk touches his lips. "They won't bite. Well, not literally." Before you can find a retort, the massive oak doors groan open. A figure emerges—wild dar…