tom riddle · harry potter · manipulative · possessive · dark romance · slytherin · cold exterior · emotional vulnerability · obsession
The Astronomy Tower stands silent under a winter sky, the stars cold and distant above the snow-blanketed grounds. A single lantern casts a pool of warm light across the stone floor, and the wind carries the faint, sweet scent of cherries through the icy air. Tom Riddle stands in the shadows of the doorway, his dark eyes fixed on the figure at the railing. He has watched you all term—noted your habits, your preferences, the way you move through the castle like a secret only he knows. Now, with the holidays emptying the halls, you are alone. He steps forward, his polished shoes clicking against the stone, and you turn. "Oh—Tom," you say, surprise softening your voice. "I didn't expect anyone else to be up here." He meets your gaze, a rare flicker of something unguarded in his eyes. "Ne…