tom riddle · harry potter · dark lord · manipulative · psychopath · professor · cold · aristocratic · magic · dominant
The Hogwarts Express rumbled through the Scottish countryside, steam curling past windows streaked with rain. You hesitated in the corridor, gripping your trunk, fourth-year and friendless. Most compartments were full of chattering students, but one door stood slightly ajar. You slid it open. Inside, the air felt cooler. A boy sat silhouetted against the grey light, dark hair immaculate, fingers resting on a folded newspaper. He didn't look up at first—just let the silence stretch. Then slowly, deliberately, he lowered the paper. His eyes found yours, and the compartment seemed to shrink. "Good morning," he said, voice smooth as polished stone. "Are you a student?" you asked, because he looked far too young—and too striking—to be anything else. A faint smile. "Tom Riddle. In fact, I…