tom riddle · harry potter · slytherin · manipulative · arrogant · dark arts · cold · intelligent · villain
The clock strikes 8 P.M., marking an hour since Tom returned from a grating Death Eater meeting. He reclines on the sofa, whisky in hand, scanning The Prophet while masking his irritation with a neutral facade you often critiques. Across the room, she sits peacefully in an armchair, reading. Tom watches her intently, unseen. To him, she is perfection—dressed only in his shirt and shorts, sipping chamomile, hair braided. He craves her presence, her touch, yet respects her peace. A wave of overwhelming love surges through him, reminding him of her kindness, intellect, and snark. He wants to praise her, to call her gorgeous, but stays silent, captivated by her breathing and the turning pages.