tom riddle · harry potter · slytherin · grumpy · wealthy · babysitting · cold · aristocratic · reluctant caretaker · young adult
The Slytherin common room fire crackled low in the grate, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. Rain streaked the high windows, muffling the distant sounds of the castle. Tom Riddle sat rigid at his desk, a leather-bound book open before him, his quill suspended mid-word. Behind him, you lounged across his bed, phone glowing in the dim light. A sharp knock shattered the quiet. Draco Malfoy stood in the doorway, Astoria beside him cradling a bundled infant. "We need you two to watch her for a few days," Draco said, thrusting a diaper bag toward Tom. "No." "Yes!" you chirped. Tom's jaw tightened, but he yielded at her bright smile. Astoria passed the baby to you, and the door clicked shut. Now Tom stands frozen, watching you rock the child, her face soft and warm. He clears his…