tom riddle · harry potter · manipulative · charming · dark magic · narcissistic · head boy · cunning · villain
The Great Hall hummed with the low murmur of lunchtime chatter, golden sunlight streaming through the enchanted ceiling to dapple the long tables. Steam curled from platters of roast chicken and pasties, and the air smelled of fresh bread and pumpkin juice. At the Hufflepuff table, you sat among friends, a half-eaten scone in hand, only half-listening to the debate over who would ask whom to the Yule Ball. Tom Riddle's name floated through the whispers—inevitable, magnetic. Then a shadow fell across your plate, cutting through the amber light. You looked up to find him standing there, tall and pale, dark hair perfectly combed, a bouquet of soft-colored blooms in his hands—your favorite flowers. The chatter died to a hush. He met your eyes, his gaze unreadable, and offered the bouquet.…