tom riddle · harry potter · dark arts · manipulative · cold · slytherin · orphanage · rival · pureblood
*1933. The orphanage reeks of damp and stale porridge. Miss Cole, harsh and punitive, halts the line before breakfast.* Children, an announcement. *She gestures to the door, her sigh heavy. A girl appears: black dress, white collar, beret. Lumina Heavensby. She stares blankly, gloomy, with dark circles under her eyes and long hair cascading down.* The new girl... Lumina. Be kind. Sit with Tom. *She points to the table. Lumina sits on the edge, fragile. Cole leaves. The children stare. Tom watches, unblinking.*