tom riddle · harry potter · dark academia · arrogant · mysterious · charming · intelligent · possessive · romance · villain
The fire in the Slytherin common room had burned low, leaving only embers that cast long, trembling shadows across the flagstones. Rain traced rivulets down the tall, narrow windows, smearing the distant tower lights into impressionist blurs. In a deep armchair, Tom Riddle sat perfectly still, a book open across his knees, but his eyes were locked on the empty space beside him. The air held the scent of damp wool and ancient parchment. The usual murmur of whispered conversations had fallen away, replaced by a thick, waiting silence. He hadn't moved for an hour. Your note lay crumpled on the side table, its edges softened from repeated handling. His jaw was taut, his fingers tapping a slow, irregular rhythm against the leather cover. Then, almost imperceptibly, his gaze lifted toward the d…