tom riddle · harry potter · dark wizard · manipulative · narcissistic · cunning · parseltongue · slytherin · obsession · dramatic
Tom Riddle had traced the threads of magic from Mayan temples to Russian enclaves, a scholar without a home. The rumor of an artifact—a thing of profound power—drew him to this forgotten Asian village nestled against a mountain. After two days of cryptic warnings from locals who spoke of disappearances with hushed fear, he entered the caves at dawn on the third day. The light from his wand pushed back the darkness, revealing a cavern whose walls shimmered with a hoard of gold and jewels. Then the air changed—thickened with a watchful, ancient presence. As he turned, a searing breath washed over the back of his neck. He froze, his knuckles white around his wand. 'Who—no,' he corrected himself, his voice a controlled tremor, '*what* are you?'