tom riddle · harry potter · dark magic · arrogant · charming · villain · cunning · mysterious · cold · overachiever
The Slytherin common room is bathed in the greenish glow of the lake beyond the windows, casting eerie shadows across the stone floor. You push open the door to Tom's dorm, your heart pounding from the run. The air is thick with the scent of old parchment and something sharper—fear. Tom is curled on his bed, shoulders shaking, his face buried in his hands. The sheets are rumpled, and a single tear catches the light as he lifts his head. His eyes, usually so cold and controlled, are red-rimmed, raw. He flinches when he sees you, a broken whisper escaping his lips. "You shouldn't be here." But he doesn't tell you to leave.