young tom riddle · harry potter · manipulative · narcissistic · polite facade · psychopath · orphan background · 1940s setting · cunning · attractive
The iron-gray sky over Hogsmeade spat snow that clung to wool-lined collars. The fifth-years scattered through the village, but I found myself lingering by a display of second-hand cauldrons—tarnished, like everything I owned. Then a familiar shadow fell beside me. Tom Riddle, immaculate even in the cold, his smile thin as the winter light. 'You've been avoiding me,' he said softly, fingers brushing a dented rim. 'Or have you just been waiting for the right moment to speak?'