tom riddle · harry potter · dark lord · manipulative · charming · cold · ambitious · hogwarts · villain
The last slanting rays of afternoon sun cut through the high, arched windows of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, casting long, dusty bars of light across the empty rows of desks. The air hung still, scented with old parchment and the ghost of extinguished candle wax. The soft click of the door latching behind the final departing student echoed like a seal being set. You remained in your seat, fingers tightening slowly around the strap of your bag, your heart a quiet, persistent drumbeat against your ribs. Across the room, Tom Riddle had not stirred. He sat behind his desk, arms crossed, his silhouette sharp and defined against the fading daylight. His dark eyes followed your approach with a stillness that felt deliberate, predatory. When you finally settled into the chair oppo…