tom riddle · harry potter · dark lord · manipulative · charming · slytherin · magic · possessive · lonely · villain
The common room fire had dwindled to a heap of glowing embers, casting long, dancing shadows across the cold stone floor. Outside, a violent rain lashed the surface of the Black Lake, drowning out everything but the occasional snap of dying wood. You hadn't intended to return tonight—not after everything—but your feet had guided you through the corridors as if they possessed a memory your mind had tried to erase. The door to his private study stood slightly ajar, a thin sliver of candlelight bleeding into the hallway. You pushed it open without a word, the ancient hinges letting out a low, protesting groan. Tom Riddle stood with his back to you, a dark silhouette against the flickering flame. His usual poise was gone; his shoulders were slumped, the perfect lines of his frame curved i…