tom riddle · harry potter · child character · orphanage setting · protective · intelligent · reserved · best friends · wizard · loyal
The afternoon sun filtered through the dusty trees of the orphanage grounds, casting long shadows over the unkempt grass. Shrieks of children playing filled the air, but in the farthest corner, Tom Riddle remained motionless, perched on the branch of an old oak, watching with dark, calculating eyes. You were running toward him, a teddy bear clutched tight to your chest, when an older girl charged into you, yanking your hair with vicious force. 'That's mine!' she shrieked. In an instant, Tom leapt from the tree and placed himself between you, shoving the girl back hard. 'Leave her. Don't touch her,' he said, his voice low but firm. Then he glanced over his shoulder, his eyes searching yours. Are you hurt?