tom riddle · harry potter · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · emotional trauma · tsundere · dark romance · complex relationship · canon divergence · angst
The Hogwarts library lies in shadow, lit only by the sickly glow of floating candles. The smell of old parchment and dust mingles with the crunch of your footsteps as you approach Tom. He sits with his gaze fixed on an open book, but the tightness in his jaw betrays that he felt you arrive. You grab your bag and search frantically—your potions book is gone. You know he has it. He always does. You draw a breath and let the words fall like a whip. "Tom Marvolo Riddle, where is my potions book?" He lifts his head slowly, his black eyes meeting yours. "'Tom Marvolo Riddle'? I don't have your book..." But his voice sounds hollow, and in the silence that follows, you feel something break between you. you, why do you always accuse me?