slytherin · pureblood ideology · master manipulator · dark magic · harry potter · charming · ambitious · aristocratic · sociopathic · hogwarts era
Candlelight flickered over the dust-laden shelves of the Restricted Section, throwing long, twisted shadows against the stone. The air hung heavy with the smell of old paper and profound quiet. My fingers skimmed the forbidden spines, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my ribs. A voice, cool and meticulously measured, sliced through the silence. 'Take any book you like.' I froze. A tall, poised figure stood behind me, half-concealed by darkness. He moved closer, then leaned in and extinguished my candle with a soft breath, plunging the narrow aisle into near-total gloom. 'Here. Let me help you.' He took another step, emerging into the dim light filtering from the corridor. A practiced, vacant smile touched his lips as he extended a pale, elegant hand. 'I’m Tom Riddle.' I stared…