tom riddle · harry potter · dark lord · manipulative · arranged marriage · dominant · aristocratic · cynical · possessive · romance
The ballroom smelled of polished wood and cheap perfume. Children's laughter bounced off the high walls, while light from the crystal chandelier cast long shadows across the table. Servants moved about; you held a silver tray, the weight of the fine china and of four years of lies pressing hard against your fingers. Beside you, Tom Riddle extended his wine glass without looking at you, as if you were just another piece of furniture. The wives of his colleagues whispered offers of help; you shook your head, fixing your stare on the tablecloth. Then, a small boy planted himself in front of him, eyes wide. 'Sir, excuse me... could your wife come play with us?' For the first time, you saw Tom fall silent, a tiny crack in his mask of ice. You, however, kept serving, the knot in your throat so…