Tom Riddle X Reader | ✓

Part 23 Warmth | Edited

Inside the Slytherin common room residing in the dungeons, Tom was resting on a green couch, reading a book. Yet he found himself distracted, as if each word he studied drifted through his head, leaving it empty. He sighed, closing it. Tom stood up and started pacing around the room, having his arms folded behind his back, restless. He could only think about the most recent event.

Tom's pov

"What is the matter with me." - he thought "They're all the same. All of them like the common sheep in need of a lead. Meaningless minds, naive nuisances." - Riddle's cold gaze was fixed at the floor "So why is it bothering me? Why am I unable to stop thinking about it? about her." - Tom found himself failing to pinpoint the reason behind these new thoughts cozying up in his mind and he hated failure. Failure always makes room for fear and Riddle knew he had to be fearless to become what he wished for the most. "And that shabby excuse of a dog is nagging me over her." - he stopped, staring off at the painting now in front "Still. Why does it feel flattering. Why does her presence feel good."

"Hello?" - a voice suddenly interrupted Riddle's thoughts. He looked to his side, spotting a girl from house Slytherin. Beautiful and poised, doting an inviting smile. "There you are, I was wondering if you'd like to--"

"Maybe some other time." - Riddle instantly shot back, unable to bear having to waste any of his time on hearing the rest "My apologies." - Tom left the room, he did not really care about what the girl wanted, why would he. She had nothing he needed.

Usual POV

At the main hall, students were learning how to cast patronuses after hearing a whole lecture about dementors and their terrifying impact. Every person should have a light to their dark.

You noticed that half or so of the people around you had successfully and proudly summoned their patronuses. There were a few grey horses galloping across the room, some rabbits hopping around the pillars, a parrot flying below the ceiling, a salmon wiggling in the air, and many more. The light from this spell would be born and, however, quickly die.

"As long as the happy memory lasts" - the professor yelled "The patronus will protect you"

You were exhausted after unsuccessfully, repeatedly flicking your wand. You've never learnt this spell before for very personal reasons.

The whole room echoed with voices shouting 'Expecto Patronum' at similar times.

After a few attempts, with the help of Severus, Lily managed to cast one - a bright, beautiful doe, hopping around the room. She giggled happily. And Snape looked delighted to watch her succeed.

Then you noticed Tom seated down on one of the empty benches with his head resting on his right hand. He was very faintly swirling around his wand but not saying any incantations as if he was just playing around - it was clear he wasn't trying - he gave up - he couldn't do it. And this was one of his weaknesses - he had a hard time escaping a ball of bleakness.

Whilst, still at the front of the hall, the professor kept motivating students "Think greatest thoughts. This magical guardian will protect you in times of need -- very good Miss. Hornby" - the professor said "It is difficult but you all can do it - any one of you. You will never know the shape of your patronus until you succeed in conjuring it! -- Ah, Miss Warren, you need more energy!"

The question was. What was your happiest memory?

"This is some next level shit" - one of the boys from Gryffindor joked around as his buddies giggled watching him equally struggle.

"Language, Mr. Farron! It is very advanced, ancient magic!" - the professor shouted

You gathered that much by now. No matter how much you tried, you could not summon the spontaneous, silver mist.