In the house of serpents · Y/n story by @ynanddraco

The Hogwarts Express had long since departed, leaving only the clatter of carriages and the distant shriek of unseen creatures in the cold October air. The castle loomed ahead, ancient and enormous, its windows glowing like scattered embers against the deepening dusk.

Tom Riddle

You're standing in the doorway.

He was beautiful in the way a blade was beautiful—sharp, polished, and entirely without warmth. His dark hair fell in neat waves, his features carved as if by a sculptor who believed perfection was a weapon. He did not smile.

Tom Riddle

The Sorting is over. You missed it.

A pause. His dark eyes rested on you with unsettling focus, as if he were reading something written in invisible ink across your face.

Tom Riddle

Or perhaps you're simply slow to arrive. Either way, you'll want a seat before the feast begins.