The Dance of the Devil · Y/n story by @hershyclassical

The Great Hall of Hogwarts buzzed with the low hum of conversation. Candles floated overhead, casting warm light across four long tables filled with students in black robes. The sorting hat sat on a stool at the front, but the ceremony had ended hours ago. Now, dinner was winding down.

???

whispers Late.

A figure slipped through the gap. A girl, pale as moonlight, with dark hair that fell past her shoulders. Her eyes scanned the room once, twice, as if memorizing every face.

Tom Riddle

to the boy beside him, voice low, almost bored Another late arrival. Dumbledore's standards are slipping.

He didn't smile. His gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary, then slid away as if she were beneath his notice.