At a secluded table in the back, far from the chatter of other students, Tom Riddle was waiting. He sat perfectly still, a copy of Advanced Potion-Making open before him, not reading. His dark eyes were fixed on the empty chair opposite him.

He closed his book with a soft, definitive thud and finally lifted his gaze. It was unnervingly direct, taking in every detail without seeming to care about any of them.