ᴛᴏᴍ ʀɪᴅᴅʟᴇ ᴏɴᴇsʜᴏᴛs

Missing Piece

author: deadlyhwa (on ao3)

summary: There was a missing piece to the story of Tom Riddle. There was a time in his life where he truly felt love. This short series will tell a story of a non-canonical romance that Tom shared throughout his life.

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He spoke among his followers, making them laugh without cracking a smile himself. He only smirked, it seemed to be the only thing he could do. He glanced at you; his gaze felt like needles piercing at your skin. You looked away and waited for the lesson to start. Tom copied your movements, trying to figure out how you out bested him at most things, if not all things. Your hand would be up before his, you would get the spell right before he did. You defeated him in duals, you would never allow him to have to satisfaction of winning.

And that angered him. He has always been the best, at least before you stumbled into this world. With little knowledge and a muggle background, you surpassed everyone in your year; which meant Tom Riddle too. As the lesson went on, you noticed him trying to manipulate your participation and assignments. You easily deflected them with the bend of a finger. He was incredibly frustrated and did not know how to bring you down. It did not matter how much times he tried hexing you, nothing came to harm you.

The transfiguration lesson ended as quick as it started, and the students did not waste any time to leave. You made sure to stay behind and help the professor clean up, earning a scoff from Tom. "Don't let the door hit you on your way out." She whispered to him as he walked past her. He rolled his eyes and followed the crowd outside. "You didn't need to do this," Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "I mean you really did not need to do this." He wiggled his fingers, letting you know he could have had this room cleaned in seconds.

"I guess I still hold onto my muggle traditions." You pressed your lips in a thin line, feeling quite idiotic for doing this. "I appreciate your dedication. You have been doing very well here and I applaud you for it." He sat at his desk. "Now run along, I'm sure your friends are waiting." He grinned. "Have a good day Professor!" She beamed at him and walked out the classroom swiftly. As you started down the halls, you were yanked back and pulled to the side. You went to scream but a slender hand covered your mouth.

You inhaled and caught the scent of your enemy, light cologne and his natural musk. You've gotten a whiff of it a couple of times from being paired up for assignments and other activities. Despite being in the same house, the leading house, everyone knew of their rivalry. But they assumed it was friendly. He always found a way to display his disdain for her when backs were turned to them. She kept it as professional as possible but may have slipped a spell or two to get back at him.

And now, in this moment, he had her pressed against him. She bit his hand, causing him to release her and swear. She moved back and drew her wand, "What the hell are you doing?" Her eyes were wide. He grimaced and wiped his palm on his robe. "You would never go anywhere with me if I asked." Tom stood tall, not a single doubt visible within in. "How would you know? You never asked." You rolled your eyes, slowly dropping your wand. "What is this about anyways?"

"I want to propose a truce." He cleared his throat. You blinked and turned on your heels, walking off. He stood there, bewildered by your action. He jogged up to your side. "A truce? You have too big of an ego to want a truce." Your strides were quick, you wanted to put distance between you two. But his long legs matched your pace easily. He realized that you were heading for the library, "So, is this you refusing my offer?" He tilted his head. "I think my reaction speaks for itself." The library was quiet as usual, no one paid them attention. Only a handful of students lingered in the large space.

You passed many rows of bookcases, choosing one towards the very back. "I just think we should put all of this behind us." He clasped his hands behind his back. You skimmed through books, ignoring his words. He sighed and stepped behind you, closing the space between you once again. Your breath hitched, which he noticed. He smirked and pulled the book you were searching for. He held out the thick and leather book before you. "Thanks." You muttered, reaching for it. He moved his hand, deciding to play with you. "Don't you dare."