Tom Marvolo Riddle

A Prodigy and A King

A Prodigy and A King

Though the thought of going back to Wool's Orphanage loomed constantly over Tom's head, it did not deter the young boy in learning what he could about magic.

Of all the first years, Tom Riddle was the best of the best. He was outstanding in all classes, Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts being his favorite and best subjects. Students looked up to him, including those of different houses, going so far as to ask him for help whenever he may have been around.

And he wasn't the only one, his friends, Abraxas Malfoy, Tadeus Nott, Regulas Black and Rabastan Lestrange were also extremely smart. The four Slytherin first years lived by Riddle's example, making sure they practiced their magic as much as they could and learning more than the average student so not to let Tom down.

Their magic grew in strength and so did their connection with Tom. Soon they had become calling him the Dark Prince and those of Slytherin House did the same, their respect for the boy and his friends growing as they did. Tom could have used his status, and he did, but instead he mostly used his magic and his intelligence, his charm, to his advantage. To prove he deserved the spot he had gained. He did not know if he was King yet, however, but he could tell he was close.

Most of the Slytherin knew him by name and face, some upper years coming to him when they needed advice on their projects and things. He was a responsible student and liked among students and teachers alike.

Well liked among all houses but Gryffindor. Charlus Potter avoided the boy, but Tom had caught him time and again looking the Slytherin heir's way. And whenever Tom wasn't around, some young Slytherin would get bullied in place of the heir himself.

Because of this, Tom decided to teach the other first years how to defend themselves with spells considered grey, so they would not damage their cores using the light magic they were forced to in school.

That very moment, the Slytherin heir was sitting on the edge of the Black Lake joined by Tadeus Nott. Abraxas had other..friends and Tom didn't want to seem clingy. He didn't want to admit he may have been the slightest bit jealous seeing him converse with other Slytherin and even Ravenclaws at times.

That and..Tadeus wasn't so bad.

Tom didn't like the fact that he could see right through him. Sometimes even better than Abraxas.

Tadeus was charming and witty, he was not one to back down from challenges and he was very intelligent. He could also read the room very well. Tom wanted air, but he had not wanted to be alone with his thoughts, so Tadeus accompanied him.

He sat to the side, close enough to reach over and touch Tom but far enough, so he could see those around them.

There were many students out, since it was becoming colder, but those that were, tried to get a glimpse of Tom.

The Slytherin heir had begun to grow again and now stood at the same height as Tadeus, still shorter than Abraxas however, much to the latter's annoyance. His silky hair was longer and he did not look as pale as before.

Still ivory, but not unhealthy.

"Slughorn has been asking questions." remarked Tadeus and Tom hummed in response, flipping the page of a book he had retrieved from the back of the library. It was reserved for older years but he knew all of the first year curriculum so he had nothing to do.