The Siren Song: Tom Riddle x Male Reader

15. Expecto Patronum

🧜‍♂️ .·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·. 🪄.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.🐍

The rest of the week, I found myself spending more time at the Gryffindor table, where I had quickly made new friends. There seemed to be at least six Weasleys in the Gryffindor house, all of them exceptionally welcoming and sweet. Augusta Longbottom with her deep knowledge of herbology, was always ready to help with any plant-related questions. Fleamont Potter on the other hand, excelled in Defense Against the Dark Arts. Rubeus Hagrid had a passion for magical creatures and even trusted me enough to show me his pet Aragog, a massive furry spider the likes of which I had never seen before. And then there was Rose Black, who spent most of her days in the library. She became my go-to tutor, the smartest of them all and always willing to explain the finer points of our lessons.

On Friday, we had Defense Against the Dark Arts class. As I entered the classroom, I saw Tom Riddle sitting at his usual spot, exuding his typical air of authority. I hesitated but decided to sit next to him. Tom glanced at me as I settled into my seat.

"Making friends, huh?" he said coldly, his voice dripping with poison.

I tried to keep my tone neutral. "Yeah, I guess I am. Everyone's been really welcoming and kind."

He raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Interesting choice of friends."

I felt a flush creep up my neck. "They're good people" I replied defensively.

Tom's eyes flickered with something that looked like amusement. "I didn't know you could be so stupid to believe that."

The tension between us was palpable and I struggled to find something else to say. Fortunately at that moment, the door opened and our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor Merrythought walked in.

"Good morning class" she began, her voice carrying a warm authoritative tone. "Today, we will be discussing one of the most powerful and positive spells in the wizarding world: the Patronus Charm."

She proceeded to explain, "The Patronus Charm is an advanced defensive spell that produces a silver animal guardian. It is used primarily to ward off Dementors, which are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. They drain peace, hope and happiness out of the air around them. If one approaches you, it will be difficult to summon a single happy memory."

I glanced at Tom, who seemed more interested in his own thoughts than in the lesson. Professor Merrythought continued, "A Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the Dementor feeds upon : hope, hapiness, the desire to survive... but it cannot feel despair as real humans can, so Dementors can’t hurt it. The charm requires the caster to focus on a single, very happy memory. Now let’s form pairs and give it a try. The incantation is Expecto Patronum."

We paired up and I found myself with Rose. Tom however, excused himself and left the room a curious move for someone as brilliant as him. "Why is he leaving?" I wondered aloud feeling a mixture of confusion and concern.

Rose shook her head. "He’s a mystery that one. But let's focus on the task at hand."

We all concentrated on our happiest memories. Iris and Abraxas seemed to be making good progress. I could see a faint silvery light emanating from their wands. Potter's Patronus took the form of a majestic stag, while Longbottom's manifested as a mighty lion. Rose managed to produce a shimmering cat. It was inspiring to watch.

My first few attempts were weak, producing only thin wisps of silver smoke. But then I closed my eyes and focused on my happiest memory: the day I discovered my magic powers. The exhilaration, the joy, the sense of boundless potential and shouted "Expecto Patronum!"

But nothing happens.

"Try again, newbie" came Tom's voice from behind me, soft yet resonant. I turned surprised to see him back. His eyes held a strange mixture of pitty and something else I couldn’t quite place. "So your hard brain doesn't hold any happy memory?" he asked his tone almost mocking.

I bit my lip, frustration bubbling up. "I have one in mind but..."

He sighed shaking his head slightly. "Then you're not strong enough."

Before I could respond, Professor Merrythought called for our attention and the class continued. As we packed up our things, I couldn't resist asking Tom, "Where did you go? I'd love to see your Patronus."

"I needed some air" he replied curtly.
I hesitated, then pushed further. "Can you please cast the pat-"

Tom's eyes darkened as he interrupted "Focus on improving your own spellwork first."

With that he turned and walked away, leaving me with more questions than answers. Tom Riddle the guy who never misses class or the opportunity to show his magnificent skills, refuses to brag about casting a patronus? That's weiiird. That's suspicious.