𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐒, ᵗᵒᵐ ʳⁱᵈᵈˡᵉ. ✓

028.

___

The rhythmic clatter of the Hogwarts Express filled the air as the crimson train wound its way through the rolling hills and valleys, heading toward Hogwarts for the start of a new school year. The sky outside was a dull gray, clouds heavy with the promise of rain, casting a gloomy atmosphere over the Scottish countryside. Inside one of the train's compartments, Daphne Rose sat by the window, her chin resting in the palm of her hand as she watched the scenery blur by.

___

It was the start of her sixth year at Hogwarts, a year that promised to be more challenging and more dangerous than ever. The shadows of the outside world loomed closer now, dark magic rising and alliances being drawn, though most students still carried on with their usual excitement at returning to school. But for Daphne, there was a weight to the air, something unspoken but deeply felt.

___

Across from her, Tom Riddle sat in silence, his long fingers resting lightly on a book that lay open in his lap. His gaze was not on the pages, however; instead, he seemed lost in thought, his dark eyes distant as they stared out of the window. His posture was calm, composed as always, but Daphne could sense the tension in him. It had been building for some time now—an invisible pressure that she could feel whenever they were together.

___

Over the years, she had come to understand Tom better than most. While others admired him for his intelligence, his charm, and his leadership within Slytherin, Daphne had glimpsed the darker, more calculating side of him—the side that was always two steps ahead of everyone else, always plotting. She knew there was more to him than he let on, secrets he guarded with an impenetrable wall of cold detachment. And yet, somehow, she had found herself drawn to him.

___

This summer had been strange, particularly the dinner where Tom's adoptive family, the Gaunts, had visited her home. The memory of Aurora Gaunt's unsettling presence still lingered in Daphne's mind, her sharp, wild eyes and cutting remarks. But it had been Tom's protectiveness that had struck her most—the way he had stood up to Aurora, shielding Daphne from his sister's veiled barbs. It wasn't the first time Tom had done something like that, but it always left her with a strange mix of gratitude and confusion.

___

The compartment was quiet except for the gentle hum of the train and the occasional rustling of parchment as Daphne absentmindedly shuffled through a stack of books she had brought with her. Tom hadn't said much since they'd boarded the train at King's Cross Station, though that wasn't unusual. He wasn't one for unnecessary conversation, especially when something weighed on his mind. As the train sped onward, Daphne finally broke the silence, her voice soft but cutting through the stillness. "Are you thinking about your plans for this year?" Tom's eyes flicked to her, sharp and calculating, as though weighing whether or not to answer. After a pause, he closed his book gently and leaned back in his seat, his dark gaze steady on her."I'm always thinking about my plans, Daphne," he replied smoothly, his tone measured. "But this year, they've taken on a new importance."

___

She raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly forward. "Because of what's happening outside of Hogwarts? Or because of... something else?" Tom's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile, the kind that always made her feel as though she were treading dangerous ground. He didn't answer immediately, his eyes drifting out the window again before returning to her, this time with a glint of something more—something darker. "What's happening outside is inevitable," he said quietly, his voice carrying a weight of certainty that sent a chill down Daphne's spine. "But inside Hogwarts, we're preparing for something much greater. This year will be pivotal."

___

Daphne studied him carefully, trying to read between the lines of his words. Tom was a master of saying much without revealing anything, but she had learned how to pick up on the subtleties in his tone, the way his eyes darkened when he was contemplating something serious. "And where do I fit into this plan of yours?" she asked, keeping her voice light though there was an undercurrent of tension. Tom's smile grew, though it didn't reach his eyes. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze locking with hers, intense and unyielding. "You," he said softly, "are far more important than you realize, Daphne." The words sent a shiver through her, not because of their implication but because of the way Tom said them—like a promise or perhaps a warning. For a moment, the air between them seemed to thicken, charged with an unspoken understanding that neither of them could fully articulate. Daphne had always known that being close to Tom came with its risks. He was a powerful figure, destined for something great—or terrible—but she couldn't deny that part of her had already accepted whatever role she would play in his life.

___

"What do you mean?" she asked, her voice steady though her heart was racing. Tom's eyes softened, though his expression remained unreadable. He leaned back again, his posture more relaxed now, but there was something dangerous in the way he watched her, something almost possessive. "You're one of the few people who understands the value of power, the importance of control," he said. "Hogwarts is full of distractions, full of people who are content with mediocrity. But you... you're different. You've never been content to simply follow. And that's why I trust you." Trust. The word hung in the air between them, heavier than it should have been. Tom Riddle didn't trust many people—if anyone at all. That he would say such a thing to her was significant, and Daphne knew it. But it also came with responsibility, perhaps even danger.

___

She swallowed, choosing her next words carefully. "And what is it you trust me with, Tom?" His smile returned, this time a touch more genuine, though still guarded. "You'll see soon enough." Daphne's pulse quickened, though she kept her expression neutral. She had expected as much—Tom always operated on a need-to-know basis, revealing only what was necessary when the time came. But his words had left her with more questions than answers. The compartment door suddenly slid open, and both Daphne and Tom turned to see a group of younger Slytherin students peering in, their faces eager but wary. One of them, a fifth-year boy named Reginald Parkinson, looked particularly nervous as he addressed Tom.

___

"Riddle," he stammered, "we were wondering if you could join us in the next compartment. Some of us wanted to discuss... certain matters." Tom's gaze shifted to the boy, and the cold mask of control immediately returned. He stood gracefully, his movements fluid, and with a single glance at Daphne, gave her a nod. "I'll return shortly," he said, his voice soft but commanding. "We'll continue our conversation then." Daphne nodded, watching him as he left with the group of students, the compartment door closing behind them with a soft click. She exhaled slowly, the tension in the air lingering even after Tom had gone.

___

Alone now, she leaned back in her seat and gazed out the window once more. The familiar, towering silhouette of Hogwarts was just beginning to appear in the distance, its dark spires stretching up toward the sky like a fortress guarding secrets. This year, Daphne knew, would be different. Tom's words echoed in her mind, the weight of his trust settling heavily on her shoulders. Whatever plans he had in store—whatever role she was meant to play—there was no turning back now.

As the train sped onward, carrying them closer to the castle, Daphne closed her eyes for a moment, letting the sound of the wheels on the track drown out her thoughts. The shadows of the world outside were creeping in, and soon enough, they would be upon them. But for now, she was still just Daphne Greengrass, a sixth-year student at Hogwarts, sitting in a compartment on the Hogwarts Express. And somewhere in the shadows, Tom Riddle was waiting for her.

Word count: 1354