Slytherin Boy Imagines

The Protector - Tom Riddle

Word Count: 776
Warnings: None
——————————————————
The cold, damp corridors of Hogwarts were often a place of solitude for young Corwin, especially when his sister was busy with her studies or—lately—caught up in the affections of a certain Slytherin boy. Tom Riddle had always been distant, an enigma who loomed large over the school with his sharp intellect and unsettling charm. To most, he was feared. But to Corwin's sister, there was something more, a gentleness few ever saw.

Corwin sighed, clutching his books tighter as he walked toward the library. The day had been long, and the constant harassment from a group of Gryffindors made it feel even longer. They never let up. Being the younger brother of Tom Riddle's girlfriend had turned him into a target, an easy one at that. With Tom's reputation, it seemed some students wanted to push their luck and see just how far they could go before getting caught.

As Corwin rounded a corner, the familiar voices of his tormentors echoed down the hallway.

"Well, well, if it isn't Riddle's little shadow," one of them sneered, stepping out from the shadows. It was Hugh, a sixth-year Gryffindor who had made it his mission to make Corwin's life a living hell. His cronies, two other burly students, followed closely behind, smirking.

Corwin stiffened, backing up, but there was no escape. The empty corridor stretched behind him, with no sign of help in sight.

"I don't see your big sister here to save you this time, or her creepy Slytherin boyfriend," Hugh jeered, shoving Corwin roughly against the cold stone wall. His books scattered on the ground.

Corwin bit his lip, trying not to let the fear show. He knew better than to ask for help. Showing weakness only made it worse. He braced himself for the next round of insults or punches.

But before anything could happen, a chilling voice cut through the air.

"I suggest you remove your hands from him. Now."

The voice was cold, controlled, and sent a shiver down Corwin's spine. He turned to see Tom Riddle standing at the far end of the corridor, his wand casually twirling between his fingers. His eyes, however, were anything but casual. They were sharp, dark, and full of warning.

Hugh froze, his bravado faltering under Tom's intense gaze. "We were just having a bit of fun," he stammered, taking a step back.

Tom took a deliberate step forward, and even though his posture remained relaxed, the power he commanded was palpable. "Fun? You call harassing a younger student... fun?" His lips curved into a dangerous smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.

Hugh's face paled. "It's... it's not like that."

Tom's wand stopped spinning, and he held it with purpose now, though he hadn't cast a spell. "I believe," he said slowly, "you should run along before you end up in the hospital wing. Or worse."

The threat lingered in the air, and Corwin's bullies didn't need to be told twice. They scrambled away, nearly tripping over each other in their haste to escape the wrath of Tom Riddle.

Once they were gone, the corridor fell silent again. Tom glanced down at Corwin, his expression softening ever so slightly.

"You should be more careful," Tom said, his tone quieter now. "This school is full of people looking for weaknesses to exploit."

Corwin quickly gathered his scattered books, still shaking from the encounter. "I... I didn't ask for your help."

Tom's smile returned, though it was more genuine this time. "No, but you needed it." He took a step closer, his voice lowering. "You're important to her, which means you're important to me."

The admission caught Corwin off guard. He looked up at Tom, seeing the flicker of something different in the Slytherin's eyes. Despite the cold exterior, there was something deeper, a loyalty that ran beneath the surface.

"Thank you," Corwin muttered, feeling a strange sense of relief in Tom's presence, even though he knew what the older boy was capable of.

Tom nodded once, his expression unreadable again. "If anyone bothers you again, let me know."

Without waiting for a response, Tom turned on his heel and walked away, his long cloak billowing behind him as he disappeared into the shadows of the castle.

Corwin stood there for a moment longer, processing what had just happened. Tom Riddle was many things—intimidating, brilliant, and dangerous—but perhaps, in his own way, he also cared. Even if he didn't say it aloud, Corwin knew one thing: with Tom around, no one would dare lay a hand on him again.

And maybe, just maybe, Tom's protection wasn't as terrifying as it seemed.