Dark Dynasty || Tom Riddle

v. meeting Tom Riddle

Victoria knew beauty. She saw it in the mirror everyday and in the darkest hour of the night and in Hogwarts' high towers. She knew it, and she didn't care. To her, beauty was just another weapon, was a blade she kept honed and sharp. It was viciousness and power and it was useful. But there was something fascinating in the cold cruel beauty of the boy that had just entered the room.

"Tom! It's good to see you", Dippet exclaimed, as the student, as Tom closed the door.

"The pleasure's all mine, Professor. You wanted to see me?"

"Ah, yes. May I introduce? Miss Greengrass, this is the Slytherin Prefect Tom Riddle." Dippet gestured between the both. "Tom, Victoria Greengrass."

Victoria gave a little nod and said her greetings. It was then that Tom Riddle really looked at her for the first time. He had noticed her before, of course, but that he only acknowledged her now was a little trick of his, she was sure. His attention was heavy and pressuring. Tom's gaze travelled up and down her body as he regarded her fully. Then he smiled and he was so handsome with his dark hair and eyes and his fair skin. Victoria was not easily charmed, but dear God, she felt like swooning. She cursed herself when she snapped out of it and took the slender hand he offered her.

"Delighted," he said and his voice was smooth like honey. But somehow, Victoria thought, his smile was just the tiniest bit too bright and the sparkle in his eyes just a little off, and she wondered if he used the sweet taste of honey to hide the venom underneath. Dippet didn't seem to notice though. She suspected few did.

"You can show Miss Greengrass the way back to the banquet," Dippet said after he had had a short conversation with Tom.

The headmaster stopped them when they turned around. He lifted the Sorting Hat and gave it a little shake. "Oh, and take this with you."

❦

"Are you related to the Greengrasses of Durham by any chance?" Tom asked.

"They're distant family. A cousin of my grandfather. How do you know?"

Victoria and Tom walked side by side back to the Great Hall while engaging in light conversation. She was grateful for the company since she wasn't sure if she would've found it on her own. The castle liked to play games with its inhabitants, at least until you learned how to play yourself. For now she had to stick to Tom.

"Us purebloods have to keep close ties with each other," he answered.

Victoria noticed how each step of his was perfectly controlled, his pace fast but not hasty. Sometimes his left hand unconciously darted towards where he had tucked away his wand, but his posture was flawless otherwise.

"Agreed." She hesitated. "I've never heard the name Riddle before though."

She thought she'd seen a crack in his facade, but the moment was over so soon she wasn't sure she'd just imagined it.

"You wouldn't have," said Tom. "My family hails from France."

"Oh really? How interesting."

"How come you were home-schooled until now?"

"My mother taught me. Then she died," said Victoria flatly.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." Victoria thought his voice lacked compassion.

Apparently Tom thought so too. "I'm an orphan myself," he added.

They reached the Great Hall before Victoria could answer. Professor Prewett was waiting impatiently in front of the doors.

"Here you are!" She took the Sorting Head from Tom's hands. "Sit down at once!"

Victoria assumed she should just go with her prefect, but was stopped by Professor Prewett. "You'll be coming with me, dear," she said and signalled her to come along.