ophidian

t . m . r fifth year. slytherin prefect.

[t-riddle]

walburga-queenof-disaster:

As Tom’s charming smile was vanishing from his lips, the one on Wal’s own lips did nothing but grow. An eyeroll followed as the young Riddle boy moved, and she was mentally thinking if it was even worth bothering with. This boy was occasionally getting on her nerves honestly. It was probably the whole mystery thing he had going on. Walburga did, however, listen to him and raised her eyebrow, crossing her arms. She had noticed but it hadn’t really crossed her mind why. The school was old and doors had been locked before. Once; in her first year they had to close an classroom because a brick fell out and hit an older student. For an magical school; maintance wasn’t always on their top priority list. “You know what’s peculiar, Riddle? Your question. But, yes I have noticed. It doesn’t make sense. Why so interested?” The brunette appeared a tad…suspicious. And she was. Riddle was a mystery; even she couldnt deny that. And mysteries; they irked Wal.

Tom knew he was dancing a thin line even making this inquiry, he’d debated whether or not to ask and had decided that he should and that hopefully Walburga wouldn’t think too much of it - or she’d see his question as he hoped she would, in a selfish light where the disadvantage inconvenienced herself in particular. “For the sake of others. You know, the things we turn a blind eye to...” He was of course referring to the illicit activities of a select few Slytherins that were in particular, friends of Walburga’s (i.e. Avery) who used those other secret common room entrances to sneak substances (and sometimes other people) in and out. If he could make Walburga believe this was the sole reason for his inquiry, all would be fine. “I think...it would be in everyone’s best interests to direct the attention of the staff away from that particular area. This has been expressed to me by a number of people, and...rightly as you perceived so brilliantly, it is a... suspicious question for me as a fifth year to ask. But you, as Head Girl.... this is why I’ve come to you, I felt it was...beyond my reach.”

[t-riddle]

sincerelyeuphemia:

She brushed a strand of hair out of her face before she answered. “Well, I’ve been calling it Quidditch, but it’s not really because we don’t have all the balls or our broomsticks. I guess it’s really just catch, now that I think about it.” She rolled her eyes slightly. “Oh come on. Just because there’s no magic doesn’t mean it has to be muggles. I played catch all the time when I was a kid!” Personally she enjoyed muggle games, especially the variety of sports they enjoyed. As much as she loved Quidditch, she would have liked to play another sport too.

“Hmm...” Tom surveyed the game for a few moments longer. “I’ve always thought that people who preoccupied their time with sports must be particularly unintelligent. Why else would you get so much joy from a ball -- even one that flies isn’t especially exciting. What do you get out of this? What are you gaining?”

[t-riddle]

delorarosier:

It was rare for her to do something that she truly enjoyed, so when she did manage to make time for it, she didn’t appreciate interruptions. Maybe toying with the viola in the courtyard wasn’t entirely polite but she supposed that anyone who didn’t enjoy it could go somewhere else. She certainly didn’t have the freedom to play the instrument in her dormitory. Her roommates weren’t the most patient of girls. Still, it was shocking how quickly she managed to irritate another, only just changing the strings when Tom spoke. Looking up at him, a small smirk formed. “I’m actually planning on continuing, thank you for asking. I suppose you’ll just have to suffer through a little longer.”

The twanging, untuned plucking sounds coming from the instrument as Delora attempted to tighten and tune the strings was almost as bad as nails down a chalkboard, the worst part being that it was sporadic and jarring with every noise the damn thing made. “There is definitely somewhere else you could be doing that, Delora.” the pits of hell, for example. He had to bite his tongue to prevent the rest of that comment escaping. “I can very easily arrange you a private room, I’ll even throw away the key and you can stay there forever to meddle with that thing all you like.” 

[t-riddle]

justxloyal:

She could feel his gaze on her, but pointedly ignored him until he asked her a question directly. His inquiry almost made her scoff, but she held it in. Augusta had the distinct impression that he would be antagonistic towards her no matter what she said, but she figured it was best not to outright provoke him either. Finally meeting his gaze she answered matter-of-factly. “I checked it out last night. Does that surprise you for some reason?” It seemed like a fairly obvious answer to her.

“It isn’t surprising so much as it is annoying.” Tom remarked, then sighing and looking back down at his book, writing a few words down on his parchment, brows still furrowed together. He couldn’t concentrate, he was too annoyed. He looked up with a light huff. “Are you even using it? It doesn’t look like you’re doing Charms homework, why borrow a book if you’re not going to use it? I think you should let me have it and I’ll return it for you tomorrow morning.”

[t-riddle]

apricklyrose:

Rose observed him as he got up from his seat to pick up her book. She hated that she appeared so clumsy, most days she could gracefully get through the day without tripping, making a noise, or dropping a thing, but for some reason today she felt like a walking hurricane. “Thanks.” she sighed. “Not really, I am actually supposed to be doing my Astronomy assignment, but  ‘The most dangerous potions, poisons and plants’ seems more appealing to me at the moment.” she admitted “I don’t think I would call it frantic studying, rather academic OCD and too much time on my hands.” 

It wasn’t often that Tom found himself able to relate to others, but he knew what Rose meant, considering he’d spent most of the afternoon doing exactly the same thing - reading up on topics that he wasn’t supposed to be studying, prioritising particular classes over others, reading endlessly about Dark Magic instead of Defence against it. “Too much time, that isn’t something you hear often” he commented “I do understand the pull towards that sort of thing though...” Tom gestured to the potions book “Poisons especially...so fascinating. In that muggle war, there’s all kinds of new gases they’ve come up with, now of course, here’s hoping they royally mess it up and wipe out their own population - but bar that, there’s substances that they’re using that come from our world, combinations up until recently only we knew about. I don’t think it’s a coincidence but you also have to consider, if an average muggle can poison an entire army, a wizard could produce something tenfold. I mean...” Tom pulled out the chair just across from her, sitting down casually as he spoke “..you have to wonder how these things were even discovered in the first place, and so many... household chemicals are... curiously toxic, without people even knowing. Mix Moondew with Ashphodel and you’ve got the makings of pure death basically. You wonder how they could possibly police something like that, poisons I mean.”

[t-riddle]

lookingforlyall:

History of Magic class Monday, 26 October 1942 @t-riddle

The first lesson of the week was surprisingly engrossing for Lyall, far more so than History of Magic had any right to be. It was perhaps the fact he paid absolutely no attention to the old ghost droning on at the front of the class. For the entire hour Lyall had been completely absorbed by the National Geographic magazine tucked between the pages of his text book. He stroked the photographs almost reverently as he studied each one closely, amazed by the composition, blown away by the subjects, beautiful landscapes, fascinating creatures. Lyall hoped one day to be able to take photographs of such caliber, or at least have the chance to visit all the far flung places the magazine covered.

Lyall had been so wrapped up in his reading he barely registered the class had ended. He hurried out after the rest of his fellow Hufflepuffs and Slytherins, capturing snatches of conversation.

“He wants us to write 15 inches on…”

“The war between…”

“This is definitely going to be in our OWLs…”

He let out an exasperated sigh, Lyall had no idea of the homework. Again. He would have no chance of passing his OWLs if he couldn’t even complete a simple homework assignment. Lyall scanned the quickly thinning crowd of students moving on to their next classes, hoping to find someone with sufficient notes to help him.

“Tom! Hey, Tommy!” Lyall called, rushing to catch up with his old friend. Shoulders bumped, Lyall dropped his magazine and textbook on Tom’s shoes, highly polished next to Lyall’s own scuffed pair. “Sorry, sorry.” He quickly apologised, a slight lisp in his soft voice as he bent to pick his books up. “Tom, didya happen to catch the homework assignment?” He asked with an earnest smile. “I really can’t afford to miss another one.”

If there were two things Tom despised in this life, the first would have to be the past. Tom was not one to look back fondly on memories, and there was nothing worse than dwelling on all that he had now left behind. Looking to the future was everything, it was what propelled him forward through every single day -- knowing that there will be more, climbing every step no matter how high, no matter what it took to get there. Although Tom could appreciate that one could learn from the mistakes of those before him, although he could appreciate that there was value in what history had to teach us, and although the history of magic was endlessly intriguing and far more interesting than muggle history -- it was by far the least compelling class in his schedule. 

Tom had listened to Professor Binns’ lesson, for the most part, but it had been difficult with the whispering behind the wall distracting him. It was the fourth time this week that the snake had tried to speak to him during the day and instead of focusing on content that would probably appear in his exams, all Tom could think about was the Chamber and the fact that he still hadn’t found what his great ancestor intended for him to find -- there had to be more than just the snake, surely. 

The class came to a close and Tom gathered his things quickly, if he could drop his books back to his dormitory before his next class, he could go to the library straight afterwards to do more research on the chamber before dinner. The other Slytherins around him were speaking rapidly amongst themselves about the class they’d just had and the amount of study that was piling up for the evening, Tom’s mind was elsewhere. He walked briskly, the hairs standing up on the back of his neck as his name was called by an unfortunately familiar voice. Tommy. He could have regurgitated his breakfast there and then. The second thing that Tom despised in this life, would have to be mudbloods.

Tom stopped dead in his tracks, the Slytherins flowing past him and Lyall stumbling right into his shoulder, dropping his books on Tom’s foot. If Tom wasn’t pissed off before, he sure was now. A look of complete and utter disgust was plastered all over his face. He watched as Lyall bent down to pick up the books, one of which was very obviously a muggle magazine (and it had fucking touched his freshly polished shoe). 

Tom stared directly ahead with his lip curled in revulsion and nose crinkled like he’d just smelt something incredibly bad. “Yes, I did.” He responded stiffly, then flicking his gaze to Lyall, the god damn mess of a boy, looking him up and down. “It must be frustrating, to be so incredibly stupid.” He said bitingly. 

He turned on his heel to face Lyall properly, the curl of his lip becoming almost a smirk -- aware of the couple of Slytherins that had stopped to watch from just down the hall. “The assignment is fifteen inches on how muggles stole magic, and twentieth century solutions to purge them from society. You’ll have first hand experience to write from, should be a piece of cake. Then all you have to do is think about all the worst ways you could be tortured to death, and you’ll have your answer. Good luck.”

[t-riddle]

walburga-queenof-disaster:

Walburga looked at the fifth year, whom she was honestly growing more and more suspicious of each and every year. “Didn’t your mother tell you manners? It’s not polite to sneak up on people. It ruins that false charm of yours.” Walburga stared, her chin held high. Sure, the Riddle boy could be charming as ever, but then again, an actor could recognize other’s act. Walburga could see through his false charm, just because she was just about as false as him. “Talk? Really?” she raised an eyebrow, and honestly, she was actually a bit surprised. “No i don’t actually, but I’ll give you five minutes. I got more important things to do.” Walburga had been close to say no, but her curiosity got the better of her. “It better be important, Riddle, because I do not enjoy to waste my time.” 

Tom’s innocent almost smile turned just slightly to what could have been considered a snarl. The sour air of fake niceties was hanging far too heavy in the space between them. Walburga knew his game just as he knew hers. There was an unspoken agreement between them, an upholding of facades - a sort of ‘you don’t blow mine and i won’t blow yours’ deal. Tom forced the almost smile back up, though it barely lifted the edge of his lips. “Oh yes, I’m sure you are very busy. This will just take a minute.” He paced around slowly to stand on the other side of her, she’d have no choice but to turn to look at him. “I... have noticed, on my Prefect patrols, that the nightly patrol route of Professor Shafiq has changed recently. He’s been redirected down to the North-East of the Lower Chambers, a peculiar posting - don’t you think? I mention it because there were certain routes in and out of the common room, as I’m sure you’re aware, two of those exit into that lower chamber. Not only that, there is a door to the Eastern Dungeon corridor that is now locked. And I’m just curious to know if you’ve heard any reason as to why?”

[t-riddle]

tyrantavery:

Watching Tom silence the girl made something twist in Avery’s gut. The casual glance he gave him, so confident and careless, without fear of consequence, made Avery’s heart speed up ever so slightly. He was careful not to show any signs externally, but internally, he was kicking himself. 

Fuck, am I pining for Tom Riddle? 

It was pathetic, but he was struck with the sudden realization that he was extremely attracted to the other boy. When Tom asked him a question he didn’t quite answer, still reeling with the realization. He repeated the words in his head, finally processing them and coming up with a response. 

“What? Nothing,” he said quickly. This was truly pathetic, he could only hope Tom hadn’t noticed. Avery was typically good at suppressing his emotions, but Tom was rather perceptive. “I wanted entertainment, and you provided. If only we could cast that spell on the entire first year” 

Avery was staring. One might even saw gawking. Tom noticed. And he enjoyed every moment of it. There was something truly exhilarating about people looking at him in that way - it happened usually after he did or said something sadistic or scandalous. They must have felt close to him, they were given the sense that they knew something about him that others didn’t. That was where admiration and desire came from - that place where people felt close to him. Tom wasn’t close to anybody, but they didn’t need to know that. Tom knew quite well what would impress Avery -- magical talent and knowledge beyond his years. He didn’t go out of his way to flaunt those things but... it didn’t hurt to show off every once in a while. 

Tom locked Avery’s gaze for a moment with a very knowing smirk, then looking off with a light laugh, tutting a sigh. “If...only...” Tom echoed, contemplating the idea. Would it be possible, to silence that many people? Would they all have to be in direct sight or could he cast an overlying spell on everyone in the direct vicinity? “Imagine.... a silent great hall at dinner time... the perfect platform for a little talk on what wizarding values should be...” Tom looked off across the room as he considered the logistics of how to even cast such a spell, and then the consequences... because obviously he would be the culprit.... but oh how it was an idea for the future... to silence Hogwarts entirely, for however long he wanted...so he could say whatever he wanted to say. “But you know what would be even more spectacular?” He glanced over at Avery “...an audience being captivated and silent due to the mere presence of a single person. Not having to cast a spell to get them to pay attention, they simply don’t dare to speak. Just imagine having that much power...”

[t-riddle]

apricklyrose:

Rose did her best to balance the stack of books she had taken, after spending about fifteen minutes browsing through the shelves, feeling especially relieved, when she managed to spot a free table on which to put them down. In reality, there were quite a few tables she could have chosen, but she always preferred to sit at the end of the library, where there aren’t that many people, making it easier to concentrate. She sighed and sat down on the chair and started to rummage through her bag, trying to find her notebook. She planned on spending just a few hours going through the books and taking notes, in order to be one step ahead in her classes next week. However, as it was very typical of her, most of the books she had borrowed weren’t related to the subjects she had to be focused on at all. 

She raised her eyebrows slightly upon hearing Tom’s comment, surprised he even noticed her sitting down, as she did her best to be quiet and not attract attention. “I doubt a few clacks by my heels are enough to be a nuisance” she replied.

Why did people gravitate towards him? There were times when he sought their following, yes, but mostly he desired isolation and it seemed every time he found a peaceful place by himself, someone ended up sitting two seats away when they could have sat anywhere else in the empty room. This was exactly the case on this occasion. He’d watched as Rose rather blindly (due to the large stack of books in her arms) clip-clopped down the aisle of tables before dropping her things down onto the table just across from him, the books falling off each other onto the surface of the desk, books and quills and quill pots being dragged out of her bag (and rolling across the desk) as she rummaged through it. “It’s more the rummaging” Tom said with a small wince as one of the ink pots dropped onto the wooden seat next to her with an echoing tap. He let out a small tut and then rose from his seat, edging around the table and bending down to pick up a book she’d dropped, looking down at the cover. “Potions... are you trying to impress Slughorn? Hate to break it to you, but it’s not frantic studying that will get his attention.” He smirked, placing the book down next to the stack of others and setting an ink pot the right way up.

[t-riddle]

virgo

How much do you exaggerate stories?

Tom is the q u e e n of exaggeration. There isn’t a single story Tom has told that hasn’t been exaggerated or entirely a lie. The most extensive story he’s told so far was a couple of years ago when he was really being pressed about his blood line, so he made up a story about his father having worked for the Department of Mysteries in a top-secret division that was compromised, and for his family’s safety they had to change all of their names which is why ‘Riddle’ isn’t a well known Sacred 28 name - but they do originate from a well-known pureblood family, they can just never tell anybody. 

He’s also told numerous lies about the death of his parents, sometimes one of them is still alive, sometimes they both died in a fire or a duelling incident or they were killed by Aurors who mistook them for followers of Grindelwald (and *wink wink* maybe they actually were) - sometimes they’re world travellers working internationally for various wizarding governments, sometimes they’re aurors on the run from international security agencies. He’s told every person who asks a different story. And whenever anybody has tried to corroborate the information and concluded that he must be lying, Tom gathers them in and says that of course he’s lying, his parents are part of a secret society that he isn’t supposed to tell anybody about but on this occasion and because you’ve been such a good friend he’ll let you in on the secret. That normally shuts them up. 

Tom exaggerates literally everything. From how much studying he has to do, to how many duels he’s won. Nobody is exempt to his lies, they’re all part of the extensive web he’s weaved as a very thick facade. 

[walburga-queenof-disaster-blog]

“Bloody hell, do not sneak up on people like that!” Walburga growled, one hand dramatically pressing down over her heart to imply the most certain stroke she suffered. However, she was indeed jumpy. Awfully jumpy actually. “What do you even want?” the brunette hissed.

[t-riddle]

Tom was unstartled by Walburga’s reaction to his sudden appearance, it was all too common for him to step out of the shadows or appear from behind a door with absence of sound - scaring the dickens out of whoever he’d appeared in front of. The jump was always amusing, and the inevitable snap that followed. Just wait until he could apparate, that would be a whole new ball game. Walburga was particularly jumpy this evening. “A little on edge tonight?” An almost smile curled up one edge of Tom’s lips. “I just wanted to...talk.” He spoke softly, but the words hung in the air, the space between syllables creating volume. “Do you have a moment?” He asked, but anybody with a brain would know he wasn’t really asking and that no was not a wise answer. 

[t-riddle]

sincerelyeuphemia:

“Sorry! We’re allowed to play though!” Euphemia threw her hands up in the hair, but kept her wide smile. It was hard to get annoyed on such a beautiful day. She’d begun a mock game of quidditch with some fourth year hufflepuffs as she waited for Care of Magical Creatures and they waited for- well, whatever classes they were taking; Euphemia hadn’t bothered to ask. It was mock, in that, since they didn’t have brooms with them, they were really just throwing a tennis ball around-hardly quidditch at all. But it was more fun to call it Quidditch. “You know, you could join us if you’d like. There’ll be time for homework later.”

Tom watched the group with an annoyed expression, rolling his eyes and standing up, pushing up from the rock he’d been sitting on and holding the large text book in hand, crossing the grass to go and stand near Euphemia, watching the game with significant disinterest for a moment before leaning over to her. “And what exactly is it that you think you’re playing? Because it looks to me, like some sort of weird muggle game.” He said with a hint of disgust on his tongue. 

[t-riddle]

justxloyal:

Apart from the normal scratching of a quill and occasional heavy sigh, Augusta did not believe she had been making any sort of provoking noise. That was why she didn’t respond at first, not until she realized that no one else was near them and he must be talking to her. Had she been mumbling to herself? It was possible, but she was usually more self-aware than that in the library. She didn’t look up from her homework and her response was mild-mannered. “I’m sure your common room is quiet down in the dungeons, you could always study there…” 

Tom’s tongue dropped with a click and he looked at her with raised brows. Who did this girl think she was? Sitting there humming and sighing and scratching away, mumbling to herself like she was the only person in the world. What’s more is that she’d sat far too close for comfort, three seats away on the opposite side of the table, but still on the same table nonetheless. “I’m studying here though, aren’t I. Or trying to, at least.” He looked her up and down impatiently, scanning his eyes over the books fanned out around her “Hang on a second, is that Unlocking Hexes & Charms Volume 3? I tried to borrow that this morning and it was out, what are you doing with it?”

[t-riddle]

ask meme: the signs

aries: what is your greatest ambition?

taurus: do you like having controversial discussions?

gemini: if you tell others your accomplishments more often to motivate them or to feel good about yourself?

cancer: what civilization interests you most?

leo: do you think it's fair to criticize others to make yourself feel better?

virgo: how much do you exaggerate stories?

libra: would you rather have justice or mercy?

scorpio: what facial expression do you use most often?

sagittarius: do you overthink situations?

capricorn: are you a good judge of character?

aquarius: what's the most rebellious thing you've ever done?

pisces: do you feel like you've been taken advantage of?

[t-riddle]

ofprbloods:

she’s never been so confused with someone in her life than she is with tom riddle. he’s a slytherin, dark hair, green tie and scowl all her proof, but he’s never been so full of house pride as the rest of them. sure, perhaps she herself could use more pride in something more than herself, but riddle seemed to be apart from the rest of them. even so, he’s never flocked to her, or walburga, as so many of the others had. and for this she has never understood him. she’s humming some song her nanny eff had once sang to her when he snaps, and she only rolls her eyes.  ❝ am i bothering you, riddle? i’m terribly sorry, i didn’t realize homework was that important to you .❞

Tom found himself rolling his eyes as Lavernia attempted to belittle him. Girls like her were the worst kind of purebloods, or any blood really - girls who knew how pretty they were and that all they’d have to do to succeed was to keep looking nice, find a wealthy husband and pop out a few pure little children. Girls like Lavernia and Delora, it was all they aspired to and oh how he pitied them. It was such a waste of magical talent. Such a waste of pureblood power. “Yes I can see how homework on a surface level must not appeal to you, but knowledge is power, and homework is the procurement of knowledge. Tell me, what do you fill your head with? Pretty little songs? I’m sure they’ll be useful.”

[t-riddle]

tyrantavery:

Avery sauntered into The Common Room, feeling rather pleased with himself. He’d just hooked a group of dumb Hufflepuffs and sold off a good stash of his Firewhiskey. Noticing a first-year lounging in his usual spot by the fire, he walked over. “Hey, get out of my seat,” he ordered. The first-year scurried away, and Avery plopped down, letting out a content sigh. When Tom slammed the book shut, Avery laughed. “I said two words, arsehole,” he said. “What’s got you on edge?” 

Tom pulled at his bottom lip with his tongue, shooting daggers at Avery and exhaling heavily as he looked back down at his book. “What’s got me on edge?” He scoffed, flipping the book back open and swiping the thin pages back to find the chapter he was up to, a loud giggle from one of the first years near the fireplace sending a shiver up his spine. Finding the page, he scanned his eyes quickly over the charm method and pulled his wand from his robes, glaring at the giggling first year girl he aimed the point at her, flicking his wrist to the left and then down “Silencio” he hissed, the sound from the girl’s lips immediately ceased. A wicked smile spread across Tom’s face. The girl attempted to keep talking but no sound came out, her friends were concerned, looking around with confusion. Tom rose from his seat across the room. “That’s what happens when you’re being insufferable, you three can join her in silence if you’re not careful.” 

One of the first year girls rose in opposition ‘You can’t just do that!’ 

Tom laughed “Well I did, and I have...”

“...and I can make you shut the hell up too sweetheart so watch yourself. She’ll be fine, it only lasts...” He glanced down at the book with a smirk “..A month.” He glanced at Avery with a laugh. Then raising his brows at the girls who for some reason were still there “Can you get out of here now? Some of us have studying to do.” He waited and watched as they pulled themselves up and ran up to one of the dormitories. 

Tom sat back down, exhaling and looking over at Avery. “Well what do you want then?”

[t-riddle]

Tom had read the same three sentences at least ten times now. (The Silencing charm is most effective when focused on a single subject, rather than a collective. It is ineffective on inanimate objects and can only be applied to living creatures. The being will be rendered unable to produce sound of any type, this extends to noises created by physical mechanisms pertaining to one’s body.)  The noise around him was becoming far too distracting, he was ready to silence the lot of them there and then just to see if the damn charm worked. Slamming the book shut, Tom looked up with frustration at the nearest person to him. “I’m sorry are you going to insist on being a nuisance or can I continue with my homework in peace?”