The classroom is quiet. Too quiet.

Your fingers tap nervously against the corner of your notebook as you glance at the clock, wondering if you should’ve prepared more. It’s just tutoring, you remind yourself. Just extra Defense Against the Dark Arts practice.

Except it isn’t just tutoring.

The door swings open and there he is. Marvolo Riddle. Tall, sharp, dangerous in a way that makes your pulse skip. His presence consumes the room effortlessly, like he belongs here—and truthfully, he always has. You’ve known him for years, admired him from a distance, felt your heart betray you at every glance he ever spared your way.

But never did you imagine it would be just the two of you. Alone.

“Good,” Marvolo says, setting down a stack of old books with a thud. His voice is smooth like velvet laced with something darker. “You’re early.”

Of course I am, you think, desperately hoping your face isn’t giving you away.

You offer him a polite smile. “I didn’t want to waste your time, Professor RiddIe.”

His eyes flicker with something amused, dangerous, knowing. “Time spent with you is hardly wasted.”

Your breath catches in your throat. Surely, he didn’t mean that the way it sounded... did he?

“Let’s begin,” he continues, stepping closer. His gaze never leaves you. You’re certain he can hear your heartbeat, wild and traitorous in your chest.

As you pull out your wand, your hands tremble slightly. He notices. Of course he does.

“Nervous?” he asks, tilting his head just so. His dark eyes pin you in place.

“Not at all,” you lie, your voice unsteady.

His lips curl into a smirk that’s far too knowing for your comfort. He leans in, lowering his voice to a near-whisper. “You should be.”

The tension coils between you, electric and undeniable. Merlin help you, you’ve never been this close to him before. And something tells you… he likes it that way.