The Great Hall was transformed that night, draped in silken shadows and bathed in the soft glow of a thousand floating candles, the ceiling, enchanted to mirror the night sky, displayed a tapestry of stars, twinkling like diamonds against a velvet backdrop.

The Hogwarts Yule Ball was in full swing, the air filled with music and laughter, but amidst the joy and celebration, your eyes were searching for one figure alone.

You found him standing at the edge of the hall, partially concealed by the darkness that clung to the walls，

Tom Riddle⎯⎯the enigma who had ensnared your thoughts and captured your heart, was watching the festivities with a gaze that seemed to pierce through the very soul of the room.

There was an air of detachment about him, as if he were above it all, a solitary king in a court of merrymakers.

As if sensing your gaze, Tom’s eyes found yours across the crowded hall, corners of his mouth curled into a small, knowing smile, a silent invitation that made your heart skip a beat, pumping out dopamine.

Without breaking eye contact, he extended his hand toward you, the simple gesture laden with unspoken promises.

You hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward, your pulse quickening as you made your way through the throngs of students.

The music seemed to fade away, the laughter and chatter of your peers becoming distant as you drew closer to him, until finally, you stood before him, the rest of the world fading into oblivion.

“You came, wasn’t sure if you would.”

Tom said softly, his voice a rich, velvet murmur that sent shivers down your spine, his voice alone, making you weak in the knees, like a small newborn little lamp.

Tom’s smile deepened, and for a moment, you thought you saw something warm, almost tender, in those wild, striking jade eyes.

Like abracadabra⎯it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by the cool, calculating gaze that you had come to know so well.

“Shall we?.”

he asked, his hand still outstretched, waiting for you to take it.