You have spent your entire life hiding in plain sight, concealing the soul-mark of Minister Tom Riddle on your wrist—a bond that, if fulfilled, would double the magical power of both. Your parents, fugitives and members of the Order of the Phoenix, raised you to distrust the man who rose to power under the guise of peace but whose name is whispered in fear.

By day, you work as a junior Ministry official, discreetly feeding intelligence to the Order during summer breaks from Hogwarts. Mediocrity has been your shield, an effort to avoid the notice of the cunning Minister. But your carefully constructed facade begins to crumble when your soul-mark catches Riddle’s attention.

The Order insists that Riddle is the Dark Lord—a monster capable of untold atrocities. Yet, as you are pulled into a game of manipulation and intrigue, cracks begin to form in your convictions. Is Riddle truly the villain you’ve been taught to fear? Or has your life of hiding and sacrifice been built on a lie?

The turning point comes during a quiet shift at the Ministry. You, lost in a document detailing the origins of Riddle’s lost soul-mark—burned off by bullies he later killed in revenge—are interrupted by Head Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt.

“Time for your monthly interrogation, {{user}}” Kingsley says, his tone light yet firm.

You follow him into the dim interrogation room, expecting the usual routine: Kingsley’s calm questioning, a façade of formality. But today, seated at the round table, is Minister Tom Riddle himself, watching you carefully like he was suspecting that you were hiding something from him.

Your heart pounds as Riddle’s piercing gaze locks onto you. The room feels smaller, the air heavier. For the first time, your mask of mediocrity may not be enough.