He wasn't supposed to be outside after curfew, but he'd never let the rules stop him from doing what he wanted. The old couple who ran the orphanage were fools, who had no idea of what went on beneath their roof.

He wasn't like the other children. He wouldn't pretend to be grateful for being treated like unwanted dirt. He was better than them, and one day he would prove it.

An owl swooping low startled him, dropping a letter into his upraised hands. It was addressed in green ink to Mr Tom Riddle.

He opened the letter, and smiled.

HP100 drabbles | Shorts | Main