Readers POV:
You are Eva Orlov, Hogwarts' newest history professor-and you're not alone. Tom Riddle, enigmatic and brilliant, begins his tenure as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. From the moment you meet, an undeniable pull draws you to...
I dress carefully, choosing a long green dress and a black robe. As I fasten the necklace with the red diamonds around my neck, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are harder now, the innocence that once shone in them replaced by a steely determination. I am not the same person I was when I first arrived at Hogwarts. The darkness within me is growing, and I can no longer deny it. Embracing it will help me. But I do it on my own terms.
As night falls, I find myself standing on the viaduct bridge, the cold wind biting at my skin. The rain has stopped, leaving the air crisp and clear. I close my eyes, letting the wind whip through my hair, feeling the weight of my choices pressing down on me.
Do I want to join the Death Eaters? Do I want to align myself with Tom's twisted vision of the world? I don't know. All I know is that I can't trust anyone, not even myself.
I make my way to Hogsmeade, maybe a few new dresses will help to distract my mind. I need some fun. Change has to come. Time to make the best out of my situation.
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The cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade are quiet this time of night, the usual bustle of students and villagers replaced by a tranquil calm. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting an ethereal glow over the quaint village. As I walk, my thoughts churn with the day's events.
I enter Gladrags Wizardwear, the bell above the door chiming softly as I step inside. The shop is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold night outside. Rows of elegant robes and dresses line the walls, their rich fabrics shimmering under the flickering candlelight. I run my fingers over a dark green dress, its material soft and luxurious.
"Good evening, Miss Orlov," the shopkeeper says, her voice cheerful. "Looking for something special tonight?"
"Just browsing," I reply, forcing a smile. "But thank you."
As I peruse the racks, I feel a strange sense of detachment, as if I'm watching myself from a distance. The memory of Severus's probing in my mind lingers, a reminder of the vulnerability I can't afford.
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I select a few dresses and take them to the fitting room. As I try on each garment, I study my reflection, seeing not just the clothes but the person I've become. The woman staring back at me is different—stronger, more determined. The scars of my past are etched into my skin, but they no longer define me. I am evolving, becoming someone new, someone powerful.
