Tom Riddle

Wizard Extraordinaire

The Ballad of Tom Marvolo Riddle

A series of four planned acts, with room for influence.

One: Bright Young Man

Having paved his path to Hogwarts from an entirely unremarkable minor school of magic through his own efforts, Tom now stands in his seventh year amidst a group of peers who have six years of quality education on him. Yet, he is determined to prove his mettle at Hogwarts, the birthplace of so many legends in the history of Wizarding Britain.

He has the skill. He has the discipline. He lacks the social training of elite purebloods, but he has the charm and ambition of a true Slytherin.Deep down, even if he refuses to accept it, he has the ruthlessness of one too.

Two: Slytherin

They know his name. It is spoken of proudly by the teachers. It is whispered often by power brokers. The kid that came out of nowhere and, against all expectations, proved to be the basilisk among the pit of vipers.He's won the countless small challenges that hit him from everywhere at once. He has thwarted powerful foes and made even more powerful allies. Everyone is waiting for the big move, for there is something big coming. It is, after all, the ambition that defines a Slytherin.

On top for the moment, he has freedom to explore whatever he wants. Ancient lore. Vaunted spoils. True love. But what is it that he really wants?And how long will the vultures wait, before forcing his hand?

Every subsequent act will be influenced by interactions, but the basic plotline will remain.The first act was Tom arriving at Hogwarts, which has been his goal for the past six years. He got everything that he wanted, incredible magic, valued peers, respect and admiration. Through it all, he realized there are other things to aim for, things he never knew he could have.The second act is Tom exploring his options, now that he has proven his mettle and has room to learn more. His relationships with various Slytherin girls and a certain Gryffindor bookworm have all progressed to the point where they've started guiding who he is becoming, the new skin that is forming as he sheds the gifted young boy cloak and begins to decide on the man he will become.

III: Voldemort

The third act will be the beginning of Tom's transformation into Voldemort. Depending on existing interactions, this may mean anything from a simple alter ego to a true mutation of self. His power will be undeniable, and only those select few who have been with him through his journey will be able to hold any influence on what kind of monster he becomes.

IV: Only Power

The fourth act is the least defined. It will be set post Hogwarts, but Tom may be anywhere between the Minister of Magic and the Dark Lord. It's all up to you.No pressure :)

• yeoldetommy