Merry laughter could be heard ringing in the distance. The light from a blazing fire could be seen reflecting out of the windows of a simple, yet charming home. The entire scene would have been heartwarming, if it was not so utterly foreign. Watching as those producing the hearty laughter cuddled together, exchanging affectionate glances and touches, was alien. Everyone in the dwelling seemed delightfully happy to be around each other. Completely content in the presence of those they were surrounded by. Their happiness was palpable, and all together unsettling.
I could feel something stirring in my chest. It was far from the warm and fuzzy feelings often associated with looking on such a picturesque scene. I looked through the iced up windows, and was not touched with the merriment that seemed to seep from the light gleaming from the fire. When I looked in the window I felt a deep sense of longing, and a touch of resentful bitterness.
The joyous atmosphere was uncharted territory for me, and the easy casualty the patrons of the house seemed to possess was disturbing. The longing in my chest seemed to clench and fade, leaving me with nothing but the decaying bitterness, that was morphing into a distinct and consuming anger.
Looking onto the threadbare and urchin-esque clothing adorning my body I sneered. I was more than the street urchin I appeared to be, and I would be more than them and their warm delight. I did not need the cheerful banter, or loving glances. I could, and would, make do on my own. Clenching my fists in resolve I strode away from the merriment and faded into the darkness which I was slowly coming to embrace.
Another chance was missed. Lost. In a seemingly endless sea of opportunities to embrace, and cast out the darkness and hatred that would one day consume the young man, another nail was driven into the coffin of the child's happiness. Leaving the young man barren of positive ideas and feelings.
This was just one incident in many that left the young man despising those around him, and embracing the hatred and insanity that would one day consume him, and spell out the torment of an unsuspecting number of people.
This young man's hopes had been dashed long before this incident. Being raised in an environment barren of any sort of warmth and any such loving scenes made such camaraderie hard for the boy to comprehend and relate with.
As they do say we often fear what we do not understand, and hate what we fear.
And so the Young Tom Riddle learned to fear that witch he had been raised without. Hate that which he did not understand, and in this hate make those who denied him salvation, fear and hate his existence in return for the continual denial of acceptance.
A/N: Meh, random drabble that came out of nowhere… Leave a comment if you want.