The portrait of Salazar Slytherin stood proudly on the wall of the Slytherin's common room. He was situated in the middle of the wall, noticed by everyone. What was not noticed was the small painting of a witch in the corner of the common room, next to the skulls. This particular painting was unnoticed, and didn't notice any students in return, until a certain boy named Tom came along.
The witch, named Dreia Frey, watched Tom's transformation.
He started as a boy, Dreia noticed, albeit a clever and manipulative boy. He was innocent, at least, more innocent than he was at sixth year.
In second year, she saw him become more withdrawn, closing all ties with classmates that could have evolved into friendships. He spent an unnatural amount of time in the library, and started gaining the trust of the teachers.
By third year, he was quickly becoming one of the brightest students at Hogwarts. She heard other portraits talk about Tom venturing into secret passageways and hidden chambers. He could out-duel a seventh year, and he could tell you more about the Dark Arts than anybody.
In fourth year, she saw him in the common room at night, reading a muggle book about anagrams. His allies were now known as followers, and called themselves Death Eaters. The other houses steered clear of them, and they liked it that way.
In fifth year, Tom thought of himself as Lord Voldemort, and was trying to find a way for that name to become the most feared name in the history of the Wizarding World.
In sixth year, he split his soul. She watched as he became a fraction of the man he used to be, and he tested his bonds with teachers.
In seventh year, even Dumbledore grew wary of what Tom was becoming.
As for Dreia, she just felt sorry for the boy. His childhood was rough, and he valued wizardry and magic, unlike some purebloods who flaunted their magic like it was a toy.
No, Tom was different.
Tom was special.
