A/N: Tom hides the diadem. Riddle Era.
Submission for:
Slytherin Drabble Competition: Tom Riddle Jr
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Tom walked among the towering piles of furniture and junk as he looked for the perfect place to put his treasure. He had discovered the Come-And-Go Room during one of his many strolls through the castle while attending Hogwarts. No one else knew of its existence and he was sure the Diadem would be safe here until he could retrieve it.
Acquiring the diadem had been easy. For all that Rowena Ravenclaw had been lauded for, her daughter was quite foolish. Though she had been taught by the best this school had to offer, she had one fatal flaw - she was a woman, and was easily swayed by his dashing good looks and silver-tipped tongue. It had only taken one or two compliments before she told him everything she knew.
As soon as he could, he had Apparated straight to Albania, scouring the forest for the tree she had mentioned. Eventually, he found the gnarled tree, its branches like forked fingers clawing at the starless sky. He reached into its trunk and pulled out the glittering artefact, admiring its beauty and history. It was the perfect addition to his little collection.
The next step was even easier. He walked to the nearest village and entered a local pub. In the corner of the establishment, there was a peasant passed out on one of the table. Tom slipped into the booth and pointed his wand at the man under the table. He barely moved as the green light hit him, though his deep snores stopped. Tom then pointed his wand at the diadem, gritting his teeth as he infused a portion of soul within the artefact. He stumbled to his feet and made his way quickly out of the pub, no one else the wiser.
That had been just a few days ago, and now he was here, back in the very place it originated from, Hogwarts.
He stopped before an old nondescript cabinet, topped with a chipped alabaster bust of an old warlock. He opened the cabinet and placed the diadem inside before quickly exiting the room.
A slow grin crossing his face as the door faded into the stone wall. He placed a hand against the cold stone. "I'll be back soon," he whispered before he made his way down the corridor. Though he hadn't gotten the position, he would find a way to get back into the school no matter what.