Abiding


Written for a Hogwarts is Home lj challenge involving any character working as a carnie. This is most definitely an AU sort of thing.


Tom Riddle, Jr. glared at the passersby.

The man next to him elbowed him sharply, and he shifted his glare leftwards.

The man was distinctly unimpressed. "If you scowl at the marks, they'll never pay their money to come inside, now will they? It's meant to be a funhouse. Full of fun." He widened his eyes and smirked, showing yellowed teeth. "C'mon now, entice them in. I know you have it in you."

Tom arched an eyebrow.

"I've seen you with the ladies, Tommy boy. Just slip a little of that sparkle in your call, and you'll have them falling over themselves to get in this here funhouse."

Tom blinked slowly, disdainfully.

"Or do you want me to report back to that Wizengamot group about how uncooperative you're being? Unrepentant-like." The man's grin was toothsome.

Tom flexed at the mental shackles that bound his magic. Insidious things. But imperfect. He needed just a bit more time to slide through their cracks and slip away.

He gave a flippant bow, a more flippant hand gesture, and then turned back to the main walkway, his smile dazzling and his voice filled with resonant luster. "Step right this way, ladies and gentleman, right this way to the most wonderful funhouse you've ever laid your eyes upon..."