#tom riddle's daddy issues go brrr

[sk1fanfiction]

Chapter Three: A Cracked Reflection

With Hogwarts permanently cut off from the outside world, the summer holidays are relatively quiet and uneventful for the Potters, at least, if you don't count Hagrid's Blast-Ended Skrewts.

For Tee and Mordred, however, a thorough investigation of the third-floor corridor turns up some long-held secrets. Read from the beginning at FFN | AO3!

"Devil's Snare," noted Mordred. "Looks a bit singed."

"It's a bit of an expert job, for Potter, isn't it?" asked Tee. That was what he would have done. Ruby had never mentioned her brother going rogue while he was in the diary. That meant this must have happened their third year, or, more likely, their first year.

Maybe this is my handiwork.

There was no way out but back the way they'd come; or through. Tee chose the latter, emerging into a blindingly bright chamber. Above them was an assortment of keys of crystal, gems, or precious metals fluttering around. A few brooms were leaned against the wall, collecting dust.

"Try that brass one there," said Mordred, pointing up at the only drab key. As Tee floated up to get it, he groused: "Who came up with this? Who did they mean to keep out? Eleven-year-olds?"

They went through the next rooms quickly, as the stench of rotting troll followed them throughout. Eventually, they wound up in a cold, dark room in the dungeons. Tee fumbled out a few straifs with a piece of chalk he had in his pockets to light the sconces, then turned towards the center of the room once more.

He started instantly, his hand wrapping around the edge of a sconce to keep him steady. His own eyes stared back at him, dark and knowing. The wizard in the mirror was as perfect a copy as the Boggart had always been, but this one blazed with a terrible aliveness.