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Hierarchy of Need
In the throes of the second wizarding war, Delilah Meddows is killed by no other than Lord Voldemort. However, instead of dying like she was supposed to, Delilah finds herself at Hogwarts in 1943. She tries to tread carefully, but Tom Riddle is not someone so easily ignored.
Available to Read on: Wattpad, ao3 under user: iimplicitt
Available to Read on: Wattpad, ao3 under user: iimplicitt
830 pages, ebook
15 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 16, 2021
yeah i read a tom riddle fanfic. what about it?
May 19, 2021
I have developed an insane emotional attachment to this book, and it took me a long time to realize why. I first came across this story in September of 2020 on Wattpad. I started reading it hoping for some simple Tom Riddle smut, but what I got was so much better. This incredible story pulled every emotion possible out of my body and then twisted and stomped on my heartstrings. When I finished the final chapter, I cried for about two days straight. Could this simply be a symptom of my various mental health issues? Possibly. But I truly believe this to be the greatest love story in existence.
Simply put, Tom Riddle is not a very loveable character. Sure, he has good looks and a charming smile, but She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gave him absolutely no redeeming qualities. The author of HON was able to make me hate Tom with every bone in my body, yet also feel a great amount of sympathy for him. His characterization was marvelous, and next time I open up a Harry Potter book, I will view it in an entirely new way.
I purchased a physical copy of this book, wanting to add such a masterpiece to my shelf. Although there were a few spelling errors here and there, I don't have any other complaints. The cover art was beautiful and being able to hold the book in my hands made the story feel so much more real. During my second read, I found myself catching all the bits of foreshadowing and character development that I had not noticed the first time. While reading chapter 37 in history class, I started bawling my eyes out. My teacher had to ask if I was alright, and even the popular boys wanted to know what book could possibly cause such a reaction. Of course, once they learned it was a Harry Potter fanfiction, they immediately dismissed it. (whatever, it's their loss)
When I finished the book in the comfort of my own bedroom, I cried during three more chapters. I had a night of restless sleep, and my mascara ran down my face constantly for the next day. I have come to the conclusion that such a reaction is not simply a manifestation of my personal issues, but a result of the beautiful storytelling. The author uses dark themes, imagery, complex characters, and a bit of humor to keep the plot moving along. Delilah is a strong heroine who has flaws, but I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. This book will have you question everything you know about love, life, death, and magic. I will not forget this story for as long as I live.
Simply put, Tom Riddle is not a very loveable character. Sure, he has good looks and a charming smile, but She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named gave him absolutely no redeeming qualities. The author of HON was able to make me hate Tom with every bone in my body, yet also feel a great amount of sympathy for him. His characterization was marvelous, and next time I open up a Harry Potter book, I will view it in an entirely new way.
I purchased a physical copy of this book, wanting to add such a masterpiece to my shelf. Although there were a few spelling errors here and there, I don't have any other complaints. The cover art was beautiful and being able to hold the book in my hands made the story feel so much more real. During my second read, I found myself catching all the bits of foreshadowing and character development that I had not noticed the first time. While reading chapter 37 in history class, I started bawling my eyes out. My teacher had to ask if I was alright, and even the popular boys wanted to know what book could possibly cause such a reaction. Of course, once they learned it was a Harry Potter fanfiction, they immediately dismissed it. (whatever, it's their loss)
When I finished the book in the comfort of my own bedroom, I cried during three more chapters. I had a night of restless sleep, and my mascara ran down my face constantly for the next day. I have come to the conclusion that such a reaction is not simply a manifestation of my personal issues, but a result of the beautiful storytelling. The author uses dark themes, imagery, complex characters, and a bit of humor to keep the plot moving along. Delilah is a strong heroine who has flaws, but I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. This book will have you question everything you know about love, life, death, and magic. I will not forget this story for as long as I live.
March 1, 2022
god tapped iimplicit on the shoulder and whispered in their ear and said… write
September 23, 2024
delilah meddows, you are my undoing.
100 million fucking stars (rereading this every year is a tradition now)
100 million fucking stars (rereading this every year is a tradition now)
December 13, 2021
FINALLY FINISHED THIS YUHH was buddy reading this with Leah and she’s disappointing and slow 😐AND spoilers x
This was so adorably angsts painfully slow burn 🍦
Yes it is a fan fiction 🔍....
Now I read this for Tom riddle because yes I support manipulative villains sometimes and I’m not disappointed at all.
Tom riddle you will always be famous the white haired man named D____ got nothing on you sugar bun 🙁
Guys Elios death broke me though that stuff was intolerable and painful I truly appreciated how adorable he was and he deserves soo much better 😕
“She hoped to whatever higher power there was out in the universe that Elio knew how much she truly cared about him. Delilah twirled his necklace and brought it up to her lips, the coolness of the metal comforting her.
All the memories she had of them together, she’d be forever thankful”
🗣 I’m shouting for help . LITERAL TEARZ AT THIS POINT
rest in peace angel 🙁
ALSO THE PLOTTWIST ELIO AND TOM ARE BROTHERS ?
“Pinching the bridge of his nose, Tom took a breath as he looked at Elio. "Goodbye, brother." He whispered, low enough to where no one could hear him.”
🙁
Anyways ending this ....
Tomlilah you will always be famous 🥳
"Delilah Meddows, you are my undoing”
This was so adorably angsts painfully slow burn 🍦
Yes it is a fan fiction 🔍....
Now I read this for Tom riddle because yes I support manipulative villains sometimes and I’m not disappointed at all.
Tom riddle you will always be famous the white haired man named D____ got nothing on you sugar bun 🙁
Guys Elios death broke me though that stuff was intolerable and painful I truly appreciated how adorable he was and he deserves soo much better 😕
“She hoped to whatever higher power there was out in the universe that Elio knew how much she truly cared about him. Delilah twirled his necklace and brought it up to her lips, the coolness of the metal comforting her.
All the memories she had of them together, she’d be forever thankful”
🗣 I’m shouting for help . LITERAL TEARZ AT THIS POINT
rest in peace angel 🙁
ALSO THE PLOTTWIST ELIO AND TOM ARE BROTHERS ?
“Pinching the bridge of his nose, Tom took a breath as he looked at Elio. "Goodbye, brother." He whispered, low enough to where no one could hear him.”
🙁
Anyways ending this ....
Tomlilah you will always be famous 🥳
"Delilah Meddows, you are my undoing”
December 31, 2020
all I have to say is: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! I CANT I HURT I LOVE .
that’s it
that’s it
March 29, 2023
as much as i can’t deny slightly enjoying this, all was lost when she said her favorite movie was fight club: released in 1999 (she’s from 1998).
January 16, 2022
WHAT😭😭😭😭😭 I am literally a shell of a human being after reading this
November 25, 2023
reread bc i missed my babies 😭😭😭😭❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
September 5, 2024
a bit repetitive but i enjoyed it for the most part
January 3, 2025
My god does the age at which you read a book impact your perception of it, younger me would hate reading this review.
As i enter one of the most pivotal years of my teenage life, i decided to treat myself to a guilty pleasure which i’ve held close to my heart for the past few years, this one peculiar piece of work.
Hierarchy of Need is a fan fiction, yes, but it is more than what a person momentarily thinks of when they research that genre. This is a book which introduced tween me to the darker side of infatuation. The dynamic between Tom and Delilah is what makes this book, well, the representation of need. I am always going to mourn the character deaths, the lost aspects of love, and unexplored possibilities.
The first half is more enjoyable than the second half, i’m not completely sure why yet, so i might just update if i do get to analyze this.
This book is good, yet it is not great. At least to my newer standards.
Too many things felt wrong, not in a dark romance way, no, i’m well aware of the character this is centered around, yet some entire chapters felt as if they were OOC.
I’m choosing to not read the second book, as for me the story of Delilah Meddows and Tom Riddle is, at the moment, over.
What i do need immediately is an entire book centered around Elio Rosier.
As i enter one of the most pivotal years of my teenage life, i decided to treat myself to a guilty pleasure which i’ve held close to my heart for the past few years, this one peculiar piece of work.
Hierarchy of Need is a fan fiction, yes, but it is more than what a person momentarily thinks of when they research that genre. This is a book which introduced tween me to the darker side of infatuation. The dynamic between Tom and Delilah is what makes this book, well, the representation of need. I am always going to mourn the character deaths, the lost aspects of love, and unexplored possibilities.
The first half is more enjoyable than the second half, i’m not completely sure why yet, so i might just update if i do get to analyze this.
This book is good, yet it is not great. At least to my newer standards.
Too many things felt wrong, not in a dark romance way, no, i’m well aware of the character this is centered around, yet some entire chapters felt as if they were OOC.
I’m choosing to not read the second book, as for me the story of Delilah Meddows and Tom Riddle is, at the moment, over.
What i do need immediately is an entire book centered around Elio Rosier.
December 9, 2020
really good. Tom marry me. Thanks, TikTok.
December 19, 2020
i adored their friend group so so so much especially elio :(
March 9, 2021
Some of the dialogue was too cheesy for my taste, but otherwise, I really loved this
July 25, 2024
he believed in santa 😭
March 21, 2022
peak literature.
August 10, 2025
dasar monyet gua tandain lu iimplicitt
August 29, 2021
I got such a book hangover from this that I had to go and buy an actual physical copy from the author of this fanfiction.
December 15, 2021
My goodness, I knew Tom Riddle was quite attractive in Chamber of Secrets, but [fans herself] I am for it. This fanfiction is such a thrill ride. Such an original plot that the imagination in order to craft this is extraordinary. As an original member of the Hogwarts crew that we know and love, Delilah is killed by a man who will undoubtedly own her heart in moments to come. It is a long and tortured fic that captures your heartstrings and leaves the reader feeling torn by Tom's determination to be the greatest dark lord of all time and his trepidation to feel emotions that will transform him into an individual we have never had the pleasure of knowing. The setting of Hogwarts placed in the '40s during the war is something that I have never experienced in Harry Potter fanfiction. Delilah's friendship with Elio breaks you but it also is mended by her ability to love someone whom she knows is incapable of emotions and yet..maybe he is. Still waiting for all of the series to be finished as I will be the first to finish it.
August 7, 2022
she said SLOW. BURN.
Read
February 29, 2024ignore but pls know this was so serious for me and this is family😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
September 21, 2024
Read this back in 2022, top tier fanfic for sure. It's the only Tom Riddle fanfic that caught my attention and made me realize that I've been sleeping on non-Dramione fanfics 🥲
November 14, 2021
Spanish/English Review.
Mi primer fanfiction con un personaje original como parte de la historia, y vaya que no fui decepcionada. Nos remontamos por causas de fuerza mayor a la época de Tom Riddle en sus años escolares, a través de los ojos de Delilah, un personaje que la autora nos introduce.
Cabe mencionar que me di cuenta ya que estaba terminando la historia que es la primera parte y que queda inconclusa la historia, en el momento que estoy escribiendo esta reseña la autora ya esta adelantada en la publicación de la segunda parte pero aún no la concluye :(
La historia es muy buena, cuenta con una trama interesante, y claro, tenemos de fondo el hecho de que el Tom que conocemos aun no llega a ser el monstruo que conocemos en la actualidad como Lord Voldemort. De hecho, en esta historia pues tenemos a Grindelwald! Está muy padre como eso se refleja en la trama y como de cierta manera inspira a Tom en su trayectoria, pero claro, como tenemos aun personaje nuevo en el pesado, todas sus acciones afectan el futuro.
La verdad es que no puedo siquiera decir mucho ya que como ni siquiera esta terminada la segunda parte, no sé en que termina. Fue un poco decepcionante y mal de mi parte no haberlo revisado pero bueno, se disfrutó de igual manera.
Sígueme en:
@nocturnal.reads en Instagram
@_nocturnalreads en Twitter
Nocturnal Reads en Youtube
My first fanfiction involving an original character as part of the story, and I was not disappointed. We go back in time to Tom Riddle’s school years, through Delilah’s eyes, this new character the author introduces us to.
I do have to say that as I was finishing the story I realized that it is part one of a two-part (as of now) series. So this story has yet to reach its conclusion. The author is currently publishing part two but it is yet to be finished :(
The story is really good, plot overall is fitting, and of course we have this background plotline due to the fact that Tom isn’t yet the monster we currently know as Lord Voldemort. In fact, we have more of Grindelwald as well! It’s pretty cool how this is brought on to the story and how it inspires Tom in his trajectory, but of course, we have a character from the future in the past, and all of her actions affect the future.
The truth is, I can’t say much as the story is not yet finished. It was a bit of a letdown but a mistake on my part to not have checked whether it was part of a series. I still enjoyed the story.
Follow me:
@nocturnal.reads on Instagram
@_nocturnalreads on Twitter
Nocturnal Reads on Youtube
Mi primer fanfiction con un personaje original como parte de la historia, y vaya que no fui decepcionada. Nos remontamos por causas de fuerza mayor a la época de Tom Riddle en sus años escolares, a través de los ojos de Delilah, un personaje que la autora nos introduce.
Cabe mencionar que me di cuenta ya que estaba terminando la historia que es la primera parte y que queda inconclusa la historia, en el momento que estoy escribiendo esta reseña la autora ya esta adelantada en la publicación de la segunda parte pero aún no la concluye :(
La historia es muy buena, cuenta con una trama interesante, y claro, tenemos de fondo el hecho de que el Tom que conocemos aun no llega a ser el monstruo que conocemos en la actualidad como Lord Voldemort. De hecho, en esta historia pues tenemos a Grindelwald! Está muy padre como eso se refleja en la trama y como de cierta manera inspira a Tom en su trayectoria, pero claro, como tenemos aun personaje nuevo en el pesado, todas sus acciones afectan el futuro.
La verdad es que no puedo siquiera decir mucho ya que como ni siquiera esta terminada la segunda parte, no sé en que termina. Fue un poco decepcionante y mal de mi parte no haberlo revisado pero bueno, se disfrutó de igual manera.
Sígueme en:
@nocturnal.reads en Instagram
@_nocturnalreads en Twitter
Nocturnal Reads en Youtube
My first fanfiction involving an original character as part of the story, and I was not disappointed. We go back in time to Tom Riddle’s school years, through Delilah’s eyes, this new character the author introduces us to.
I do have to say that as I was finishing the story I realized that it is part one of a two-part (as of now) series. So this story has yet to reach its conclusion. The author is currently publishing part two but it is yet to be finished :(
The story is really good, plot overall is fitting, and of course we have this background plotline due to the fact that Tom isn’t yet the monster we currently know as Lord Voldemort. In fact, we have more of Grindelwald as well! It’s pretty cool how this is brought on to the story and how it inspires Tom in his trajectory, but of course, we have a character from the future in the past, and all of her actions affect the future.
The truth is, I can’t say much as the story is not yet finished. It was a bit of a letdown but a mistake on my part to not have checked whether it was part of a series. I still enjoyed the story.
Follow me:
@nocturnal.reads on Instagram
@_nocturnalreads on Twitter
Nocturnal Reads on Youtube
July 20, 2025
Did I accidentally purchase the wrong version of Tom Riddle?
No, seriously: the plot is well constructed, the time travel concept is handled with coherence and intelligence, and the slow burn—as you’d expect from such sharp protagonists—is definitely there.
The problem? The characterization.
Tom Riddle and his crew seem to be living in a soft version of their own personalities, a bit too trusting of the arrival of a stranger and the way they build their relationship with her.
Even Tom’s relationship with love is curious: after an initial shock and a typical slow start from someone unused to letting themselves be involved, he ends up giving in almost too easily—an evolution that, for a personality like his, feels decidedly off-script.
Maybe the “I can fix him” was taken a little too literally by our dear Delilah (who, by the way, still proves to be a real boss).
Still, Delilah and Tom remain two compelling characters, and watching their dynamic unfold—however unexpectedly—was undeniably engaging.
No, seriously: the plot is well constructed, the time travel concept is handled with coherence and intelligence, and the slow burn—as you’d expect from such sharp protagonists—is definitely there.
The problem? The characterization.
Tom Riddle and his crew seem to be living in a soft version of their own personalities, a bit too trusting of the arrival of a stranger and the way they build their relationship with her.
Even Tom’s relationship with love is curious: after an initial shock and a typical slow start from someone unused to letting themselves be involved, he ends up giving in almost too easily—an evolution that, for a personality like his, feels decidedly off-script.
Maybe the “I can fix him” was taken a little too literally by our dear Delilah (who, by the way, still proves to be a real boss).
Still, Delilah and Tom remain two compelling characters, and watching their dynamic unfold—however unexpectedly—was undeniably engaging.
May 10, 2023
I’ve started reading when I was 13 and now I’m 23, it’s been ten years. Ten whole years!
I cannot rate my all favorite book less than 5 stars, I simply can’t.
My sister recommended Hierarchy of Need for years and she could not shut up about it, ever, nevertheless I thought it would be impossible for me to read something knowing that a young Voldi would be the main love interest. That is until I lost a bet with her and had to start reading it.
I’m thankful for that bet every day that goes by, every single day I think about the characters, the plot and the author (Hoping Rhi continues with Northern Crown)
In those 10 years I’ve been reading I have never felt the way I did while reading this one, every problem, worry and sadness disappeared as soon as I started hearing about Tom and Delilah.
I finished it over a year ago and it has been impossible to fall in love with another character as hard as I did with them, I can’t wait to reread it!
I cannot rate my all favorite book less than 5 stars, I simply can’t.
My sister recommended Hierarchy of Need for years and she could not shut up about it, ever, nevertheless I thought it would be impossible for me to read something knowing that a young Voldi would be the main love interest. That is until I lost a bet with her and had to start reading it.
I’m thankful for that bet every day that goes by, every single day I think about the characters, the plot and the author (Hoping Rhi continues with Northern Crown)
In those 10 years I’ve been reading I have never felt the way I did while reading this one, every problem, worry and sadness disappeared as soon as I started hearing about Tom and Delilah.
I finished it over a year ago and it has been impossible to fall in love with another character as hard as I did with them, I can’t wait to reread it!
April 12, 2025
Took me 6 days to finish this book, I was hooked! The writing was amazing, I feel ok, had I been more focus, I would’ve been broken, but I knew this book was gonna break me, so I didn’t really read with my heart, if you know what I mean.
Delilah was a bit.. um she needs to grow a backbone, and she was fucking dense sometimes. But towards the end she grew to become a character o like
Tom’s character was written astonishingly!
The only reason I gave this book a four is bcs there were time where I outright dislike Delilah, and there were moments where I think it wasn’t “satisfying enough “ but it was probably the authors “edging us”. I hated the shift of like we spent 27 chapters agreeing that Tom was a bad person, not just jerk but evil, and then suddenly it shift. But the author was amazing and I hated myself for ending up liking Tom, the shift was obvious, which I don’t mind, but was very persuasive, which I love
Delilah was a bit.. um she needs to grow a backbone, and she was fucking dense sometimes. But towards the end she grew to become a character o like
Tom’s character was written astonishingly!
The only reason I gave this book a four is bcs there were time where I outright dislike Delilah, and there were moments where I think it wasn’t “satisfying enough “ but it was probably the authors “edging us”. I hated the shift of like we spent 27 chapters agreeing that Tom was a bad person, not just jerk but evil, and then suddenly it shift. But the author was amazing and I hated myself for ending up liking Tom, the shift was obvious, which I don’t mind, but was very persuasive, which I love
October 17, 2021
This is actually the first fanfic I’ve read in a loooong time. I saw an edit of it that got me interested and when I tell you I wasn’t disappointed!! The main reason why I’m rating it 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because of the ending…uhh I don’t think I’ve ever read an ending this bad??😭 So many loose ends that could’ve been wrapped up nicely but weren’t. Idk it just really bothered me. Also, Tom as a character was kind of inconsistent,, there was this one scene that I specifically remember where his personality suddenly switched 180 degrees? One minute he seemed so in love and the next he switched up and was suddenly thinking about how to use her for his own interest? It just seemed too sudden? Anyways I still liked the story, hence why I gave it 4 stars in the end - also THE LETTER TO ELIO!!! I was devastated 😭
January 29, 2023
I stared at this page for few minutes debating on what to write...but here it is
I find it hard sometimes to explain how I feel when it comes to books , but this one truly took my breath away.
At first I thought that plot would be predictable, I didn't think of it much. But I found myself as each chapter passed completely being pulled to this emotional state where I felt as if I was there. It really felt as If I was Delilah or Tom and was living trough it all. I think this fanfic truly shows deeper meaning than just a story of a girl from the future who found herself playing with a time itself.
I look foward to sequel. And everytime I try to predict what will happen I get suprised. I am attached to all characters now (don't blame me). So if anyone ever reads this review just so you know...this one is worth it.
I find it hard sometimes to explain how I feel when it comes to books , but this one truly took my breath away.
At first I thought that plot would be predictable, I didn't think of it much. But I found myself as each chapter passed completely being pulled to this emotional state where I felt as if I was there. It really felt as If I was Delilah or Tom and was living trough it all. I think this fanfic truly shows deeper meaning than just a story of a girl from the future who found herself playing with a time itself.
I look foward to sequel. And everytime I try to predict what will happen I get suprised. I am attached to all characters now (don't blame me). So if anyone ever reads this review just so you know...this one is worth it.
March 31, 2021
AHHHHH JUST FINISHED THE ENDING?!!!!! I NEED THE SEQUEL ASAP
i really love villain origin stories so this one struck to me. absolutely loved despite some parts that were quite awkward and annoying for me to read lol. BUT THE PLOT?????? broke me and everything i believed in BETRAYED me
pls i need them to be okay in the sequel that's all i'm asking (and pls for the love of god, i just want them to be happy)
i really love villain origin stories so this one struck to me. absolutely loved despite some parts that were quite awkward and annoying for me to read lol. BUT THE PLOT?????? broke me and everything i believed in BETRAYED me
pls i need them to be okay in the sequel that's all i'm asking (and pls for the love of god, i just want them to be happy)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews