Not long ago, Varsity was lucky enough to hold an exclusive interview with the wizard we all love to hate: Tom Marvolo Riddle, aka Lord Voldemort (cue cool visual effects with wand to demonstrate anagram). We asked him a few questions about the things that matter most in his life – the things he sits down to at the end of a long day of murder and dark magic. Here’s what he told us.  

Favourite Album: 50 Smooth Classics by Classic FM (2013)

When I get back home to Nagini at the end of the day, the very first thing I do is put on the kettle and brew myself some comforting tea (favourite blend: Lady Grey, but English breakfast will do) – I’m a proud Brit, after all. After that comes the crucial ingredient of my recipe for relaxation. 50 Smooth Classics is such a beautiful album – it puts me in such a blissful mood within the first ten seconds of luscious, calming music. It’s got some of my favourite composers on there, too. I’m especially keen on Elgar and Stanford – there’s something so sumptuously homely about their music. I tend not to enjoy the Fauré on there as it reminds me of a rather unpleasant exchange trip we made to Beauxbatons in third year. Bad times.

Favourite Single: Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus (2013)

Embarrassing, I know, but you can’t help what you love. This song makes me feel so empowered and gives me the lift I need to get up and go out every morning to do the things society expects (or rather dreads) of me. It’s really hard being the most evil wizard on the planet, you know. I really feel like I am defined and shaped by the patriarchal wizarding hegemony sometimes (bar Umbridge). The WASPs really get to me, and this track lets me release some of my innermost feelings – I tend to sing along at full volume whilst running around my living room (I even put a shield spell on it to stop the neighbours complaining). I just think it’s so important to get that chance to let it all out in a healthy and non-destructive way. I’ve also never quite understood why Miley gets so much stick. She’s a powerful and intelligent woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to show it – just don’t tell anyone that she’s actually a death eater. It’d be awkward if that got out.

Favourite Film: Bambi (1942)

I cry every time. Pettigrew and I just sit there and sob for hours and hours on end, long after the credits have stopped and the DVD menu is on loop for the thousandth time. Lord knows that once I start crying I never stop – it’s like opening the Chamber of Secrets! Never has there been such a beautifully poignant and emotionally traumatic piece of visual media. I just can’t quite describe in words the way it makes me feel. [Voldemort's eyes start glistening with the ghosts of his past.] I’m sorry. Carry on.

Favourite TV Show: Saved By The Bell (1989-1993)

I love Saved By The Bell. It paints such a great picture of school life back in the good days. Takes me back to my time at Hogwarts, although it was obviously a bit different to a Californian high school, but the mood is the same. I really do miss my school days. Such banter.

Favourite Book: Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx (1997)

Peter, I wish I knew how to quit you...