"𝔏𝔦𝔠𝔢𝔫𝔠𝔢 𝔪𝔶 𝔯𝔬𝔳𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔥𝔞𝔫𝔡𝔰, 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔩𝔢𝔱 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔪 𝔤𝔬 𝔅𝔢𝔣𝔬𝔯𝔢, 𝔟𝔢𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔡, 𝔟𝔢𝔱𝔴𝔢𝔢𝔫, 𝔞𝔟𝔬𝔳𝔢, 𝔟𝔢𝔩𝔬𝔴."

✷ 　 　　 　 · 　 ˚ * . 　 　　 *　　 * ⋆ 　 . · 　　 ⋆ 　　　 ˚ ˚ 　　 ✦ 　 ⋆ · 　 * 　　　　 ⋆ ✧　 　 · 　 ✧　✵ 　 · ✵

Mattheo found his way to Avalyn, the room around him spinning slightly. ''Hey,'' he mumbled as he placed his hands on her waist. ''Hey,'' Avalyn said back as she placed her hands behind Mattheo's neck. It had been a few days since the incident with the Gryffindor boy, but Avalyn had been avoiding Mattheo and any intimacy with him for days now. Mattheo would explode if he did not manage to get her in his bed as soon as possible.

''You know what we should do?'' Mattheo said as he rubbed circles on Avalyns waist, Avalyn sucked in a breath as she slowly shook her head. ''Find a private room and have some fun'' He whispered as he traced her neck with his nose, placing his lips against hers and kissing her deeply. ''Mattheo'' Avalyn whispered as she tried to push him away. ''Please stop'' She asked, making him pull away immediately. ''what is it?'' he asked frowning at Avalyn's rejection. Ever since meeting her, she had been easy for Mattheo to seduce, a touch from him would make her cave and yet she was fighting him with everything she had.

''Can we just enjoy a party for a change?'' She asked, Mattheo smiled as he nodded. ''yeah we can come back after'' he stated as he placed his lips against hers once more.

''Matt'' Avalyn said louder this time, stepping out of his arms. ''I mean without having sex. Play a drinking game, and talk with friends. Merlin, talk to each other maybe.'' Mattheo's frown deepened. ''I'm not like that'' Avalyn rolled her eyes. ''You have been doing that with your friends'' Mattheo let out a snicker. His face was full of offence and he suddenly seemed completely sober.

''You want to be just friends now?'' He knew she didn't, He knew damn well that was the last thing she wanted, because even though she would never admit it, she loved the things they did together, the things they did to pass time.

Avalyn shook her head at his statement. ''No of course not, I just hoped that I would also spend time with you outside the bedroom'' Mattheo's forced smile dropped completely. ''what, like your boyfriend? I told you I don't want to be your fucking boyfriend' he said as he crossed his arms, Avalyn sighed as she stared back at him, the two settling in the silence.

''Look is this happening or not?'' Mattheo questioned finally. Avalyn clenched her jaw at his question. ''Not'' she said, Mattheo pursed his lips as he nodded. ''alright, I'll find someone else then'' Avalyn felt her heart sink. She had no idea why she felt that way, but she felt gutted that he could so easily replace her. She rushed after him and took a harsh hold of his sweater. Staring at him with wide eyes, as if she, herself, did not know where that action had come from.

''You will not touch me again if you stick your dick in some other girl'' Avalyn made clear, before shaking her head at him and letting her grip on his sweater go. ''Is that a fucking threat?'' Mattheo questioned as he stepped closer, looking down at Avalyn. ''No, it's a promise. Do whatever you fucking want with it." Mattheo nodded, before turning around and walking into the crowd.

He had not meant to be this mean to Avalyn, but he was drunk and high. Besides those vices, he had been very stressed, not just about school but about his father and Avalyn too. He had felt Avalyn pull away from him, and for a moment he had feared that he would have to tell his father that he had failed.

Avalyn walked over to the bottles of liquor and poured herself a drink, raising her cup to her lips as she leaned against the wall next to the table. She watched as a girl approached Mattheo almost as soon as she saw him. She placed a hand on his shoulder once he was within arm's reach. ''Not desperate or anything'' Avalyn said with a small laugh, but she felt her heart sink again. She drank the remaining of her cup as she watched the girl place her lips on Mattheo's. Avalyn bit her lip at the sight. She accepted Mattheo's choice and slowly started clapping, the students around her joined, slowly circling around the couple.

Avalyn caught a glare from Mattheo, his eyes cold. Avalyn glared back. She reached next to her and grabbed the closest filled bottle she could get her hands on, before walking through the crowd to the Slytherin bathrooms.

Avalyn placed the bottle on the sink and raised herself on top of them as well, sitting against the wall as she screwed the lid off the bottle. She had barely drunk that night as she was still processing everything that had happened to her that past week. She sighed as she took a sip from the fire whiskey. Sadness slowly raised in her chest as she took another sip.

She really thought Mattheo cared for her just a little bit more than a booty call. As much as she enjoyed sleeping with Mattheo, it was not the only thing she was told to do, she needed to gain his trust to be able to get close enough to hurt him and as of now he had barely even opened up to her.

She took another sip from the bottle as the door to the bathroom opened. ''Occupied'' She called out as she pulled her knees to her chest. ''All of them?'' Theodore asked, making her let out a small giggle. ''Yes, but I'll make an exception for you'' Avalyn took another sip from the bottle as she stared at the handsome Slytherin, his hands in his pockets as he approached her. His eyes studied her frame, taking in the state she was in.

''you okay, Levisay?'' Avalyn stared at Theodore and nodded as she shrugged. ''Fine'' Theodore nodded as he took the bottle from her hands and took a sip as well before handing it back, watching as Avalyn took another sip, the bottle now half empty. Theodore cleared his throat, trying his best to try and find the words to say to her.

''Its okay if you're not okay you know?'' Avalyn frowned as she turned towards Thedore in question. ''As great and fun as sex is, it does leave you with a feeling of connection to the other person,'' Theodore spoke softly as he leaned closer to her. "How could it not?'' Avalyn swallowed thickly at Theodore's words. ''Yeah, well I don't care. He can fuck whoever he wants.'' Avalyn turned to look at Theodore. ''He made it very clear that he does not want to be my boyfriend. So if he is bored and wants someone else he is free to do so.'' Theodore's eyes softened at her words.

''It's actually kinda funny'' Avalyn said with a small laugh. ''Mattheo thought he could teach me a lesson by turning to another girl. But I'm not even phased, to be honest'' Avalyn shrugged as she stared at him. Theodore turned so he was standing in front of her. ''Avalyn'' he whispered as he reached up and placed his thumb on her cheek.

He pulled away and on the pad of his thumb was a tear. Avalyn gasped as she reached up and cleaned her cheeks of any tears. ''I-'' She couldn't finish her sentence as she dropped her head and felt tears leave her eyes. Avalyn pulled her head back up and stared at Theodore. Her face was clear of tears and her cheeks were sucked into her mouth, which she slowly released.

''Theo. I promise I'm not this weak, I'm stronger than this'' Avalyn choked out, the lump in her throat making it harder to breathe. Theodore sent her a look of sympathy. ''I won't tell anyone'' He promised, placing his hand slowly on hers. He watched as Avalyn forced a smile, the smile slowly and painfully morphed into sadness and a loud, heartbreaking sob escaped her lips. Theodore sucked in a small breath. Avalyn dropped her head against Theo's chest as she gripped his sweater, her sobs shaking both their bodies.

Theodore hesitated, before slowly wrapping his arms around her, her body falling against him and she completely crumbled into his form. Theo had always seen Avalyn as small and fragile, the girl Mattheo needed to seduce, collateral damage. But the way she had pushed away her sadness until there was no more room left made him realise she was one of the strongest people he had ever seen and for a split second, he hated Mattheo for making her reach her breaking point. In that same second, he hated everything and everyone who had made plans to hurt Avalyn, but he pushed the feeling away once he realised he was one of them.

Avalyn's sobs came to a slow stop, she raised her head again. Her cheeks were stained red from her tears and her eyes were bloodshot. ''I think I'm done'' She whispered with a small smile. ''Yeah you are'' Theodore mumbled as he reached up and used his sleeve to clean her cheeks from the mascara and leftover tears. ''Thank you'' Avalyn whispered as she reached for the bottle again.

''You need something stronger'' Theodore said as he pushed the bottle away in a way trying to keep Avalyn from getting too drunk. He stepped away from her and sat down on the sink next to her. He reached for his pack of cigarettes and opened it. Avalyn moved closer to him, leaning her head on his shoulder so she could see what he was doing. He pulled out a different cigarette, green looking and it took Avalyn a moment to recognize it as weed. The realization made her nod immediately. ''you read my mind Nott'' She said as she watched Theodore light it up. He inhaled some of the smoke, letting it sit in his lungs as he handed Avalyn the weed. Avalyn inhaled as well, watching as Theodore blew out his smoke.

Avalyn blew out the smoke, before inhaling once more and handing it back to Theo. ''Can you answer a question honestly?'' Avalyn asked as she still kept her eyes on Theo. Theodore nodded. ''The girl he is with right now. Does she exceed me?'' Theodore furrowed his brows together as he let his head fall sideways to look at her. ''Not even close'' Theo said with certainty and he could not even believe why Avalyn would think any other girl was better than her, especially when it came to fitting together with Mattheo. She was fucking perfect for him.

Avalyn Smiled softly as she nodded. ''How long until he realizes?'' Theo smiled at her questioned and shrugged. ''Probably days'' Theodore said as Avalyn giggled softly, nodding at his answer. ''Probably'' She whispered as she took the weed from Theo's outstretched hand again. She inhaled and handed it back.

''Alright,'' Theodore said as he pressed the cigarette, making it die down. He placed the remainder back with his other cigarettes and got up from the sink. He turned to look at Avalyn once more. ''want to go back to the party?'' Avalyn sighed, thinking about it before slowly shaking her head. Theodore watched her closely as the liquor finally seemed to hit her.

Avalyn dropped her head to the side and looked at him, scanning his body before reaching over and taking a hold of his sweater. She pulled him closer so he was standing between her legs. ''Avalyn'' Theo mumbled as he felt her wrap her legs around his hips. ''What?'' she whispered back as she pushed his sweater up, revealing the skin of his waist. Theodore widened his eyes as he felt her drag her nails over his exposed skin, goosebumps rising.

''You're drunk and high. I also believe one problematic Slytherin is already too much for you'' Avalyn looked up at him through her lashes, Her eyes send Theodore's mind into a frenzy. ''I told Mattheo he was not allowed near me again if he fucked someone else. Assuming he slept with that girl, that spot opened up again'' Theodore laughed slightly as he shook his head. He wanted to give in so badly, allow Avalyn to release all the anger and sadness on him in any way she pleased. But he couldn't.

''I see why Mattheo is addicted to you'' Theodore said softly, his hands landing next to her hips as he leaned closer to her. Avalyn just raised her eyebrow at Theo. Her lips were close enough for Theo to feel her breath on his lips. He almost did it, he almost leaned in, just to have a taste. But he pulled away. He placed his hands on the side of her upper leg and slowly dragged his hand down, pulling her legs from around his hips.

''I'm still his friend, Avalyn'' Theo whispered. Avalyn sighed as she nodded. ''I know'' She whispered back, accepting the boundary that Theo had set. ''thank you for coming to check on me'' She said, making Theo nod. He placed his hand on her cheek and sighed softly. ''You're my friend too Avalyn, Don't misunderstand. Which is why I do not want to use you like that'' Theodore admitted, Avalyn smiled as she leaned into his touch and nodded. ''thank you for being my friend'' Avalyn said. Theodore smiled as well. He slowly turned around and signed for her to get on his back. ''I'll bring you back to your room'' Avalyn smiled as she wrapped herself around Theo. She placed her head on his shoulder and allowed him to carry her to the Ravenclaw wing

Theodore placed Avalyn on her bed, his eyes travelling around the room. ''I have a small room back with my mom. This room felt so big, I kind of stuffed it with all these things to make it feel smaller'' Avalyn explained as she crawled under her blanket. Theodore turned to her and slowly nodded. ''How does that work? you being a witch and your mom being human?'' Theodore seemed genuinely curious. Avalyn seemed to think about it. ''She's happy for me, my dad was very open with his magic so it's not that new to her'' Avalyn explained as she rubbed her eyes.

Theodore smiled at her as he pointed towards his own eyes. ''You got uhm..'' Avalyn gasped as she remember she was wearing makeup, or what was left of it anyway. ''Could you hand me those tissues?'' Avalyn pointed at her desk, Theodore nodded as he walked up to her desk and handed her the packet of makeup wipes. ''You can sit down'' Avalyn said as she took one of the wipes out of the package and started cleaning her face. ''If you still want to talk, of course'' Theodore slowly sat down on her bed, watching her struggle with her make-up, before sighing and taking the wipe out of her hands and doing it for her.

''Your dad still in-'' Avalyn cut Theodore off with a soft nod. ''-Still in Azkaban'' Avalyn whispered as Theodore pulled away again. ''It's best that way'' Avalyn admitted with a small smile. When she thought of her father she only felt pain and emptiness. She had no happy memories with him whatsoever. ''I understand'' Theodore said as laid down on his side, staring at Avalyn. ''Why did Mattheo kiss that girl?'' Theodore asked carefully. Avalyn shrugged, but Theo could tell she was hiding something.

''I'm just trying to understand, Avalyn'' Avalyn wiped her nose with a small sniff as she nodded. ''I just haven't felt the need for any sex ever since..'' She let the sentence trail off, before slowly shaking her head. ''That guy believed he could do what he did because of what I share with Mattheo'' Avalyn explained softly, leaning back against her headboard.

''I don't want it to happen again. Being just a bit of fun for Mattheo actually creates a form of danger for me. Mattheo and I are not official, which they translate to: I'm up for grabs'' Avalyn shook her head at her own words. It was all just fucked up. ''So you want to be in a relationship with Mattheo to be able to sleep with him again because you want to feel safe?'' Avalyn nodded ''He just won't allow me to have that conversation with him'' Avalyn explained, Theodore just smiled at her words. It amazed him how well Avalyn understood Mattheo and the two of them in just a matter of a few weeks.

''He knows what you want to say'' Theodore explained, Avalyn seemed to doubt his words. ''He does. He's just afraid, scared to touch things in fear of ruining them. Especially beautiful things'' Avalyn felt her heart lift at the words and she felt herself believing them.

''So I just wait?'' She asked softly, getting a nod in return. ''He will know what to do if you give him a chance to think everything through'' Avalyn nodded as she slowly pulled herself under the covers. ''You can stay if you want, but I really need to sleep'' Theodore smiled as he shook his head. ''No, I treasure my own bed too much'' He stood up and walked up to the door. ''Sleep well, Avalyn'' She smiled in return. ''you too, Theo.''

Avalyn woke up the next day. The room around her was quiet, which was something she was not used to. Avalyn sighed. it was Saturday, but her day was still filled with schoolwork. Avalyn got up and got dressed, grabbed a bag and headed out the door. She needed to pass by her locker, before getting some food in the great hall and going to the library to study. Avalyn walked through the hallway, picking up various nasty words as she walked past other students. She decided to ignore them, however hard that may be.

Avalyn opened her locker and took out her books, before closing it again, finding a small crowd around her, Harry sharing the middle with her. She wasn't trapped, there was plenty of room to get out of the centre, but there were enough people around her to warn her not to try. ''Is it true your Slytherin friends beat up a group of Gryffindors?'' Harry asked, Avalyn sighed as she shrugged. ''Did, said Gryffindors, tell you what they fucking did to me?'' Harry shook his head, his eyes telling Avalyn he did not believe a word she said. It made her wonder how she had gotten from his most trusted person to a person who he thought only spat lies.

''He said you'd say that, lying about how you came onto him'' Avalyn widened her eyes. ''Me? Onto him? Are you fucking mental?'' She said loudly as she locked her eyes with the guy that had touched her. ''Need another fucking lesson?'' She questioned as she stepped forward. She had no idea where her courage was coming from, but she did know that if Harry had not stopped her she would have given the guy the same treatment Mattheo had given him, if not worse.

''you're a fucking liar'' Harry said, pushing her back. ''Merlin!'' Avalyn yelled out, her patience running slim. ''I'm a whore, a traitor, a liar. What else?'' She looked around, watching the other students as they stared at her. ''Anyone got something to add?'' She questioned, she was exploding and while some left the circle with slight fear in their eyes, most students seemed entertained by it.

''I'm so tired Harry, can't you just accept the fact that your lack of action caused this?'' Avalyn asked, Harry just glared, stepping closer to Avalyn. ''I am not to blame for your fucking mistakes'' Avalyn just groaned out in frustration, how did Harry still not understand. ''There were no mistakes!'' She yelled out. ''I wanted to have someone who actually took action. Someone who kissed me without thinking about it too much, instead of settling for a fucking hug!'' Harry took another step closer, fire filling his eyes as he got into Avalyn's face.

''Back up, Potter'' Mattheo's voice filled Avalyn's ears, making her roll her eyes. She was still mad and could not believe he dared get in the middle of this. Harry looked at Mattheo, taking another step closer. ''I'm serious'' Mattheo said as he took the spot next to Avalyn. ''Or what? Are you gonna beat me up over a piece of ass? god knows thats all she is to you!'' those words felt like a punch in the face. Avalyn had never expected Harry to use such words to describe her.

''I said back the fuck away from my girlfriend!'' Mattheo yelled out, pushing Harry back a few steps. Avalyn gasped as Harry froze. The students around them fell silent, even the paintings around them stopped their chattering. The whole castle was holding its breath. Everyone stared at Mattheo with wide eyes, Avalyn stood frozen not knowing what to do. Why had he suddenly made her be something she was not, how had he suddenly changed his mind about what she meant to him? Avalyn's brain tried to wrap itself around the sentence, but it could not figure out what just happened.

Avalyn felt Mattheo reach for her hand, taking a gentle hold of it, everyone dropped their gazes at the movement. ''You okay?'' Avalyn turned to Mattheo with wide eyes. He was looking at her like his words had never affected anything like everything was still normal like it was all still okay. ''Y- Yeah, I am'' avalyn stuttered softly. ''Come on'' Mattheo said as he slowly pulled her with him, the crowd moving out of the way for them and Avalyn fucking loved it.

Avalyn allowed Mattheo to lead her all the way to his room, only coming back to her senses once he closed his bedroom door and the loud chattering fell silent ''Why did you say that, now they're gonna think we-'' ''we are'' Avalyn frowned at the words Mattheo had chosen to interrupt her with. ''What?'' ''I told you I would find a way to make the gossip stop. This is it'' Avalyn's frown deepened at his statement. ''I am supposed to date you to make other students stop bullying me? That's your reason?'' She questioned as she crossed her arms ''A reason no one is gonna believe since you fucking slept with another girl, Mattheo'' Avalyn reminded him and she could feel her anger resurfacing.

''I didn't'' Mattheo mumbled as he took a small step closer. Avalyn felt her mouth close in shock, her eyes trying to find any proof of a lie, but there wasn't. ''What?'' Avalyn sighed as she frowned, her arms dropping to her side again. ''I didn't sleep with her. I pushed her away the moment you walked off'' Avalyn's frown deepened. ''What?'' she whispered out again. Mattheo smiled as Avalyn sounded like a broken record.

''Ava'' Mattheo said with a soft laugh, reaching to take a hold of her cheeks ''She could never exceed you'' How did he know thats what she had wondered?

Avalyn frowned, but it softened once she felt Mattheo stroke her cheek with his thumb. He pulled her closer placing his lips against hers and smiling once he felt her melt into his frame. Her hands embraced his waist, before she slowly pulled away, shaking her head in slight, lasting confusion.

''Is it only to stop the bullying? because I don't want that to be the only reason'' Avalyn explained softly, Mattheo smiled slightly as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her completely against him. Avalyn leaned back and looked up at him still awaiting his answer.

''The idea of me being the only one who can sleep with you, who can kiss you, hold you, be with you in every fucking form. I like that idea'' Mattheo admitted and Avalyn felt her heart skip a beat. Mattheo's hands rubbed over her back as he leaned closer, almost placing his lips against hers. Avalyn smiled at the taunt, completely forgetting to respond to his words.

''Unless you don't like that idea? As you haven't spoken sinc-'' Avalyn pulled Mattheo's face closer, placing her lips on his. She could feel Mattheo relax under her hands and she swore this was the closest she had been to him without sleeping with him. The pair slowly pulled away and Avalyn smiled ''I love that idea'' She whispered and the smile that appeared on Mattheo's mouth would have been worth millions. Avalyn swore it could have been sold as art.

Avalyn groaned out as she placed her lips against Mattheo's again in a quick peck, before stepping out of his arms, a shiver running over her spine because of the sudden cold. ''I have to ask McGonagall about something, but do you want to meet up at the library later to study?'' Avalyn asked Mattheo seemed to think about it and slowly a mischievous look took over his features. ''Why would we study when we can come back here and celebrate our new status?'' Avalyn seemed to debate his words, biting her lip as she considered the options. The thought of how long it had been since she had stayed the night in Mattheo's bed crept into her mind and she realised that she might lose any and every opportunity for her plan to succeed if she declined the offer.

''Okay,'' She said softly, smiling at how surprised Mattheo looked. ''Really?'' Avalyn hummed and nodded at the question. ''Want to eat together first?'' Avalyn asked softly, slightly enjoying the idea of eating in the great hall again, not having to worry about the students around her. ''Sure'' Mattheo said as he slowly let go of her hands. ''I'll be at the tower if you need me'' Mattheo said as he watched Avalyn nod and walk out of the door.

Mattheo sighed once the door closed, his hand reaching into his pocket as he pulled out a crumbled piece of paper. He walked over to his desk and opened it.

𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒐 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝑨𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒚. 

𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒅𝒐 𝒔𝒐 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. 

𝑮𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒚 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒔

 -𝑳. 𝑽

The letter had been a warning not to fail and though killing someone send a shiver of fear through Mattheo's body, his father had and always will scare him more. He crumbled the paper back up in his hand and placed his balded fist against his mouth, the muscles in his jaw tensing at the thoughts going on in his head. Thoughts that he would never dare say out loud.

Mattheo took a deep breath as he reached for his lighter, holding the letter above the small flame and watching it go up in flames as he placed it in his ashtray. Mattheo reached for a new paper and a pen.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒃𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕.

 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑨𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒚𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕.

 𝑶𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑰 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏. 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒊𝒍 𝒚𝒐𝒖.

 -𝑴. 𝑹

Mattheo folded the letter, putting it in an envelope as he opened the small window in his room to let out a low whistle. His owl was soon on his windowsill, staring at him deeply and knowingly as Mattheo handed it the letter. ''I know'' Mattheo mumbled, stroking its head, before sending it on its way.

Avalyn made her way through the many halls, eventually finding her way into Dumbledore's office. Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Snape were already present once she walked in. ''Is it true?'' Sirius asked, even before Avalyn had gotten the chance to sit down. Avalyn looked at him as she made her way to the only empty chair left around the desk.

She nodded once she sat down. ''Yes, Mattheo Riddle has asked me to be his girlfriend and I agreed'' Avalyn explained quickly as the group of men seemed impatient. The people around her seemingly relaxed at her words. ''Keep it that way'' Dumbledore spoke sternly as he watched Avalyn closely. She just nodded, swallowing harshly.

''And make sure to keep your emotions at bay'' Snape exclaimed. Avalyn felt her lips part as she slowly sighed. ''Unless you have not been able to do so?'' Avalyn looked at Snape, his words startling her slightly. ''No, I have and I will continue to do so'' The people around her seemed doubtful at her words. Looking as if they did not believe them. ''I promise'' Avalyn said loudly, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

She meant her words, but everyone in that room knew that with her new status, not catching feelings would become just as hard a job as the mission she had been initially given. ''Avalyn, Don't be afraid to drop by more often. Even if it's just my classroom. We are here to help you'' Remus assured. ''We understand what we have asked you to do, we know that it is not easy'' Avalyn sucked in her cheeks as she looked down, fighting back slight tears.

''Do you now? you've been given the same mission have you?'' Remus let his mouth fall shut at her words as the other men around her shared looks. ''I can handle what you've given me. But don't ever pretend to know the weight that you have put on my shoulders'' Avalyn spat angrily turning towards Dumbledore.

''Any news on when? How long will I need to do this for?'' Avalyn questioned. Sirius sighed beside her as he let himself fall back in his chair. ''sources tell us to prepare ourselves for the summer'' Avalyn licked her lips in thoughts. ''That's in six months'' She stated, watching as Dumbledore leaned forward onto the table. ''Time is nothing for you to worry about. It's Christmas break in a month, celebrate and worry about the when and where later'' He told her with a slight smile. Avalyn nodded softly, no longer liking how casual the conversation was turning.

''I promised to meet Mattheo'' She whispered as she stood up. ''Of course'' Dumbledore said as he nodded her way, excusing her from the conversation. Avalyn made her way out of the office again. The air started to suffocate her as she walked through the halls, Avalyn scratched her neck, hoping that she could get through the skin so air could enter her lungs again. ''Come on'' Avalyn choked out as she allowed herself to lean against a wall. Her ribs aching from how hard she tried to breathe deeper.

''Stop, Stop'' She mumbled as she placed a hand on her chest. She took a big gasp and held her breath. Her heartbeat slowed and with her breathing still on hold she decided to continue walking. She slowly released the air as she entered the tower. Her breathing still felt shallow, but her body was succeeding at hiding it. Avalyn opened the door, looking into the room and smiling slightly once she found Mattheo's head pop up from the couch. ''Done already?'' He asked.

Avalyn nodded as she felt her breathing returning back to normal. One glance at Mattheo had put her entire being in a state of peace and she decided to blame it on how close they had been the past few weeks. Her body must see him as trustworthy because of how much time they spend together. ''Yean and I just really wanted to see you again'' She admitted as she stepped forward.

Mattheo sat up and made room for Avalyn to sit next to him. The distance between them seemed to bother Mattheo, as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. He pulled her leg over his and left his hand on her thigh. Avalyn smiled at him as he reached into his jacket pocket for a cigarette. ''Congratulations'' Theodore said with a wink as Avalyn finally seemed to turn his way. ''I guess that means we will be able to bother you a whole lot more now'' Lorenzo said as he blew out a bit of smoke. ''I guess so'' Avalyn replied with a slight smile.

The four of them shared a slight laugh as the three Slytherins smoked their cigarette. Mattheo's hand never left Avalyn's thigh. It was something Avalyn had noticed before, Mattheo's desperate need to touch at least one part of her body at all times. The need to feel her close to him.

She could use that. It also made being glued to his side that much easier as it was a need engraved into Mattheo's being. Mattheo moved his hand over Avalyn's thigh, pulling her from the thoughts and back to him. Right where he liked her to be. ''You want to grab dinner?'' Mattheo asked softly. Avalyn pursed her lips together and shook her head. She pushed herself up and moved closer to Mattheo, placing her lips next to his ear. ''I want to head back to your room'' She whispered, feeling Mattheo tighten his grip on her thigh. Avalyn smiled slightly at the reaction. ''Certainly, I want that too'' Mattheo exclaimed as he flicked his cigarette butt away and stood up taking Avalyn's hand so he could pull her with him.

''We'll see you guys later'' Mattheo mumbled to his friends, barely sparing them a look as he rushed towards the door. ''Yes, for dinner!'' Avalyn called out, sending a smile towards the two other Slytherins. With that, the door slammed shut again.

''Is this how it's going to be?'' Lorenzo asked his friend as he placed another cigarette on his lips, knowing that it will still be a while before he would be getting dinner. ''For now, I hope'' Theodore said as he lit his own cigarette, before holding a flame near Lorenzo's.

''Kinda makes you want to have a girlfriend of your own, doesn't it?'' Theo spoke as he turned towards his friend. Lorenzo smiled with a slight shake of his head. ''If that makes you happy Theo'' Lorenzo spoke with a laugh.

They had never thought about sticking with one girl, but even though they would never admit it, seeing Mattheo and Avalyn made them interested in the idea of committing to one girl.