𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔪𝔬𝔯𝔢 𝔞 𝔡𝔞𝔲𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔢𝔯 𝔨𝔫𝔬𝔴𝔰 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔢𝔱𝔞𝔦𝔩𝔰 𝔬𝔣 𝔥𝔢𝔯 𝔪𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯'𝔰 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔱𝔯𝔬𝔫𝔤𝔢𝔯 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔡𝔞𝔲𝔤𝔥𝔱𝔢𝔯."

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

───── ❝ London, Dowson Street, Apartment 312 ❞ ─────

The bus came to a slow, yet steady stop. Avalyn waited for the other people to leave, before standing up and taking a hold of her suitcase. ''Thank you'' She said to the busdriver, before hopping off and looking around the busstop. ''Avalyn!'' Avalyn allowed her eyes to travel to her left, an arm sticking out from the small crowd of people. ''Mom!'' Avalyn yelled out happily as she pushed past the other people. ''Mom, Mom, Mom'' She repeated until she felt the familair arms wrap around her. ''Avalyn I am so glad you're here'' Her mom spoke softly as she pulled Avalyn even closer. ''My baby is home, safe and well'' Avalyn laughed at her words and nodded, before pulling away.

''how have you been mom?'' Avalyn asked as she followed the direction her mother was going, suitcase rolling behind her. ''I've been good, working a lot, thinking about you, working some more, missing you more'' Her mom wrapped an arm around Avalyn's shoulders, pulling her into her side. ''Why did I ever agree to you going to a magic school that far away from me'' Her mom cried out dramatically as she finally released the hold she had on her daughter.

Deborah loved her daughter, more than anything in this world. Avalyn was in no way a planned baby, but the moment Deborah held her in her arms, she knew that she would always make choices based off of what was best for Avalyn.

The pair walked into a small, dacayed, apartment complex. Deborah took the heavy suitcase from her daughters hands, before dragging it up the stairs. ''Mom I can do it'' Avalyn said with a small laugh. ''No, I got it'' her mom answered. Avalyn believed her mom to be the strongest woman in the world. knowing everything she had been through and yet see how she was still standing with a smile on her face.

''Alright, home sweet home'' Deborah said as she opened the door, allowing Avalyn to walk in first. The scent of boiled pasta and vanilla almost hit Avalyn in the face. The cosy livingroom had been changed a bit compared to when she left. ''I get restless when you are not around'' Her mom explained once she noticed the questionable look on Avalyn's face. ''Put your suitcase in your room and come eat'' Deborah said as she made her way to the kitchen, probably to heat up the food she had prepared earlier.

Avalyn opened the door to her bedroom, looking around and smiling softly at the stuff she missed while at Hogwarts. ''Ava!'' Her mom called out, plates clattering together. ''I'm coming'' Avalyn called back as she walked out of her bedroom and back towards the kitchen. She joined her mother at the table, looking at the plate of mac and cheese in front of her. ''Ah yes!'' She called out as she took a bite, humming at the taste that hit her senses. Her mother seemed pleased to see her daughter enjoying her food that much.

''So, what are we doing for Christmas this year?'' Avalyn asked softly, not noticing how her mother froze and the smile she always wore on her lips disappeared. ''I was thinking, maybe some movies? get some popcorn, order in. Or may- Mom?'' Avalyn had finally looked up to see the look on her mothers face.

''Ava, I- I took a double shift during Christmas'' Her mother said carefully, watching as the body of her daughter slumped and her smile fell. ''It pays double and I really need it right now, precious'' Avalyn forced a smile on her lips and nodded. ''It's okay mom, we'll make it Christmas some other day'' Deborah smiled at her daughter. Avalyn was quite mature for her age, 17 was a big number already, but the things she knew and handled with grace proved how much of a grown up she really was.

The things that had happened made Avalyn grow up a lot quicker than other girls her age, yet it had never slowed her down. Deborah would never admit it but she loved how grown up Avalyn was, as the pair could share a lot of things from a very young age.

''How is Harry?'' Her mom changed the subject, watching as Ava pursed her lips with a small shake of her head. ''What do you mean, you were so crazy about him?'' Her mother dropped her head to the side in thought. She had met Harry a few times and had never believed the two to seperate ways again.

''I found someone else'' Avalyn said softly, a gentle smile tugging at her lips. ''really? Do tell'' Her mom urged as she picked up the empty plates and placed them in the sink, making them a problem for the next day as all she wanted to do right now was catch up on the time she missed with her daughter.

''He's really sweet, confident. Treats me well, always makes sure I'm okay'' Avalyn explained, watching as her mom smiled at the words. ''Who is it? Do I know him?'' Avalyn let out a small giggle, before it died down. ''His name is Mattheo'' Avalyn said softly, avoiding calling out his last name as her mom was not from the wizarding world, but knew a lot because of her father. especially about the darker sides of the wizarding world and community.

''Mattheo who?'' Her mom urged, Avalyn seemed hesitant. ''You can tell me Ava'' Avalyn let go of a breath. ''Mattheo Riddle'' She looked up at her mom, watching as her moms smile disappeared. Deborah was at a loss for words, her daughter, who had seen up close what a relationship with someone from those circles did to you, was dating the son of the darkest wizard she had even heard of.

''What?'' her mom breathed out. Her mind could not comprehent how her perfect little girl had found herself in the same circle as Mattheo Riddle. Deborah had done everything in her power to avoid Avalyn from even thinking about anything dark and with her father being in prison she had thought Avalyn understood. ''He is not that bad of a guy mom'' Avalyn defended, If she could sell this bit to her mom she could sell it to anyone.

''Even so, do you think his dad will approve of this?'' Her mom asked her with a gentle frown on her face, she did not want to break Avalyn's hears, but she would if it meant keeping her daughter safe. ''I dont even think his father knows, nor will know in the near future'' Avalyn said hoping that her words would ease the worry of her mom. She hated when her mom worried and for a short moment she wished she could have introduced Mattheo to her mother to settle the worry and convince her that Avalyn was in the safest hands.

───── ❝ The Dark Lords Mansion ❞ ─────

Mattheo sat at the large dining table, his cousin across from him. His father and mother left of him and his aunt and uncle right of him. The room felt cold, dark. Mattheo barely even felt like his family was around him. But they were, they were right there. ''So, how was the first half of the school year?'' Narcissa asked, by the looks of it she was trying to break the silence. it worked, but it worked against Mattheo's plan to not bring Avalyn up. ''Good, excited for the Beltane ball'' Draco said softly, taking a bite from his food. ''A Ball?'' Mattheo's father asked, Mattheo froze at the sudden interest his father had. ''Will you be going, Mattheo?'' the curly haired boy swallowed his food quickly and slowly nodded. ''Yes father. All of hogwarts is'' Mattheo explained softly as he send his father a quick forced smile.

''Will you be going with the Levisay girl?'' Bellatrix asked sourly, her eyes slimming until they were as good as closed. ''I think so'' Mattheo whispered softly. He knew his mothers distaste of Avalyn, he also knew his mother was trying to get his father to pull him out of his mission. ''How is miss Levisay?'' Mattheo stiffened at the question. ''Good, very easy'' He admitted, hearing Draco let out a small chuckle. The dark lord turned towards the blonde with a quick movement of his neck. ''You have met her?'' He asked and Draco was quick to push his laughter back, before slowly nodding. ''Yes I have, She is very smitten with Mattheo'' Draco shared a look with his cousin, seeing Mattheo relax in his seat. Draco had just given his father every reason to trust him and to believe that Mattheo could actually succeed.

The dark lord seemed pleased and Mattheo send an almost unnoticeable nod of gratitude Draco's way. Draco caught it and smiled softly. The two might bicker a lot and there had been moments when blood had been drawn, but in the end they always helped each other, making sure the dark plans and schemes of their parents would not taint their hearts just yet. They knew it was coming, but they wanted to shield one another from it as long as they could.

''I'm glad to hear'' The dark lord spoke and for the first time Mattheo saw pride in his fathers eyes. His father was proud of him, proud of his accomplishments. Mattheo felt his chest rise with a new sense of warmth and confidence. He may have been scared of his father, but like any other son he wanted nothing more than his father to be proud of him.

His fathers pride was short lived as he recomposed himself and cleared his throat. Mattheo slumped in slight disappointment. ''Mattheo, might I suggest you take Draco upstairs and offer him a drink?'' Mattheo knew what that meant, things that they could not know about needed to be discussed. Mattheo nodded softly ''Of course'' He said in a short breath, pushing his chair back and standing up, his cousin followed closely behind.

''What do you think they are discussing?'' Draco asked once Mattheo closed his bedroom door. Mattheo shrugged ''I don't know'' he whispered as he walked to the small liquor table near his window. ''Drink?'' Mattheo asked, hearing a soft sure in return. Mattheo turned back to Draco, two cups in his hands as he walked up to the chairs that surrounded the fireplace in his room.

''Well, you already got an assignment. I can imagine its not the worst one'' Draco mumbled as he had been nervously waiting for something to be assigned to him as well. ''Killing someone is not the worst?'' Mattheo spat back, Draco sighed out. ''That part is. The part you're in now might even be somewhat enjoyable'' Mattheo stared at the small fire and sighed out. ''It sure is'' He mumbled out, Draco leaned forward in his chair, a question he had been burning to ask laid at the edge of his tongue.

''What is she like?'' Draco was not interested in Avalyn, not in the slightest, but she was pretty and because Potter had been like a guard dog she had been untainted by any other man. Draco was curious, many guys within the walls of hogwarts were. Mattheo bit the inside of his cheek deciding wether or not to answer the question. He slowly turned towards his cousin with a smirk on his face. Teeth beared and a mischievous glint in his eyes.

''The best one I've had yet'' Mattheo whispered and Draco's eyes widened at the words. Mattheo only ever needed to think about a girl he wanted and she would be on her knees for him. Having him admit Avalyn to be the best was quite the achievement on Avalyn's side. ''I can imagine, seeing as you were probably the first one to touch her like that'' Draco explained softly, Mattheo's smile faltered.

''What?'' Mattheo asked softly. Draco took a small sip from his drink and shrugged. ''Think about it. She has been with Potter since the first year, before being with you. Either Potter popped her cherry or you did. Seeing how Potter almost passed out from the nerves when being around her I imagine there was not a lot of touching going on in that relationship'' Draco's words made sense and the more Mattheo allowed them to replay in his head the more he realised it was true.

Draco turned towards Mattheo, his mouth opening slightly. ''You did not know?'' Draco seemed surprised, Mattheo frowned to himself and slowly shook his head. ''She didn't tell you?'' Mattheo looked up at his cousin, annoyance present on his features. ''Not to mingle in your relationship, but it's usually something two people who trust each other talk about'' Draco watched as Mattheo gripped his glass harder, his knuckles turning white. Mattheo slammed the glass down on the small table next to his chair and leaned forward, his face burrying itself in his hands.

''Fuck'' He whispered. ''She doesn't fucking trust me'' Mattheo said to himself, he had truly believed Avalyn trusted him with every vibre of her being, but as he thought about it she probably didn't as Avalyn came from a home where men could not be trusted. Merlin, had he really thought this to be that easy?

Draco let out a small snicker as he finished his drink. ''that might fuck up your assignment'' Mattheo turned his head to look at Draco, shrugging his shoulders. ''What do I do? How do I make her trust me?'' Mattheo asked desperately, draco smirked at him as he knew exactly how to help his cousin succeed.

───── ❝ London, Dowson Street, Apartment 312 ❞ ─────

Avalyn walked into the kitchen Christmas morning. A plate of waffles caught her eyes making her smile, a small note laid next to the plate.

Enjoy precious, I will be home late, don't wait up.

Merry Christmas <3

-Mom.

Avalyn nodded at the words. She hated the fact that she was celebrating Christmas alone, but she understood her mom. Rent had gone up again and her mom was doing anything she could to keep a roof over their head, who was Avalyn to tell her to skip work.

Avalyn ate the waffles in silence, not really knowing what to do with the time she had now. She washed her plate before returning to her room. She grabbed one of her mom's books, settling on her bed and opening on the first page. She hoped that if she just kept reading the time would fly by.

And it did.

Avalyn bit her nail as she flipped the page of her book. She was not one for the thriller genre, but this book had her completely lost in the story. A soft knock coming from her window made her freeze. She was on the thrid floor who in their right mind would climb up to her window.

Avalyn placed her book down and walked up to her window, gasping softly when she found Mattheo floathing on a broom in front of it. She quickly opened the window and allowed him to climb in. ''What are you doing?'' Avalyn whispered yelled at the boy, Mattheo groaned out as he pulled himself trough the window, a soft 'shit' leaving his lips as he almost tripped. ''I-'' he dusted himself off. ''I missed you'' Mattheo mumbled softly. Avalyn could not hold back the smile that fought so hard to appear on her lips. ''You did?'' Avalyn whispered softly.

Mattheo took a step closer and nodded slowly, his hands pulling at his jacket as he slowly took it off so he was only left in his shirt. He watched as that smile that was pulling at Avalyns lips finally won the game of tug of war. Relief washed over him as he watched her eyes squeeze together in utter happiness. perfect.

''I also wanted to give you your Christmas present'' Avalyn gasped softly as Mattheo pulled a small box from behind his back. ''Mattheo I di-'' ''You don't have to. I saw it and thought of you'' Mattheo cut her off before she could say anymore or talk herself into feeling guilty. ''Open it!'' Mattheo said excitedly. Avalyn stared at him and smiled softly, leaning forward and placing her lips on his in a small short kiss. ''Thank you for coming by'' She whispered, before dropping her gaze to the neatly wrapped present.

Avalyn gently opened the package, finding a flat velvet box. She cleared her throath and slowly opened it. A small gasp escaped her lips at the sight of the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. A small silver chain appeared, hanging from the chain was a small heart pendant. The centre held a bright green stone, the edge was laid in with diamonds. ''Mattheo'' Avalyn whispered softly as she looked back up. ''Its so beautiful'' She said softly, watching Mattheo smile at her reaction.

''Can I put it on for you?'' Mattheo asked as he already reached over to take the necklace from the box. Avalyn turned around and pulled her hair to the side. Mattheo gently leaned over her and locked the necklace behind her neck. Avalyn dropped her hair and looked down. It was really beautiful and in a way complimented her very nicely. Did Mattheo truly know her that well?

Avalyn turned around and smiled up at her boyfriend. ''Thank you. Merry Christmas'' She said as she took a gently hold of his hand. ''Merry Christmas, Ava'' Avalyn smiled wider and leaned up to press her lips against his. Mattheo placed a hand on the side of her head and pulled her closer, almost pressing himself against her. Avalyn felt Mattheo slowly wrap his arms around her body, feeling her body leave the floor. Avalyn pulled away and wrapped her legs around Mattheo's waist.

Mattheo moved towards her bed, feeling Avalyn hide her face into his neck as small laughter filled his ears. God she was adorable. Avalyn looked up at Mattheo as he leaned back to take off his shirt. Avalyn accepted him back into her embrace once he leaned back over her, feeling him trace her legs and waist, as if he were memorizing every inch of her body. Merlin, Mattheo wanted to mark and write on every inch of her skin and recite it every fucking night. He could never grow tired of her.

Avalyn giggled softly as Mattheo pushed his hands under her shirt, dragging them upwards so softly it almost felt like a gentle tickle. Avalyn took a hold of his hands and held them in place, watching as Mattheo smiled down at her, his hair falling in front of his eyes. ''That tickles'' She whispered. Mattheo let out a small laugh ''oh, really?'' He asked softly, watching as Avalyn answered by nodding her head. No words necessary.

''How about this?'' Mattheo placed a soft breathy kiss against her neck, feeling her push her head towards her shoulder to get rid of the ticklish feeling. She giggled once more as Mattheo joined in her laughter. ''That tickles too'' She whispered softly. Mattheo pursed his lips and pushed his smile away. ''What about this?'' He asked once more, leaning over her, their noses touching. Mattheo pushed his leg between hers, spreading them as he pushed his knee against her, watching as anticipation build in Avalyn's eyes. A soft breathy moan left her lips as Mattheo applied pressure.

Suddenly the bedroom door opened, light entered the room and both teens snapped their head towards the intruder. ''Oh my god!'' Deborah yelled out as she almost threw herself back out of the room, the door slamming shut as Avalyn pushed Mattheo off of her. ''Shit, Mom!'' A small sorry followed by laughter sounded trough the door. Avalyn threw Mattheo's shirt his way, waiting for him to put it on. She slowly opened the door again, stepping back as her mom stepped into the room, flicking on the light. The couple flinched at the sudden brightness.

''Mom, you said you were working late!'' Avalyn called out once her eyes adjusted to the light, Deborah seemed taken back. ''How is this one on me? I'm not the one inviting my wizard boyfriend into my room the moment I'm home alone!'' Avalyn gasped softly. ''I didn't he- he wanted to bring a Christmas present'' Avalyn said as she lowered her voice again.

''What Christmas present? A baby?'' Avalyn could see Mattheo trough the corner of her eye, he placed his hands over his mouth to stop his laughter. ''This is not funny!'' Avalyn said directed at Mattheo, hearing him clear his throath as he slowly stepped closer. ''no, I know. Its- I mean-'' he held out his hand towards Avalyn's mother. ''I'm Mattheo, Avalyn's boyfriend. I am so sorry for just coming in, I should have known better'' Mattheo apologized, Deborah seemed taken aback by his polite words and attitude. She slowly reached over and took a hold of his hand, shaking it slightly.

''Apology accepted, just make sure it doesnt happen again'' Mattheo nodded at the words. ''I will, sorry'' Mattheo send Deborah a small smile. ''I got off early so we could have dinner together for Christmas'' Avalyn felt her embarrassment wash away as she softly smiled. ''Thats really sweet mom. Thank you'' She said as she watched her mom eye her boyfriend slowly. ''Mattheo'' Mattheo looked up at the woman, completely stunned at the sudden sound of his name.

''Do you want to join us?'' Mattheo seemed surprised, but slowly nodded. ''Yes, sure. I would love to'' Avalyn stared at her mom with widened eyes, suddenly scared about the two most important people in her life meeting one another. ''What do you want to eat?'' Deborah asked her daughter. Avalyn seemed to think for a moment. ''I know you just got back from work, but I would kill for a burger from the diner right now'' Avalyn said with a small groan braided inbetween her words. Mattheo stared at her and smiled slightly.

''Mattheo, are you okay with that'' Avalyn turned to Mattheo with a slight warning in her eyes, making him want to burst out in laughter at how adorable she looked. ''What ever she wants'' Mattheo said softly. ''Great, I'll call to order, you two pick it up'' Deborah said as she slowly walked towards the living room. ''Mattheo, you might want to put your shirt on the right way now'' She called out while she walked away, Mattheo looked down with a slight flush on his cheeks ''Will do'' He said back, watching as Avalyn turned to him with an apologetic look on her face.

''I really thought she was working late'' Avalyn explained softly, Mattheo pulled his shirt over his head and turned it the right way. ''It's okay'' he said softly. Avalyn shook her head and reached over, placing her hands on his waist as she moved closer to him. Her whole face expressed slight guilt for the embarrassment she thought Mattheo was feeling, truth was Mattheo thought the situation to be quite funny, especially since Avalyn's mom seemed okay with him being there which is not something he expected given his name and background.

''Sorry'' Avalyn whispered as she raised herself on her toes, placing her lips softly against those of Mattheo. He just smiled softly once she pulled away. ''it is truly fine'' He assured her again, looking down at her with adoration in his eyes. ''Okay'' She finally seemed to believe his words. Her hand trailed over his stomach before she dropped them to her side again, just as her mom walked in.

''It'll be ready in a few minutes'' Deborah announced as she eyed the two suspiciously. ''Alright, we'll go and pick it up'' Avalyn said as she walked up to her closet. She pulled a sweater out of it and put it on in a quick motion. Mattheo put his jacket back on and followed after Avalyn as she walked out of the room and to the front door. The pair walked out of the apartment building, Mattheo immediately reaching into his pocket for his cigarettes. He reached into his pocket for his lighter and lit one, before putting the packet away again. Avalyn looked at him a small frown. ''What is it that you like about smoking?'' She questioned softly, not wanting to offend Mattheo in any way, but it was a question that had always lingered on her mind.

Mattheo seemed to think about it as he reached for her hand, holding it tightly. ''I don't know. It passes time, keeps my hands busy-'' Mattheo looked down as he blew out some smoke, slightly shaking his head. ''Numbs everything'' He whispered. Was he truly admitting this to her? To his assignment?

''I see. I hope there comes a time when you don't feel the need to numb anything'' Avalyn wished for him and she did truly wish it for him, even if it would just be for a brief moment. Mattheo nodded, loving how she cared enough about him to question things that threatened his health. He knew the smoking was bad, but as of now it kept his mind on the task at hand and soothed any other feeling he had about his mission. He felt sick knowing the reason he kept smoking could just as well be the reason he would quit.

Avalyn looked down at their hands and smiled slightly. She moved closer to him, wrapping her other hand around his arm and laying her head on his shoulder. ''I love that you're here'' She admittedly whispered, not daring to look up at him. Mattheo smiled and let out a small chuckle. ''I love that I'm here too'' Avalyn finally looked up with a smile. Mattheo could not help but look down at her neck, smiling as the jewelry he had gifted her swung with every step she took, the color laying beautifully against her skin.

''I also love how my colour looks on you'' Avalyn let out a laugh, taking the hand off his arm and placing it in front of her mouth to quiet down the sound. ''I didn't know you owned the color green'' She taunted slightly, Mattheo smiled at it and shrugged. ''Not all green, dark green'' Avalyn shook her head at the way Mattheo said it so casually. ''If I should wear a colour, I'm glad I get to wear yours'' Mattheo was the one to laugh now as he nodded. ''Glad to hear it'' He mumbled once his laughter died down.

''Here we are'' Avalyn said as she stopped in front of a small diner. Mattheo followed her inside, holding onto her heand tightly as he had barely been in the muggle world. Avalyn walked up to the counter with a smile, one of the waitresses smiling back excitedly as she hurried from behind the counter to pull Avalyn into a hug. ''Avalyn it is so good to see you!'' The woman said as she pulled away, but kept her hands on Avalyn's shoulders. ''How is France?'' The woman asked, making Mattheo frown. 'It's very French'' Avalyn said awkwardly. ''And did you find yourself a French boyfriend or?'' The woman eyed Mattheo with a small smile on her lips.

''Same boarding school, but he's also from England'' Mattheo seemed to understand now as he smiled at the woman and nodded. ''Hello'' He said as he held out his hand, The woman smiled and took it. ''Mattheo'' He introduced himself ''Ada'' Mattheo nodded as he retracted his hand.

''Your delivery is right here'' Ada said as she turned and took a paper bag from the counter, handing it to Avalyn. ''I added some extra onion rings'' Avalyn smiled and nodded ''thats why I love you'' She said as she took the bag from Ada's hands. ''Bye Ada!'' Avalyn called out as the pair walked out of the diner

''That was my moms best friend'' Avalyn explained to Mattheo once the silence in which they walked become unbearable. He still seemed stunned from the interaction. ''She helped my mom when my dad got arrested'' Avalyn whispered softly. ''Obviously we couldn't tell her I would be going to a school for wizards and witches, so she believes I enrolled in a boarding school in France'' Mattheo nodded. ''I get it'' He said back. Mattheo knew what had happened to her father, as his own father could not shut up about the great betrayal of Cyrus Levisay.

Cyrus Levisay was one of the most powerful allies Mattheo's dad had within his circles, very loyal too, but he was young when he joined the ranks of the dark lord. Not old enough to want to get married to the witch he was promised to, yet young enough to want to have fun. To avoid any scandals within the wizarding world, Cyrus and his friends often went out in the muggle world, using the woman there for their pleasures while keeping their good name within the wizarding community.

Until Cyrus got a muggle girl pregnant. One night of usual fun ended tragically when he caught word of Deborah being pregnant. Cyrus rejected Deborah and the child, but once he returned to the wizarding world word had already gotten around and Cyrus was casted out of The dark lords circle, leaving Cyrus no other choice but to hide in muggle world, untill aurors found him.

As of now Cyrus was still serving time in Azkaban. Mattheo had heard the story a million times as it had always been used to warn him about what happens when you mingle with the muggles, yet Avalyn had never spoken a word to him about it. Mattheo reached to grab Avalyn's hand again, watching as she smiled to herself, her head dropping to hide it.

''Here we are'' Avalyn said softly as she opened the door to the apartment building. It was very different from the dark lords mansion, yet Mattheo enjoyed the cozy energy that circulated trough the apartment Avalyn and her mom shared. He even felt slight envy when he saw how close the two woman were. He wanted that.

''Mom, we're back'' Avalyn called out, placing the bag of food on the table. Deborah appeared from the living room with a smile. ''Was Ada happy to see you?'' She questioned as she walked up to them. ''Very, she was also very happy to meet Mattheo'' Avalyn said with a short laugh. Deborah smiled and nodded. ''I can imagine that'' Deborah said as she grabbed a few glasses and filled them with water. ''Mattheo, please sit'' She said as she watched the boy sit down on one of the chairs. Avalyn sat down beside him, Deborah unpacked the food placing it on the table before sitting down herself. ''I got us all the same thing, Mattheo I hope you don't mind'' Deborah asked as she placed everybody's food in front of them.

''No that's fine'' Mattheo said as he took one of the cheeseburgers with a smile. Avalyn took a few of her fries and ate them, throwing her head back and groaning out. ''This is so much better than the Hogwarts food!'' She said out loud as she rubbed her hands together to get rid of the salt the fries had left on ther finger tips.

Mattheo looked at her while fighting his smile, he had never seen her like this before. So carefree and comfortable. He slowly took a bite from his cheeseburger, his eyes widening. ''Wow'' he said softly, watching as Avalyn smiled him. ''This is really good'' He said as shared a smile with the two woman. ''Normally dinner is always this big thing. Three dishes, sitting down for an hour. This is great'' Mattheo mumbled as he leaned back in his chair.

His family could never have just a simple dinner, they had people preparing the food for them and it was always a very polite, neat setting. Merlin he would love to have simple dinners like these everday at home.

''Sounds stressful'' Deborah said as she reached for her fries as well. Mattheo nodded gently as he had just taken another bite from his food. ''I mean, the atmosphere is always suffocating'' Avalyn turned to him with a slight frown, she had never realized what Mattheo's life was like at home as he had always gotten a certain measure of respect just for being the dark lords son. Even if the respect came from a place of fear, it was repect nonetheless.

Mattheo turned to Avalyn once he felt her staring, his eyes assuring her that he was okay. Avalyn felt her gaze soften as she forced a small smile as she felt him place a hand on the back of her chair. Avalyn turned back to her food, finding her mom staring at the couple with a small smile on her lips. ''So do you two like sleep together at school?'' Deborah dared to ask, Avalyn snapped her eyes towards the woman who raised her. ''Mom!'' She warned her mother, Deborah just smiled before turning towards Mattheo, hoping his gaze would give her any information regarding her question.

Mattheo fought his smile and Deborah knew the answer just from looking at him. ''then I guess it is fine if he should spend the night here'' Deborah said with a shrug, Mattheo smiled at how understanding and okay she was when it came to Avalyn. He could not wrap his head around the freedom and love Avalyn received. ''Really?'' Avalyn seemed surprised at the words.

Deborah nodded at the question and it made Avalyn wonder what was so different between Mattheo and Harry as Harry had been over a few times during the summer holidays and never did her mother offer to let him stay a night. Not even in seperate beds. ''Really'' her mom assured and she felt her heart swell once she saw how happy her daughter looked at the suggestion.

Mattheo enjoyed the company of Avalyn and her mother, feeling completely at home within the small apartment. Mattheo found himself back in Avalyns room a few hours later, the time had flown by and as he sat on Avalyn's bed watching her brush her hair in silence he realized just how much he had enjoyed himself.

''I had fun tonight'' Mattheo broke the silence, Avalyn looked at him trough her mirror as she pulled her brush trough her hair once more, before placing it down. ''Really?'' She asked as she turned towards Mattheo, he smiled and nodded. ''You have an amazing mom, Avalyn'' She smiled at him and nodded. ''I know. I'm very lucky'' Avalyn admitted as she crawled into bed as well, placing her head on Mattheo's chest as she felt him wrap an arm around her.

''I think I found a favorite holiday'' Mattheo whispered as he stared at her ceiling, his eyes feeling heavier by the minute. ''If this is what Christmas can be like-'' He dropped his gaze to Avalyn, her eyes already on him, pure admiration and a slight shimmer of hope present in her eyes. ''-Than I love Christmas'' Mattheo finished.

And he did. He wanted every Christmas to be like his. Scratch that.

He wanted every day of his life to be like this.