𝔗𝔯𝔲𝔱𝔥 𝔦𝔰 𝔢𝔳𝔢𝔯𝔶𝔟𝔬𝔡𝔶 𝔦𝔰 𝔤𝔬𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔱𝔬 𝔥𝔲𝔯𝔱 𝔶𝔬𝔲: 

𝔶𝔬𝔲 𝔧𝔲𝔰𝔱 𝔤𝔬𝔱𝔱𝔞 𝔣𝔦𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔬𝔫𝔢𝔰 𝔴𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔥 𝔰𝔲𝔣𝔣𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔣𝔬𝔯

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

Avalyn opened her eyes, her hand falling beside her on an empty spot. She slowly sat up once she realized the area should not have been empty. Her heart dropped at the thought of Mattheo sneaking out of her room, but as she looked around she noticed his jacket still hanging over the end of her bed.

She slowly stood up, pulling a sweater over her head before walking out into the living room. ''Matt?'' no response, but just then she noticed two voices coming from the kitchen. Avalyn followed the sound and found her mom and Mattheo completely lost in a conversation. She walked up to Mattheo, who was sitting with his back her way. Avalyn dropped her hands on his shoulder and slowly wrapped her arms around Mattheo's neck, hearing him stop mid-sentence to accept her embrace. ''I thought you left'' Avalyn mumbled softly, seeing Mattheo smile softly. ''Of course not'' He answered as he pulled out the chair next to him for Avalyn to sit on.

''I have to admit, hearing your name at first I was scared for her'' Deborah said as she send a nod her daughter's way. Mattheo's smile dropped. ''But I see now that she is completely safe'' Mattheo's smile returned as he nodded. ''She is'' He said and he did not know when lying had become so easy, but the words flew out without any thought or feeling of regret.

''What were you two talking about?'' Avalyn questioned as she reached for Mattheo's coffee and took a small sip. ''Your mom was telling me about the first time your magic showed'' Avalyn audibly gasped. ''No she didn't'' Avalyn breathed out as she looked at her mom. Deborah looked very pleased with herself which led Avalyn to realise she had indeed told Mattheo. ''you accidentally lit the favourite doll of your bully on fire?'' Mattheo tsked at the small moment that had defined Avalyn's whole future.

''Naughty, Ava'' Avalyn fought back her smile and shook her head at his words. ''She deserved it'' Avalyn said with a shrug. Mattheo smiled at her words, he had always thought Avalyn to be sweet and soft, but her magic surfacing and taking the form of fire meant she might be more like him than he originally thought. Her default being violence would not come as a surprise, she just had an amazing parent who steered her clear of it.

Mattheo cleared his throat as he slowly stood up. ''I have to go'' He said softly, watching as Avalyn slumped and dropped her head to the side in disappointment. ''Sorry, darling'' Mattheo said, Avalyn just nodded. ''I know'' she said softly as she stood up as well.

''It was very very nice to meet you, Deborah'' Mattheo said softly as he extended his hand towards Avalyn's mom. Deborah accepted and shook it, smiling at Mattheo. ''Likewise, Mattheo'' Mattheo smiled and nodded, before walking back to Avalyn's room. Mattheo put his jacket back on, walking back to Avalyn who waited with open arms.

Mattheo smiled as he accepted her arms around his neck and picked her up from the ground, holding her body close to his. Her scent surrounded him as he placed a small kiss on her cheek. ''I'll see you tomorrow'' Mattheo whispered as he placed her down again, feeling her lock her hands behind his neck. Avalyn leaned in and placed her lips on his, before slowly pulling away. ''I can handle one night'' She whispered back. The pair released the hold they had on one another.

Avalyn watched as Mattheo left through the window again, his figure disappearing into the clouds above the apartment. ''I guess he is not as bad as I thought'' Avalyn's mom said as she watched her daughter close her window. ''I had just hoped you'd fall for a human'' Avalyn frowned at her mom's words with a small smile. ''That way I knew you'd always be near. Falling in love with a wizard would probably mean you'd leave this world behind'' Avalyn seemed to understand now as she shook her head.

''I would never leave you behind, Mom'' She assured as she walked into her mom's arms. The familiar and warm scent surrounded her as she melted into the hug. Avalyn loved her mom more than anything. She would give up anything to make sure her mom was okay as her mom would do the same for her. Hearing her mom suggest that she'd leave actually hurt.

''You're my best friend Mom. I love you'' Avalyn said ''And I love you. My precious gift. The best thing I ever received'' Avalyn felt her throat close at the words. She was well aware of the fact that she had been an accident, but hearing her mom refer to her as a gift made her emotional. ''I have to get to work Avalyn, but we can watch some tv and eat ice cream tonight?'' Avalyn loved the idea of spending her last night with her mom just doing nothing.

''That sounds amazing'' Avalyn whispered as she watched her mom put on her coat. Her mother was absolutely gorgeous. A very beautiful woman with a free spirit you could barely find in women who had been through what Deborah went through.

''Bye, Ava'' Deborah said as she placed a gentle kiss on her daughter's head, before heading out of the door. Avalyn sighed softly as she stood still for a moment in the sudden silence. The walls shrank as she shuddered. She straightened her back as she headed back into her own room.

Avalyn put on some clothes, before heading out of the door as well. Her eyes searched the small patch of forest that stood in front of the apartment building. Hearing some shuffling. Avalyn stepped closer, her keys tightly in her hand. A tall figure stepped out, making her sigh in relief. ''Sirius!'' She said happier than intended. ''Avalyn, are you ready?'' Avalyn just nodded as she reached out to take hold of Sirius' arm, feeling the air tightening around her body before she felt her feet hit the floor again. Avalyn took a moment to regain her balance before she released the hold on Sirius. She sends the man a slight smile, before following him inside the house.

Various figures joined them in the hallway, before entering an office at the end of it. Practically the whole order was there, making Avalyn freeze softly. ''There are so many people'' She whispered to Sirius, the man stopped walking as well. He watched as the girl seemed to doubt the decision to join this meeting. ''They all think you're a hero for doing this Avalyn'' Sirius said softly. Avalyn looked at him with a forced smile. ''Still'' she whispered.

''I am with you, come on'' Sirius said as he walked into the office, Avalyn shortly behind him. The order members froze at the entrance of the girl. Watching her walk to the chair at the end of the table. ''Thank you for coming, Avalyn'' Molly Weasley said softly, noticing how the girl played with her fingers. ''of course'' Avalyn said politely. She watched as the other members found a seat as well. ''As much as I would love to share better news, it is time to start thinking about the plan in more detail. All of them'' Sirius started. Avalyn stared at him and wondered just how many plans were active within the order.

''As of now part of the Hogwarts students are training to be better skilled at defensive and offensive magic, which we'll need. Our hope is still for Harry to do his job, in case of his failure we have Avalyn'' Sirius explained shortly to the members who had never seen her before.

''She has agr-'' ''Wait'' Avalyn said softly, all heads turned. ''I just need to- I've been thinking'' Avalyn stuttered out, feeling all eyes on her and a weight pushing her into her chair. ''I agreed to kill the closest person to Voldemort. Initially, we thought this to be Mattheo'' The order member nodded at her words. ''However'' Sirius frowned at those 2 words.

''I have reason to believe that this person is not his son'' Remus shook his head in disbelief. ''What are you talking about?'' Avalyn sighed deeply. ''I've spent the last 4 months with Mattheo. He is not a bad person'' Avalyn defended carefully. ''If anything he is scared of his father. Nothing from what I've seen would suggest that he is the closest person to him'' Arthur Weasley leaned back in his seat. ''What makes you say that?'' Avalyn was glad that they did not turn her down immediately.

''Mattheo is gentle. Protective with a default to violence, yes, but compared to his parents he is a good guy. He has never done anything to jeopardise my safety'' Remus shook his head ''He attacked a group of Gryffindors'' Avalyn sighed out in annoyance, she could not believe this situation was still haunting her. ''One of those Gryffindors assaulted me in the school hallway. Theo stopped it and Mattheo made sure it would not happen again'' Avalyn explained. ''He is gentle because you have made him fall in love with you, Avalyn. He wants you so he'll always make sure he is something you can love'' Molly said softly. ''I don-'' ''Avalyn?'' Avalyn stopped midsentence and turned towards Sirius.

''Do you have feelings for Mattheo?'' Avalyn frowned as she shook her head. ''Of course not!'' She said loudly. ''I just think that it would be a waste of resources and I don't want you to put all your faith in me when I think it might not hurt his father in the way you had hoped'' Sirius placed his hand in front of his lips as he studied the girl, he slowly turned towards Madeye. The pair stared at one another as if they were having a conversation.

''Avalyn, don't take this the wrong way, but we're gonna need you to roll up your sleeves'' Madeye spoke softly, yet sternly. Avalyn shook her head in disbelief. ''are you serious?'' She whispered. Sirius nodded at the short question. ''I have done fucking everything for Harry. The minute I suggest that the plan might not work you suspect me to be compromised?'' Avalyn wanted to make sure she was hearing this right. She slowly rolled her sleeves up.

''I have not switched'' She whispered in a hurt matter. ''No, I don't have feelings for Mattheo. Yes I'll still kill him, just don't be disappointed if it doesn't go the way you planned it'' She whispered. Avalyn leaned forward on the table, glaring at Sirius. ''I ruined my relationship and future with Harry for this. Don't ever suggest it to be that easy to make me switch sides'' Sirius studied her face before nodding. ''It was out of line. I apologize'' He said softly. Avalyn nodded as she leaned back into her chair. ''I can confidently say that Mattheo trusts me completely'' Avalyn said as she looked away from the group, noticing a small figure in the hallway.

Harry frowned once their eyes locked. ''Shit!'' Avalyn called out as she turned away from Harry. ''Avalyn?'' Harry called out. Sirius was on the edge of his seat within seconds, watching as Molly walked out of the door and closed it behind her. ''Did he see you?'' Madeye asked in a panicked voice. Avalyn groaned out, before slowly nodding. placing her hands on her head as she leaned back into her chair. ''What do we do?'' Remus questioned softly, Sirius seemed to think about it. ''We could obliviate him?'' Sirius painfully suggested, making Avalyn look at him again. ''Are you insane?'' The people turned to Avalyn once more.

''He is not a puppet, You can't just make him forget.'' Avalyn felt her chest tighten in anger. ''So what we tell him?'' Madeye asked softly. Avalyn sighed before slowly nodding. ''Yeah, but only the plan involving me. Nothing else'' Arthur seemed to agree as he slowly nodded. ''The boy deserves to know'' He said softly, remembering the nights Harry had visited their home with Ron and cried to them about the sudden betrayal of Avalyn. Arthur and Molly had felt awful about holding him while knowing everything.

The door burst open, sending Avalyn to her feet within seconds. ''What are you doing here?'' Harry exclaimed loudly as he rushed up to Avalyn, forcing her into the wall behind her. Avalyn just stared at him not knowing what to do. ''Are you trying to ruin fucking everything?'' Avalyn felt rage burst through her body. ''No, I'm trying to fucking help you!'' She yelled out as she stepped forward, forcing Harry to take a step back now. Sirius placed a hand against Harry's chest and one against Avalyn's to stop them from taking the situation any further. ''Alright, settle down''

''You don't understand Sirius!'' Harry called out as he tried to push Sirius' arm away. ''She's with him, she's with Mattheo!'' Sirius took his arm away from Avalyn and used two to hold Harry back. ''You can't trust her'' Harry pointed his finger, before Sirius finally managed to push him back. ''Sit!'' He called out to Harry while pointing at the empty chair next to Avalyn's previous seat.

''Avalyn, please sit back down'' Sirius calmly asked as he straightened out the chair she had been sitting on. Avalyn stared at Harry with a weary glance, before slowly walking up to the chair and sitting down next to him. Harry scoffed as he crossed his arms. Sirius send Avalyn a questioning look and sat back down once he received a comforting nod.

''Harry, it is important that what we are about to tell you stays with you'' Harry frowned as he sat up straight. ''If you want anything you say to stay in this room she should not be here sh-'' Sirius held up his hand towards Harry. ''Sir-'' ''Stop it'' Sirius cut him off. ''And just listen'' Harry slammed his mouth shut and buried his face in his hands, before raising his head again and raising his eyebrows in anticipation.

''At the start of the school year we asked Avalyn to do something very important'' Sirius stated as he watched Harry turn to Avalyn in slight surprise before confusion morphed onto his features. ''Why?'' Avalyn sighed softly. ''Because I care for you and would do anything to help you.'' She spoke gently, now turning towards Harry as well. He seemed to think about her words, before shaking his head. ''I don't understand'' He whispered, Avalyn turned towards Sirius and nodded towards her, telling her that she was the one to tell Harry.

Avalyn took a deep breath as she slowly reached out to take a gentle grasp of Harry's hand. He flinched slightly at the sudden touch but accepted it. ''They asked me to seduce Mattheo, get close to him so that if anything goes wrong on your end I can get close enough to kill Mattheo,'' Avalyn whispered softly. Harry's eyebrows dropped and his grip on her hand tightened.

''And you agreed?'' Harry questioned softly, Avalyn took a short second before slowly nodding. ''I am doing it for you'' Avalyn whispered with a sad smile. Harry stood up, taking Avalyn with him, before pulling her into his arms. ''How have you been carrying this?'' He asked and the words seemed to tug at one of Avalyn's heartstrings as she immediately burst out crying.

Harry held her closer as Avalyn wrapped her arms around him as well. ''I'm sorry for hurting you Harry'' She sobbed out, she felt Harry shake his head. ''No, Avalyn I'm so sorry for what I've been doing to you. I didn't know how to handle you not being near me'' Avalyn gripped his sweater as her sobs died down. ''And seeing you with him made me so angry'' Harry whispered softly.

Avalyn felt glad to be in Harry's arms again, but as a friend, every cell in her body was screaming for someone else's arms. Avalyn slowly pulled away, wiping her eyes as she sat back down in her chair. ''Are you okay?'' Sirius asked softly, Avalyn just nodded. ''Harry you need to understand that when you get back to Hogwarts you two should still hate each other. Mattheo cannot even suspect what we are doing'' Sirius spoke softly, watching as Harry could not tear his eyes away from Avalyn, a slight smile pulling at the corners of his lips. ''I understand'' He whispered as he finally looked at Sirius.

''Avalyn was just about to tell us how it is going'' Remus reminded everyone, Avalyn froze as she stuttered out in small hesitation. ''Harry, I don't think you want to hear this'' Avalyn finally managed to choke out, Harry just shook his head. ''I know, Avalyn. Just, just tell them'' Harry said as he placed his arms on the table. ''Mattheo visited me last night. Said he missed me. Besides that we are basically attached at the hip'' Avalyn explained as she placed her chin in her hands. ''besides Mattheo, I've also gained the trust of Theo and Enzo'' Sirius raised his eyebrows in surprise, before nodding in approval. ''Thats great Avalyn'' Remus spoke softly.

''They have a link though, I have no idea what they talk about in their heads,'' Avalyn explained honestly. ''Madeye seemed to think about it. Remus and Sirius exchanged a look before turning back to Avalyn. ''Avalyn you need to find a way to join their link'' Avalyn let out a breath of air. ''What if I can't control it?'' She whispered.

''Then this is the last time we meet. That way they can't use the link to listen in on our meetings. Avalyn that would mean you are alone from tomorrow on'' Avalyn took in a deep breath as she hesitated. ''How would I know when to'' She couldn't bring herself to say the word. ''You'll know. We have reason to believe he'll make Hogwarts the battleground'' Avalyn and Harry froze. ''What?'' Harry asked softly. ''Someone is gonna be their way in, we can't tell you who. If Mattheo truly loves you he will tell you, Avalyn'' Avalyn slowly nodded.

''So then it's settled. Today is the last day we meet together with Avalyn. She will be on her own from here on'' Madeye spoke as Remus and Sirius send her a worried glance. ''Okay'' Avalyn whispered as she slowly stood up. ''I need to head home, my mom will be back soon'' Avalyn whispered. Sirius nodded as he turned to Harry and send him a short nod too. ''Show her the way out'' He told Harry, who happily stood up. ''Avalyn'' she slowly turned around to look at Sirius.

''I know you can do this, but be careful'' He said, Avalyn smiled softly and nodded. She followed Harry outside. Arthur closed the door to the office again. Harry and Avalyn stopped in front of the exit, Harry staring at her with a questioning gaze. ''So this means that-'' Avalyn slowly looked up ''Once you've done it, once Mattheo is gone-'' Harry seemed to struggle to find the words. ''-it means we still have a chance, right?'' He finally blurted out. Avalyn felt her eyes widen as she slowly dropped her head.

''Harry, i-'' She sighed out. ''I don't know if I can'' Harry felt disappointment fill his system as he pursed his lips. ''Killing someone is gonna be too much, I don't even think I'm gonna stay in the wizarding world after I'm done with this. I don't think I can give you the assurance you seem to need right now'' She whispered as she slowly reached for his hand.

''Let me go. Move on'' She whispered softly, but he avoided her eyes. Hermione entered the hallway with a slight smile ''I'm here to take you home, Avalyn'' She whispered as she stared at Harry with slight worry. ''Thank you Hermione'' Avalyn whispered out as she took hold of Hermione's outstretched arm.

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

Mattheo walked into the living area. His friends were slightly behind him and his cousin was already present, standing between his father and mother. In the middle of the room, a woman floated, her breathing shallow as her widened eyes followed Mattheo.

Mattheo let out a slight gasp when he recognized his muggle studies teacher. Avalyn particularly enjoyed her telling of Muggle stories as it was very close to the truth. ''What is going on?'' Mattheo questioned his father, who was standing in front of her, glaring at Mattheo's professor. ''We have decided that the only way to stop Muggle's studies from being in your education is to eliminate the teacher'' His father spoke casually, his eyes never leaving the poor woman.

''You are going to kill a professor?'' Mattheo asked a bit too loud, as his father's eyes shot his way with a sharp warning in them. Mattheo forced his mouth shut, looking down at the floor in slight shame. ''No, not me. You'' Mattheo felt his heart sink at the words as he slowly looked up again. ''What?'' He whispered softly, feeling his friends behind him looking at him. ''I want to be sure that you can kill Avalyn Levisay when it comes to it. So kill this one and I will keep you on the task'' Mattheo felt his hands starting to shake at what his father asked him to do.

''What if I can't?'' Mattheo asked softly, his eyes not leaving those of his teacher. ''Your mother volunteered to take care of Avalyn'' Mattheo turned towards his mother who was staring at him with a sickening smile on her face. ''But if you do this, we will not need to go to such lengths'' Mattheo's face dropped when the reality of the situation set in. This mission had been fun, he had enjoyed every bit of it, but now it was getting serious and quite frankly he had not even thought about what he eventually needed to do. By now he regretted ever even accepting it.

His father walked over to him, taking a harsh hold of his wrist and raising his hand holding his wand. ''Do this one and you'll do Avalyn because you want to'' his father whispered to him. Mattheo stiffened at the thought of wanting to kill Avalyn. The thought is sickening and able to make his legs go numb. ''Do it!'' his father yelled, the smell of his rotting teeth entering Mattheo's nose, making him turn from him. ''Or should I send for Avalyn? Have her die right here by your mother's hands?'' Mattheo kept his face clear of any emotion. Void of any reaction to the threat.

His father raised his chin, Mattheo knew it was a way to figure out where he stood. To figure out if the dark lord still had his own son on his side. It appeared that he had.

''I see'' his father whispered, letting go of Mattheo's hand. He kept it raised at his teacher. The dark lord raised his own wand, pointing it at Theo but not even sparing the boy a glance as his gaze was still fixed upon his son. Theo gasped as his body stiffened, Mattheo's face dropped and for the first time ever Lorenzo and Theo found fear present on his features. Dancing on it as if to taunt him. ''Father!'' Mattheo yelled out as he tried to move towards Theo. The dark lord pressed his wand against the cheek of Theo, who felt the colour drain from his face. Mattheo froze.

He knew his father wasn't bluffing, Theo pressed his eyes closed as he felt the wand scratch the skin of his cheek, drawing blood.

''Him or her'' The dark lord spoke as he nodded towards the professor. Mattheo tore his eyes away from his best friend and turned towards the woman, watching as she closed her eyes in acceptance, sending the boy a small nod Mattheo wondered if she understood what he had to do, if she knew that it was not her blood that made him need to kill her but the fact that one of his closest friends held more meaning to him. Mattheo held his breath, clearing his mind as he raised his wand again. His airway twisted as he mumbled 2 words in a soft matter.

''Avada Kadavra'' A green light flashed across the room. The body dropped with a loud thud, the sound echoed through the room. Mattheo looked down at the body as it lay wrapped around his feet. His stomach turned and his knees almost buckled from under him, a slight gasp escaped his lips as his heart felt like it would burst from his chest. But he composed himself, pushing everything down before looking up at his father.

"There," Mattheo said, his voice cold. "Now let Theo be" The dark lord looked down at the teacher, a scowl on his face as he lowered his wand again. Theo let go of his breath as he watched the dark lord step over the body. ''Good'' The dark lord spoke as he waved his son over. Mattheo hesitated as he slowly stepped forward. ''Roll up your sleeve'' Mattheo felt his eyes widen, his father missed it as he turned towards Mattheo's closest friends. ''You too'' He said lowly.

The boys did as they were asked, knowing what was about to happen but being in no position to stop it. The dark lord reached to take hold of Mattheo's hand, pulling him closer. He pressed his wand into Mattheo's arm, and a burning sensation travelled up Mattheo's arm, making him groan in discomfort. The pain got worse, to the point of Mattheo trying to pull away. The dark lord held on tighter and pressed his wand into his son's arm harder. Bellatrix appeared over her son's shoulder, grinning as the dark mark started to take form. ''Good job, Mattheo'' She whispered in her son's ear as the dark lord took his wand away from Mattheo's arm.

Mattheo looked down, the skull and snake staring back at him and he could not believe that it had been that easy. Behind him, his friends groaned out as well, two other death eaters giving them the same treatment as Mattheo just received. Mattheo turned and felt his throat close as he felt guilt consume him completely. He befriended the two boys, he pulled them into this mess and now they were marked for life.

The death eaters stepped back as the boys all shared a look, before turning towards the dark lord, no words being spoken as the shock was still present in their system.

''Excused'' The dark lord said without looking at the three Slytherins. Mattheo turned around and rushed out of the room.

''Mattheo'' Enzo called as he pulled his sleeve down and rushed after the boy, watching as he walked up the stairway. ''Matt!'' Enzo yelled once more, louder this time, hoping that Mattheo had not gotten too far into the probable maze of thoughts in his head. ''You two want a drink?'' Mattheo called down, his voice hoarse and even though the two boys were far from interested in a drink, they followed after him, stepping into his room and closing the door so they could talk freely.

Mattheo walked over to the small glass table near his window. Taking one of the glasses and filling it with whiskey. He walked over to one of his chairs, dropping down on it as he tapped his ring against the glass. ''Mattheo?'' Lorenzo asked as he sat down as well, watching his friend sip from the whiskey. Theo was rubbing his chest as his body only now seemed to process what just happened. His hand reached up and traced the trail of blood on his cheek before his eyes landed on the mark on his arm. Theo pulled his sleeve down as well. He was glad he only ended up with a scratch, and the mark would for sure make his parents proud. ''Thank you'' Theo whispered as he took the final chair, facing his two friends.

''Don't even question it'' Mattheo whispered, raising the glass again. He seemed weirdly okay after the whole ordeal. Mattheo had killed someone and acted like it was any other day. The room fell quiet, each of them dealing with different demons after what they had just witnessed. Mattheo pulled a hand through his curls, standing up and staring at the fire that had been lit in his fireplace. The sudden sound of glass breaking had Theo and Lorenzo on the edge of their seats. The pair turned towards Mattheo

He stood in front of the fire, his head dropped as soft sobs came from his form. Glass now laying in the fireplace as his shoulders shook with every heartbreaking breath that left Mattheo's lips. ''Mattheo?'' Theodore asked as he shared a quick glance with Lorenzo.

''I can't, I can't'' Mattheo mumbled as he slowly turned around. His friends seemed worried as they did not understand what Mattheo could not do. ''I can't kill Avalyn'' Mattheo raised his eyes towards his friends. The admission made his shoulders feel lighter. It was out. He had said it.

''The idea of her, laying on the- her eye- not Avalyn!'' He said loudly as he broke out in heavy sobs, his sentence never completing. Lorenzo stood up with a short hesitation, before walking over to his friend and taking a hold of his shoulders for he was afraid that if he did not have a hold of Mattheo, his friend would collapse completely. ''I love her. I fucking love her'' Mattheo admittedly sobbed out as Lorenzo pulled him into his chest, he knew. Enzo had known for weeks now that Avalyn had become dear to his friend. Mattheo stiffened, his arms on his side as he allowed Lorenzo to hold him closer, his throat closing as more sobs left his lips. Mattheo wrapped his arms around his friend as well, allowing one of the people he trusted most to comfort him.

He had not realised how much fear and sadness he had pushed down, but as he felt Lorenzo grip his jacket tighter out of fear of losing his hold on him, he realised just how much he was slowly breaking. He could never hurt Avalyn, he lived for her and every breath that kept his heart beating belonged to her. She was his from the very first night they shared together. As he was hers.

Theo stood up, placing a hand on Mattheo's shoulder. ''What am I going to do?'' Mattheo cried out as he pulled away from Lorenzo. Lorenzo placed a hand on the side of Mattheo's head. ''We will figure something out. Mattheo you are our brother, we are on your side. always'' Mattheo looked at his friend, slowly nodding as he stepped back into his chair. He sank down.

''He'll kill me'' Mattheo mumbled softly, referring to his father. ''I don't want to die, I can't'' Mattheo whispered, which came as a slight surprise as his life had never held as much value to Mattheo. He had always felt replaceable and whenever he got asked about his future he held no answer as he could not see what his future would hold.

But now he did. It held Avalyn and him. Together. He did not want to stop that from happening or sabotage it.

Lorenzo and Theo sat down as well. ''She loves you too right? You could hide with her until the war is over. Harry he can de-'' Mattheo snapped his head up and shook his head. ''I am not putting my fate in Potter'' Theodore dropped his head to the side in thought. ''And I don't know if she loves me. We've never said it I-'' Mattheo sighed out as he placed his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands. ''I don't think she trusts me either. she hides things. Doesn't tell me them'' Mattheo explained.

''Do you think she's playing you?'' Theodore asked and Mattheo fell quiet, his mind wandering back to the time he had found Sirius Black in Avalyn's room. ''I don't know'' he whispered and he did not know if he avoided the truth or was blinded by the fact that he loved her.

''What if we test it?'' Lorenzo asked softly, his two friends turned towards him with curiosity in their eyes. ''Show her your mark'' Mattheo shook his head in objection. ''She'll hate me'' He said as he rubbed his arm, feeling the mark burn from the friction. ''She won't. Not if she really loves you.'' Mattheo thought about it for a second. ''If she really loves you, she'll realise that it could never have been avoided'' Lorenzo added softly.

Mattheo seemed to linger on the suggestion before his head slowly nodded. ''Okay,'' He mumbled as he pulled his hands through his hair once more. ''What if she doesn't love me back?'' Lorenzo straightened his back as he shared a look with Theo.

''If it turns out that Avalyn is in fact playing you. If she fails that test. I will make her forget everything. you, us, the wizarding world. Everything'' Mattheo felt his heart drop, but slowly nodded anyway. It was the only way she could live and stay safe.

''and we'll never speak of her again''