"𝔇𝔢𝔞𝔱𝔥 𝔴𝔞𝔰 𝔣𝔦𝔫𝔞𝔩 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔞𝔟𝔰𝔬𝔩𝔲𝔱𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢𝔯𝔢 𝔴𝔞𝔰 𝔫𝔬𝔱𝔥𝔦𝔫𝔤 𝔞𝔫𝔶𝔬𝔫𝔢 𝔠𝔬𝔲𝔩𝔡 𝔡𝔬 𝔱𝔬 𝔠𝔥𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔢 𝔦𝔱."

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Harry stumbled back a bit, his expression only describable as utter disbelief. ''Mattheo, what are you talking about?'' Enzo asked as he walked closer to the two boys. Mattheo sighed as he watched Harry look around in a lost matter. ''I overheard my father'' He mumbled as he stepped closer to Harry.

''I need to count on your help in this Potter'' Mattheo said sternly. ''I told you what I know now Help me make sure Avalyn will live'' Harry shook his head. ''How?'' Harry breathed out desperately. He had no idea how to stop the dark lord now.

Mattheo seemed to hesitate as he looked up at his friends, they stared back not knowing what he was thinking. For the first time ever he held it to himself. He turned his gaze back to Potter. ''If you're willing to die, I'll promise you that I will make sure my father does not live to see the next morning'' Harry swallowed thickly as he stared at the Riddle boy.

''I don't trust you'' Mattheo dropped his head as he nodded ''I get that'' He mumbled almost inaudible as he stared at his two friends. ''I can't give you more than this'' Mattheo said defeated as rubbed the back of his head.

''I don't know how to get you to believe me. My father wants her dead, I know he does. I can't lose her'' Mattheo said desperately as Harry eyed him. The sight was weird to the boy. He was speaking lovingly about Avalyn but he had not spared any tears to the fact that her life was in danger.

''The idea of losing her does not seem as crushing to you as you're words make it sound,'' Harry spoke eventually, and Mattheo dropped his head in defeat.

He sucked in his cheeks. ''I don't cry easily'' He said, Harry scoffed as he shook his head. ''You are asking me to die!'' He yelled out angrily as he stepped closer and pushed Mattheo's chest.

Mattheo stepped back and looked at the boy. He looked broken to the point of no repair. Like everything he had been fighting for was crumbling beneath him because it was. The people he trusted had been preparing him for a battle while they should have been preparing him to die.

Mattheo let go of a deep tired breath, and he debated how far he was willing to go for Avalyn. What he was willing to do to prove to Potter that he was serious. He watched the chosen one as he slowly sank to his knees.

Harry's eyes widened as he took a step back, looking down at the boy as he heard the two Slytherins behind him gasp out. ''I want Avalyn to live'' Mattheo said with certainty. He looked up at Harry. ''She has cared more about me than my father ever has. I can't lose that'' Mattheo mumbled out.

''Get up'' Potter spoke finally, after basking in the sight of Mattheo Riddle on his knees. A sight he had never thought he would see. Harry watched Mattheo raise himself to his feet again, his trousers covered in a bit of dirt. ''I am willing to die. Not for Avalyn, but for all of this to be over'' Harry stated as he looked at the person he had sworn to hate forever. ''Tell me your plan, I'll involve some people I trust to ensure you keep your end of the deal'' Potter said as he pushed his hands into his pockets. Mattheo nodded. ''Thats fair'' he mumbled as he did the same.

On the other side of the castle Sage, Loraine and Avalyn had found their way to the Slytherin prefect bathroom. The bathtub was filled with water and soap, completely covering the surface and with it, the girls' bodies.

Avalyn sighed as she sank deeper, her hair tied together in a bun on the top of her head, the same as the other two girls. ''You okay?'' Sage asked softly as she turned to the Ravenclaw, Avalyn just nodded. ''Yeah, just wondering what Mattheo had to rush off to'' She mumbled as she played with the soap, tracing figures in it as her mind started to wander. ''He does that sometimes, last time he came back all bloody and with a busted nose'' Sage felt her eyes widen at the statement, she turned to Loraine, who seemed uncharacteristically calm.

A small knock came from the bathroom door. ''Ava?'' Avalyn sat up at the sound of Mattheo's voice. ''Can we come in?'' He asked softly. Avalyn turned to the other two girls, who hesitated for a moment, before looking down at the soap and realizing nothing was visible from the shoulders down. They send Avalyn a nod.

''Yeah,'' Avalyn called back. The door opened within seconds and the three Slytherins entered. Mattheo let his eyes fall on Avalyn in an instant and walked up to her. He sank down on the edge next to her. ''You okay?'' He whispered softly. Ava nodded. ''Happy you didn't come back covered in blood'' She mumbled and she watched Mattheo fight a smile as if that moment had been funny.

''Loraine, want to head back to my room?'' Enzo asked softly as he took small steps towards his girlfriend. Loraine looked up and slowly nodded. ''Sure, grab my bathrobe?'' it was Enzo's turn to nod, walking up to one of the three robes and picking up the one that belonged to Lora.

''Thanks'' she whispered as she watched the other two boys turn their heads so she could get out of the water. Enzo wrapped her up, rubbing her arm to warm her as he sent her a gentle smile. ''Come on'' Enzo mumbled as he grabbed her hand and pulled her with him. ''Bye Loraine'' Avalyn said softly, Loraine turned and smiled. ''Bye,'' She whispered as she followed after her boyfriend.

''Sage, you want to go too?'' Theo asked softly, Sage frowned not understanding that Theo was trying to give Avalyn and Mattheo some space. ''Why?'' She asked as Theo sighed. ''We have a date remember?'' Sage seemed to realize what he had promised her and nodded. ''Grab my robe?'' She asked softly, watching Theo walk up to the robes and froze.

''Which one is yours?'' He asked as Sage turned to Avalyn with a look of disbelief on her face. Avalyn pursed her lips to stop her laughter. ''Uhm..'' Sage turned back to Theo, who still stood with his back her way, looking at the robes. ''The Hufflepuff one?'' Theo turned to her with a dry smile on his face before reaching over and grabbing the Hufflepuff bathrobe.

Mattheo turned as Sage got up, Theo averted his eyes as well, making Sage let out a low giggle. ''You have seen my body before, Theo'' She reminded him. Theo nodded at her words, a light red hue appearing on his cheeks. ''This is different'' He whispered, Sage just smiled as she heard him clear his throat, turning towards the door and holding up his arm. The blonde smiled as she placed her hand on his arm and allowed him to lead her towards the door.

''They seem happier ever since you became our friend'' Mattheo mumbled once Theo and Sage had completely disappeared. Avalyn smiled softly. ''You've made us all happier, baby'' Mattheo mumbled, watching Avalyn turn around to face him. The sight of her slowed his heart and calmed him down to a point of euphoria.

''What can I say? I have an amazing effect on people'' Avalyn raised herself above the water, her upper body exposed but Mattheo held his eyes fixed on hers, completely fixated on them as he suddenly noticed the slight green specks in her brown eyes.

''Yeah, you do'' He whispered out eventually. Avalyn just smiled at the words, feeling completely adored in a way she had not yet experienced with Mattheo. ''Want to get out?'' Mattheo asked as he raised himself on his feet and held out his hands. Avalyn smiled as she took his hands gently, before gripping them tighter and janking them towards herself. ''Ava-'' Mattheo's scold got cut off. 

Avalyn took a step back as she watched him fall into the water. A loud laugh echoed through the bathroom as Avalyn placed her hand in front of her mouth to quiet it, her other hand covering her tummy as the muscles started to hurt from laughing too hard. She sank back into the water once her laughter turned into tiny giggles. Mattheo turned to her as he slowly took off his jacket, placing it on the edge as he accepted what had happened.

''I'm letting you get away with this because you laughing is an actual relief'' He explained as he moved over to her, looking down at Ava as she sat on one of the marble seats. Avalyn licked her lips as she nodded. ''So sweet of you'' She whispered as reached up and took a gentle hold of his waist, pulling him towards her, Mattheo smiled as he caught himself on the edge, which she was sitting against. He leaned down and slowly placed his lips on hers.

Avalyn pulled away after a few seconds, licking her lips as she watched Mattheo sit down next to her. ''Thank you for pulling me through this'' Avalyn mumbled out softly. ''Don't question it'' Mattheo said back, his tone filled with certainty. ''I would do it 100 more times'' Avalyn felt herself melt at the words as she slowly nodded.

A small shiver ran down Avalyn's spine as the water cooled down to an uncomfortable temperature. Mattheo took hold of her hand and kissed it gently, before pushing himself out of the water, his feet left a trail of wet footsteps as he went to grab Avalyn's robe.

Avalyn got out and happily walked up to Mattheo, the cold air nipping at her skin. She wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. He froze at the feeling of her naked body pressed against his. ''What are you doing?'' Mattheo asked in a choked whisper, his chest not moving as he held his breath. ''Warming up'' Avalyn giggled out as she buried her face in his back. ''And you smell good'' She mumbled into his back. It came out muffled, but Mattheo heard the words. He let go of a shaky breath, his body sinking into hers, making him feel every detail of her body. Her breast pressed against him, her hands on his stomach tracing small figures and her forehead buried between his shoulder blades.

''You'll catch a cold'' Mattheo whispered out, not able to turn to look at her as she held a firm grip. She shrugged. ''You'll take care of me'' She stated, pulling her head away from his back, looking up at the back of his head. ''Won't you?'' Mattheo nodded without hesitation. ''Always'' He breathed lowly.

Avalyn loosened her grip as she watched Mattheo turn around, his arms reaching behind her to help her put on the robe. Avalyn buried herself into the fabric, snuggling into it as her body finally managed to warm itself up again.

''Want me to carry you?'' Mattheo asked with a serious expression on his face, Avalyn laughed softly. ''No, my legs work this time'' Mattheo let out a small snicker as he nodded, opening the door and letting Avalyn walk through it before he followed.

The couple walked back to Mattheo's room, closing and locking the door behind them as Avalyn watched Mattheo hurry to his closet, he quickly changed into something dry, before once more digging into his wardrobe and pulling out a pair of his boxers and a t-shirt. Avalyn took them from his hands and took off her robe, changing into the clothes.

She walked up to Mattheo's desk and picked up her hairbrush. ''Can I do it?'' Mattheo asked softly as he reached to take it from her hands. Avalyn hesitated. ''I haven't brushed it since-'' Mattheo nodded as he took it gently, without asking. ''Let me help you'' It was an order, but the way he said it was so sweet, so gentle.

Avalyn nodded defeated and walked up to the bed, watching as Mattheo sat down behind her. He slowly pulled the brush through her hair, allowing himself to get used to the movement as it was something he had never really done before.

''Why do you always want to take care of me like this?'' Avalyn questioned softly, feeling Mattheo brush her hair, before running his hand through it. ''Because I care about you'' He admitted, making Avalyn smile.

Mattheo placed the brush on the nightstand on his right, sighing while placing his hands on her shoulders. ''All done'' He stated as he watched Avalyn turn around to face him. ''Thank you'' Avalyn mumbled as she sent a smile his way. Mattheo watched as her smile fell, her gaze turning serious as she crawled closer to him. She raised herself onto her knees as she crawled onto his lap.

Mattheo leaned back as he watched her closely. He did not know if she was playing or if she really wanted a distraction. He did know that he could not breathe when she looked at him like that. His hands found their usual spot on her hips as she sat down, placing her hands on his shoulders.

''Distracting yourself won't make it better, Ava'' Mattheo whispered hoarsly, Avalyn pursed her lips in understanding as she nodded. ''But it will make it go away for a second'' She stated as she traced his nose with hers. She slowly placed her lips against his, not wanting to hear any objection from him.

Mattheo hardened his grip on her as he pulled her closer against him, A loud groan could be heard as he wrapped his arms completely around her, bringing her as close to him as possible. His hands travelled down, finding their way under her shirt as he traced her back with his nails. Avalyn shivered as she moved her hands to his cheeks, dropping her head to the side to deepen the kiss, parting her lips in an invitation. She felt Mattheo press against her harder, his tongue slipping past her lips.

Heavy breaths and the sound of their lips parting for mili seconds filled the room. Mattheo was still tracing figures on her back. She was using him and he knew it. Avalyn dropped her hands to the waistband of Mattheo's sweatpants, never breaking the kiss as she pulled at it. Mattheo took hold of her hands and stopped her. He slowly pulled away.

Avalyn froze as she stared at him. He had rejected her advances, something Avalyn never thought he would do. ''I love you'' Avalyn dropped her head back as she groaned in slight annoyance. Why could Mattheo not let her shut off her mind and distract herself, why did he insist on being such a good fucking boyfriend right then and there?

Mattheo pulled at her hands to make her look at him again. ''Hey,'' He said softly to gain her attention. ''I love you and I would love to be used by you for any means'' Avalyn swallowed thickly as she had believed he did not know she had been using him.

''But the pain will return after we're done'' Avalyn felt tears rise in her eyes and Mattheo felt his heart clench together at the sight. ''You need to feel it, to heal. Using me for sex will not help'' Avalyn's bottom lip quivered, Mattheo placed his hands on her cheeks. He was tearing into her, but it was a necessary evil.

''I am here, to wipe your tears, to hold you and listen to everything and anything you want to say. But you need to feel it, to let it in, to come to terms with it'' Avalyn's body trembled as she collapsed into his chest.

A heart-wrenching sob escaped her lips as Mattheo wrapped his arms tightly around her frame. ''why must you fucking care!'' She cried out loudly as she gripped his shirt tightly. Mattheo smiled softly at the words. ''It's your fault, you are just so likeable'' Avalyn felt a small laugh escape through her sobs as she slowly nodded.

''Thank you'' Avalyn whispered once her sobs faded into nothing. Mattheo smiled as he pushed some of her hair out of her face and behind her ear. ''It's my job'' Mattheo said as he shrugged lightly, Avalyn smiled softly as she grabbed his hands and linked them with her own, humming lowly at the answer. ''Do you enjoy your job?'' She questioned softly, Mattheo threw his head backwards in laughter as he pulled her closer to him wrapping his arms around her, locking her arms against her body. His heart swelled in utter adornment.

He turned them over rolling on top of his girlfriend as he shook his head. ''I love my job'' He mumbled out as he pecked her lips softly. Avalyn smiled brightly as she felt Mattheo crawl down and turn on his back. The back of his head was on her tummy as he pulled one of her legs across his body.

His hand ran along her leg as he tilted his head and pressed a lingering kiss on her thigh. "I would be rich if I got paid for loving you" Avalyn shook her head as she smiled softly.

"You are rich, Matt" Avalyn stated. "Not the point" Mattheo mumbled as Avalyn frowned. "I don't know. Seems like a pretty important poi- what the fuck!" Avalyn cried out as she felt Mattheo lightly bite down on the skin of her thigh.

Avalyn's objection turned into laughter as Mattheo pulled away. "The point is I love you a lot," Mattheo said while taking Avalyn's hand and placing it in his hair. She moved her fingers through his curls, scratching his head as he hummed lowly.

"I love you too" Avalyn whispered softly. Her mind wandered to the task at hand. She could not back out. She couldn't let the people around her down. There was too much at stake. But she knew how she would manage to go through with it.

If this life did not have room for them to be happy, maybe whatever came after would allow them to just be. To love each other without judgement or punishment, maybe that was where they were meant to be together, not here.

"Ava?" Avalyn looked down and found Mattheo fiddling with his lighter. Flicking it on before closing the lid again. "I know right now is a lot. But would you consider going to the upcoming dance with me?" Avalyn hummed out in fake hesitation.

"I don't know, I promised my other boyfriend-" Mattheo sat up and turned around in an instant. He studied her face. A gentle smile played on her lips making him relax.

"I'll take that as a yes" he stated as he leaned forward and pecked her lips. Avalyn smiled at the boy. ''No one else I want to go with'' She admitted, Mattheo smiled as he slowly got up. ''Come on'' He mumbled as he helped Avalyn up as well. ''What?'' Avalyn questioned, watching her boyfriend put on a sweater and take her hand. ''To eat'' Ava pulled her hand from his grip and shook her head. ''No, I don't want to see anyone'' She explained in a quick whisper.

''Just bear with me?'' Mattheo asked as he took her hand once more and slowly started walking with her. Avalyn followed, tightening her hold on him whenever someone would pass. Avalyn felt vulnerable, she was scared that rumours would start to spread again. She feared that maybe Mattheo would not be enough to stop them from whispering this time. But it stayed quiet, no one said a word and the pair walked in complete silence all the way to the astronomy tower.

''Why are we here?'' Avalyn whispered as Mattheo pulled her up the stairs, his grip on her hand gentle and almost feather-like. He shushed her as he opened the door. Four heads turned their way. Sage, Theo, Lora and Enzo all smiled at the sight of the pair. ''Hey!'' Sage said happily as Avalyn felt her eyes widen at the sight of blankets and pillows covering part of the floor, and food on a small table next to it. ''What is this?'' She asked softly.

Mattheo hesitated as he turned towards Avalyn, placing a hand on her cheek to gain her attention. ''It's a funeral'' he whispered carefully, not knowing how she would react. Avalyn just frowned in confusion. ''You didn't get to have one for your mom, you didn't get to say all the things you still felt like saying, no goodbye. You can have that now'' Avalyn felt a tear roll down her cheek as she smiled. ''Stop making me cry'' She croaked out as she felt Mattheo wipe her tears. ''Crying is good'' He assured as he pulled her towards the blankets and pillows.

Avalyn sat down next to Sage as Loraine lay almost completely wrapped into Enzo. ''Thank you guys'' She whispered as she watched Mattheo fill some cups with fire whiskey. ''Okay,'' He started as he handed out the drinks, before sitting down on Avalyn's other side. He raised his glass, placing his hand on his girlfriend's leg.

''To Deborah. The person who made me realize good moms actually exist. The one who invited me to stay for dinner after catching me making out with her daughter.-'' Small laughter erupted from the circle of friends. Avalyn felt tears rise, but she laughed as well.

It was strange, she missed her mom more than anything and yet hearing other people talk about it and knowing there was room for her to talk about it made her feel at ease.

''-The person who created and raised the most amazing person in my life.'' Mattheo finished as he placed his lips on Avalyn's cheek, kissing the tears away. Theo looked down at his glass with a small frown, he slowly raised it. ''To the person I've never had the pleasure of meeting, but who can only be amazing considering the daughter that has made our life a little brighter'' Avalyn felt her throat close at the words as she reached over and squeezed Theo's hand a thankful smile decorating her lips.

Enzo raised his glass. ''To the powerful woman who turned the wizarding world upside down without ever stepping foot in it.'' Avalyn smiled at him as she nodded. The words were true and Avalyn felt proud to be related to her mother.

Sage raised her glass. ''To the beautiful soul lost too soon.'' She whispered out, not really knowing enough about Deborah to speak about her, but as she watched Avalyn smile she knew the words were nice to hear. Loraine raised her glass. ''May she find peace and look down on her daughter with pride, the same way her daughter looks up in admiration'' Avalyn smiled once more as she, herself, raised her glass.

''To the woman who despite not planning me has put me before anything else. The one who invited a fugitive in her home, because she realized the importance of a father figure. The most loving, confident, beautiful person I have ever met and have had the pleasure of calling mom. Thank you for the lessons, wise words and many hugs-'' Tears fell as Avalyn took a deep, shaky breath. Besides her Sage felt her eyes fill with tears as well. ''-I keep going forward and will move on knowing that I will see you again'' She finished, Mattheo kissed her forehead as he nodded, taking a sip from his drink.

Avalyn let go of her breath as she looked around, taking a small sip of her own drink as well. ''And thank you to my amazing friends who always know exactly what I need'' The four smiled as they sipped their drinks as well. She turned to her boyfriend, who sent her a gentle smile. ''Did you do this?'' She asked softly, Mattheo took a small breath before shaking his head.

''No, it was Sage's idea'' Avalyn turned to the girl on her other side with a surprised look. ''Really?'' Sage shrugged. ''I just wanted to help'' She whispered softly, Avalyn placed her cup down and reached over to hug her. ''Thank you'' She whispered Sage nodded against her shoulder. ''Of course'' She said back.

Avalyn pulled away, feeling completely loved by the people around her. She realized that this was what true friendship and love was. She had thought to be friends with the golden trio, but that had never been like this. What she had now, felt like it could last a fucking lifetime.

''And guess what?'' Sage whispered, wiping the rising tears in her eyes as she cried easily, especially when someone around her was sad. ''I have a boyfriend now'' Sage said with a half smile, a small sniffle filling the silence. Avalyn smiled at the girl.

''Really, Who?'' Avalyn questioned teasingly. Theo nudged her leg with his own. ''Hey now'' He said as Sage laughed and crawled closer to him, placing a soft kiss on his cheek. Theo wrapped his arms around her as she leaned into him, a teeth-bearing smile on her face. They looked so happy.

Avalyn leaned back against Mattheo, a small yawn escaping her. ''Tired?'' Matteo asked softly. His girlfriend nodded. ''Sleep'' Mattheo said as he nodded towards Enzo and Loraine, Avalyn turned and found Loraine sleeping with her head on Enzo's lap, who was gently stroking her hair.

''We will make sure you guys are okay'' Mattheo exclaimed as Avalyn sighed out. ''You won't leave again right?'' She asked carefully, Mattheo sent her an assuring smile as he shook his head. ''Never'' He promised.

Avalyn felt herself relax as she laid down, her head on Mattheo's leg as he reached over and took hold of her hand. Besides her Sage had gotten comfortable lying down against Theo as well. The three girls fell asleep within seconds.

''Who would have thought?'' Enzo mumbled lowly, caressing Loraine's cheek carefully. His two friends looked up in question at his words. ''Thought what?'' Mattheo asked carefully. ''Us, all three of us with a girl we would not trade for anything'' Enzo mumbled as he looked up at his friends as well.

Mattheo laughed softly as he slowly nodded. ''All three of us actually being happy'' Theo added in a low whisper, careful not to wake any of the girls. Mattheo sighed in slight relief.

The three boys had always been thought to be unlovable, given their background and behaviour. The different girls every night. Drinking, smoking, fighting and skipping class. Who could love that? Do not try to fix them or use them for popularity. Who could take them as they were and truly love them?

None of them could believe they had found it. They had found the pure embodiment of everything they wanted and in return, they had wanted them too.

''Let's just hope we are able to keep it close'' Mattheo mumbled in a breath. ''To protect it'' Theo and Enzo nodded. Enzo pursed his lips as he slowly looked up at his friends.

''Loraine and I we-'' He stopped as he looked down for a second, collected every piece of courage he could muster as he had no idea how his friends would respond. ''Loraine and I are engaged'' He finally sputtered out.

Mattheo felt his eyes widen as Theo gasped lowly. ''Really?'' Mattheo asked softly. Enzo nodded softly as he raised the hand of Loraine he was holding. His two friends stared at the ring on her ring finger.

''Congratulations Enzo'' Mattheo said with a smile. Enzo smiled back and nodded. ''Thank you''

''Congrats'' Theo said as he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. The two smiled at each other as well.

Suddenly their future did not seem as bleak anymore. Suddenly they all had a vision for it and it involved each other and the three girls they were holding tightly against themselves.