"𝔚𝔢 𝔪𝔲𝔰𝔱 𝔭𝔬𝔴𝔡𝔢𝔯 𝔬𝔲𝔯 𝔴𝔦𝔤𝔰; 𝔱𝔥𝔞𝔱 𝔦𝔰 𝔴𝔥𝔶 𝔰𝔬 𝔪𝔞𝔫𝔶 𝔭𝔬𝔬𝔯 𝔭𝔢𝔬𝔭𝔩𝔢 𝔥𝔞𝔳𝔢 𝔫𝔬 𝔟𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔡.

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Avalyn woke up the next morning, her head on Mattheo's chest and their legs tangled together firmly. She looked around in a slightly confused matter as she had no recollection of where she had fallen asleep. Her eyes fell on her friends and she slowly started to remember the night before.

They had helped her give her mother's death a place and she felt grateful to call them her friends. ''Grateful for what?'' Mattheo mumbled softly. Avalyn hummed in slight confusion as she leaned back to look at her boyfriend. ''What?'' She mumbled quietly, not wanting to wake the people around them.

''You linked me'' Mattheo murmured as his eyes stayed closed and Avalyn realised then that she had accidentally sent Mattheo her thoughts and woken him from his sleep. ''Sorry for waking you, I didn't mean to'' She whispered. Mattheo's eyes opened as he sent her a small smile. ''No problem. You're new to it'' Avalyn nodded as she looked around and yawned softly. ''I'm kind of hungry'' She whispered out, Mattheo watched her with widened eyes as he nodded and got up.

''Okay, want me to get you something?'' Mattheo was on his feet within seconds and Avalyn was left in a state of confusion. ''Can't we get something together?'' She asked softly, as Mattheo had seemed set on getting some food and bringing it back to her.

''Yes! Of course!'' Mattheo cleared his throat as he helped her stand. He had not expected her to be so okay to accompany him to the great hall for breakfast. Avalyn looked back at their friends. ''Do we just leave them?'' She whispered and Mattheo looked over as well. ''Yeah'' He shrugged, Avalyn let out a soft laugh as she nodded and followed after Mattheo.

The pair walked down the stairs and through the hallways. The castle was silent and empty and Avalyn quickly realised that it was probably earlier than she had expected. ''What time is it?'' she whispered as she wrapped her hand around Mattheo's arm. He shrugged. ''Doesn't matter'' he assured her. Avalyn pursed her lips as she doubted if the great hall was even serving breakfast at this hour.

Avalyn and Mattheo walked through the door into the great hall, which was still empty, except for the teachers who were eating breakfast, before the students would be awake. ''Miss Levisay, Mr Riddle. Breakfast starts in an hour'' Dumbledore exclaimed. Avalyn froze as she tugged at Mattheo's arm. ''Sorry headmaster, We will come back in an hour'' She said loudly, but Mattheo did not budge.

''What no!'' He exclaimed as he tugged his arm from her grip. ''She hasn't had a decent meal in days, she's finally hungry and willing to eat and you're gonna send her away?'' Dumbledore leaned back in slight disbelief as he shook his head disapprovingly. ''You think Miss Levisay deserves special treatment because of what happened?'' Avalyn gasped softly as she dropped her head to the floor to hide the tears that were filling her eyes. ''No, but maybe the same privileges you have been giving Potter'' Dumbledore's mouth slammed shut at the words the Riddle boy spoke. ''She just wants some pancakes'' Mattheo breathed out. Dumbledore sucked in his cheeks. ''No'' The headmaster spoke as he waved them away.

Avalyn could see Mattheo tense up, his hands balling into fists as he took a step forward. Avalyn took hold of his hand as she pulled him back. ''Don't wanna eat in the same room as them anyway'' She mumbled out as she turned and walked, feeling Mattheo follow her.

Mattheo passed her and grabbed her shoulders. She looked disappointed and it tore at his heart to see her so beat down after the cruel words of their headmaster. Mattheo sighed as he placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Avalyn watched as his eyes widened and her boyfriend seemed to have gotten an idea. ''Follow me'' He whispered as he took her hand and pulled her with him.

Avalyn followed after him and gasped when she realised he was dragging her to the kitchen. ''Mattheo we're not allowed in the kitchen!'' She hissed in a low whisper, Mattheo looked back with a mischievous glim in his eyes as he smirked and shrugged. ''It's not like they cook for themselves'' Avalyn decided to trust Mattheo and follow him without giving their actions much thought.

The pair burst into the kitchen. It was empty making Mattheo smile in slight victory. ''Here. Sit'' Mattheo said as he lifted Avalyn onto the small kitchen island. Avalyn placed her hands in her lap as she watched Mattheo move to the fridge and take out everything he needed to make pancakes. ''What are you doing?'' Avalyn asked with a small laugh as Mattheo placed everything down next to her. ''I'm going to make you pancakes'' He said with a smile, Avalyn licked her lips as she smiled. ''you don't have to, an apple is fine'' She said as she tried to move off the counter, but Mattheo took hold of her upper legs and lifted her back up. ''Just stay put'' He ordered Avalyn bit her lip to hide her smile as she slowly lowered her leg.

Mattheo reached over to take hold of her once more, but she quickly lifted herself back up, laughing at Mattheo as he sent her an unamused, playful, glare. ''So stubborn'' He tsked as he shook his head and cracked an egg into a bowl. Avalyn smiled and just watched Mattheo.

He was focused on the pancake batter, his curls falling in front of his eyes as his hair had grown quite a bit since they met. With the threat of war hovering above their heads neither of them had had time to do things like getting their hair cut.

''When did you learn to cook?'' Avalyn broke the silence, Mattheo looked up in slight surprise at the sudden sound of her voice. ''While my mom was in Azkaban and my dad was- well- dead'' Mattheo mumbled. ''I lived with Draco for a while, but their meals were never really enough'' Mattheo snickered out as he shrugged. ''Would sneak to the kitchen with Draco when we got hungry'' Avalyn smiled at him as she watched him whisk the ingredients together.

He moved to the stove across from them, placing a pan on one of the pits and lighting it. Avalyn watched as Mattheo took some butter and let it melt in the pan. Mattheo took the bowl and tipped it so the batter poured into the pan. He used his finger to stop more batter from spilling once he placed it on the counter next to the stove.

He turned to Avalyn with a slight smile, She smiled back and took hold of his hand with both of her own. She pulled his hand closer to her lips, Mattheo stared at her intensely, his eyes were searching hers to figure out her next move, but he would never be able to read her mind. Her lips parted as she wrapped her mouth around the finger that had traces of batter on it. He felt her tongue run around his finger, sucking off any pancake batter residue. Mattheo gasped and shivered at the feeling. Avalyn pulled back and ran her tongue over her lip. ''It's good'' She mumbled out innocently.

''I-'' Mattheo was at a loss for words, so he decided to just shut up and kiss her. He pulled at her legs to get her closer to him as he felt her hand bury itself in his curls. It was something she always did and yet it always managed to raise goosebumps on his skin. Mattheo moved his lips towards her neck as he buried his own hand in her hair. He felt her lean back and shiver under his touch and he knew that if he raised his head he would be able to catch her eyes roll back before they closed.

Avalyn hummed his name as he felt her raise her head again. A slight jump came from her frame as she pushed him away. ''Shit! the pancakes!'' She yelped out as the burning smell filled Mattheo's nose. He quickly turned and lifted the pan from the fire. ''Fuck'' He said as he turned to look at Avalyn. Her hair was slightly messed up and her lips swollen, A small red spot, which would have turned into a hickey if Mattheo had not turned away, covered her neck.

She looked so tasty and Mattheo would have dropped the pan if he had not set his mind on making sure Avalyn ate something. ''Alright, I still have batter,'' Mattheo mumbled as he threw away the burned pancakes and placed the pan on the fire again. ''Seriously?!'' Avalyn asked in slight disbelief, Mattheo turned to her with a slight frown. ''Yeah, I'll finish that hickey later'' Avalyn's jaw dropped before she started giggling.

''It's attractive when you take care of me like this'' Avalyn admitted, Mattheo's back was turned her way, but she knew he was smiling. He took hold of the pan and moved it back and forth, before making one swift movement with his wrist and flipping the pancake in the air. Avalyn gasped as she jumped from the counter. ''I wanna be able to do that!'' She exclaimed and wrapped her arms around her boyfriend's waist. ''Teach me, please!'' She asked excitedly. Mattheo smiled as he nodded. He handed her the pan and wrapped his hand over hers.

''Relax your wrist and-'' He stopped midsentence and moved her hand the right way. Avalyn watched as the pancake flew up, turned, and landed back in the pan. ''Cool,'' Avalyn mumbled in awe as Mattheo grabbed a plate and dropped the pancake on it. He walked over to one of the cupboards, took out some syrup and poured it over the pancake. ''Thank you'' Avalyn said as she placed the plate on the kitchen aisle and took some cutlery from Mattheo's hand.

Avalyn dug into the pancake as Mattheo turned and continued to make some more. ''What is cooking good looking!'' Avalyn frowned as she turned towards the voice. Theo walked in with a bright smile on his lips. ''I'm not cooking?'' Avalyn asked confused. ''Wasn't talking about you'' Theo stated as he winked at Mattheo, who laughed at the offended look on Avalyn's face.

Theo moved over to where Avalyn was standing and eating. ''They smell a bit weird'' He mumbled as he took the plate and raised it slightly, sniffing the air above it and pulling a face of disgust. ''Stop it'' Avalyn said as she took the plate from his hands and placed it back down. ''I'm serious Ava. Did Mattheo check the eggs?'' Avalyn frowned as she lowered her face towards the pancake to sniff the air as well. A hand appeared on the back of her head and pushed her slightly so her nose landed in the syrup. ''Theo!'' Avalyn yelled out as she raised her head again.

Mattheo laughed as Avalyn wiped her nose with the sleeve of her shirt. ''I am so tired of you!'' Avalyn exclaimed as she jumped onto Theo's back, her arm wrapped around his neck to try and hold him in an armlock. Theo stayed unbothered as he reached for Avalyn's fork and took a bite of her pancake. ''It's good'' he complimented Mattheo, who sent him a smile of slight gratitude.

''Are you done?'' Theo asked Avalyn who sighed out and dropped back onto the floor. ''Why are you in an annoying mood anyway?'' She asked as she turned back to eating her pancake again. Theo leaned on the aisle as he looked at her with a small smile, he shrugged. ''Just happy'' He mumbled as he dragged his finger over some syrup residue on Avalyn's plate, he licked his finger as Avalyn dropped her head to the side in question, hoping it urged Theo to explain more.

''My best friend is feeling better and the girl I'm into said yes to being my girlfriend'' Avalyn smiled softly at the boy, he seemed so happy. ''And I am still very happy for you'' she spoke softly as Theo nodded. ''Me too,'' Mattheo said with a smile and he meant it. He did not know how Sage had done it, but Theodore had never seemed this ecstatic before. Theo nodded gratefully as he turned towards Avalyn. ''Did you sleep well?'' He asked softly. Avalyn nodded as she poured some syrup on the fresh pancake Mattheo dropped on her plate.

''Good, 'cause Sage asked me to ask you if you wanted to come dress shopping with her and Loraine'' Avalyn smiled and nodded. ''Sounds like fun!'' She said. ''Cool, Enzo and I are going too if you want to join Mattheo?'' Mattheo pursed his lips in thought. he hummed out as he wrapped his arms around Avalyn. ''Watch my girlfriend try on beautiful dresses all day or be bored?'' Avalyn giggled as he placed his head on hers. ''Of course, I'll join'' he stated ''Great, I'll let the others know. We leave in 15 minutes'' Theo stated as he walked out of the kitchen again.

Mattheo let his gaze follow Theo, watching him leave before he turned towards Avalyn. ''How about I finish that hickey now?'' He mumbled into her neck, Avalyn laughed as she stepped out of his arms. ''No, I need to go and get ready'' She mumbled as she took his hand and pulled him with her to his room, as most of her clothes had found their way into his room at this point.

The pair made their way to the Slytherin prefect room, quickly getting dressed before heading back down to the front door. They passed the doors to the great hall, where a loud voice spoke to the other students who were eating breakfast before getting to class. ''I want to remind everyone once more that the kitchen is off-limits to students!'' Dumbledore spoke, Avalyn turned to Mattheo and laughed before the two rushed off to meet their friends.

''Finally!'' Enzo groaned when he saw Mattheo and Avalyn approach. The six of them started walking. As Avalyn looked around at her friends she realized that even while being surrounded by the golden trio she never had actual friends. She was Harry's girl, she never was Avalyn to Hermione and Ron.

But her friends now loved her for who she was, they cared for her and gave her all the space to just be Avalyn. They didn't care about her blood status or her parents. They enjoyed having her around no matter the circumstances.

She dropped her head on Mattheo's shoulder and smiled. I love these guys Avalyn thought to herself. She watched as Enzo and Theo stopped, Mattheo froze too and turned to look at her. ''Awe, we love you too Levisay!'' Theo yelled out as he ran up to her. Avalyn gasped as she moved behind Mattheo to hopefully avoid being picked up by Theo.

But he took hold of her waist and pulled her into a hug. ''Let me go! I didn't mean to link that!'' Avalyn yelled out. Theo dropped her and smiled as he walked back over to Sage again. Enzo ruffled Avalyn's hair as he smiled. ''yeah, we love you too'' He mumbled before he allowed Loraine to pull him with her.

''you guys have a link?'' Sage asked, Avalyn and Mattheo nodded. Theo nudged Sage when she turned to look ahead again with a slight frown, she felt left out there was no denying that. ''I'll link you too once we get back to Hogwarts'' Theo promised, making Sage smile and nod.

The people in front of Mattheo and Avalyn stopped in front of a store and waited for someone from the store to open the door before they walked in. ''Is it still closed?'' Avalyn asked as she looked up at the sign. Handmade dresses filled the windows and she gasped at the pricetags. ''Yeah, but we know the owner'' Mattheo explained as he moved to go inside, but Avalyn pulled him back. ''Mattheo, this store is way over my budget'' Her boyfriend frowned. ''I- What?'' Mattheo asked in slight disbelief, Avalyn frowned now too as she did not understand why Mattheo seemed surprised. ''I can't afford these dresses'' Avalyn explained.

her boyfriend shook his head with a frown. ''what are you talking about? I'm taking you to the ball so I'm paying for it'' He stated Avalyn widened her eyes as she shook her head. "What? No? Since when?'' Mattheo smiled as he understood the slight miscommunication. ''Because it's wizarding customs. Sorry Avalyn, I thought it might have been the same in the muggle world'' Avalyn shook her head confused as Mattheo dragged her inside.

She followed her boyfriend as the lady of the shop locked the door behind them again. Theo and Enzo were seated in front of the dressing rooms, a glass of fire whiskey in their hands and one more on the small side table next to the only empty chair remaining. ''Hello, what are we looking for today?'' the lady asked Mattheo. He looked down at his girlfriend, who still had a firm grip on his arm as she looked around the store. ''Something green, not too much going on as I don't want it to distract from her beautiful face'' Avalyn looked back up at her boyfriend and felt herself flush at his words. He smiled and walked her to the changing room which was still empty. ''Whatever you like and don't like on the dress she gives, let her know until you find the perfect one'' Mattheo mumbled as Avalyn nodded.

Mattheo sent her an assuring smile as he walked over to his friends and sat down in the chair, taking his drink in his hand. ''She didn't know?'' Theo asked as Mattheo shook his head. Theo chuckled as he shook his head. ''I would give some serious money to see her face when you told her you were paying for it'' Mattheo laughed as well as the woman walked over with three dresses in her hand, she put a silver one in Sage's changing room, a red one in Loraine's and she pulled the curtain open of Avalyn's dressing room, a small yell came from the dressing room as the woman hung up the dress and walked back to find some more.

Avalyn pulled open the curtain, peeking out her head. ''Is she gonna keep barging in like that?'' She whisper yelled. Mattheo smiled as he slowly nodded. ''Good to know'' Avalyn mumbled as she pulled her head back inside.

Avalyn took off the sweater she was wearing, keeping the legging on as the dress would fit over it. She put the dark green dress on, turning and finding out it had a corset back, which was impossible for her to tighten herself. ''Fuck'' She whispered as she opened the curtain once more. ''Matt could you help me with the back?'' Mattheo dropped his head to the side as he cleared his throat and turned towards the woman, who had appeared next to the boys again. ''She needs help'' He mumbled as he watched the Lady nod and walk over to Avalyn's changing room. ''And she would also be more comfortable with you announcing yourself before coming in'' Avalyn sent the woman a nervous smile as she turned to look at the girl.

''May I come in?'' She asked, Avalyn nodded as she moved back inside. The woman was quick and handy when it came to tightening the corset. ''There, All done'' She said as she walked back out. Avalyn cleared her throat as she walked out of the dressing room as well.

Mattheo raised himself in his seat as he looked at her. She turned towards a mirror and looked at the dress, she bit her lip as she squeezed her eyes together. ''So not that one'' Mattheo stated as he was quick to figure out her expressions. Avalyn widened her eyes and turned towards her boyfriend. ''I- It's a beautiful dress..'' Avalyn trailed off as she stared at the woman.

''But?'' Mattheo asked, Avalyn turned to him in slight disbelief. Mattheo nodded at her assuringly. He wanted her to feel comfortable in this setting, in what was happening, because his life was filled with situations like this. People who do things for you. He wanted her to be comfortable in the customs of his life because he wanted her in his life.

''I love the corset back, but I don't like the stiffness of the top,'' Avalyn explained as the woman nodded. ''And the skirt is too much'' She whispered, the woman nodded once more, before walking back to the store. Avalyn played with her hands as she looked at herself in the mirror and sighed slowly.

Mattheo pushed himself up and walked over to her, taking hold of her hands to stop her fiddling. ''I didn't offend her did I?'' Mattheo shook his head. ''Hey,'' He mumbled as he took hold of her chin and turned her towards him. ''It's her job, she needs your feedback to find your perfect dress, Ava'' Avalyn felt herself relax as she nodded. ''Okay,'' She whispered as someone cleared her throat behind Mattheo.

Mattheo moved out of the way and sat back down. ''Here you go'' The woman spoke, handing her a velvet, deep green dress. ''Thank you'' Avalyn said with a smile as she walked back into the dressing room. She changed into the other dress and flinched slightly at the feeling of the fabric. She walked back out, this time at the same time as Sage and Loraine. Avalyn gasped. ''You guys look beautiful!'' Avalyn said excitedly. Loraine was wearing a similar dress to Avalyn, just black and Sage was wearing this beautiful white dress. it hugged her curves tightly but loosened halfway through her thighs. Gold accents complimented the dress and her eyes beautifully.

Loraine hummed out as she traced her waist. ''I love the shape. Don't like the thin straps. the waist can be a bit tighter and a deeper V line would be amazing'' She told the lady who was helping them. ''I will see what I can do'' She spoke as she walked back into the shop.

Sage looked at Theo as she turned a bit, his eyes were trailing every shape of her body. ''What do you think?'' She asked her boyfriend. ''You have to like it, Sage'' He spoke once he tore his eyes away from her. Sage pouted slightly as she dropped her head to the side. ''yeah, but you'll be the one taking it off of me at the end of the night'' Theo choked on his whiskey as he coughed lightly. Enzo and Mattheo shared a look before laughing loudly.

''I think it's gorgeous'' Theo finally admitted, making Sage smile and walk over. She reached over and took hold of Theo's hands, pulling him into a standing position. She placed his hands on her hips, watching as his eyes widened. ''Then I think this is the one'' Sage whispered as she raised herself onto her tippy toes and placed her lips on Theo's.

Theo hummed as he kissed her back and watched as she walked back into the dressing room. Avalyn smiled at the pair as she straightened out her dress. ''And?'' Mattheo asked softly. ''Uhm- I love the shape, I don't like the buttons on the top. Love the thin straps and I would love something a bit lighter. Both in colour and weight'' Avalyn explained as the woman nodded once more. Loraine had returned to her dressing room.

Avalyn turned back to her dressing room as well, hearing more drinks being poured. She sighed as she buried her face in her hands. She had never even thought about what life was like for people of a pure-blood wizarding status. People aiding their every need, renting out complete stores. Spending money muggles could live off for months. Money she and her mom had desperately needed when her dad got arrested.

Avalyn sighed as she raised her head again. ''May I come in?'' the woman of the store asked. Avalyn took a small breath. ''yeah'' she said softly. The curtain opened and a dress was handed to Avalyn. She gasped softly at how beautiful it looked.

She changed quickly, calling out the woman for the corset back. Avalyn walked out of the dressing room. A small smile on her lips as she turned in the mirror. The dress was very lightweight and hugged her waist and chest beautifully. ''That the one?'' Mattheo asked, even though he already knew the answer just by looking at Avalyn's face.

Avalyn nodded. ''Yes I love it'' She exclaimed as Mattheo stood up. ''Can you dance in it?'' Avalyn hummed as she shrugged. Mattheo took her hand and twirled her into his arms, before dropping her backwards. Avalyn laughed at the action as she leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss against his lips. Mattheo smiled as he stood back up. ''We'll take this one'' He said as he handed the woman some cash, watching as she smiled and nodded. Avalyn returned to her dressing room and changed back into her clothes.

She handed the dress to the woman who went to package it. ''I love it'' Avalyn mumbled as she reached up and kissed her boyfriend once more. ''Thank you'' She whispered as Mattheo pulled her over to his chair and onto his lap. Loraine walked out of the changing room. Avalyn and Sage gasped. ''Wow!'' Avalyn said as Loraine smiled at her. It was a beautiful black dress, with a deep v-line, her shoulders beautifully decorated with silk and fabric falling down her arms. The waist tightened and decorated with buttons as the dress widened from the hips down.

''Did not think you could look even more stunning'' Enzo spoke softly as he smiled at his fiancé. Loraine smiled and flushed a soft pink as she turned back to the dressing room to change into her clothes as well. The 6 of them walked to the front desk, handing the last dress over.

''So, all dresses come with matching shoes and the possibility of matching ties, made from the same fabric, if you wish it'' The boys nodded at the question. ''Matching ties sound good'' Mattheo spoke as he watched the woman grab another small box and place it in the bag with the dresses. ''Thank you'' Mattheo said as he took the bag from her hands. His friends walked out of the store as Avalyn took Mattheo's empty hand.

''Mattheo?'' The woman spoke softly, and the boy turned. ''Say hi to your mom from me'' Mattheo smiled and nodded. ''of course'' He promised, before walking out as well. Avalyn reached for the bag, but Mattheo moved it away. ''Don't even try and carry this'' Mattheo said as he wrapped his empty arm around Avalyn's waist. She smiled and accepted his lips on hers. Mattheo smiled as well.

''Well then how can I repay you?'' Avalyn mumbled as Mattheo took in a slight breath and hummed. ''I have a few ideas'' He mumbled as he placed a soft kiss on her jaw. Avalyn giggled as she nodded. ''Well I wanna hear your brilliant idea when we get back to your room'' Avalyn said, Mattheo nodded as he released her.

Avalyn took his hand and pulled him with her. Before she could Mattheo looked back at the store. The woman looked at him with a stern gaze, following their every move. Mattheo swallowed thickly and smiled at her, sending her a slight nod of his head before walking away.

There had been something eery about her gaze and Mattheo felt sudden worry weigh down on his shoulders about how comfortable he had been with Avalyn in the presence of friends of his mother.

He did not know what the consequences would be if his mother heard about it and he would not know how he would lie about not loving him towards his parents.

because when it came to his feelings for Avalyn, they were hard to deny at this point.