"𝔖𝔱𝔞𝔟 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔟𝔬𝔡𝔶 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔦𝔱 𝔥𝔢𝔞𝔩𝔰, 𝔟𝔲𝔱 𝔦𝔫𝔧𝔲𝔯𝔢 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔥𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔞𝔫𝔡 𝔱𝔥𝔢 𝔴𝔬𝔲𝔫𝔡 𝔩𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔰 𝔞 𝔩𝔦𝔣𝔢𝔱𝔦𝔪𝔢."

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

Avalyn leaned over Mattheo placing a soft kiss on his cheek as she sat back on her knees. ''What do you think is going to happen?'' She whispered. Mattheo sighed as he placed a hand on her knee, rubbing it softly to calm her. ''My father will destroy Hogwarts if it means he can get to Potter.'' Avalyn took a small breath as she felt Mattheo sit up, almost closing the distance between them.

''We are going to be fine. I won't let anyone hurt you'' Mattheo whispered as he placed his hand on her cheek. He stared at her, watching the way she completely relaxed under his touch, her body sinking in acceptance as she trusted the words he had spoken. She was everything to him. The whole world. He didn't care about Hogwarts, or Potter, or his father. All he cared for was her.

''Marry me'' Mattheo whispered. The words escaped before he even knew what he had said. Avalyn felt her eyes widen at the words. ''What?'' She questioned as she did not believe she understood correctly. ''Marry me'' Mattheo repeated, his eyes travelling over her face to try and figure out what she was thinking.

''Mattheo, we're barely adults'' Avalyn stated with a small laugh, Mattheo smiled as he shrugged. ''I'm 18, you'll be 18 in a few weeks. I love you and I don't want anyone else. Why should I wait?'' Avalyn thought on it as guilt settled in her stomach. She wanted to say yes, but she did not want to give him the impression that a future would be in the cards for them. Because she knew it wasn't, whether it would be by her own doing, the order's or his father's. Their happiness was not something that would ever happen to them.

''I- I don't know'' She whispered. Mattheo moved even closer, taking hold of her face with both his hands. ''I want you to be more than my girlfriend'' Mattheo whispered. ''In my head you already are, but I want to make it official'' Avalyn gasped softly at the idea that Mattheo secretly saw her as his wife. Mattheo pulled his hands back, taking off the ring around his pinky finger, a mark present around the finger because of how tight the ring had been.

''Only if you can see me as a husband'' Mattheo said as he held out the ring to her. Avalyn looked at it, before looking up at Mattheo's eyes. ''If I say yes now it will be out of fear of losing you, Mattheo'' She whispered. ''I want to say yes for you, not for this war'' Mattheo's face fell but he understood her words. Avalyn was strong for refusing to give in to her fear.

''Hold on to this till after'' Avalyn said as she tapped the ring. ''I'll put it on after'' She promised and watched as Mattheo smiled, She forced one back. ''will do'' he said as he slowly stood up from the bed. ''Where are you going?'' Avalyn asked as her body followed, but Mattheo leaned over her before she could get up from the bed, keeping her in place.

''Need to use the restroom'' Mattheo whispered as he leaned closer, gently placing his lips against hers. Avalyn placed her hands on his cheeks, feeling him deepen the kiss. It was loving and tender. His hand brushed over her waist as he pulled back. ''I love you'' Mattheo whispered hoarsly. ''I love you'' Avalyn said with a small smile.

Mattheo walked towards the door, stepped out and the moment the door closed the lock clicked.

''Mattheo?'' Avalyn said as she stood up from the bed, she walked up to the door trying to open it, but it wouldn't. ''Mattheo!'' Avalyn yelled out alarmed as she slammed her hands against the door. ''What are you doing?!'' She cried as she tried to pull the door open again.

''I need you to stay put, but you're stubborn as hell Avalyn'' Avalyn groaned out as she dropped her grip on the door handle, kicking the door loudly. ''Let me out!'' She yelled. She could hear Mattheo take a small step back. ''My father is already here, Avalyn. I need to make sure you don't do anything stupid'' Avalyn slammed her hands against the door again. ''You can't do this!'' She yelled out, heat rising in her body as she kept trying the door. "I promised to keep you safe Avalyn.''

''Mattheo please, I'm scared'' She said as she stared at the door, hoping that would be enough to convince Mattheo to open the door. ''You might be, but at least you're safe.'' Avalyn kicked the door again. ''Open it!'' She yelled out, a soft sob escaping her lips.

''Mattheo'' She could hear Theo call from down the stairs. 2 pairs of footsteps rushed up the prefect stairway. ''Theo! Please tell Mattheo to open the door. Please!'' Avalyn begged, soft sobs escaping her lips as her hand landed on the doorknob in hopes of hearing the lock click open again

''She didn't take it well I suppose?'' Theo said, completely disregarding Avalyn's request. ''What?'' Avalyn breathed in disbelief. ''You're in on this?'' Still, no one responded to her.

''Think she'll be able to get out?'' Enzo's voice sounded soft. ''What the fuck is going on!'' Avalyn roared in anger, her body shaking from how livid she was. ''No, not without her wand'' Avalyn's hand shot to her waist, where she always kept her wand tucked in the waistband of her skirt or pants. The kiss. Mattheo had used the kiss to distract her and steal her wand.

''You stole my fucking wand, Riddle?!'' She yelled out, once again slamming her hands against the door. ''Ouch! last name. Sage called me by my last name once, it did not end well'' Theo said with a soft laugh. ''Sit tight, Avalyn'' Mattheo said and Avalyn could hear him leave.

''Fuck you!'' She screamed after the lot. ''You can do that after!'' Mattheo yelled back before the footsteps disappeared completely. ''Asshole'' Avalyn mumbled as she dropped herself against the door and slid down, tears now streaming uncontrollably.

───── ❝ OUTSIDE HOGWARTS ❞ ─────

The boys managed to sneak out of the castle quite easily. Finding their parents outside of Hogwarts, looking down at the school. Mattheo took the spot next to his father and looked down at the place that had been his second home, his eyes wandering as he watched a protective field fold over the castle.

He slowly turned, taking a glance at Cyrus Levisay, sending him a soft nod, which got returned. Mattheo felt his shoulders relax at the knowledge of having Cyrus on his side, and his two friends on his other side. 'She will be okay'  Theo sends Mattheo, noticing the nervous look on his face.

'She has to be. I promised her'  Mattheo send back. The dark lord turned, his eyes falling on his followers, which could now be described as an army. ''Bring me Potter'' Was all he said, before the death eaters unleashed their spells on the force field.

''Mattheo'' Mattheo looked up at his dad and nodded. ''You know what you must do.'' He swallowed thickly, before nodding. He was scared. But not for his assignment, there was nothing anyone could do that could make him raise his wand towards Avalyn. Nothing. He was sure of it.

A loud cracking noise could be heard before the top of the force field started to collapse. ''Make me proud son.'' Mattheo shivered at his father's words, before moving towards the castle again, his friends not too far behind.

───── ❝ AVALYN'S ROOM ❞ ─────

Avalyn kept her head buried in her arms, the sound of the shield collapsing deafening, the sound of students screaming out in panic outside her door even louder. A familiar voice came from outside her door. She quickly stood up. ''Harry!'' She yelled as she slammed her hands against her door. ''Harry! in here!'' she heard someone behind the door. "Lyn?'' Harry asked softly.

''Harry! Mattheo locked me in, can you open the door?'' She begged softly, a soft glow coming from the lock before the door opened with a soft creak. ''Thank you!'' Avalyn said as she stepped out of the room and next to Harry. ''Why did he lock you in?'' Avalyn shrugged, letting Harry know she had no idea what had gotten into Mattheo.

''I need to find Mattheo, do you know where he is?'' Harry looked at her with a soft glare. The last thing I heard was the Slytherins meeting with their parents outside of Hogwarts. But they have gotten in now Avalyn. He should be within the walls'' Avalyn shivered as she nodded, her heart speeding up as the screams got louder. Avalyn made a move towards the stairs, but Harry took hold of her upper arm, pulling her back. ''Where are you going? you have no wand, Lyn'' Avalyn looked at her friend, before nodding. ''I still have an assignment, Harry. Mattheo has my wand, if I can get it back I can k-'' She swallowed thickly. ''You can kill him" Harry finished for her, His eyes taking in the way she swallowed thickly as she nodded.

''I'm not gonna fail Avalyn. There might not be a need for him to die'' Avalyn looked up at Harry with a frown, but the slight hope shimmering in her eyes did not go unnoticed by the boy. ''I can beat him. I promise I can'' Avalyn smiled at Harry, it was sad and she looked about ready to break out into sobs. ''So hold off okay. I'll come find you when it's done. I'll help you two get out. I want you to be happy Lyn'' He touched her cheek, before pulling her into a hug. ''Stay safe okay?'' Avalyn asked softly, before releasing her grip on Harry and rushing down the prefect stairway.

Students pushed passed Avalyn as they tried to move higher and away from the danger, knocking her over and making it their mission to make it harder for her to find Mattheo. ''Move, Move!'' Avalyn yelled out as she pushed passed the other students. She arrived at the bottom of the stairs, her eyes taking in the bodies of fellow students lying scattered around her. She froze for a second, gasping for breath as she looked at the damage. Disbelief filling her system.

The war had felt so far away for so long, that being in the middle of it almost seemed like a nightmare. Not real. But it was, and she was smack in the middle of it.

Mattheo rushed up the prefect stairs, a loud gasp escaping his lips when he found the door to Avalyn's room open. ''No, no, no'' He stepped into the room, finding it empty. ''Fuck!'' He yelled out as he kicked the small dresser next to the door. ''She went to find you'' Harry's voice sounded from behind Mattheo, He turned, rushing up to Harry and grabbing his collar.

''Why did you let her out?'' Mattheo asked loudly, almost desperately. ''Why did you lock her into a room?!'' Harry yelled back, as he vividly remembered his agreement with the Riddle boy. ''So I could find her and get her out Potter! I was go- I was gonna send her somewhere with Theo an- She was gonna be safe'' Mattheo explained in a slight panic. ''Fuck she's not answering the link i- Fuck!''

''where's your father?'' Harry asked softly. ''Aval-'' ''No! Your father. I need to know where Voldemort is Mattheo. And Nagini. Where are they?'' Mattheo frowned at the question. ''Somewhere. I don't know. Knowing him, he'll find a way to get you to come to him'' Harry sighed as he nodded, stepping back as he leaned against the wall. ''You didn't tell me about the 'Locking Avalyn in her room' bit of the plan. Sorry,'' Harry said softly.

''We can find her,'' Theo spoke, looking between Harry and Mattheo. ''We'd need more time, but if we find her the plan can still work. Find Ava, get her out, Kill the dark lord'' Theo spoke and Enzo nodded in agreement. ''if Harry can remain out of his grip for just a bit longer, we can split up and find her.''

''I can hide, stay out of their hands. I can give you guys a bit of time but at some point, I'm gonna have to-'' Mattheo nodded as he looked at the boy. ''I know'' Mattheo said as he looked at his friends. ''Split up, find Avalyn. Keep your link open'' The two Slytherins nodded, before walking down the stairs. ''Thank you Potter'' Mattheo mumbled, watching as the Golden boy nodded at him before Mattheo himself took off as well.

───── ❝ HOGWARTS CORRIDORS ❞ ─────

Avalyn kept moving through the corridors, trying to stay out of sight of the death eaters. Footsteps coming closer made her hide behind a small wall, waiting for them to fade as she gripped her shirt tightly. She was scared, shaking and if she placed her hand against her chest she would find her heart almost exploding from her chest. She needed Mattheo and her wand. She was too exposed with no way of protecting herself. She squeezed her hands into fists, collecting her courage before standing up again and walking further into the castle.

Her feet carried her through the Slytherin wing, a long corridor with barely any cover in front of her. Avalyn took a deep breath as she turned to see if going back was the smarter move. ''Avalyn!'' A voice yelled out from the other side of the hallway. Avalyn turned back. "Mattheo?'' She yelled back as she started running towards her boyfriend. Her arm reached forward, wanting to be in his arms as quickly as possible. Her fingers grazed those of Mattheo, but an arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her back and away from Mattheo interrupted their reunion.

Avalyn watched as two death eaters grabbed Mattheo's arms. ''Wait! Wait!'' Mattheo yelled out desperately as the feeling of cool metal being pressed against Avalyn's throat made her freeze. ''Mom!'' Mattheo yelled out desperately, all his movements stopping at the sight of a dagger against Ava's throat. ''That's her. That's Avalyn. Please...'' He trailed off watching his mom stare at him. ''Matt?'' Avalyn questioned softly. Vicious laughter came from behind Avalyn. ''Matt.... She calls you Matt'' Bellatrix spoke softly, watching as her son pulled at his arms, trying to break free, but he couldn't.

''My son loves you'' Bellatrix spoke to Avalyn, her breath running passed her cheek, Avalyn swallowed thickly. ''I know'' She whispered, feeling the metal press harsher into her neck. ''I know too'' Bellatrix said teasingly. "He told me'' Mattheo looked at his mother, His shoulders sinking in realization. ''He gave me all the information, told me all about you'' Avalyn looked at Mattheo in slight disbelief.

''Ava..'' He cried out softly, watching as Ava's lip trembled at the thought of her boyfriend selling her out to his mother and though it might have seemed innocent to him, he had unknowingly put a target on her back. ''I will do anything Mom, please ju- just let her go'' Mattheo bargained, hoping that for once his mother would choose his side and put her love for him before anything.

Unknown to Mattheo, Bellatrix was doing just that. She knew her son loved Avalyn, she also knew he had gotten an assignment from his father that he needed to complete, or the dark lord would have his head. The only thing standing in the way was his love for the Levisay girl.

''What was the plan, Matty?'' Bellatrix asked in a sickly sweet voice. Mattheo stared at his mother, his lip pulling up in anger as he ignored her question. ''Tell me!'' She screeched, readjusting the dagger so Avalyn had to look up.

''You know the plan, it never changed'' Mattheo lied through his teeth, glaring at the woman whom he had made the mistake of trusting in a moment of weakness. Bellatrix nodded, as she turned towards Avalyn. ''He told me all the things he loves about you. If only....your blood was not tainted'' Bellatrix spoke softly. Avalyn bit her lip to hold back her tears, Bellatrix turned so she was looking at Avalyn, watching as the girl pushed down her pain. She smirked.

''your mom-'' Avalyn gasped at the mention of her mum. ''She told your dad to tell you, to not let her death weigh you down.'' Avalyn gasped out a sob as she reached up to grip Bellatrix's arm, her knees almost giving under her weight. ''Do you feel heavy, Avalyn?'' Bellatrix teased. ''Burdened with the death of your mother?'' ''Stop!'' Mattheo yelled out as he watched Avalyn's body shake with violent sobs. Bellatrix turned back to her son. ''You carry the burden of a last name that comes with responsibility!'' She screamed as Mattheo hardened his gaze. ''I don't want that fucking last name! Not if it's gonna cost me Avalyn! MOM PLEASE!'' Bellatrix clenched her jaw as she let the words of her son sink in. ''Unacceptable'' She mumbled.

Bellatrix moves her hand, the dagger going from Avalyn's neck to the top of her head. ''Mom'' Mattheo mumbled as he watched in slight disbelief, not knowing what his mom was planning. Bellatrix put pressure on the blade, a soft cry escaping Avalyn's lips as blood trickled down her face. ''Stop!'' Mattheo yelled out as he once again fought against the grip on his arms.

the blade trailed down, Between her eyebrows as her soft cries now turned into screams. ''Stop! Please!'' Mattheo screamed out as he watched Avalyn grip his mother's arm in pain, blood trickling down onto her shirt. Well, his shirt. She had put it on after they had made love. They had shared a night expressing every way they wanted and loved each other. His love for her now seemed unimportant as he watched what it was costing them.

Bellatrix dragged the dagger down a bit again, over her nose now onto her right cheek. The tissue gripping and pulling at the knife, made Bellatrix grip the dagger tighter. Avalyn screeched out again, by now her tears were mixed with blood to the point that it looked like she was crying crimson tears. There was almost no part of her skin that was red. ''Stop! Please!'' Mattheo begged as he watched his mom drag the dagger over her cheekbone, before finally pulling away from Avalyn's skin.

Avalyn let out a slight gasp in relief, her scream morphing into soft sobs as her body went limp. Bellatrix dropped the girl, wiping her bloodied hand on her skirt. ''You should remember your place, Mattheo'' Bellatrix spoke as she looked down at her son, but his eyes were focused on the girl squirming at her feet.

Mattheo watched as Avalyn cupped her face with shaking hands, soft sobs leaving her lips as she let out a choked-up sound, before coughing up blood. ''Ava'' Mattheo mumbled as he ached to hold her, take her pain, take her place; anything to make the sight he was seeing disappear.

"Let's see how much he loves your face now, Levisay'' Bellatrix spoke, before she apparated, the two death eaters following, leaving the couple alone.

 ''Avalyn'' Mattheo cried out as he moved closer to her. Avalyn pushed herself up, turning her back to him as she held up her hand to stop him from coming closer. ''Please stay there.'' She begged softly, her voice strained from the screaming.

''Ava, let me see. I ca-'' "You've done enough Mattheo please!'' Avalyn cried out as she dropped her hands to the floor, leaning on it as more sobs tore through her body. Mattheo watched blood drip down onto the tiles, Avalyn's hand moving to the droplets, catching a few as she cried softly at the sight.

Mattheo decided to go against her wishes and moved closer, his hands falling on her shoulders. Avalyn was quick to cover her face with her arms, leaning forward as she continued sobbing. ''I am so sorry Ava. I- I made a mistake and you-'' Avalyn shook her head. ''I paid for it'' Avalyn dropped herself sideways, feeling Mattheo wrap his arms around her, holding her tightly.

''It hurts'' Avalyn mumbled, feeling Mattheo squeeze her. ''I am so sorry'' He kept repeating, as if sorry was gonna stop everything from hurting. Footsteps approached the two, making Avalyn cling onto Mattheo, still hoping he'd protect her if more people tried to hurt her.

Theo slowed his pace once he found Mattheo holding Avalyn close to himself. His eyes trailed the blood on the floor as his heart sank. ''What happened!?'' He asked, Mattheo shook his head, stuttering incoherent words, Theo felt his chest tighten as he rubbed his face.

"What happened?!'' He asked short of breath, Mattheo gasped softly. "I had he- I had her, my hand touched hers sh- It happened so fast!" Theo looked down at the blood covering the tiles, staining them. ''What happened to Avalyn?!'' Theo screamed as he took a step forward, feeling Enzo grab his shoulder, and pull him back.

Mattheo felt his lip quiver as he looked up at his friends, hesitating before letting go of a breath. ''I told someone'' He admitted regrettably. Theo felt his eyes widen. ''Who? Who did you tell?!'' Mattheo flinched slightly at the loudness of his best friend's voice, but he could not blame Theo for his tone as he would do the same if he found Avalyn surrounded by blood.

''My mom'' Mattheo whispered. Enzo dropped his head in disbelief. ''Mattheo-'' "I know!'' Mattheo yelled out desperately as he pulled away from Avalyn, his shirt sticking to her bloodied face, she cried out at the distance Mattheo was creating. ''Let me see'' He mumbled. ''No! Please Mattheo, I don't want you to see it'' Avalyn asked softly. Mattheo took hold of her face. ''I love you no matter what'' He assured as he turned her face his way, gasping softly at the damage his mom had done. ''I am so sorry'' He choked out as Avalyn just nodded, taking hold of his hand.

''We have to go'' Theo said as he reached for Avalyn's arm, pulling her into a standing position. ''If we leave now we can still get her out, maybe Potter is sti-'' Avalyn looked up at Theo, making him stop his sentence. ''Ava..'' Theo mumbled as he reached over to wipe some blood away from her eyes. ''Still beautiful'' Theo assured, Avalyn dropped her gaze again, feeling Mattheo wrap his arm around her waist and take hold of her other arm, pulling it over his neck, supporting her.

''We will look at the wound later, get her out first'' The two Slytherins nodded at Mattheo's words, Enzo taking the lead on which way to go to get out of the castle and that damned battle. The three burst through a side door, stumbling forward before freezing.

On the left of them stood the Order, surrounded by Hogwarts students. On their right, The Dark Lord, surrounded by death eaters. Avalyn let her eyes travel across the crowd, before landing on Hagrid, frowning at the figure he was holding close before the realization hit. Avalyn cried out softly as she recognized the figure as Harry. ''No!'' She said as she felt Mattheo hold her tighter, his own eyes travelling among the crowds, looking for a way out, but he found none.

Avalyn had dropped her head, Harry was dead which meant her assignment still stood. He had not managed to keep his promise. ''Avalyn!'' Hermione and Arthur yelled out, Mattheo stiffened at the sound, seeing Avalyn reach for her wand, which was in his waistband, from the corner of his eyes. ''Ava don-'' Mattheo was too slow to stop her, turning his back towards his father and facing his girlfriend, raising his wand at the same time as she raised hers.

Enzo did the same, raising his wand towards Avalyn. Next to her, Theo raised his wand towards his friends, Avalyn gasped softly as she turned to Theo. "Lower it Theo'' She ordered. ''No'' Theo said in return. ''Enzo'' Mattheo mumbled, watching as Enzo hesitated but lowered his wand anyway.

''Theo!'' Avalyn said loudly as she tried to push his hand down. ''I promised to protect you'' Theo stated. He had promised to keep her safe, and he would do anything to keep the promise, even if it meant turning on his best friends.

Avalyn closed her eyes for a short second, before roughly pushing Theo on the ground. ''This is not about you!'' She slowly raised her eyes towards Mattheo. He was staring at her, a pained expression on his face as he seemed to put the pieces together.

''This-'' Avalyn hardened her gaze, aimed at Mattheo.

''This is between you and me''