The dimly lit common room was unusually quiet, save for the crackling fire. Silence hung thick in the air, broken only by the heavy weight of betrayal suffocating your chest. Mattheo stood in front of you, his disheveled hair falling into his eyes, desperation twisting his handsome features. Pansy hovered behind him, her face pale, guilt etched into every line.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Mattheo's voice cracked as he took a step toward you.

You stopped in your tracks, fists clenched at your sides.

“Please,” Pansy chimed in, her voice trembling, “Let me explain!”

Your jaw clenched as you met her gaze—your best friend, someone who knew every piece of your heart, now shattered in her hands.

Draco stood off to the side while Theodore and Lorenzo exchanged wary glances, their loyalty clear. Blaise’s arms were crossed, his expression icy as he watched Mattheo like he was ready to pounce. Even Regulus, always aloof, stood with tense shoulders, silently supporting you.

“I forgive you,” you said. Pansy’s eyes widened in disbelief, hope flickering for a moment. “But I cannot forget.”

Mattheo flinched as though you'd struck him. His lips parted, searching for words that wouldn’t come. Finally, he breathed out, “Please… I love you. It was a mistake.”

You stared at him, the boy who once made your heart race, now making it ache beyond reason.

“If you loved me and you did that,” you said, your voice trembling with both strength and heartbreak, “What else would you do?”

Mattheo’s face crumbled, and for a fleeting second, he looked as broken as you felt. But you knew better. Love wasn’t supposed to be like this.