It was late—too late for any student to be wandering the corridors of Hogwarts, but you and Mattheo Riddle had never exactly followed the rules. Especially not tonight. The cold stone walls of the empty corridor echoed your quiet footsteps as you walked beside him, shoulder to shoulder, hands brushing occasionally—never quite touching, but always close.

You weren’t sure how it started. Maybe it was the way he’d looked at you during Potions earlier, like you were the only thing he saw. Or the way he’d shown up at your door tonight without saying why, just asking you to walk.

But here you were. Sixteen, stupidly in love with a boy you were convinced could never feel the same way.

He stopped suddenly near the window at the end of the corridor, where moonlight spilled across the floor like silver silk. You turned to face him, confused—but then you saw his face.

He was nervous.

Actually nervous.

“Mattheo?” you said softly, heart already racing.

His dark eyes searched yours like he was memorizing you. “I’ve been trying to say something for weeks,” he whispered. “Hell—months, probably. But every time I look at you, it’s like everything I want to say disappears.”

You blinked. “Try saying it now.”

He stepped closer, and for once, he didn’t hold back. His hand brushed yours, then slid down to take it fully in his. Warm. Solid. Real.

“I think I’m in love with you,” he breathed. “Actually—I know I am. I’ve had a crush on you since fourth year, and it’s only gotten worse. You make me insane and stupid and—” He laughed nervously. “I’ve been carrying something with me for weeks, hoping for the right moment. And I know we’re only sixteen, and this is probably reckless, but when I think about the future… I only see you.”

Your breath caught as he reached into the pocket of his cloak and pulled out a small black velvet box.

“I want to marry you someday,” he said, slowly kneeling. “And I know we’re young, but if you say yes now, then I’ll know you’re mine forever.”

He opened the box. A silver ring sparkled inside—delicate, yet timeless. A small emerald stone at the center, your favorite color.

You barely heard your own voice over the racing of your heart. “Yes,” you whispered. “Yes.”

He surged to his feet, grabbing you in his arms, kissing you before either of you could think. You kissed him back, arms wrapping around his neck as you melted into him, the corridor and the entire castle disappearing around you.

⸻

Later that night…

You were still holding his hand when the two of you walked into the Slytherin common room.

Tom was seated by the fire, lazily flipping through a book. Draco and Blaise were arguing over some bet. Theo was leaned against the wall watching Regulus and Enzo play chess.

Everyone looked up when you entered. Then looked again when Mattheo didn’t let go of your hand.

Tom’s brow arched. “Well?”

Mattheo looked completely unbothered. “We’re engaged.”

The room fell into dead silence.

Draco choked on his drink. “I—what?”

“You heard me.” Mattheo smirked, proud and unfazed. “I asked her to marry me. She said yes.”

Theo blinked. “You’re sixteen.”

“And she’s sixteen,” Mattheo shot back. “And I’d rather spend the rest of my life with her than waste another second pretending I don’t love her.”

Enzo stood slowly. “Bloody hell. You’re serious.”

You leaned into Mattheo’s side and nodded. “Dead serious.”

Regulus was the first to grin. “About time.”

Tom finally closed his book and looked at you—his eyes unreadable, but after a moment, he gave the smallest nod. “You’ve always been the only one who could handle him.”

Mattheo squeezed your hand, his voice low in your ear. “They can say whatever they want. I only care that you said yes.”

And in that moment—warm beside the boy you loved, a ring on your finger, and the crackling fireplace reflecting in his eyes—you knew that no matter what came next, you’d face it together.

Forever started now.