Draco, Theodore, Tom Riddle, Blaise, Regulus, and Lorenzo trailed behind, engaged in their own conversation as they made their way to class. They had long since accepted the inevitable—Mattheo Riddle, the most unlikely of them all, had fallen for a Hufflepuff. And somehow, against all odds, she had fallen for him too.

It was absurd, really. A Riddle tangled up with the softest thing Hogwarts had to offer. And yet, there she was, walking beside him, unbothered by the notorious Slytherins behind them. The other students were getting used to the sight—a Hufflepuff amongst those who thrived in the shadows.

Mattheo nudged her side, smirking as she huffed. “Why are you so mean to me?”

She barely spared him a glance. “Uh… have you met you? You’re not a nice person.”

Mattheo grinned, stepping in front of her, walking backward just to keep his eyes on her. “That’s because I’m a Death Eater.” His voice was light, teasing, but something flickered beneath it.

She stopped, looking up at him. There was no hesitation when she spoke. “Yes, you are, but only the bad parts.”

His smirk faltered for just a second. The words settled between them, heavier than the playful banter they had moments ago. She knew. She always knew.

For once, he had no clever comeback. No sharp remark. Instead, he leaned in, voice softer, almost childlike. “Teach me how to be good.”

She sighed, shaking her head with a small smile, but she didn’t pull away. And Mattheo? He felt something tighten in his chest—something warm, something terrifying. Something real.