Always and forever- Matteo Riddle

Back in my dorm, I shut the door behind me, the muffled sounds of the others getting ready filling the hallway outside. For the first time all night, I was alone, the buzz of laughter and chaos replaced by quiet.

I took a deep breath and set my bag down, pulling out the two nearly empty bottles of vodka and placing them on my dresser. My reflection stared back at me in the mirror—flushed cheeks, slightly smudged eyeliner, the faint haze of alcohol still swimming in my eyes.

Shaking it off, I stripped down and stepped into the shower, letting the hot water wash away the lingering scent of cigarettes and smoke. The warmth cleared my head just enough, the steam filling the small space as I let myself relax for a moment.

After toweling off, I slipped into the white silk dress I had picked for the night. It clung in all the right places, the smooth fabric cool against my skin. Simple but striking.

I ran a hand through my damp hair, debating whether to leave it down or do something with it. Eventually, I decided on loose waves, letting them fall naturally over my shoulders. A little mascara, a touch of gloss—I didn't need much. The dress spoke for itself.

Stepping back, I took one last look in the mirror. The girl staring back at me didn't look like she had just spent the last hour drinking vodka on the Astronomy Tower. She looked put together, confident—ready.

I smirked to myself, grabbing my bag and heading for the door.

Time to make an entrance.

I stepped into the common room, a bit late so the party was already chaos. I could feel people eyes on me and my body in the beautiful dress, for once I felt confident

I scanned the crowd until I spotted my friends near the back of the room. Mattheo was lounging with a drink in hand, deep in conversation with Blaise, while Theo was dramatically reenacting some story for Pansy and Astoria, his arms waving wildly. Draco stood nearby, arms crossed, looking vaguely unimpressed, but I caught the way his gaze flickered toward me the second I stepped closer.

I smirked, making my way through the crowd, the silk of my dress brushing against my legs as I moved. As I reached them, Theo cut off mid-story, his eyes widening slightly.

"Well, well," he said, dragging out the words with an exaggerated grin. "Look who decided to show up and steal the spotlight."

Blaise let out a low whistle. "Damn, y/n. Didn't know you were planning to kill us tonight."

Pansy smirked, reaching out to fix a strand of my hair. "You look insane—in the best way possible."

I shrugged, playing it off. "Figured I'd make an effort."

Mattheo, still leaning against the couch, tilted his head, eyes dragging over me slowly. "Effort well spent," he murmured, amusement flickering in his gaze.

Draco rolled his eyes but said nothing, though I didn't miss the way his jaw tightened slightly.

I smirked, snatching the drink from Theo's hand and taking a sip. "So, what did I miss?"

Theo gasped in mock offense. "My story—rude, by the way—but honestly? Not much. Now that you're here, the party can actually start."

I laughed, letting the warmth of the alcohol settle into my veins as I sank onto the couch beside them. The night was only just beginning.

I weaved my way through the crowded room, the music pulsing around me as I reached the drinks table. Bottles of firewhiskey, enchanted cocktails, and an assortment of stolen liquor lined the surface, half-empty from the chaos of the night. Without hesitation, I grabbed a bottle and poured myself a shot, tipping it back with ease. The burn was instant, spreading warmth through my chest, but I barely flinched.