Always and forever- Matteo Riddle

As I stood up from the couch and stretched, ready to slip away unnoticed, Mattheo's voice cut through the noise.

"Where are you going?"

I glanced around, realizing I suddenly had the attention of most of the group. Draco raised a brow from his spot near the fire, and Theo, lounging in one of the armchairs, smirked like he already knew I was up to something.

"Just going for a jog," I said casually, tying my shoelaces.

"A jog?" Pansy repeated, wrinkling her nose. "Willingly?"

Blaise chuckled. "It's voluntary exercise, Pans. Some people actually enjoy it."

I rolled my eyes. "I just need to clear my head."

Draco studied me for a moment, as if trying to decide whether to let it go or insist on coming with me. Eventually, he just sighed and leaned back. "Don't do anything stupid."

I smirked. "No promises."

Mattheo's gaze lingered on me, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "Be careful, princess."

"I'll be fine."

With that, I slipped out, the cool night air washing over me as I stepped into the quiet of the castle corridors. The distant hum of laughter and crackling firelight faded behind me, and as I made my way outside, I inhaled deeply, letting the fresh air clear my mind.

I started at an easy pace, my heartbeat steady as I moved across the open grounds. The stars stretched endlessly above me, and for the first time all day, I felt completely free.

By the time I slowed to a stop near the Black Lake, my mind felt clearer, my body relaxed from the steady rhythm of running. The cool night air wrapped around me as I sat on the grass, stretching out my legs and staring at the water. The surface was still, reflecting the moon and stars like a shattered mirror, rippling slightly with the breeze.

I let myself breathe, closing my eyes for a moment, enjoying the quiet. Out here, away from the castle, away from everything, it was just me and the sound of the water lapping against the shore. No expectations, no whispers of the past clawing at my mind—just peace.

After a while, the chill started to creep in, and I knew I should head back before someone got worried—or worse, before Draco decided to hunt me down. Standing up, I dusted myself off and made my way back to the dungeons, my muscles pleasantly sore from the run.

Pushing open the common room door, I stepped inside, warmth instantly surrounding me. The fire was still crackling, and the room was alive with chatter. A few heads turned as I entered, but no one said anything—except for Mattheo, who raised a brow from his spot on the couch.

"Enjoy your little adventure, princess?" he asked, amusement lacing his tone.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help the small smile. "Immensely."

Shaking my head, I made my way over to one of the empty chairs, sinking into it, letting the noise of my friends fill the space around me. For the first time all day, I felt good.

After sitting in the warmth of the common room for a while, exhaustion finally started to settle in. My muscles ached in a satisfying way from the run, and all I wanted was a hot shower.

I stood up, stretching slightly before heading toward my dorm. This time, no one questioned me. The noise of the common room faded as I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me. The silence was almost comforting.

I grabbed some fresh clothes and made my way to the bathroom, letting the shower heat up before stepping in. The hot water instantly soothed my sore muscles, washing away the lingering chill from the Black Lake. I leaned against the cool tile, letting the steam surround me, taking slow, deep breaths.