Always

Intro.

Anna Duvall was an 8th year Hogwarts student with the wish of becoming an Auror after graduation. She was transferred almost two years ago from Beauxbatons school after her parents have died.

She was sorted into the Slytherin house, which scared her a bit. Slytherins had a reputation. They were not exactly known for being nice and friendly. But, against all odds she made friends. Theo, Mattheo, Enzo, Blaise, Draco and Sage slowly became her family. A lot of people didn't like them, she was aware of that. Some of her friends from other houses came to warn her about them, advising her to keep her distance. She didn't listen to their warnings though. They did not know them like she did now. There was so much more to them that what met the eye.

Mattheo caught her attention from day one. He was handsome, she couldn't deny that, but there was something more about him that pulled her in. A force she couldn't name back then. They didn't become friends from the very beginning. Not even close. The problem was not his last name or who his father was. She didn't really care about that. But when she met him, he appeared to be a little conceited, stuck-up and completely full of it. And that really got to her nerves. He liked to push her to her limits and she liked to push him right back.

That early animosity evolved into a flirtatious banter and friendship. They were attracted to each other, but neither of them admitted that for a long time. Not until before last summer holidays, were everything started. Yes, she was dating Mattheo Riddle, the son of the Dark Lord himself, but she couldn't care less. Mattheo was not his father. No at all.

Now, six months have passed, and Anna was happy with Mattheo, like she was floating on clouds. Until that dreaded day arrived.

One day, Anna was summoned to the Headmistress office and, to her surprise, one of Valdemort's followers was there, waiting for her. She did not know who he said to be or what excuse, or story, he had conjured to be allowed inside the school walls. But she really didn't care. That was not what worried her, but rather the real reason for his presence.

Apparently, as soon as the Dark Lord found out that his son's girlfriend had Muggle ancestors, he decided that a little conversation was in order. Anna didn't have to be a witch to know what he wanted. So, when he expressed Valdemort's wishes for her to broke up with his son, because he had higher plans for Mattheo that didn't include him being involved with a mudblood, it didn't come out as a surprise.

Anna did not fear Valdemort, nor his followers, so she looked right into that man soulless eyes and said a simple and short word - No. If he was astonished or impressed by her boldness or bravery, he didn't show it. But Anna could feel a wave of darkness emanating from him. He was dangerous, yes. But he was not stupid to try anything inside Hogwarts walls, not after all that has happened. Although Valdemort was imprisoned in Azkaban, he still had followers and supporters willing to do his dirty work,it seemed.

The Dark Lord apparently knew that Anna would not falter even if he threatened to end her life. So, he went and threatened the life of the one person she was able to give hers in exchange for. Mattheo. The air was sucked right out of her lungs. She couldn't breathe. She tried not to show weakness but the man in front of her knew he achieved is goal. Did Valdemort really rather see Mattheo dead than with her? Was blood purity more important than his own son's life and happiness?

Even though there was no love lost between them, Anna didn't think that he would really be able to hurt Mattheo but, that man was mad and evil to the core and she just couldn't risk it. Not when Mattheo's life was being endangered. So, Anna did as he requested. She broke up with Mattheo. She said she didn't love him anymore even though she loved him more than life itself. Her heart broke with every word she said, her soul shattered in a thousand pieces with every lie that came out through her lips. Mattheo didn't beg, he didn't cry either... He just stood there with a blank expression on his face, staring right through her. When she stopped talking, he just nodded, turning his back on her and leaving without sparing her a glance or a single word.

She never thought he would believe her so easily, but, to her surprise and maybe some relief, he did. From that day on he just ignored her every time they both crossed paths in the hallways and in classrooms. It was like they never met, let alone, date. It seemed all those nights together in the Astronomy Tower or by the Black Lake never existed and it all had been figments of imagination.

His friends had become also her friends, but after the breakup she distanced herself a little. He needed them more than she did. He didn't show it but she knew he was hurting. Mattheo always thought he was not worthy of being loved and she just proved it was true, even though there was no one in the world who deserve to be loved more than him.

So now, Anna was alone. So alone that she decided to move back to her previous school.