𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚘 𝚁𝚒𝚍𝚍𝚕𝚎'𝚜 𝙿𝙾𝚅

☞ 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫, 𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟔

"I like you too, Y/n Snape." My heart clenched as the words so easily melted from my mouth. So soft, so simple. Words I never thought I'd say, feelings I'd never thought would be expressed, a moment I'd never thought would be reciprocated...

"I like you too, Mattheo." A whirlwind of joy spread throughout my skin, my mind becoming aware of every goosebump that surfaced in my body, becoming hypersensitive to the chill in the room. She likes me. She likes me. She likes me. No matter which way I say those damned three words they all sound as foreign as the next. She likes me. I doubt I'll ever get used to the idea.

Pause. How do I respond? Granted I wanted to sweep her off her feet and run away somewhere nice, peaceful, like the Italian Countryside, where we could escape what my father has planned for the world we live in. I doubt that would be considered appropriate, and might borderline a crime.

Then an idea blossomed in the forefront of my mind. "Y/n Snape. Will you bestow upon me the greatest honour of taking you out on a date?" I smiled down at the girl, whose soft cheeks were tainted red, lips curled into an angelic smirk, and whose eyes sparked with delight.

"Of course." She breathed, her eyes looking deeply into mine as her dilated black pools filled with a new emotion, an emotion I've always dreamt of seeing in her eyes while she looked up at me. I stepped closer, my hand naturally found itself at the dip of her waist.

My thoughts screamed at me as she pushed her body into mine. I fought back my sin-filled thoughts as my eyes bounced between hers, soaking in the view before me. A strange sensation bubbled from within, what was stranger was that I found myself leaning in without much prompting. She mirrored my actions, leaning in, our lips skimmed each other with our hesitant hover. Soft, gentle, plush, the lips I've always wanted but never thought I could. Not in the way I wanted them, not like this. Yet here I was, hundreds of nights spent with meaningless girls with meaningless sex imagining the girl beyond my reach led me to her. After all this time, for the first time, I was getting what I wanted.

Not a moment passed when the boys burst out from the corner, cheering. "Finally! I didn't think you had the balls to do it, mate!" Theo shouted with laughter, patting me on the shoulder. I shove him off, my face getting warm as I shot Y/n an apologetic smile, however, she laughed along with an embarrassed yet happy smile. My heart warmed at the sight.

I watch as Blaise defeatedly hands Draco some gold coins, as Draco smugly swaggered over towards Y/n, pulling her into a side hug. "You pair just made me twenty galleons richer." He smirked, rubbing the cons together in the palm of his hand so they'd clink together.

"It's not like you need it." Y/n muttered, shoving the blond's hand away from her face. This caused Draco to drop a few coins, making him gasp and frown. The pair began a pointless back and forth about who should pick up the coins, that ended in them just being left behind. Although I swear to Merlin I heard Draco sneak out last night, presumably to go collect the coins... pathetic, even for him.

The following day was interesting. Y/n and I had a nonverbal agreement that we weren't a couple, and that we would wait until after the date to discuss things further. It was hard to do so. I was constantly at her side, afraid to leave and have someone else sweep her off her feet, or have this all be some sick cruel joke. While getting ready for our date I anxiously watched the clock as the minutes went by, I had gotten ready three hours before the agreed time.

I now sat on the side of the bed, staring at her bed that sat so close to mine. My foot tapped the wooden floor, rocking back and forth in its place, my knee rising and falling as my arms shook with its rhythm. "Mate you seriously need to calm down, you'll reek of sweat!" Blaise spoke as he came over, taking a seat beside me. The boy had a point, I was working myself up, and I could feel the heat building in my clothes.

"Alright." I mutter, taking a stand and waking into the centre of the room. Looking at myself once again in the mirror, my hands smooth down my navy blue button-down shirt which had a few buttons undone by the collar. The shirt had been tucked into my black straight trousers, which flowed down to my leather black shoes. I sighed, my hands running through my hair. "Why am I so nervous..." I muttered to myself, frowning at the unfamiliar sight before me.

"It's because you care, my friend." Theo sighed, throwing his book down onto his bed and swiftly coming to my side. I watched him in the mirror, as he did me, just staring for a moment. "It's always been her in your eyes. Even when you didn't necessarily want it to be that way, and you wished you could look at someone else that way, someone you thought you'd have an easier time getting, you couldn't. No amount of women, dates, drinks or sex changed what your heart wanted. And now you have a chance, Mattheo, and it's the one thing you've wanted, the one thing you've spent your life caring about, it's her." My eyes widened as the draining sensation of realisation infested my veins. Theo beautifully summed up how I was feeling, better than I ever could, and it's taking the wind out of me.

"I feel like you guys know my mind better than I do." I chuckled, trying to shake away the tears that threatened to spill, refusing to cry so I don't look all read in the face. Draco smirked and shook his head, passing me my black suit jacket.

"That's because we do." The blond smiled, as the three of them began to whisk me out of the door. "Do us proud, Mattheo, she means a lot to all of us, so you better not fuck this up." He glared, before patting me on the back.

"Dramatic much, ferret." I shot back, making the boy clutch his chest and gasp. Blaise comes along, pulling me into a tight hug, muttering a monologue of encouragement that fills my heart with determination. I smiled at the boy, who had a tear in his eyes. 'I feel like a father sending his son on his first date.' These were the final words Blaise chose to say to me. Merlin, these boys are behaving like we'll never meet again.

Theo then came along, our hands cupped together as he pulled me in. "Don't hurt her, Mattheo. And don't get hurt either." I looked him in the eye, a silent understanding between us sparked, however, I was confused by his latter statement...

"You're here." I breathlessly muttered. The sun had long set and the snow continued to flutter from the sky. My breath visibly escaped into the air as I breathed. As the mist cleared, I could clearly see the most precious view before me. Y/n, wearing her favourite dress I saw her giddily pick out with Granger and Lovegood earlier, her hair beautifully done framing her red cheeks marked by the cold air.

"I am." Y/n smiles as we both step towards each other. She had wrapped up warm, something that seemed to escape my mind while being rushed out the door earlier. "What do you have planned this evening, Riddle?" Her head tilts to the side with a lopsided grin as she looks me in the eyes.

I tutted at the girl, shaking my head. "Curiosity killed the cat, darling." Y/n frowned, making me laugh. "You'll find out soon enough, one thing I'll tell you is that we are going to Hogsmeade." Y/n perked up at my words, her excitement buzzing around her body.

Together we walked through the school, and out of the front entrance, leaving the school grounds. With every step we took, our fingers brushed against each other, and my heart began racing at the sensation. Few gave us odd looks, specifically women who took note of how close we stood together, and a handful of men who watched in despair. I smirked, knowing they were jealous, knowing they wanted her. Without much thought, my hand found the side of her waist, pulling her closer into me. Glancing down I watched as her surprised eye dilated with growing red cheeks. The warmth of her at my side seemed to blissfully burn my skin, leaving a mark I knew I could never heal from.

"I should've warm better shoes if I had known we'd be walking." Y/n broke the silence with a small frown. I chuckled, explaining that we wouldn't be walking. Confused, I point down the path, just right from the main entrance, there was a carriage, silver and green, with two unicorns towing. Y/n gasped, her eyes lighting up. "Is that for us!" She exclaimed, stepping quickly towards our transport.

"It's for you." I smile, opening the door and offering her my hand. Y/n didn't hesitate to hop inside, as I followed suit. As soon as I sat, the carriage immediately pulled off. "I do hope you like it." I mentioned, watching her glance around in awe. Her smile was so pure, so beautiful, I wish I could stay in this moment, watching her, forever.

"Are you kidding? I love this! I've always dreamed of being in a carriage like this, how did you know?" She muttered, sparking my memory of when we were in third year when Draco and I had been sitting behind Y/n and Granger.

Draco wasn't very thrilled about the idea and often gave the two girls a hard time, I on the other hand was thrilled. On this particular day, Y/n and Hermione were discussing the future. 'How about weddings? Would you want one?' Granger asks, causing a spark to light up Y/n's eyes from within. 'Of course! I have everything planned out! First I'd arrive in a fancy carriage being pulled by unicorns, and then...'

For some reason that moment stuck with me, which gave me the inspiration for this tonight. "I'm not sure." I responded, "I just had a feeling." I smirked to myself, looking away from the girl to take in the views of Hogwarts. The rest of the ride went swiftly, and soon we found ourselves in the Three Broomsticks.

The pub was bustling tonight with all sorts of witches, wizards and creatures. It was hard to make out much of anything, to the point I was considering leaving- "Two butterbeers please, Madam Rosmerta!" Y/n yells out, earning a small response from the lady who quickly gets to work. "Over here." Y/n smiled up at me, before weaving through the crowds. I had almost lost her until I saw her snag a corner booth table. I quickly slide in opposite her, taking off my jacket.

Madam Rosmerta soon appeared with two beers in hand. "Here you do my dear, I-" She began, but when her eyes landed on me, she paused. "What's going on here then." She chimed, nudging Y/n shoulder with her elbow.

"I'm taking Y/n out on a date, Madam." I responded as Y/n seemed to be too embarrassed to get a word out. Rosmerta laughed, telling me I'm a lucky man to be taking Y/n out on her first date. "I know I'm incredibly lucky... wait... this is your first date!" I exclaimed, looking back at Y/n. Y/n slowly nodded, avoiding looking me in the eyes. My heart swelled with joy learning I was the one to take her out on her very first date. Me.

I pulled out my galleons, ready to pay but Madame Rosmerta quickly told me to put my coins away. "It's on the house, dears. You both enjoy now." She sent Y/n a small wink, making the girl groan with a smile.

"Sorry, I'm so sorry. This is incredibly embarrassing, my Merlin." Y/n groaned, her fingers massaging her temple. "I didn't want you to know this is my first, it's embarrassing since everyone else I know has gone on a date or two by now." Y/n began to rant, I could see the stress building from within.

I took her hands in mine, holding them tight. Y/n looked at me, surprised and confused. "It's not embarrassing. I'm incredibly honoured to be the man who gets to take you out on your first date." I smiled at her, my body erupted with heat as our eye contact never faltered.

"Y-you are?" Y/n stutters, looking bewildered. I firmly nodded, easing my grip on her hand, now holding it softly in mine. After a moment of silence, Y/n speaks softly. "I'm surprised you even asked me out, I didn't think I was your... type." She hesitantly spoke.

I laughed, shaking my head at her words. "You have no idea." I muttered under my breath. Confused Y/n asked me to repeat myself. "Don't worry about it, darling." I waved it off, "What do you think my type is then, Snape." I asked, challenging her. For a moment she was caught off guard, I could tell by the straightening of her back and her eyes widening.

"I'm not sure..." She awkwardly laughed, her fingers joining together so she could fiddle with her nails. "I always assumed you would do for someone like Pansy Parkinson." I strained to hold back a laugh to remain silent, my eyebrows raised, persuasively compelling her to add to her point. "I don't know!" She defended herself, with more heartfelt laughter. "I assumed you'd like someone who loves to party, hates the same people your friends do, and cares more about getting drunk than their education and future." Y/n grimaced at her words, letting out a small apology.

"You really shouldn't make assumptions, darling." I shook my head, a small smile coming to my face as she let out another apology. "It's alright, it's a fair assumption to make." At my words, her body immediately softened, her face relaxed. "So tell me, what's your type." I grinned, leaning in until my elbows and forearms rested on the table, picking up and sipping my drink in one hand.

"That's hardly fair, Riddle. Not only did you not confirm if my assumptions were correct, but you are not allowed to put me on the spot without returning the favour." Y/n shot me a playful glare, I fell back into my seat, raising my hands in defeat. The girl had a fair point.

"Okay, understood, Snape." I paused for a moment, looking at her deeply. "Let's see. I believe you've always wanted someone book obsessed, to the point where they have become a social recluse with no real-life experience, and-" I was interrupted with a gasp and someone harshly hitting my shoulder. I laughed as Y/n rolled her eyes.

"Sod off! I gave you a genuine answer, twat." Y/n shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. As she did her ti- never mind... now is not the time for those thoughts, Mattheo. "Give me a real answer." She added.

Shaking out of my thoughts, I apologised to her, putting a more serious face on. "If you want an honest answer, an honest answer you shall get." I began, pausing for a moment. There's only been a handful of guys that have dared to ask her out on a date, the rest knew to stay away from my girl... except for one. One boy who's been at her side, filling me with heated jealousy whenever I see him, even when Y/n wasn't around. One boy who's so pathetic he's never made a move despite how obvious it was he wanted her. "I always thought you'd be with Potter." I tried to control my hatred as I confessed my biggest nightmare, unknown to her.

"Harry?" She gasped, being genuinely taken aback. I nodded, not saying a word. Y/n began to laugh in disbelief, which confused me. "Harry is like my brother, we both feel that way! I'd never date him." She laughed taking a sip of her drink, her words bringing a sense of relief I've never felt before.

"So you really don't like him that way..." I muttered also sipping my drink. With a mouth full of butterbeer, and a frothy moustache on her top lip, she pulled her cup away from her mouth, waving her free hand back and forth.

"Merlin no!" She laughed once again, bringing a bright smile to my face. Without thinking, I reached across the table, my fingers resting along her jawline. I pulled her slightly closer to me, as my thumb wiped away the froth.

I licked the bubbles off my thumb, then returned to my previous position. "So if you've never liked Potter, as most people expected. Who have you liked in your years at Hogwarts?" I boldly asked, my eyes looking intently into hers.

She blinked for a moment. "I'm going to ignore that you just said everyone expected me to be with Harry..." She shook her head and smiled again. "I've only liked one guy, in third year... but that quickly ended and no one has since caught my eye... until now." She muttered the last few words with a small sigh, her face heating up as she seemed to be regretting what she was about to say.

"Is your crush that bad?" I laughed, curious to find out who caught her heart before me. She shook her head, which confused me. "If that's the case then just come out and say it, Y/n. I'm on the edge of my seat." I smiled, leaning in, growing more desperate to know.

"It was you."