21

Chapter XXI: Playing for Keeps

(Daphne P.O.V)

January was upon them, and the energy within the house had been at an all-time low. Ted had been continuing the search for his daughter all over the country, and Daphne had resorted to creating nutrition shakes to get Andromeda to eat, her face sinking from her lack of caloric intake. While Michael and the Twins did everything they could to keep the morale up, it had seemed to do little for the person whose fire they'd been trying to light.

"He turned down another Quidditch match," Fred said, his eyes sinking as they descended the steps from Harry's room.

"The kid loves flying more than anything," George whispered, "I can't believe he'd say no four times in a row."

Not even flying helps, Daphne thought to herself miserably, pushing past the boys as she walked into the room that she and Harry shared. The boy's hair was somehow messier than usual, his once glowing emerald green pools now looked faint and pale with dark circles forming beneath his eyes, his hand clutched tightly around the prophecy. How long has it been since he's slept? Daphne wondered. She'd spent every night beside him, but constantly, she would hear Harry whisper, his nightmares breaching into reality until the point he'd get up to head down to the basement and train.

So badly, she wished that she could just go out to find Tonks for Harry, or figure out a way to make the time move faster. So often kids had wanted their breaks from school to last forever, and yet, when Daphne looked down at Harry, she wanted nothing more than for school to start once more. "Harry," Daphne whispered, "Dinner's ready downstairs, it'll be one of our last time having Molly's cooking for a while, you know."

"Okay," Harry said with a nod rising to his feet, stumbling forward, his body dripping with exhaustion.

"You look horrible," She whispered, catching Harry, allowing the boy to rest on her shoulder, "How long has it been since you rested your body?"

"I'm trying," Harry replied weakly, "I'm trying to make life go on. I don't want to make the same mistakes as I did two years ago, but I- I just can't sleep." Harry's eyes sunk, "Every time I close my eyes, I can't help but think about just how much pain Tonks is in, and when I think about it, I-"

"It's okay, Harry, it's okay," Daphne said comfortingly, "Maybe you'd feel a bit better if you talked to Sirius. He-"

"And say what?" Harry replied, his voice trembling.

"That you forgive him for one thing," Daphne whispered, "He's beating himself up over his decisions, he's racked with guilt over what happened to Tonks because of his plan, and even though Andromeda and Ted have assured him they don't blame him, he still hasn't heard that from you."

"I can't forgive him," Harry whispered.

"For Merlin's Sake he's your Godfather Harry, he's done nothing but wish the best-"

"I can't forgive him because I don't even know how to forgive myself!" Harry shouted, "I was the one that gave the order to fight back, everything that led up to that moment was meaningless! I made the wrong call, and everybody telling me that it's a process while comforting me doesn't do anything to absolve me of how I feel!" Daphne watched silently as Harry's voice began to soften, "If she dies, it's on me, and I don't know how I'd live with myself if that happened."

"It's not your fault, Harry," A tired voice whispered from the now opened door, "And I'm sorry if I failed to make that clear enough with you earlier."

"Uncle Ted?" Harry whispered his eyes locked upon the man.

"My daughter, whether you ordered us to stay and fight or run," Ted said softly, "She would have never abandoned you. You're the most important person in the world to her, Harry. That's why I know that your decision had nothing to do with it, if it meant saving you, Nym would give her life in a heartbeat, that's just the kind of girl she is."

"What I do know," Ted continued, "Is that to see us all moping around like this would be something she wouldn't stand for. And if she knew that she was the reason you're this miserable, Harry, she'd never forgive herself." Daphne glanced up at the large man, "My heart breaks every time I go hunt for my daughter, but never, even in my lowest moments do I ever blame you, Harry. The only ones to blame are Voldemort and his group of bastards that follow him."

"Tonks wouldn't have wanted a pity party," Ted said smiling, "She'd want her brother to keep his head high and work on finding a way to get her out of the situation she's in. For whatever horrendous thing that may be happening to her, I know that she hasn't given up faith that you're going to rescue her. But so long as you are in that condition," Daphne watched as the man pointed at the stumbling Harry, "You won't be able to save anyone. So eat some food, get some sleep, learn to forgive yourself, and let's make those bastards pay for the hell they've put us through."

"Alright, Unc," Harry said with a whisper, the first smile forming across his face in what must have been literal days, "Roger that." Daphne watched as Harry's eyes floated towards her, "But before that, can you call Sirius in here?"

Daphne nodded as she placed the boy atop the bed once more, his head now resting against Ted's shoulder who rubbed his back comfortingly. A soft smile etched across her face as she walked towards' Sirius's room only to find the man walking towards her. "Are you?"

"Going to see Harry," Sirius finished for her, "Yes, before I lose my nerve. I know Harry probably won't forgive me, but I have to make-"

"I don't think that'll be a problem," Daphne whispered, following the man as he approached the room, knocking before entering.

"Harry," Sirius whispered, "I know that I made a mistake in hoping to get Bellatrix to talk without resorting to-"

"I love you, Sirius," Harry whispered the words so faintly, "And I'm sorry that my silence led you to believe that I was mad of that I hated you. I just- I'm feeling so lost right now and-" Daphne watched as Sirius didn't even hesitate, running towards Harry and wrapping his arms around the boy.

"It's okay Harry," Sirius whispered, "We'll figure this out. Tonks is our family, we'll never abandon her. Never." Harry nodded into Sirius' shoulder as the sweetness of the moment led to a sinking thought. So this is what it's like to have a father? Daphne smiled, pushing the thought down as she watched the two comfort each other, the pain clearing slightly from their eyes.

"I'm going to get to work on brewing some dreamless sleep for you," Daphne said walking towards the door before Harry's scratchy voice caught her attention.

"Thank you," He muttered out softly, "Daphne."

"Don't mention it," Daphne said with a weak smile, "It's the least I can do."

(Harry P.O.V)

Harry was lucky to have Daphne, he knew that. If he could thank her every second of the day he would, but taking praise for doing what she believed was right wasn't really their style. Harry had never said the words, it never seemed like the right time, but somehow, in his heart, he and Daphne both knew it was true.

It was thanks to Daphne's dreamless sleep draught that he managed to close his eyelids for a few hours. Fading softly into a short reprieve of peace from his tortured mind. Harry yawned, his eyes blinking open to find himself softly tangled in a sea of his girlfriend's honey blonde hair, their alarms blaring. "Five more minutes," Daphne grumbled out softly, before Harry crept up beside her, planting a soft kiss on her neck. A melodious whimper escaped Daphne's lips before Harry tugged on her shoulder, shifting her onto her back, his shirtless body looming over her.

"What time is it?" Daphne whispered, her voice raspy.

"Time to get up if we're to get some breakfast before boarding the Hogwarts Express," Harry whispered, his eyes momentarily catching the sight of Daphne's bare torso, her borrowed sleep shirt rising up only to be stopped beneath her chest. Harry had felt his face growing scarlet, now recognizing his position, only to have Daphne playfully wink at him. "You're evil, you know that?" Harry said with a gentle smile.

"I know, but- hey," Daphne said her eyes finally widening, "You smiled, you actually smiled." Harry had felt miserable over the fact that Daphne had talked about his smile like it was Halley's Comet, and a pang of sadness grew in his heart over how miserable he'd been to everybody over the past few days. "I take it you're feeling a bit better."

"It took some time, and honestly, it still hurts like hell," Harry said nervously, "But I think I finally got my head on straight. If I just keep moping about Tonks is going to be in his clutches forever, and I can't allow that. She's not dead yet, and I can't allow myself to think that way, she wouldn't want that."

"That's what I like to hear," Daphne said, rising up to kiss him, "I'm glad you're back Flyboy, I've missed you." Harry's arm wrapped around Daphne's waist, holding her up as his forehead touched hers, "We'll get her back, doing the impossible is what we do after all."

"You really think so?" Harry said softly, the last ounce of doubt rising from his lips.

"So long as you still think I can save Astoria," Daphne whispered, "I know what it's like to walk around with a death sentence looming over somebody you love. Your pain is my pain-"

"We average our misery," Harry said with a smirk, "That's what you said, isn't it?"

"In the hopes of getting something greater," Daphne snipped back, "Don't forget the important end of my speech, you're making me sound like a downer when you say it."

"Sorry," Harry said gently, before looking softly down at the girl before him, "Why do you put up with so much of my crap?"

"There's no real reason for it that I can explain," Daphne said, her breath causing the hairs on Harry's arms to rise, "I just know that more often than not, I feel happier when I'm around you. You give me this belief in myself to do things that I would have never thought possible. So what if you're a little grouchy sometimes? If you were perfect, you'd be boring, and I hate boring." Harry smiled as Daphne pat his cheek, "Now come on, let's get some breakfast, I'm sure everyone will feel better when they see you not skulking about."

As usual, Daphne appeared to be right, as a well-rested Harry seemed to invigorate the breakfast table, with smiles growing as Harry's face came into view. "Harry," Molly said, the Weasley matriarch running to his side with a rather large helping of eggs, "You look well, those awful dark circles around your eyes had me worried, but look at you, you're practically a stick, you need to eat right-"

"Don't push the boy so hard Molly," Remus whispered before the werewolf turned to face Harry, "Glad to see you walking among the living again."

"Sorry to have worried you," Harry said earnestly, "I just needed to get my head on right." He scanned the table finding Andromeda looking about ready to wilt from the combined famine and hunger. Harry detached himself from the Weasley woman, walking towards the lady who'd been the only mother he knew, his emerald green eyes pouring into Andromeda's soul, "It's painful to think about," Harry started, "When I think about Tonks, it kills me inside, but I give you my word," Andromeda looked up at him her eyes so deeply sunken it forced a moment of silence before Harry clapped his hands around hers, "I'll bring your daughter back to you if it's the last thing I do."

Harry turned back towards the table, "Now that Dumbledore can't interfere with the plan, I'd like to show you this," Harry clasped his fingers around the glass orb, "This is the prophecy, and it's our ticket to getting back Tonks. The first step is simple, we get in contact with a Death Eater to deliver the message, we arrange a meeting spot, and as soon as Tonks is in our grasp, I break the prophecy. Then," Harry said with a low whisper, "We get our revenge on those bastards that dared to attack us and make sure they understand we are not to be fucked with."

"Harry," Molly gasped at the profanity but Harry paid her no mind.

"One caveat to the plan," Harry whispered, "Barty Crouch is mine to kill, he'll pay for laying a hand on my family."

"Make that two," Neville hissed out, "I want Bellatrix." Harry watched as the Blonde-Haired boy turned to face Sirius, "Any objections?"

"I tried to save her, but she made it clear that's not what she wants," Sirius said with a sigh, "I won't make the same mistake twice."

"You said your first step was to contact a Death Eater," Remus said with a wrinkled brow, "How in the world is that an easy task?"

"Severus Snape," Harry whispered.

"Snape!" Remus shouted, with astonishment, "You trust Snape to-"

"I trust him to do what he always does," Harry said, "Wish for me to be dead. If delivering the message could lead to that outcome for him, I'm sure he'll do it. His compliance isn't really a factor, if he doesn't want to do it, I know of another kiss-up who will do exactly that if it means he can be rid of his furry little problem."

"Harry," Narcissa whispered, "He's my son."

"I won't kill him," Harry said, his voice trying to be as sympathetic as possible, "I just assume he'll gladly do what I want, especially if Daphne is the one to deliver the message under the guise of wanting to turn sides."

"Draco's always had a soft spot for me," Daphne said suggestively, "Even if he was a brute about it, it could work."

"Still, we are at war," Harry said, "Things have to stop becoming personal if we are to succeed, something that I am learning now as well. As painful as it is, sacrifice is part of war, and war is ugly, but surrendering and giving up isn't an option." Harry sighed, "I will do what needs to be done, I ask that all of you be willing to do the same. As Tonks kidnapping should have made perfectly clear to everyone, from this point forward, we play for keeps."

(Dumbledore P.O.V)

The whistle of the approaching Hogwarts Express blared in the distance, the sound vibrating among the Headmaster's Chamber as Dumbledore lunged forward into his once-white handkerchief, brutal coughs leaving the fabric a stained red. "Getting involved with the Weasley attack, was unwise Albus, as was the drinking, the fragile state of your body was not adequately prepared for such combat."

Dumbledore looked up, finding the hollow black eyes of his most loyal followers, one of the few who'd yet to abandon him even through his mistake. The former Potions Master, dug into his robe drawing a vial filled with a murky white elixir, the smell reminiscent of old cottage cheese as the cork was popped, "Drink, this should manage the pain." Dumbledore reached forward, grabbing the potion and downing it in one breath, desperate to try and avoid the taste, an attempt he failed miserably. "You are acting far too recklessly, Albus, you must adhere to our timeline."

He fought down the reflex to gag as he wiped down his long and neatly groomed beard, a smile softly forming against his lips as he shook his head, "I fear that adhering to my timeline is a thing of the past, especially accounting for the most recent developments." Severus' brow furrowed as Albus continued, "During the attack, Nymphadora Tonks was kidnapped by Death Eaters."

"A capable auror I'm sure," Severus said, his tone aloft with uninterest, "But I fail to see why her being taken would-"

"She's far more than simply an auror, Severus," Albus said wearily, "Harry sees the girl as his sister, a reasonable view considering they grew up together, I suppose. Though, with Harry having a personal relationship with young Nymphadora, I believe we can both imagine that he won't exactly be sitting on his hands and waiting for instructions."

"Powerful as the boy may be," Severus began, "He is not yet a match for the Dark Lord. Even if the Dark Lord's location could be made public, something unlikely in its own right, a raid on the Dark Lord would be a complete failure."

"Indeed, it would be," Albus nodded, "Which is why I fear that Harry is planning something even more reckless, an exchange."

"And what could Potter have to offer besides his own head that The Dark Lord could want," Severus sneered.

"The very thing he's been after since their fight in the graveyard," Dumbledore said, his tone a mix of fear and patience.

"You don't mean?"

Albus nodded, "Mind you, I was horribly drunk at the time, but I'm certain I overheard Harry talking about going to retrieve the prophecy, he brought Alastor along with him so I would wager it was a successful mission." He turned to look out his window, watching as the Hogsmeade Carriages began to drop students off at the delivery point, "In fact, I'd bet that Harry has the Prophecy in his possession as we speak."

"So, what do we do?" An air of panic, cloaked sneakily beneath Snape's uncaring face, "What is the plan?"

"Plan?" Albus whispered, "For this, I have no plan, but I suspect that you, Severus, are a part of Harry's," The Headmaster's eyes dropped towards his cursed hand, "He is the leader of the Order now, I suggest, that while I wish to be kept informed of the mission, that you do what Harry asks of you." The Head of Slytherin's House's eyes burned with fury as Albus smiled softly, "You said it yourself, Severus, I've accelerated my timeline, I fear I may only have a month or two left, it's up to Harry to lead from here on out, and it is equally important that Draco be warned about the urgency of his mission, I fear for his safety should he fail his orders."

Another coughing fit emerged from Dumbledore's lungs, his body spasming from the force as droplets of blood fell upon his desk, "Bother," Dumbledore said in a tired whisper, wiping down the stains before rising, "I fear we must both be on our ways, I suspect the children will be at the Great Hall soon. They have all had a long voyage, it would be most inappropriate to keep them hungry."

He rose from his chair, his legs trembling beneath him as if he was currently still beside his brother, inebriated in the Hogshead Inn. "Hmm," Albus whispered, "Walking in this condition would be quite troublesome," The Headmaster's eyes turned towards his full grow Phoenix, his bird chirping happily at the attention as Dumbledore rubbed his fingers softly against the birds red and gold feather, "What do you say, Fawkes," The bird now sitting at full attention, "Are you willing to help an old wizard out?"

Fawkes squawked loudly with affirmation before a wave of crimson flame overtook his vision, clearing only once he had arrived at the Great Hall, much to Hagrid's surprise. "Blimey Professor!" Hagrid shouted, "Yah scared me."

"Apologize Hagrid," Dumbledore muttered, only to feel the muscles in his legs cramp, nearly causing him to collapse as the Half Giant's callused hands gripped his thin frame, helping him stand.

"Professor?" Hagrid whispered, "Are you alright? You don't look so good."

"Ah, well I do appreciate your concern, my friend," Albus whispered looking at yet another one of his students he was unable to protect and save, "I'm afraid I must have come down with a flu or something, truthfully, I've not been feeling quite like myself, but I am sure it shall pass."

"Well, I do hope you haven't fallen victim to another one of those horrendous attacks," Minerva said with a huff, "With everything going on the last thing we need is for this unnamed assailant to succeed."

"Indeed, Minerva," Albus whispered softly, "My death would certainly be a great tragedy, but I assure you, I do plan to live long enough to see a great wizard replace me." Albus shifted his gaze further down the table as he came across his newest hire, sitting up straight in his chair by Madam Pomfrey's side drinking half a goblet of water in one sip, "Ah Horace, I'm glad to see you up and doing well. I knew nothing could keep you down for long."

"Ah well, there are certainly more ideal ways to spend the Christmas Holiday," Horace said, "But I suppose I am lucky to be alive, in no short part to the works of your wonderful Medical Witch."

Albus watched as Poppy nodded proudly, earning a soft smile from before Dumbledore once more gazed upon the large Potions Professor, "I appreciated your Christmas Gift, Horace, it truly was exactly what I needed." The understanding was instantaneous as Horace sighed with relief, the visible weight on his shoulder's shifting.

"Good, good," Horace muttered, "I hope it makes solving your problem possible."

"Indeed, it does, Old Friend," Dumbledore said with a nod. Yet, before any other Professor could ask Severus entered the Great Hall, commanding the doors to open, as from behind the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor rallied an army of rather ravenous students. Severus had only managed to secure the meager distance of a few steps before the crashing waves of students raced towards the table in anticipation of the return feast.

Even through the sheer enormity of the crowd, however, Dumbledore easily picked out his most vital pieces, focusing his attention solely on the faces of Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy. The Boy-Who-Lived had a face etched with determination, looking nothing like the angry wreck he distantly remembered from Christmas Day. His magic radiated with vigor and his eyes were sharper than knives, the war had now touched his family in more ways than nightmares of his past, it was clear by the focus on his face that the war had become drastically more personal.

Draco, on the other hand, looked different in every way. Black circles formed under his steel-grey eyes, but hardly looked intimidating. The boy looked thin, despite having all the resources he could ask for in the castle to eat, the staff had all reported on the boy's malnutrition, especially Madam Pomfrey who'd made her displeasure regarding the boy's health quite known. Dumbledore felt his heartbreaking as through Draco's eyes, the vision of Tom's once healthy brown eyes became clear, each of them growing more decrepit as they walked their paths.

I wish I could save you, Draco, Dumbledore thought to himself painfully, A path without love, is the most painful to walk. He shoved that thought down, placing his good hand atop the table, attempting to balance his weight against his wobbly legs. "Professor," Hagrid said, "Let me help you."

"No, no," Albus whispered, "I can manage." The Half-Giant nodded reluctantly as he forced his legs forward towards the podium, the whispers of the hall growing in his ears, He doesn't look so good. Do you think he's sick? I hope not, what if he's hurt? If he has to go to St. Mungo's, will Hogwarts even be safe anymore?

A sad grin carved its way onto his face, I'm sorry to have made everyone so worried. He cleared his throat as with his wand raised allowing for his voice to resonate through the room, he began, "Welcome back students!" Albus began with a smile, "I hope your break was spent with those close to you. Be it, friends or family, it is important to surround yourself with those you love during both the best and worst of times, they will keep you strong. But I fear that many of you have other questions on your mind at the moment, mostly regarding my condition."

The swarm of students grew silent, confirming his suspicion, "The truth of the matter is that, most, unfortunately, while I was traveling, I seem to have caught a rather persistent sickness, though I assure you it is nothing that cannot be taken care of. However, I do wish to make this perfectly clear," Dumbledore stopped ensuring he had the crowd's attention, "Should anything happen to me that would require me leaving this castle, I wish for all of you to remember one thing. Help, shall always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."

"Now, I certainly could spend all this time boring you to tears recounting this next half of the year's syllabus, but I'm certain we don't wish for the holidays to end so abruptly," Dumbledore said warmly, "So for now, I will end my speech by imploring all of you to keep your wits about you, but to still enjoy your time here at Hogwarts, learning to be the best witch and wizard you can be. And without further ado, let the feast begin."

Food popped into existence along the tables as Dumbledore smiled upon his group of students, his eyes falling towards Harry once more, who was glancing up at him as well. He nodded softly, whispering in his mind, Protect them for me Harry, please.

(Michael P.O.V)

Watching the way Dumbledore looked at Harry had made a chill race down his spine, his eyes momentarily locking with Claire's as she too turned to look away from the Headmaster. Not good, Michael thought to himself solemnly, Dumbledore is looking like a feather could knock him over. There's no way this isn't related to the curse. His eyes drifted away from his girlfriend, towards the Slytherin who's face had seemed to light up for the first time in months.

If we're right about Draco being the assassin, He thought to himself, Then I have a really bad feeling things are going to start moving fast. "Something isn't right," Claire whispered, "Malfoy seemed way too excited about Dumbledore being sick, you don't think-"

"I'm not saying it's certain," Michael said, his tone hushed, "But, I don't trust Malfoy as far as I can throw him." Michael felt the snake's eyes shift, clearly noticing he was being watched as a pulse of putrid magic seemed to radiate from within Malfoy's body, "Watch yourself around him," Michael whispered, "He's dangerous."

Michael sighed as he looked up at the roof which glistened thanks to the weather charm with the outside snow, "The sooner I get this thread delivered, the sooner I can work on the armor, the sooner I can work on the armor, the safer I'll feel." Michael's fingers scraped the wood of the table beneath his palms, "Things are going to get much more serious, fast."

The ascent to Ravenclaw Tower had done little to relieve Michael of his problems, as Cho and Marietta each asked about what had happened at the Weasleys' knowing him to be there, before asking about further S.P.I.R.E lessons. He had answered the questions as best he could, but conversation with the two sixth-year Ravenclaws had left him exhausted, as he crawled into bed. Though a tapping against the window had left his rudely disturbed before turning to find his Screech Owl pecking at the glass.

Quickly, Michael jumped out of bed, racing towards the glass as he unlatched the window lock allowing his bird in, "Athena?" Michael whispered rubbing his owl's coat gently, "It's freezing out there, what were you thinking flying in this weather?" The bird gently dropped a letter on his bed before nipping lovingly at his finger, "I guess you're right, I should be thanking you for delivering this to me," His eyes shot back towards the letter with a weak grin, Mom, He whispered beneath his breath.

He wasted no time as he ripped open the letter. Michael knew his mother always worried about him, and knowing that news of the Weasley House attack was going to be front-page news eventually, he decided to get in front of the story and mail his mother.

Michael,

Thank you for writing to me telling me you are safe, but as your mother, I would implore you against lying to me. I know that there was no way that you ran from the fight, and instead stood by your friend. You are my son, and I didn't raise the kind of person who would flee when their friend is in danger. However, now, sometimes I wish I hadn't ingrained those values into you, as I never would have imagined you'd be in the center of such a conflict.

If I thought it would do anything, I'd beg you to stop fighting, to run away, to come home and be safe, but I know that isn't the type of boy you are. While you and your father have a difficult relationship, you two have many things in common, one of which being that once you give your word, you stick to it, and I know you gave Harry your word you'd stand by him.

So instead of begging you to run, I will beg of you to be safe, and use that brain of yours to keep your friends safe as well. I never would have wished this kind of life upon you, and yet I've never heard you truly complain about the obstacles in front of you. You are becoming a brave man right before my eyes, and I couldn't be more proud. But just promise me, Michael, promise me that no matter what happens you'll come back home safe and sound.

I love you, Michael. Always,

- Mom

Don't worry mom, Michael whispered clutching the envelope tightly in his hand, I don't care what happens I am not going to die.