The Price of War

Perseverance

If there was one thing Adeline Lyra Black had learned from her life, it was that happiness was never distributed in abundance. It would always have to be chased after and often left you behind for death.

After all, that was what her life had taught her over and over again. Every time happiness seemed to fall into her hands it flew away before she could properly close her palms and feel the warmth she knew everyone felt. No matter how long she pretended to portray herself as the most confident Black to exist, her insecurities always took the front seat.

Adeline opened her eyes, rubbing the tears away with her palm while she used the other to push her off the ground. She could still hear the loud shouting from past her bedroom door, but going out would only invite more pain from her grandparents; her only living family. Or at least the only ones that mattered. She could still feel the tingling from the aftershock of the cruciatus curse. Adeline cursed as she shook her hands to get its feeling back. It had been two years since her training had begun, yet every time she saw the fury in her grandmother's eyes, she couldn't help but wonder if this had happened to her mother so many years ago.

At thirteen years old, the youngest Black had seen just as much as The Boy Who Lived.

Adeline's eyes shot up towards the door as it creaked open revealing her infamous cousin, Draco Malfoy. She opened her mouth to speak but instantly closed it when his eyes widened and he slowly shook his head. Draco and Adeline had always been close, but only because they knew the truth about their families. A secret that, if accidentally leaked to the public, would result in the complete destruction of what the pureblood society stood for.

Draco quietly pulled out his wand and whispered a spell promising them a safe space. When he nodded in quiet confirmation, Adeline threw herself onto him with the tightest hug she could remember giving. "Is it true?" She asked, her eyes slowly filling with tears.

Draco nodded, "We are to marry the moment we turn 17."

Adeline staggered back, "I won't do it." She said firmly gripping onto Draco's forearm tightly. "I won't. We have 3 years to figure this out."

"Adie... Maybe we should listen to them this once. We're both going to get hurt going against them."

Adeline scoffed, "Self-preservation won't work this time, Draco. I am not marrying you, not today, not over summer before seventh year, not ever." Her eyes softened as she noticed a new scar on his neck, "Draco, you know I would do anything for you but this is where I draw the line."

Draco looked up from the floor and met her bright grey eyes, "I know." He stated, his voice instantly changing to something stronger, "You should owl Potter, mines locked up in the basement until the start of term." He turned to walk out before looking at Adeline one more time, "Please be careful, this time. I don't think I want to wake up to your bloody screams again." Before she could answer the blond-haired Slytherin, he slammed the door shut.

****

Harry Potter knew he should think positive thoughts after all the term started in only two weeks. But that was proving to be hard the longer he traced his hands over the edges of the locked door. It had been two weeks since he had last seen the sunlight or felt the summer breeze brush his skin. But Harry would never let Dumbledore steal this one last thing from him; hope. Hope which his mother had never let go, even in her last moments. Hope his dad had when he faced Voldemort alone without his wand, praying his wife and child would have enough time. Now it was Harry's turn to hope for a life where he wasn't pushed around and reprimanded for being his father's son.

It had been three years since he had left the small cottage on Privet Drive. Leaving behind his last shred of family. No matter what his aunt said, he knew who she pretended he was at times when both the other Dursleys weren't looking. As awful as his life was there, it was five times worse here, caged in this small dark room. Harry had always known Dumbledore wasn't who he said he was. Why would the strongest wizards ever be afraid to face Voldemort? Why ask a thirteen-year-old what he saw in his dreams every time he woke up screaming?

A loud bang echoed throughout the room when Dumbeldore stalked in, "Get up!" He snarled, pulling Harry up from the dusty floor. "Go clean yourself up, you have visitors."

Harry dared to look up into Dumbeldore's eyes before whispering, "No."

Dumbeldore froze. "What did you say?" His voice, unnervingly soft.

"I said no. I am not your pawn to push around. You are not my family!" Harry yelled, ignoring the burning sensation moving up his throat. Harry hadn't spoken to anyone in weeks, let alone yell at his captor.

Dumbledore let out a humorless chuckle, "You shouldn't have tested me today boy, "Crucio!" He said, pointing his wand towards Harry's heart.

As hard as he tried, his screams escaped his throat ricocheting off the walls. Every second the spell hit, he thought this would finally be his end. No longer would he have to live in a world governed by hate and anger. He would be free. He would see his parents again.

But Harry wasn't just living for himself. He still had people to help, to look after. A singular name echoed in his head. Adie. He would fight if only to help her be free one day.

Seconds passed followed by minutes when he finally spoke through the pain."Stop." He breathed out. "I'll do it. I'll meet these guests."

"Good. Maybe you have the brains not to waste your potential like that Father of yours." He eyed Harry with his cold black eyes, "You have 1o minutes to make yourself presentable."

Harry nodded, resisting his urge to punch Dumbeldore's nose off his face.

"I can do this." He whispered to himself, holding the hidden charmed braclet up to his chest.