The Price of War

Allies

Harry walked down the large brown staircase which led to the dining hall. He could hear the muffled voices through the double doors getting louder with every step he took. He wished he could see Ron, Hermione, Adie, even Draco, one more time. Harry was sure today was his last day on earth. Dumbeldore never asked Harry to clean up and dress unless he was to be presented to a death eater like a lamb on the chopping block.

He cursed himself for not bringing his wand with him. His pocket felt lighter than usual without the comfort of protection. He froze with his hand on the door handle, when he heard a laugh he knew all too well. Adie. Without a second thought, the door in front of Harry was opened and he practically ran further into the room. His smile dropped at the sight of Adeline's Grandmother, Mrs.Moreau. Harry quickly bowed from his waist down hoping no one had noticed his smile.

"I apologize for being late." Harry got out without shaking and concealing his thoughts as best as possible.

Mrs.Moreau smiled, waving her hand lazily to call Harry over, "No worries my child. Every heir as properly behaved as you deserve a little leniency every now and then. Even if he is a half-blood." She added the last part with a sneer.

Harry covered his anger with a polished smile, "Of course. That's exactly why I joined your ranks Ma'am. To forget the mudblood part of me. My father should have never meddled with mud."

Mrs.Moreau let out a content sigh, "This is exactly why I want him to come over Albus, he'd be a good influence on Adeline." She paused to pick her words carefully, "She's been rather rebellious lately. Poor Draco hasn't been able to do anything as well."

Dumbledore let out a grunt and looked over at Harry.

"I also came to deliver good news. Draco and Adeline have finally been betrothed."

Harry quickly looked up from his plate while his silver fork slipped and banged onto the glass plate, " I apologize for intruding, but Adeline agreed to this?"

Adeline's Grandma gave a short laugh, "Of course not but it doesn't matter what she thinks." She gave Harry a quizzical look, "Right?"

"Of course." Harry quickly answered. "They both are purebloods, their lineage must be preserved."

"Exactly! This is exactly why you're coming over tomorrow." She said, clapping happily. "I suggest you bring all your things. You'll be staying with us till the start of the new term."

Harry gave a small polite smile, "Of course. I'll go pack right away." He slowly pushed his plate away and rose, giving both Dumbeldore and Mrs. Moreau a nod.

On his way out he smirked at the old lady's words, "He'll make a fine man yet Albus. You've done a great job raising him." By the time Harry would hear his Headmaster's response, Harry was up the stairs smiling. For once this smile was genuine.

****

The next morning Harry stood tall in front of the tall Manor doors waiting for Ms.Moreau to apparate him. He kept on fidgeting with his charm in his pocket. The cold touch of the silver calming his burning nerves after today's session with Dumbeldore. The bracelet oftentimes proved to support amidst all the darkness. Every time Harry faced the darkness of the sealed room the soft touch of the stag and doe charms were enough to remind him of his true family, his true home. Suddenly he became quite self-conscious, feeling as if someone was watching him from far. Unable to make the final connection to his head and soul. Harry looked around but found nobody. He was all alone waiting for someone to take him to his best friend.

Adeline Black had never been just a best friend. She and Harry were always closer to each other than Ron, Hermione, or Neville. Maybe it was because both went through the same things outside of Hogwarts. Both understood the burden of seeing Dumbeldore walk past them in the hallways with a fake smile, which everyone took in as warm and loving. Dumbeldore never had the capacity for warmth and love after the imprisonment of Grindelwald.

He remembered the time in the second year when Adie had yelled at Hermione when she started talking about Dumbeldore's great challenges and discoveries. She was so pissed off Hermione was shoved onto the couch with a wand pointing at her chest. Harry smiled at that memory. If anyone could understand him, it would be Adeline. He smiled at the memory that followed. Ron Weasley sitting near the fireplace eating a chocolate frog watching the fight take place in front of him. He remembered Ron fainting when a misfired spell had hit him in the head, turning all his hair into little red snakes. No one had ever found out what spell that had been. Not even Adeline.

Harry shook his head sadly. For a little over two months now, not a single one of his friends had written to him. Although he had expected it, he still felt cut out from the normal part of the wizarding world. Harry had sworn he would play the part he was supposed to, but only to keep his friends safe.

The wind had started to pick up, as the sun started to set. For 20 minutes now, he stood staring out into the large green field hoping he could take his broom and just fly away. With Adeline of course.

A loud Crack! Broke him out of his train of thought.

In front of him stood a small house elf. He smiled as he shook the elves' hand gently. "Hey, Tinky. How are you? Everyone treating you alright?"

A large smile broke onto the elf's face, "Oh yes Mr.Potter. Mistress nice to Tinky now." But as suddenly as the smile appeared it disappeared as well. "Mr.Potter, we must get you to the Moreau Manor before Mistress hurts her."

"Hurts who Tinky?" Harry asked, his hands twitching towards his wand.

Tinky chose not to respond.

She grabbed his hand and with a Crack! They were gone.