Bound By Blood.

ch.99~Stuck here.

"One day, I'll have to decide which war I want to win. 

While it should be obvious, it isn't."

Undelivered Correspondents between Death Eater Mattheo Riddle, to Order Member Alexandra Brooks, 2004.

A few miles out from Potter's House, 2004.

Mattheo.

"Do they really think we are that daft?" Draco murmured from the look out we secured years ago, giving us a perfect view of Potters parents house, "I mean, their entire plan is see through!" 

I could almost see the impatience clawing at Theo's demeanor. "Honestly, what do you expect?They have an idiot running The Order," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief. 

"We should just rush in," Enzo interjected, "Get in, get what we need, be done."

"Enough of that," I said, forcing my voice to stay calm. Frustration simmered beneath my skin. "Rushing in without a plan is what got us here in the first place. We need to wait for the perfect opportunity." My tone was firm, but a storm of indecision raged in my mind.

From the lookout, I watched Harry lead Alexandra into the house, the door closing softly behind them. 

For a fleeting moment, a powerful urge surged through me—a desire to run after them and pull her back into my arms. But I forced myself to stand still, like a statue frozen in time. 

A larger part of me recoiled at the thought of any action that involved her. 

I shut it off, the swirl of emotions dimming behind a suffocating shield. 

Shutting her out felt easier, safer.

My thoughts raced, crashing against one another as I calculated how to retrieve the Horcruxes, each one intertwined with her safety. 

I knew I had to cut that connection. I couldn't risk it anymore.

"Stay on task," Draco's voice broke through the chaos, grounding me. "Remember the plan, Riddle." I nodded, taking a deep breath as his words pushed away my doubts.

Draco shifted slightly, a plan forming in his mind. "I've got something," he said, his eyes glinting with a mix of mischief and determination. "You have to trust me." 

It was a strange feeling knowing I could still place faith in him after everything, especially given that he had met Alexandra behind my back. Yet here I was, willing to listen.

"I'm giving you five minutes," I said, my voice steady as I pointed to my watch, starting the countdown. It felt like the ticking clock echoed through my very bones, reverberating with anticipation and dread.

Draco nodded, climbing down the stairs with a newfound sense of purpose. 

The image of Harry and Alexandra faded from my mind, replaced by the impending mission. 

There was no turning back now; I had to see this through. Time to rely on Draco, however much that unsettled me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I knew when I seen the bright fire, and heard the roaring flames coming off that dingy fucking house that we were in trouble. 

This is what I get for trusting Malfoy.