[4] UNREQUITED ENEMIES ━ Draco Malfoy

09. Hope

NINE HOPE

It was days before they came up with a plan. Griphook had given them the information that one of the Horcruxes they needed was in Bellatrix's vault at Gringotts and getting there would be a feat in and of itself. Thankfully, they had a couple of wands to help them out. Still, it was risky for all of them to go. Looking at the physical state of Diana and the mental state of himself, he knew they were down for the count.

"We'll be of no use to you," Xander was saying as they crowded around the kitchen island, "You guys go, get what we need, and then apparate back here. I'll get Aberforth's help to get us back into Hogwarts, but you don't need us for Gringotts.

"He's right, 'Mione," Ron nodded, "We only have enough polyjuice for the two of us and the cloak will only hide Harry and Griphook. They need to stay. I'm sure Bill and Fleur won't mind the company, right guys?"

Bill confirmed this as he said, "Happy to help. The fewer people coming and going the better, a group of four is better than a group of six, especially when none of you can have your real identities."

"Fine, but I'm not happy about leaving you guys here," Hermione sighed, "I know Luna and Ollivander are too weak to go, but we need all the help we can get."

"And you will have help waiting for you when you return," Xander reassured, "I promise, we're not going anywhere."

"We need to get a move on and soon," Harry interrupted, "We've no idea when we'll get another chance like this and Griphook is reluctant enough to take us already. We need to get going before he changes his mind."

Ron sighed at this, shaking his head, "Nasty goblin. Right, then, let's get a move on."

Outside, Xander and Diana watched as Hermione used the polyjuice potion to become Bellatrix Lestrange and Ron was disguised as a death eater. It was daunting to see Bellatrix Lestrange standing directly in front of him, but Xander had to continuously remind himself that it was only a disguise. Taking deep breaths, he bid them goodbye as they apparated. Now, everything was in their hands and there was nothing he could do.

Once everyone went inside, Xander sat down in the sand facing the water. It was calming to have the only sound being the crashing waves. He had always loved it when he got to go to the beach. Spending your academic years in the Scottish Highlands gave one a new appreciation for summer weather, Xander supposes. After a few moments, someone joins him and he already knows who it is.

"We would have been heading into exams around now," Diana speaks after a few moments of silence pass between them, "It's May."