A/N: Heeeeey :) I hope you guys are liking the story! I'm just vibing as I write, taking everything in.
@Walkmanapprenticewordsmith - I'm sorry you don't like the story because the boys are in Slytherin. I hope you find a better story then, suited to what you're looking for 3
@mizzrazz72 - Yeeeaaahh It is a lot of pressure for Draco, but they'll make it so it's not so bad for him. They do understand he's just a kid.
@meggels13 - I'm going through a rewriting all the chapters so things might get a little crazy.
(Zander POV)
As I stood amidst the serene embrace of the forest, where my home has stood now for so long, it often feels like it's always been, a symphony of golden hues unfolded before my eyes. The sinking sun painted the sky in strokes of fiery crimson and molten orange, casting a warm glow that danced through the canopy above. The tranquil melody of rustling leaves harmonized with the vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking tableau, as if nature itself had paused to witness the celestial spectacle.
"Were you even watching me?" My head turned from where I'd been watching the sunset to see my beautiful wife behind me, her eyes glittering as she looked oked at my face, not even realizing the beauty that was unfolding behind me.
"I was." I said, "Then I got distracted." Giving a small laugh, she reached up, wrapping her arms around my neck and as I wrapped my arms around her waist, I couldn't help but just stare at her. She was so much more beautiful than any sunset, her light, strawberry blonde hair, all wavy as I pulled it from its tight ponytail, her greenish blues that looked at me as If I were way better than any sunset.
"I've come so far." The sweat that had been running down her face was already drying as I nodded and pressed my forehead to hers, breathing in her scent. "I can take down Sirius alone almost every single time. I just have to take down him and Remus, but I even want to do more." Of course she did, this beautiful, wonderful woman always wanted to do what was best for her family. She was so strong that way, so much of a better person than I will ever be. "I will get my babies back."
Before I realized what was happening, tears had come to my vision and I blinked them away. "We will." I knew we would, we had to. With the order forming, the cloak, Draco's intel and help and our family being determined, there was absolutely no way we wouldn't get Harry and Henry back. Even if we have to fight the Dark Lord himself, we would do it and we would win. I'll sacrifice my life for them. "Are you excited about your first Order meeting tonight? Just an hour until we need to be there."
Over the summer, after some time had passed, Rose eventually told me about her conversation with Snape. I'd not been thrilled at first, but after awhile of sitting on and thinking carefully about it, I'd decided that if we really wanted to save our boys, if we wanted to defeat Voldemort, then we would need Professor Dumbledore's help. I wasn't going to let him control me and I was certainly going to do what I felt was best, but on the whole, I knew it was smart to talk to him.
I did so in July, going to the school and finally talking to the old wizard for hours, telling him the whole story and in the end, he apologized, telling me a bit of his own story. In that time, we'd bonded, coming just a little together as we related to shared experiences. Albums Dumbledore was not my friend, but I no longer saw him as an enemy and for that I was grateful.
She finally pulled away, her face holding the most determined expression I'd ever seen as she nodded. "Dumbledore wants me to tell everyone about my training." My mouth opened in surprise, but then closing it again, I nodded. Was I really shocked? Rose was a muggle who could now hold her own against wizards. With magical teas that helped her get into shape faster, she'd also been gifted a time turner, which she used to go back several hours every single day to keep up to her training. By now, she'd probably aged a bit, but it didn't matter because she was strong, capable and I was so dang proud of her, even if I was scared to actually see her fight.
"He doesn't know why you're training, does he?" I clarified and she shook her head. Upon getting the cloak and finding out Draco could and would help us, I spent the last couple weeks planning and thinking until I came up with the perfect plan. For the first week over Christmas, I'm going to be taking the same type of polyjuice potion that Harry was taking. Then, I'm going to explore Malloy manor, learn all of its secrets and on my last day there, Sirius, Remus and Rose are going to come, and with Rose under the invisibility cloak, we're going to save Harry and Henry.
We hadn't told The Order yet and would do so tonight. I would not let Dumbledore say no. We were saving my boys no matter what, I would duel to make it happen, though I hoped beyond hope a fight wouldn't break out. With enemies like The Death Eaters, it would not serve us well to fight amongst one another.
"Hey, you two ready?" I turned back toward the sunset to see Sirius coming toward us, Remus just behind him. "I'll get Xayla and the kids, you three go ahead if you're ready." I pulled away from Rose with a sigh as Remus came over to us and my brother-in-law passed us, going into the house.
"Ready?" I looked down at my wife and seeing her nod, I took a deep breath and the three of us apparated to Hogsmead.
Since You-Know-Who's return, the small village near Hogwarts had been given added security and the Order had taken up residency in an old home near the outskirts that now had the Fidelius Charm on it. Upon arriving, I immediately searched for the person who'd help us get in— and there he was, Draem the House Elf.
Upon making my way over to the small creature, he held out a piece of paper and reading it, I looked up and— there it was. "How'd you know I was friend and not foe?" I asked and the house elf looked up at me with sparkling eyes.
"I be doing Occlumency, sir. I be knowing everyone who's who and if I don'ts, I not be giving them the address."
"What if you're wrong?"
"I never be wrongs, sir."
"Uhuh." Shaking my head, I took Rose's hand as Sirius and Xayla appeared, all our kids in toe. I looked at Sam and Amber and they gave me a small wave and a smile. Sam was supposed to have started Hogwaers this year, but with overwhelming anxiety, due to his missing brothers, Xayla had convinced me to keep him back a year so he wouldn't associate Hogwaets negatively. Amber on the other hand wasn't as scared as Sam, but she'd definitely become quieter, more sullen these past months and it broke my heart to see her like this.
These days, she and Sam spent so much time in their stories, I wondered if they preferred them to reality. Then looking at Toby, the twins and the small baby boy held securely in Xayla's arms, I was reminded of why I was there and as much as I worried about Amber and Sam, they were here, safe and alive. I needed to focus now on Harry and Henry and getting their butts home.
"I'll feed Ven, then join you all for the meeting." Looking at the paper in the elf's clutches, Xayla led the way into the home that now stood with its door open, a loud buzz of voices fading out from within.
The Weasleys had come with their whole family as well as several other parents. So, with there being more than enough kids to keep mine entertained, I sent them downstairs, to the kids chambers that had been set up. Down there was games, books, and a number of other fun things to do. Arthur and Molly had already prepared food and left it downstairs for the kids to snack on while the adults talked.
When I made it to the large dining room and sat, there were already over a dozen people around me, all of them chatting amongst each other. Rose sat beside me, with Remus on her other side and Then, with Sirius and Xayla on my other side, I looked around and Dumbledore stood to conduct the meeting. "Thank you all for coming tonight. We have many important matters to discuss, but the one that requires our utmost attention is the return of You-Know-Who to full power and the subsequent kidnapping of Harry Potter and Henry Darken."
My heart, pounding hard in my chest, I looked around quietly as the room began buzzing with anticipation and worry, with members exchanging glances and nodding in agreement. Voldemort getting the stone— the sorcerer's stone was one of the worst outcomes that could've happened.
Rose glances anxiously at me and giving her a reassuring smile, I take her hand under the table and squeeze it. This seems to give her the confidence she needs as when Dumbledore finished addressing them as a whole, she puts her hand up and Dumbledore calls on her to speak and she does, her voice steady with determination.
"Before I begin, I wanted to tell you all a little about myself."
(Rose POV)
"My name is Rose, I am Petunia's and Lily's older sister and I was raising Harry sinc3 he was a little baby." I glanced around the room, still anxious, but no one seemed angry like they always were in my nightmares. No one looked as if they were going to bite my head off and because of this, I began to feel my anxiety go away as I now let go of my husband's hand and stood. "I know to many, I'm just a muggle woman. What can she even do to help? She can't use magic. Yes, these things are true, that I'm just a muggle woman and can't use magic, but the beauty about that is that I've been learning now how to fight in a different way, an unexpected way that is both very strong and well crafted. I've been undergoing intensive training, using magically modified muggle weapons and in doing this, in learning how to combat, I've been preparing myself to join the fight against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. No one but those here tonight know of my training and that's because Zander, Remus, Sirius and I have been brainstorming on how to save Harry and Henry and being secretive will ensure more in our favor when time comes to fight."
A murmur rippled through the room, the members exchanging surprised and impressed glances. Dumbledore, to my utmost surprise, nodded at me, approvingly. Looking back at him, my heart soared and as I go to sit, Molly Weasley put a hand up and wondered if there's any way we can disclose our plan. I glance at Zander and now he stands, my love for him so great as he stands strong and faces the order.
"Our plan was devised when young Draco Malloy brought to me James Potter's invisibility cloak that Harry had left by the entrance of the third floor corridor last year. Over the summer, Draco used it to sneak around and he has confirmed to me that both Harry and Henry are alive and well." My heart squeezed at this, so glad that at the very least, my babies were okay. "I spoke with Draco when he brought me the cloak and he said that after much thought and research, he doesn't want to be on You-Know-Who's side. He wants to be on the right side of history— yes? What is it, Arthur?"
"Are you saying that we're going to trust the word of a twelve year old boy?"
I shook my head, "Kind of, but not really. Over Christmas Holiday, Draco is going to write to his mother and father that he wants to go home. Then, when the time comes, Draco will be taken to Rose and I's home and I will be going undercover as Draco to his home, where I will infiltrate Malfoy Manor, learn of its inner workings and on the day before Christmas, when no one suspects a thing, Rose, Remus and Sirius will meet me, I will let them in and together, we will rescue our children."
Another hand shot up and patiently as ever, Zander calls on the person, who asks an interesting question. "What if You-Know-Who reads your thoughts?"
"Well," Zander began, almost giddy to explain. He'd put so much time and thought into this plan, I knew for sure that no matter what question was thrown at him, he'd have the perfect answer. "With Occlumency, there's a sort of deeper work that can be done." When everyone just stared at him, my husband went on. "I have been quietly running through Draco's thoughts these past few weeks and after several more conversations with the boy, I now believe I can imitate his thinking patterns well enough to avoid suspicion."
Another murmur slides through the group and I stand once more and take my husband's hand, squeezing it tightly. "I know you guys are worried— you must have so many questions and I promise, we can answer them all. Because we understand the risks involved, but we are willing to do whatever it takes to bring our children home safely. We have the utmost confidence in the abilities of everyone involved and I don't know about all of you, but I will not stop, I will fight until my babies are home—" At these last words, I couldn't help it and choked up, wiping at my eyes as I did, causing Zander to turn and hug me, tightly.
The room, now silent as everyone watches us, digests the significance and potential danger of the plan and I, along with Zander, take our seats. The room remains silent for a long moment, before Dumbledore, with his calm demeanor, speaks up.
"Zander, Rose, your plan is bold and risky, but it shows great resourcefulness. The rescue of Harry and Henry is of utmost importance, and we will do everything within our power to assist you. We must ensure the safety of everyone involved and minimize the potential for conflict. I suggest a thorough review of the plan, addressing any potential risks and contingencies."
Nods ripple through the room and as voices began picking up, it warmed my heart to hear members of the Order start discussing the plan, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses, suggesting modifications and additions to enhance its chances of success. Zander and I listen attentively, open to suggestions and willing to adapt the details of the mission based on the collective wisdom of the Order.
The meeting stretched on as the group collectively worked to fine-tune the plan, ironing out details, and preparing for any eventuality. Through this collaborative effort, Our plan gains the approval and backing of every single member around us, Our resolve only strengthened by the unwavering support of one another.
As the meeting concludes, the members disperse, ready to execute their assigned roles and prepare for the challenging task ahead. Zander and I exchange a glance, a mixture of determination and gratitude reflecting back to one another. We were well aware the path before us seemed perilous, but with the Order's support and the love and contributions from those we cared for most, we knew in our hearts, that this mission would succeed and that our children would be brought home.
(Zander POV)
Snape, who was just finishing a quiet conversation with Dumbledore as Rose and I stood, called over to us as everyone began to disburse. I glanced at my wife and nodding, she invited the spy to come and stand with us near the corner of the room, so we could all talk with a little more privacy.
Features masked in a cold, distant expression, he nodded as he approached where we now stood. Being ever so keenly aware of Severus' reputation for being cold, yet perceptive, I braced for the conversation to come. I mean, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. Severus and I hadn't had one long conversation since I'd told him off for being an arse to my sons— my sons who's lives were now in danger. I did know, however, that after the boys were gone, Rose had sat down and had a long conversation with the Potions master, so with that in mind, I tried not to let my bias get in my way and I listened, trying to hear the man out.
Making his way over, he now stood before us and as he opened his mouth to speak, he glanced at Rose and seemed to switch up what he was going to say. "Firstly, I want to say Darken, that I greatly admire the risk you're going to be taking in infiltrating Malloy Manor." I watched him as he spoke and deeming his words genuine, I gave a smile, though his expression remained as stoic as it ever had. "As much as I admire your endeavors, I must remind and emphasize to you the risks you are taking in undergoing this mission. Malfoy Manor is a fortress with all manner of protection over it. It is constantly crawling with The Dark Lords supporters and you would be wise to take precaution according to not only that fact, but I would advise you in making note of who's in the manor at the time of your plan and locate and note their strengths and weaknesses."
Taking in his words and advice, I mulled it over in my brain, thinking, considering and accepting before I nodded in agreement. "I see, will you be there?" I knew obviously, like any in The Order, that Severus Snape was a spy and unlike some, I actually found that I trusted him. I feel at times a sort of kinship with him in that we are both people, who as children, were drawn into a dark and dangerous world, when we, ourselves are not dark people— though I do accept that both Severus and I could both be considered very "dangerous".
The Potions Master gave the smallest shrug, "I am not sure, though whether I'm there or not, you need to be careful. In doing this, you are not only putting yourself at risk, but you are also toying with the lives of everyone involved." He glanced at Rose again and a flicker of something spread over his features before disappearing in the blink of an eye. "Do. Not. Get. Killed." These last four words shocked me into silence, nodding being the only thing I could do before I glanced at Rose, who was giving Snape a watery smile.
Then, all at once, it hit me and I couldn't help but smile, myself. "I won't, Severus." I said and I then promised it. Rose was something Snape now had that gave him comfort. She was a part of Lily that wasn't tainted with James Potter's DNA, she was that reminder to him, that hope and in knowing that, I hoped that one day, she could be the one to help give the man closure, because from what I can tell, he desperately needs it.
"Thank you." This, Rose and I said in unison and now, looking between us, Severus seemed to soften just ever so slightly.
"I'm not sure if I'll be there, but I can get started on giving you intel on the strengths and weaknesses of each Death Eater." He offered and this made my heart soar. If even Severus Snape was willing to help— even if for selfish reasons, it made me feel only the more confident in the plan. "If I am there that night, I will do my best to help while still keeping my cover, understood?" Rose and I both nodded and thanked him again. Finally, before turning to walk away, Severus gave us one last sentiment. "Sometimes, we think we can't do anything. We think that if all goes wrong, we have failed, but there is only failing in doing nothing." With that, he left, walking briskly away and turning, I wrapped my arms around Rose.
"We got this!" She sobbed out a laugh and smiling at her, I took her face into my hands and pressed my forehead to hers, agreeing with her as I did. The path ahead was scary, it looked bleak and unsure, but with my wife by my side, with her belief that we could do it, I felt it in my heart that it wasn't a matter of if we could save them, but when. Our determination and love would drive us all the way to the end.
"We will have them home for Christmas." With that, I gave her a kiss and for once in a long time, the world felt like it was giving us a moment to breath.
A/N: Thoughts on the plan? Are you excited? I will give you a little sneak peak and say that a big fight will take place when the boys are saved. The chapter will be so epiccccc.
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