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."

"That it is," Xander responded, his voice quiet, "Maddening. How quickly things have changed. We're in the middle of war now, I reckon. 'Ave been for a while now. I just didn't realize it back when I was at Hogwarts. I should have realized it the moment Snape had death eaters roaming the halls, hitting us with the Cruciatus Curse the moment any of us slipped up. That place used to be so magical. Now, I'm dreading going back."

Diana sighed, "This'll be over one day. I can't promise you it'll be tomorrow, but it has to end one day. I just hope we're alive to see it."

The boy scoffed at his, his voice a low whisper, "I was never a fighter. I never have been and I never will be. People like me aren't meant to survive this, Di."

"Xander... you have been fighting your entire life and you don't even know it," the girl muttered. He met her eyes and he could see that hers were welling with tears. She had been through so much in the last few months and even now that they were free, they still had to wonder if they would survive this. "Just because you don't regularly win duels or whatever doesn't mean you aren't a fighter. You faced so much tragedy before you even turned eighteen and yet you still sit here on this beach and you're determined to survive. Hell, you even see the best in people like Draco. You love so fiercely, Xander, and I know that when the time comes, you'll fight for those people you love. You don't have to be a fighter, you just have to be a survivor. And you've survived this far, haven't you?"

"I think surviving being orphaned is a bit different than fighting a war, but I appreciate the pep talk," it was a weak attempt at a joke, but no one had really been in a joking mood lately. He leaned his head on her shoulder. "I don't know if I'm ever gonna be the same after this."

She turned and pressed a kiss to his head before saying, "None of us are. What's important is that none of us are ever going to be alone. You'll always have me and I'll always have you. We've got my brothers, Jo and Alecks, there are so many people that love us so dearly, Xander."

"Do your brothers even know this is happening?" Xander asked suddenly, the thought just coming to his mind. "Have you told them anything?"

"I haven't had the heart to," Diana shook her head, "How do I tell them that their sister could be dead by the end of the year? How do you say that to someone you love?"

He had no answer for her. An owl swooped low above the water, coming straight for them. Moments later, a letter dropped into Xander's lap. He didn't think twice before ripping it open. It was from Alecks.

Xander,

Please, God, tell me if you're alive because if you're dead I'm resurrecting your ass just so I can kill you for being an idiot and getting yourself killed. My sources at Hogwarts within the Order told me that you had found Dumbledore's Army and I was like "Oh, fantastic!" until they told us that you LEFT. Why the HELL would you leave? What was so important you left the only safe place for you at Hogwarts? If I see you again, I am killing you on sight just for making me worry so much. If you aren't dead, please respond accordingly. Jo sends her love.

Alecks

"I'm surprised she didn't just send a howler," Diana chuckled as she read the letter next to him. She nodded to the owl that was now perched on the windowsill of the house, "I think you've got a letter to write."

Xander scoffed as the girl stood and walked towards the house, leaving him on the sand. Despite the angry tone of the letter, he knew Alecks must be worried sick about him. He really was just glad that she was alive, but he was more worried that she was working with the Order and not just staying out of the war efforts and living a calm muggle life with her wife like she always wanted. Then again, Alecks had never been one to sit quietly in times of unrest. Reading over the letter once more, he smiled. For a brief moment, he even had some hope.