For a topological space $X$ that is Hausdorff, and $\{B_k\}_{k\in I}$ is an arbitrary collection of compact sets, I need to show that $\bigcap\limits_{k\in I} B_k$ is also compact.
Here's the rub. I do not have closed sets to work with. The proof that compact sets in a Hausdorff space are closed is proven in the next section of the book, so I am forbidden from using it in my proof. Unfortunately, I cannot find a proof online anywhere that doesn't rely on closedness. And I've been struggling with this proof for three weeks. Any pointers or full fledged proofs that avoid closedness would be appreciated. I thought I could prove this on my own but have only failed. Im out of time and even when cheating I couldn't find a single useful bit of advice.
Edit A few people have offered some advice, which I appreciate. But to be clear, my instructor isn't going to expect much more beyond the open set cover definition of compactness. We really have little else to work with, sorry to say. I don't know what duals are, I cannot infer that compact sets are closed, and I'm sure there are lots of tricks up people's sleeves that I am just not allowed to use at this juncture.