CHAPTER 15 – Setting Everything Straight
ATTENTION: This story seizes to be a Harry/Hermione story only I have decided to make the story not Harry/Hermione centered as it may cause too much choco-coated scenes. I wanted everything to blend in that's why I didn't get into much details regarding the dance lessons, dance performances, how the girls looked like, not even the names of the honored guests. Some explanation regarding the "Mirror Image" Duke Edward was talking about. I have made this story to look as if every single one of their parents were also part of the Yule Ball, only, they stay in another side of the Great Hall which is called the "Mirror Image". They have perfect view of what was happening at the real Great Hall and can actually interact with the other older wizards. To those who have reviewed my story, thank you so much and I hope that more reviews will come in.
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"Are you positively sure about this, Harriotte?" Harry asked her as she was preparing to leave the Great Hall.
"Yes, Harriotte, you don't have to agree in on this. We can always tell Fred and George off," Cedric supplemented.
Harriotte stopped and turned around to look at her two future dates. They looked at her and saw that she was smiling, but they also saw through her exterior and found her to be very tired and seemed to be a little restless.
"Look, the both of you, you have heard what my father had just spoken about not too long ago. He has made his decision and I have to follow that," Harriotte quietly told the both of them.
"But, Harriotte, your father was the one who said it. It's not like you have to follow it," Harry told her.
"It is an order I must follow. I know you do not understand this, but please, realize that my father has spoken and his order is for me to participate in this date and I must comply. I am sorry. Please excuse me. I think I will take a rest now."
Harriotte clutched the skirt train of her gown and left the both of them to absorb what she had just said. She paced towards the exit. Cedric watched as a number of ladies' maids and sentinels follow the retreating back of Harriotte. The people she passed by all looked at her with awe and wonder. It seemed that she just wanted to be in another place as of that moment.
"I guess we have no other choice too, do we?" Cedric asked Harry.
"I guess not," Harry answered nonchalantly.
"What did she say?" Harry and Cedric heard the approaching Hermione, with her are the rest of the group, say.
"She agreed to it, hands down," Cedric answered for the both of them.
"It's a surprise she just simply agreed to it," Ginny said.
"I don't think we should be surprised about it, especially when her father says it so," Cedric said.
"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?"
"Harriotte seems to just follow her father's orders. Whatever it is, as long as her father says it so, she agrees to it," Harry finally spoke.
The group remained silent for a moment to ponder what Harry had just said. They knew in their minds that what Harry had said was true. It was obvious the way Hilton acted that night. He had no say in the situation even if it was obvious that the duke was exploiting his daughter into a situation that is not normal. Even though Hilton was trying to rescue her, when the duke had approved of it, he had no say anymore.
"Why are you all so gloomy?" they all heard Draco ask as he came towards them.
"Draco," Harry silently said.
"It's a party, isn't it? You should all lighten up!" Draco said, trying to hide away something from them.
"Draco, we know you know what we are thinking," Hermione said.
"Yeah, you don't have to pretend o something," Ginny said.
"What? I don't know what's the problem with you guys but the party is just getting started! Go! The new batch of food platters have been set out. You better hurry, Ron."
"Food? Let me at it!" Ron exclaimed, running towards the food table that mysteriously appeared.
"Ron!" Ginny said, running after her brother.
"Is this your idea of a joke, Draco?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not, in any way, joking, Hermione. There really is food there."
"You know what we mean, Draco," Harry said.
"Look, I think you guys should give it a rest. There's really nothing you can do about it. Just go and enjoy the night."
Hermione gave Draco a look before she proceeded to catch up with Ginny and Ron. Cho followed suit. After the girls had left, Harry, Cedric and Draco remained quiet. Harry pretended to be absorbed by Ron's exaggeratedly embarrassing eating habits, while Cedric looked around the Great Hall.
"You have to be prepared," Draco suddenly spoke out.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, looking back at Draco.
"A date with Harriotte is no ordinary date. You've heard what Uncle Edward had said. He approved of it, and by approve, he meant he was to keep an eye on things. You'd better be careful."
"What are you implying?" Cedric asked.
"You should be careful. Harriotte is no ordinary girl."
"We know that well enough," Harry said.
"You don't understand. You have to be careful. This is no joke, you two. I'm warning you. Don't go beyond what you can reach. Consequences follow every action you shall make."
"What is all this mind bending?" Cedric asked.
"Harry, Cedric, I just want to tell you that you should not, in any way, make her feel unpleasant about anything. It will surely be a big deal for Uncle Edward if Harriotte ever feels upset."
"We'll keep that in mind."
"You'd better. I fear Uncle Edward more than Father or Mother. He is no ordinary duke; rather, he is no ordinary father."
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"It's getting late. I still want to have some spare time before I go to bed-just to have some reading time. I think I'll go ahead, Harry," Hermione told Harry as they stood together in front of the Great Hall entrance.
"I'll go with you, 'Mione. I don't have anything to do here anyway. Plus, I'm supposed to make sure that my date will make it to her room safe and sound," Harry said in a cute, boyish manner.
Hermione just smiled at him and they began to walk together. They watched as the students all mingled about in the halls, not caring a thing about the time. Harry chuckled as Hermione gagged at two Hogwarts students making out at the corner behind a centaur statue.
"You know you'll end up doing that when you get a boyfriend," Harry said.
"No, I will not do that, not in public places," Hermione shot back.
"Haha! I know you wouldn't, Hermione. Don't beat yourself up over it."
"That was something I wish to dispel from my brain."
"It'll pass. Don't let it bother you, okay?"
"Yeah, you're right. By the way, I had fun tonight, Harry. I really enjoyed your company. Although, I have to admit that the turn of events were not what I had expected, on the other hand, I really had fun."
Harry gave the password to the Fat Lady as they arrived at the Portrait Hole. He gestured for Hermione to enter first and soon after, he followed. Hermione stood in the middle of the living room and looked at her date. Harry smiled.
"Hermione, I enjoyed this night too; and just like you, I didn't expect things to go this way. But I'm really glad that you had fun with me. I do hope that we can spend time like this again soon. We've both been busy and we rarely get to talk," Harry told her.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. So much had gone on and the wheels are still in motion. We still have to do that date thing that Fred and George had arranged and I can't believe that I am to go on a date with Oliver! Much less, a date with Oliver who is also on a date with Cho!"
"Calm down, calm down. Don't get frustrated about it too much. I know how you feel. We all got shocked. You just don't know how shocked I was when I heard my name first to be called. I wanted to murder Fred and George at that exact moment."
Hermione giggled at Harry's remark. She knew how he felt. She felt the exact same way when she heard the twins call out her name. Over the years that they had known the Weasley twins, they had never actually gotten into the exact center of their trouble making hijinks, until that night.
"I guess there really is no use having to argue with them. They won't take back what they said in public anyway," Hermione said, moving away from him.
"Yeah. But I wonder what they're really up to. This is something different," Harry said, moving closer to the fireplace.
"I know. I was wondering the same thing the whole time. A date? Why would they think of something like that?"
"Not just that, it is no ordinary date. Poor Harriotte and Oliver. They have to spend time with two individuals at the same time-two individuals they don't even know that much."
Hermione looked back at Harry and showed him a look of concern and wonder. She walked a little back and forth from her position. It was obvious that she was worried about something more than just the date.
"I'm concerned about Harriotte," Hermione finally said.
"Why would you be concerned about her?"
"Oh, come on, Harry! Don't give me that pretending game! You know what I mean! You saw her tonight. You saw how she acted."
"It's understandable."
"How can you say it's understandable?"
"She was shocked at what Fred and George had planned."
"You know that she was indifferent even before Fred and George had sprouted out of nowhere."
"Hermione, I just don't see where this is going."
"Harry, you tell me where this is going."
"Are we arguing about Harriotte?"
"Yes! We are arguing about her because this is all about her! I know you are concerned about her too!"
"You want the truth? Yes! I am concerned about her! In fact, I am worried sick about Harriotte! I don't know what is happening to her. I don't know if she is alright or if she's starting to get sick or something! I am getting bothered by the fact that I don't have a clue on what has happened to her!"
"So why don't you just go and run to her and ask what has happened?"
"What gave you that idea that I would do such a thing?"
"I don't know! It just came into my mind."
"Hermione, Harriotte and I are nothing more than friends. Yes, I admit that we write letters to each other but that doesn't seem to justify any fact that we are more than what you think we are. What is wrong with you, Hermione? Why are you acting this way?"
"I-I-I don't know. I'm sorry. I guess it's just that I'm tired that's all. I don't know if I'm thinking straight. I'm sorry, Harry."
"I understand, 'Mione. It's no problem. Why don't you go and take a rest now. I'll wait up here for a bit if ever Ron comes up soon. I don't think I feel all that sleepy yet. You go on ahead and take a good night's rest. I hope you feel better tomorrow. I'm sorry for what had happened."
It's not your fault, Harry. It's mine. I should get going now. I might get another sudden burst of emotions if I stay here longer. I'm really tired. Tonight was one heck of a Ball. And tomorrow, we still have to hear from Fred and George what they got planned in for us. I'll see you tomorrow then, Harry. Goodnight. You sleep well too."
"Goodnight, Hermione. Hope you feel much better tomorrow. I'll see you. Sweet dreams."
As Hermione made her way up to her dormitories, she glanced back at Harry and saw him taking a seat by the fireplace. She sighed and kept walking up. When she entered the room, she fell face first on the bed and grunted. I am so not liking this. What have I just done? That was so stupid! How could I have said those things to Harry?! What has happened to me? Am I really getting...jealous?
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Harry watched as the flame of the fireplace danced violently. He sighed and got up form his seat. He glanced around the room and walked a bit. He suddenly stopped and walked towards the Hole and went out.
Outside, he found no one in sight, but the noise from the Great Hall elevated throughout the halls. Harry leaned against the wall beside the portrait of the Fat Lady and kept silent.
"What is wrong with you, my dear boy?" asked the Fat Lady suddenly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did I disturb you with my presence?" Harry asked.
"No, dear. I was just worried about you. You look disoriented. Are you troubled about something?"
"Well, I don't know really. I guess you could say that I am worried about something."
"Is it about the upcoming date with the Lady?"
"How did you know?"
"My dear, news travels faster among portraits than in humans."
"I..."
Harry suddenly stopped when he saw the Fat Lady looking at something in front of them. Harry shifted his gaze towards the thing that the Fat Lady was looking to and saw a man in white looking directly in his eyes. Harry gulped and felt his body freeze. Why the heck am I suddenly frozen here?
"Please excuse us, Madame," he said towards the Fat Lady. The Fat Lady then disappeared into another portrait, leaving Harry alone with him.
"You are, of course, Harry Potter, are you not?" he asked.
"Yes, yes, I am," Harry quietly answered.
"Please forgive me. I have not recognized my manners. I am Hilton Henson. It is a pleasure to meet you."
"I know you."
"Oh? You do then?"
"Who doesn't know you? Professor Dumbledore had already said enough about you. I don't think any of us can forget that easily."
"Oh, so you know me by that then. Well, I guess I cannot argue with that. But I cam here not to discuss with you about such matters. I do hope that you have realized why I have come here to talk to you for."
"Harriotte?"
"My sister means more to me than anything or anyone else in this world. I can say that I probably treasure her more than my parents. I do not know. She has been with me since the day she was born and I have kept her close beside me every moment of our lives. She is someone I do not wish to loose."
"I understand that, Lord Hilton. I understand that you came here to warn me about my behavior when I am to go on that date with Harriotte."
"No, that is not my main purpose here. I came here to talk to you about Harriotte's current behavior. You saw how she was during the Ball. I understand that you have been constantly mailing each other while she had been gone from the public eye."
"Harriotte's behavior tonight? Well, I was also surprised. She wasn't like that earlier before."
"You are telling me that you do not know what has happened to my sister?"
"Yes, sir. I don't know what happened to Harriotte. She seemed alright when we left her earlier. She even said that she'd wait for...That's it!"
"What is it?"
"We left her to wait for Oliver...I mean, Professor Wood."
"Oliver Wood? You left her to wait for Oliver?"
"Well, not exactly left her to wait for him. She just told us to go on ahead. We assumed that she was just waiting for him to come and pick her up."
Hilton remained silent as Harry said the last word of his sentence. He shifted his gaze to the ground and placed his right hand under his chin while his left hand was supporting the right-like he was in a thinking position. Harry just stared at him nervously as if anytime soon he will strangle him.
"Have you noticed anything different between the relationship of Harriotte and Oliver these past few days?" Hilton suddenly asked.
"Uhm, well, yeah. Sort of. We noticed that he hasn't been with her for quite some time now and Harriotte just suddenly disappeared. I mean, she doesn't show herself much nowadays. We don't know where she has been or if she was still seeing Oliver. We even wondered if they had a fight," Harry stated.
"A fight?Very interesting. Well, thank you for your time, Mr. Potter. Go on now. Go to bed. I am sure that you are tired. I best be going now. I have to go check on Harriotte."
"W-W-Wait! About Harriotte..."
"She will be fine, Mr. Potter. Do not mind her disposition this night. She was just most likely tired. I suggest that you erase from your memory what you have witnessed of her this night. It might ruin your sleep."
"But Harriotte didn't look alright to me."
"You have a keen eye, Mr. Potter, but I suggest that you do not get yourself involved in this situation as of now. I admit to you and to myself that I do not know what Harriotte is thinking of as of this moment. But I can tell you that I feel that something is really different. Something is not right. I want to find out about it myself first before I divulge any details to anyone. Before I tell you, I must find out myself first. Is it not correct, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, yes, of course. I'm sorry for getting my nose in on it."
"I understand. It is no trouble, Mr. Potter."
"But, will Harriotte be okay?"
"She will be, I assure you of that. No problem is too hard for my sister. She is a strong girl. I am very sure that she will be fine any time soon. Please do not worry about her anymore. But I thank you for thinking about mys sister's welfare."
"Harriotte is also my friend. Worrying about her is something I know is not a crime. I just hope that she is alright."
"It seems that the rumors of your greatness are true."
"What?"
"I have received news that you are more than your title. It seems that the rumors, his time, are true. I can see it clearly now. I should have called for you sooner."
"I...Thank you, sir."
"Lady Lily and Sir James must be very proud of you."
"What? How did..."
"Everyone knows about Harry Potter's parents."
"I wouldn't be surprised. Everyone knew me when I first arrived here, and I didn't even know any of them."
"Mr. Potter, do you understand how great your mother and father's love for you was?"
"Yes, yes, of course, I do. They risked their life protecting me from Voldemort-not once but twice, or, without my knowledge, even more."
"Then you can understand that my parents are very protective over Harriotte."
"I also wouldn't be surprised."
"I see that you really do. Then I must tell you this, because I find you quite the interesting gentleman, that Harriotte enjoys windy places. She also enjoys having simple moments together, just like a simple conversation. That would be enough to entertain her."
"Wha...?"
"She also enjoys sandwiches. Those simple things will surely be fine with her. Remember that."
Hilton then left Harry without any more to say. Harry wondered what he meant about what he had just said until realization struck him. Was that advice for the date on Sunday? Was Hilton Henson, future heir to the Henson throne, giving me advice on dating his sister? I mean, on entertaining his sister?
Harry was deep in his thought and didn't notice Ginny standing just a few feet away from him, calling out to him. Ginny approached Harry cautiously and stopped just beside his left ear.
"HARRY!" Ginny shouted.
"O-o-o-ow!!!" Harry screamed.
"It was your fault anyway."
"Ginny! What was that for?!"
"I was calling you the whole time. I was asking you what you were doing just standing there."
"I was talking to Hilton Henson."
"Hilton Henson? What are you saying? I didn't see him here."
"What do you mean you didn't see him here? He just left a few moments ago."
"I'm serious. I didn't see him."
"That's impossible."
"Harry, you must be tired. You're imagining things already. Go to bed."
"But, I'm very sure that I had just spoken to him."
"No tell me, why would he talk to you?"
"It was about Harriotte!"
"Harry, if ever he did talk to you about her, why would he approach you secretly?"
"I...I don't know."
"See? You're just imagining things. Go to bed. I know we are all tired. Draco had already gone to the Slytherin Common Room. He was very bushed when he escorted me back here that I asked him, halfway to here, to just go on ahead even if he kept on refusing. I knew that if I hadn't forced him to do so he would have collapsed on the way by now."
"How was the Ball when we left anyway?"
"Oh, it's still continuing right about now. Ron's still there eating his heart out over the never-ending food platters appearing. So, I suggest that you don't wait for him anymore."
"He's still at it at this hour? Man, that brother of yours really is a baboon-pig."
"You don't need to tell me about that. Now, if you don't plan on sleeping any time soon, I'll leave you here. I'm tired and I wanna sleep it all out. Goodnight, Harry."
"I'll follow soon, Gin. Goodnight."
As Ginny entered the Portrait Hole, Harry stared back at the hallway that Hilton had disappeared to. He wondered if Ginny was really telling the truth that he was just imagining things. I don't think so. I'm very sure that I had just spoken to him. But why didn't Ginny see him leave? If Ginny passed by this direction, she would be able to run into Hilton Henson. What the heck happened here?
Harry was so tired to even think anymore so he decided to just shrug the thought of. He entered the Hole, glancing back a few seconds at the hallway before letting the door close. He walked up to his dormitories and went under the sheets of his bed. He sighed and took off his glasses before closing his eyes. In his mind, he imagined Hariotte's face that night. He quickly shrugged it off and he then saw Hermione's face. Something was definitely not right that night. He has never fought with Hermione like that before and it made him sick just thinking about how they argued just an hour back. He didn't know what exactly happened but he wanted to find out. Soon, I'll find out these things soon. Just a little more time.
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"What have you done with him?" asked an old man.
"Nothing, Father. I just discussed certain matters with him," a young man answered.
"Have you gone to your sister?" asked the old man again.
"I am about to, Father," answered the young man.
"I am afraid that complications are obviously coming out now. You best be at full alert."
"Yes, Father. I will be. Please excuse me now. I am to visit Harriotte."
"Yes, go on. Your sister needs you now. I believe something is wrong with her. Make sure that she will be fine tomorrow."
"Yes. Please excuse me, Father, Mother."
Hilton bowed at his parents before leaving through the door. After seeing Harry, he went straight to his parents' room to report about the day's events and the charities that he was taking care of. His father immediately knew that he had used magic with Harry when he had spoken with him. He secretly moved them into another dimension just to make sure that no one would walk in on them talking.
"What do you suppose is wrong with our daughter, Edward?" asked the duchess.
"I think I may know, Clarisse. Although I do not want to make conclusions before I skim into the problem," told Duke Edward.
"I think I shall set and appointment with Oliver tomorrow for tea. It has been a long time since I have had a chat with the young lad."
"Do that, my dear. Then maybe you can find out about him and our daughter's situation."
"Harriotte is slowly realizing the truth around her, Edward. I believe she has noticed it already."
"Yes, Clarisse. I believe so too. Our daughter has finally opened her eyes to reality."
"Soon, she will make her own decisions."
"Just like we did before."
"Just like they did before."
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"Do you think this is still a good idea?" Fred asked George as they made their way to their secret hideout.
"Of course! We've gone this far, we can't back out now!" George answered him.
"But that Hilton Henson will murder us if something wrong happens."
"Nothing will go wrong. Harry and Cedric will take care of her. I'm sure they will."
"Whatever you say, but just remember. If before, it was only Oliver who might kill us if something happens to Harriotte, now, his brother and father are here to join forces with Oliver if something bad happens to Harriotte. I still want to live another decade or so."
"Don't worry about it too much. I'm pretty sure nothing will go wrong...I hope."