CHAPTER 18 – Meeting with the Past
AUTHORS NOTE: I can't believe that chapter was so long. I guess I just couldn't stop typing at that time. Just a quick word with you guys. I want to explain to you guys that I have my own timeline in this story. I'm sorry if you guys get confused that some characters are still here even though they should've been long gone right about now. Not to be bitchy and all, but, this is my story and I have control over it. Whatever I want to write, I will write. Isn't that correct? I'm sorry if you find this to be bitchy, but I'm a free writer and I do what I want to. Don't writers deserve that consideration?
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"I…I am not in love with Oliver."
The words still echoed inside his head as he stared intently at the flames on the fireplace inside the Gryffindor Common Room. It was already one in the morning, yet he still hasn't gone to be. His mind was drifting away from where he was at. Aren't they madly in love with each other?
"Harry?" a voiced called out from behind.
Harry turned around, startled at hearing someone call his name. He didn't expect anyone to be awake at this time. He was shocked to fine Hermione standing on the steps of the staircase to the Girls' Dormitories. She walked over at him and sat down on the chair right in front of his. Harry smiled at her.
"What are you doing up this late?" Harry asked.
"I should ask you that question. But to answer yours, I just couldn't sleep," Hermione said.
"I couldn't either."
"It looks like you didn't even try," Hermione said, pointing at his clothes which was the one he was wearing that morning at his date with Harriotte.
"I haven't changed yet."
"You haven't gone to bed since you got back here? When did you get back, by the way?"
"11. Harriotte made me and Cedric wait for some cookies she wanted to give us. Here they are. Want to have some?"
"Sure, thanks."
Silence fell upon Harry and Hermione as they munched down on their respective cookies. Hermione was very much enjoying hers but didn't miss the look on Harry's face when he stared on the dancing flames of the fireplace.
"Is something wrong? You look like some really huge revelation fell upon you. What happened?" Hermione asked, failing to contain herself from the curiosity and causing Harry to break away from his thoughts.
"Oh, uhm, it's nothing important. Don't mind me," Harry said, giving her a half smile.
"Okay, spit it out already. You know that's not going to work on me."
"Alright, alright, Ms. Granger, I'll tell you what it is. You see, this night was just absolutely amazing. I couldn't help but feel so lighthearted after this date. I had so much fun with Cedric and Harriotte. I didn't expect it to end so soon. But after all the crazy things we had to do, what I felt at most relaxed was when the night was drawing to its end. We, Harriotte, Cedric and I, were assigned to be on the Astronomy Tower. Our task was simply to conjure a meteor shower. Harriotte was the one who did that for us."
"Oh, so that beautiful meteor shower was your doing? That was simply amazing! How did she do that?"
"I have no idea, but back to my story. You see, we didn't have much to do since the meteor shower was already done so we ended up having a little chat together. I guess you could say that that conversation was the climax of everything. It was the best part of this night. But because of that conversation, I'm at loss at everything now."
"Why? What did you talk about anyway?"
"Harriotte, well actually, it was me who started it."
"What do you mean? What did you say?"
"I…told her I was in love with her."
"What?!" Hermione said, obviously shocked at what Harry had said, but it was evident in her voice that she was also hurt at hearing his revelation.
"I know, I know it's appalling. I expected her to decline, but what I didn't expect was that Cedric confessed too!" Harry continued, as if oblivious to Hermione's pain.
"He did?! But what about Cho?!"
"Calm down, 'Mione. Here's the real deal. Harriotte just calmly told us that we were gravely mistaken. He just simply declined us in a very regal manner. It's as if she didn't have to say anything. She just told us 'No, you are not in love with me,' and that's it!"
"She didn't say anything else?"
"Well, she closed it so fast I couldn't catch up."
"Is that why you're thinking so hard down here?"
"No, that's way in the past now. I'm just wondering about what Harriotte said, that very statement that she refused to elaborate with us. It was a breaking point."
"What was that?"
"She said…Harriotte said…She said she was…not in love with Oliver."
Hermione almost dropped her cookie as she heard what Harry had said. She shot a look at him and searched in his face, his eyes if he was, in any way, lying or making a joke out of the situation.
"Are you serious?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, very."
"B-But why?"
"I don't know. All that matters now is that that's how she feels. I have to admit that I don't have a single clue on what really is going on with the both of them. I want to know what the story is but I guess in this kind of situation you just can't get in the middle. After all, it is none of my business."
"Yeah, you're right. So, what do plan on doing now?"
"I'm thinking, I'd rather deal with my own life for now. No Harriotte, no Oliver, no date, no nothing. It's just going to be me, my life, my game, my studies, and my love."
"Your love? Wasn't that Harriotte?"
"No, it's not her. I thought it was her, but then when I spoke to her, I realized what she meant with 'Love can sometimes be confusing'. I found out who I really love."
"Might I ask who she is?"
"You could, but then when I tell you who she is I'd have to kill you."
"Oh, please! That is lame."
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes!"
Harry stood up from his seat and walked towards Hermione. Hermione followed him with her eyes and was a little shocked to find him standing in front of her. She stared at him as he knelt down in front of her. Hermione set aside her cookie and stared into his eyes, wondering what he was about to do or say. Harry sighed heavily and smiled at her confused look. He quickly closed the gap between them with a simple kiss on the lips. After three seconds, he immediately stood up and ran for the staircase to the Boys' Dormitories. He looked back at Hermione, who still sitting on the sofa, and smiled.
"I don't think I need to answer that question anymore," he said, walking up the stairs, leaving Hermione all alone.
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Harry opened his eyes to be welcomed with Ron's face looking down on him. Harry almost screamed when he saw Ron making faces. Ron laughed as Harry sat up and took his glasses from his bedside table and put it on; all the while giving him glares.
"What'd you do that for?" Harry asked, looking at him with piercing glares.
"I was going to wake you up, sleepy head. Breakfast is already over. The holidays have begun; and you seriously need a shower," Ron stated, sitting down on his bed.
"That's out of the question. What time is it anyway?"
"Time for you to get a bath."
"No, seriously."
"It's 10:30. Come on! Hurry up and get dressed."
"Why?"
"We're going to go see Sirius and Professor Lupin down at his office. And then you can tell us all about your date with Harriotte and Cedric."
"Sirius is here?"
"Yeah! He arrived this morning. He sent us a message to go see him at Professor Lupin's office. Now, hurry it up, will you?"
Harry hurried up and got dressed and followed Ron outside the Hole. Harry was so excited to see Sirius after such a long time. He could still remember Sirius' promise that he can finally live with him after this year. I'm finally having some good holiday cheer.
"Sirius!" Harry called out as Ron opened the door to Professor Lupin's office.
"Harry Potter," Sirius said, stretching out his arms in a form of inviting him for a hug. (AN: Teehee! I got this from the Order of the Phoenix movie.)
"You must've slept late again, Harry," Lupin said, smiling at the sight before him.
"Professor," Harry said, hugging Lupin just the same.
"You should've seen him, he was snoring his head off," Ron stated, laughing slightly at his comment.
"Very funny, haha," Harry said, nudging him
"Just like his father James," Sirius said, giving Harry a pat on the back.
"So how's your holidays been, Harry?" Lupin asked.
"I think you should ask about something else, Moony," Sirius told him.
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked, confused about what Sirius had just said.
"Oh, you think I should?" Lupin asked him.
"I think we have to pay attention as to what Harry is busying himself here in this school."
"Again, what are you two talking about?" Harry asked again while Ron sniggered from behind having found out what Sirius was implying.
"I guess you're right."
"Guys, what are you talking about?!"
"Harry, my boy,' Lupin said.
"Yes?" Harry asked, giving him a confused look.
"How was your date with Lady Harriotte?" Lupin finished.
"Yes, how was it? You know, it is very rare for someone such as a commoner to be able to date a member of the noble blood," Sirius said.
Harry made an "ugh" sound and walked away from Sirius and Lupin. Ron continued to snigger until he couldn't contain it anymore and burst out laughing. Harry shot him a glare before looking back up at Lupin and Sirius.
"Where did you get that information?" he asked the two of them.
"Do you really need to ask, Harry?" Ron raised.
"Oh, right, Professor Lupin."
"Never mind that, my boy. So, how was it?" Sirius implied.
"Yes, do tell us. You know, Harriotte is such a fine young lady. She is suited to be a bride already," Lupin said, not directly talking to Harry.
"What are you talking about? I'm not dating her!"
"Oh, yes, yes, of course not," both said.
"Besides, you don't really need to know what happened. Whatever happened is just among the three of us."
"You know, for some reason, that Harriotte girl reminds me of someone," Lupin stated, looking directly at Sirus.
"Oh, really? And who might that be?" Sirius asked.
"Hello? Are you two even listening to me?" Harry interrupted.
"Well,, you know her too," Lupin continued.
"Who?" Sirius asked.
"Lily," Lupin said.
"Are you guys even-" Harry stopped when he heard Lupin mention his mother's name.
"Oh, yes," Sirius said.
"My mom? What about my mom?" Harry asked.
"Harriotte reminds us of Lily, Harry," Lupin said.
"How? In what way?" Ron asked, getting in the conversation.
"Well, Lily was the image of perfection, as they say. Everybody loved her. She was smart and friendly, kind and loving, beautiful and sweet. She was everything you could ask for. But she chose the world's most rambunctious guy," Sirius stated.
"My dad," Harry said.
"Yes. You couldn't imagine how the people reacted when Lily and James became a couple. They couldn't believe that she would go for a simple trouble-maker. Lily was a good girl, a good influence. James was, well, you know that. You just need to look at us, or look at yourself, Harry," Lupin said.
"So how is she like Mom? She's not dating me."
"Harry, it's not about if she's dating you or not. It's the fact that she chose a simple guy to fill in the shoes of her husband-to-be." Sirius said.
"You're pertaining to Oliver."
"Yes, but enough about that. How is little Harriotte?" Sirius asked.
"Well, she's just- Little Harriotte? You know her?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, I've seen her a couple of times before."
"How?"
"We're good friends with Edward and Clarisse," Lupin said.
"Harriotte's parents?!" Ron said in a shocked tone.
"Yeah, they were our good friends during our time here at Hogwarts. Didn't you know that?" Sirius asked.
"No, we were not informed of that," Harry said.
"Well, now you know. I've met Harriotte when I escaped Azkaban. I contacted Edward. He was one of the people protecting me from the Ministry. They're members of the Order."
"The Hensons?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, they've been with us since the very beginning. Actually, Edward is very good friends with James and Clarisse to Lily,' Lupin said. "Those two girls were simply inseparable."
"We actually thought that Edward fancied Lily," Sirius said. "The way he just described her."
"Actually, didn't Edward really like Lily? He just backed away because of James and because Lily did prefer James," Lupin said.
"Oh, yeah, that's correct, correct."
Moony and Padfoot continued to discuss the history of Harriotte's parents and the Marauders to Ron. Ron was very much engrossed with the story. It was as if he was being taught the English alphabet all over again. Lupin and Sirius were witty at recalling their past that they did not notice young Harry Potter leaving the office. I have to find out about them. I have to find out what they know about my parents.
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"Edward, dear, I believe we have a visitor," the duchess told her husband as he continued to sip tea by his desk.
"My liege, a young Mr. Potter has requested an audience with you," a sentinel said, walking by the door post and bowing at the duke and the duchess.
"Send him in," Clarisse Henson said.
"As you wish, your Excellency," the guard bowed and left the post. Soon after, Harry entered the room.
"Good morning, Harry. I see you have managed to disclose the whereabouts of our quarters," Clarisse said as Harry walked inside the room.
"Uhm, good morning, your Excellencies. I'm, uhm, sorry to bother you this early in the morning. I just, uhm, I…" Harry said, not bothering to look up.
"Take a seat," the duke suddenly spoke out, causing Harry to jump up so suddenly and rushed to sit down on the nearest chair.
"Would you like some tea, Harry, dear?" Clarisse offered.
"Uhm, no, no, tha-" Harry was cut-off.
"It is rude to decline an offer such as food, Potter," Edward Henson said.
"Oh, uhm, I would love some, Duchess. Thank you."
"Please, call me Clarisse."
"Uhm, I don't think that would be appr-"
"What did you come here for, boy?" Edward suddenly said.
Harry suddenly looked up and came face-to-face with the façade that was Edward Henson. Harry gulped and couldn't move his whole body. He felt a sudden urge to run out of the room and never show his face again, but then he realized that he couldn't move from his seat, as if he was petrified permanently. I must look like a total git right about now.
"I've…I…if you wouldn't mind…your Excellency…I would…uhm…like to ask if you…by any chance…know anything…about…my parents…" Harry stuttered, trying to form good enough words to tell the duke.
"Finally," Harry heard Clarisse Henson said.
"It has taken this long," Edward Henson said.
"Huh? What are two talking about?" Harry asked, shocked at the duke and duchess' sudden cooled demeanors.
"Harry, loosen up. We shall explain everything. Guard, leave us," Edward said, dismissing the guard-on-duty and signaling him to close the door.
"Now, Harry, first of all, I would like to introduce myself. I am Edward Henson. You may call me Edward. No need for formalities."
"And I, as you may know, am Clarisse. And just as I had said earlier, you may just call me Clarisse."
"We have been waiting for you to come and find us."
"For you to finally ask us questions about your parents."
"We have waited too long."
"We realized that you will not be able to find us unless you know about us."
"That is why we have decided to formulate this visit from different schools at Hogwarts."
"And we have sent our daughter to be the key in our plan."
"It was a good plot, I see."
"Wait, what are you talking about? You mean to tell me that you are behind all of this? You were the one responsible for the visitors coming here?" Harry finally interrupted.
"What have you come to see us, Harry?" Edward asked.
"I've come to ask you what you know about my parents," Harry said, calming down.
Clarisse Henson suddenly walked away from Harry and stood by the balcony window. Harry watched as she sighed heavily. Her face suddenly shifted from calm to sad. I wonder what's wrong.
"James and Lily were the most adorable couple you could have ever seen. They were simply perfect for each other, although many would definitely disagree on that," Duchess Clarisse began.
"Obviously, you know how much James differed from Lily. The ever cunning trouble-maker that was James was simply dissimilar to the sweet and smart Lily. People didn't like what they saw," Edward Henson continued.
"But they did not care. Lily and James were very much in love with each other and no one can get in between the two of them. Their love lasted for such a long time, even until now."
"And the proof of their love is right here inside this school, inside this very office. That love is you, Harry. You are the fruit of their love for each other."
"It is occurring again, as we can see."
"What's occurring?" Harry suddenly asked, awoken at the change of topic.
"Harry, I will be very honest with you," Edward said, looking directly into his eyes.
"As I am," Clarisse said, sitting down beside her husband facing Harry.
"What?" Harry asked, curious as to what they were talking about.
"I was in love with your mother once, but it was simply unrequited love," Edward explained.
"And I was in love with your father, but as like my husband, it was not reciprocated," the duchess said.
"What? How? Is this for real?" Harry asked, staggering at his words.
"It is quite a long story but to put it short, we never had any chance with the both of them," Clarisse said.
"They were just too much to handle. But one thing that I will never forget about them is the biggest debt that I owe to them," Edward Henson said.
"Debt? You?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry, we have the biggest debt to your parents," Clarisse said.
"What debt is that?"
"We owe them the life and love that we have now," Edward finished.
"You see, my dear, your father and mother were our matchmakers. They brought us together and we owe them for that. I guess you may say that they knew just who were destined for the both of us and they made it happen," Clarisse explained.
"Then, what are you saying that it's occurring again?"
"The never-ending story of unrequited love, Harry dear – it is happening again. But now, it is happening amongst you, Oliver, Hermione Granger, and our daughter."
"What? How are you…? What are you saying? Unrequited love?"
"Last night, at the Astronomy Tower, you have confessed your love to our daughter. A love that you were so much uncertain, yet you formulated a thought, a realization, that it is completely and utterly true," Edward said.
"W-Well, yes, you are right about that one. But it really doesn't matter now considering- Hey! How did you know about that?!" Harry exclaimed, shocked after realizing what Edward Henson had just told him.
"That is not important as of this moment. What is important is what you need to know about us and our connection to your parents."
"There are so many things I find to not know about my parents. How can I be so sure that you are telling me the whole truth? What assurance to I have that you are being honest to me? I just met you today and from what I have heard about you, I don't think I will be able to trust you that easily."
"What did you hear about me then?"
"I heard that you are forcing your children into their respective marriages. You were the one responsible for their avoidance of people. And so much more."
"Is that all? Well, I will not deny that I have been rumored to have done those things, but believe me, Harry, you should not believe everything you hear from others until you have full confirmation of it."
"Then tell me this now, are all those rumors true?"
"If he confirms those rumors then you must also listen for the explanation, Harry," a new voice suddenly said.
Harry turned around and saw Sirius and Lupin approaching them. Lupin closed the door behind him and continued to follow Sirius inside. Sirius and Lupin both hugged Edward and nodded towards Clarisse. Harry couldn't believe what he was seeing; he couldn't believe that what he had been told was all true. Sirius went beside him and patted his back. Lupin walked towards the back of the room and stood there facing them.
"Sirius? Professor Lupin? What?" Harry asked.
"Harry, my boy, I think it's time for you to meet with the past of your parents and your life," Sirius said.
"Meet with my past? What do you mean?"
"Harry, what you heard from Edward and Clarisse just a while ago were all true. There was no fabrication or anything."
"So, it's all real then? If it is, then what does that have to do with me, Harriotte, Oliver, and Hermione all tangled up?"
"I am not so sure about what Clarisse and Edward said about you confessing your love to Harriotte, but if that is true then history is repeating itself."
"How? Why? What are you talking about?"
"It's so cheap, Harry – the thing about unrequited love. It is a cheap topic, yet, it really happens to us. Harry, I'm going to be straight forward here: Harriotte is Lily's reincarnation."
Harry stared intently at Sirius' eyes. He was searching for anything that would falsify what he had just said, but he found none. Harry couldn't believe it. Harriotte is my mother's reincarnation? Harriotte?
"What is this all about? You're talking nonsense, Sirius. There is no such thing as reincarnations!"
"How can you prove that?" Sirius asked.
"Because there really isn't! There is no such thing as-"
"Didn't you used to believe that there is no such thing as magic?"
"I…"
"Look at you now. You are the most powerful wizard to have ever defeated Voldemort and his army of Death Eaters. You defeated him using your mind, your strength, your heart, and you magic. Now you tell me that there is no such thing as reincarnation."
"That's not considered a justification of what you had said, and if ever there really is such a thing as reincarnation, then why does it have to happen to me? Why me, of all people?"
"Because there was something left for you by your parents. Lily left you her love, all the while wanting to protect you from Voldemort's wrath and James left you with his strength for you to have courage to be able to fight. You are James, Harry, you are your father."
"I am not my dad! And Harriotte is not my mom! "
"Harry, take a look at her! Take a look at Harriotte very carefully! She is Lily in every aspect."
"So what if she is the reincarnation of my mom? That has nothing to do with my life now!"
"Yes, there is! Harry, can you not see what's there in front of you?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Harry, Harriotte is the one for you. She is the one meant to be with you forever – just like your mom and dad."
Harry felt stiff. He couldn't move a muscle from his position. He was facing Sirius, the duke and the duchess, and Lupin. He felt at loss of words. He tried to register everything inside his brain. What are they tying to say? Harriotte is the one for me? If she is, then what about…?
"That's a lie," Harry began.
"No, Harry, it's not. It's the whole truth. Why do you think the powers that be reincarnated your mother into Harriotte?" Lupin asked.
"Harriotte was born before my mother died!"
"Harry, Harriotte died a month after she was born," Sirius said.
"What are you talking about? Harriotte is right here inside this school! I know her! She's my friend!"
"Harry, she died, she really did. And then after your mother's death, she suddenly came back, now in the form of Lily Potter," Edward explained.
"No! That's impossible! Magic can not do anything against death!"
"But magic did not do it. The Most Powerful One did. Harry, believe us. We are telling you the truth. Harriotte is the reincarnation of your mom and if what you know is true that you are James at everything then you two are meant to be together. It's like having James and Lily again."
Harry couldn't speak. No words were coming out of his mouth. He felt his throat being tied into knots. He only looked away from them. No, this is not true. This shouldn't be like this. I love Harriotte but… It's not supposed to be like this!
"Harry, wait!" Sirius shouted as Harry dashed outside the door leaving the four of them amongst themselves.
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AUTHOR'S NOTE 2: Okay, first up, don't kill me H/H fans until you've read the ending of my story. As I have explained in my previous chapter, this is still an H/H romance fic and I won't change that. I just love a good twist. Haha! Second, good reviews or bad reviews are a killer for writers like me. They are both to love and to hate. I hope I get more reviews for this chapter. Cheerio! Oh, and by the way, I wouldn't mind having anyone answer my questions up there on my first AN! Thanks much!