CHAPTER 20 – Following Your Heart
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yes, yes, and yes! Finally, after almost two years I've finally reached chapter twenty! This is the final chapter on my "Nothing in Return" story and I hope that I get many reviews on this. To all my readers, thank you for supporting me until now. You have all been good to me. I hope you enjoyed reading my stuff. This is my first ever story. I know I'm still not that good, but I'm hoping to get better as the days go by. Of all the chapters in my story, my favorite is the "Changing Plans" chapter because that's where I was able to just let all the feelings come out. What about yours? I hope you can tell me what your favorite chapter is and why. So, this is the final chapter. I hope you all enjoy!
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It was December 29th and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry couldn't get any quieter. The students all decided to go for a special field trip to Hogsmeade with their parents. Professor Dumbledore had initiated the trip and was too keen to join in with the students. Harry, on the other hand, was busy opening his Christmas presents with Hermione, Ron, Cedric, Cho, Ginny, and Draco inside the Gryffindor Common Room. The Trio and Ginny had entrusted Draco, Cedric, and Cho with the insides of the Common Room but did not reveal the password to them. The three were okay with this because they knew they were just taking caution.
The morning was filled with blue skies turning into gray as the snowflakes began to fall from the sky, enveloping the snowy fields with more snow. The school was so quiet, even the noise of the ghosts echoed throughout the halls. The seven friends all continued to lazy about inside the comfortable warmth that the Common Room was bringing.
"Why did we wait until today to open these presents anyway?" Ron asked.
"Because we were all busy with the recent events. We really had no time," Ginny said.
"Yeah, and you know the best part about opening Christmas presents now?" Draco asked.
"Finally discovering what your friends gave you?" Ron asked.
"No, having the knowledge that you won't just enjoy happiness when you open your gifts, you will also feel it when you walk through the halls of this school."
All of them laughed at what Draco had said, knowing that what he had said was true. Happiness was evident all throughout the school and no one can deny that even if they dared.
"But, tell me this, Harry, why not just start a relationship together?" Ron asked.
"Ron, have we not explained it to you yet? It's because we don't want to take things so fast. We are still young and we have a long way to go. A relationship is a big responsibility. We want to take it step-by-step. We want to concentrate on our goals first, that's why we've agreed on just being friends first," Harry answered.
"But you are committing your lives for each other, why delay the relationship?"
"It's also a test to prove how strong and real our love is. Patience is a virtue, mate."
"You know, Ron, you should follow what Harry is doing and not leave your girlfriend to go about on her own," Cedric joked.
"Yeah, since we're on that topic, where is Lavander?" Hermione asked.
"Hogsmeade with Parvati and Padma," Ginny said.
"And you didn't even go with her, Ron?" Draco asked.
"She can take care of herself! I'm not her bodyguard."
"Oh, we give up," Giiny said.
"So, are you planning on going home with your parents, Cho?" Harry asked.
"No, they told me I can stay here. They said I could use this time to spend it with Cedric, try to catch up. Really, I don't think all this catching up will go anywhere since there really is nothing we have missed," Cho answered.
The group laughed at Cho's remark. They were all full of cheers that day. No one can ruin their good time. Hermione was really glad that everything worked out the way she had always dreamt it will. She just didn't expect that it would be better than how she had imagined it to be.
Harry smiled internally as he continued to laugh with his friends. It was at this precise moment did he feel that it was all over – the war, the threats, the fears, the deaths, everything. It was all in the past now. His future was only centered with his studies, his friends, his new-found family, and Hermione. He didn't need to think about Voldemort or dying or saving the world. He was now free from that.
This is the life! No worries, no nothing! Even Professor Snape's changing his attitude towards me. This the best year of my life! I'm celebrating Christmas with my friends and the girl I love the most, but most importantly, I'm celebrating it with a whole bag of happiness inside my heart. Nothing could be better than this.
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"Where are you going?" Hilton Henson asked his sister as he spotted him preparing to leave her quarters.
"I was just going for a toddle," Harriotte answered, looking at him but not moving away from the doorway.
"Before you set out, I want to talk to you first."
"Why? What are we to discuss?"
"Something very important. Come here and sit down."
"Is there any problem?"
"No, Harriotte, there is nothing wrong. I just want to talk to you. How have you been?"
"Brother, what are you asking? I do not think that is such a question. I have always spent my times with you. What is the necessity for that kind of question?"
"Harriotte, I shall go ahead to the point. What is wrong with you, Baby Sister? You are not acting like yourself. You are going off bustling about with these people, all the while neglecting your responsibilities. Harriotte, I know you are a very compassionate person, but do realize that you have to situate your priorities first before you can go about with other things."
"Are you implying that I should not mingle with them?"
""That is not what I had intended to be brought about. I am just saying that you should not spend so much time with them when you have certain tasks that need to be done. Harriotte, it is alright to spend leisurely time, but you have to finish first what is in need to be done."
"But, Hilton, I always make sure that I finish off my duties first. What is this you are saying that I overlook my responsibilities?"
"My Lady, your responsibility as the future wife of Oliver Wood is being disused here."
"That responsibility is nonetheless already taken cared of."
"What do you mean already taken cared of? Harriotte, is this saying that you still have not discussed your problems with Oliver?"
"The last time that I have set eyes on my fiancé was at the day of the announcement regarding the details of the date."
"Harriotte, that was three days ago, and you still have not spoken to him to resolve whatever problems you have? What is happening to your relationship, Harriotte? Tell me, please. Do not hide this from me. I am your brother, Harriotte. You know that you can tell me anything."
There was a short silence. Hilton looked at his sister with concern evident in his eyes. He was very worried about her. She was acting so apathetic lately that he didn't know what to do anymore. Harriotte just stared at him with a blank expression before finally sighing and looked away from him.
"Hilton, I have to tell you something, something that you must know."
"What is it?"
"I am the re-embodiment of Lily Potter."
"What?! What are you saying? Have you gone barmy, Harriotte? You are talking nonsense."
"I am telling you the truth, Brother. And you must listen to my story. Yesterday…"
"Are you serious about this?"
"Yes."
"Then, if that is the truth, are you not supposed to be with Harry Potter now?"
"No, we have already talked about it last night. We have agreed upon what is best for the both of us and the people around us."
"Does Oliver know about this?"
"I do not think that he needs to know."
"I see what you mean. But, are you and Harry already sure that you are going to fight this destiny or whatever it may be?"
"Is it not right, Brother? I mean, for the first time in our lives we had decided to follow our own decision, our own choice. We went against something that we usually just follow."
"But, Harriotte, are you sure that that is the right thing?"
"Hilton, are you saying that the choice of your sister to look for her own happiness is not the best preference?" the voice of their mother, Clarisse Henson, suddenly spoke out.
"Mother," Hilton said.
"Well, is it wrong to have her choose her own happiness?" Duchess Clarisse asked, sitting down beside her daughter.
"No, of course not, Mother. But, is it truly alright that she had done such a thing? You have always told us that whatever destiny had planned will and must always be fulfilled."
"But I never said that you can never go against the course of your destiny. Hilton, open your eyes to reality. Just like your sister, you have always followed your father's wishes, orders, and decisions in the way you run your life. Are you not tired of doing so? Do you not wish to break loose from this inequality? Son, I know you, and I am quite sure that you desire to separate from this life you are currently at."
"Yes, Mother, you are correct. But I have to do this. I must do this. I need to be good enough, strong enough to take care of my future wife. I want Georgina to be proud of me. I do not want to disappoint her."
"I understand your reasons, Hilton. But have you not realized that Georgina fell in love with you as you and not as the future head of our family? My dear child, Georgina may be a countess but she has the simplest of wishes in life – just like your sister. That is why she chose not to continue that destiny that was planned out for her."
"Brother, please understand. This is what I wanted. For the first time in my life, I have made a decision on my own – without Father's orders involved in it."
"Son?"
Hilton stared at his sister and saw something he had never seen in her before. He saw her happiness shown in her very façade. Hilton sighed and smiled at her sister and mother.
"Are you happy, Harriotte?" he asked.
"Yes, Hilton, I am. In fact, I am very much happy," Harriotte answered without in any doubt in her voice.
"Good. That is all I ever wanted to hear from you."
"Son, you are a matured young man. You will be a good head of the family, that I am very sure of," Clarisse said.
"Thank you, Mother. But Harriotte, I have but one question. Does this mean that you will not be obligated to be with Harry Potter anymore?"
"Yes, my bound to Harry is broken. We have both agreed to break it. From the very beginning there really was no bound keeping the two of us together; after all, we were never together in the first place. It was no problem between the two of us."
"Good, now, are you planning on setting things with Oliver?"
"Hilton…"
"Yes, Harriotte, are you not planning on speaking to your fiancé? It has been quite a long time since I have seen you two together. Why not look for him this instant. I am sure he is not busy. It is the holidays after all," Clarisse said.
"I was on the verge of doing so, actually."
"Well, do not let us keep you from doing it," Hilton told her.
"Before you go, Harriotte, I wish to tell you something," Clarisse said, stopping her from standing up. "My darling daughter, I am very proud of you for having made this decision. I know that you are happy with this choice you have made. I am very glad that you were able to meet Harry and settle things with him. And I am very glad that you have both founded a good friendship in just a short while. Harriotte, you are a big girl now. Soon, you will marry and your father and I will not have to make the decisions for you. That is why I am very happy that you have begun making choices for yourself. One thing that I want to tell you though is, dear, I know that you will make decisions by yourself from now on. But do remember that do not just listen to what your mind tells you, but listen to your heart as well. Sometimes, the right thing in your eyes is the wrong one in the eyes of everyone else. You and Hilton are now old enough to take care of yourselves. My dear children, you mean the most to me and your father, and we will always be here for you both. But for now, my daughter, your father and I, or even your brother, will not matter in this decision you are about to make. Just believe in what your heart tells you and everything will be alright."
Harriotte and Hilton both smiled at their mother. They came close to her and gave her a warm hug. Clarisse Henson smiled as her children gave out all their love to her. She knew in the back of her head that Harriotte will now make the biggest decision she will ever make, for now, and that worried her a little. There was no reading the thoughts of her daughter at that precise moment, but Duchess Clarisse kept her cheerful spirit despite the fact that she was worried on what her daughter might do.
Hilton Henson stood up and gave her sister a hug as she stood up herself. Inside, he was worried about his sister even though she had already assured him that she was happy. He could not help the triggering of his brother senses that very moment. I hope you are really happy.
Harriotte curtseyed at her mother and brother as she left the door of her quarters. It was already time for lunch and she had told them she would go on ahead to the Great Hall. The students, parents, faculty, and staff who went to Hogsmeade have already arrived and were inside the Great Hall preparing for lunch. Harriotte sighed and braced herself for what was to happen next. Although she was not really prepared, she knew that it was what she wanted to do.
This is the right thing. This is my choice. No one forced me to have to decide in choosing to do this. No one.
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Hermione, Ginny and Cho were walking through the halls of Hogwarts. It was almost time for lunch and they were about to go to the Great Hall. The boys went off to help Draco with the task Professor Snape had asked him to do but promised to meet with them at the Hall.
"Oh, I forgot my handkerchief inside the Common Room! You girls go ahead. I'll catch up with you two," Ginny said, running back to the Common Room.
"So, how are you today, Hermione?" Cho asked, as they continued to walk.
"Oh, I am fine. I feel very much fine. Actually, I feel more than fine. I feel absolutely great!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I'm glad you're happy, Hermione."
"Look, Cho, about me and Harry…"
"Hermione, no. I am very happy that Harry has finally confessed. I've known about his love for you since the very moment I talked to him during fourth year. And from the very start, we really were nothing. It was a mistake. No, actually, it wasn't. It was a lesson that we needed to learn from."
"Cho, I'm sorry you had to go through Cedric's death like that. I knew you were really hurt. But you were never alone, Cho. You had us. I know we were not that close back then, but that did not mean that you can not lean on us for a crying shoulder."
"I know, Hermione. And from now on, I will keep that in mind. I like being friends with you guys. You are all great! You always manage to make me laugh; especially Ron. He is quite a funny guy."
"That's the overstatement of the century."
"Look, Hermione, I'm really happy for you and Harry. It was great news when he finally confessed. I'm very glad that you had finally got things out in the open."
"Yeah, me too. And I want to thank you, Cho. Thank you for what you had told me before. You helped me realize what I should have been doing years before! Because of you, Cho, I took this chance and grabbed it for myself. Learned to listen to what my heart has been trying to tell me. And now, I couldn't be happier!"
"Hermione, there was nothing that I have done. You did it all yourself. You followed that path that was leading to your real feelings. But in any case, you're welcome, Hermione. I'm glad I was able to help even just a little."
Hermione and Cho smiled at each other as they neared the Great Hall. Outside, they had already spotted the boys by the Gryffindor table. Ginny caught up to them just as they were about to enter. The three girls were greeted by their respective partners as they reached the Gryffindor table. Everyone was all chatting while waiting for the food to be served. All was great and no one could ruin it anymore.
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"Edward, your daughter has changed destiny's plan. She has finally made her own choices," Clarisse Henson told her husband who was standing by the window of his office.
"Yes, she has done that, has she not? And I am most proud of her," Edward Henson replied.
"This may be the first time that destiny was cheated out of his own plot."
"Yes, but it is not the first time that someone has made a bold of a decision such as what our daughter and Harry Potter has done."
"Are you happy with this news, Sirius?" Clarissed asked the ex-Azkaban prisoner who was standing by Edward's desk.
"Of course. I couldn't be more proud of my godchild," he answered.
"Remus?"
"Yes, yes, I am. And I am sure that both James and Lily are proud of him too," Remus Lupin said.
"I just wish they were here to see how brave and strong their son has become," Sirius suddenly said.
"We all wish for that, Sirius. But not all our wishes will be granted. Some could be granted, but it has been done in another way," Professor Dumbledore spoke out.
"Were you able to predict this, Headmaster? Were you able to predict this decision that Harry has made?" Clarisse asked.
"No, I had no idea that Harry will do such a thing. But I can not deny that I had anticipated that he might do it. You see, young Harry has realized that everything around him will not be there forever. That is why he is thinking critically about every choice he will make. And this choice of his, it is something we must fully respect. It is the best for the young lad."
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Harry took hold of Hermione's hand and led her outside the Great Hall. Hermione laughed a little as the others did not notice them leaving the table. All were busy with their own things and conversations.
"What are you doing, Harry Potter? Where are you taking me?" Hermione asked in a joking tone.
"Nowhere, Hermione Granger. I just wanted to talk to you in private," Harry said.
"What is it? Is there something wrong?"
"No, no, Hermione, there is nothing wrong. I just wanted to tell you something?"
"Well, what is it?"
"Hermione, I love you so much, believe that. And believe me too when I tell you that I am very happy that I am now very much in love with you. I have no regrets, Hermione. I never will have any. I love you and that's the truth. I know that my Mum and Dad are happy that I am in love with you. And I know that they are grateful to you for making their only child so happy. Hermione, you are my greatest blessing in this world. If I could repeat this time in our life all over again, I will. And I will repeat it over and over again. So remember this Hermione: I will always love you and no matter what people say I will always be here with you. I may not always be beside you in physical form, but I will always be beside you, with you in spirit and in heart. I will wait for you, 'Mione. I will wait until we are both ready to fully commit our lives on a relationship. I love you, Hermione Granger, I love you."
Hermione couldn't help but beam at Harry after what he had said. She couldn't say anything but only hugged him so tight that Harry was beginning to have a hard time breathing. He laughed a little when Hermione let go out of fear when he started to choke. She smiled at him when he pulled her close and gave her an even tighter hug. The two laughed and walked back inside the Hall knowing that whatever the road may be, they will follow it; but they know in their hearts that they will always have their way around it too.
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Hilton Henson paced towards the entrance of the Great Hall. It was almost time for lunch and he wanted to discuss something with his Lexington classmate first before it begins. He strolled past the Hufflepuff table towards the near exit and spotted his sister Harriotte who seemed to be looking for something or someone.
He tried to call out to her but was stopped when the person he was looking for suddenly came up to him. He glanced around again for her and saw her coming close towards the center of the room.
Cedric was standing near the Hufflepuff table at the center of the Hall when he suddenly faltered back when his classmate jokingly pushed him and bumped into someone from behind. He quickly composed himself and turned around to ask the person if he was alright. To his shock, it was Harriote whom he bumped into. He smiled at her and asked if she was okay. Harriotte simply nodded and excused herself and left him. She seems to be in quite a hurry.
Harry was laughing around and joking with his classmates at the Gryffindor table. He had spotted the Professors and the distinguished guests already enter the Hall. He was about to sit down when someone walked past behind him, as if in a hurry. He looked in front and saw Harriotte walking towards the table of the Professors. He looked on ahead and spotted Oliver standing just a few steps away from it. Harry smiled. So this is it.
Draco followed with his eyes his cousin Harriotte when he saw her walk inside the Great Hall. She looked like she was looking for something and that triggered his curiosity. He saw how she missed her brother's entrance, how she bumped into Cedric, and how she walked past Harry without even faltering and looking back. She carefully watched as she approached her fiancé Oliver and tapped his shoulder, making the young professor turn around to face her. What is going on?
"Harriotte," Oliver breathed out.
"I wish to speak with you, Oliver. Would you be so kind enough as to spare me a moment?" Harriotte asked, looking at him with calm eyes.
"Can this not wait until after lunch, Harriotte?"
"No, I am afraid it can not."
Oliver stared into his fiancé's eyes and saw how serious she was. This is the first time I have seen you like this, Harriotte. What is on your mind? Oliver sighed and led her a few steps away from the teacher's table, causing everyone to tone down their voices and look at them.
"What do you want to tell me, Harriotte?"
"Oliver, these past few weeks have been really tough. I can not deny from you that I wondered as to why you did not visit me anymore than you usually did."
"Harriotte, look, I can explain if you just let me-"
"Please, let me get this out in the open first, Oliver. After so many years of being your fiancé and spending my time getting to know you, I must admit that I have developed a strong liking for you. That is most probably why I was saddened by your sudden absence in my everyday life. I admit, I missed you during those times and I do not think that it is a crime. But things are different now, Oliver. They changed."
"I know, Harriotte, I know. And I just want to tell you that I'm sorry for being gone for a long time. But things will all clear up when you let me do something first."
"No, Oliver, not yet. Please, let me finish this first. Oliver, you have been one of the greatest people in my life. You have always been there for me. Sometimes, I did not even need my father, my mother, my brother, or even my ladies' maids because you were there just at my beckon call. I depended on you too much, Oliver."
"No, you didn't, Harriotte. You were strong on your own."
"Yes, but I was not strong enough. I have made decisions before. Decisions that were not really made by me alone. But now I know what I have to do and I have made this decision on my own. This time, I am going to do what I know is right in my heart."
"What…are…?"
"Oliver, I love you, really. I owe you a lot. You are a very important person in my life. Being your fiancé has been one of the most challenging and wonderful position that I have ever been given. The task of being the perfect bride for someone as compulsive as you has been both exciting and tiring. Oliver, you have to believe me when I tell you this because this was my own decision. I am following what my heart is telling me to do."
"You are rambling so many words, Harriotte. What are you really saying?"
Harry watched ever so calmly at the scene happening before him and the whole Hogwarts student body. He smiled and looked at Hermione as she squeezed his hand that was holding hers. They both looked back at Oliver and Harriotte, awaiting what they believed to be Harriotte's revelation of her feelings for Oliver.
"Harriotte?" Oliver said.
"Oliver."
"What is it, Harriotte?"
"The engagement is off."
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THE END
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AUTHOR'S NOTE 2: And that's "Nothing in Return" by greenyraine. So, what did you guys think about it? Was it good, bad, or ugly? I would really love to get some reviews. And no, I did not rush this. And yes, this is the ending. I have already planned out this ending a long time ago. Although, I must admit that there was a big change in my story during that long hibernation I had, but it's all good. I really enjoyed doing this story. This is my first time so it was really challenging. But the satisfaction of a finished job is a good enough return. Now, all I gotta do is rest and brainstorm again if ever I write another story.
SEQUEL(?): Thinking about it, but still not sure. It's up to you readers to ask for it. Well, this is me. Bye!