The annual New Year's Eve Ball arrived instantly for Harry and Natalie, as they spent their days immersed in the bustling life of the pub. Harry took charge in the kitchen, whipping up delectable dishes, while Natalie moved gracefully among the patrons, serving drinks and sharing warm conversations. The pub was filled with laughter and cheer, a testament to the harmonious atmosphere they had helped create.
Charles and Dorea Richards watched the young couple with fondness, their hearts swelling with pride. They saw in Natalie a bright, cheerful spirit who effortlessly brought joy to everyone around her. Her genuine warmth and infectious smile made her a beloved presence at the pub, and Dorea and Charles were delighted that Harry had found someone so special.
As the day of the ball drew nearer, excitement buzzed in the air. Harry, usually reserved about social events, found himself looking forward to this year's celebration. He had a newfound enthusiasm, spurred by the thought of sharing this important tradition with Natalie. She, in turn, felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness, eager to see a new facet of Harry's life and to meet the people who had fought alongside him.
On the day of the ball, Harry dressed meticulously in his ceremonial military uniform, ensuring every detail was perfect. He waited patiently, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling beneath his composed exterior, as Natalie got ready. It took her nearly three hours to get ready, but when she finally emerged from her room, the wait was more than worth it.
Harry's breath caught in his throat as he laid his eyes on her. Natalie was a vision of elegance and grace, draped in a deep Red dress that mirrored the colours of the Union Jack coming from the Cross of St George in the British flag. The fabric cascaded off her body in a way that was both regal and alluring, accentuating her natural beauty. Her golden locks were artfully tied up in a neat bun, held together by a delicate hairband adorned with miniature white roses, adding a touch of exotic charm.
She had applied a minimal amount of makeup, just enough to enhance her features without overshadowing her natural glow. The strawberry red lipstick she put on added a pop of colour, perfectly complementing her ensemble.
All in all, seeing Natalie took Harry's breath away. For a moment, he forgot about the ball, the people they were about to meet, and the stories that would be shared. All he could think about was how incredibly fortunate he was to have her in his life.
Throughout the car ride to the barracks, Harry found it increasingly difficult to keep his eyes on the road. His gaze kept drifting towards Natalie, seated beside him, radiating beauty and elegance. Every glance he stole at her made his heart race.
Natalie noticed his behaviour and found it both endearing and amusing. "Haven't you seen a pretty lady before?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Not as beautiful as you," Harry replied without missing a beat, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
She chuckled at his response, a melodious sound that filled the car with warmth. "Eyes on the road, lover boy. We still have a long evening ahead," she admonished playfully, reaching over to gently pat his hand on the steering wheel.
Harry grinned, feeling a rush of happiness. "Yes, ma'am," he said, giving her a mock salute before focusing back on the road. But even as he drove, the image of Natalie in her stunning dress lingered in his mind, making him look forward to the evening even more.
Upon their arrival, Harry and Natalie were greeted warmly by several army officers. The grand hall within the barracks buzzed with life, filled with soldiers who were currently serving, their crisp uniforms and polished medals reflecting the overhead chandeliers. The retired officers and those on leave were yet to arrive, but the atmosphere was already electric with camaraderie and festive cheer.
As they made their way inside, Harry led Natalie through the crowd, introducing her to his colleagues. Harry, ever the gracious host, made sure Natalie was comfortable, guiding her to the bar where the two of them could grab some drinks. As they moved through the hall, he was constantly stopped by familiar faces. He greeted each person with a firm handshake or a pat on the back, exchanging stories and laughter.
Harry and his squadron were all seated together at a large table in the middle section of the hall, a spot that offered a perfect view of the festivities. The moment Harry approached, the entire squadron erupted in a chorus of cheers.
"Captain!" they exclaimed happily, their voices filled with genuine joy and camaraderie. The table was nearly full, with only two seats left vacant—clearly reserved for Harry and Natalie.
This was the first time Harry had seen his squadron since leaving the SAS, and the reunion was both emotional and spirited. As he reached the table, his comrades rose to greet him, each man taking a turn to hug him tightly, their bond unspoken but deeply felt.
"Harry, it's been too long!" one of them said, clapping him on the back.
"Good to see you, Captain," another added, his eyes shining with respect and affection.
Harry introduced Natalie with pride. "Everyone, this is Natalie," he said, his hand resting on the small of her back. "Natalie, meet the best squadron in the British Army."
The men greeted Natalie warmly, each offering a handshake or a kind word. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Natalie," said one soldier, his tone sincere.
"Welcome to our family," another added, smiling broadly.
Natalie felt a surge of warmth at their reception. "It's great to meet you all," she replied, her smile matching their enthusiasm.
After the initial greetings, Harry and Natalie took their seats. The conversations around the table were lively, filled with laughter and the sharing of stories. Harry looked around at his men, feeling a profound sense of pride and belonging.
"How have you boys been?" Harry asked, his voice filled with genuine interest as he leaned back in his chair.
The men started sharing updates, talking over each other in their eagerness to catch up.
"We've been good, Captain," said Sergeant Lewis, grinning. "Things haven't been the same without you, though."
"Yeah, we miss your crazy tactics," added Corporal James, laughing. "No one else keeps us on our toes like you did."
"Remember that time in Kandahar?" Private Smith chimed in, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "We thought we were goners until you pulled that stunt with the decoy."
Harry laughed, shaking his head. "I had to think on my feet. You guys made sure I didn't have a choice."
The stories flowed freely, each tale painting a vivid picture of their shared history and the bond they had forged through countless challenges. Natalie listened intently, her admiration for Harry growing with each passing moment.
"Enough about us and tell us what about you? We see that you finally found yourself a beautiful lady friend." One of the sergeants teased
"Finally found a beautiful lady friend?" Natalie inquired, raising an eyebrow playfully.
"Yes, Lady Captain, finally found," the sergeant affirmed, his tone lighthearted, prompting his squadron to erupt into laughter. "Our captain here was quite the catch with his dashing looks and knight-in-shining-armour attitude."
The table resonated with agreement and chuckles from everyone present, including their dates.
"However," the sergeant continued with a mischievous glint in his eye, "he was a cold ass son of a bitch who only cared about his duty. Sometimes we wondered if he was asexual. Turns out, he just hadn't found the right girl." His remark elicited another round of laughter from the squadron.
"Well," Natalie replied with a smile, her voice teasing, "I'm delighted to prove that your captain is not asexual."
"Easy there, guys," Harry interjected, his cheeks flushing slightly as he glanced around the table. "Or I'll start embarrassing all of you in front of your dates with stories of how easy it is to make you cry."
"Captain, we're not ashamed to say that you've brought tears to our eyes with your intense training and your infamous shouts of 'Constant Vigilance,'" one soldier piped up, earning nods of agreement from the others. "Without that, we wouldn't have made it through the hellish situations we faced in Afghanistan."
"Indeed, Captain," another added solemnly. "Thanks to you, we all made it home in one piece to tell the tale."
The atmosphere around the table shifted, filled with a mix of camaraderie and respect. Natalie listened intently, gaining a deeper appreciation for the impact Harry had on his men and the sacrifices they had all endured together.
"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, please settle down," the emcee announced, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We are about to start tonight's proceedings"
The squadron quieted down, though their conversations didn't cease entirely. They continued reminiscing about their time on the front lines, regaling their dates and especially Natalie with heroic tales of Harry and their squadron.
Once the formal ceremony and speeches ended, the dance floor opened for the couples. As Harry and Natalie headed towards it, Harry was stopped by Mr Smith, the deputy commander who had recruited him into the 22 Special Air Service regiment.
"Harry, my boy, I'm glad you came," Smith said, extending his hand with a warm smile.
"It's my pleasure, Deputy Commander Smith," Harry replied, shaking his hand firmly.
Smith's eyes then shifted to Natalie, curiosity and friendliness lighting them up. "And who might this lovely lady be?"
Harry smiled proudly, pulling Natalie closer. "This is Natalie, my date for the evening. Natalie, this is Deputy Commander Smith."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Natalie said, shaking Smith's hand.
"The pleasure is all mine, Natalie," Smith responded warmly. Turning to Harry, Smith continued "Harry, why don't you and Natalie join me for a drink? I've got a few stories I think she'd enjoy."
Harry nodded, leading Natalie to a nearby table where they all sat down. Smith ordered drinks and then leaned back, a nostalgic look in his eyes.
"You know, Harry here was quite the daredevil. There was this one mission in Afghanistan..." Smith began, his voice dropping conspiratorially. "Our troops were pinned down by enemy fire, and our extraction point was compromised. We thought we were done for, and it seemed like were going to face heavy casualties."
Natalie listened intently, her eyes wide with interest.
"Harry, despite the chaos, ignored all orders and attempted to flank the enemy position, taking them by surprise. He single-handedly neutralized the threat, allowing us to get out of there safely," Smith continued, admiration evident in his tone. "He always had this uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure, to see a way out when the rest of us couldn't."
Natalie looked at Harry, a mixture of awe and pride on her face. "You never told me about that."
Harry shrugged modestly. "Just doing my job."
Smith shook his head, smiling. "That's Harry for you. Always downplaying his heroics. There's another time when we were on a recon mission, deep in hostile territory..."
As Smith regaled them with more stories, Natalie's admiration for Harry grew. She could see why his squadron respected him so much, and it deepened her understanding of him.
Eventually, Smith wrapped up his tales with a fond smile. "Harry, you've always been one of the best. We miss you out there. It's a shame that you aren't with us on the front lines anymore," Smith said, shaking his head slightly. "I would have liked a major like you to lead the troops."
"I'm honoured by your vote of confidence, sir, but I don't think I'm made to serve on the front lines anymore. I'm proud of the five years I served, and if my services are needed again, I might consider it. But I see myself more as a protector than a soldier."
"Well, I wish you the best in your future endeavours. Also, my wife has been asking about you. Why don't you and Natalie come over for dinner when you're free? I'll be moving to London soon. Maybe once we settle down."
"That sounds wonderful, sir. We'd love to," Harry responded, his gaze shifting to Natalie, who nodded in agreement with a smile.
Finally reaching the dance floor, Harry took Natalie's hand and led her into a slow dance. The soft strains of music filled the air, and they moved together gracefully, lost in their own world amidst the crowd. As they danced, the conversations and laughter around them faded into the background, the rest of the room becoming a mere blur.
Natalie and Harry shared an intimate dance moment, their connection palpable and mesmerizing. They were the most eye-catching couple in the ballroom, moving in perfect harmony. Harry's strong, protective presence complemented Natalie's elegance, creating a captivating sight. Everyone looked at them with admiration, appreciating their chemistry and grace.
Natalie felt a warm blush spread across her cheeks as she noticed the admiring glances. "Harry, everyone's staring at us," she whispered, her voice a mix of amusement.
"Let them stare," Harry replied softly, his gaze locked onto hers. "Tonight, it's just you and me."
They danced for a while longer, savouring the moment, until the song ended and the couples around them began to applaud. Harry and Natalie shared a brief, tender kiss before heading back to their table.
As dinner was about to be served, Harry was approached by an officer with a distinguished air. "Captain Potter, would you and your lovely lady join Colonel Thompson and his wife for dinner? We have some esteemed guests who would love to meet you."
Harry nodded, squeezing Natalie's hand reassuringly. "Of course. It would be an honour."
They were escorted to a long, elegantly set table where Colonel Thompson, his wife, and several high-level officers who had been stationed in Afghanistan were seated. The Colonel rose to greet them, his expression warm and welcoming.
"Harry, it's good to see you," Colonel Thompson said, shaking Harry's hand firmly. "And you must be Natalie. Welcome."
"Thank you, Colonel," Natalie replied, smiling graciously.
"Ah, the infamous Harry James Potter," Colonel Thompson's wife greeted Harry with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I have a score to settle with you."
Harry raised an eyebrow, curious.
"If not for you and the amount of stress you've caused my husband by not listening to his orders, I don't think he would have gone bald at such an early age," she exclaimed, her tone teasing yet affectionate.
Natalie, taking a sip of water at that moment, nearly spat it out in laughter, but instead ended up coughing uncontrollably. Harry gently patted her back, concern and amusement mingling in his eyes.
"You, young lady," Mrs. Thompson addressed Natalie with a playful sternness, "you better keep your man in check. He has a habit of not listening to anyone but himself."
Natalie, still catching her breath, looked genuinely puzzled. "But, I've always found Harry to be very obedient. He always does whatever I tell him to without objections or asking questions. I thought that was because of his military training. I guess I thought wrong."
Her comment caused a wave of laughter to ripple through the table.
"Harry Potter, listen to orders without objection or asking questions? Now that's a sight I'd like to see," one of the officers remarked, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Yes," Colonel Thompson agreed, chuckling. "Harry always had a rebellious streak. What changed?" he asked, turning to Harry with a curious glint in his eye.
"No one's life is on the line," Harry replied, his gaze distant. "Every decision and action doesn't have to be weighed against the lives we might lose." Natalie, sensing his discomfort, slipped her hand into his and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Ugh, you and your saving people thing," a grey-haired officer remarked with a hint of arrogance. "When we're at war, boy, we're bound to face casualties. When will you learn that? That's why I say you wouldn't make a good commander."
"I agree, in wars, we're bound to have casualties," Harry said calmly. "But I've always prioritized everyone's safety when I'm in the field. That's why I had so many disagreements, and that's why I quit before things got worse." Harry knew his philosophies would eventually clash with his duties, so it was better to leave now than to cause major issues later on.
"I don't know much about war," Natalie interjected, her voice firm and proud, "but if I were a soldier, I would follow a superior like Harry to any battlefield. He would make sure I came back home safe, that every life mattered, and that I wouldn't be sacrificed for the greater good." Her unwavering support for Harry shone through, causing the other members to nod in agreement. If they'd had a commander like Harry when they were younger, they would have felt the same way Natalie did.
The grey-haired officer grumbled but couldn't refute Natalie's heartfelt words. Harry felt a deep sense of gratitude for her support.
"Let's move away from heavy topics," Mrs. Thompson interjected, her tone lightening. "Tell me, Natalie, how did you manage to control this wild young man that these grizzled old fools couldn't?"
Natalie winked at Mrs Thompson and replied, "He just needed a feminine touch. You can't send a man to do a woman's job, after all." This caused the ladies at the table to burst out laughing, wholeheartedly agreeing with Natalie. Some jobs, indeed, were best suited to a woman's touch.
After that, the conversation shifted to lighter topics. The ladies chatted about their interests, while the army men discussed major operations the British forces were engaged in. Dinner was served, and everyone enjoyed a lovely meal, the evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the shared joy of being together.
It was already 11 p.m. when they finished dinner. Harry and Natalie excused themselves and headed to the garden area for some quiet time.
"Thank you," Harry began as they found a secluded spot among the softly lit pathways and blooming flowers.
"Hmm?" Natalie asked, a bit confused.
"For everything," Harry said, his voice sincere. "For acting as my girlfriend this whole week, for the way you treated my adoptive parents, my colleagues, and my supervisors. And most of all, for supporting me. I know you didn't have to do any of it, but you did, and you did it on your own volition. That's why I want to say thank you."
Natalie smiled and pecked his cheek. "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me these past few weeks. When I turned up at your house in the condition I was in, I never expected the level of hospitality I received. It was a gamble, and I would have been happy if you just gave me a place to stay while I treated my wounds. But you did more than that. You took care of me and gave me a place to call home. Being kind to you and your family is the least I could do."
Harry looked at her with a mixture of admiration and gratitude. "You've given me more than you know, Natalie. Your presence has brought warmth and light into my life that I didn't even realize I was missing."
Natalie blushed slightly, feeling a deep connection with him at that moment. The garden around them seemed to shimmer with a magical glow as if acknowledging the bond they were forming.
"I guess we both needed each other," she said softly, her eyes meeting his.
Harry nodded, taking her hands in his. "Yes, we did. And I'm glad we found each other."
They stood there for a while, lost in each other's presence, the night air cool and refreshing. The sounds of the ball faded into the background, leaving only the whispering leaves and the gentle murmur of the garden as witnesses to their quiet, heartfelt moment.
"Did you have fun?" Harry asked, his voice soft as they strolled through the quiet garden.
"Yes, this has been some of the most wholesome time in my life," Natalie replied, a warm smile lighting up her face.
Harry hesitated for a moment, then spoke, "I might be out of line, but what if we made this the new normal?"
Natalie didn't reply immediately, her silence prompting Harry to continue, "I know what the life of a soldier can be, and I can imagine the life of a spy isn't what the movies make it out to be. This time you got out, but there might not be a second time. What then? There might not be another chance like this."
"I'm not who you think I am, Harry. Even in your wildest imagination, you'll never guess who I am," Natalie replied weakly. "Being a spy is the simplest part of my job description. You're a war hero. I've seen and heard your comrades speak highly of you. Your family and community love you. You could have any wonderful girl to spend the rest of your life with. Don't waste it on chasing someone as tainted and ugly as me."
"You heard the glorious part because that's what they wish to remember me by, Nat. But you and I both know that glory isn't the only thing we find on the battlefield. Neither of us ever got to experience innocence. Do you think it's easy for me to be with someone? There's a reason why my friends thought I was asexual. Because I know how broken I am, and only another broken person will ever understand me."
"You don't understand, Harry. I'm a monster hidden behind a pretty facade. My whole body is covered in so much red that it would take at least ten lifetimes of good deeds to cleanse myself. I've made enemies that transcend geopolitical boundaries, enemies who won't stop hunting me to torture and kill me. My life is, and always will be, a large target for anyone I get close to," Natalie said, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I may crave normalcy, but I know I'm cursed to never have it."
"I'm not a saint either, Natalie. I grew up thinking my name was Freak. I was eleven years old when I took my first life, and people in my school labelled me a monster ever since I was twelve. I've had my share of torture, and I've had my share of kills. It's been a long while since I stopped considering myself human."
"How many?" Natalie asked quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"How many have you killed?"
"Fifty-three," Harry replied. Natalie scoffed, thinking he was being dramatic over such a rookie number. He didn't understand her, after all.
"That's the number of people who have died under my command. It's the only number I keep track of," Harry's response froze her. She realized she had misunderstood him.
With a heavy sigh, Harry continued, "The oldest memory I have is from Halloween when I was one year old. The memory is of the leader of a terrorist organization my parents were fighting against, asking my mother to step away so he could kill me. But my mother stood in front of him, begging for mercy. Irritated, he killed her and then tried to kill me before I lost consciousness. My father, my mother, and my godfather all died protecting me. I don't know how many I've killed, and honestly, I don't care. We were at war. But fifty-three lives were lost either while protecting me or serving under me. That's the number that matters to me the most, and that's the number of lives that haunt me every night."
"How do you live with it?" Natalie asked, her voice trembling. "The guilt, where every day you're alive because other people died instead of you? When you value your life by the lives lost in exchange for yours?"
"I've killed terrorists, misguided heroes, and innocent civilians, either directly or indirectly. My hands are as tainted as yours, Natalie, and to answer your question, I honestly don't know. I still have sleepless nights, ridden with guilt over my actions. But I know my life isn't just one day. My life is the summation of experiences I've lived through, and it's still going on. Maybe it's filled with red now, but maybe in the future, I'll be able to clear some of that red. That I'll be able to do something that benefits millions. And I think it's the same for you, too, Natalie. It may be red now, but maybe you'll be able to redeem yourself in the future. You won't know unless you live it."
Natalie had never looked at life that way. Maybe, just maybe, she could write off the red in her ledger.
"Umm, what I'm trying to say is, I don't know how you or I can redeem ourselves, and I'm doing a piss-poor job at it myself. However, maybe if the two of us try together, we might be able to find a way?" Harry said. Natalie smiled at his response. Yeah, maybe together they could find a way.
"It's not as simple for me to quit my job. But if you're willing to wait, then I can join you soon, and we can start a new life together."
Authors Note:
Hello everyone and thank you for reading my fanfiction. I hope you are enjoying the journey that we are taking together. Anyways please leave a review on what you think about the story so far.