Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

May 10th, 1999 -

When the garbage barge that Auradon used to send old clothes and supplies to The Isle of the Lost returned to port, a letter was discovered by the ship's crew hidden amongst the bins. The envelope read "URGENT: FOR THE KING AND QUEEN OF AURADON". Upon reading this, the letter was sent immediately to the castle.

"Your majesties!" Lumier, the king's advisor, shouted as he burst into the nursery; Belle jumping as she gently rocked little Ben to sleep.

"Lumier, is everything alright?,” Adam asked, quickly making his way to the former candlestick.
"A letter was found on the garbage barge! It says it's an urgent message for you", he explained, handing the crinkled old envelope to the king. Adam ripped it open and unfolded the parchment. He skimmed it over as Belle made her way over to her husband.

"What's it say?,” she asked, looking over his shoulder as she continued rocking their son.

"It says that one of the villains has requested an immediate audience with us and that it is most important that we arrive on the Isle as soon as possible,” he explained, confusion on his face the entire time.

"Does it say which villain?,” Belle asked, reading the note for herself.

"No. It's probably a trick,” Adam stated, turning his back to the letter. Belle looked over the note a few more times before replying, "I think we should go."

"What? Are you mad?,” Adam asked his wife in disbelief.

"I must say, I agree with the king, Belle. It could simply be a trap to lure you into the clutches of evil,” Lumier added, concern on his face.

"Something about this seems genuine. Like... whoever this is desperately needs to see us about something?,” she replied, her face still concentrated on the letter.

"And why, pray tell, do you think that?,” Adam asked rather sharply.

"Because if it wasn't legit or urgent, why take the chance with the goblins living on the dock where the barge is received?,” she asked in response with a 'You know I'm right' look on her face. Adam knew that face all too well. It was a face he's had to deal with since the day he met Belle. A face that she always wore. Because Belle was indeed always right. And he knew that. Even if she was wrong, she was right.

He huffed, slightly growled, and replied, "Okay. We'll leave in an hour."

"Lumier, asked Mrs. Potts to watch Ben while we are away please,” Belle told the advisor with a smile. Lumier simply nodded and headed off to retrieve his old friend.

"I hope you're right about this,” Adam said as he exited the room. Belle simply smiled and shook her head as she looked down at Ben.

"I'm always right, remember that, Benjamin,” she said to him as she kissed his head.

An hour later, the king and queen were in their limo with the Fairy Godmother as they traveled across the magic bridge that was required to reach The Isle. As they approached, they could see the Isle was as dark and gloomy as always. The only thing separating Auradon from The Isle was the magic barrier created by Fairy Godmother herself; her wand the only thing that could bring it down as it was what created it. It kept all magic and Auradon citizens out, while keeping all the villains locked in. Fairy Godmother opened a small hole in the barrier that was big enough for the limo to fit through but closed it as fast as she could so no villains attempted an escape. Two royal guards exited the limo first to keep back any potential threats, followed by the Fairy Godmother and then the king and queen themselves. Villains all over booed and hissed at the pair; all of them wanting revenge for locking them away.

"Citizens of The Isle of the Lost! We are here responding to an urgent request letter we received! Will the one who sent it, kindly make yourself known,” Adam announced in his strong kingly voice. Many villains laughed, knowing they'd never request to see these two.

The pair waited for anyone to acknowledge them and were about to leave before they heard, "Here! You're majesties! It was me!" They turned towards the dock to their right to see a familiar red hat running and making its way through a crowd. There, pushing his way through some very angry citizens, was Smee; firstmate to the feared Captain Hook. Belle and Adam looked at each other with pure confusion as to why the plump little man had gone through so much trouble to get them here.

"Smee, to what do we owe this urgent request?,” Belle asked as he finally reached the limo and was attempting to catch his breath.

"I sent you the letter for my Captain. He is truly the one who requested an immediate audience with you,” the pirate said, urgency all over his face.

Adam looked him over cautiously. "How do we know this isn't a trick? Pirates aren't usually asking for help from royals,” he stated with no emotion; feeling as though they wasted a trip here.

"He desperately needs to see you both,” Smee responded quickly. He looked like he had no time to answer these questions.

"But why?,” Belle asked gently as she watched every move he made. The way he'd taken his hat off and began nervously twisting it in his hands or how he rocked on his heels with anticipation.

"Because, your highness, he's...,” he began, before noticing how silent the area around him had become. He stepped forward slightly, guards alert, and lowered his voice. The king and queen leaned forward as well to hear. "... He's dying,” Smee whispered. The rulers eyes widened with shock and looked at one another. "Please... come to his ship. I give you my word that you will leave in one piece,” he continued; one hand on his heart and the other in the air.

A royal guard was placed in front and behind the king and queen as they made their way aboard the Jolly Roger; the ship swaying slightly on the water. They followed Smee to the door labeled 'Captains Quarters' and watched anxiously as he slowly opened the door.

"Captain? Are you awake? They're here,” he said in a gentle voice.

"Yes... do come in... please…,” they heard a weak husky voice respond; both shocked at hearing the world 'please' used. Smee opened the door the rest of the way to reveal a truly astonishing sight. There, lying motionlessly in an old bed, lay Captain James Hook. His head was bald, but that was hardly a surprise as everyone knew the pirate wore a large curly wig once he got older. However, his skin was pale, his cheeks rather gaunt, and his eyes were tired and barely able to open. Adam ushered the guards to stay outside as he shut the door behind Belle and himself.

"Your majesties... I'm so grateful... to see you,” the pirate said with a weak smile as they inched closer to his bed.

"Captain... what has happened to you?,” Belle asked, genuinely saddened and curious.

"That... is not... important... right now,” he responded, his breathing weak as he huffed out a cough. Smee took a damp cloth and wiped it across his head. "Thank you... Smee,” he said with a small grin. Smee nodded and backed away so the pirate could focus on the royal couple. "I've requested... you're presence... to ask…,” he began before having to cough once more.

"Yes?,” Adam asked dryly, still thinking this could be a trick.

"To ask... for forgiveness... and you're... help,” he finally got out; the response shocking the king and queen.

"Forgiveness?,” Adam asked.

"Help?,” Belle added.

"I ask... for forgiveness... for my past deads. I ask... in the hopes... of receiving... your help,” he continued.

"Our help for what?,” Belle asked. Hook looked at Smee and simply knodded. Smee knew what this meant and made his way to another room.

The three waited in silence for only a moment before Smee returned. Adam's eyes went wide and Belle gasped in surprise. There, in Smee's arms... was a baby. A small baby wrapped in an old red blanket; its little black hair the only distinguishing feature.

"Oh my goodness,” is all Belle could get out as Smee walked towards his captain.

"This... is my son,” Hook explained with a weak smile at the sight of the young boy. "I am... begging... for your help,” he continued, sadness all over his face. Adam and Belle took turns looking from the ill pirate to the infant swaddled in Smee's arms; confusion at first and then realization dawning on them. "Please... take him... and raise him…,” Hook finally said, his breathing hard and heavy as he said these words.

"Impossible. Out of the question. He can't be serious. We are not raising this baby!,” Adam thought to himself. The thought of raising not only ANOTHER baby, but the baby of one of the most feared pirates to ever sail the seven seas! It was something he already decided he wasn't doing. But then he looked over at Belle. Her face was blank, but he knew she was thinking hard about this decision.

"Belle…,” he began, gently grabbing her arm. She turned around with that motion and they huddled together close.
"Adam... we have to do this,” she whispered, her heart racing a million miles a minute.

"What? No. Absolutely not,” Adam responded, his voice angry but not raising above a whisper.
"But Adam…,” she began, before she was cut off by another cough. They turned slightly to see Hook gesturing for Smee to hand him the baby. As gentle as possible with a hook for a hand, he managed to hold his son with such ease and care as any other parent would do. He smiled as his child weakly but as genuine as he could.

"Oh... my wee one…,” is all he said as he let the baby gently grab the now dulled end of his hook. Belle fought back tears at the sight. She thought of herself in this situation. What she would want if anything, heaven forbid, ever happened to her and Adam and poor little Ben was left with no one. She'd want the best people she could think of to raise her son. And that's exactly what Hook was asking. Though they'd heard of the villains having children, none of them ever gave off the impression that they'd be winning any parenting awards. So, Hook not wanting any of them to raise his son made complete sense in her mind.

Without a word, Belle walked over to Hook. No fear or hesitation at all as she was now inches from the pirate. Adam opened his mouth to protest, but could tell he would be starting a losing battle against his wife. Hook handed his son back to Smee as Belle took ahold of his hand. She looked him dead in his eyes as tears were forming in hers.

"Captain James Hook... I give you my word, not as a queen to a pirate, but as a mother to a father. We will raise your son with as much love and care as our very own,” she tells him as her tears now slide down her cheeks. Hook smiled and kissed her hand.

"Thank you... Belle. Give him... the best life... he could ever... have,” he told her with a weak smile. He gestures for his son one last time. "My little one... you're father... loves you... w-with all... h-his heart,” Hook got out with a shaky breath as he clung to his son as long as he possibly could.

Eventually, he managed to bring himself to handing his child over to Belle after lightly placing a final kiss on his head. Belle gently took the small bundle and held him close to her chest. She smiled and gave Hook a final nod before making her way back to her husband. Adam looked at his wife with a rather distasteful look on his face. She simply ignored him and placed herself and the baby right by his side. Adam glanced down and saw the small child sleeping soundly in Belle's arms and couldn't help but give it the tiniest grin he could muster. He was human after all. Who could resist smiling at a baby. His thoughts were interrupted by Hook.

"Thank you... so much…,” he said weakly, his eyes almost shut. He gestured for Smee, who quickly gave the king a box.

"For the baby. When he's old enough,” he told him as Adam took the box hesitantly. "I'm sure the captain can't thank you enough, right captain?,” Smee said with a weak smile. No response was given. Adam and Belle looked over at the bed with looks of shock. Belle pulled the baby tighter to her chest. Smee turned around and simply said, "Captain?"

Hook was gone; his spirit still seemed to be felt in the air of the quarters however. Smee, with tears in his eyes, covered the pirates body gently with a blanket and removed his own hat to pay his respects. Belle and Adam closed their eyes and lowered their heads as well. Though he was a villain, he was definitely someone they now had immense respect for as a human being.

"You best be on your way, your majesties", Smee told them, quickly gesturing them out the door. The royal couple hastily made their way back to their limo; Fairy Godmother waiting patiently on the inside. Belle hid the baby under her coat as much as she could so as to not reveal what they'd done for Captain Hook. They jumped into the limo so fast they nearly pushed poor Fairy Godmother to the floor.

"Goodness!,” she shouted as she quickly moved herself to the far end of the seat.

"We need to go. Quickly!,” Adam stated rather aggressively as he slammed the door shut. Fairy Godmother opened the barrier as fast as she could without hesitation. As the limo began its journey back, she began questioning her rulers.

"You're majesties, what was so important…,” she started before her eyes widened and her mouth simply gaped open. The sight of her queen holding a baby definitely wasn't something she had expected to see. "Um... and who is this?,” she asked, still in a state of shock. Belle grinned while Adam grimaced.
"Fairy Godmother this is…,” Belle began to answer before realizing a fact they seemed to have overlooked. "Adam... what is his name?,” she asked in a worried tone. The king shrugged his shoulders in response; the gesture annoying the brainy queen.

"We never asked,” he replied; not the answer she wanted but it was better than a shrug.B elle began to panic before noticing some crude stitching on the blanket. She ran her fingers over some letters and her smile grew.

"Adam. Fairy Godmother. Meet Harry,” she stated. Harry stirred slightly but remained asleep as Belle and Adam recapped the events that unfolded to Fairy Godmother.

"Oh, the poor little lad. And his poor father. It is quite noble of you to take on this task", she says as they make their way into the castle. Adam rolled his eyes as he held the nursery door open for Belle and Fairy Godmother.

"If I had any say in the matter, the child would've been left in Smee's care,” he stated as he made his way to his large arm chair.

"Ah, your majesties. Glad to see you've returned,” Mrs. Potts says with a grin as she lays a sleeping Ben down in his crib. She turns to greet everyone before stopping in her tracks at seeing another baby. Before any explanation can be given, Mrs. Potts says, "Well... I guess I'll be setting up another crib,” and was already making her way out the door to fetch one. Adam rubs his temples in frustration.

"You don't need to be stressed about this, dear,” Belle tells him as she continues rocking Harry.

"I don't need to be stressed? Belle, one baby was going to be a challenge in itself. Now, not only do we have two to raise, but one of them is a pirate!,” he shouts in frustration, causing both babies to stir slightly. Fairy Godmother stood silently next to Belle as she glared at him angrily before slipping out of the room before either one could drag her into this argument.

"This is no pirate, Adam. This is a baby. A baby who just lost his father and needs someone to care for and love him. And we are going to do just that like he was our own,” Belle tells him firmly. Adam took in a deep breath, doing his best to control his temper; something he'd been keeping in check up till now. He looked from his son to Hooks.

"What are we going to tell them? How will we explain this to both boys when they're older? Or better yet, what are we going to tell the kingdom? Everyone was there when we announced Benjamin's birth. Can't really say you had another baby eight months later,” he stated, pacing back and forth between Ben's crib and Belle's chair.

Belle hadn't exactly thought that part out either, to be honest. They very well couldn't tell the kingdom they were raising the son of Captain Hook; not a great look for them or their children.
"We'll... we'll have to come up with something,” she finally said.

"Lie, you mean,” Adam said matter-of-factly as he crossed his arms and leaned up against a bookshelf.

"We won't be lying. We'll just be... hiding the truth,” Belle corrected. But she knew it was the same thing. "Besides, we have that box from Smee that we're supposed to give Harry when he's old enough. So, eventually, he'll know the truth at least,” she continued, hoping to make the idea of lying sound not as bad. This wasn't going to be a cake walk either though. Not only was this raising two babies, but two babies extremely close in age AND both were boys. She knew this would definitely be a challenge, but she's definitely handled much worse before; just look at her husband.

"Ben and Harry will be just fine. I know they will,” she says with a grin; eager for when she gets to introduce the two to one another. Adam looked at the pirate's spawn for a moment and, yet again, can't help but give a small grin. It would be kinda fun to have two sons to be just like him... to a degree.

"I don't really like his name though,” he suddenly says out of the blue. "Can't we change it? To something like... I don't know... Aaron,” he continues with a smile. Belle looks at him in utter confusion.

"Aaron? Why Aaron?,” she questions.

"Well, it makes sense. Belle and Ben. Adam and Aaron,” he explained. Belle looked from her husband to Harry and smiled once more at the small bundle that was now hers.

"I think Harry is a perfect name. He deserves to have some connection to his father, after all,” she replied, holding the boy's hand in hers.

"You're right. We can at least give him that,” he sighed, giving up the battle he was so fantastically losing.

They soon heard small whimpers and looked to see Ben was beginning to wake up. And, not long after, Harry began to stir and wake up as well.

"I guess it's now or never", Belle said nervously. Adam nodded in agreement as he went to retrieve his son. Baby Ben looked up at his father in amazement as only a baby could. Being a year old, while not entirely aware, he was getting used to seeing familiar things. His father, mother, his binky, blankey, etc. One thing he wasn't familiar with though was the sight of what appeared to be another baby in his mothers arms. Harry on the other hand, being only seven months, wasn't really sure what he was familiar with; only remembering something shiny and pointy being a constant in his short life. But he did manage to see the other baby not far from him.

"Benjamin, this is Harry. Your new... brother,” Adam said hesitantly to his small son. Ben's eyes made contact with the baby. A large smile grew on his little face along with a small giggle at the sight before him.
"Harry, this is Benjamin,” Belle continued. Again, while he wasn’t as aware as Ben, Harry was happy to see the other baby; his body stirring and a small smile appearing on his face. The king and queen smile at one another at the sights and sounds coming from the two babies.

"Okay, I have to admit... this is rather exciting,” Adam said with a smile as he held Ben tightly.

"Couldn't agree with you more,” Belle replied as she walked closer and placed a kiss on Adam's lips. The two looked at the boys with so much joy. Yes, it would be a lot harder, but this would be good for all of them. Adam would have someone else to look up to him. Belle would get to have a second child to spoil and baby. And Ben and Harry would have, hopefully, a best friend for life in one another.

Chapter Text

15 Years Later

February 1st, 2015
And they were right. As the days turned to months, months into years, the two boys grew up as thick as thieves. Though they did tend to retain some of their stereotypical roles, Ben the stern older brother and Harry the pesky younger one, they knew they could depend on the other no matter what.

Ben seemed like the perfect son. One that anyone would've loved to have. He always listened to his parents and never got himself into trouble as a child. He enjoyed copying his father’s every move and reading with his mother at tea time every day at noon sharp.

While not a "problem child", Harry tended to get into mischief more often than not. He rather enjoyed climbing up things he wasn't supposed to; specifically the banisters throughout the castle. Once while climbing, he had accidentally knocked over a suite of armor that led to a chain reaction; ultimately breaking two vases and a bust of Adam's father. When confronted by Adam, Ben quickly came to his aid so that his father wouldn't be so harsh on his brother. Though still angry, Adam simply grounded Harry for a week thanks to Ben standing up for him.

Belle and Adam had kept their word to not tell Harry the truth of who his father was; agreeing to wait till his sixteenth birthday. This made sense to them, seeing as Ben would be crowned the rightful king of Auradon after he turned sixteen. So, if Ben was old enough to rule, Harry would be old enough to know the truth. But for now, they'd told the boys and the kingdom that they simply found Harry at the castle door one night; seemingly abandoned by his birth parents. This didn't waver their promise to Hook, however. Harry was raised with just as much love and care as Ben. Both boys were made to feel as though they were equally as special. And they definitely felt it every day.

Even if he wasn't of royal blood, he took to being a young prince rather well and took it very seriously. Then again, it was the only kind of life he knew. Though not as natural at it like his brother, he knew how to walk, talk, and dress like a prince should. He lacked his parents' natural charisma. And he wasn't all that good at speaking to large crowds either; the thought of it usually making him nauseous. Both of these were nothing for Ben, however. He could charm the pants of anyone and give his oral presentations in class without a hitch. But, then again, he was their biological son. So, it made sense that he would be such a natural.

Harry also made sure that he took his schooling very seriously as well. He managed to be a straight A student in every class. Well, almost every class. He tended to struggle in math for some reason. His favorite class surprisingly ended up being History; specifically the history of those who had sailed the oceans. The concept of traveling the seven seas and discovering new lands was so fascinating to the young prince. Having only seen Auradon his entire life, the rest of the world definitely had a hold on him from time to time.

Each boy took on a signature color; something most kids in Auradon seemed to do. Ben stuck to his father’s classic navy blue with accents of his mothers golden yellow. Harry decided on going for gold like his mother, but something drew him into incorporating the color burgundy as accents.

When it came to their appearances, Ben got his parents sandy brown/blonde hair and bright green eyes, Harry was gifted at birth with jet black hair and icy blue eyes. He also developed a rather strong jawline and was at least a few inches taller than Ben. These features made him stand out amongst a lot of the students and residents in Auradon. And standing out this much garnered him lots of attention; specifically from the girls at Auradon prep.

One in particular, however, had managed to catch Harry's attention as well. Audrey, the daughter of Phillip and Aurora, AKA Sleeping Beauty. When they first met at about two years old, she’d had her eyes on Ben. But there was something about Harry that completely ensnared the young princess by the time they were about twelve. She boldly made the first move and asked Harry to a movie. Sheepishly he’d said yes, but proceeded to have a great time with the young princess. Such a great time, in fact, that it had become a regular thing for the two to go to the movies every Friday after school for the rest of the year. After one showing, the two shared their first kiss after Harry walked Audrey back to her dorm. And when they were thirteen, they had solidified their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend.

Ben also found himself in a relationship at this point as well, dating Melody, the daughter of Eric and Ariel. Even though the pair were both of royal descent, they couldn't have been more opposite at times. She was the carefree spirit that counteracted Ben's more strict and professional attitude. They’d known each other almost their entire lives, but really became smitten with one another during a royal trip to Eric and Ariel’s kingdom that summer. Ben had asked Melody to dance during a ball her parents had thrown. Afterwhich the two decided to take a walk down to the beach where Melody told him everything she knew about Atlantis and the ocean; and Ben watched her with complete wonder and awe. And without thinking, he’d boldly given her a quick kiss. While in shock at first, Melody blushed and kissed him back; the two becoming a couple not long after.

In all honesty, the two girls were so similar to the brothers, that everyone assumed that's why they were together. Audrey and Ben definitely having the same strict and royal attitudes, while Harry and Melody were the more laid back and fun ones

While Ben took to tourney for his after school sport, being the more athletic of the two, Harry leaned towards fencing. It managed to tame a lot of the extra energy he possessed. But there was something about the sword in his hand and the grace in which he would wield it that seemed so natural and comforting for Harry. Adam caught onto that particular talent rather quickly and eventually arranged for him to be privately trained in the art of the sword by the one and only Mulan. In fact, that's where he was right at this moment.

"Remember Harry, be as swift as the coursing river,” Mulan instructed as a now fifteen year old Harry drew his sword to begin his lesson.

"But have the force of a great typhoon,” he responded as seriously as he could; trying not to giggle at Mulan quoting her husband yet again in one of their lessons. She raised an eyebrow, and her sword, in his direction and he quickly cleared his throat to retain his composure. The two had become rather close over the last five years. Harry saw Mulan as not only an amazing mentor, but also a very true friend. However, friendship doesn't stop the two from crashing their swords together in a fierce duel.

Harry was so precise and quick it was difficult at times for Mulan to keep up. Even if she’d destroyed the entire Hun army, that was by pure dumb luck. She herself still had to train up to where she was now. And even with all the time and dedication she’d given to the way of the sword, it was nothing compared to what she saw in Harry. He was an absolute natural. Extreme raw talent like she had never seen in her life. Their swords rang as they made contact over and over again. And every time Mulan would seem as though she had the upper hand, Harry would quickly prove her wrong and begin to dominate the battle. After all, even if Harry was a natural, almost everything he really learned about sword fighting came from Mulan herself. The duel lasted a total of twenty minutes before Harry was finally able to disarm the Hero of China. He pointed his sword at her chest as a smirk grew on both their faces and the sweat poured off of them.

“You win again, Harry,” Mulan panted out. Harry lowered his sword and chuckled.

“You don’t make it any easier though”, he told her as they made their way to a bench. They basically inhaled their water once they were seated.

“I have helped to train warriors, soldiers, knights, and guards for Auradon and China for over twenty years, Harry. And never in my life have I had a student as gifted as you,” she told him as she wiped sweat off her forehead and moved a piece of hair out of her eye. Harry blushed, though one wouldn’t be able to tell with his face already red from his lesson.

“I’m sure you’ve said that before”, he humbly stated. Mulan shook her head.
“I actually haven’t. And I truly mean it, too. How did you manage to get so good?,” she asked him with genuine curiosity. He thought for a moment before simply shrugging his shoulders.

“I’m not sure. I guess it’s… it’s in my blood,” he answered, his smile fading slightly.

Through the years, Harry hadn’t given a lot of that to who his real parents were. Why would he? His mom and dad said that he was abandoned. Clearly he wasn’t wanted by whoever these people were, so why did it matter? It didn’t. It shouldn’t. But it did. And he did think about them from time to time. Lying to himself that he didn’t think of them made him feel better. He loved his parents, Belle and Adam. And he loved his brother. But when questions surfaced, like why was he so good with a sword, he can’t help but wonder who it was that left him to be raised by the king and queen themselves. He broke out of these thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked over and saw Mulan giving him a half grin as she squeezed his shoulder.

“Well, in your blood or not, you show a lot of promise Harry,” she told him, hoping to cheer up the young prince.

He looked at her and smiled. Promise for what?,” he asked curiously.

She bit her lip and hesitated for a moment before saying, “Promise at being a knight.”

Harry’s eyes widened and he let out a combination of a sigh and a chuckle. “A knight? Really?,” he asked, still in disbelief at what he’d just heard.

She nodded and continued. “I really think that, in just a few short years, you could be the best knight Auradon has ever had.” He let those words sink in for a moment. ‘The best knight Auradon has ever had’ he thought to himself; his smile widening on his face at this small ego stroke. This thought was interrupted however when he heard a very distinct voice calling for him.

“Harry!” He looked over to see Audrey in her cheerleading uniform shouting and pointing at her watching; waving her hand for him to come to her.

“Well, I-I’ve gotta get going. Audrey’s very concerned with being punctual you know,” he said as he stood and grabbed his training bag.

“Before you go, about becoming a knight,” Mulan began as she fiddled in her bag for something. Harry watched her pull out a flier and hand it to him. “Prince Charming and I run a training camp for the young men and women we find have the best chances at becoming knights. This year's camp will begin one month after Ben’s coronation. No earlier. No later. You have till then to decide what you want to do,” she explained with a smile so wide she challenged that of the Cheshire Cat’s. Harry nodded as he took the flier.

“Thank you, Mulan. I’ll definitely consider it,” he replied with a smile. The two proceeded to straighten their postures and bow as they did at the end of every lesson. After another pat on the shoulder, Harry ran off to where Audrey stood; her hands on her hips as she stared impatiently at her boyfriend.

“Finally. We’re going to be late,” she told him as he wrapped his arm around her as they walked.

“Sorry. You know my lessons sometimes go over,” he apologized with a laugh. Then, out of nowhere, he stopped and spun her till they were face to face.

“What?,” she asked, still in a rather annoyed tone. Without a word he gave her a very passionate kiss. When they pulled away, her face was a lot calmer. “And that was for?,” she asked with a smile.

“No reason. Just… because I wanted to,” he answered cheekily as he ran a hand over her cheek. She leaned forward and gave him another kiss before they returned to Harry having his arm around her.

“Well, you still have to go get cleaned up,” she stated.

“And why do I have to get cleaned up for lunch?,” he laughed, seeing no problem with going to lunch in his fencing team uniform.

“Because you smell like sweat and we’re meeting Ben and Melody,” she answered firmly.

“Well I’m pretty sweaty at this point too, Audrey,” they suddenly heard Ben say as he joined them in his grass stained tourney uniform; along with Melody in a tracksuit covering her bathing suit.

“And I smell like chlorine. So, we’re pretty much all in the same boat after practice,” Melody added with a smile as she grabbed ahold of Audrey’s arm. Ben and Harry embraced with a laugh as they took up the rear behind the girls.

“Look, as royalty we should always be prepared to look… and smell our best for any occasion,” Audrey told them sternly. She then found herself in harmony with Melody as they said, “Every occasion is a fancy occasion when you’re a royal.”

“Now how long are we going to have to hear them say that?,” Harry asked with a giggle as he wrapped his arm around Ben’s shoulder.

Ben wrapped his around Harry’s and answered, “As long as we’re dating them, I suppose.” Harry cocked his head, stuck his lip out and raised an eyebrow.

“So… a long time then,” he said as he turned to his brother. Ben simply nodded before they laughed and caught up to the girls.

The four proceeded to have a very enjoyable lunch at Tony’s Italian Restaurant; one of the fours favorite places to grab lunch. It was a very popular restaurant for many citizens of Auradon; not to mention a hot spot for all the dogs within a hundred miles. They knew the menu like the back of their hands and always got the same things. Ben ordered alfredo, Melody got spaghetti and meatballs, Harry loved lasagna with extra ricotta, and Audrey ate puttanesca pasta salad. They enjoyed the time that they got to simply be teenagers. They talked mainly about school, the upcoming coronation, and pretty much normal stuff teenagers enjoyed talking about. Even though she was a tomboy, Melody LOVED discussing outfits with Audrey. And while they discussed clothes, Ben and Harry discussed tourney plays and fencing moves that will help them win another championship. For dessert, the couples each chose one to share. Ben and Melody enjoyed some cannoli’s while Harry and Audrey shared a raspberry tiramisu.

Once their date had come to an end, the girls took off to meet with Lonnie and Jane to do some early dress shopping. With Ben’s coronation coming up in a few months, it was good to be prepared early on so as to not be rushing last minute. Of course, being the princes of Auradon, Ben and Harry had nothing to worry about; personally made suites continuously being made just about every week. But, at this moment, that didn’t matter. All that mattered was spending some time together. They decided to take a longer route back to the palace after leaving the girl at Tony’s so that they could catch up.

“So what are you doing this Saturday?,” Harry asked as they made their way through the park not far from Auradon Prep.
“I’m not sure. I Never know what I’ve got planned anymore. Why?,” Ben responded with a smile.

“Well, Audrey was going to have a little get together at her palace and didn’t know if you would be able to go,” Harry answered, hoping that his brother would finally have some free time.

“Oh that’d be great! It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to see everyone together and…,” Ben started with a huge smile before they both heard a familiar jingle coming from Ben’s gear bag. Ben closed his eyes and sighed while Harry rolled his eyes with a smirk.
“I know what that means,” Harry said disappointingly.

“Yeah, I wish I didn’t,” Ben added with a laugh. He dug around till finally finding his phone and scrolling through his messages. “Looks like… I’ve got another ‘How to be a King’ lesson,” he said dryly.

“Who’s the teacher today? Last week wasn’t it King Phillip with his lesson on defending your kingdom or something?,” Harry asked sarcastically.

Ben rolled his eyes, but Harry wasn’t wrong. That was the lesson to a degree. “Well, this week it’s King Eric. He’ll be teaching me about overseas travel and trading,” he told his brother as he placed his phone back into his bag.

“Now that sounds more interesting than Phillip’s lesson,” Harry replied with a raised eyebrow.

“I’ll gladly let you go in my place,” Ben laughed.

“I wish. But I’m not the future king. So… the lesson is all yours,” Harry said with a grin and a phony bow.

Ben shoved him playfully. “Shut up. I’ve gotta get back to the palace. My lesson is in an hour and… Audrey was right. I do stink,” he laughed as he caught a whiff of himself as he adjusted his bag on his shoulder. “You coming?,” he continued as he began backing away.

“Nah. I’m gonna hang around here for a bit”, Harry answered, looking around the park.

“Alright. I’ll see you at dinner! Love ya!,” Ben shouted as he ran off towards the palace.

“Love ya!,” Harry shouted back with a laugh as his brother got smaller.

Once he could no longer see Ben, Harry wandered around the park. He soaked in the chirps of the birds, the smell of the pine trees, and the distant sound of the bay. He loved it. It relaxed him and helped him to collect his thoughts. Eventually he found a bench and decided to take a seat. He opened his bag and found the flier Mulan had handed him. He unfolded and looked it over again.

‘A knight. ME! A knight! It doesn’t even seem possible,” he thought to himself. Though he didn’t doubt his skills with a sword or his loyalty to his country and family, it was still such a big responsibility. To protect his family would be a piece of cake. But the entire United States of Auradon? That's another monster within itself. He stared at the paper some more while his thoughts were interrupted by the feeling of someone else being there. Someone who he’d rather not have to deal with.

“I can feel you lurking,” Harry said with a musical note undertone. All of a sudden, Chad Charming appeared next to him.

“Um, I beg your pardon. Princes don’t lurk,” Chad responded arrogantly as he plopped down next to Harry.

“Well then what were you doing sneaking up behind me like that?,” Harry asked in response. Chad thought for a moment before glancing down to the flier in Harry’s hands.

“Oh, I see you’re interested in taking my dad’s training camp”, he said vainly.

Harry snickered. “You mean your dad and Mulan’s training camp?,” he asked.

“That’s what I said. Anyway, I could definitely see you learning a thing or two from my dad. He is one of, if not THE best knight around,” Chad continued with a cocky half smile.

Harry did his best to try and hide his eye roll. Any interaction with Chad that was longer than thirty seconds was way too long for him. He didn't hate the blonde hair prince. That's such a strong word. He chose to think of it as… extremely detested him. While Chad was Ben's best friend, he just always rubbed Harry the wrong way. He had deduced it had to do with how Chad was always talking down to him. Yes, he talked down to everyone, but he did it way more openly and often to Harry. While most of the students at Auradon Prep didn’t care that Harry was adopted and not of true royal descent, Chad took it upon himself to constantly remind Harry that he was essentially dirt under his couture sneakers.

“Well, then I can only assume you won’t be attending. After all, you must already know everything you need from your father,” Harry replied with a grin.

“I mean… not everything,” Chad replied with a bit of annoyance in his voice; but still trying to keep his cocky demeanor. He’d never admit it, but Chad was jealous of Harry. As confident as he was with himself when it came to his status and looks, he couldn’t stand the fact that someone he saw as a commoner was better at sword fighting than he was. It was an embarrassing day for him when Harry beat him for R.O.A.R captain. He couldn’t keep up with Harry’s speed and ended up tripping over a rolled up mat. But it didn’t stop. His shoe flew off, knocked over a practice dummy, which fell into the swords rack, and sent at least a dozen swords flying in every direction. Harry had helped him up and apologized, but Chad didn’t care. Coach announced Harry captain and Chad left with a bruised ego… and buttocks.

“I will be attending the training camp, for your information Harry. If anything… to improve what skills I already have,” he continued with a confident smile.

“Oh yeah? I was thinking the same thing, to be honest,” Harry told him in response, not telling him he was handpicked by Mulan herself. “But, I’m not sure if I will. I’ll let you know if I do though,” he continued, grabbing his bag and standing to go.

He turned towards the palace before Chad said, “If you do decide to go… I want a rematch.” Harry’s eyebrow twitched and a half smile grew on his face.

“Is that so?,” he asked cheekily as he turned back to face the curly haired prince. Chad said nothing as he stared at Harry with a look of determination. Harry thought for a moment, mostly just to annoy Chad, before reaching his hand out.

“Deal,” he said sternly. Chad took his hand and shook it once.

“Deal,” he repeated in the same stern tone.

They released each other's hands and remained silent as they took off in opposite directions. If a rematch meant he could humble Chad once again, then who was he to deny him one?

Chapter Text

Dinner began at six thirty as always. Unfortunately, Ben had sent Harry a text that his lesson was running over and he wouldn’t be home in time to eat. Which was a shame, since Mrs. Potts had prepared a delicious pork roast with mashed potatoes and steamed carrots; not to mention a delicious chocolate peanut butter pie for dessert. Belle and Adam each took a position at the table's ends while Harry sat in the middle. However, he did adjust his chair till he was a bit closer to his mother since his father decided to bring some of his work to the dinner table with him; never wanting to leave any of his work unfinished.

“I swear, dear. Couldn’t you have waited to finish signing those till after we finished eating?,” Belle asked as she took a sip of her dinner wine.

“These are all the agreements between the kingdoms we renew each year. They have to be signed, copied, sent off, and filed as soon as possible,” Adam explained without looking up from the pile of documents to his left. “Besides, we’ve already got enough on Ben’s plate with each of the rulers giving him crash courses as it is. The least I can do is finalize these until next year rolls around,” he continued, taking a quick break to eat a spoonful of food.

“Well, important or not, this is the only time we have to truly catch up with one another and discuss our day. So please, take just a few minutes away from that to talk to us,” Belle responded as she used her fork to gesture between herself and Harry.

Of course, Harry wouldn’t have cared if his dad had kept himself distracted. Though the two got along and loved each other, Harry had always felt a distance between his dad and himself. No he wasn’t at all neglected or ignored at all by the former beast, but he could never get close and open up to his father like he always could his mother as he got older.

Anytime he would try to talk to his father about anything, he’d usually get a basic ‘That’s good to hear’ or ‘That’s great son’, while Ben got his undivided attention about any subject. That was probably the one thing he was jealous of about Ben. The unconditional devotion their father had for him. Of course it was always obvious to Harry as to why that was. Ben was his. His true son. His flesh and blood. The heir to the throne. He couldn’t deny that. Ever. But now, thanks to his mother, the small talk over dinner was about to be underway.

“Alright, alright. I’ll give it a rest. For you, and the fact that I am famished,” Adam told his wife with a chuckle as he clicked his pen shut and neatly stacked his papers off to the side.

“Well, Harry, why don’t you start?,” Belle suggested brightly to her son.

‘Crap,’ Harry thought to himself as he swallowed some tea. ‘Where’s Ben when you need him?,’ he continued. Not only was Ben way better at discussing any subject with their parents, he made a great buffer between him and their dad. “Oh. Um… well… my day was pretty much… like any other. Sword lesson with Mulan and lunch with Ben and the girls. You know how it goes,” he said nonchalantly as he took another bite of his pork. He figured that was a good enough answer to how his day went; not really wanting to mention the training camp until he was absolutely sure he wanted to take part.

“Oh, how are the girls? It’s been awhile since you and Ben have gotten to bring them over,” Belle continued with curiosity. Belle loved when the boy's girlfriends were brought up in conversation or got to come over for a visit; everyone knowing how much she wished she could’ve had at least one daughter.

“They’re doing really well, mom,” Harry answered with a smile. “Audrey is still cheerleading captain and just as punctual as ever,” he laughed before he heard his dad clear his throat.

“Ah yes, that’s good to know son,” Adam said dryly as he shoved more food into his mouth.

Harry brushed his fathers response off and continued talking to his mother. “Actually, Audrey is planning on having a party at her palace Saturday and was hoping that Ben and I would be able to attend”, he continued rather enthusiastically. It wasn’t the most subtle way to ask to go to a party, but he figured this would be the best chance to do so.

“Oh, like a dinner party? That certainly sounds like fun. Is it formal or casual?,” Belle asked excitedly. One thing she's learned to love as a queen is a nice dinner party.

Harry giggled at his mother. “No, no, no, mom. Not a dinner party. Just like… a party. Some snacks, games, and all of us just getting to hang out,” he explained as simply as he could.

“Jeez,” he thought to himself. “Can't a group of friends get together and just relax? Everyone takes the word ‘party’ so seriously.”

But, then again, the term 'party' in Auradon did usually refer to a ball or dinner of some sort. Maybe he should've just said Audrey invited their friends to hang out Saturday. Oh well. He was sure his mother could understand either way.

It wasn't till now that Harry realized how being royal has definitely changed his mother from who he'd always read and learned about. Smart, headstrong, quick witted, a spunky and slightly peculiar village girl. Now she was a smart, headstrong, quick witted, classy and refined queen. Of course the idea of a low-key party had become foreign to her after all these years.

“Oh, that kind of party. I should've guessed. I shouldn't think Audrey would throw any kind of ball all on her own,” Belle replied, laughing at herself.

“She could if she wanted to, though. She's a very bright girl,” Adam added on with a grin. One thing he definitely appreciated was Harry landing himself a girl like Audrey. A princess with her priorities straight is definitely someone who could help push Harry in the direction he envisioned for him. Though he could never rule Auradon, marrying Audrey could lead to him taking over her parents' kingdom sometime in the future.

Harry smiled at his parents. While he hated being on his own during these conversations, they had their good moments. It would be better if Ben were here to enjoy it. But, if Ben were here, their dad would definitely turn the conversation to royal business like Ben’s coronation or his lessons with the other rulers. So he'll enjoy this while it lasts.

“So, what do you guys think? Can we go to her party?,” he asked eagerly.

Adam hesitated before he gave his answer. “While it does sound like a good time, we'll have to check Ben's schedule before we can see if he can go or not,” he answered in a sympathetic voice as he took a drink of his wine.

Harry's smile faded and he bit the inside of his jaw for a moment. “You've got to be kidding me right now!,” he thought to himself. He fought back the urge to yell his thoughts out loud and simply continued the conversation. “I mean it’s going to be the weekend. Can’t he get a break?,” he asked with a nervous laugh.

“Harry, there's a lot that goes into becoming a King. And, unfortunately, sometimes that means sacrifices have to be made. Ben, and you, both know this,” Adam explained.

“Of course I know this! You've only drilled it into my head for the last ten years!,” he continued to think as he dug his nails into the side of his thigh under the table. He glanced over at his mother, who saw he was getting visibly frustrated with the conversation, and watched her gestured for him to take a breath. Thankfully, before the conversation could take a turn for the worst, the large doors of the dining room swung open to reveal Ben trotting in with a smile on his face.

“Hey everyone,” he said happily as he greeted each of his family members. He patted his dad's shoulder, fist pumped Harry, and kissed his mom's cheek before taking his seat across from Harry at the table.

“Well, we thought we'd have to save you a plate,” Belle said with a giant smile.

“You almost would've had King Eric not finished his lesson earlier than he'd expected to,” Ben replied with a laugh as Mrs. Potts placed a hot plater of dinner in front of the hungry prince. He dove into the food before he continued, “Oh! By the way Harry, I checked and all I have planned on Saturday is a test on what I learned from Eric at twelve. So I should be free to go to Audrey's.”

Harry grinned and sent a side eye in his fathers direction. “That's awesome, Ben! We were just discussing that, weren't we dad?,” he said cheekily.

Adam took a breath and exhaled slowly. Harry definitely had a way of hitting nearly every nerve in the king's body. “We were discussing whether or not you should go, Ben,” he finally replied solemnly.

“Why shouldn't I go?,” Ben asked, genuinely confused and concerned.

“Well, you have so much going on as it is with your lessons with the other rulers and myself to get you prepared for ruling for starters,” Adam answered.

“But-,” Ben began before being cut off.

“Plus your birthday is coming up, as well as your coronation in a few months. Along with school and practice you have plenty of opportunities to see your friends. Harry just said you had lunch with Melody,” Adam continued with a grin.

“Audrey and I were there too, dad,” Harry added.

“Exactly. So you see? You don't have to go to this party to see your friends,” Adam finished.

“There's a difference between have to and want to, dad,” Ben replied with a smile.

Harry half smiled at his brother while Belle hid her smile behind her wine glass. Adam, on the other hand, folded his fingers together and looked at his son rather emotionless. “Explain,” is all he said.

Ben chuckled and wiped his mouth. “I don't HAVE to have a birthday party, I WANT to have one. I HAVE to have a coronation, it doesn't mean I WANT to,” he explained confidently.

“I see,” Adam said, before Ben continued.

“And, as the future king, aren't I going to have to make decisions based on what I HAVE to do and what I WANT to do?,” he continued before standing.

“If I decided, for example, to extend our borders in DunBroch. That's something I would WANT to do. Our borders there are fine, I don't HAVE to do it. But, keeping our agreements with Agrabah for trades in goods is something I HAVE to do, not something I necessarily would WANT to do,” he explained as he paced back and forth between his parents.

Adam kept his eyes on his son the entire time. Watching every hand gesture, foot fall, and facial expression on the young princes’ face. “Is that so?,” he asked nonchalantly as he placed his hands on the table.

“So you see father,” Ben began as he took his seat once more, “while I don't HAVE to go to Audrey's party, I WANT to go. I want to go and spend time with my friends, my girlfriend, and my brother.” He looked around the table and took in his family's reactions.

Belle was visibly impressed with her eyes wide and her lips pursed together. Harry was fighting back the urge to laugh with glee. Adam stayed stoic as he took in everything he'd just heard. Ben was proud of his small little speech and said nothing else as he took another bite of his potatoes.

Adam cleared his throat and looked over at Ben. “Such a clever, grown-up lad now, aren't we?,” he said with no emotion. Everyone stared at him with baited breath before they saw a smile appear on his face. “I'm very impressed by your argument, Benjamin. Very impressed indeed,” he said happily as he stood and reached across the table to shake his son's hand.

“Why thank you,” Ben replied cheekily.

“So, what does that mean?,” Harry asked, suddenly confused about why this whole thing even happened.

Adam laughed, “It means… you boys can go to Audrey's party.”

Ben smiled wide while Harry nearly jumped out of his seat. They laughed and cheered to one another and fist bumped again.

“But we expect you both to be on your best behavior as always,” Belle added happily.

“And you're to be home no later than midnight. Is that understood?,” Adam asked as he pointed his finger at his boys.

“Yes sir,” both boys replied in unison.

The dinner ended as Mrs. Potts sliced into the chocolate peanut butter pie. Belle and Adam proceeded to discuss their plans for the week; meetings, dinners, etc. While Ben had moved his chair next to Harry’s so they could discuss the party; what they would wear, who would be there, and more. Once the pie plate was nothing but crumbs, the four royals proceeded to make their ways to their respective rooms. The palace has definitely seen some worse dinners in its time compared to this one.

Chapter Text

With all of the excitement he'd had about the party, plus the hidden pride about the knight training camp, Harry almost forgot he had a mathematics test that Friday. Though this wasn't anything like a final exam, he still needed to get a high grade. After he got a D on his winter final, his parents made him promise he'd focus and study harder for math in the spring. He'd never seen them so disappointed in one of his grades; especially his mom.

While he'd gotten an earful from his father about how his grades are a reflection of not only him, but the entire royal family, his mother was different. She simply gave him a look that was warm but full of disappointment. He realized he never wanted to see that look on her face again.

Hence, his current Wednesday study session in the library with the smartest person he knew. Well, at least the smartest fifteen-year-old he knew.

“Okay Harry, one more time,” Doug, the son of Dopey the dwarf began, flipping his notebook to a blank page. “5x — 2 = 3x + 6. Solve for x,” he stated as he handed the young prince the book.

Harry tapped his fingers against the wood of the table. “C'mon, Harry. You've got this. It's easy,” he thought to himself as he began working out the equation before him. He concentrated and remembered everything he and Doug had been going over the last few weeks. Once he believed the problem was solved, he slid his paper to Doug without a word; his pen finding its way between his teeth out of nervousness.

“Hmmm…. okay… good,” Doug mumbled to himself as he checked Harry’s work over. “X equals 4, that's your final answer?,” he asked, adjusting his glasses as he looked up at Harry. Harry stopped chewing his pen long enough to nod. Doug chuckled a bit before turning the paper back around and saying, “Congrats, your highness. You got it right.”

Harry gave a sigh and slammed his head on the desk. “Good grief. I don't know how people do math,” he mumbled into the mahogany as he lifted his head enough to rest his chin on the desk.

“I don't know why you struggle so badly, Harry. That was a pretty easy equation,” Doug laughed as he flipped through his tutoring notes. “I mean, I get math isn't the easiest subject, but I would expect you to be fairly good at it,” he continued as he highlighted specific points for Harry to study.

“I don't know, really. Apparently I just suck at math. My parents said when I was learning how to count it took me six months to get past the number one,” Harry replied as he sat up in his seat and watched the dwarf at work.

Doug chuckled as silently as he could, as the thought of baby Harry running around just counting to one tickled his brain. 

“Shut up, Doug,” Harry said with a half-smile as he snatched his study guide back. Normally Harry wasn't that openly honest about things he struggled with, nor would he let anyone other than Ben or Audrey get away with teasing him about it. But he was comfortable with Doug. At least more comfortable than he would be around Chad. 

But it took some time for sure. Way before he'd gotten his D on his math final, Harry had been struggling with his lessons in Dragon Anatomy. So, Fairy Godmother suggested he go and study with Doug; the only student acing the course with flying colors. Prior to this suggestion, Harry had never really had a one-on-one experience with Doug. A few royal occasions and classes here and there, but that was it. So, it was definitely going to be interesting to see how this went.

Their first session together was almost like the class itself… boring. Doug spent at least an hour describing just how many bones are in a dragon’s wings and how they each help the wing move. Harry was on the verge of falling asleep had Doug not dropped a book that hit the floor so loud he nearly fell out of his chair. He retrieved the book for his tutor, only to see an absurd amount of sheet music inside the dwarf’s backpack. 

When he casually asked him about it, Doug simply told him how he was in the marching band. And to his surprise, Harry replied with, “That's really cool. I can't play an instrument to save my life.” The young dwarf couldn't hide his shock or smile at the sound of something he did being cool. Feeling the need to compliment back, Doug said, “Well, you could find a mine full of diamonds before I could sword fight like you, your highness.” The two laughed and nearly forgot they were there to study. 

Every time they met up after that day, they'd study Dragon’s Anatomy for an hour before side tracking. Doug talked about all his instruments and dream of playing his trumpet for The Dragon Slayers; Harry surprised and impressed by his ambition. While Harry would tell him about R.O.A.R and life as an adopted prince. That was what drove home the friendship for Doug. The fact that, even if you can grow up a prince, you can still feel like an outsider. Like him.

Even after Harry had managed to pass Dragon’s Anatomy, the two would meet up during the week. Sometimes Harry would attend Doug's band rehearsals. Doug would occasionally make his way to a R.O.A.R tournament. They'd grab a bite to eat and shoot the breeze. It was nice to have a friend who wasn't family, a nuisance, or a girlfriend; or any true friend in Doug's case. 

“Well, at least you know how to count now,” Doug replied, still laughing slightly as he packed up his books. “At any rate, you're ready for that test on Friday,” he continued. “I mean, we've studied together about three times a week since the start of this term and you've definitely done well with the pop quizzes in classes. I'd say a solid B is in your future,” he finished as they left the library and made their way to their lockers.

“Getting a B would be great… but B's just aren't enough anymore. I've gotta get an A for once,” Harry told him as he began twisting in his locker combination.

Doug opened his locker and neatly stacked his books inside. “Do you really want to impress your parents with mathematics that badly?,” he asked, a bit confused. He'd never known Harry to take his classes this seriously before. He always got good grades, even with the D on his record. 

Harry thought about his answer for a moment as he shut his locker and leaned back against it; loosening his red and yellow tie in the process. “It's not impressing them. It's just… proving that I can do it. To them… and myself,” he replied, crossing his arms and looking down at his shoes.

“Numbers get all mixed up in my head sometimes. Call it dyslexia or whatever… but it sucks. I'm such a natural at other things and then I'm terrible at math, of all things. And… I don't even know if it's genetic,” he ranted on; his lungs tightening as all the air left his body. 

Another question with no answer. How was he so talented with a sword? Why does he struggle with simple math problems? None of it has, and probably never will, make any sense. And that was terrifying. 

Doug watched his friend. It was another rarity to see Harry so vulnerable. So, trying his best not to be awkward or dopey, Doug stepped closer and rested his hand on Harry's arm. Harry turned head and saw his friend smiling at him.

“It doesn't matter why you're bad at something, Harry. All that matters is that, instead of letting it conquer you, you're facing it head on. Like you do everything. If you think you can get an A… then get an A,” he told him as he patted his arm.

Harry smiled back and patted his hand back. “Thanks Doug,” he said as he took in a breath. Never in a million years would he have spilled his guts like that to anyone but Ben. It was definitely good to get that off his chest and have the support of the person listening without judgment. 

“Well, if it isn't Dopey and Hairy,” Chad laughs as he approaches the two; his face wearing that condescending look on it as usual.

“Speaking of being judged,” Harry thought as he glanced at Doug. The dwarf had inadvertently slid somewhat behind Harry, but was slightly glaring at Chad. He nudged him and put on a fake grin.

“Good one Chad. Very creative,” Harry replied with a touch of noticeable sarcasm. 

“Yeah. Pretty clever for someone who doesn't have a lot of there there,” Doug added rather sarcastically himself.

Harry smiled and raised his eyebrow. This was a new side of Doug he had seen. He was impressed for sure. 

“Look, if you're done with Doug, I need his chemistry expertise for a bit,” Chad said, visibly irritated at the pair.

Doug sighed and began to walk over to the cocky prince before Harry said, “Well that's an odd way of asking for help. Not even a please, Chad?”

Char scoffed and placed his hands on his hips. “Princes don't have to say please, Harry.” He glanced over the other boy and gave a small grin. “Well… at least real ones don't,” he continued smugly.

Harry bit his jaw and clenched his fist behind his back. “A crown doesn't always make a prince,” he said through somewhat gritted teeth. “He's asking for it this time,” he thought.

“Clearly,” Chad responded with a smirk.

“Hey Chad, look,” Doug interrupted as he quickly reopened his locker and pulled out a green notebook. “Here. These are all the notes from the lessons from this week. I-I've already made lunch plans with Harry, so we can get together some other time,” he continued as he handed the book to Chad.

The prince took the notebook and flipped through it. He glanced up from it to see Doug whispering to Harry. Losing his study session because of the imposter prince? He slapped the book shut angrily. “Fine. I'll just… read the notes,” he huffed as he began walking away.

“No thank you either, Chad?,” Harry blurted out in frustration; causing Doug to face palm and Chad's steps to come to a halt. Chad turned back around and came nearly face to face with Harry. “I'm sure King Charming taught you better than that,” he continued.

“Yeah he did. He tends to have some old fashioned ideas from time to time,” Chad replied with a haughty put upon sigh before continuing. “It's annoying… but at least I know who my father is.” 

“Chad!,” Doug yelled angrily.

Without a word. Without a warning. Without any hesitation. Harry had finally snapped. He reared his fist back and punched Chad square in the nose; an audible crack echoed through the hallway. He brought his fist back and saw his knuckles were red from being clenched… but also from the blood coming out of Chad's nose. 

He looked down and saw the prince lying on the floor. He was holding his nose and sobbing in pain. “My nose! I-I think you broke my nose!,” he cried. 

Harry looked around the hallway. A few people had seen what he'd done. But then he saw the one person he wished hadn't. Ben. His brother looked at him in shock before snapping back to reality and running over to him. 

Ben stepped over Chad and grabbed Harry's shoulders. “What happened? Are you okay,” he asked him, fear in his voice as Chad continued crying. 

“I-I was… h-he said…,” Harry stammered. His hands were shaking. His breathing was heavy. His eyes were beginning to sting as tears formed. 

Ben simply held him firmly by the shoulders. “Doug, please help Chad to the nurse,” he instructed. Dough nodded and helped Chad to his feet; though he wasn't helping so it was a struggle for the dwarf to help the prince up. “Harry… we are going home,” he continued.

Harry simply gave a nod as Ben led him down the hall and out the front doors. “I-I'm sorry,” he stammered out. He'd never lost his temper that bad. Usually, he just got angry and took it out on a practice dummy in the gym. He'd never acted on impulse that way. It was… scary.

Ben thought for a few moments in silence as they walked. It took a minute or two before he let out a small chuckle. “I'll be honest… he's had that coming for a while,” he said with a grin. He looked over at Harry and the two shared a small laugh before Ben gave Harry a sideways hug as they continued home. Unfortunately… Ben’s words on the matter weren't the ones Harry was worried about.

Chapter Text

“HOW COULD YOU DO SUCH A THING!?,” Adam roared as he paced back and forth in his office. Ben was leaning against the window while Harry sat in the desk chair as Belle gently held a bag of ice on his swollen hand. “The Charmings are some of our closest friends and allies! And you assaulted their son!,” he continued, stopping and standing right in front of Harry with his arms folded over his giant chest. “What happened!?”

Harry stared blankly at his father. After he'd gotten home, his mother had calmed him down as Ben filled in their father as best he could. He'd only seen the punch. Nothing more, nothing less. So, he was very limited on information. After collecting himself as best he could, Harry simply shut down. Trapped in his thoughts.

“What do I even tell them? Dad will be angry either way. Valid reason or not. I'm not Ben. I can't talk my way out of anything. I'm in trouble either way. What's the point?,” he thought as he continued to stare at his father.

“Chad started it,” he finally said dryly.

Adam huffed and growled slowly. “What could he possibly have done that was worth a BROKEN NOSE!,” he yelled through gritted teeth.

“Breathe, Adam,” Belle said in a calm voice as she rubbed Harry's now bruised hand with her thumb. “Yelling doesn't solve anything. You must control your temper,” she continued, her hazel eyes looking up at her husband. 

“I must control MY temper!? Tell that to HIM!,” Adam shouted in return as he pointed at Harry.

Harry winced at the boom in his fathers voice before he let out, “I TRIED, OKAY!?” He stood up so abruptly that Belle nearly fell over. “I couldn't take it! He was rude to Doug! He kept making little digs! I made some back!,” he continued, his voice getting louder with each word. “He took it too far! He got what he deserved!”

“ENOUGH!,” Adam yelled back. The whole room felt like it shook and it went silent all at once. Belle hung her head. Ben's eyes were filled with fear. But Harry stood his ground in front of his father. “You are the one who took it too far, Harry. You could've easily walked away and been the bigger person. But no, you chose violence to be your solution. That is not how a prince acts,” he finished in a slightly more relaxed tone.

“Well… at least not real ones,” Chad's words echoed back in Harry's head. He felt his fist balling up again. He clenched his jaw. But, he managed to fill his lungs full of air before he responded to the large lumbering figure that was his father. “If anyone could understand being insulted and judged by an arrogant and pompous jerk, I would think it would be you dad,” he said in a steady voice.

Silence once again filled the room. Adam's eyes went wide and he dropped his arms. He was taken aback by this response. He took in Harry's words carefully. He had to think and not let his anger take over. He took in a breath and said, “I've grown since then, son. I suggest you do the same.” He folded his arms again and turned away from Harry. “Go to your room… and we will discuss your punishment after we talk with the Charmings,” he continued as he began organizing papers on his desk.

Harry bit his jaw so hard he swore he tasted blood. “Don't say a word,” he thought as he turned and basically ran out of the office. His feet stomping up the stairs was the only sound anyone could hear. That and the slamming of his bedroom door. Ben looked at his parents before he too left the room and ran up the stairs.

Belle smoothed out her skirt and was the first to speak. “So you’re punishing him for something you would have done?,” she asked as she folded her hands in front of her. 

“We can’t just let him think this is appropriate behavior,” Adam replied as he took back his chair. He sat at his desk and rubbed his temples.

“Of course we can't. I never suggested that we should either. But did you have to be quite so harsh?,” she asked him calmly. She didn't know how much more she could take. One daughter. She couldn't have gotten one daughter to bring her some peace from all these beastly men she'd surrounded herself with.

“He broke Chad’s nose, Belle,” Adam replied. He balled up his fist and released it immediately. “Calm. Control your temper,” he thought as he took in a breath.

“And we still don't truly know why,” Belle countered as she made her way behind his chair. She ran her fingers through his hair before settling them on his shoulders. “Harry wouldn't have done it for no reason. But shouting and scolding him isn't going to get us any closer to finding out what provoked him,” she continued as she gently rubbed his shoulders.

Adam rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses. “What if…,” he began, not wanting to say what he was about to say. But it was a thought he had to get out of his mind. “...What if this is a result of who his father is?,” he finally got out.

Belle ceased her comforting massaging at the statement. “Well, you’re his father. So why not ask yourself that question?,” she suggested as she patted his shoulders. 

“You know that’s not what I mean,” he replied in almost a whisper. He removed his glasses and looked at his wife with eyes of fear and true sadness. He truly did love Harry. And it terrified him to think that, deep down, his son could potentially have villainous tendencies. The Hook DNA so to speak.

Belle knelt down and placed her hand on her husband's knee. “You, Adam. You are his father”, she began. Adam opened his mouth to protest, but was instantly cut off. “You raised him. Not Hook. If anything… he's picked up beastly tendencies rather than pirate ones,” she reassured him with a small smile. And somehow, with that, she'd managed to get a soft smile in return from her husband.

Meanwhile, there wasn't any chance of Harry cracking a smile anytime soon. Ben watched in amazement from Harry's bed as he angrily punched and kicked his workout bag. He grunted and barked as he swung. Sweat was pouring down his face so bad his hair was sticking to his forehead.

After a good thirty minutes, he finally settled down and grabbed ahold of the bag to catch his breath. He gave it one more big punch before pushing away from it and sitting down next to his brother. He looked at him as he tried to steady his breath.

“Feelin’ any better?,” Ben asked, concern written all over his face. He'd known for Harry to workout when angry… but never like that before. Not that aggressively at least.

Harry flipped his hair off his forehead and plopped backwards onto his crimson comforter. “No… not really,” he huffed in aggravation. Normally, physical activity was the best way for him to get all his anger out. But even after all that, he still could feel his blood wanting to boil.

“You can't really be angry with dad, Hazard,” Ben told him as he stood up and walked around the bed. He was hopeful that the use of his nickname, given for Harry's reckless behaviors from time to time, might help his mood. He definitely… was wrong.

“Oh, I most certainly can be, Goldilocks,” Harry replied angrily as he shot straight up. His use of Ben's nickname, given for Ben's sandy hair and goody two shoes attitude, was definitely not being used in a playful way here. “Immediately, I'm the bad guy to him. Every single time,” he continued. 

“Maybe if you would've just told him what happened you wouldn't be this time,” Ben countered in his own frustrated tone. He caught how he sounded though and instantly changed it. “You said Chad took it too far. How?,” he asked as he pulled out Harry's desk chair to sit face to face with his brother.

After a few more huffs and groans, Harry met his brother's eyes. While Harry could intimidate you with his icy blue eyes, Ben's green eyes had a way of calming you down and inviting you to say whatever you needed to or wanted to. 

“I made a comment about Chad's manners…,” Harry started, nervously running his hands along the sheets of the bed. ‘Man this blanket is soft,’ he thought randomly. “Said his dad had to have thought him better,” he continued with a small laugh. ‘Has this blanket always been this soft?,” his thoughts continued. “And then he…,” he trailed off. He didn't want to say it.

“He what?,” Ben asked, leaning forward nervously. He watched how Harry had averted his eyes and was focusing on his bed spread. His fingers were delicately tracing every thread. He'd seen Harry do this before. When they were kids, he always carried around a blanket with his name on it for comfort. The blanket he was found with. As a teen, he obviously didn't carry it anymore, yet the soft touch of a blanket calmed and distracted him.

“Spit it out, Harry. Get it over with,” Harry thought. He gripped the blanket tightly as he turned back to face Ben's eyes once more. “He said… at least he knows who his father is,” he finally said; releasing the blanket and bringing his hand back to his knee. He looked at Ben with somewhat dead eyes once the words left his lips. 

Ben looked right back at him, but not with dead eyes. His eyes were full of sympathy… and anger. “You're right… he definitely got what he deserved,” he said before he stood up and gave the punching bag a quick punch himself. He tried to hold his composure, be the king-in-training he's supposed to be, but his inner beast definitely wanted to let itself out.

“Best friend… yeah right,” he growled, pacing back and forth from the bag to the bed. He punched the bag again. “He can take his crown…,” he punched the bag again. “He can take it and…,” he punched it even harder. As he reared back one final time, a roar beginning to grow in his throat, Harry quickly grabbed Ben and drew him into an embrace.

Harry held him as tight as he could. While Ben knew Harry's comfort could be found in blankets, Harry knew Ben needed physical contact to relax. Whenever they were little and Ben would get hurt, emotionally or physically, their parents could only calm him down by giving him big hugs. So that's what Harry was doing. He felt Ben's heartbeat steadily begin to slow down and his arms wrapping around him in response.

“I-I'm fine,” Ben said shakily but confidently. He tightened his grip on his brother for a few more moments before taking in a deep breath and releasing him. “You need to tell mom and dad,” he said as he smoothed out his shirt. 

Harry turned back and returned to his seated position on his bed. “Yeah, sure. ‘Why did you break Chad's nose?’ ‘Because, dad, he said I don't know who my father is.’ Not really a conversation I want to have,” he replied sarcastically into his hands as he rubbed his face.

“Haz… I'm sure they think about it too,” Ben replied sympathetically, plopping down next to him. He pulled Harry up into a sitting position: his dark hair now sticking straight up from the drying sweat. “I don't think about it often… because it doesn't make a difference to me. You're my brother and that's how it's always been,” he stated, pushing his brother's hair down a bit.

“But, imagine being our parents. They don't know anything about who or where you come from. So, when something like this happens, they have to roll with the punches,” he continued before catching his last word and smirking.

Harry smirked back. “Pun intended?,” he asked.

“Sure,” Ben answered with a chuckle. “Seriously though, I'm positive every once in a while, they wonder who your birth parents are. And I bet you the entire kingdom, if a member of the council ever said that about you, dad would sock him in the nose too,” he continued.

Harry couldn't help bursting out a laugh. The idea of his dad punching King Charming in the face was too funny for him to not laugh at. “You really think he would?,” he asked him with a smile. 

“I know so. So, on that note, why don't we go tell mom and dad what happened? Lighten the load a bit,” Ben suggested as he got up and held his hand out. 

Hesitantly, Harry took his brother's hand and they made their way back down to their dad's office. They opened the door to see, not only their parents, but Mulan sitting in the room. 

“What the heck is she doing here?,” Harry asked. His thoughts must have read on his face loud and clear.

“We weren't expecting to see Fa Mulan either, Harry. We're just as confused as you are,” Belle said with a soft smile.

The boys made their way to the large couch that sat not far from their fathers desk. Ben looked at Harry in confusion. While Harry had nervousness written all over his face. 

“The Charmings asked me to be a part of the meeting about the altercation that occurred between Chad and Harry,” Mulan explained to the royal family. “They felt it best since I can be an unbiased party in terms of the training camp,” she continued as she pulled a clipboard from her bag.

All eyes in the room were once again all on Harry. He sank down a bit in his seat.

“What training camp?,” Adam asked as calmly as he could in the moment.

Mulan, realizing the tension in the room, quickly came up with a solution. “Oh, I'm so sorry. I forgot I told Harry not to tell you,” she said, glancing over at the young prince and giving an unnoticed wink. “Charming and I had chosen Harry to submit an application for the knights training camp we host each summer,” she explained, giving the rulers a flier.

“Oh my. What an honor,” Belle said with a grin as she held her necklace to her chest. 

“Indeed. A magnificent opportunity,” Adam added as he looked over the flier with no emotion.

“It is. Harry is such a natural that we had to give him the offer,” Mulan continued, before her smile faded. “However, given the current circumstances, the Charmings are asking that I reevaluate my decision to let Harry apply. Chad will be under reevaluation as well,” she finished, her tone of voice very upset.

Harry couldn't believe he'd manage to blow an opportunity like this in less than a week. “Of course Charming wants me out. Chad will get to stay and I get to watch him smuggly stride around as a knight,” he thought, gripping the arm of the couch tightly.

“We will discuss this more at the meeting. The Charmings will be here in ten minutes,” Adam stated, standing up and buttoning his jacket. “I suggest you boys make yourself scarce for a few hours,” he continued, pointing mainly to Harry.

“Harry needs to tell you what happened before we go,” Ben said abruptly, standing up himself. He glanced at Harry and gestured with his head to stand. He nodded and also stood by his brother.

Adam and Belle stood close together in suspense. They had no clue what on earth Harry was about to say.

“This better be good,” Adam thought as he crossed his arms.

“Please let it all have been worth it,” Belle thought as she gripped Adam's arm.

Harry cleared his throat and first began apologizing for his outburst. His parents forgave him for that easily. Well, his mom did at least. Then he explained everything that was said between Chad and himself. Ben watched him with pride as he spoke elegantly and clearly to make sure his parents got all the details. Once he finished, he waited silently for his parents' response. 

“Sweetheart… you definitely had a right to be upset,” Belle replied, walking over to her son and giving him a hug. “He had no right to say such a thing to you. But you definitely shouldn't have punched him,” she continued, before getting closer and whispering, “At least not that hard.”

Harry smiled and gave her another hug. “I know, mom. I'm sorry… I took it too far,” he replied as he let her go. Before anyone else could respond, however, Adam cleared his throat.

“Well, with all of that in mind…,” he began, keeping his calm and kingly composure as he approached his son. He looked at him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. “... I think Chad owes you an apology as much as you owe him one. And… as much as I owe you one,” he continued, giving him a half smile.

“Dad-,” Harry began before his father continued. 

“I shouldn't have jumped the gun and given you time to explain yourself. Your emotions were definitely valid in this situation… and I'm sorry,” he finished, giving his shoulder a squeeze.

Harry smiled. “I'm sorry too, dad,” he said, giving his dad a quick hug. And to his surprise, it was returned.

Adam pulled back and placed both hands on his shoulders to look him in the eyes. “I love you, remember that. But you are still, one hundred percent going to be punished for this,” he explained in a firm but soft tone. 

“I figured as much,” Harry replied, knowing he definitely wasn't expecting to avoid that at all.

“But, we will meet with the Charmings before we decide anything, alright?,” Adam continued with a small grin.

Harry nodded before turning to face Ben. “So… what should we do now?,” he asked. He didn't feel like going out anywhere. But his dad didn't want them there for the meeting. 

“You know… I think Mrs. Potts made a whole tray of pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies earlier,” Ben told him with a grin. Harry grinned back before looking at their parents. Both turned away and began discussing the meeting loudly with Mulan, as if to say ‘We don't see or hear a thing’. Both boys got the hint and bolted out the office door and towards the kitchens. One way to always make a prince feel better. Sugar.

Chapter Text

The Charmings arrived at the palace right on time. Lumier opened the door and greeted the two. Cinderella entered in her usual puffy blue gown, classic glass slippers, and her long blue hair wrapped in a bun on top of her head. Charming wore his classic white and gold suit with his sword in its scabbard as always.

They were led to the main living room of the place where Adam and Belle were patiently awaiting them; along with Mulan. They'd changed into their council attire of a blue and gold suit and a classical golden yellow gown.

“Charming,” Adam said with a smile as he shook his old friend's hand.

“Adam, great to see you again,” Charming replied with a similar smile as he shook his hand with both of his. “Though I do wish it were under… better circumstances,” he continued as his smile turned into a frown.

Adam's smile faded as well. “I agree,” he said, hands in his pockets. He then gestured for the other king to take a seat across from him.

“Ella, it's wonderful to see you,” Belle said as the two queens also sat opposite to one another; Mrs. Potts pouring them both tea.

“Likewise, Belle,” Cinderella replied with a very poised smile.

One thing about the Charmings, even if they seem all smiles, they knew how to turn them on when needed. Sure, they were nice, no doubt about it. They'd been best friends with Belle and Adam since the day Auradon was founded. But, that didn't mean the king and queen couldn't see past their phony angelic faces and sickeningly sweet deminers. 

“Shall we get this meeting underway?,” Mulan asked as she sat down in a chair between the two couples. They all nodded and prepared themselves. A meeting about their children was definitely going to be a touchy subject. But hopefully, by having Mulan as a buffer, it wouldn't be as bad.

Adam was definitely prepared to begin the meeting. He'd written down his notes and thought about how hurt Harry was. He was going to let them have it. But before he could open his mouth…

“We're sorry about all of this, your majesties,” Cinderella suddenly said out of the blue as she took a sip of her tea.

Adam and Belle glanced at each other in confusion. They definitely weren't expecting that to kick off the meeting. Nope. Not in a million years.

“Um…we… wait what?,” Adam stuttered out. 

Charming let out a chuckle as he relaxed himself into his seat. “She said, we're sorry. The situation was pushed way out of hand by Chad,” he said calmly.

“Harry shouldn't have resorted to violence though. So, if anything, we are deeply sorry to you,” Belle replied with a very sincere tone.

“Well, if Doug had not been there with Chad when we collected him from school, we more than likely wouldn't have gotten the full story,” Cinderella explained. “We love our son dearly… but we know he can stretch the truth just a bit. Doug made sure he didn't,” she continued, her voice as smooth as silk as she spoke.

“That being said, however, we still do want Harry to face some consequences for his actions,” Charming added as he sat up and took a sip of his own tea. “After all… assault is assault,” he finished.

Belle and Adam hung their heads. Hearing it from someone else made it very real. They were embarrassed. Ashamed. Angry. But, they had to do what was right, not only as the king and queen, but as parents.

“Well, I sat down with all of you before the meeting. I have, as well, given all your children lessons at some point or another,” Mulan stated as she wrote notes down on her clipboard. “And I think I know the proper way of handling this,” she continued.

The couples looked at her with hopeful expressions. If Belle and Adam had it their way, Harry would only be grounded after finding what Chad said. But if The Charmings had their way, Harry would probably be expelled or arrested.

“I feel, the fairest punishment for both boys will be as follows,” Mulan began, passing out what seemed to be contracts to the two sets of parents. Spending time with the Emperor in the Imperial City definitely made her a lot more organized. “First off, they are both under reevaluation for their applications for the knights training camp. But we all already agreed on that,” she stated, getting nods from the entire party.

“Second, they were both invited to Princess Audrey’s party this Saturday. So, I feel they should not be permitted to go,” she continued.

“It's just a party though,” Belle began in protest. “Harry was so excited to go,” she continued. She couldn't handle the thought of telling him he couldn't attend.

“But it wouldn't be fair for one to go and the other not. So I agree with Mulan's decision,” Cinderella countered calmly. She knew Chad was looking forward to the party just as much as Harry. She wasn't about to let Harry go.

“Agreed. Next?,” Adam asked, hoping to move past all these notions.

“The final thing I feel would be an appropriate punishment… is a two week suspension from the R.O.A.R team for both of them. And, since Chad is also on the tourney team, he should get at least a one week suspension to equal out that Harry isn't apart if any other sports teams besides R.O.A.R,” Mulan explained, hoping this wouldn't break up the calm they'd gotten through with thus far.

All the parents reacted differently to this idea. Adam gave a low growl to himself as he gripped the paper tighter. Belle ran her hand across the back of her neck and wrinkled her nose. Charming turned his head to face the doorway and put his fist to his mouth. Cinderella adjusted in her seat and gave a low hum to herself.

These two boys ADORED their sports. Not to mention they were two of the best on the R.O.A.R team. Harry was the captain for Snow White's sake! Two weeks without it? Plus one week from the tourney team for Chad? They weren't going to be happy prince's once they got this news, that was for sure.

Hesitantly, each of the parents signed the contracts. This binded them to uphold and enforce the punishments for their sons. 

“Can I add something?,” Adam suddenly said out of nowhere. Everyone's eyes were on the king. He took in a breath and looked at the Charmings. “Chad owes Harry an apology,” he stated calmly.

Charming chuckled. “I think he owes one to Chad, actually. My son is at home right now with a broken nose,” he said sternly, causing Cinderella to gently place her hand on his. 

“Well my son came home with his heart broken,” Adam countered in his own stern voice. “A nose can heal and be perfectly fine. A heart can be bandaged… but it doesn't always heal,” he continued, not breaking his gaze from Charming. 

“Harry had no right to break Chad's nose, we know that. But Chad had no right to bring up something that is an extremely sensitive topic,” Mulan stated, hoping to calm the room back down. 

Cinderella and Belle had entered their own silent conversation with their eyes. Cinderella knew Adam was right, but didn't want to admit it. Belle completely knew Charmings was right and couldn’t admit it. If someone didn't say something, these friends might end up killing each other.

“Both boys need to give an apology. It's only fair,” Mulan continued, standing and getting everyone's attention on her. “Face to face. Here and now,” she stated sternly. She wasn't about to let this meeting get out of hand.

Belle stood and placed her hands in front of her. She cleared her throat. “Mrs. Potts,” she called to the other room. In no time at all, the plump little woman was in front of them. “Please go and find Harry for us. And send the limo driver to Cinderellasburg to collect Chad Charming,” she explained to her dear friend.

“Right away your majesty,” Mrs. Potts replied with a smile as she rushed out of the room. 

“We can explain everything to them together… and then they can apologize,” Belle stated in a calm but shaking voice before leaving the room to collect herself for a bit.

An hour later, Harry and Chad were face to face as they sat between their respective parents. Ben insisted on staying away, since he felt he wouldn't be able to hold his tongue in front of Chad. Harry had to bite his jaw as it was to keep from laughing. Chad had a giant white bandage across his swollen and purple nose. He definitely didn't look like a handsome prince at that moment.

“Now, you boys are going to read over and sign these contracts. Agreeing that you will see your punishments through,” Mulan explained as she handed them the papers.

“Why am I being reevaluated for the training camp?,” Chad asked angrily, looking at his father. “Why am I being punished at all? Look at my nose!,” he shouted, gesturing at his face. 

Cinderella took her son's hands in hers. “Baby, you know what you said was wrong. And Mulan feels this is only fair,” she explained as she combed through his golden curls.

Harry thought he was going to vomit at the amount of babying Chad got. He looked over the contract himself and had his own choice words.

“Suspended from R.O.A.R for two weeks?,” he questioned. “But I’m captain.”

Adam raised his eyebrow to his son. “Be glad you weren’t pulled from the team all together,” he stated firmly. 

Harry huffed and nodded. He kept his mouth shut about not being allowed to go to the party. Though he was upset, he felt that was probably the least severe part of the punishment. Audrey definitely was going to give him an earful. Once Chad had finally stopped his own complaining, the two signed the contracts.

“There's one more part that wasn't in the contract, boys,” Mulan told them as she handed the contracts back to the parents. Both boys raised their eyebrows at her. “Your parents feel an apology is needed. From both of you,” she explained. And of course, one side had to protest.

“Excuse me? I'm not apologizing. I'm the injured party here. Again I say, look at my nose!,” Chad exclaimed again, this time wincing as his shouting made his nose hurt. He sat firmly in place with his arms crossed. 

Harry could protest. He could say the same thing. He could say what he said earlier. Chad got what he deserved. But he thought about what his dad had said. So, he stood up without a word and went right over to Chad; who immediately hid his face with his hands.

“Chad Charming,” Harry began calmly. Chad spread his fingers enough to see Harry's extended hand. “I'm… I'm sorry. I should not have used violence in that situation. I'm sorry I broke your nose.  I'm sorry you have to be punished,” he continued. Even if he wanted to punch Chad again, he was trying to be the bigger person.

The question was, would Chad forgive him? And would Chad apologize himself? He sat up in his seat and looked at the hand in his face. It was bruised and a bit swollen. Obviously this was the same hand that had punched him just a few hours ago. He looked at his parents and huffed.

Chad stood and was once again inches from Harry's face. He looked into his eyes rather intensely. Of course, Harry did the same back. This was a staring contest that felt like it lasted an eternity. Until, to his surprise, Harry felt Chad's hand grab his.

“Harry, I… accept your apology,” he said begrudgingly. “And I'm… sorry about what I said. I shouldn't have and I know it was wrong,” he continued, trying his best to sound sincere. 

“Thank you. I accept your apology too,” Harry replied. As they shook hands, Harry winced as Chad squeezed his hand as hard as he could and pulled him closer. 

“I'm going to find… the perfect revenge… to get you back for this,” he whispered into his ear. It sent shivers down Harry's spine as they released hands and headed back to their respective mothers' sides. 

The Charmings and Mulan bid farewell to the royals and gave Ben their love. Once they were gone, the three plopped down on the couch with large sighs of relief. They’d never been so happy to see a group of people leave the palace before. 

“Well… that went… well,” Adam said, taking off his glasses and rubbing his temples once again.

“I can't handle the Charmings in that intimate of a setting ever again,” Belle added, sitting up and basically gulping down her tea in an attempt to relax.

Harry leaned his head on her shoulder. “So these contracts are legit?,” he asked, looking it over again.

“As legit as the Wonderland barriers,” Adam answered, standing up and asking Mrs. Potts for some ginger candies for his stomach.

Belle wrapped her arm around Harry and kissed his forehead. “I'm sorry, sweetheart. But, actions have consequences,” she told him. She gave him one more kiss before heading out of the room with Adam not far behind her.

“I'm going to find… the perfect revenge… to get you back for this,” Chad's words replayed in his head. Then his own thoughts entered his head, alongside his mothers. “Actions have consequences… that's an understatement.”

Chapter Text

Friday felt like it took an eternity to arrive after the now infamous ‘Punch Heard Around Auradon’. At least that's what everyone at school had begun to call it. Harry was honestly embarrassed. His temper had gotten him in way more trouble than he had ever been in his life. His temper paled in comparison though… to how mad Audrey was.

“I cannot BELIEVE YOU!,” she exclaimed as the two of them, along with Ben and Melody, sat in the school's common room during free period. It was a decently sized room, being roughly bigger than a normal dorm room. It was covered in Auradon Prep’s blue and yellow color scheme to the point where even the chairs and the couch were blue with yellow pillows. It had a pool table, vending machine’s, and a large television. Of course, one could not enjoy the room with Audrey on her tirade.

 “You've completely tarnished your reputation! And mine by extension,” she continued, sitting down angrily in an armchair.

Harry rubbed his temples in frustration. ‘If this is the stress I give dad, I need to apologize more often,’ he thought as he leaned back on the couch. “Your reputation isn't trashed, Audrey,” he groaned. 

“Oh really? All the cheer team can talk about is you punching Chad! And as your girlfriend, I get bombarded with questions!,” she exclaimed, crossing her arms and blowing hair out of her face. 

“Come on, Audrey. This will all pass soon enough,” Ben reassured her from his floor spot in a beanbag chair. “Besides, tonight is the first tourney game of the semester. That's gonna be all anyone will be talking about today” he added with excitement.

Everyone in school was definitely preparing for a great game to kick off the rest of the school year. Students were all decked out in their Auradon Prep colors and readying their face paint. The marching band will perform, the cheerleaders will do their routine, and the Auradon Fighting Knights are gonna kick some serious butt on the field. It was going to be one of the best nights of the year.

“Yeah, Auddie. Focus on that for a bit,” Melody reassured her from her bay window seat. “Not to mention your party is tomorrow. Then you'll be the talk of the kingdom,” she continued, pointing at the princess with a comforting smile.

‘Why did she mention the party?,’ Harry thought once the words had left Melody’s lips.

Audrey gave a frustrated laugh. “Oh, okay. Why don’t we talk about my party for a moment then, shall we?,” she asked sarcastically, standing up in frustration.

“Here we go,” Harry complained, propping his feet on the couch and throwing a pillow over his face. “Do you know how embarrassing…” he thought before Audrey began.

“Do you know how embarrassing it's going to be that my own boyfriend won't be at my own party?,” she asked, pacing the room. “Me! Daughter of Sleeping Beauty! The hostess princess! Dateless! At her own party!,” she exclaimed, the sound of her heels getting louder as she stomped her feet across the floor. 

‘I can’t take much more of her… squawking!’, he thought to himself. And, without another thought, he shot straight up and turned towards his girlfriend. “Can we maybe stop talking about this for like five minutes, please?,” he asked in a very frustrated tone.

Audrey looked at him in complete shock. “Excuse me?,” she questioned, her hands on her hips. She’d never been spoken to by anyone that way before. And ESPECIALLY not by her own boyfriend.

“My parents have been complaining enough about how this has affected them with the council. Chad and his parents complaining about his poor perfect nose being ruined. Mulan about how this has hurt my chances at possibly becoming a knight. Random students questioning why I did what I did to a fellow royal. And all of that within two days! I really don't need to hear from my own girlfriend, of all people, how it has ruined her party to top it all off!,” he explained, his voice extremely aggravated. 

The room fell so quiet, you could've heard a pin drop. Audrey looked as if she was about to pop a vein in her head. Harry had never gotten this feisty with her. Never spoken to her as if… they were fighting? They didn't fight. Did they? She didn't recall them fighting before. 

Audrey took a deep breath in and exhaled slowly. “I… am going to The Queen's Wardrobe for the rest of my free period. I need some new shoes for tomorrow,” she said in an extremely calm voice as she walked towards the door. “Melody, would you like to join me?,” she asked, turning to face the half mermaid. 

Melody looked at her for a moment before simply shrugging her shoulders. “Eh, why not? Nothing else to do,” she said as she jumped out of her seat.

“Don't you have a test in Unabridged Fairy Tales from the Nineteen Regions in an hour?,” Ben asked as he sat up in his beanbag as best he could.

“I'm not worried about it. I studied… kinda,” she answered with a sly grin as she bent down to give Ben a kiss. “I'll see you later.”

“See ya later,” he replied with a smile as he settled back down.

Harry remained silent as he held the pillow to his chest. Audrey simply glared at him and snuffed her nose in the air as she and Melody exited the room. Once the door shut, Harry let out a groan and fell onto the floor. 

“Why are girls so complicated?,” he mumbled into the carpet. He'd never seen Audrey this upset at him ever. He's never been this upset at Audrey. It was definitely new territory and he did not enjoy it.

Ben slid into the floor and crawled over to Harry. He laid down on his back next to him and tapped his shoulder. Harry turned his head up enough to see him lying there with a smile.

“Girls aren't complicated. Audrey is complicated,” he told him. It was the honest truth. There were definitely some high maintenance students at Auradon Prep, but none more high maintenance than Audrey. Chad might beat her out in some ways. But she took the cake when it came to the girls.

“Not. Helpful,” Harry groaned, putting his face back down on the floor. “She's acting like I don't want to go to her party,” he said into the floor; Ben having to lean in a bit to hear him. 

“She's just upset, Haz. She didn't get her way, and when that happens… she needs someone to blame,” Ben explained. He didn't know for sure if that was true. But, based on past experiences, it seemed true enough.

Harry thought back a bit. There definitely were a few times he could remember similar temper tantrums. Not many, since she usually got her way. But a few for sure. Once, when she got a B in art for a failed attempt at sculpting a face, she blamed Jane and said she was a bad model. She didn't talk to her for a week afterwards. 

But that was definitely not as severe as this was turning out to be. He didn't remember gaining a migraine from that one. Or any of the others for that matter.

“What do I do?,” he asked in frustrated desperation. He turned over on his back and looked at the ceiling. “And don't say buy her something, because at this point that would require me to liquidate our family into poverty,” he continued, looking at Ben with as serious of a face he could give in that moment. 

Ben laughed at the response. “I wasn't going to suggest that at all,” he told him, turning on his side and propping his head up with his hand. “I would say… let her be upset. Eventually she'll burn herself out and then you guys will be back to normal,” he stated as confident as he could. Audrey was annoying, but Harry liked her a lot. So, if he could help him keep her, he had to give some kind of advice. 

“Maybe you're right,” Harry replied, folding his hands on his chest. “How long can she really stay mad?,” he asked with a small laugh. But then he thought about Jane and how miserable that week was for her. The last thing he needed or wanted was to be shunned by Audrey for who knows how long on top of everything else going on.

The two of them stayed on the floor and talked for the remainder of their free period. Pretty soon the bell rang, cuing the brothers that classes would resume in ten minutes. They collected themselves and got their backpacks together before leaving the common room.

“Look Haz, why don't you come to the game tonight? Take your mind off everything,” Ben suggested as they made their way down the hall.

“I don't know, Goldi. Not sure I'm really up for sitting through a big game today,” Harry told him, avoiding making eye contact with him.

“Okay, then what? You'll just go home after school?,” Ben asked with an arched eyebrow. “Gonna spend Friday night with mom and dad?,” he continued with a chuckle.

“Actually, mom and dad are bowling tonight, remember?,” Harry countered in a snarky tone.

“Oh yeah, the royal bowling league meets on Fridays. Also known as the council getting together for bowling, burgers, and bad-mouthing,” Ben laughed sarcastically. “Even more reason to come to the game. What do you say?”

“I say… that I'd rather be going to R.O.A.R's away tournament today against Sherwood Forest,” Harry countered.

Ben sighed. ‘And he thinks Audrey's complicated,' he thought. “Okay, well now I'm telling you. You're coming to the game tonight, and you're going to have a fun time. End of story,” he told his brother slightly sternly.

Harry groaned and began to protest, before he caught sight of Doug coming over to them. He hadn't seen or spoken to him since Wednesday. He was embarrassed in all honesty. But, Doug did stick up for him according to Cinderella.

“Hey, Harry. Ben. Are you ready for today's test?,” Doug asked with a smile at the sight of his friends. “Did you study anymore since our last session?,” he continued, adjusting his glasses. 

“For almost two hours yesterday after school,” Harry answered, a tiny bit of sarcasm in his response. “But, you make great notes, so it was easy to study,” he continued, smiling at his friend. 

Ben checked his watch and began to back away. “Hey, I've gotta head to Basic Chivalry. I'll see you guys later at the game,” he told them before turning and running off. He disappeared before Harry could discuss going to the game more. 

He and Doug walked on until they were entering their mathematics room. Of course, Harry's presence instantly got his class to begin murmuring. They all stared at him and some even shifted their seats away from the prince.

“Ignore them, Harry. Let them speculate based solely on rumors,” Doug told him as they took their seats. “With no real evidence to support their claims, their words truly do mean nothing,” he explained with confidence. 

“In other words, sticks and stones right?,” Harry asked in response with a grin.

“Precisely,” Doug replied, smiling at his friend widely. “Besides, you have one goal today,” he continued before they spoke in unison.

“Ace this test,” they said with a laugh, Harry grabbing Doug's shoulder shaking him a little. This moment brought Harry some peace of mind. He and Doug were fine. He had witnessed the entire altercation, yet wasn't treating Harry any different. That gave him hope that he and Ben were right. Just ignore everyone's murmurs and tantrums, and eventually it'll all go back to normal. 

Before they knew it, Professor Hetty was at her desk preparing for class. Her curly brown hair sat on her head in a bun, while her glasses sat firmly on the bridge of her nose. She rolled her sleeves up and began writing on the blackboard. 

“Good afternoon, students,” she stated, her voice clear and round. “As you know today is your math test and I hope all of you are prepared,” she continued. She finished writing the word ‘TEST’ on the board and began passing out the exams. “This test will take the entirety of class, it is fifty questions long, show your work, and no cheating,” she explained rather quickly. 

Harry took a deep breath as he looked at the paper before him. ‘You've got this. It's just like homework. You're good at homework,’ he thought as he prepared his pencil. He looked at Doug who gave him two big thumbs up along with a big smile to boot. He smiled back before Professor Hetty cleared her throat.

“And…begin,” she said as she sat at her desk. The sound of papers flipping filled the room. The test was underway.

An hour later, all Harry could do was hope he'd see an A on that paper Monday afternoon. 

“That was easier than I expected,” Doug gleefully said as they walked down the halls. “Can't wait for an actual challenge someday,” he continued, putting his books into his locker.

“Yeah, when you find that challenge, leave me out of it. That test was harder than I expected,” Harry countered, throwing his entire backpack into his locker. “Now that that's over, you wanna go get a pizza? I'm starving,” he continued before seeing Doug pull out his trumpet case.

‘Oh come on!,’ he angrily thought to himself, slamming the back of his head against his locker. 

Doug looked at him with confusion. “Did you forget the marching band performs at tourney games?,” he asked, grabbing his band hat from his locker. 

“No, I didn't forget. I just…,” he started, before crossing his arms and just letting out a frustrated grunt. 

“What's with this sudden aversion to going to the tourney game?,” Doug questioned, getting rather frustrated with his friend.

Harry glanced at him and huffed again. He then caught a glance of the R.O.A.R team as they headed to the front of the school to board for the bus. The co-captain Zephyr, son of Phoebus and Esmeralda, was leading the team today. Harry didn't have any animosity towards Zephyr. He was definitely co-captain for a reason. He had gained his fathers heroic attitude along with his mothers grace and poise. Both making him a fantastic swordsman. But that was supposed to be Harry leading his team to potential victory. 

 He gestured his arm towards his team. “I would rather be going with them,” he told Doug in an aggravated tone. The gesture was a mistake however, as it caught Zephyr's attention. He then ran towards the pair with a big smile on his face and his golden hair bouncing all over the place.

“Hey Harry. Doug. How are ya?,” he greeted, still smiling from ear to ear. 

“Just fine, Z. How's the team doing today? Nervous?,” Harry asked, leaning back against his locker. ‘They've gotta be a little nervous without me there,’ he thought to himself selfishly.

Zephyr looked back at the team before answering. “No more than usual. I mean, not having you and Chad is definitely a bummer,” he answered with a small bit of sadness in his voice. “But, we practiced our butts off an extra hour yesterday to make-up for your absence. And, honestly, we feel pumped! Like we can definitely win this today even without you there,” he continued to explain, his smile not breaking a bit.

“Oh? Well that's… that's great to hear,” Harry replied through a gritted teeth smile. He swore he felt his eye twitch a little. His blood pressure was definitely rising. The vein in his neck wanted to pop out. 

Their conversation was cut short when another team member waved and shouted at Zephyr to come on.

“Well, time to roll out! See you guys!,” Zephyr yelled as he ran to their teammate as fast as he could.

“Good luck,” Harry yelled with a musical undertone as they rounded the corner. Once they were out of sight, Harry punched his locker so hard he could've sworn he had dented it. “We can win today even without you,” he murmured as he laid his head against the cold metal. 

“You can't really be mad at Zephyr,” Doug told him as continued swapping his school supplies for his band gear. “He's always that happy when-,” he continued before being abruptly cut off.

“I'm not mad at Zephyr!,” Harry shouted as he kicked his locker. “I’m not mad at anyone except… myself, okay?,” he continued before sitting down on the floor. 

Doug followed suit and sat next to him. “Mad at yourself?,” Doug asked, leaning closer to his friend.

“I'm mad that I got myself into this much trouble. It's only two days into my punishment and I feel like I'm going crazy already,” Harry explained, running his fingers through his hair. “I'm frustrated that I've disappointed my parents and Mulan ” he continued, pulling his knees to his chest.

The two heard chattering and looked over to see the cheerleaders. They were heading towards their locker room to prepare for the game. Audrey of course was in the mix and caught sight of Harry. They looked at each other for a moment before she flipped her hair and turned back to her squad. Harry winced and felt his heart stop for a moment. 

“I'm upset… that I've caused my own girlfriend to avoid me,” Harry said, his voice cracking a bit. “That I was so cross with her earlier. I snapped at her and was rude to her. I've never done that before,” he continued, before the fear took over his face. “I'm scared… that I got so mad I physically hurt somebody. Even if it was Chad.”

Doug took all of this in before responding. He needed to tread lightly with his words. He gently placed his hand on his friend's back. “And it's okay to feel all those things, Harry. The joys of being teenagers with hormonal imbalances,” he told him with a small laugh. This got him a side eye from Harry, but also a half smile.

“But these emotions are just temporary. Eventually, they'll pass on through and everything will be fine,” he continued with a confident smile. “So, come to the game. It's three now and the game is at four thirty. So go collect yourself and meet Melody at the concession stand at four,” he instructed as he stood up. 

“I don't know… ,” Harry said, leaning back up against his locker. 

“Well, look at it this way. You're always gone with the R.O.A.R team for practice or tournaments, so you never get to see a tourney game. I know these next two weeks are going to suck, and your emotions are all over the place. But you finally have the time to go watch Ben before he ultimately has to give up playing tourney all together,” Doug suggested to him.

Harry hadn't considered that. When Ben became king, there would be no more Auradon Prep. All his lessons would become private. No more hanging out with his friends regularly. Probably only at ceremonies or balls. And no more time for playing tourney. Only kingly duties from dawn to dusk. 

“Alright, alright… I'll go to the game,” Harry replied, standing up and brushing off his pants. “If anything to support Ben. Who are they playing anyway?,” he asked as Doug began walking towards the tourney field.

“I believe it's Imperial Academy,” Doug answered, making sure he had everything he needed before leaving his locker. 

Harry raised an eyebrow and got a wicked grin on his face. “Imperial Academy, you say?,” he asked, getting a nod from Doug. “That's Li'l Shang's team. He was the only one to beat me at fencing last year,” Harry explained with some bitterness in his voice. “It might just do me good to see Ben kick his butt at tourney,” he laughed, getting a smile and an eye roll from Doug “Maybe Ben was right. I might actually have a fun time tonight.”

Chapter Text

“F! I! GHT! WHAT'S THAT SPELL? FIGHT! FIGHT FIGHT!,” the cheerleaders roared, hyping up the entire crowd before the game. Their cheer echoed throughout the tourney field and all the way to the entrance. People gathered in groups with their flags and signs to help show their love for Auradon's Fighting Knights. The same could also be said for Imperial Academy, as their Cheerleaders rang out, “BRING HOME THE GOLD! GRAB THAT BALL! PLAY ON TEAM! BRING HONOR TO US ALL!”

Harry stood at the edge of the entrance. The mixture of freshly mown grass and popcorn filled his nose till he couldn't help smiling. All his tournaments were held indoors, and food isn't allowed, so these smells were definitely a treat for him. He was still hesitating going in however.

For one thing, he was still feeling every emotion known to man. But the other hesitation came from the fact… he didn't know much about the game of tourney at all. He knew it was very physically exhausting and painful at times. He much preferred the precision and finesse that fencing had. And even with R.O.A.R having more physical endurance, it was nothing compared to what he had seen of tourney in the past.

He also saw tourney as more of a… young boys game. No shade towards his brother or anyone who enjoyed it. To each their own. But all the tackling, ball throwing and rolling on the ground always seemed a bit juvenile to Harry. It took focus and knowledge to fence. Tourney mainly relied on brute strength. All these facts definitely made Harry's decision to come waver a little. 

‘Maybe spending Friday at home wouldn't be so bad,’ he thought to himself, ready to turn on his heels and head for the palace. And he could've too, had Melody not caught sight of him. 

“Harry! Over here!,” she shouted, gesturing towards herself and the concession stand. He smiled at his brother's girlfriend. As far as he knew, she'd never missed a game unless a swim meet happened to fall on the same day. She definitely loved showing her support for the team and Ben.

“Hey, Melody,” Harry greeted with as cheerful of a tone as he could muster.

She crossed her arms and got a somewhat serious look on her face. “I almost had to wait for you,” she said with a smirk. 

“Oh, well do forgive me, your highness,” he laughed, bowing to her and winking.

Melody rolled her eyes and laughed. “You're an idiot,” she joked as Harry straightened back up. “For that awful joke and making me wait, you owe me nachos,” she told him, gesturing to the concession stand.

Harry chuckled and shook his head. “Deal,” he agreed as they placed their order. A large nacho for Melody and a cherry slushy for Harry. Food in hand, the two made their way to the stands. It was definitely a challenge to find any seating with nearly the entire student body attending the game. 

Eventually they found a perfect seat. It was right in the center of the bleachers, giving them a view of the entire field. They saw the cheer squad making a pyramid; Audrey on top of course. Jane was dancing around in the Fighting Knight costume while Doug led the band in their routine. And Dude, the scraggly haired campus mutt, made sure he stole at least a hotdog or two from anyone unlucky enough to be seated near the field.

They could see both teams warming up and both quickly spotting Ben's number seven jersey. He was passing the ball back and forth with number eleven Aziz, son of Aladdin and Jasmine. Coach Jenkins was reviewing a few last minute plays with some of the other members when, out of nowhere, Chad came up to him in full gear and jersey. 

Melody choked on her nachos and Harry nearly spit slushy out on a girl below him. 

“What does he think he's doing?,” Harry asked her, anger and confusion all over his face. If Jenkins was about to let Chad play, Harry was going to give Chad two black eyes to match his nose. 

“There's no way he's playing, right? He's suspended till next week,” Melody added, taking another bite of her chips.

They watched as he and Jenkins began to argue. Chad became exasperated while Jenkins kept a calm demeanor. He was shaking his head and pointing towards the stands. Chad stomped his foot and threw his helmet to the side before storming off out of sight. 

Harry let out a slow breath. “Good on Coach for sticking to his guns,” he said, settling back down in his seat.

“Well, I heard from Lonnie, that his parents insisted he come to support his teammates. He must've thought he could weasel his way into playing,” Melody told him as she snuck a sip of his drink. 

‘Didn't think Chad would ever disobey his mommy and daddy,’ Harry thought to himself. He looked around for any sight of his blonde curls, but there was nary a hair to be seen. ‘Good riddance,’ his thoughts continued before the sound of the coach's whistle pulled him out of his thoughts. 

Everyone cheered as the teams met in the Kill Zone and took their positions. The game was about to begin… and Harry was already confused. 

“So, why is it called the Kill Zone?,” he asked Melody, crossing his arms and raising his eyebrow.

“It's where the Dragoneers shoot Dragon Fire at the players to throw them off their game,” Melody explained confidently as she pointed around the field.

“Of course… makes perfect sense,” Harry replied sarcastically. ‘Did literal toddlers make up this game?,’ he thought as the game suddenly began.

As soon as the ball hit the field, it was between Ben and Li'l Shang. While other players tackled, tripped, and dodged one another, Ben and Li'l Shang basically took turns with the ball. One second it was Ben's, almost to the goal, then Li'l Shang came out of nowhere and snatched it away. 

Boba, the son of Chien-Po and Princess Su, was constantly at Li'l Shang's side through the Kill Zone. Having inherited his fathers… husky build, he was the perfect shield for the young general-in-training. While Jing, the son of Emperor Ling and Empress Ting-Ting, used his slim frame to slide between the Fighting Knights with ease. Though he inherited his fathers clumsiness, it was used to his advantage to help him trip up the other teams.

The real threat to the team, however… was Lei. Lei, the son of Yao and Princess Mei, had the honor of being Dragoneer. He lived up to his fathers legacy of having a short temperament and was ruthless. He gave new life to the definition of Kill Zone. At least that's how Melody described him.

“Is that really fair? Having a team made almost entirely of China's best soldiers' children?,” Harry questioned as he watched Li'l Shang make another goal; making the score two to nothing. ‘Ben can't even get to the goal, let alone make one,’ he thought as he watched his brother beginning to get frustrated. 

“Well, who did you expect to be on their team? Concubines?,” Melody asked with a laugh. 

‘She's not far off though,’ Harry thought, remembering their fathers disguises that helped beat Shan Yu. He couldn't help but laugh a little. The image of Lei, Jing, and Boba dressed as concubines tickled him. The laughter was short lived, however, after what happened next.

Ben finally had the ball. He dodged Jing and was way ahead of Li'l Shang. Once he entered the Kill Zone, Lei's impulsive thoughts must've taken over. Everyone watched as he aimed his cannon directly at Ben and fired… hitting him square in the head. Ben lost his footing, the ball went flying, and he fell to the ground hard. 

“BEN!,” Harry and Melody yelled in sync. The two began to push through the audience to get to the field. They were halfway there before they saw Coach Jenkins and Aziz running over to the future king. 

“TIME OUT!,” Jenkins shouted at the ref who quickly blew his whistle. Melody and Harry made it to Aziz and Ben and helped him sit up. Coach returned to Ben alongside Dr. Sweet, Auradon's resident medic who once helped discover Atlantis… supposedly. There was never any true proof of that. Now, he was the top doctor Auradon had at its disposal. He always came to the tourney games just in case something like this happened.

He quickly removed Ben's helmet and began his, as usual, fast past examination. He flashed a light in Ben's eyes, checked his pulse, then looked at his head.

“Hmmm… well your pupils are the same size. How many fingers do you see?,” he asked, flashing his hand in the young prince's face.

“Three?,” Ben answered.

“Good, visions not impaired. Speaking clearly. No sign of any bleeding. But you're definitely going to have a bruise right there,” Sweet explained, gently patting Ben's head.

“Can he still play?,” Coach asked as he helped Ben to his feet. 

“Certainly. Just watch for any signs of his balance being off or his vision going blurry. I'd probably let him sit out for the rest of this inning, just to be safe,” Sweet told him, clamping his briefcase shut and heading back to the sidelines. 

Coach nodded and looked at Ben, who was breathing heavily as he held onto Harry's arm for a little support. “I'm going to talk to the ref. You get to the bench,” he told him before running for the referee.

Before anyone could even begin heading towards the bench, Ben threw down his helmet and was heading towards the Kill Zone. Melody and Harry looked at each other before following him. Collected around the Dragon Cannon was Lei, Jing, and Boba. Lei was visibly enjoying what had just gone down thanks to him.

“WHAT WAS THAT, LEI!?,” Ben shouted at the Dragoneer.

“Oooh the prince is upset, boys,” Lei laughed with his friends, his voice just as rough as his fathers. “I was just playing the game. My job is to shoot the Dragon's Fire isn't it?,” he said with a sly grin. 

Harry glared at the young prince. “That was an intentional hit and you know it,” Harry said angrily. But even Harry's anger was no match for Ben's at this moment.

“WHERE'S YOUR INTEGRITY? YOUR HONOR? THAT COULD'VE SERIOUSLY INJURED ME!,” Ben shouted as he was now a few feet away from Lei.

Lei laughed again. “Okay. Yeah, sure it could've,” he replied sarcastically. “Better stop acting like a baby if you're going to be the king,” he laughed, getting a fist bump from Jing.

Ben locked eyes on him and, to everyone's fear and surprise… began to growl. It was low, guttural, and down right horrifying. Lei had stopped laughing and took his hands off the Dragon Cannon. Ben looked as though he was going to pounce on him and eat him alive.

“Okay, okay, everyone calm down,” Li'l Shang suddenly said out of nowhere, placing himself between Ben and Lei. “We've still got a game to play. We don't need anyone else getting suspended,” he told them, crossing his arms and glaring at Lei. “I never approved that move. Nor would I ever approve that move. You're out of the game, Lei,” he continued, gesturing for one of the reserved players to take his place. 

Lei was about to protest before he looked at Ben and saw pure anger in the prince's eyes. He awkwardly and nervously rubbed the back of his neck. “S-sorry Ben… I mean y-your highness,” he stuttered out, before running over to the bench.

Ben continued to growl before Coach Jenkins came running back over. “Ben. Bench. Now,” he ordered, gesturing towards the cheerleaders. Ben broke his gaze from Lei and ceased growling, but he still wasn't budging. It took Harry, Melody and Aziz grabbing his shoulders and basically dragging him off the field for him to move.

“That little… gorilla was asking for it,” Ben growled as he plopped down on the bench and ripped his body armor. If he was out for the rest of the inning, might as well be comfortable. He rubbed his head and glared across the field at Lei. “He'd better stay on that bench,” he growled.

Harry glanced at Aziz and Melody with worry in his eyes. He'd never seen Ben get this angry. This upset. This… beastly. Before the three could address him about it, the ref blew his whistle to resume the game. Aziz ran back to the field while Melody made her way up to her seat. Harry, however, stayed planted by his brother's side.

“So… are all you always this intense during a tourney game,” he asked, turning his head slightly to look at Ben's face. Ben's breathing was slowing and the intensity in his face was almost gone. The growling had also ceased which was the biggest relief. Well that, and that Ben laughed when Harry asked him that question.

“No, I'm not. Promise,” Ben laughed, watching as Aziz dodged Jing and finally got their team a goal. “I just… got myself so hyped up for the game, you know? And then to be losing and, on top of that, Lei played dirty,” he explained, balling his fists. “It all just makes me…,” he began, before taking in a deep breath and slowly releasing it.

 “Hey, you guys are only behind by a point. And as far as Lei goes, he's a hot-headed egotistical maniac like his father,” he told him with a laugh, bumping his shoulder with his.

Ben laughed again. “I’m glad you decided to show up after all, Haz. I was hoping the distraction would help you… yet here you are helping me,” he told him, bumping his shoulder back.

“Ahh, don’t start getting mushy now, Goldi. You gotta keep enough of that beast energy going to win this thing,” Harry replied as he stood to return to the bleachers. “Without actually injuring anyone,” he added, pointing his finger at his brother and winking.

“Alright. Deal,” Ben replied with an eye roll. They fist bumped before Harry headed back into the stands to join Melody. As soon as the two reunited, the inning ended and Coach gestured for Ben to get on the field. 

Over the next hour in a half, the game came down to the wire. The teams were tied nine to nine; Ben having gotten his groove back after the needed breather. The entire stadium was on the edge of their seats. And this was the first game of the semester! There was so much left and THIS was a nail brighter already!

The final minute was about to take place. Both teams were strategizing to no end. Ben and Li'l Shang looked like two generals preparing for war. The whistle blew and the teams lined up one last time. Once the ball hit the field, an all out brawl might as well have taken place. The boys were dropping like flies. The ball was flying from place to place in the blind of an eye. Thirty seconds on the clock. Ben go the ball.

“GO BEN! GO!,” Harry shouted, jumping to his feet along with the rest of the crowd.

“RUN! WIN! DESTROY THEM!,” Melody yelled, punching the air like a boxer. 

Ben was running as fast as he could. He jumped over Jing and dodged Boba. Li'l Shang was the only one on his heels the whole stretch. Ten seconds left. It would be a long shot, but Ben was going to have to take it. He was probably ten feet from the goal. He took the chance. He threw the ball at the goal. Everything slowed down as it flew through the air. Five seconds. Four. Three. Two…

“THE FIGHTING KNIGHTS WIN!,” the game announcer declared.

“WE WON!,” Harry screamed as the cheerleaders and band rang out above the crowd. He turned and hugged Melody who was just as excited. They screamed and laughed before letting go and running down to the field. 

Ben let out a loud roar in excitement. Melody nearly tackled him, jumping into his arms and giving him a kiss. The team was hauling him up on their shoulders before he knew it. They were off to no doubt get ready for a celebration; a pizza party at Tony's for sure.

Harry laughed watching Ben nearly get dropped by the team. He looked down and saw the band following them, still in full performance mode. The cheerleaders were following suit. He watched as Audrey glanced up at him. He waved at her and gave a soft smile before she ultimately turned her attention back to the squad.

He sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets. ‘You could go with them to Tony's. Ignore Audrey and just have a good time,’ he thought to himself as he made his way to the field. ‘But what fun is a celebration if you can't celebrate with everyone. Including Audrey,’ he argued with himself. He was stuck in between a rock in a hard place; not to mention stuck to the bleachers as he stepped in someone's gum. 

‘It's either go to the party or go home,’ he thought as he attempted to scrape the gum off his shoe. After succeeding, he found his way back to the entrance of the field. He looked in the direction of Tony’s, then in the direction of the palace. ‘Here goes nothing,’ he thought, before turning and heading towards Tony’s. After all, why let Audrey ruin Ben's victory?

Chapter Text

Saturday, February 6th 2015

Ben checked the time on his watch. ‘Okay it's six fifteen. Audrey's party starts at seven thrifty. Plenty of time to get to Auroria,’ he thought to himself. Having Cogsworth around his entire life, the boy had no problem with time management. He looked at himself in the mirror. Classic blue suit, white shirt, yellow and blue striped tie, and black dress shoes. “Perfect. Ready to go,” he told himself before grabbing the keys to his vespa.

As he made his way down the palace hallway, he caught a glimpse into Harry's room. He slowed his steps and took a closer look. He had never really taken notice of how different their rooms had become as they'd gotten older. They both had similar setups as far the same bed, furniture and workout bench. But while Ben kept his rooms pretty traditional and classy, Harry's was a bit more… untamed.

For starters, he was messier than Ben. While Ben had a few clothes lying around, he questioned if Harry knew what a hamper or hanger was. He had a bookshelf like Ben's, but it was full of books on fencing and sword fighting, oceanography and sailing. Model ships lined his windows and posters of Mulan and Lancelot were on his walls not far from his copies of their parents' portraits. All of his fencing gear and swords were neatly settled beside his desk. Not to mention his large tanks full of his collection of fish against the wall, which is where Harry currently was when he caught Ben lurking in the doorway. 

“Well, well, well. Don't you look dapper,” Harry chuckled, placing his hand on his hip as he leaned against his tanks.

Ben laughed and did a turn. “It's a party, isn't it?,” he asked, double checking all his buttons were fastened. 

“With our friends or the council?,” Harry asked, turning back to his fish. “A little much, wouldn't you say Nefera?,” he continued to his favorite veiltail goldfish. Ben would've laughed it off, had he not thought he'd seen the fish actually nod her head in agreement. 

“Like I'm about to take fashion advice from the eighth dwarf Frumpy?,” Ben questioned, pointing out Harry's ensemble. He was wearing a red workout tank top, black sweatpants, and black socks. “You're the embodiment of dapper in that get-up, Haz,” Ben teased, leaning against the door frame. 

Harry glanced at Nefera who Ben knew this time he'd seen shake her head. “Well, I'm spending my Saturday night at home. So our outfits need not be compared, Goldi,” he said matter-of-factly. “I'm just saying, this is a relaxed get together. Why go in a suit?,” he continued, plopping down on his bed and resting against the headboard.

“It's a party at Audrey's, remember?,” Ben asked as he made his way into the room. 

“Oh, believe me, I do,” Harry answered in a sarcastic mutter, picking up a magazine and flipping through it.

“Sorry,” Ben replied, looking down at the floor. He wasn't trying to rub going to the party in his face. But Harry's emotions had been a bit unpredictable lately. He quickly threw a smile on his face and tried to ease the tension. “She's the one who always says, ‘Dress for every occasion like it is a royal occasion’,” he continued in his best Audrey voice. 

Harry glanced up from his magazine for a moment before rolling his eyes. “Wear whatever. I don't care,” he replied stoically.

Ben huffed and sat down by his brother's feet. “Don't be mad at me. I told you last night I wouldn't go. But you insisted I should,” he explained, watching Harry flip between pages. 

Harry said nothing and continued reading.

“I thought you had fun last night at the pizza party? You and Doug played foosball against Lonnie and Jane. Melody and Audrey did karaoke. You even made sure Chad was invited,” Ben recapped.

“Wow, did we do all that? I had no idea,” Harry sarcastically replied with wide eyes; still refusing to look up from the pages.

“Stop it,” Ben told him, getting rather aggravated.

“Stop what?,” Harry questioned, slapping his magazine down on his lap. 

“Making me feel bad,” Ben answered, his face full of annoyance. They glared at each other for a moment before Ben huffed. “Look, I just came by to say I'd see you later. So… see you later,” Ben said angrily, shoving off the bed and making his way to the door. He stopped at the threshold and took a deep breath. He was about to go before…

“Ben, wait,” Harry suddenly said. Ben turned around to see Harry standing up and walking over to his tank. He poked the glass a little before looking at his brother. “I'm not trying to make you feel bad. Yeah, I thought last night would make up for not being able to go to the party tonight. But apparently I'm still salty,” he explained, Nefera swimming closer to the tank; almost like she was trying to comfort her owner. 

“On top of that, Audrey avoided me all night. She didn't look at me once,” he continued. He leaned his head against the glass and watched as Nefera swam up and almost kissed the glass where his forehead was. “I'm upset about not going… but I'm more upset I made HER upset,” he finished, tired of sounding like such a baby.

Ben sighed and joined his brother by the fish tank. “I don't want to go if you can't. I'll stay home and we can watch a movie or something,” Ben told him, taking a turn poking the tank. Nefera swam over and headbutted the tank where his finger was. She almost seemed angry at the future king. 

“No, you're going. I don't want you to miss out on the chance to hang out with your friends. One on one. Not at a royal ball or cotillion or somethin fancy,” Harry countered, looking at him with a half smile. “You deserve to feel like a teenager every day until the coronation,” he continued, nudging him with his elbow.

Ben smiled at his brother and nudged him back. “And as far as Audrey goes… I'm kinda surprised by her,” he continued, a look of confusion growing in his face. 

“What do you mean?,” Harry asked, also looking confused.

“You'd just think she'd be more sympathetic. What Chad said should make her at least mad at him more than you,” Ben explained, looking at his brother curiously.

Harry swallowed and averted his gaze. “Well… you know Audrey. Once she's mad about one thing, that's all she can focus on,” he replied with a nervous laugh.

Ben thought to question his brother a littlemore. He'd seen Audrey mad about a few things at once. But he knew, when it came to Audrey, who knew her better than Harry? 

 “Yeah, I suppose you're right,” he replied, still not convinced Harry was being completely honest with him. So, not wanting to upset him anymore, he quickly turned the subject around. “So, what can I do so that you're not a miserable sad sack of potatoes all night?,” Ben asked him with a laugh. The two thought for a moment before Harry smiled wide. “What's that smile for?,” Ben asked, knowing his brother had an idea. 

“Well, I remember Audrey asking Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather to make her a coconut cake with rose petals,” Harry explained with a smile.

‘It's always food with him,’ Ben thought as he laughed at Harry's answer. “Alright, I'll snag you the biggest piece of cake I can. But just remember, two weeks go by fast. Don't wanna be out of shape for your return to R.O.A.R,” Ben told him before patting Harry's belly.

Harry laughed and swatted his brother's hand away. “Don't think I'm not going to be training. I owe it to myself and the team to keep myself in shape,” he told him confidently before flexing his muscles. 

Ben rolled his eyes and checked his watch. “Six fifty-five!? I'm gonna be late!,” he exclaimed, almost bolting towards the door. He was halfway gone before turning around. He ran back in and gave Harry a quick side hug. “Biggest piece of coconut cake she's got,” he said with a large smile. 

“Don't forget,” Harry laughed as he hugged back. 

“I won't. Promise,” Ben replied as he backed towards the door. He made a final glance at the fish tank and swore he saw Nefera angrily blowing bubbles at him. “Um… where exactly did you get Nefera from, Haz? I don't remember,” he questioned.

Harry looked at the angry little creature. “Oh. Geppetto gave her to me about a year ago on my birthday. She was one of Cleos's guppies. Why?,” he asked with a sneaky grin. He knew Nefera was a bit more aware than the average fish. But Ben didn't, and it was fun teasing his big brother a little with her.

“No reason. Just… she's something,” Ben answered, giving her one last confused look before finally running down the hallway. “I'll see ya tonight! Love ya!,” he yelled as his footsteps became quieter. 

“Love ya!,” Harry shouted back with a small laugh. He then ran to his window and watched Ben board his vespa and take off in the direction of Auroria. His smile slowly faded as he lost sight of his brother. He turned back towards his fish tank and looked at Nefera.

 “You gotta calm down a bit. Don't freak him out that much,” he told her, sticking his finger in the tank. She quickly swam up and ran her tail around his finger. He scratched the top of her head a little before she swam down to her little castle. He wiped his hand off before plopping down on his bed and thinking of things to do tonight; before his stomach gave him his first goal of the evening. 

‘Dinner it is then,’ he thought before jumping back out of bed and making his way down to the kitchen. With Ben at Audrey's and his parents having dinner in Charmington, the kitchen was devoid of its usual staff. He looked through the pantries and fridge until he found everything he needed to make himself a roast beef sandwich. He cleaned up his mess and grabbed a bag of chips as he made his way to the dining room to enjoy his little dinner for one. 

As he ate, choosing to sit in his fathers head chair, he decided to scroll through his phone for the first time that day. Everyone was posting on everything today it seemed. Jane shared some status updates to her Fantasybook page; mainly wanting validation for her party outfit. 

‘Being the daughter of the Fairy Godmother, you'd think she would be so much more confident about herself.’

Then he saw where Doug uploaded a new song cover to his Mirrortube channel. He loved watching his friend let loose on his guitar rather than his trumpet. And he can sing!

  ‘If the stigma of being Dopey's son wasn't there, Doug could be a very popular guy at school.’

And of course, Chad was posting all about how his nose was healing on his Instagrimm. Going as far as showing the x-rays of the break. Harry rolled his eyes and immediately skipped that post. 

‘The humble nature of his parents, he does not possess. He's so intolerable.’

Once his sandwich was finished and he had decided he was bored with social media, Harry washed up his dishes and headed back to his room. Seeing as how it was only seven-forty, he looked around for something else to do. It was too late to practice fencing, especially on a full stomach. Watching TV would be just brainrot after spending almost an hour on his phone. So he turned his attention to his book shelf. 

“Why not? It's been awhile since you actually sat down and read,” he said to himself and he strolled over to his little library. Like his mother, Harry adored reading. With all his energy dedicated to R.O.A.R and his private lessons with Mulan, he hadn't really found the time to pick up a good book. His eyes danced from one book to another trying to find the best one to start.

Moby- Dick, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, The Odyssey , and On Stranger Tides all caught his eye. These were classics and some of his favorites to read. Anything to do with the ocean was, really. But then his eyes settled on one. Had he read it many times before? Absolutely. Did he care? Absolutely not. 

“Hello, old friend,” he said with a smile as he grabbed Treasure Island off his shelf. The book was so worn and tattered, one would think it was about to fall apart. And they'd be right if they saw the amount of rebinding he'd had his mother do. Harry had joined Jim Hawkins on this adventure with Long John Silver so much, he knew the whole book by heart. And it never bored him. Every time he read it, he was always gripped by all the action the pirates were enduring.

After brewing himself a quick cup of lemon and honey tea, book in hand, he slid back into his bed and flipped it open to the first chapter. Just feeling the old pages between his fingers and reading the chapter title made him feel like a kid again. Remembering his mother reading him a few chapters each night till he could read it himself. Ben usually fell asleep before she finished a chapter. But not Harry. He held onto every word his mother read. From the crashing of waves to the clashing of swords, he was hooked.

The sound of footsteps in the hallway was the only thing that eventually broke his concentration. He checked his book. Chapter five. He checked his clock. Nine thirty. He'd been reading for almost two hours now and hadn't even realized it till now. The footsteps eventually made their way to his door, which began to creak open to reveal the owner of said steps.

“What are you doing home so early?,” Harry asked as he saw Ben standing in the doorway. He was holding his jacket over his shoulder as he leaned against the frame of the door. “I thought dad said your curfew was midnight?,” he continued, creasing the page of his book to not lose his place. 

Ben shrugged with a half smile as he threw his coat onto Harry's bed. 

“Eh. I just… got kinda bored,” he answered, not very convincingly. “It was what you'd expect. Talking, eating, and playing a few games. Nothing to write home about,” he continued, sitting down on the bed. “What did you end up doing?,” he asked with a slightly stronger smile. 

Harry squinted his eyes suspiciously. Ben wasn't telling him something. They knew each other too well. But, Harry hadn't told Ben the whole truth earlier either. So who was he to question what Ben was choosing not to tell him. He shrugged it off and answered the question.

“Ate some dinner, scrolled my phone, and read a book,” he summarized with a smile. 

“And what did you read?,” Ben asked, snatching the book from beside his brother. “ Treasure Island ? Again? Don't you ever get tired of that book?,” he laughed, as Harry jerked it out of his hands.

“You're one to talk. I'll stop rereading this when you stop rereading The Princess Bride ,” Harry countered, raising his eyebrow. He wasn't the only one with a favorite book. Ben used to beg their mom to read chapters from that story all the time. While the sword fighting was intriguing, the story was too sappy for Harry's liking. 

Ben shook his head and laughed. “Okay, okay. Fair point,” he said, raising his hands in surrender. The two sat in silence for a few moments before Ben spoke again.

“You feel like going to a late movie?,” he asked, standing up and putting his jacket on. “I've still got two hours till curfew and don't feel like going to bed,” he continued with a breathy laugh.

Harry chuckled. “I mean… what's showing that you'd want to see?,” he asked, wondering what part of his brother's brain this idea came from. 

Ben quickly took out his phone. He searched and skimmed before answering.

“How about a little Dracula ?,” he asked with a grin, putting his phone back in his pocket. 

Harry thought for a moment. He did love monster movies. Audrey never wanted to see them with him though.  Anytime they went to the movies it was always romance or comedy. It also had been some time since he and Ben had gone to see a movie together.

“I would say yes… but…,” Harry began to reply, looking out the window. He caught Ben begin to frown before he smiled and continued. “... you seem to have forgotten my piece of coconut cake with rose petals,” Here said with a small smile. 

Ben smiled and rolled his eyes before stepping out into the hall. He returned with a plastic container housing not a slice of cake… but the entire cake!

“How did you swing that?,” Harry asked, his eyes widening and his mouth watering at the sight of the dessert.

Ben shrugged and said, “Let's call it kingly persuasion. Shall we enjoy this cake at the movies? Or are you wanting to rejoin Long John Silver?,” he continued, placing the cake in front of his brother.

Harry smiled and reached under the bed for his sneakers. “Are we walking or riding the vespa?,” he asked, tying his laces and grabbing his jacket off his desk chair. He picked up the cake and made his way over to the door.

“Let's walk. Fresh air will do ya good after being cooped up all day,” Ben answered, wrapping his arm around Harry's shoulder as they headed down the hall. They exited the castle and began the mile and a half walk to Auradon City. And though they were talking and laughing, Harry could still tell Ben was hiding something. Something he knew he wanted to tell him, but wasn't. For what reason, he didn't know. But he wasn't going to worry about it too much. His Saturday night just took a much needed reroute. And he didn't plan on ruining it. Not for one second.

Chapter Text

Auradon City at night was a beautiful sight to see. Since the majority of it was built with classic castles and villages in mind, it gave off such a cozy atmosphere. Tree lights and streetlamps lit up the sidewalks. Most of the local shops and restaurants had already closed for the evening except for two. The Auradon Cinema and Cal's Diner. Since the cinema was open till one on Saturday nights, Cal's decided to stay open later to accommodate any late night customers; hungry after the movies let out. 

“Some fries from Cal's could taste pretty good after the movie, Haz,” Ben pointed out as they passed the restaurant on their way to the theater “We haven't eaten there in a few months,” he continued with a smile.

“True, but I doubt we'll need any once this cake is gone,” Harry laughed, patting the container in his hands. 

The two entered the theater and were pleased to see that there weren't many patrons this particular evening. Any normal evening, the house would be packed with families and couples seeing one film after another. But, lucky for them, at most ten people stood in the lobby preparing for the late showing of Dracula .

Ben paid for their tickets, two drinks and persuaded the worker to allow them to bring their cake in; with the promise that any clean up needed would be on the brothers. They found their theater and two perfect seats right in the middle. They made themselves comfortable and opened their container; releasing the aroma of coconut into the room. As the lights dimmed and the movie began, Harry was about to take his first bite of cake before feeling his pocket vibrate.

“Shoot. Almost forgot to silence my phone,” he whispered, quickly whipping his cell out of his pocket. Ben nodded and did the same. As Harry went to turn down the volume, he'd noticed what caused the vibration. And it honestly shocked and confused him. 

A text…from none other… than Audrey.

Audrey🌹🐦👑- 

Hey Harry-Beary. I'm sorry about yesterday. Talk to you Monday? 😘😘

One would think watching a vampire get violently impaled with a stake would make one forget a single text message. But it didn't. Harry kept thinking about that text message throughout the whole film. Audrey never apologized first. Usually it was her accepting your apology with a casual ‘I'm sorry too’ and then continuing on as if nothing had happened.

Once the movie let out, the boys decided to stop into Cal’s for just a few minutes. They'd finished off the cake and decided they needed something to counter all the sweetness. 

“Two black coffees please,” Ben requested to their waitress. She returned only moments later with two mugs and a fresh pot of coffee. Once she'd left, Ben had expected Harry to talk about the movie. But instead, he looked across the table to see his brother staring at his coffee with one wrinkled brow and a faraway gaze. Ben had thought Harry was doing better but perhaps not.

“Okay, what's wrong? We just saw a monster movie and ate an entire cake. What could you possibly be upset about?” Ben was trying to sound more concerned than frustrated. He was having a hard time understanding his brother at this point though. 

Harry finally looked up at him. Then he pulled his phone out of his pocket and handed it to Ben.

“You care to explain why I got this text?,” Harry asked. 

Ben grabbed it and read the message Audrey had sent. ‘Well, crap,’ he thought as he let out a sigh and handed Harry his phone back. They sat silently for a moment before Ben spoke again.

“I guess she's trying to apologize before I say anything,” Ben grumbled as he added cream to his coffee before taking a sip.

“Say anything about what? Is she why you left the party so early? What happened?,” Harry began bombarding. 

“Well let me preface this by saying it's all your fault,” Ben replied in an aggravated voice. 

“What's my fault?,” Harry argued, about to get more heated with his brother then he'd ever been. 

Ben cocked his jaw for a moment before asking, “You never told Audrey exactly why you punched Chad, did you?”

Harry instantly went from frustrated to guilty. He took a quick sip of his coffee before answering the question.

“Well… no,” he replied in almost a whisper. “I-I never got around to it. Once she heard I was grounded and couldn't go to her party…that's all she cared about,” he explained, not wanting to look Ben in the eye. “Eventually… I saw no point in telling her if she wasn't going to even listen,” he concluded, taking another sip of his coffee. 

Ben took all of that in for a moment before averting his own gaze. “I hate telling you this then… but she knows now,” he said, his own voice dropping down to almost the same whisper. 

Harry looked up at him completely lost. “What?,” he asked.

Ben took a deep breath and dove right in.

Saturday, February 6th 2015, 8:30

Audrey's party had been going great. Everyone was talking, laughing, and having a nice relaxed time in the main sitting area of her palace. Melody and Jane were playing chess, Aziz and Zephyr were tossing popcorn up and catching it in their mouths, and Ben was chatting with Doug and Lonnie.

“But have you told your parents about wanting to join the fencing team? I'm sure they'd let you?,” Doug asked Lonnie as he took a bite of a lemon blueberry cookie.

“Oh, no way. My dad is super protective and doesn't want me getting hurt. No sports,” Lonnie explained, sipping her iced tea and looking defeated.

Ben chuckled a little. “Your mom is Mulan. When did she ever follow the rules?,” he questioned with a grin and a wink. Lonnie smiled and gave a little nod of agreement in response. Before their conversation could continue though, nature began to call Ben's name.

“I'll be back guys. Gotta find the little prince's room,” he laughed as he departed his friends. He made his way down the hall to the restroom, only to find it occupied. He thought for a moment before remembering another restroom on the second story. 

Before his bladder could explode, he ran upstairs as fast as possible. He found the very pink bathroom door and gave a sigh of relief. As he was about to open it, he heard two very familiar voices on the other side.

“Still thinking I throw lame parties?,” he heard Audrey’s voice say to the other girl.

“I mean, I definitely have attended better, cousin. But it's not awful,” he heard her snooty cousin Ariana say. 

The fact she even invited her shocked Ben. As far as he was aware, the two didn't get along all that well. And judging by this conversation, he was right. 

“I am surprised Chad Charming isn't here though. He is such a dreamboat,” Ariana continued airily, making Ben almost gag on top of still needing to use the restroom. Not a good combo to have at the moment. “And your boyfriend is abnormally absent as well. What's his name again? Harold?,” she continued with the perfect measure of snark.

Audrey huffed and Ben could hear her running a brush through her hair before she replied. “His name is Harry and you know that. And they couldn't make it tonight,” she finally said unenthusiastically. 

True to her overall annoying nature, Ben heard Ariana’s lips pop before she spoke again and he assumed she must have just applied some fresh gloss. 

“Let me guess. They're off doing some manly, sweaty sports thing, right? That thick headed jock of a boyfriend you've got would miss your party for something stupid like fencing,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain.   

Ben clenched his fist and fought the urge to barge through the door. But he was only just beginning to get angry. 

“While you wouldn't be far off normally Ari, this time you are,” Audrey giggled. “They couldn't come because… they got grounded,” she continued, her laughter coming to a an abrupt halt. 

The echo of a hand slapping the counter came next. “And you neglected to mention this till just now? Details, Auddie! Details!,” Ariana exclaimed, now almost cheerfully.

Ben was prepared to hear Audrey humble Ariana real quickly. To stand up and defend her boyfriend. Any normal, loyal, loving girlfriend would, right?

“Details are a bit muddled, Ari. I truly don't know anything more than they got into a fight. Which led to Harry punching and breaking Chad's nose. Hence, they weren't allowed to come to my party,” Audrey explained, still sounding slightly agitated at that sentence.

‘He never told her?,’ Ben thought, taken aback by this new information. 

He could hear Ariana scoff. “Knowing your boyfriend, it was probably something stupid about fencing,” she laughed.

Then, to Ben's surprise, he heard another laugh. This time… from Audrey.

“You're probably right. He also just loves fighting with Chad in general. Given the opportunity, he'll always make sure Chad looks like a fool,” she explained, sounding entirely too amused at Harry’s expense.

“It doesn't help that his temper is on a short fuse, like, eighty-five percent of the time. Chad could blink and he'd go off,” she continued.

“Hey, maybe that's what happened. Chad just blinked and Harry lost his mind,” Ariana laughed hysterically, Audrey's almost matching her in pitch. It sounded like the two were just having a jolly old time in there. Until they opened the door to see a rather angry Ben standing with his arms crossed.  

The two gasped and jumped back.

“Ben, you scared us,” Audrey said, breathless from all the laughing and with her hand on her heart. “Here, we'll get out of your way,” she continued lightly. She sidestepped to let him into the bathroom, only for Ben to follow her movement. She stepped back again, and again he followed. He was blocking her path. 

Audrey's smile soon turned into a frown as she realized what had happened. Ben had heard their conversation. And he didn't seem to be happy about it.

“Well, you two have fun dancing in the doorway. I'm going back to the parry,” Ariana suddenly said, completely unfazed. She wink at Ben and giggled as she headed back down to the main living area. 

Ben stared at Audrey in silence for what felt like forever. He looked her over, eyes darting from her teased hair to the silk bow on the shoulder of her party dress, from her sparkly high heeled shoes to the pink pastel sash she wore at her waist. If he focused on such details and kept taking deep breaths, he could keep himself in check. Because if he lost his temper, Audrey would wish she was dealing with Harry. 

 He watched her nervously scratch her wrist and try her best to avoid his eyes. Then, she cleared her throat. 

“Um… exactly how much did you hear?,” she asked with a ludicrous attempt at a light giggle. Her cute act wouldn't work on Ben. He saw through her clear as crystal since they were twelve. 

“Oh, not much. Just you making fun of Harry. Your boyfriend. My brother,” Ben replied as calmly as he could. 

“Look Ben, I-,” she began, before Ben barged right through her flimsy words.

“Did you even bother to ask him why he punched Chad? Or were you too focused on yourself and your party?,” he asked her in an extremely aggravated tone. “Well, news flash, it wasn't over fencing or Chad blinking. Per the norm, Chad took it upon himself to belittle Doug and make fun of Harry being adopted,” he continued. 

“So yeah, Harry did lose his temper. But wouldn't you? You've lost your temper over not being able to match your shoes to your earrings. I guarantee, if someone said anything about your mother or father, you'd wanna punch them too,” he finally finished, still trying his best to keep his kingly composure.

The silence that fell between them was heavy. Ben had never spoken to anyone that roughly. Especially not to someone he'd been friends with since birth. But he wasn't about to let her talk about his brother that way.

“I'm sorry, Ben. I-I didn't mean any of it. Ariana just-,” Audrey had begun, before once again being cut off by Ben. 

“Ariana nothing, Audrey. You said those things about Harry, she just agreed,” he told her, still choking down a yell. 

They stood silently for another moment before Ben continued.

“You know… I think I'm all partied out. I'm gonna go,” he said calmly. As he turned on his heels to head back downstairs, Audrey spoke.

“Please don't tell Harry,” she asked, true fear in her voice.

Ben stopped dead in his tracks. He swivelled back to face her once more as he grit his teeth.

“Why not?”

Audrey scratched behind her neck before answering. “Because… I…he…,” she stammered, trying to come up with an excuse. “Just… please don't tell him,” is all she eventually said with a defeated sigh. 

Ben rolled his eyes and scoffed. ‘That's the best she's got?,’ he thought. He then remembered Harry's only request and snapped his fingers.

“Oh yeah, um, Harry asked for a piece of cake. But, after all of this, I think I'm just gonna take him the whole cake. Okay? Okay, great,” he told her rather forcefully. He turned back towards the stairs and was halfway down, leaving Audrey in a stunned silence before he ascended one more time.

“Actually, I'm going to pee first. Then I'm going home with the cake. Excuse me,” he said as he hastily moved past Audrey. As upset as he was, he was not about to risk an accident while riding home. Not in these dress pants.

Chapter Text

The boys had begun their walk home pretty much in silence. After everything Ben had told him, Harry was at a loss for words. Audrey being mad at him was one thing. Yeah he'd popped off on her, but was that enough for her to straight up make fun of him with Ariana? He fully expected the mockery from her cousin. He hated Ariana. Everyone hated Ariana. Even Audrey hated her! So why agree with her? Or say things that she would agree with? Finally, two words came to Harry's lips after almost five to ten minutes of nothing.

“Thank you,” he said, catching his brother off guard.

“I'm sorry?,” Ben asked, perplexed at this response. He was expecting fireworks. Cursing. Yelling. Punching. Not a ‘Thank you’. However, he should know his brother better than to assume Audrey was right about his temper being that bad.

Harry gave a breathy chuckle and repeated, “Thank you, Ben.”

“For?,” Ben continued, still confused.

“One, for standing up for me…again,” Harry laughed. “Whether it's dad, Chad, or Audrey, you’ve always got my back. I honestly can't ever thank you enough for that,” he continued with a smile as he patted his brother's shoulder. He'd expect Ben to eventually get tired of having to defend him since he's been doing it since they were kids. But he'd do the same for him, not that he'd ever had to, if the situation presented itself. 

His smile soon began to fade. “And two… for showing me you've been right about Audrey this entire time,” he told him, placing his hands in his jacket pockets. “She really is just… a spoiled princess,” he continued, kicking a rock across their path.

“Haz…,” Ben started to respond before getting interrupted.

“I know that wasn't your intention, Goldi. But it was bound to happen sooner or later. And, if it had to be sooner, I'm grateful it had to be from you,” Harry explained, regaining his smile slightly. 

Ben smiled back and wrapped his arm around his shoulder. “What are big brothers for?,” he asked, getting a chuckle out of both of them. “So… what are you gonna text her back?”, he continued, releasing Harry from his grip.

Harry shrugged and pulled his phone out. But before he could say anything about the text, his jaw dropped open and he swore his heart had stopped.

“We're so dead!,” he shouted before breaking out into a sprint.

“What? Why?,” Ben questioned, running and attempting to catch up to his surprisingly fast brother. He hadn't seen Harry run this fast in years. They were still a good ten to fifteen minutes from the palace. But at this speed, Harry could probably be there in less than five.

“It's almost one in the morning!,” Harry yelled, sweat dripping into his eyes.

“WHAT!?,” Ben yelled back, joining his brother's pace almost instantly

“We forgot to turn our ringers back on! I have like ten missed calls from…” Harry tried to add, before his feet came to a halt at the palace entrance. “...Mom and dad,” he finally got out, as he stood face to face with their aforementioned father. Ben eventually caught up and quickly composed himself as best he could. 

Still in his dinner attire, Adam carried an expression of pure anger. “Benjamin Florian and Harrison Aaron, you are BEYOND in trouble!,” he shouted, arms folded tightly to his chest. He took a few deep breaths before gesturing for them to get inside.

The pair remained silent as they walked past their fuming father. Making their way into the living room, they saw their mother. She was pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace biting her thumb nail. Only when she was extremely anxious would one find her doing that. The sound and sight of her son's immediately got her attention off her nail as she basically ran at them.

“Thank heaven you boys are alright!,” Belle exclaimed, wrapping her arms around them. “Where have you been? We get home and find your rooms empty. Then we can't get an answer on your phones. We were close to sending out the royal guard,” she continued between hugging and kissing the pair.

Adam soon entered the room and cleared his throat. Belle rubbed both boys shoulders before making her way between them and joining him at the living room entrance. On instinct, Ben and Harry sat down on the couch. Any time they had gotten into mischief as children and discipline was required, it usually involved them taking a seat on the couch while their dad laid into them. Old habits tended to die hard. 

The silence in the air was so thick you could slice it with a sword. The question was, who would be the first to break it? Adam took in a breath, but Belle quickly pulled his attention with an arm squeeze. They began to whisper to one another. Harry went to open his mouth, but Ben kicked his ankle and shook his head. This cycle went on for about five minutes before someone finally broke the ice.

“Explain yourselves,” Adam said as calmly as he could, pulling himself and Belle up a pair of armchairs. Before Ben could open his mouth, Adam pointed his finger right at him. “Not you,” he stated, turning his attention to his younger son. 

Harry swallowed hard. ‘Why am I nervous? I'm going to tell the truth,’ he thought. But then he remembered who his father was. A man, a former beast, with a temper sometimes still in need of control. Like his own. He had to not mince words or hesitate. 

“Well?,” Adam asked sternly, breaking Harry's thoughts. 

He straightened himself up like Ben would and cleared his throat. “Ben came home from the party and invited me out for a late night movie,” he began, very clearly and calmly. “Then we stopped at Cal's for coffee and got caught up in conversation. We forgot our phones were on silent so we didn't get any of your calls until we were almost home. And that's exactly what happened,” he finished matter-of-factly.

Ben couldn't help but smile. He'd never seen Harry not get flustered or angry explaining himself to their parents. And he didn't beat around the bush at all. Simple and effective answers. Perfect. Just like a prince should handle a situation like this. 

‘Screw what Chad or Ariana think… Harry's a royal,’ he thought, unconsciously placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. This got him a quick smile from his brother before they turned their attention back to their parents.

“And you never thought to leave us a note or even a text in case you weren't back before we returned?,” Adam questioned, still slightly steaming like a piece of broccoli.

“The movie was at ten and was an hour and fifteen minutes long. We figured we'd be back before midnight. Stopping at Cal's wasn't originally in the cards,” Harry answered with a small laugh, hoping to ease some of the tension.

Adam thought for a few moments in silence. Then he looked over at Ben. 

“Everything he just told us is one hundred percent fact?,” he asked him.

Harry's smile faded and he creased his eyebrows. ‘Why is he asking him? He doesn't believe me? What, does my word mean nothing?,’ he thought, gripping his pants tightly and clenching his jaw. He would've stayed like this had Belle not caught him and, like dinner the other night, gestured slightly for him to take a breath. Even if she was upset, she was always looking out for him.

Ben also caught Harry's expression and change in demeanor. He too was pretty confused as to why their dad looked to him to confirm what he was just told. And he wasn't about to simply give a yes and have that be the end of it. 

“Harry just told you what happened,” he said plainly. 

“And I'm just looking for your confirmation,” Adam replied sternly.

“Why? Do you think he lied?,” Ben questioned sharply, raising his eyebrows.

Adam looked taken aback by this question. He opened his mouth to protest this statement. Full on deny it. But… no words left his lips. He then thought back to the other day. He'd assumed Harry had started that altercation with Chad and was wrong. Was he really about to do that again? Within just a few short days?

Then he remembered what Belle had said. Hook didn't raise Harry. He did. And he raised his son in the ways of an honest and respectful prince. Not a dirty lying pirate.

He then cleared his throat and looked back at Ben. “No. I don't think he lied,” he said calmly before turning his attention to Harry. “You've never lied to me a day in your life,” he continued with a small grin.

Harry half smiled and shrugged his shoulders. “When you have parents who teach you how wrong it is to lie, I guess it becomes second nature,” he replied with a chuckle.

Belle took in a breath and placed her hand on her stomach. Adam tensed up and swallowed slightly. 

“Right…,” Adam almost whispered back, trying to keep his grin. “So… um… on that note,” he continued, standing up with everyone following suit. “In the future boys, just… remember time management is key. For the future king or the prince,” he told them with a more firm tone.

Ben and Harry looked at each other perplexed. This situation defused itself a lot sooner than they thought it would. And no punishment for breaking curfew?

“Yes sir,” they replied in unison, trying to hide the confusion in their voices.

“Now, head on to bed. Goodnight,” Adam continued with a smile, gesturing towards the stairs. 

The boys hugged their parents and ran upstairs. They looked back and saw their parents moving closer to one another. Their backs turned to the pair. They glanced at each other and shrugged before heading to their rooms.

Once the boys were gone, the king and queen began to converse.

“Did your stomach churn when Harry said how wrong it is to lie?,” Belle asked, clutching onto her husband's arm as if to keep her balance.

Adam nodded his head. “Yup,” he replied, holding her hand against his forearm tightly.

“He's almost sixteen. We won't have to-,” Belle began before Adam interjected.

“Lie,” he choked out. 

“-withhold any information from him any longer,” Belle continued, still trying to convince herself they weren't lying.

“And how, pray tell, are we going to handle when he blows up at us?,” Adam asked her, looking down at her.

Belle thought for a moment before answering, “I have no idea. But we've got eight months to figure that out.”

“Then for now, let's go to bed,” Adam huffed with exhaustion. Dinner with Snow White and Florian, as well as thinking your sons were missing, really takes the energy out of a king.  With a simple nod from Belle, the two ascended the stairs; ready for tonight to be over and enjoy some much needed sleep.

Meanwhile, the two prince's were still wide awake at almost three in the morning. Harry had taken a quick shower and changed into a red and gold set of silk pajamas before heading over to Ben's room. He was laying on his brother's bed and rereading Audrey’s text while Ben, sporting a blue and gold set of silk pajamas, brushed his teeth

“Why do you think dad didn't ground us?,” Ben mumbled as toothpaste foamed around his mouth like a rabid wolf. 

“Hey, I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth, dude. I don't need to be grounded any longer than I already am,” Harry answered, eyes locked on his cell.

Ben supposed he was right. Why dwell on something not happening? Especially a punishment falling through. Maybe their father simply took some pity on them. Ben rarely got into trouble and Harry was already having a week that felt like Hades himself made it. 

He rinsed out his mouth and made his way across the room. “And exactly how long are you planning to just stare at that message?,” he asked, jumping onto the bed and sitting crisscrossed in front of his brother. ‘Speaking of dwelling on something,’ he thought, his eyebrow twitching upward as he watched Harry's fingers dance on his phone screen.

“As long as it takes to figure out what to say,” Harry answered as he backed out of another response.

“Well, do you WANT to talk to her?,” Ben questioned.

Harry looked up at him and saw the same raised eyebrows he'd had earlier. He huffed and half-heartedly said, “I think so.”

Ben couldn't help but let out a chuckle. “Woah, calm down before you run and talk to her tonight,” he said jokingly. But he didn't get any laughs from his sulking sibling. Instead he watched as he sat up and wrapped a blanket around himself till he looked like an armadillo.

Ben smiled and crawled up next to him. “Don't get all mopey. Princes don't mope,” he told him, pulling the blanket at least off his head.

Harry pulled his phone back out and looked at the text once more. “Well, what am I supposed to make of this? Is it a pity apology? Does she actually feel bad? Do I talk to her? Do I ignore her? I-I don't know what to do, man,” he began to babble. 

Without a word, Ben snatched the phone from his hands and placed it on his nightstand. He placed his hands on Harry's shoulders and turned him till they were facing each other. 

“What happened to the guy I saw downstairs an hour ago? Calm? Well spoken? Confident?,” Ben questioned with a half smile. Harry shrugged in response, making his brother roll his eyes. “Well get that guy back here so he can figure out what to do about Audrey,” Ben continued, releasing his grip on his shoulders and plopping back onto his pillow.

Harry thought about that for a moment. ‘That was pretty impressive how I handled dad,’  he considered. “Heck, I was pretty impressed with punching out Chad,’ he continued, smiling to himself. ‘So why can't I think of how to handle Audrey?,’ he asked himself. Audrey can be stubborn, whiney, and apparently down right rude. But he had no trouble pretty much telling her to shut up on Friday about the party. And that… was pretty impressive too.

With that in mind, Harry reached over and nearly fell on Ben to grab his phone. 

“Woah! Not how I wanna get flat abs, Big Butt,” Ben shouted, shoving his brother off him. Harry said nothing in response as he settled back into his spot. He thought for a brief moment before typing out a message and hitting send. 

“There,” he sighed, handing Ben his phone, who grabbed it and read the response.

Harry-

Hey Audrey. Yeah, we can talk Monday. Definitely need to.

Chapter Text

As far as Mondays went, Harry's was going surprisingly well so far. First thing when he got to school that morning, Zephyr had informed him that they'd beaten Sherwood Forest. Perhaps Harry was still a bit sour about not being able to partake, but he was still proud of his team. They’d proven how good they were even when lacking a key player, and Harry was learning that that’s what made a good team after all. He hadn’t been paying attention to Mulan’s lessons all these years for nothing. 

Right before lunch , he got a call he'd been waiting for. He was determined to get his brother an amazing birthday present. Ben’s party was this coming Saturday, having been moved up since he was born in the wee hours of a Valentine’s Day and it was generally tough to get people to attend a birthday celebration on that particular day. 

So this phone call was right about on time, since Harry would need to also get a few other things to go along with the present. And he needed to make sure he picked this main part up no later than three in the afternoon on Saturday. Boy was Ben going to be surprised! Harry smiled as he hung up the phone.  

But all of this good stuff was pretty early in the day. Now it was time for the moment he'd been dreading… his talk with Audrey. Unfortunately, they'd agreed to have lunch together in the courtyard. So they were going to talk earlier than he would've liked to. They could've met after school, which he would've preferred, but she insisted on lunch. Harry supposed there was no point in procrastination, but still…ugh. To say he was not looking forward to this, even if he knew it needed to happen, was an understatement. So… yay.

Despite what Lumier had always told them, pâté was not delicious. Harry simply didn’t have the stomach for it and all it looked like to him was grey mush, worse than cat food. In fact, he thought cat food might actually smell better. He could not understand his fellow royals’ obsession with it. Seeing it at dinner parties was one thing, but on trays in the cafeteria was too much.

‘Yuck!,’ he thought as he passed by a group of his peers enjoying the mush. He was worried that might be his only lunch option till he caught a whiff of one of his favorites. Cullen skink, a soup he'd tasted once while visiting DunBroch, had become something Harry insisted on having at least once a week. Even if he was one of the only people he knew who enjoyed this dish, Auradon Prep's kitchen enjoyed preparing meals from all the kingdoms. Meaning Harry would at least enjoy his meal while talking to Audrey.

With his tray in hand, he made his way through the courtyard. He saw several people he'd much rather be having lunch with. Doug and Lonnie were working on a project together. Jane was reading by herself. Zephyr and Aziz were boasting about their victories. And Ben and Melody were snuggled up under a tree. 

“Harry!,” he suddenly heard a too-bubbly voice shout. He fought the wince that wanted to form on his face as he turned towards Audrey. She was sitting at one of the elm tree shaded tables which held a very fancy lunch she’d obviously brought from her own castle’s kitchens. A pink tablecloth with blue checkered squares held a bowl of Parisian salad with all the trimmings, a ramekin of bread pudding, and a glass of strawberry lemonade.

Harry took a breath as he approached, but couldn't help but chuckle. “I see you didn't bother with the cafeteria,” he said, setting his tray down before taking his seat. Normally he'd sit right next to her, but right now across from her felt better.

She half smiled and rolled her eyes. “Why bother with school lunch when you have your own chef?,” she questioned, giggling slightly as she took a sip of her drink. Harry raised his eyebrows in a silent agreement before taking in a spoonful of soup. The warmth from it hit his stomach and he relaxed a bit.

“How you can eat that stuff I'll never know,” Audrey told him, wrinkling her nose at the soup's fishy smell. “Even when visiting Queen Merida, my mother never makes me eat it,” she explained, then took a dainty nibble of her pudding. 

Harry wiped his mouth before responding. “Well you're missing out,” is all he said as he took another bite. They spent a few moments enjoying their lunch, not really conversing, though Harry was wondering if they were going to get around to it. Audrey had said she wanted to, right? After a deep swig of his soda, he decided he might as well get the ball rolling.  

“So… what did you want to talk about?,” he asked nonchalantly, not looking up from his bowl. He didn't plan on erupting in anger. He definitely didn’t want to cry. He wanted to stay calm, cool, and collected. This was just talking. That's it.

But…Audrey wasn’t saying anything. Harry caught quick, jerky movements out of the corner of his eye, so he finally looked up only to see Audrey’s eyes wide. She was staring at a point off in the distance and doing her usual when she was nervous. Fiddling with her jewelry, whether adjusting her rings or pulling on an earring. Harry hadn’t seen a whole lot of situations ruffle the princess in the long time they’d known each other, but this was always her giveaway. At the moment it was her bluebird necklace getting the treatment, being twisted back and forth on its delicate gold chain. 

“Well… I wanted to talk about Friday,” Audrey got the words out, softly, coyly.  

“Oh? What about it?,” he questioned, purposefully bending one brow just slightly in a confused interest.  

She finally let go of her necklace and looked directly at him, blinking like a lost child.  

“Just… how sorry I am for being so rude and ignoring you all afternoon,” she answered in a similarly child-like voice as she tried to look like a pitiful puppy. Oh, this was rich. 

Harry bit the tip of his tongue so he didn’t smirk or roll his eyes but instead gave Audrey a soft smile. He tried the gentlest of chuckles for good measure. “Oh that? Water under the bridge,” he told her, taking another spoonful of his soup. “I shouldn't have snapped at you anyway. I'm sorry for that,” he continued. On this point he was being sincere.  

“Aww, you're too sweet, Harry-Beary. I forgave you for that too,” Audrey giggled, and seeming to have recovered from her nervousness, she reached over and patted his hand. 

“Aw thanks,” Harry said, voice still warm. “But you know, I think I’d rather talk about Saturday night instead,” he continued as he gave his soda another sip. 

“Oh really? I didn’t know if you’d want to discuss the party since, you know…you couldn’t be there.” Her tone was barely just this side of accusatory as she took a rather large bite of her salad.  

Harry carefully kept the smile hung on his face. “Yeah, I mean, I heard it was great. Especially a little chat that you happened to have with Ben.” 

Audrey nearly choked on a piece of egg hearing that; hacking it across the table. She grabbed up a napkin and wiped her lips, attempting to regain her composure and glancing wildly around, clearly hoping no one else had seen that. Harry somehow managed to stifle a laugh. Oh, the perfect princess always thought she could do no wrong. No more.

“Eighty-five percent of the time I have a short fuse? I'll look for any reason to make Chad look like a fool? Normally I would miss your party for something stupid like fencing?,” he echoed hers and Ariana’s words with some venom. 

When he’d heard Ben say them, it had been bad enough, but they’d been delivered by his brother’s calm, familiar voice, and Harry had been able to tell he’d only repeated them because he knew it was the right thing to do. Saying them himself, after having time to dwell on how exactly the girls had probably sounded as they’d ripped him apart…his soda was not cool enough to help here. But Harry hadn’t been actively working on controlling his temper for nothing. 

Audrey began twisting her napkin so hard her knuckles turned bright red, then white. Her eyes were darting all over the remains of her lunch, as if desperately seeking something else to focus on. Then, she finally closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Harry couldn't wait to hear what she possibly had to say in response.

“Well… you definitely have every right to be upset with me,” she said calmly, still not looking him in the eyes at all.

“Oh I think I have the right to be a lot of things,” Harry said stonily, leaning back from the table and crossing his arms. “Upset, yes. Angry. Hurt. Offended. Betrayed. The list could go on a bit longer about all the things I have a right to feel.” He was not going to lose it here, he was not.  

Reluctantly, Audrey nodded in agreement. “To be fair…you never told me the full story of what happened that day,” she countered somewhat smugly. 

“You never bothered to ask,” Harry bit back. “Clearly, you assumed it was me blowing my stack over Chad's very existence. Not me standing up for my friend or myself for that matter,” he continued, his voice raising ever so slightly. A few people glanced over their way. When your father is the Beast, even slightly loud could be taken as too much.

Harry inhaled, exhaled, inhaled again, focusing on the water droplets on Audrey’s now empty lemonade glass. They made him think of Nefera for a moment, and that was enough to help him calm back down.

 Both he and Audrey had gone silent now, and her face was red. No one called the perfect princess out, especially not in public. She wasn’t used to being embarrassed like this. She still didn’t look up at Harry as she continued to twist and turn her napkin.

“I just… assumed a regular Chad versus Harry argument got out of hand finally, okay?,” she told him. Which was fair, he could admit. The two of them were like a dog and a cat going around it. This time Chad's bark was checked by Harry's claws.

Harry dropped his arms and looked down at the table. He wasn't the biggest fan of having a small audience either. He began to fiddle with his spoon just for something to do before shoving his soup bowl away from him.

“Did you mean all those things?,” he asked after a few more minutes of silence, his voice less confident than before, but solemn. Audrey raised her head at this question and they finally caught each other's eyes. Mistrust, sadness, and anger hovered between them like a rain heavy cloud that was ready to burst at any second. 

Audrey opened her mouth, but couldn't seem to find the words. Either she didn't want to admit the truth or she was trying to make something up, or both. This did not make Harry feel one tiny bit better. Her silence pretty much gave him the answer he needed. 

It hurt to acknowledge, but it was obvious. Over the last three years Audrey had been able to keep him wearing rose colored glasses. He hadn’t really seen how she must have felt for at least quite some time, if not from the beginning. Always wary of her tantrums, he’d put her before himself and his friends on more than one occasion.  He'd never seen how she truly was. The signs were so clear, yet he chose to ignore them. But now, this tearing him down and belittling him, he couldn't ignore that. 

“You know what…” Harry cleared his throat. “I, uh, I think I’m gonna go.” He stood, fixed the hem of his shirt, and picked up his tray. 

“Oh, that's a good idea. Let's collect ourselves and I'll call you later,” Audrey said sweetly, smiling once more as Harry had begun to walk around the table. He watched as she smoothed her hopelessly wrinkled napkin back over her lap and took up her salad fork again. Her face was smooth, serene. It was like a switch had been flicked, and it was a little unnerving. She was suddenly happy, apparently thinking that all this could be settled by some time to cool down. Like it had before. 

Harry looked at her closely, wondering where the girl he had thought he cared about so much had gone. Or maybe where she had ever been. He felt strangely empty and emotionless. 

“Actually, no,” he said stiffly. “Don’t call me.” 

Audrey’s eyebrows creased, her smile fading. “I don’t understand.” That puppy dog look was dangerously close to creeping back onto her face. 

Harry turned his face skyward, took a deep, deep breath as he centered himself. He wished he could be as detached as the bird that was flying by, but a lump rose in his throat. His voice cracked as he spoke next. 

“Don't… don't call me later. Don't call me tomorrow. Don't call me… ever.” A tear threatened to spill out of his eye, but it was probably just from the sun. 

Audrey looked at him in disbelief. What? Was he really doing this? Right now? To her? How dare he! 

“Are… are you breaking up with me?” she nearly gasped, in anger and shock. He was NOT serious, right? He wasn't actually about to dump HER was he? The “son” of Belle and Beast dumping the daughter of Phillip and Aurora!?                                  

Harry saw that indignation on Audrey’s face and knew he was making the right decision.

“Time to turn the page… and close this chapter,” he told her with a sigh. He was about to walk away, but he couldn't just yet. He placed his tray down and took her hand, lifting it to place one final kiss to the back of it. She still looked like a deer in headlights, but Harry was going to go out like a gentleman. 

“Goodbye, Audrey,” he said gently, respectfully, as he let her hand slip from his. Without another word from either of them, he grabbed his tray once more and made his way over to join Zephyr and Aziz. He glanced back once and saw Audrey just staring blankly at the ground. 

Almost subconsciously, Harry cast around to be able to catch his brother’s eyes. 

“You okay?” Ben mouthed.  

Harry nodded and gave a half smile as he sat down with his friends. Instantly he started asking Zephyr about how the tournament went and Aziz a few things he still truly didn't understand about tourney. The two, having witnessed some of the altercation, happily obliged. Anything to keep his mind off what had just occurred. The loss… of his first love.