Pirate's Curse | Harry Hook

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     I gaped at the sight before me. "Harry, she's alive!" I bit my bottom lip in excitement, wrapping my arms around his. Harry couldn't help but smile at my excitement (which wasn't exactly mutual). Swaying on my heels, I couldn't help but notice Jay, Carlos, and Evie embracing each other.

     I felt a wave of relief wash over me. As Mal carefully made her way down, everyone stared in awe of her beauty. The way her royal blue and gold dress shimmered beneath the spotlight took my breath away. Mal glistened brighter than the stars above, and that was saying something.

     I was thankful for her return. I doubted that I would be able to perform whilst knowing Mal was still nowhere to be seen or heard of.

     Ben practically ran to Mal's side and took her hand in his. He lead her to the center of the dance floor for all to surround. They embraced each other, marveling in the moment of their reunion. It was heartwarming seeing as the two had been apart for quite a while. Ben didn't question Mal as to her whereabouts, even though that was everyone's primary concern. He didn't want to ruin the night and I admired that of him.

     Chuckling, Ben was handed a microphone to which he began his speech, "Thank you all for coming." He snaked an arm around Mal's waist, and she beamed up at him, scrunching her nose like a bunny.

It was hard to believe that someone like Mal could go from rotten to royalty. Sure, Mal had proven herself to the kingdom, but there was still a part of me that didn't trust her completely.

Harry and I listened with contempt smiled on our faces, his eyes crinkling in the corners. "That could be us." I whispered, while Ben continued on with his speech. Never taking my eyes off of Mal and Ben, I couldn't help but envy their perfection.

"What do you mean?" Harry rubbed my back gently, gazing down upon me with a boyish grin.

"I mean.. in the Isle we can be just like Ben and Mal. Ruling over everybody... imagine our power." Harry nodded, not fully on the same page as me.

"But why wouldn't yeh want to stay here? 'Tis a royal paradise." Harry looked around him at the festivities on deck. "It's beautiful." I wasn't sure if my ears deceived me, or if Harry Hook had truly gone soft.

"Oh no. Don't tell me you want to stay here."

     "Well I can't. I don't have an invite I'm afraid. I just think this would be a better life for us. Here, in Auradon. Tis better than I imagined." Harry sighed, gently squeezing my shoulder.

I couldn't believe what he was saying — I couldn't buy it even if I tried. "Who am I talking to? Where's the real Harry?" I pried restlessly. Suddenly, Ben and Mal's audience began to cheer, and the band began to play as loud as possible.

"Where's the pirate I know? Don't tell me you've gone soft." I shouted, jabbing a finger into his chest. "What did they do to-" Then it hit me as Harry failed to defend himself. "Oh," I breathed in realization.

     Somehow I managed to keep going:

     "You wanted to look like this, didn't you?" I felt my hand fall to my side, as I stepped back to give him space. "You didn't do this because you had to.. you.. you wanted to be like the Auradon kids. But why?" I couldn't imagine what had gone through his head to prompt such changes.

     Harry took my hand, and led me away from everyone. He leaned his elbows against the yacht's railing, facing out to the sea as a cool breeze blew through his hair. "I thought this is what yeh wanted. A prince." Harry shook his head at the ocean, narrowing his eyes in disappointment.