Heavy
Storybrooke
Emma watched impassively as Archie paced the length of her office. She felt her stomach twist at seeing the usually calm psychiatrist upset, but she refused to acknowledge her feelings. Therein lay thoughts she wasn’t comfortable having for someone like Archie. Good, kind, stable Archie; she should only ever think of him as a friend.
Not that she’d been a very good friend to him. Her life had become so busy and chaotic that she only now realized how little she’d seen him. When she’d first come to Storybrooke, he’d been one of the few people that had treated her kindly and she felt awful at the distance between them. With work, family, and Killian distracting her, she didn’t seem to have much attention for anyone else.
Except Regina, but then the mayor demanded her attention 24/7, even with Robin and Roland back from New York. She was obsessed with the idea that Rumpelstiltskin was going to take away her Happy Ending. Robin had tried to reason with her, but Regina would not be dissuaded. Emma feared that her obsession with Rumpelstiltskin would one day become just as dangerous as the one for Snow White had.
“Don’t you see that this is a cry for attention?” Archie demanded, but then stopped when he realized Emma wasn’t giving him her own.
“Sheriff,” Archie said, an edge to his voice, “Are you even listening to me?”
“I’m sorry Archie,” Emma rubbed her tired eyes, “I’m just tired.”
“Too tired to care about your child?” Archie asked, his voice taunting.
Emma’s jaw dropped. She sat there, like a fish out of water, for a moment before she exploded to her feet, “How dare you?”
“How dare I?” Archie growled as he placed his hands on her desk. Leaning forward he snapped, “I dare because I’m worried about Henry.”
He straightened and took a step back. Looking anywhere but at her he snarled, “It’s a pity you don’t”
Then he turned on his heel to leave, but Emma yelled, “Archie!”
He stopped, looked over his shoulder, and quietly asked, “Yes?”
Emma wanted to apologize for upsetting him, yet something dark and ugly inside her refused. Stealing herself, she snapped, “I don’t appreciate you questioning my concern for Henry. Do it again and he stops seeing you.”
A shadow passed across Archie’s face, making Emma clench her jaw. Why couldn’t she allow herself to be vulnerable with him? She had just a few short years ago, yet so much had happened since to harden her heart.
Archie nodded stiffly and angrily left the police station. Emma watched from her office window as he aggressively opened his car door. She winced when she saw him catch his hand in the door. She turned to grab the first aid kit, when she heard the car start. Turning back toward the window, she watched as Archie aggressively pulled out of the parking lot.
Sighing, Emma plopped into her seat and put her head in her hands. What was wrong with her that she could induce the normally mild mannered conscience into losing his temper? She liked Archie, so why had she spoken to him the way she had?
Why was she going out of her way to ignore him? To push him away?
Was it because he didn’t like Killian? Thinking over the past few months, she was startled to realize that she’d been distancing herself from people that didn’t like Hook. What she couldn’t understand was why?
Archie had every reason to dislike him. So why was she upset about it?
Leaning back in her chair, Emma closed her eyes and tried to understand her muddled feelings for Archie. She wanted to show him that he was valued for more than his good advice, but she tended to avoid him whenever she could.
What was she afraid of?
Overwhelmed, Emma stood and decided to take a drive. She was technically supposed to stay and answer the phones until they could find a secretary to replace Ruby, but she couldn’t sit still. Her mind wouldn’t focus on her reports and she was starting to move past overwhelmed into hysterical.
She was supposed to be the Savior, but it was becoming clear that whatever she was doing, wasn’t good enough. Breaking the Dark Curse wasn’t enough to give everyone their Happy Endings. More was required from the Savior, except Emma had no idea what the next steps were.
She could have asked Rumpelstiltskin. She had his number, but she was still extremely angry with him for trying to trick her into the Sorcerer's Hat. She had thought they were family. That in some weird way he had her back. They both grieved Neal and she was the mother of his grandson, yet he'd betrayed her.
Aggravated, Emma stomped out of the police station just as the phone began to ring.
Archie sped out of the parking lot and honked at three cars before he admitted to himself that he shouldn’t be driving. Begrudgingly, he pulled onto the side of the road and leaned his head against the steering wheel.
He wasn’t one to throw a tantrum. Despite his upbringing, he was a fairly well adjusted person. However, lately his temper had been getting the best of him when it came to Emma.
He shouldn’t be angry with her. It was obvious that she was struggling. Yet, every time he tried to speak with her about it, she refused to engage with him. They used to be friends, or at least friendly, yet ever since she’d started dating Hook her personality had changed.
He wasn’t sure he even liked her anymore.
Wincing at his own truthfulness, Archie smacked the dash with his injured hand and yelped. Looking at the damage, he reached for his glove box and took out his first aid kit to clean and bandage the cut. Wincing as he flexed his fingers, he was relieved that nothing was broken.
Leaning his head back against the headrest, he sighed at his own reaction to Emma’s inattention. He knew she loved Henry. Yet lately, she’d been ignoring Henry’s issues and that infuriated Archie.
Today was just one time too many.
He had only wanted to find the Ice Queen’s scroll. He knew it had to be in her office and he’d used a flimsy excuse to invade her space. He hadn’t accounted for actually becoming upset with her.
Gritting his teeth, he took off his glasses and pushed his fingers against his eyes. Taking a deep breath, Archie slowly let it out. Looking at the time, he calmly put his glasses back on and started the engine.
He had to meet Ruby in less than an hour.
His argument with Emma had been less than ideal, yet despite his anger, he had seen a locked cabinet in her office. One that glowed suspiciously like magic. He was sure nobody else had noticed the magical glow, least of all Emma, or she would have relocated the scroll.
Looking behind him, he eased onto the road and began driving toward his office. There was still much to do before they could move forward, but it was a step in the right direction. A progression toward their actual plan. For the first time in days, he felt like they might actually succeed in helping the town. Smiling to himself, he pulled into his parking space and headed into his office.
He didn’t notice Emma watching from Granny’s doorway, confused as to Archie’s sudden change in mood.
London
Harriet bit her lip as she evaluated the magic that surrounded Voldemort’s wand. Luckily, the wards she’d placed were fully intact with no evidence of tampering. It would be easier to steal than she’d imagined.
“Well….” Rumple muttered as he watched Harriet walk around the case, “Are we just going to stare at it?”
“Give me a minute, smartarse.” Harriet replied exasperatedly. She was peering into the glass, looking at it from various angles and moving her wand in complicated patterns. “I’m checking to see if any additional wards were placed. We don’t want to make it obvious that someone has tampered with it.”
Rumple nodded impatiently and kept his eyes trained on his wand. He could feel the Darkness squirming inside him, excited at the prospect of finally having their wand back.
“Got it!” Harriet exclaimed as she felt the wards fall. Quickly, she opened the case and grabbed Rumple’s wand; making sure to replace it with the fake. Shoving the wand at him, she quickly remade the wards.
Smiling to himself, he lovingly ran his fingers down the length of the wand and sighed in relief at finally having it back in his possession. He hadn’t realized, until that moment, how incomplete he’d felt without it.
“Come on,” Harriet tugged on his arm, a cheeky grin on her face, “You can fondle your wand after we get out of here.”
Rumple half heartedly glared at her before chuckling to himself as he followed her out of the library. Closing the door, Harriet sighed as she leaned against it. Looking around at the magical room, her shoulders slumped and her face fell. Mournfully she said, “We’re going to have to destroy it.”
“Why?” Rumple asked, startled at how prettily she pouted. He felt the Darkness’ exasperation, but he simply chose to ignore it. He already felt bad for his feelings, he didn't need his evil counterpart adding to his guilt.
“I don’t think they’ll notice the wand change,” Harriet replied, biting her bottom lip, “but in case they do, it would be better if this door didn’t exist.”
“True,” Rumple nodded, looking around regretfully, “If they are talented enough, they could trace the magic. No matter how well hidden.”
Sighing, Harriet trudged up the stairs while Rumple slowly followed. He was fiddling with his wand, trying to get the feel for it back. It had been such a long time since he used one; he hoped he hadn’t lost the knack for it.
When they reached the landing, Harriet hurried Rumple out the door and looked at what she created.
“I’m so proud of it.”
“You should be,” Rumple replied, looking over her shoulder, “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s amazing what I can do when I’m spiteful,” Harriet muttered before reaching toward the closed panel beside the door. Opening it, she pressed the red button that was inside and quickly pushed Rumple back so she could shut the door. It glowed brightly, shook on its hinges, and then disappeared with a loud pop.
Silence descended in the foyer as Rumple stared at the wall in dumbstruck horror, "Did you install a self-destruct button?”
Despite fully remembering every chaotic way she ruined his plans, he was still surprised by the things she continually came up with. Her capacity for chaos was downright frightening.
“It seemed like the best way of destroying it quickly.”
She grinned at Rumple who stared back at her, “You are a menace.”
Harriet shrugged, “That’s fair.”
Rolling his eyes, Rumple grumbled to himself while Harriet laughed as they entered her apartment. Closing the door, she gave Rumple a mischievous smile and he found himself responding in kind, but before either could say anything they were interrupted by a loud knock. Huffing, Harriet frowned and opened the door.
“Yes?” Harriet asked, unsurprised to see Remus.
Rumple stiffened when he saw the wolf, but walked away from the door to give them space. He wasn’t going to have Remus claim he was possessive of Harriet.
“It might be better if you were,” The Darkness hissed.
“Could I speak with you for a moment?” Remus asked while glancing suspiciously at Rumple. Harriet sighed and nodded, not wanting to deal with Remus more than she had to. Following him to the foyer she firmly closed the door behind her.
“What is it?” Harriet asked, crossing her arms uncomfortably.
“Was that an explosion?” Remus looked around the foyer, “ I felt the building shake.”
“ I had a potion that blew-up” Harriet shrugged, not meeting Remus’ eyes.
“Bollocks,” Remus muttered but then his shoulders dropped, and his voice became strained and worried, "Is he really staying here?”
“Yes,” Harriet frowned, “I believe this was already discussed, Remus.”
“I just don't understand,” Remus quietly replied, “He murdered Lily and James.”
Harriet closed her eyes and turned her face away.
“Don’t you care how ashamed of you they would be?” Remus desperately asked.
Harriet’s head whipped around and she glared; something like hate in her eyes. Remus swallowed audibly, his eyes wide.
“I’m aware,” Harriet replied tightly, “That Rumple and I are dealing with unusual circumstances. I would hope they would take that into account.”
Turning away from him she began to open the door when Remus grabbed her wrist. Pulling away rather forcefully, she glared at Remus as she crossed her arms tightly against her chest.
“After our last kiss….” Remus reached out and lightly touched the back of Harriet’s hand, hoping it would soften her. Her glare only intensified. Pulling away, Remus began to look embarrassed, “I was rather forceful.”
“I was fine until you wouldn’t back off.” Harriet replied uncomfortably.
“I should have realized it was too much,” Remus sighed, his eyes unfocused, “ I was just so….jealous.”
“Don’t,” Harriet snapped, pulling Remus out of his revere, “You don’t get to say my parents would be ashamed and then hit on me.”
“I wasn’t…” Remus spluttered but Harriet rolled her eyes and opened her door.
“Yeah, you were.” Harriet sneered as she walked back into her apartment. Then she slammed the door in his surprised face with a loud “Sod off!”
Locking it, she leaned her forehead against the door and listened as Remus stomped away. Sighing, Harriet pushed herself away from the door and turned to find the living room empty. Frowning, Harriet glanced at the bathroom.
Rumple had to stop hiding there.
Surveying her apartment, it suddenly struck her there was an incredibly simple solution to the problem. Feeling foolish for not thinking of it before, Harriet took her wand out of its sheath and began grinning at the empty wall behind her couch.
A very simple solution indeed.
Rumple felt the bottom fall out of his stomach as he watched Harriet leave the apartment. He wasn’t sure why he had such a visceral reaction to Remus, but the very idea of Harriet being alone with him made his skin crawl.
“Of course it does,” the Darkness hissed, “She’s ours.”
Feeling uneasy, Rumple dashed into the bathroom and leaned over the sink. He felt his breathing quicken as his jealousy rose, “I’m married.”
He closed his eyes and muttered the words to himself like a mantra, “I’m married, I’m married, I’m married, I’m married…..”
“Yes but for how long dearie?” The Darkness hissed and Rumple curled his hands into fists.
“The dagger is corrupting Belle,” Rumple growled. Opening his eyes, he pulled back abruptly when he saw the red tinge in them.
“Who cares?” The Darkness sneered, “She shouldn’t have been carrying it in the first place.”
“Why did we give it to her?” Rumple muttered, frustrated with himself. He wanted to pace but the bathroom was too small and it was beginning to feel confining.
“There was no WE,” The Darkness hissed, “There was you! You wanted to prove that she was our True Love. You wanted her to save us.”
Rumple looked away from the mirror as the Darkness sneered, “I told you it was a bad idea, but you wouldn’t listen!”
“I thought you were trying to keep us apart!” Rumple hissed, glaring at himself in the mirror.
The Darkness said nothing in return. Upset, Rumple sat on the lid of the toilet and put his head in his hands, “I did this to her.”
“Yes,” The Darkness agreed.
“If the dagger has influenced her into an affair, we should forgive her.”
“She would never accept us,” The Darkness warned and then fell silent.
Rumple winced. If his attempted murder of Hook pushed Belle into banishing him, then learning about his past as Lord Voldemort would surely invoke divorce proceedings.
It would be best if he ended it now.
Looking at his phone, Rumple almost pressed Dove’s number. He could have the paperwork written, reviewed, and sent to Belle in two days. Yet…. he was loath to do it. There would be no resolution between them. Just papers signed. No discussion or closure.
Could their story really end like that?
He sat there staring at his phone, paralyzed with indecision, before he finally gave up in frustration. Shoving his phone back into his pocket, Rumple stormed out of the bathroom, but abruptly stopped when he noticed the change in the living room. His spinning wheel was gone and in its place was the couch. Where the couch should have been, there was now a doorway. Wand at the ready, Rumple quietly walked toward the door and pushed it open.
“Hey Rum!” Harriet excitedly exclaimed. She spun around the room, arms extended, with a happy grin on her face.
“What in the world?” Rumple asked as he lowered his wand and looked around. The room wasn’t much larger than Harriet’s bedroom, but the bay windows made the room feel more spacious. The navy-blue walls helped to dampen the natural light streaming from the windows and the gold trim brought a touch of whimsy that Rumple appreciated.
How long had he been in the bathroom?
“I wanted you to have your own space,” Harriet replied, bounding toward him. She was bouncing on her toes, and he felt his face soften at her obvious excitement.
“Did you?” Rumple’s voice was soft and the smile that spread across his face was gentle. His eyes sparkled and Harriet felt her heart skip a beat.
“I did,” Harriet confirmed, even though she knew his question was rhetorical. She suddenly grew bashful and began moving her toes across the floor. Rumple gently took her chin in between his fingers and tilted her head to look at him. Her emerald eyes glittered in the light and Rumple felt his breath catch.
“Thank you.”
“Everyone needs a place that’s just their own.”
Rumple let go of her chin and stepped back, “It’s perfect.”
The colors were different than what he would have chosen, but he liked how they felt both opulent and cozy. It reminded him somewhat of the Dark Castle.
“The room is yours,” Harriet took Rumple’s hand and squeezed it, “For as long as you need it.”
Their eyes locked and he found himself tucking a stray hair behind her ear. Playfully he asked, “And what if I never want to leave?”
Smiling warmly, Harriet replied, “Who said you had to?”
“I can’t stay here forever,” Rumple whispered, his smile dimming.
“I suppose not,” Harriet deflated somewhat, “But for now. It’s yours.”
“Thank you my Beauty,” Rumple bent down and gently kissed her cheek.
Harriet stiffened for only the briefest of moments, but Rumple felt it. Hiding his embarrassment, he walked toward his spinning wheel and sat down. Guardedly he said, “If you don’t mind dearie, I think I’ll spin for a while.”
“Of course,” Harriet bit her lip in nervousness, “Call if you need anything.”
Rumple just nodded absently, already deep in thought as his hands moved expertly along the wheel.
Frowning, Harriet backed out of the room and quietly shut the door. Tears pricked the corner of her eyes as she touched the cheek Rumple had kissed. She knew it was silly to be upset that he wanted privacy, having created the room for that purpose. However, his mood change was so abrupt that she found herself feeling unsteady.
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the remote and decided to watch Beauty and the Beast. Despite her hurt feelings she felt enjoyably tired; like she’d been working out instead of recovering from an illness. For once, she didn’t feel useless.
Placing the movie in the DVD player, she grabbed the blanket and covered herself as she curled on the couch. She could feel Rumple’s churning emotions but refused to be distracted by them. Instead, she gave her full attention to the movie and felt his emotions recede to the back of her mind. Relieved, she laid her head on the back of the couch as Disney Belle began to sing.
Rumple spun, agitatedly, as his mind replayed Harriet’s reaction to his kiss. Intellectually, he knew she was surprised by his actions, yet his own feelings of worthlessness wanted to attribute her reaction to disgust. He knew if he allowed himself, he could easily fall into a maelstrom of guilt and shame. Yet, he refused.
He had absolutely no right to be upset and flustered by Harriet’s reaction. He was married and needed to focus on deciding exactly what to do with that marriage. Yet, the very nature of his relationship with Harriet contributed to his confusion. The more she welcomed him into her life, the more attached to her he became. It was inconceivable to Rumpelstiltskin that she wanted his friendship. Yet it was irrefutable that she did.
Nobody had welcomed him with such open arms before. Not even Belle.
Rumple’s spinning slowed as his mind wandered to his wife. While it was true he missed her, he was starting to realize that he missed what she represented more; a chance at defeating the Darkness within and becoming a better version of himself. There were many times with Belle that he thought he could do it. That by having her close and loving him, he could be a different man.
Now he knew that was impossible.
There was no hope for his marriage. The Darkness was right. Belle would never accept him. When she learned about his past, she would do everything in her power to divorce him and keep Henry from him. He was under no illusions when it came to Belle’s heroism.
Rumple snorted in disgust before he could stop himself. Her obsession with heroism was nonsensical. It had always been a point of contention between them. While she aspired to be a hero and beckon of light, Rumple held heroism in contempt.
Now, Rumple understood it wasn’t heroism itself that he was opposed to. It was Belle’s attempts at playing the hero that he hated. According to her, there was light and darkness and no in-between. Yet Harriet, who was the most heroic person he had ever met, thrived in the shades of gray that Belle refused to believe existed.
Harriet’s heroism was real. It was without pretension or duty. It simply existed as an extension of herself.
Belle tried too hard.
Rumple stopped spinning and hung his head. He really should have paid attention to all the red flags. Yet he’d idealized Belle for so long that once he had a chance to be with her, he took it, no matter how difficult it turned out to be.
In the Dark Castle, they had fallen into a rhythm. She had protested against his actions, he had adjusted some of his plans to protect her sensibilities, and they had gone about their lives, rarely leaving the Dark Castle. Over time they became familiar with each other and soon fell in love.
In Storybrooke, she had freedom. Giving Belle the library had been a way for her to be independent like she had always wanted. Yet it hadn’t seemed to work. Belle had become lost and soon obsessed over storybook ideas of heroism.
What did it say about their relationship that it only thrived when they were alone?
He knew it wasn’t all Belle’s fault. He could have made an appointment with Archie and worked on his issues, instead of trying to sever his ties to the dagger. He could have focused on building a relationship with Henry while coming to terms with his grief, despite believing that he hated him. He could have confided in Belle about Zelena, despite his fear. Rumple saw his past actions more clearly now, but he still wasn’t sure how he could have changed them. Not with the Darkness residing as a separate entity inside of him.
Agitated, Rumple began to pace. He was so sick of constantly feeling guilt and fear. Even as the Dark One he still couldn’t escape those emotions. Three hundred years of manipulation and hate and he was no closer to his goal then when he started.
With his boy gone, he was lost.
He needed a change. Something to signify this new unwanted chapter of his life. Pausing beside his spinning wheel, Rumple summoned an ornate gold mirror to hang on the back wall. Studying himself, he realized that once again, he was hiding behind a persona. He was no more Mr. Gold then he had been Lord Voldemort.
It occurred to him that he’d never just been himself. He’d always taken on the role that others cast for him. Even when he’d been Tom Riddle, he’d embraced the role others were sure he fit.
That of the villain.
Drumming his fingers against the wood of his spinning wheel, Rumpelstiltskin decided to do something drastic. Something he’d been unable to do as the Dark One in the Enchanted Forest. Summoning a pair of scissors Rumple took a deep breath, reminded himself that it would grow back, and began cutting his hair.
Harriet awoke abruptly, startled from sleep by knocking. Wiping drool from her mouth, she slowly sat up as Kreacher opened the door and allowed Hermione to enter.
“Where’s Ron?” Harriet asked, covering her mouth to yawn.
“We thought it safer to leave the children at home,” Hermione replied as she sat next to Harriet on the couch. Reaching out, Hermione felt her forehead with the back of her hand and frowned. It was far too warm.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Harriet replied with a tired smile, “ I actually feel a lot better.”
“Where’s Rumpelstiltskin?” Hermione asked carefully as she looked around Harriet’s small apartment. She frowned when she noticed the extra door.
“That wasn’t there yesterday.”
Harriet smiled sheepishly, “ I thought Rumple could have someplace to call his own while he’s here.”
Hermione frowned as she watched Harriet fidget, obviously embarrassed by her own thoughtfulness. However, before Hermione could comment on her friend's kindness, the new door abruptly opened revealing a changed Rumpelstiltskin. Harriet’s jaw dropped as she took in Rumple’s altered appearance.
“What did you do?”
“You don’t like it?” Rumple asked as he ran his fingers through his hair. Frowning, he said, “It was a rather abrupt decision on my part.”
“I….” Harriet began but trailed off as her mouth grew dry. She’d rather enjoyed the look of Rumple’s long hair, often itching to run her fingers through it. However, as she took in his new appearance, she couldn’t help but feel tongue tied and flustered. While the hair cut was extremely short, it brought out his eyes and highlighted his cheekbones while also giving him an air of self-possession and command.
Hermione watched with amused horror as Harriet tried to answer Rumpelstiltskin. Wincing at Harriet’s inability to speak, Rumple muttered, “That bad huh?”
Wanting to save her friend embarrassment, Hermione cut in, “No, it suits you.”
Turning to Harriet she asked, “Don’t you think so?”
“Of course,” Harriet finally ground out, blushing.
Rumple mumbled a thank you as he drug a kitchenette chair into the living room, desperately trying to hide his disappointment at Harriet’s reaction. He had to remind himself that he didn’t cut his hair for her, but for himself.
“How are the children?” Rumple asked, eager to change the subject.
“They’re okay,” Hermione stiffly replied, “Rose is a little jumpy, but doing quite well all things considered.” Pausing, Hermione looked at Rumple speculatively before she continued, “She was asking about you.”
“That’s kind,” Rumple smiled faintly, “She’s such a sweet girl.”
“She is,” Hermione agreed, “She seems quite taken with you. She doesn’t attach herself to people very often.”
“I’m honored then.” Rumple replied, a bittersweet smile gracing his features.
Hermione nodded, still suspicious of Rumple’s ability to charm her children, when Harriet burst out, “It brings out your eyes!’
Hermione barely refrained from facepalming as Harriet’s blush turned an even nastier shade of red. She was certain Rumpelstiltskin would be unimpressed by Harriet’s attempts at flattery, but was surprised when she saw how deeply the compliment affected him. His posture relaxed as his eyes softened and he smiled sheepishly, “Not horrible then?”
“No,” Harriet replied with a shy smile, “Not at all. Just different.”
Hermione wanted to shake Harriet. It was obvious her friend had a crush. While Harriet wasn’t one to dwell on romance, when she did have feelings for someone, the signs were obvious. She was shy, stammering, and awkward. She had been the same with Oliver Wood, Cedric Diggory, and Neville Longbottom. Due to the unique situation with Remus, it had taken Hermione longer to understand Harriet’s feelings. In hindsight, the signs had been there.
With Rumpelstiltskin, all of Harriet’s normal behaviors were heightened. At the same time, there was an aura of calmness around her that was startling. She was bustling, dramatic, loud, and curious, but hardly ever calm. Yet, she seemed to have an instinctive ability to balance Rumpelstiltskin's moods.
It was disconcerting.
Licking her lips in nervousness, Hermione cleared her throat to break the tension. She was uncomfortable with Harriet’s feelings. Rumpelstiltskin, no matter how changed, was a monster. Harriet deserved much better than him.
Rumpelstiltskin’s smile grew, “Good.”
Noticing Hermione’s growing uneasiness he decided to change the subject, “I suppose you have questions, Mrs. Weasley.”
Hermione cleared her throat again, “Of course.”
“Well then,” Rumple replied, turning toward her, “Ask.”
Hermione opened and closed her mouth for a moment before plowing forward, “I remember you said you didn’t know much. Maybe you should explain what you do know.”
“We only have speculations,” Rumpelstiltskin replied, “And the knowledge that souls can pass into different worlds upon death, despite time and space differences.”
“You have mentioned different worlds before,” Hermione replied, obviously curious, “What do you mean?”
“I mean just what I say,” Rumpelstiltskin replied with a sly smile, “Every fairytale you have ever heard is real and they have their own world.”
Hemione opened and closed her mouth before she asked, “So, there are just two worlds?”
“Oh no dearie,” Rumpelstiltskin replied as he leaned back with a smile, “There are quite a few of them”
“What are they?” Hermione asked, clearly fascinated.
Ticking off the worlds with his finger, Rumple began counting, “Well, there’s this world, The Land of Hidden Magic. Then there is Fairy Tale Land, Neverland, Oz, Land Without Color, and Wonderland. I’m sure there’s more, but I’ve not seen them.”
“That’s…. a lot,” Hermione finally said carefully, giving Rumpelstiltskin a strange look. She wasn’t sure she believed him. What he was saying was extremely far-fetched. Yet….it would account for how changed he was.
“Trust me,” Rumple replied with distaste, “I’ve dealt with Peter Pan and the Wicked Witch of the West personally. If I could make them just stories, I would.”
“And where are they now?” Hermione asked with a frown.
“Dead.” Rumpelstiltskin replied, his voice guarded.
Hermione looked between Harriet and Rumple, “You killed them?”
“Of course,” Rumple replied with a shrug, “Zelena killed my son and Peter Pan tried to murder my grandson.”
“Oh,” Hermione whispered. Silence descended on the living room, but was quickly broken by Kreacher bringing them tea and sandwiches.
“Thank you Kreacher,” Harriet smiled as Kreacher bowed and then disappeared into his room. She quickly grabbed one of the sandwiches and bit into it with relish. She was starving.
“Hungry?” Hermione asked, surprised. She smiled when she saw Harriet nod. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Rumple smile approvingly while making himself a cup of tea. She decided to join them.
“So,” Hermione began as she finally settled with her tea and sandwich, “What you’re saying is everything is complicated, nothing is known, and you're just winging it.”
“Exactly,” Harriet replied, beaming at her friend.
Hermione laughed, “It sounds like every school year we ever had.”
“Pretty much,” Harriet shrugged.
“What’s the plan then?” Hermione glanced between hero and villain.
“Wait for Dumbledore I suppose.” Rumple grumbled, clearly unhappy with the idea.
“Or we could just barge in like bad asses?” Harriet suggested, a twinkle in her eye.
“You’re pure chaos,” Rumple muttered as he bit into his own sandwich.
“You like it,” Harriet teased while taking a delicate sip of her tea.
Hermione didn’t know if she should be more horrified that Harriet was flirting with Lord Voldemort or of how badly she was at it.
“When do you plan to go?”
Harriet looked at the kitchenette clock and smiled, “Why not now?”
“You cannot be serious?” Rumple gawked as Harriet just nodded, drinking the rest of her tea as she stood.
“Of course I am,” Harriet replied, “It would be the perfect surprise.”
“I don’t know Harry.” Hermione frowned at her friend, “What if you make Professor Dumbledore angry?”
“I’m tired of waiting for him.” Harriet had the same mulish expression on her face that Hermione had to contend with during their school years, “I spent my entire childhood waiting for him. I’m done.”
Rumpelstiltskin looked between the two friends and sighed. He knew there was no talking Harriet out of her decision.
“Fine,” Rumple agreed, “We’ll go.”
Hermione just sighed, “I suppose I should go too….” but she trailed off when Harriet shook her head.
“You need to go home, Monie.”
“Why?”
“Because I threw my lot in with Lord Voldemort,” Harriet replied, voice calm. Rumple winced, “If this should be found out, I’m fucked.”
Hermione blanched but didn’t contradict her. The Minister of Magic hated Harriet and if he could find dirt on her, he would use it to the fullest advantage. Swallowing, she said, “We will not abandon you again.”
“I’m not asking you to,” Harriet reached out and squeezed Hermione’s hand affectionately, “I’m just asking you to go home and wait.”
Hermione took a deep breath and slowly let it out, “Alright.”
Looking at Rumpelstiltskin she said, “You had better have her back, or so help me I WILL figure out a way to kill you.”
“Of course,” Rumple replied solemnly. Hermione nodded, hugged Harriet, and then quickly left.
“Be careful Mistress,” Kreacher said worriedly, as she began cleaning the remnants of their meal. Harriet just smiled, “We’ll try, but be ready to leave if something goes wrong.”
“Yes Mistress,” Kreacher stuttered, startled that Harriet would think of him.
“I wouldn’t leave you behind Kreacher,” Harriet replied, touching the house elf’s shoulder, “Not for the world.”
Kreacher bowed and left the living room, tears in his eyes. Even after all these years, he was still surprised by how much she returned his affections.
“Let me change.” Harriet ran to her room and quickly pulled on a red long sleeve shirt, loose fitting cargo pants, her combat boots, and a black leather jacket. She then grabbed the Marauder's Map and her invisibility cloak.
“I’m ready,” Harriet announced as she walked into the living room, pulling her hair into a ponytail. She was startled when she saw that Rumple too had changed. Instead of his suit, he wore his white shirt, blue jeans, hiking boots, and a brown leather jacket that Harriet itched to steal.
“I am too Beauty.” Rumple replied with a smirk and Harriet felt her stomach flip.
“Good,” Harriet replied, heading toward the door. She held up the map and cloak, “I may actually have a plan this time.”
Rumple just smiled.
Storybrooke
Lately, it felt like Emma could do nothing right. All she wanted was to calm her anxiety and stretch her legs. She had her cell phone, 9-1-1- calls were always sent there instead of the Sheriff’s office. There should have been no room for error.
Of course, she should have known better. This was Storybrooke after all.
“It could have been an emergency!” Grumpy yelled, causing passerby to stare.
“But it wasn’t,” Emma hissed.
“What is the use of a Sheriff if we can’t access the police?” Nova asked, upset.
“9-1-1 goes directly to our phones,” Emma began but then regretted telling Grumpy. He pulled out his cell phone and quickly dialed it. Sighing, Emma pulled out her own phone and quickly answered Grumpy's call.
“HA-HA,” Emma sneered, hanging up on him, “You should have been named Jokey instead of Grumpy.”
“I just want you to do your damn job, sister,” Grumpy, snapped.
“And what am I supposed to do?” Emma asked, confused, “It’s legal to kick Nova out of the convent.”
“This isn’t about what’s legal,” Nova replied, near tears, “It’s about what’s right, Emma. You’re the Savior. If you speak with Blue, she will listen.”
“And what am I supposed to say?” Emma asked, exasperated, “That the rules for fairies are unfair?”
“Yes!” Nova and Grumpy exclaimed at the same time. Emma’s shoulders drooped.
“I can’t do that,” Emma said quietly, “I’m the Sheriff; nothing more.”
“You’re the Savior,” Nova insisted, reaching out to touch Emma’s arm.
Emma stepped back. Turning away from both of them she said, “Maybe you should take your complaint to the Mayor.”
“Regina?” Grumpy asked shocked, “She hates us!”
“Then I don’t know what else to suggest,” Emma replied firmly, “I’m the Sheriff. I can’t do anything about the religious orders here in town.”
Grumpy glared at Emma and then sneered, “Come on Nova. We’re not going to get help here.”
Emma watched as they left. Grumpy was irate and Nova was crying. Gritting her teeth, she got back into her car and drove toward the police station quietly seething.
She was beginning to hate the citizens of Storybrooke, with their petty complaints and their overreactions. She just wanted a quiet life with Henry and her parents. No more prophecies, no more villains, and certainly no more curses. Just simplicity.
Unfortunately, Storybrooke was anything but simple.
Pulling into the station’s parking lot. Emma turned the car off and grabbed her phone. She almost called Gold but glared at it instead. She had so many unanswered questions about herself, her magic, and Storybrooke. Yet, she couldn’t make herself ask.
Not him. Not after what he’d done. Her pride wouldn’t allow it.
Weary, Emma got out of the car and trudged into the station. She quickly texted her family that she was going to be late for dinner. She had reports to finish and emails to answer. It seemed like all she did lately was work.
Falling into her chair, Emma just stared at her computer as she began fiddling with her pen, her mind returning to Archie. He was furious with her when he left, yet by the time he made it to his office he was calmer. It was startling how quickly Archie let go of his anger.
Almost as if he were acting before?
Archie had been kidnapped and used against her in the past. If something was going on with him, she should at least check on him. Right?
Yet what were the odds of that happening again?
Shrugging off her suspicions, Emma refocused on her paperwork, resolutely refusing to believe anything more than the normal Storybrooke weirdness was at play. Maybe if she believed it enough, it would make it true.