Curses And Magic
Curses and Magic
Harry recalled her conversation with Emma Swan. She was not a fan of the Mayor and that definitely earned a win in Harry's book. Still, He could not deny the energy he was feeling when he was talking with her. It certainly didn't help that she was beautiful. He could also tell that she was a warrior, desiring to fight injustice and defending the innocent, just like him in that regard. He also realized he hated lying to her. Harry was not a manipulative person like Tom Riddle but he understood that sometimes he had to lie when the truth is too much to handle or when there is not enough time. He wasn't sure why but his instincts were ordering him to not lie to her. It was like they were telling him to trust her.
Like him, she was good at reading people which will make this whole 'break the curse' thing more difficult then it already is. Maybe he could try just being straight with her and show her his magic. It might be easier that way since she refused his offer of help. He wasn't surprised though. Harry was no fool but he hoped that she'll reconsider in time. His gut told him that he did the right thing.
After Harry had rented a room at Granny's, He had quickly started to read Henry's storybook. The notion of an entire town's inhabitants being from a different world was definitely a large one for Harry to swallow (which is saying something considering he had come back from the dead). He had read some muggle fables during his days at his primary school. The kicker here was the stories in Henry's book were not like the ones he remembered. He was pretty sure that Little Red Riding Hood was not the Big Bad Wolf and yet, the opposite was precisely what this book was telling him. It wasn't hard to figure out that the snappy Mayor that threatened him was the Evil Queen from Snow White. He had read through half of the book until he remembered to call Hermione to fill her in on what's going on.
Harry waited for her to pick up and answer. She never did and the phone went straight to voicemail.
"Hey Hermione, it's Harry. Look I've made it to the invisible town. The boy was right. There is a curse on this town and I'm working to help break it but this is getting really weird, Like more then our usual weird. Call me back when you can and I'll tell you more". Harry recorded as he sent the message to his best friend.
He continued on reading into the story of the Evil Queen. He was surprised about her story, including the parts involving the Evil Queen's mother: Cora Mills.
"Merlin! It's like being raised by Umbridge! Great, nice going Potter! Did not need that image in my head! Why blame it all on a little girl though"? Harry thought in his head.
He continued on reading through the stories of Snow White, Prince Charming, Rumpelstiltskin, Belle and all the way to the last page. The weird thing was that the last pages were teared out.
"I'll have to ask Henry about that". Harry muttered as he closed the book.
He didn't even realize that about five hours had passed since he got in his room. It was about 4:45pm at the moment.
He picked up his specially crafted supply bag that is charmed for only him to see unless he decides otherwise. It carried multiple potions, a pistol, a notebook to write important information for cases (Hermione's idea), a flashlight (A glowing Wand would not be a good idea to use in front of muggles), and his Cloak of Invisibility.
It also carried the Sword of Gryffindor. Neville had given it to Harry a year after the Battle of Hogwarts. After a short argument that ended with Neville and Hermione convincing Harry it was his. She told him that the goblins have forgiven him for breaking into Gringotts because destroying a Horcrux. They had given Harry the sword as a thank you for saving them from Voldemort. Minister Shacklebolt certainly didn't have a problem with it as he believed that after everything Harry has done for their world, Harry deserved such a weapon. It certainly proved quite useful in the past. He wasn't a master with the blade but he learned some techniques from some wizards after a few cases he solved in Japan.
Harry held his hand out and muttered, "Accio Flashlight". What shocked Harry was the flashlight did not fly into his hand. He then grabbed his wand and casted the same summoning charm. It still didn't work.
"What the bloody hell"? Harry wondered in his mind.
He tried it again, this time with his pistol. It still didn't work. The gun had remained where it was. He then decided to try a different spell.
"Lumos" Harry's wand did not light up like it was supposed to.
"The curse must be interrupting my magic". Harry said in an angry voice. He then thought of testing out certain spells while he was in here. Both unlocking charms and locking charms didn't work either. Harry tried vanishing one of the chairs but it still stayed in it's position. He could not shrink objects. He pointed his wand at his leather jacket and muttered,
"Scourgify". It didn't affect the dirty coat.
"Shame, I was needing to clean that off after that fight with a muggle serial killer in London". Harry muttered.
Harry had a feeling this wasn't going to work but he was hoping to get a message to Hermione,
"Expecto Patronum" Nothing came out of the wand as Harry expected. He realized that mostly spells of conjuration were not working. Most spells were not working but he could still use simple and basic charms to help himself out except for levitation.
"Guess I'll just have to make do. So much for just showing Swan my magic".
Harry grabbed his cloak to make sure it still works which it did.
He had to get moving now though. The sooner he breaks this curse, the sooner his problems with his magic will resolve.
After he made sure everything was secure. He put on his black leather jacket and grabbed his bag and left his room
The main priority was to find out more who's who in this town. This will be a lot harder now since Harry was having trouble with his magic.
He was getting hungry though so he decided to have supper at Granny's before getting started. He quickly placed his bag deep inside the car's trunk then locked it. He could not allow anyone to see what's inside.
Emma wished she could see Henry but she doubt that their is any way Regina would allow that to happen. Regina has the kid now and after the stunt that Henry pulled, She was sure that Regina would not let him out of her sight.
She sighed, though she was relieved that Henry was all right. She owed her thanks to that man. She did believe Harry. She could tell that Harry didn't lie to her. Something was bothering her though. What is going on with Regina giving Harry the same threat that she gave her? Did Regina see him as big a threat as Emma was to her and if he is, then why?
She thought back to her conversation with Harry,
She had to admit, he was kind of handsome. She could definitely hear Ruby teasing her in her mind.
He was definitely annoyed when she interrogated him at first. He was dripping with sarcasm and yet, he was very reasonable when explaining how he found Henry. She was studying his face as he talked to detect any lies in his statement but she found nothing. This stumped her. It means either Regina lied to get her away from Henry which didn't make sense because she has already been pressing Emma to arrest Mary Margaret. The other option is that Regina sees Harry as a threat to her and Harry's honest statement that the Mayor had threatened him the exact same way she threatened Emma had just made that theory more likely to be true. Harry had said that Regina was not the first to threaten him that way and that those same people tried to kill him. She wasn't sure what to make of that.
"He's an investigator. He had to have made a few enemies here and there". Emma reasoned in her mind.
Emma had then decided to warn him to watch his steps around Madame Mayor and to not poke the bear. She already has made mistakes with that and she had already payed the price for her actions. Unfortunately, it didn't look like Harry was gonna take this lying down. He seemed too headstrong for that.
She didn't have much time so she had bid farewell to Harry and had warned him to stay out of trouble. She was kind of unsettled when she heard Harry laugh at her statement. She hoped he wasn't a trouble magnet. Their is enough trouble going on in this town these days. She liked that Harry wanted to help her solve this case and save her friend. She had to admit, she kind of liked Harry. He seemed like a good man and she hated that. She thought Neal was a good man and that belief caused her to go to prison and give up her son. She hated that she felt an attracted to him. She hated that he saw right through her. She actually had to end the conversation to sort herself out. She doesn't want herself to get attached to anyone. Graham's death was more then enough to keep Emma from opening herself up to anyone else ever.
"Graham" Emma's entire calm demeanor dropped instantly
"Stop! Don't think about him now! He's dead"!
Emma argued in her head.
A few tears dropped to her cheek. She wiped them away instantly and tried her hardest to compose herself.
This is why she only allowed One-night stands to happen and nothing else.
A phone ringed and Emma picked up and her heart dropped. If their was any doubt that Regina was not behind Kathryn's murder then they are gone now. She then thanked Dr. Whale for the information and hung up. She then went to go find Mary Margaret and tell her the not so good news.
"Damn it! Harry was fucking right about Regina"! Emma thought in her mind.
Emma had also thought this was Regina's doing but she didn't realize this until Harry brought it out in the open.
Emma went over to Mary Margaret's prison cell and handed her breakfast. Mary Margaret said thanks and began eating to keep her strength up.
"Look, I know Mr. Gold doesn't want us to talk but you should hear this from me". Emma said with a dreadful expression on her face.
Mary Margaret turned to look at her friend and Emma continued,
"The test results came back for the heart and it was a match for Kathryn. She's dead". Emma said fearing what was coming next.
Emma couldn't imagine what her friend was thinking right now but she took a deep breath and continued,
"I'm sorry... for a lot of things but now that we have proof of her death, we have enough evidence to move forward with the case against you. It's gonna happen".
Emma sat down on a chair, trying to level with her friend.
"You know I do believe you right? Emma asked her.
"Yes" Mary Margaret whispered. She was terrified of what was going to happen to her now.
"All this evidence here tells me one thing for certain: You are being framed and I think Regina is behind it". Emma confesses to her friend.
Mary Margaret stands up in her seat with hope in her eyes.
"Then why am I still in here? Why aren't you confronting her"? Mary Margaret says with desperation in her voice.
"Belief is not proof" Emma attempts to reason with her.
"But you just said" Mary Margaret argues back in desperation
Emma looks at her friend in the eye and attempts to reason with her,
"If I don't do this right, this will end up worse for you. Every time I've gone up against Regina, she's seen it coming and I've lost".
"So what makes this time any different". Mary Margaret asks her.
Emma gives a smile of hope and replies, "She doesn't know I suspect anything".
Mary Margaret asks her with confusion in her voice, "Why would she do this to me? What did I do to her that would warrant this"?
"I don't know but I will find out and I promise you, I won't stop until I expose what she's up to".
"How are you going to do that Emma, this is her town"? Mary Margaret asks with despair in her voice.
Emma's voice stumbles as she was at a loss herself but she musters her courage and replies,
"I'm working on it. Listen to me Mary Margaret".
Emma continues, "I have faith in you but now I need you... to have faith in me".
Emma grabs her the hand of her only friend as she fights the tears in her eyes.
"Can you do that"? Emma asks her.
Mary Margaret smiles but her eyes told another story, "Of course".
Emma leaves, not knowing that Mary Margaret was planning to break out of her cell with the key that was in her hand.
Meanwhile, Emma was pondering over who to approach on helping with the case.
"Harry's an investigator. He can help you. He already distrusts Regina. He even offered his help". Strangely, Emma's instinct was to trust Harry.
"I don't even know him! What can he even do to help me? He doesn't have Mr. Gold's resources". Emma's argued back in her mind.
"Like Gold is any different. He's actually worse and you know that he will always want something in return. Harry has offered his help and has even explained his reasons.". Emma couldn't help but think that this voice, she was hearing sounded quite a bit like Henry.
"Enough! You're right about Gold but I need him. He's probably the only one here who can keep Mary Margaret off death row. If I have to work with a monster to keep my friend safe then so be it"! Emma ended the mental argument in her head.
Emma hated going against her gut but she had to look at the facts that Gold held power in Storybrooke and is possibly the only one who could stop Regina from getting what she wants.
Harry walked into the diner and greeted Ruby. He noticed Henry but he was talking with someone. He had black hair and a scruffy beard and wore a black leather jacket. He walked over and the man stared at him. Henry noticed and turned around.
"Oh, Hey Harry"! Henry smiled and Harry gave a look as if he was saying "You going to introduce me to your friend or not".
"This is August. He's here to help on Operation Cobra". Henry explained.
"Kids with their code names which is ironic, considering that Ron, Hermione and I never used code names at Hogwarts. Except for when Sirius was in hiding". Harry mentally chuckled and then shook August's hand.
"So you're August". Harry said as he sat down.
"Wayne Booth and you're Harry. I didn't know he was bringing in help".
"I told him about you and how I reached you. I'm sorry Harry. I know I should've warned you first but I got so excited and I just thought we should all be on the same page". Henry explained
Harry sighed. He did not like this at all, especially with his magic acting up but he had to reassure the kid,
"Don't worry about it Henry. I get it. Just remember to ask me first next time". Harry replied. Harry was definitely not okay with someone else here knowing his true identity.
"So you truly believe everything? About the Town? The Curse and Emma Swan's role in it"? August asked with uncertainty.
Harry hesitated before answering. He didn't like that Henry was completely trusting of this guy. Could he work for Regina? Harry didn't know the answer but he had to play along.
"Yes"
"I guess I can't say I'm surprised, given who are and what you faced, Mr. Potter". August said back.
Harry stiffened,
"In this town, my last name is Black".
August nodded, "That's smart. This usually wouldn't have been a problem but somebody has now written your story. We are lucky that neither Regina nor Mr. Gold have known about you yet. Emma would not have believed you if you told her the truth".
Harry nodded, "You know Emma". He meant it as a statement.
"I've met her a few times in this town. She was curious on what I was doing here in Storybrooke".
"Yeah, I'm beginning to wonder the same thing". Said Harry cheekily as his eyes narrowed on August. He knew that August lied about how he knew Emma.
August could tell that Harry did not trust him.
"Harry, We are
Harry interrupted, "How did you come into the town? I only got in because of Henry and he told me that you came in by yourself. Who are you"?
August felt stumped. Unlike Henry, Harry wasn't letting anything get past him. In a way, Harry reminded August of Emma a little bit.
Henry was confused by Harry's hostility,
"Hey! Calm down Harry, he's on our side. He said he's here to help us with Operation Cobra"! Henry argued to Harry.
Harry calmed down and August took a deep breath and said,
"Believe it or not Harry, I am on your side. I can prove it to you".
"Alright" Harry muttered. Harry wasn't sure why but he just did not trust August. He just has a bad feeling about him.
August nodded in acceptance, "Anyways, I got some stuff to do. See you later kid".
When August left, Harry turned to Henry and said,
"Be careful with this guy. We don't know anything about him except he got in this town all by himself which shouldn't be even possible here". Harry couldn't believe he was the one using logic here.
"I trust that he's here to help. Isn't that enough? Why don't you trust him? He's not working for my mom". Henry asked.
Harry couldn't argue with that but considering Harry just met the guy, his reasons were justified. He had seen people backstab each other multiple times in his life, starting back in Hogwarts when he found out Peter Pettigrew betrayed his parents to Voldemort.
"We just don't know who he is or how he's here". Harry said.
Harry sighed, knowing he couldn't get the kid to understand his side of the argument. He was too young to understand.
"Yeah, maybe". Harry muttered uncertainly.
Harry threw the thought away and reached into his bag and smiled at Henry,
"I thought you might want this back. That was a sneaky move back there Henry". Harry said as he handed Henry the storybook.
Henry gave a big smile as he held the book,
"You read it? All of it"? Henry asked him excitedly.
"Yep, took five hours to get through it all". Harry replied
"Henry, you are aware the last pages were teared out. Right"? Harry asked him
Henry nodded, "Yeah, I teared them out. It's the final piece of the puzzle and I couldn't allow the Evil Queen to get hold of them. She can't know about my Mom's secret".
"That Emma is the one meant to break the curse". Harry confirmed to Henry.
"Yes! She's the Savior! Its her destiny! If my mom knew, she'd either kill her or put her under a sleeping curse like she did to Snow White". Henry said to Harry.
Harry snorted in response. He hates prophecies and he felt bad for Emma. She has to save an entire town full of Fairy-Tale characters.
"Henry, You said that you had to leave the town to get your Mum but she was from the land of Fairy Tales. How was she not caught in the curse? You mind filling in the blanks"? Harry asked the kid.
"Yes, the last pages are about Snow White and Prince Charming choosing to hide away their daughter before the curse hits. They hid her in a magical wardrobe that was crafted from an enchanted tree and it sent my Mom to this world. Storybrooke had to wait until she turned twenty eight because Rumpelstiltskin said that the final battle would begin on her 28th birthday". Henry explained
"How did they know the curse was going to happen"? Harry asked
"The Evil Queen promised them that it was going to happen but Snow White and Prince Charming sought the darkest magical creature in the Enchanted Forest to help them. His name is Rumpelstiltskin who has the power to predict the future".
Harry interrupted Henry, "Wait, Rumple is a seer"?
Henry shrugs his shoulders and says, "I don't know. The book just says that he can predict the future".
"Shit, He probably already knows I'm here, in this town". Harry wondered in his mind as the kid continued.
Henry continued, "Anyways, Rumpelstiltskin predicted that the child that Snow White was pregnant with is the key to breaking this curse. That's what led to Geppetto making the wardrobe. The magic came from the Blue Fairy. The wardrobe could transport the baby to this world, protecting her from the curse. Rumplestilskin said that on her 28th birthday, she would come here and bring about the final battle to end the curse". Henry finished, happy with his explanation.
"That explains why I got the feeling that Swan didn't believe Henry's stories. She's been living her life as a muggle this whole time". Harry wondered in his mind.
"Who are Snow White and the Evil Queen"? Asked Harry, who was already suspecting who Evil Queen was.
"The Evil Queen is my mom who adopted me:Regina Mills. Snow White is my teacher:Mary Margaret Blanchard. Prince Charming is David Nolan who used to be in a coma but was awakened by Mary Margaret. He still doesn't remember who he is though". Henry answered.
Harry's eyes widened but not because of Regina. He had already suspected that hours ago. This was about Snow White.
"So Snow White is actually the woman who is now being accused of murder"?
"Well, yes but she didn't do it! It's my mom! She's setting up Ms. Blanchard for murder as a attempt to separate her and Prince Charming for good".
Harry nodded his head.
"I believe you lad. I believe you". Henry calmed down and smiled. He was truly grateful to know that their was someone here who believed him and showed him that he wasn't crazy. Harry knows that feeling all too well.
Harry realized that Mary Margaret Blanchard was the woman that Emma was desperate to save from prison. He had to admit, that was a solid plan to get rid of your enemy and make them suffer. The man then remembered that Blanchard was Emma's roommate. He now found this whole thing really ironic.
"How can Emma break the curse"? Harry asked Henry
"Um, I'm not exactly sure. The book doesn't say actually but I think we should start with getting her to believe".
Harry sighed,
Ugh, this is one hell of a job". Harry thought in his head.
"Alright, right now I'll start with assisting your mum with clearing Mary Margaret's name". Harry says
Henry's eyes brightened, "Good idea, My mom was already confused on the fact that Regina used one of her keys to break into Ms. Blanchard's room".
Harry asked, "And what was she breaking into the apartment for"?
"The murder weapon was a knife and that's what my mom found hidden inside the apartment". Henry answered.
Harry's eyes widened immediately. Things were not looking good for Snow White.
"Yeah, the knife looked a little too clean though". Henry commented.
Harry nodded and said, "I actually ran into your mother five hours ago before I started reading this book. I offered her my help for the case".
Henry was in shock, "You did! That's great! What did she say"?
Harry took a deep breath, "She said no but I gave her a number to call me should she reconsider".
Henry did not like that response. His expression turned from hope and excitement to disappointment and acceptance. It did sound like something his Mom would do.
"Don't worry kid, we're not out yet. I could ask around and see what people know about Kathryn and Mary Margaret". Harry reassured the kid.
"Yeah, my mom can be pretty stubborn. She likes to do everything by herself when she shouldn't. She'll come around eventually". Henry replied with a smile.
Harry laughed, knowing how stubborn he can be. Not to mention the fact that he too always wants to do everything by himself. It was a fact that annoyed Hermione throughout their school years.
"Alright kid, You should return back to your house. I don't need your other mum breathing down my neck".
Henry left the diner. Harry dug out his phone and tried contacting Herminoe. It went to voicemail again. This was getting really strange. Hermione always answers back.
"It's Harry again". Harry says in the recording, "C'mon Hermione, answer the bloody phone. Look, you're right about the town. Call me back and I'll tell you what I found out". Harry sent the message and was left pondering what was going on.
An hour and a half after Harry ate his dinner and payed Ruby, he left the diner, he had noticed a card was on the front of his car. He picked it up and it said to go to an address in the town. Harry sighed and got in his car and drove over to the address.
He noticed the large house that he was looking at. It was the far edge of the town. Calling it a House would actually be an understatement. He almost thought it was a mansion but it wasn't big enough to be a mansion. Harry got out of his car with his right hand aiming his gun at the mysterious man. His left hand took out his flashlight. Using the flashlight, he noticed a figure outside the big house. It was a man taller then Harry. He had a weird top hat on his head. He was definitely expecting Harry.
"Easy dude. You don't need that thing! I'm not your enemy. Good to see you finally showed up. You got no idea how long I've been waiting here"? The man said sarcastically.
Harry's eyes narrowed, "You sent the card. What do you want with me? Why didn't you come out and talk"? Harry was never really known for his tact.
"I'm a bit theatrical and I really don't do well in public crowds Besides, I needed to finally get your attention, Harry Potter". The man replied like it was obvious.
Harry's stomach twisted like he was just punched really hard.
"First August, now this guy? I really need to talk to Henry about this". Harry thought in his head.
"How do you know about me". Harry asked with a scowl on his face.
The man's face, who had a twisted smile before had now started howling in laughter.
"I see everything!! I keep track of everything in this town and the strangers that come into this here, including about the new guy that just so happens to look exactly like the wizard in those weird books". The man replied
Harry mentally swears that one day, he will find Skeeter and find a permanent way to stop her from writing again.
The mysterious man continued, "Unfortunately, We haven't gotten many of those in the last few decades, thanks to this nasty curse but that's why you're here, aren't you"?
Harry retorted back, "Maybe. What's it to you"? Harry could tell something was off about this guy. How come everybody else forgets who they are but this guy clearly remembers.
The man rolled his eyes and sighed, "The Savior and I are not on good terms. I kind of made a bad first impression. Act of desperation, if you will. You however, you're just the thing she needs to get this ball rolling so she can gets us all back to our homes, with all of our loved ones".
Harry looked at the card that brought him here, "This white rabbit on the card? You're from Wonderland, aren't you"?
The man's gaze darkened. Harry could tell he did not like that response, "I'm not from Wonderland! My home is the Enchanted Forest. Wonderland is where that terrible woman sentenced me to before she casted this curse. She left me, forcing me to abandon my daughter!! This is my curse. To live here. Alone! Knowing! It could drive anyone Mad".
Harry put his gun back in his pocket confirmed , " So you're the Mad Hatter, aren't you"?
The man laughed bitterly, "Never liked that name. My name is Jefferson and I'm here to help you".