Ben was sitting at his desk finishing his morning paperwork when he heard a knock at the door. "Come in." He called. The door opened and Mal walked in smiling. "Good morning Ben." She said sweetly as she walked over and placed a kiss on his cheek. "How's the paperwork coming?" "It's coming along fine. There's just a lot of it." Ben sighed gesturing to the stack of papers on his desk.
     "Well, maybe when you're finished we could go have breakfast together. Evie is busy helping the new VK's get settled in and I've missed our morning dates." Ben chuckled as he kissed the top of Mal's hand. "Alright, breakfast it is. Just let me finish this last bit of paperwork." Mal grinned as she pumped fist in the air in celebration. "Yes! Also, thank you so much for bringing Dizzy over. You have no idea how much it means to Evie to have her here."
      Ben smiled as he placed the last of his paperwork in the completed pile. "Of course. That whole ordeal on the Isle reminded me of the main purpose of my proclamation, to give the new generation a chance to live here in Auradon. As long as things continue to run smoothly, I intend on bringing new students over at the beginning of each new semester." Mal smiled as she grabbed her purse from the desk. "That's wonderful Ben. Now can we please go get some breakfast?"
       The two were just about to leave Ben's office when Lumiere came in. "King Benjamin I apologize for the interruption, but a guard just dropped off this letter. He said he was asked to deliver it to you by a pirate on the Isle of the Lost and that you should read it before making any type of decision." Mal looked at him with wide eyes at the mention of the word pirate. "Ben, I don't like this. There's only one group of pirates I know that would try to contact you and we both know they aren't be trusted."
Ben sighed as he took Mal's hands in his. "Mal, I know you are trying to look out for me, but would it really hurt to just read the letter before jumping to conclusions?"            Mal let out a frustrated huff before sighing. "Fine, but I'm telling you this is a big waste of time." Ben gave his thanks to Lumiere before taking the letter and sitting at his desk. Mal pulled up a chair beside him and they both began to read.
King Ben,

I know you have no reason to trust me, but as much as I hate to admit it, I need your help. Uma is pregnant, about 2 months along. If our parents find out our lives as well as the baby's life is in danger. We need to get off the Isle before it becomes noticeable. I will do anything to protect Uma and our child. If you truly believe in second chances, then let's meet.
                               -Harry Hook
     The office was silent as they took the time to process what they had just read. However, just has Ben opened his mouth to speak, Mal jumped up out of her chair and began to rant. "I can't believe this! They're trying to weasel their way into Auradon by claiming she's pregnant!? As if. Ben you seriously don't believe any of this, do you? Ben?" Mal looked over to see Ben still staring at the letter in deep thought. She sighed as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ben, just trash the letter and let's go. Harry Hook can't be trusted."
"But what if he's telling the truth Mal? If what he said is true, then it is my job as king to help." Mal looked at Ben in disbelief as her anger rose. "He kidnapped you Ben! Harry tied you up and held you over the plank while Uma threatened to kill you! You can't trust them!" Ben sighed as he came over and pulled Mal into a hug. "I know you're trying to protect me, but I need to investigate this further. It won't hurt to at least invite him here to talk."
       Mal grumbled as she pulled away from Ben. "Fine, but if you're going to bring him here at least keep him restrained." Ben looked at her with wide eyes. "Mal, I really think that's unnecessary. We're just going to talk." "I don't care Ben! He already took you once! I can't lose you again! You have my blessing to bring him here. All I'm asking is that you take precaution." Ben sighed as he took Mal's hand and intertwined his fingers with hers. "Thank you. And if it makes you feel better I'll have the guards handcuff him before they bring him over this evening okay?" Mal nodded as she placed her hand on her rumbling stomach. "Can we please get breakfast now?" He chuckled as he opened the office door for her to exit. "Of course."
🌟
       Harry grinned as he walked into Uma's room with the fish sandwiches he got from the Chip Shop. Uma was sprawled across her bed in a tank top and shorts writing furiously in her journal. "Whacha doin' love?" Uma sighed as she shut her journal. "Just writing down what's going on in my head right now that's all."
       He nodded as he walked over and handed her one of the sandwiches before taking a seat beside her. "So what is going on in that pretty head of yers?" Uma fiddled with the napkin around her sandwich as she thought of what to say. "Do you think will be a good mom?" She asked placing a hand on her stomach.
        Harry reached over and placed his own hand on Uma's stomach. "I know ye will be a great mum. Ye take care of everyone on this ship. Heck, ye practically raised Gil and I." Uma laughed as she leaned on Harry's chest. "I didn't raise you. I just kept you both fed and from getting killed on the streets." Harry sighed as he rested his head on hers. "Yeah, ye did. Besides, who was the one who let me crawl in their window at night when I had night terrors and ran their fingers through my hair until I fell asleep? Who patched Gill and I up when our dad's came home drunk and took their frustrations out on us? Ye did Uma, and that's why ye will be a great mum, because ye care."
        Uma smiled as she looked up at Harry. "Thanks. I don't get it though. How can you be so calm about this? We'll be parents soon after we turn 17. Doesn't that scare you?" Harry placed a gentle kiss on Uma's temple before standing up. I'll be right back." She watched as he left the room and a few moments later he returned with a small notebook.
"What's this?" Uma asked taking the notebook from his hands as he sat down. "Its my journal from when I was a younger lad. I want ye to read page three." She carefully opened the book and turned to page three. A smile formed on Uma's face and tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she read.
The Top 5 Things I Will Do When I'm Older:
1. Get Uma to fall in love with me
2. Become a great pirate
3. Get of the isle
4. Get me own ship
5. Become a better dad than me own

      "Harry, how old were you when you wrote this?" She asked, drying the tears from her eyes. "Eight." He smiled, taking his thumb and wiping away a stray tear she missed. Uma furrowed her brow in confusion. "But we met when we were eight. How could you write this when we had only just met?" Harry pulled Uma to his chest and lowered his lips to her ear as he whispered, "Because I fell in love with you the moment I met you."
       Uma's smile grew as she leaned against his chest. "But what about the dad thing?" Harry gently slid his arms around her waist and placed his hands on her stomach. It might still be flat right now, but inside their child was growing. "Ever since I was a wee lad I dreamed of having my own family so I could one day give them all the love I never got. We may be young, and parenthood isn't easy, but this child is my dream come true."
       Uma placed her hands on top of Harry's before turning to face him. Harry slowly leaned down and just as their lips were about to meet the bedroom do flew open. The two quickly pulled apart and saw Gil in the doorway with a worried expression. "Gil, why are you barging into my room?" Uma asked with an annoyed expression on her face. "There's a limo and guards outside. They're looking for Harry."
"What?!" Uma yelled getting off the bed and whirling around to face Harry. "Why are they looking for you?" Harry sighed as he got up. "Because Love, I sent a letter to King Ben. He probably wants to talk. I'm trying to get us off the Isle. Uma stared at him in disbelief. "And you didn't think to tell me?" "I wanted to surprise ye. I'm doing this for us. We should go meet them." Harry said gesturing towards the door. Uma sighed. "Fine, but you better come home."
       Harry grinned before giving her a gentle peck on the lips. "I always do." He grabbed her hand and began to leave the room when he remembered Gil was standing there the whole time they were talking. "Gil," Harry said sternly, "if you repeat anything you just heard to anyone, I will throw you to Old Tic Toc myself. Got it?" Gil nodded before taking off towards the main deck. Harry and Uma just shook their heads before taking off in the same direction.
        As they reach the main deck they immediately noticed the two guards in blue and gold uniforms waiting on deck. "Harry Hook?" They asked, coming towards them. "That's me." Harry said releasing uma's hand and walking towards them. "Please leave all weapons here and come with us," one of the guards said, guesturing to his hook and sword. Harry removed his sword and handed it, and his hook, to Uma. "I'll be back for them soon love." He whispered kissing her cheek. "Just be safe." Uma whispered is Harry walked back over to the guards.
        As he came to stand in front of the guards, the guard on the left pulled out a set of handcuffs while the guard on the right began to speak. "To ensure the safety of the king, we have been asked to properly restrain you before transporting you to Auradon. Please place your hands behind your back." Harry wanted to flip his lid right then and there but knew if he didn't comply they wouldn't allow him to see Ben. Reluctantly, he turned around and allowed them to secure the handcuffs on his wrists.
     "What are you doing to him?!" Uma shouted is Gil held her back. "You're treating him like a criminal!" Harry turn towards Uma and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry love, I'm okay. I'll do whatever they ask as long as I get to talk to Ben. Gil, take care of Uma until I get back. You're temporary first mate." Uma and Gil nodded as Harry allowed the guards take him away. The guards placed Harry in the limo and in a matter of minutes, they were gone.
🌟
      Mal paced around the office nervously as she and Ben awaited Harry's arrival. "I can't believe you're actually bringing him here." Ben got up and pulled her into a tight hug. Everything is going to be just fine. I had the guards handcuff him as promised so just relax." Mal nodded as Ben lead her over to the two chairs behind his desk. However, just as they got settled their was a knock at the door. "Come in." Ben called. The door opened to reveal two guards and a smirking Harry.
       "Well, well, well. King Ben, it is a pleasure to see ye again." Harry said as the guards placed him in the chair in front of them. "Welcome Harry. It's good to see you as well. I'm hoping we can put the past behind us and use this as a fresh start." Harry nodded as he turned towards Mal. "Hello to ye too lass. Ye don't seem to thrilled to see me." She only scowled as she let her gaze meet his. "Maybe it's because I have no reason to trust you." She snapped. Harry's expression turned serious as he looked between the two people in front of him.
      "Darlin' I let them bring me here in handcuffs. Ye know better than most that I don't like being restrained. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't serious and didn't want your trust." A look of recognition flashed across Mal's face as she took in what Harry had said. "You remember don't ye?" He asked. Mal sighed as she nodded. "Of course I remember Harry. It was your biggest secret and you entrusted me with it."
     Ben looked between the two with a look of confusion on his face. "What are you both talking about?" Mal took a deep breath as she turned her gaze from Harry to Ben. "Ben, Harry and I... we used to date on the Isle. During that time he shared his biggest secret with me. But I promise, our relationship ended long before I came here." Ben intertwined his fingers with Mal's as he faced her. "It's ok Mal, I believe you. Now, let's get back to the task at hand. Harry, what exactly would you like me to do?"
     Harry shifted in his seat as he turned to face Ben. "I want Uma, Gil, and I to be brought to Auradon to attend Auradon Prep. Once we arrive I want medical care to be provided for Uma and the baby. Gil and I will room together and Uma will get a room of her own so she will have space for the baby and myself, since I will be helping her. That's all I'm asking for." Ben nodded as he finished writing down Harry's demands.
      "Very well, these seem like reasonable requests. I will make sure everything is ready for your arrival. You'll be ready to come by 10am tomorrow morning, yes?" Harry smiled as he nodded. "We'll be ready. Pirate's honor." Ben nodded. "Very well, I'll have the guards take you back to the Isle to prepare for tomorrow." Harry nodded as the guards helped him up and escorted him out.
     Once they were out of sight Ben got up to stretch his legs. As he made his way around the desk he noticed a small box laying in the chair Harry had just occupied. "Looks like Harry left us a parting gift." Ben laughed as he picked up the box. He carefully opened the box and was surprised to see it was a positive pregnancy test. Seeing Ben's surprised expression Mal made her way over to him. "What is it?" She asked. Ben held up the test so Mal could see it. "I guess he brought proof in case we didn't believe him."
     Ben tossed the items into the trash before coming over and moving a strand of hair out of Mal's face. "So what is Harry Hook's biggest secret?" She gave Ben a stern look as she crossed her arms. "I may not completely trust Harry, but I'm not going to rat out his biggest secret." Ben sighed before giving Mal an onry smirk. "Well then, I guess I won't be telling you the secret I've been keeping about Chad and Audrey."
     Mal's eyes widened as she stared at Ben in disbelief. "You've been keeping a secret?! Ben, as your Lady of the Court, I demand you spill it. Now!" Ben laughed as he shook his head. "No way. Not unless you spill first, King's orders." She sighed as she plopped down in a nearby chair. "Fine, but if you tell anyone, Harry will be the least of your problems." Ben nodded as he sat down next to her. "I promise my lips are sealed."
     Mal took a deep breath. "When Harry was younger and his dad would get mad at him, he would tie Harry up and hang him off the plank. Hook would keep him like that until he begged and screamed so much he'd go hoarse. Sometimes, he'd even tell Harry that he'd feed him to Tic Toc." Ben's face was shrouded in shock. "I had no idea the villians treated their kids so poorly. No wonder he hates being restrained. You guys really do have it rough on the Isle, don't you?" Mal nodded. "Yeah, it's tough sometimes but we survive. Now what's this secret about Chad and Audrey?"
      Ben chuckled. "Fine, but you have to promise to keep your lips sealed too." Mal rolled her eyes. "I promise, now spill it Benny Boo." She teased. He laughed as he began to speak, "Well, to start Chad and Audrey never broke up." Her eyes widened as she stared at Ben in disbelief. "What? Then why did Chad say they did and was moping around the last half of the school year?"
     Ben took a deep breath. "Chad only said they broke up as an excuse to mope around. The real reason he was moping was because Audrey's parents sent her to stay at their summer cottage in Sherwood forest with Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather because he got her pregnant. Mal looked at him in complete shock. "Chad got Audrey pregnant?!" Ben nodded. "Yeah and the evening of cotillion when he told everyone Audrey called him to come fix her car was actually another cover up. The truth is Audrey was in labor at Sherwood Medical Center and called to let him know so he could be there for the birth." Mal furrowed her brow in confusion. "But cotillion was only six months after coronation. Pregnancies last nine months, at least that's what Mama Odie said in health class. So how is that possible?"
     Ben sighed. "The baby came three months early. He's two months old now and they said he will be able to leave the hospital soon. His name is Conner Stephen Charming. I'm also the godfather." Ben said sheepishly. Mal's eyes widened. "Three months? That's really early. I'm glad their son is ok though, even if his parents have been jerks. Also, Godfather?!" Ben chuckled. "Yes, godfather. Chad may be a selfish jerk and Audrey may be a bit stuck up but we've been friends since preschool. I couldn't say no."
     Mal smiled as she placed a kiss on his cheek. "You have the biggest heart out of anyone I have ever met. Little Conner is lucky to have an amazing godfather like you. Now, it's getting late and I need to get back to campus before I have to listen to Fairy Godmother's speech on curfews." Ben laughed as he pulled Mal into a gentle kiss. "Alright, good night Beautiful." "Good night Ben," she said sweetly before letting herself out of his office. Ben sighed as he sat down at his desk. He had alot to prepare before tomorrow.

Hey guys! Sorry this chapter took so long it is double the length of my other chapters because I wanted to include a lot of important content in it. I hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter will be coming soon. Evil dreams.

                            -Meloetta246