The House of Control

The Princesses' Presence

Ron's POV

The servants' quarters buzzed with tension as word spread that the royal guests had arrived. Ron could feel the atmosphere thicken as the news rippled through the ranks. Whispers floated through the halls, some with awe, others with nerves as everyone braced themselves to be seen and judged.

Master Jacob's voice cut through the din. "Everyone to their stations. Remember—this is no ordinary day. You are representing The House. Any mistake will not be tolerated."

Ron straightened, forcing himself to bury his irritation. The past few days had already worn him down, and now he had to stay silent, act perfect, and make himself invisible in front of two princesses? He took a deep breath, steadying himself. At least he knew that somewhere in the same building, Hermione would be just as focused, just as determined to avoid any slip-ups.

Hermione's POV

In the grand hall, Hermione stood among a line of maids, each of them poised in silence, their hands folded and their gazes cast down. She felt the weight of the moment settling heavily on her shoulders. She was aware of every breath, every heartbeat, as she awaited the arrival of the royal guests.

She stole a quick glance at Lila, who stood beside her, looking a mix of anxious and thrilled. Their training had prepared them for this, but none of them had ever served guests of this importance. Hermione's heart pounded with nerves, though she forced herself to stay calm. Every step she took would be measured, every movement scrutinized.

Finally, the grand doors opened, and all eyes turned to the figures entering the hall.

The first to step forward was Amara, the Sun Twin. Her vibrant golden hair caught the light, seeming to glow as she walked with an effortless grace, her amber eyes sparkling with curiosity as she took in the hall. She wore robes of deep gold and amber that matched her warm complexion, and each movement radiated a quiet confidence, as if she belonged wherever she was.

Beside her, her sister Alana moved like a shadow, her midnight-black hair contrasting against her robes of deep blue and silver. Alana's expression was calm, her silver eyes taking in every detail with a cool, steady gaze. Where Amara's presence was warm and inviting, Alana's held an intensity that made Hermione feel as though she were looking straight through the walls, seeing every hidden corner.

As the princesses entered, everyone in the hall sank into a deep bow. Hermione followed suit, keeping her gaze down, though she couldn't resist a sidelong glance at the pair. Their poise was mesmerizing—each step seemed deliberate, as if they were royalty through and through, carrying an air of authority she couldn't help but admire.

The princesses continued their inspection, their eyes scanning the hall, the servants, and the arrangement of every detail in The House. Mistress Isabell approached, offering a quiet bow and murmuring polite introductions. Hermione caught her breath as she saw Harry at the front of the room, standing with the masters. He was calm, collected, every inch the new apprentice.

A small pang of shock and confusion stirred within her as she watched him. He seemed so... different. Stronger, perhaps even a little colder. It was hard to reconcile the friend she knew with the figure standing beside Mistress Eleanor.

Ron's POV

From his position by the grand staircase, Ron watched the princesses move through the hall, his pulse quickening as he spotted Harry standing near the masters. He still looked like Harry, but something about his demeanor, his posture—it was as if he'd become one of them. It made Ron's stomach twist.

Harry didn't so much as glance at the other servants as the princesses approached him.

Amara's warm, curious voice floated over the room. "It seems The House has prepared well for our arrival."

Alana's voice, in contrast, was soft and measured. "Indeed. But let us see if they can maintain such perfection throughout our stay." Her silver eyes swept over the hall before landing on Harry. "And you—Apprentice Potter, is it?"

Harry gave a respectful bow, meeting her gaze steadily. "Yes, Your Highness. I came to The House a few months ago to train."

Alana tilted her head, her gaze piercing. "And what is it that brought you here, Apprentice Potter? Most don't seek out The House without a strong reason."

Harry answered with a composed voice, his tone even. "I sought discipline and purpose, Your Highness. The House has provided me with both."

Ron clenched his fists at his sides, feeling a strange mix of anger and disbelief as he listened. Discipline and purpose? The Harry he knew had never been one for blindly following rules, for suppressing his curiosity. Yet here he was, speaking like he belonged to this place, like it had given him something he'd been missing.

Amara smiled, nodding approvingly. "A rare dedication, indeed. You must be quite remarkable, Master Harry."

Hermione's POV

Hermione's heart twisted at the exchange. The Harry she knew had always questioned everything, fought against unfairness, and yet here he was, answering their questions without a hint of resistance or warmth. She knew The House was strict, but she hadn't imagined it could change someone so completely.

As the conversation between Harry and the princesses continued, Hermione forced herself to focus on her task, her gaze fixed down as she straightened the edge of a nearby cloth and adjusted the settings of the table. Her movements were precise, controlled, each one ingrained from the hours upon hours of training.

But inwardly, her thoughts whirled. What has happened to you, Harry? she wondered, feeling a mix of sadness and fear. And how do I get you back?

Just as she finished adjusting the cloth, Mistress Isabell appeared beside her, giving a subtle but sharp look. "Granger," she murmured, her tone low but stern, "keep your focus on the task at hand. There is no room for distractions today."

Hermione nodded, quickly returning to her work, though the weight of the moment pressed down on her. She cast a fleeting glance at Harry as he continued speaking with Alana and Amara, her heart aching with every word he uttered in that controlled, almost unfamiliar tone.

Ron's POV - Later, in the Servants' Dining Hall

That night, Ron found Hermione in the farthest corner of the servants' dining hall, just as he'd done a few times before. The room was bustling with quiet activity, servants moving in and out with trays and dishes, but here in the back corner, they had a bit of privacy.

As soon as she sat down beside him, Ron leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "You saw him, right? Did you see how he was talking? How he was standing up there, like... like he belongs here?"

Hermione nodded, her expression troubled. "Yes, I saw. It's like he's... become someone else." She paused, swallowing down the knot of worry in her throat. "When he spoke to the princesses, it was like he'd accepted this place. I don't understand it."

Ron clenched his jaw. "I know Harry, Hermione. I know he wouldn't just... just choose to be one of them. Something's happened to him here. This place has changed him."

Hermione looked at him, her eyes filled with worry. "Then we have to find a way to reach him. We can't just leave him here, not like this."

Ron's face set with determination. "Agreed. But we can't do anything until we know more. We have to be careful—figure out what's happened to him and why he's acting like this."

Hermione nodded, her gaze focused. "You're right. We have to find a way to reach him, to remind him of who he really is. Whatever they've done to him, we're going to undo it. We have to."

They shared a look of fierce resolve, both of them knowing that this task would be far from easy. They would need patience, cunning, and perhaps a bit of luck if they were going to help Harry remember himself.

As they returned to their rooms that night, each of them carried the weight of the day's discoveries. Harry was still out there, but he was different, changed by the place that had taken them all in. And they knew that time was running short if they were going to get their friend back before he became someone else entirely.