Found (Harry Styles) #Wattys2017

Chapter 45

Songs:

What A Wonderful World: Louis Armstrong

Roots: Imagine Dragons

Ro's POV

There in the middle of the guest house stood the people I cared most about with Ron and Harry front and center. Off to Harry's side were his friends, each one had their own qualities about them that made my life a little brighter. Zayn, who was perceived as the dangerous one and a traitor, had done nothing but help me, selflessly and courageously protected me from harm, multiple times. Liam, who from the very beginning was always so kind and despite his inclination to do things by the book, he too never hesitated to do eventually give in to what was right, despite the rules. Louis was a different beast all on his own. In the months of known him, he had become a reminder of who Ethan used to be before he had rose to power within the school. But, although he was basically the leader of the small band of men and was responsible for each one, he never lost his sense of humor or his ability to brighten anyone's mood, especially mine. And of course, there was Niall. Even before they knew who I was, he saved me countless times, and aside from Harry, he was the one I was closest to. There was something about him that I could not put my finger on, but there was a different bond I felt with him.

Each one had their own place just like the rest of my friends I had grown up with. Then, in a corner tucked away from my sight was three figures I didn't want to see there. Gabriel, Collin and Calliope. Much like everyone else in the room, they had a sense of determination and a willingness that I hadn't expected from them. I knew why they were here, but I wasn't going to stand for it. It was one thing that Ron and I got into trouble, we were older and could handle whatever consequences this would bring, but these three were mere children.

I opened my mouth to speak, but was quickly silenced by Gabe. "I know what you're going to say, but we aren't going to listen."

"Ron already gave us permission," Collin added. His boyish features showing despite his larger frame compared to the rest of the grown men in the room. "And he's technically older, so, we do what he says," he grinned to the side.

My eyes darted to Ron, who seemed unphased by what was being said before another voice caught my attention. "It's our right as much as yours to find out where our sister is," my youngest sibling chimed in, gaining everyone's attention.

She was usually loud and spoke her mind freely, but at this very moment, any trace of that brave girl was gone and everyone could hear it in her voice. But, I could see the fear in her eyes that she was so desperately trying to hide from the world. We stared at each other for a long moment, both of silent, but communicating nonetheless. No words were needed for me to understand her confusion about the entire situation, her fear of the unknown, her annoyance for Ethan for the secrets he'd kept and anger towards our parents for their lies.

"We make up the guard, Ro, but no loyalty will ever trump the loyalty we have to the people in this room," Charlie spoke freely, ignoring Aiden, who advised him to be quite and was the only one who seems I pleased to be here. "Even them," he gestured towards Harry and his friends. "This was our purpose, to serve you when the time was right, despite what you're parents want and despite what Ethan wants, and we will gladly follow you, not because it's our duty, but because it's our choice. We all grew up together and you are like our little sister," he sighed. "If you want to go off on a mission of your own without telling Ethan, that's what we're doing."

I looked around at the fourteen other faces in the room, my chest overwhelming with too many emotions for me to even keep up with. I knew what they were saying sounded right, but a part of me couldn't help but wonder if I was wrong in wanting to do this and putting them all in potential danger.