Disclaimer: I do not own the HP characters, settings, names, etc. The plot is lightly based on that of the Swan Princess, which I also do not own.
A/N: So, here's the thing, I'm not very confident about my writing. So I'll ask for a bit of encouragement, discouragement, or constructive criticism in a review from any and all who read...If anyone reads this at all, that is. Ah yes, and since there is a 3 day upload waiting period on new accounts, I will just have to use this one. But warning: this story is subject to change author accounts. My new one is Molly Leandra, so keep a look out!
Chapter One: The Brains and the Bravery
Ravenclaw was always the prettiest of the four kingdoms during autumn. The leaves became rich shades of crimson red, sunset orange, and gold that could put any precious metal to shame. Cinnamon and spicy pumpkin rolled through the invigorating winds, stirring up the appetites for the Fall Feasts. The brightest of sunflowers and dried corn stalks were decoratively placed throughout the stony courtyards, scarlet roses hanging on the walls.
This particular harvest season was one of the busiest. It seemed every peasant, noble, maid, and squire had a full schedule, working here, harvest there, plan this party, finish those chores... A lot of it had to do with the coming of the newest royal. The aged king and queen were well on their way to silver hair and wrinkled skin, but with no child for several years. It was nearly nine months ago that the past-her-prime woman announced the baby. The joyous news was met with hectic chaos, preparations for a pair of prattling baby feet being made not only throughout the castle, but the kingdom's limits as well.
On this, the 19th of September and well into Queen Helen's ninth month, the screeches coupled with labor pains began. Of course, the castle maids ran about quickly, hot towels in arms and sweat lined brows. King David remained in the corridors, perking up at the slightest of movements and pacing all the way. Each peasant had a job this day, and did it with pride and care.
A woman in her early-forties bustled around, shifting her apron around her plump belly. She had frazzled red hair kept in a low bun, and seemed to like to give out orders to the other staff members. Her shouts could be heard with every opening of a door, and King David suspected her to be the midwife. So when she finally exited the room his wife had been shuffled into completely, he nearly fainted with nervousness.
"Sire," She began, going into a quick curtsy, "You are now the proud father of a little girl." With that, she took a squalling mound of blankets from a lesser maid, and handed it to him gently. King David's blue-grey eyes were over come with a gleam of happiness, and a smile over his lips. He nodded to a nearby squire, and instructed him to get word to the empire.
Slipping out towards the balcony, he thrust open the wooden doors and stood looking over its edge.
"This, little princess, is your home. Your future, my Hermione Elena." The king and his young daughter were met by the loud cheers of those who had gathered to see the spectacle that a youngling often brought. "Spread word to the farthest corners of the Four Empires! There shall be a banquet for my little Princess."
It took exactly one year's time to not only spread the word, but prepare the party, grow the perfect flowers- forget-me-nots, to match the blue eyes- choose and bake the cake, send out invitations, and allow the kingdom to get used to Hermione. But finally, on the anniversary of the Princess' entrance to the world, trumpets sounded and flags in all sorts of colors from all sorts of exotic lands waved cheerfully in the September wind to announce the occasion.
Birds of Paradise chattered and squawked in their native languages, flapping about in the trees which were lit with a soft blue glow. Women and girls in sparkly, flowing dresses danced and flirted outrageously with young men and boys dressed in their best tunics and breeches.
Each, as was obligated, greeted the gurgling babe with birthday wishes and gifts. The proud parents David and Helen flanked Hermione, and smiled gratefully for the presents. A trio of royals strode up as if on air, and nodded with respect. One had fiery red locks drawn into a twist with a tiara nestled atop. The freckled face was kind, and her eyes gorgeous green. Her husband had floppy black locks, and a pair of cocoa eyes hidden behind wire-rimmed glasses, constant glint of mischief within them. A boy no older than three stood between them. He had his father's hair and poor eyesight, but the swirling green and tall build were from his mother, Queen Lily of Gryffindor.
King James glared at him sternly, and Lily shoved the young prince gently. "Go on now Harry, give the little one her present."
The disgruntled Prince dragged his feet all the way across the red carpeted floor, and stood at the bassinet while the adults chatted away. Pulling a heart-shaped necklace of rubies and diamond, he held the locket over Hermione's bushy-haired head. She glanced up and paused what she'd been previously doing- concentrating on blowing bubbles from her drool- and reached for the shiny object, awed.
Watching the scene were the two Queens, and the two Kings. "It's just there! You see that, David? My Harry and your Hermione could do well as a-"
"Lily, no. No matchmaking." James warned.
"Why ever not, James? I think it's a wonderful idea! We can end any animosity between our kingdoms, and bring together the brains and the bravery. Each summer, until their eighteenth summer, they shall share in alternating castles. Then, they will have the wedding of the century!"
The hands of the Gryffindor Queen and the Ravenclaw King came together in a rough handshake, each smirking. Their respective partners shook heads instead of hands, but smiled just the same. Young Harry was amused by Princess Hermione, as she continued to stare at the rotating object he swung over her head.
In a distant manor, a slimy, slithering snake of a man sat at his velvet arm chair, planning. The manor was large, but over the years had slipped into horrible disrepair. Tapestries were torn to shreds, dust mites in the corners, and a coating of slime across the icy walls.
The man had no hair, and spoke in a husky slither. At his right was a balding man, to his left one with platinum blonde hair at his shoulders, and grooming a snake in the shadows was a woman with sleek black hair.
The man smirked in the dancing flames. "Tonight, Ravenclaw. You will sssssee my revenge, and the downfall of your kingdom!"
A/N: Ok then, short, and pointless. It was basically an introduction to the plan, back history set up for what's to come. Push that little purple/blue button to the left, and let me know if I should continue!
P.S. Remember, Author account subject to change to my new account, Molly Leandra.
