Hermione Granjeur sat looking outside her quarters in the high castle tower. She watched silently as she watched the guards practicing in one court, some maidens walking about the gardens in another, and off in the distance the business of her father's people walking about, heading or returning from the markets. Everyone seemed in a festive mood, yet she was not. No, she was currently being kept in the high tower for her own security.

Just six days ago she and her mother had returned with their party from visiting abroad for the past year, only to learn news of recent unsettling among some of the neighboring villages. Due to this, her father strictly forbade her to leave the castle unless accompanied by a half dozen guards. Knowing that would be no fun, she opted to stay inside and read.

But reading only kept her mood light for so long. Now, don't get this author wrong; Hermione Granjeur loved to read. She often read during the long road journeys, despite some of the worn roads and other discomforts that come from traveling long distances.

But something about the day…the way the sun was shining, the birds chirping outside her windows, and the joyous mood the entire court had been in during the morning meal made her long for something more to do.

She missed her friends…no, make that her one and only friend, Harrold. They had often played with one another in their childhood days, but she had not seen him since her twelfth birthday four years ago.

There was also Lunesstra, who preferred close ones to call her Luna, her maid and confidante the past two years whenever she was home. The girl often went about her duties in a daze, smiling and singing lightly. That never bothered the princess.

Other times the two would talk, or Luna would just say something that seemed to both capture the princess' mood and confuse her at the same time.

Just then the girl came into her chambers, carrying a bundle of fresh clothes for her.

"You seem to be quite missing the day as it is quite bracing."

Hermione smiled. No confusing remarks there. "I just wish I could go out there, but I don't want to cause a scene."

"One doesn't always have to."

Hermione looked at her strange.

"I mean, you don't have to be who you really are."

"Luna, you are brilliant. I could sneak out, perhaps wear something of yours?" She stopped, feeling as if she might have insulted the girl. "I mean…"

The maid just shrugged. "No harm, if it makes you happy this day I would be honored to help in your quest."

With no more words, the blonde girl hurried out of Hermione's chambers.

Hermione sighed, not sure if the girl was planning on returning. So she picked up her book and tried to read once more.

She only finished half a chapter before Luna returned, this time with a small bundle wrapped in poorly woven material.

"I haven't worn it yet, but it should fit you." Luna said cheerily.

"Oh, I couldn't…you brought me a new dress?"

Luna shrugged. "Tis alright."

Hermione unwrapped the bundle and found herself looking at a yellow dress with a brown corset. It wasn't much, but it suited her.

"I think it will look much better on you, matches your hair and complexion." Luna said cheerily, although Hermione knew the dress must have cost a lot.

Hermione also knew the girl was right; while she had wavy golden brown hair and chocolate eyes with tanned skin, Luna was fair with long straight blonde hair. Hermione smiled as a thought came to her, and she rushed to her wardrobe.

She returned and handed a simple blue frock she purchased during her travels. It wasn't too fancy, but she had liked it because of the interesting colored threads woven in an intricate design on the bodice. "Here, an equal exchange."

Luna's eyes widened as she stared at the beautiful garment. "I…I can't…"

"Of course you can. It suits you more than me, you can wear it at the next festival. No one will know it came from a small village in the East."

Luna hesitantly touched the soft garment. She smiled. "I like it very much."

"Then it's yours, if I can have the dress you brought me." Hermione did not tell the girl the dress was actually quite expensive, likely costing several times the amount of the plainer dress.

Luna smiled even brighter. "I am in agreement."

Hermione then helped her wrap the blue garment in the cloth bag. "Now, take it back to your quarters. Or home if you need, I'm giving you the day off. Don't worry about me, I know how to leave without being detected."

The girl nodded, then made a hasty departure, eager to show her mum her new dress.

It was early noon when Hermione decided to leave. Most of the royal patrons would rest in the afternoon or engage in light activities, as the evenings were usually busy with parties and other grand events.

She had changed into the yellow and brown dress, and left through a secret passage her father's trusted advisor showed her long ago. Sir Dumbledore was an old man, but he knew many things and was the only person her father trusted besides his own family.

Just as she was leaving, Sir Dumbledore himself was standing on the other side of her chambers door.

"Ah, my favorite princess. You seem to be in a hurry." He said with a twinkle in his eye.

She smiled and hugged him. "No time, I'm off on my own adventure. Please don't let father know I have gone."

"Your secret is safe, but beware and remember what I have taught you." He said.

She smiled at him and then headed toward the secret door down the deserted hallway.

"Oh, you two men look just dashing in your uniforms." The sultry blonde said to Harrold and Ronald. She was dressed in a light powdered blue dress with the bodice wound tight around her bosom, showing more cleavage than most of the young ladies in the village.

The two just smirked, used to the girl's flirtations to anyone in uniform.

"And how are you this fine day, Lavender." Ronald replied.

"All the better now that you are here." She said smiling wryly at him.

Harrold rolled his eyes. The girl had somehow found them on each of their days off during the past three months. She always smiled and flirted, sometimes making suggestive comments. He sometimes worried his friend would be tempted, for she had a bit of a reputation. And Ronald always liked attention, especially when his best friend, Harrold himself, was considered quite a catch and was usually the center of attention.

Harrold was the only son from a rich family, his father being the highest ranking officer of the courts. Ronald came from a poor family with many children, all boys except for the youngest, Ginnerva who Harrold held secret affection for. Harrold had two younger sisters, ages eight and ten.

"We were just considering having an ale, actually," Ronald started to say but then suddenly his attention shifted to a young lady now approaching the pub. And the door which they stood in front of. Harrold quickly turned his head to see what had caught his friend's attention in a way he had never seen quite before.

The lady was wearing a yellow and brown dress, quite dull seemingly, but on her it seemed to bring out her features. Her hair was a wild mess, for Hermione hadn't thought about the cobwebs and dust during her journey through the dark secret tunnels.

Ronald looked at her as if the sun was shining brighter than any other day.

Lavender, giving a huff, turned and walked away. Perhaps Seamus is working at the mill, she thought.

Ronald gulped as the stranger approached him and smiled hesitantly.

"Excuse me, may I go through?" She asked. She was parched, and was hoping to find some mead or a nice glass of wine. Ale didn't become her. Luckily, she had thought enough to bring some normal currency and had plenty to spend on the fine day.

Ronald searched for something to say, but found his tongue twisted.

Harrold, thinking the girl looked familiar, was alert enough to open the door for her. "Allow me, miss," He said politely, with a slight bow.

As she went through Ronald continued to stare at her, his mouth slightly agape.

When she was gone, the red haired young knight snapped out of it. "Who is she?"

Harrold shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know…" He said trying to search his brain for the long ago memory. But alas, it did not come. "Maybe we should offer her a drink?" He added looking at his friend carefully.

Ronald still seemed dumbfounded. He nodded slightly, his eyes staring at the door as if he was suddenly afraid of what was inside. And he was…he had never seen a girl like that before. Sure, he had looked at plenty of young fresh maidens, but none had made him feel this way before. And because he had never felt this way he had never courted anyone.

Harrold gave his friend a smirk, then lead the way inside where they hoped to chat up the mysterious new girl.