AN: As a thanks to my newfound readers, here is an extra-early update! I must say I was very pleased to see story alerts, favorites and reviews go up after my first chapter, it truly means a lot. I had a question from a reviewer for my last chapter regarding if I had in mind the person Hermione would end up with and the answer is yes. But be aware, I may be swayed. Also the Weasley clan will be a part of this story, their first mention will be in the next chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling owns Harry Potter; I simply am borrowing him and his crew for my own mischievous purposes.

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Chapter 2: Constant Vigilance

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Hermione thanked the courtier who had brought her to her room. The guest suite was splendid to say the least, fully furnished with everything from a lounge area to an array of aging bookshelves, much to Hermione's delight.

The princess smiled looking away from the small library to the other parts of her temporary residence. Heavy curtains were tied back by golden ropes to allow the sunlight in and a large four-post bed much like her own lay draped with beautiful red and gold silks was at the center of the back wall. Wood furnishings lined the room including everything from her own vanity to a large mahogany armoire filled with her gowns and a few others which she did not recognize and concluded must be gifts from the King and Queen themselves.

Hermione felt honored by their hospitality and gently fingered the beautiful dresses before her, judging by their quality, the robes must have cost a small fortune for the Gryffindor monarchs, but she knew, judging by her surroundings, that the King and Queen of Gryffindor found no need to think twice when it came to spending their wealth.

There was a small knock on the door, and Hermione was suddenly reminded of the fact that she was not alone in the room, as her lady-in-waiting quickly scurried to the door, and let in her closest friend Luna Lovegood.

Hermione grinned as her companion entered, her deep blue eyes quickly seeking out her dear friend and confidante. Luna graciously accepted Hermione's embrace and clutched her hands excitedly.

"This is quite the palace wouldn't you agree Hermione?" Luna exclaimed in greeting her waist length blonde locks gently swaying as her head moved to survey the princess' room.

"I must agree. It is everything one could have dreamed of, and everything the books had written of," Hermione responded wistfully gazing about the room once again.

Luna smiled in agreement, "Have you seen the gowns gifted to us from with the King and Queen?"

Hermione nodded with a small smile, "Words cannot describe how lovely they are, the silks must have been imported, I have never seen such fine quality before."

Luna smiled in acknowledgement, flitting about the room, her navy blue day gown flowing behind as she moved. Her left hand ran down the spine of a few books and she tilted her head towards the side as she read the titles.

"The Most Noble House of Black: their Rise to Power" murmured almost to herself.

Hermione's brow furrowed slightly as she heard Luna's words and joined her at her side.

"Seems a bit odd does it not? That there are books within this chamber regarding the nobility of the other lands?"

Luna shook her head attempting to remember what she had grown to learn over the years. "The Land of Gryffindor has been known for their alliances and cooperation with other kingdoms for many years. Before the defeat of the Dark Lord it is said that King James made an alliance with the great duelist and wizard, Lord Sirius Black of Slytherin when they attended Hogwarts together. Lord Black became one of his most noteworthy companions as the war began along with Baron Remus Lupin, originally from our own land of Ravenclaw. After the war, Baron Lupin alongside Lord Black chose to stay in the realm of Gryffindor and have been by the side of King James ever since. However in the last few years suspicions have arisen due to their long absences from court. Though no one has a clue as to why.

Hermione nodded, slowly taking it all in. "I did not realize that the Land of Gryffindor allowed for the permanent settlement of foreign citizens within their empire except for in the instance of marriage."

Luna sighed knowingly. "I had wondered that myself, it was curious that the two had not returned to their respective lands, especially Lord Black. The Black nobility after all is one of the most royal families in Slytherin, second only to the Malfoys. But it is said that Lord Black had a falling out with his family. Rumor was that a few of them might have had a connection with the Dark Lord before his fall, most notably his cousin Bellatrix Black who fell in love with the likes of Rodulphus Lestrange. The two were later killed during the war, by who we do not know. But whatever the truth may be, it was quickly smothered by Noble House of Black in order to uphold their reputation."

Hermione rubbed her temples gently, the news all very new to her. She had heard much of the war from her own father and from the several books she had read, but none had mentioned the ill works of nobility whether from Slytherin or any land for that matter. She gazed back at the shelf, which held other tomes regarding Defensive Magic, Magical Maladies, and Ancient Runes.

Luna gently placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder and with a gentle squeeze whispered, "It was said that there was a traitor, from the land of Gryffindor itself during the war, only the King and Queen along with their closest advisors know of his identity. It is rumored that his name was Peter Pettigrew; he was stripped of his lordship quickly after the war and disappeared from the lands. But it is only a suspicion, for the ones who know the truth have been sworn to confidence."

Hermione slowly lay down on the velvety divan by the luxurious sitting area, Luna drawing in an armchair nearby.

"It is all too much," the princess said with an audible sigh staring at the ornate ceiling. Luna nodded, quickly changing the subject as Hermione's lady-in-waiting approached with preparations for the princess' bath.

It was improper for the women of the court to speak of such controversial affairs, even if they were of the past. It was part of the reason Hermione did not know as much as her mind pleased about certain aspects of the war and other tidbits of history. Not only was it reprehensible, but also speaking of such unproven matters could cause charges of treason and slander to be brought forth, and that was the last thing the princess and her dear friend desired while staying as guests in another court.

Luna gave her a small smile, as she reached the door of the room, "Don't let such talk clutter your mind, what's in the past is past. I will come again to help you prepare for the royal feast tonight. All the nobility will be present and we must present ourselves at best."

Hermione nodded in acknowledgement and allowed her lady-in-waiting to lead her towards the bathing room. She sighed glancing out the large arch windows and taking in the beautiful scenery just outside of her room.

Suddenly there was a flash of movement from the corner of her window, but just as quickly it was gone.

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AN:

There you have it for Chapter 2! I hoped this chapter helped set up the plot clearly, before the action all begins. Chapter 3 will soon be uploaded within the next day I should hope. And fret not; our favorite HP charmers (Princes Potter, Diggory and Malfoy) will present themselves accordingly in the next two chapters. Reviews are greatly appreciated!