A/N: I am so sorry for the late update. Been very busy with other stuff lately. Anyway, belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year… I will be updating All Because of You soon as well. Cheers!
Chapter Six: Queen Antonietta and the Little Cupid
Harry Potter woke up feeling so excited. This is his most awaited day ever since he knew that Hermione was carrying his child. He will finally be able to spend some time with Antoine. As one of Hermione's bodyguards, he quickly got ready and made his way to her majesty's private pool. It's one of his duties to always hover around the queen since all briefings were finished yesterday. Erik already gave him access to Hermione and Antoine's daily schedules, so he would always know where they are. And now it's time for his most favorite part in her majesty's schedule - swimming time! He tried to control the mischievous smirk on his face as he recalled the water nymph that was Hermione Granger yesterday. He can't wait to see what kind of swimwear she has on today.
He was whistling a happy tune while walking towards the halls on his way to the royal pool area. When he was nearby, he heard giggling sounds and Hermione's laughter. What he saw as he entered made his heart melt. There playing in the waters were the loves of his life, Hermione and Antoine. They were speaking in Russian, but the sound of their laughter was music to his ears.
"Daddy!", he heard Antoine squeal with excitement. Harry saw Hermione froze and the five people from the staff along with Erik look at the crown prince with shock. Harry heard Hermione address the staff in Russian and they hurriedly left the pool area. He then saw her address their son in Russian and he saw their son nod in understanding. I got to learn Russian or at least figure out some spell to make me understand this language!
"Good morning Hermione, Antoine!", he addressed mother and child trying to break the ice.
"Good morning Daddy! Would you care to join us?", there son was clearly bursting with joy. Harry looked at Hermione's panicked face and realized that she wasn't comfortable with the idea.
"In as much as I want to son, I'm not actually dressed for swimming right now", he said with a chuckle and he saw Hermione breathe a sigh of relief.
"Awww! But can you use magic to change your clothes or something? Mama says that you are the most powerful wizard of this time, surely you can do that right? Please, daddy! Please", Antoine looked at him with a pout.
"Harry, if you would want, you can spend some time with Antoine in the pool. I'd have to be ready early for the people's visit today", Hermione addressed him. She looked at him and her eyes gestured to their pouting little boy and Harry understood immediately.
"Well, if that's the case, who am I to decline a queen and a prince's request?", he said with a wink to their son and the boy immediately squealed with glee.
"Antoine, I'll leave the water now so you could spend time with daddy, okay?", Hermione addressed the child.
"But mama, I want us all to play in the pool together!", the child whined.
"Oh, love. I'm so sorry but you know how important today is right?", Hermione gave an apologetic smile.
"Yes mama. A Kournikov should always put the needs of his people first", the child sighed, and Hermione smiled.
"Thank you for understanding, my little prince. Now how about I stay for a couple of minutes as I drink my coffee by the lounge and you enjoy swimming with daddy? How's that sound?", Hermione suggested.
"Okay, mama! I love you!", Antoine beamed.
"I love you more, my little prince", Hermione kissed their son's forehead and made her way to the stairs. She slowly pulled herself up and once again Harry Potter was mesmerized. Hermione was wearing a black one piece this time. It was very simple, but it showcased a bare back. She was drying her hair with a towel and then started to pat her body dry. Like the first time he saw her again, all he could do was stare. Merlin! How could I ever say that I love this goddess like a sister before? Why was I so stupid?!
His eyes were following Hermione's every move, but she didn't seem to notice because she was busy drying herself while her smiling eyes were on their son. Hermione went to sit on one of the lounge chairs and started sipping her coffee.
"Daddy! What are you doing still standing there?", his staring was interrupted when he finally noticed his son calling him. He gave a slight shake of his head to clear his thoughts from fantasies of the goddess that was Hermione and then he focused his attention on Antoine.
"Sorry son, let me just change my clothes to something more appropriate", he said with a chuckle. With that, he grabbed his wand from his invisible wand holster and transfigured his clothes into black swimming trunks. He immediately dove into the water and grabbed the little boy who was squealing with joy. From his peripheral vision he could see Hermione giving them occasional glances and then she would hide her smiles by sipper her coffee or reading the paper. After twenty minutes of swimming, Harry saw Hermione stand up from the lounge chair and put on her robe.
"Antoine, Harry, I best start preparing for the day. You can stay here and enjoy the water. I already informed the tutors that all of Antoine's classes are cancelled for the day, so you are free to spend time together. But Harry, please promise me that you will not leave the castle, and should any problems occur please send me a patronus or notify Erik at once", Hermione said in all seriousness which reminded Harry of the days when she fussed about him.
"Okay mama! Bye!", Antoine said with a wave and Hermione pouted.
"Really Antoine, after spending some time with your daddy, you already forget to give me a kiss?", Hermione feigned sadness. Since Harry was carrying Antoine, he swam towards the edge of the pool where Hermione was at and she knelt in front of them.
"I love you mama!", Antoine smiled and gave Hermione a smack on the lips.
"I love you Antoine", she chuckled while ruffling the boy's wet hair.
"Now it's daddy turn!", the child clapped, and his eyes were full of excitement.
"It's daddy's turn to what?", Hermione asked with confusion.
"To kiss mama, of course!", their child answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Harry and Hermione looked at one another and Hermione shrugged. Harry took that as a sign that she was fine with it since she turned her cheek. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Harry immediately felt himself blush. Get over yourself Potter! Stop acting like a school boy!
"Mama, parents kiss each other on the lips!", Antoine crossed his arms across his chest and pouted. Hermione gave a nervous chuckle.
"Antoine, stop embarrassing your mama", Harry tried to make the situation less awkward and he playfully pinched his son's cheek. As much as he would want to kiss Hermione, he knew that she would really get upset if he took advantage of the situation.
"But dad…", Antoine whined.
"No buts Antoine. Now say goodbye to mama", he gestured to Hermione.
"Bye mama! We'll see you at dinner, okay?", Antoine smiled.
"Of course, love. Remember what I told you okay?", Hermione smiled and then walked away.
"Son, what were you talking about in Russian awhile ago?", Harry asked since he was curious.
"Well, mama told the staff to keep secret the fact that you are my daddy. When they left, she then told me that I should keep it a secret first and she'll let me know once it's the right time to have that news out in public. I asked her why, but she says that it's too complicated. I feel really bad for mama sometimes, I know how hard being queen is and she's a very hardworking and intelligent queen", Antoine confided to Harry. Hermione must want to keep this a secret for now especially the magical threats she's been receiving.
"Well your mama sure is lucky to have such an understanding son in you, Antoine", he smiled at the little boy.
"I just wish someone can help mama you know, dad since I'm not ready to help her manage Karthegenia yet", the boy sighed. This is Hermione Granger's son alright. Antoine already knows the meaning of responsibility at such a young age, and the kid clearly inherited Hermione's brilliance.
"Well son, just continue doing your best to learn your lessons and be a good kid. I'm sure your mama is so proud to have you as a son. And I know that you will be a great leader someday, just like your mama", he looked into the boy's emerald green eyes that resembled his very own.
"Dad? Don't you love mama?", Antoine asked in all seriousness.
"Of course, I do. I love your mama very much. There is no other woman in the world for me. I love her just as much as I love you and don't you forget that", he replied in all sincerity.
"If you love mama, could you promise to stay here? Forever? Mama needs all the help she can get dad. Being queen is really hard", Antoine replied. Merlin! My son is so mature for his age. I feel so bad for the poor choices I made before. I could have been with them all this time. I could have supported Hermione with her great burden.
"I promise to stay here son. I will never leave you and your mama ever again. But for me to be together with her again, I must win her back. And I know that's not going to be easy", he promised.
"I'll help you be with mama again dad. Because I want us to be a family. Mama needs us", the boy was in tears and with that Harry just wanted to kick himself for his stupidity. All he could do was to kiss his son on the forehead as he whispered two words - I promise.
After spending some time in the pool, father and son had breakfast while exchanging stories to one another. Since he was curious to see what a "People's Visit" entails, he convinced his son to check up on the throne room, so they could observe what's going on. While there, Harry fell even more in love with Hermione. The Hermione Granger he met at Hogwarts who was kind, caring, just and understanding is still present at the very core of Queen Antonietta. He was amazed with how well she handled the people and addressed their concerns. He saw that Hermione isn't just the mother of Antoine, but she is the mother of Karthegenia. This wonderful woman who has always been there for him during his time of need is now there for an entire nation. Merlin, Hermione! When will you ever stop surprising me with your brilliance and compassion? And how could I ever let you slip away from me?
Hermione was busy for the rest of the afternoon, so she was only able to bond with them during dinner as promised. She listened with as smile while Antoine talked about the things, he did with his father today. Seeing her little boy so happy made her happy too. She'd always known that Harry would be an excellent father and she felt bad for depriving him of the chance to be with Antoine. So, she was happy that Antoine quickly got along with his father. It was clear that Harry was immediately smitten with their son. At least now, the two could finally get to know one another. After dinner, Hermione gave Antoine a bath and tucked him to bed by reading him a bedtime story. It was a routine for them whenever she was in the castle and not away on a trip. Just as she was about to say goodnight, Antoine grabbed her hand.
"What is it love?", she asked with concern.
"Daddy told me today that he loves you mama", Antoine said, and Hermione made a snort in her mind. Of course, he loves me. He loves me like a sister.
"Well we were best friends. So, I'm sure that's what he meant by that", she smiled at the proof of her love for Harry. A love that Harry Potter never reciprocated. But she'll go through all that heartache again because all that pain brought Antoine into her life. Antoine who is the sunshine in her lonely life filled with the daily responsibilities as queen of Karthegenia.
"Mama? Do all best friends have children together?", her little boy asked with all innocence and curiosity. Merlin! How am I supposed to answer this question?
"Enough questions, my little prince. It's time for bed. Goodnight!", she kissed Antoine's forehead and hurriedly left his room to avoid the child's awkward questions.
"Good evening, Hermione!", she heard a voice call out.
"Harry! You startled me!", she yelped while placing a hand on her chest to calm her nerves.
"I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention", he smiled.
"It's alright. Well, what can I do for you?"
"I just wanted to inform you that placing magical security measures around Kournikov is now 75% complete and it will all be completed tomorrow night."
"That's great news. Thank you, Harry. Will that be all?"
"Well are you going to bed now?"
"Yes. I'm on the way to my chambers now. If you'll excuse me."
"Let me escort you to your door. It's my job to keep you safe after all", Harry smiled at her and she started walking to her chambers.
"Harry, I would like to thank you for spending time with Antoine today. You made him very happy", she smiled at him.
"Well, he's made me even much happier so there is no need to thank me, Hermione."
"This is my stop. Thanks for escorting me. Goodnight Harry", she turned to open her door, but Harry stopped her.
"Hermione, please take this ring with you. It is enchanted. If you press hard on the gemstone, it will let me know that you are in trouble and I would immediately know where you are. It is also safe from theft since you and I are the only persons that could remove it from your finger. I will be giving Antoine's emergency jewel tomorrow. I reckon I should give yours first", Harry explained while scratching the back of his neck. A gestured that Hermione is so familiar with. It means he was nervous and shy.
"Oh. Thank you, Harry", Hermione opened the box and slipped the ring on her right middle finger.
"Goodnight Hermione", he gave a slight smile and Hermione nodded before entering her chambers.
"I love you Hermione", Harry Potter whispered when she was already inside her royal chambers.