This chapter is for shaymars who wanted it so much that she private messaged me twice. You're the reason it didn't take any longer. I should hire you to be my personal assistant and keep me from procrastinating.
Enjoy everyone. Next one will be far more exciting, I just feared rushing it too much.
She hadn't even known they were in a town because all of the residents were silent at the arrival of King Harry and Prince Draco. It might have been shock enough to see them together let alone visiting the market. The muggles had stopped everything they were doing to bow to them.
Hermione looked around at the people. Her eyes caught a rather dirty blonde who bowed even lower in the crowd, hiding almost. The crowd started to move slowly, but as soon as the others stood the blonde ran to a shop slipping in.
"Will you join me?" Draco asked pulling her attention to him.
"What is that shop right there?" she inquired.
"A local owlery."
"Would you allow me a moment to write a quick letter to my parent's? I'm have never gone this long without writing."
"And you promise not to sneak away from me?"
"I hardly think that it would be easy to run from you."
He smiled at her quip. She was rather serious about it. "Go ahead, I will be close by waiting for you."
Hermione took her leave, walking briskly through the parted crowd. A bell sounded off when a man opened the door for her, allowing her entry. Inside the dark shop the keeper was yelling at the small girl. He grabbed her arm forcing her towards the entry way when he saw Hermione standing there. "Milady-"
"She is who I came to see. Release her arm." she demanded. The shop keeper did as she said. A squirrely little man with string blonde hair and an awkward mustache. "Sarah, come here."
The girl approached slowly, shame all over her face. Hermione reached into a small pouch attached to her dress and deposited some coins in the younger girls hand. "If you have nowhere to go I will send you to Gryffindor. My parent's will take you in, they are very good to their staff and you will be safe there."
"To Gryffindor?" the girls eyes welled up in tears at the sight of the coins in her hands. She had probably never even held more than a knut."
"My home is just on the outskirts of the Godric's Hollow. It's a muggle village." she looked to the shop keeper who seemed to follow their words closely. "I require parchment, a quill, and an empty jar if you have one."
"Right away, milady." he produced the quill and parchment quickly, but needed sometime to find a jar.
Hermione jot down instructions for the girl on one and a letter to her parents on the other.
"What does it say?" Sarah asked staring at the parchment. Of course Hermione had forgotten that a commoner without proper schooling wouldn't know how to read.
"It's exactly how to get to my home. Keep it close."
The shopkeeper came back almost dripping in sweat. He placed the jar on the counter and leaned to get a decent breath. Hermione lifted the glass jar, she let a flame grow in her palm and let it drift into the jar. The room lit up much more, casting a blue glow around.
"It will protect you should anyone try to hurt you."
"And if it goes out."
"I've had one of these in a jar until I've recalled it. It's spelled not to get out of control."
"How will I get there?"
"Take the King's road. Hire a sworn sword for the trip. Tell him he will be paid more on your arrive to Granger Manor."
"Where do I find one of those?"
"Usually in places of ill repute. Try the local inn." Hermione pat the girl on the shoulder. "You should have plenty of money to get there. Owl me when you do."
"I'm sorry that I failed you, Lady Bell." the girl wrapped her arms around her, crying into her shoulder.
"You didn't fail anyone. Now go, before it gets dark. It's a long trip." Sarah, with some hope in her eyes ran out of the owlery.
Hermione tossed a sickle to the man behind the counter. "You would do well never to raise your hand to a woman again. I'm not very forgiving to men taking advantage of their strength." She walked out of the owlery to the marketplace. it was thriving with people, wizard and muggle alike.
Draco stood across the way sipping on a goblet of something frothy, his expression lighting up when he saw her. He walked forward and his eyes never left hers. He looked like an angel with his blonde hair lit up in the light. He held out a second goblet, "Have you had butterbeer before?"
"No." she took a sip, coating her upper lip in the froth. Draco laughed, reaching forward and swiping it off her lip, then licking it off his finger. Hermione gasped, suddenly embarrassed that he would do that in public or at all.
"Now that was something I hope to never see again." Harry muttered to Ginerva, walking up to the couple.
"I'm sure you'll grow used to it Potter." Draco smirked at him. "We'll be married in a ceremony that makes yours look like a commoners, and hopefully I'll have an heir within two years."
Hermione gaped at him. "Two years?" She hadn't really thought it through past the marriage that he proposed. of course sex with marriage was expected, but hearing the word heir was like a stab in the chest. She had suddenly wished her parents had raised her more like Ginerva, because the thought of being a broodmare was something Ginerva was more accustomed too, where it repulsed Hermione.
Nobility came at such a price that she was still angered by Harry's decision. He never gave her a choice, never even asked her if she wanted it before it did it. But now words like duty and heir were something thrown at her almost daily. Now it was her duty to marry and honor her husband with heirs, and if the Prince wanted to marry her then she should be honored regardless of how she felt about his family, country or views.
"Our children will be strong and attractive, they will do good things for Slytherin." Draco said stroking the back on her hand.
"Of course, your grace." she said smiling quickly before taking another sip of the butterbeer. She glanced at Ginerva and Harry. She wanted to hate them right now. She wanted to blame them for everything happening.
"Did you tell your parents about me in the owl?"
"I did not. I'm sorry your grace, but I don't like to worry them."
"And why would they be worried?" he narrowed his eyes. "Is there a feud between our families?"
"Certainly not, my family likes to stay out of W..." the spell stuck the words in her throat. She hated how picky it could be when it sensed her telling too much. "political affairs. They like to keep their attention to the land they take care of and the people on it."
"So why?" he said now, his curiosity turning to anger.
"It's not you, your grace. I'm just worried about them after I was attacked-"
"Speak no more. You needn't defend yourself further. I understand." he grinned. "You wouldn't want them to think that I was the reason for the attack and that choosing you was because of that."
Hermione lowered her eyes, which he took as embarrassment, but it was truly relief. She took another sip of the delicious drink before looking around the market. "What was the plan for today?"
Draco looked to Harry and Ginerva, his expression showing that they were intruding on their day. "I was hoping to show you around the market, and perhaps get you a gift. I know it's rather forward of me to buy you something so soon, but I wanted you to be able to see the beauty that Slytherin holds. I know that you are not very happy about my decision, but I won't stop trying."
"I haven't a need for anything." she said honestly. She was raised to not throw money around carelessly regardless of how much her parent's fortune was.
"Just humor me, Lady Bell. I assure you we will find something of value to you here."
Harry chuckled, knowing full well that Hermione would probably be the woman to pick a simple potion ingredient or a book rather than jewels or a dress. "This should be fun to watch."
"Must you constantly interrupt, Potter?"
"Can't you two be civil for one minute?" Hermione said sternly, quieting the two. "Let's tour around then."
Draco brought her into a tailors shop, then a jeweler's, neither of which had anything catching her eye. It wasn't till they walked into a pet shop, which Ginerva said was a horrid waste of time, did they see something that made her stop in her tracks. It was the most hideous flat face orange cat. It was larger than a normal cat, Hermione deduced, looking it over till she realized that it was half kneazle. The cat looked up at her lazily at first, but its yellow eyes widened when they met hers. The interaction between the two seemed like an eternity.
Hermione reached out to it, not listening when the shop keeper yelled for her not to, the cat nuzzled against her hand and in one swift movement jumped right into her arms. "Is this cat for sale?" she asked the shocked shopkeeper who seemed reach to throw themselves on a chopping block.
"He is, thing has been here for years, won't go home with anyone."
"Or could stand the sight of him." Harry joked getting a rather evil glare from the cat as if it understood him.
"I'll take him." he said allowing the cat to wrap itself around her shoulders to lay down. "Does he have a name?"
"We call him crookshanks...because of the legs." the shopkeeper said, relief on their face probably because they were getting rid of the small lion. "Did you want a cage for him or anything?"
Draco started to point out the items that he wanted for the cat his future betrothed decided on. He was beginning to think she was something of a patron for lost causes the way she always defended...or in this case bonded with something so strange or impure. Crookshanks, being good for his new owner walked to the cage Draco had bought and settled himself down on the large bed. Hermione looked pleased with the gift she decided on, that was enough for him.
"Shall we put him in the carriage and continue to look around?" Draco asked and Hermione, feeling a little tired from all the looking around decided instead it was time to head back to the castle. Hopefully they would make it in time for the feast.
Hermione let the cat settle on her lap for the ride back, much to the discomfort of the boys who he was staring at like they were a piece of meat ready to pounce on.
"I can't believe you picked that thing." Harry voiced leaning a bit closer to Crookshanks to get a good look at him. one paw extended quickly, swiping just short of the King's face. Hermione couldn't hold back the chuckle.
"That's what you get for insulting him." she smiled to Draco. "Thank you very much for him. He is a wonderful gift."
"Yes, hopefully he doesn't try to kill me in my sleep." Draco replied stiffly, but when laughter filled the cart they all seemed to relax a bit more.
Astoria looked like she sucked on a lemon when Hermione came in with the giant cat. It instantly made itself at home on the bed but it cocked its head to the side when it saw Astoria. It's mouth twitched, a tooth snagging with the lip and looking menacing towards the younger woman. Astoria glared right back at it.
"What kind of beast did you bring back?"
"A half kneazle. Isn't he beautiful."
"I would choose a different word to describe the creature." Crookshanks stretched, digging his nails into the silk of the bedding. "It's going to destroy all of the furniture."
Astoria sneezed so forcefully that she nearly fell from her seat. She turned to glare at the cat who was now rolled over on its back, stretched out and rubbing its fur into the bedding. Astoria sneezed again, this time jumping up from the chaise. "That beast is trying to kill me!"
"Let's just open the window, it could just be his fur."
"I bet Draco did this on purpose to annoy me." Astoria growled and Hermione stared at her. Why was this girl so fixated on Draco. Did that bother her? She throttled that slight jealous feeling in her chest, not understanding it. Crookshanks jumped off the bed, curling around her feet. Astoria pushed open the window in the room, letting the breeze fill the room with fresh air.
Harry took a walk with Ginerva after they had gotten out of the cart. She could sense that he was anxious to tell her something. Finally, when they were out of earshot of other people Harry seemed to deflate. She had seen him like this before, before Voldemort disappeared, he had always seemed to carry the world on his shoulders. The past year had been such a change on him, he was more carefree.
"What is it, Harry?"
"It's Hermione."
"You'll get her out of here, right?"
"He doesn't know, Ginerva. He is dead set on her, and if I take her away he will claim you."
"He told you that?" Ginerva frowned. "It doesn't really surprise me. You should see whenever they lock eyes, Harry. I know that you can't feel it like I can but their magic is perfectly lined up."
"Their magic-"
"I've never seen anything like it. If things were different, Harry, they would be soul mates."
"You know I don't believe in that stuff."
"He won't reject her Harry. When the truth is revealed, he won't."
"You're willing to bet Hermione's life on that?"
They fell silent. Voldemort was gone, but the prejudice wasn't. Draco might not hurt her, but what of his parent's or the followers of the Dark Lord? Ginerva took Harry's hand squeezing it tightly.
"This sight never ceases to turn my stomach." The red head leaned over his horse to stare at the two.
"You were due tomorrow." Harry turned beaming a smile at his oldest friend.
"I decided that riding through the night wouldn't hurt. No need to take up camp when a warm fireplace was waiting for me." he jumped down from the horse, walking forward to embrace his friend and sister. "Is she awake?"
"Yes, she is up and walking around like nothing happened."
"That's Hermione for you." he grinned. "When can I see her?"
"She's back at her rooms now. The prince intends to take her to the feast."
"Malfoy." Ron almost growled. Their families had a hate for each other that lasted for decades. "What does he want with her?"
"Ronald?" A loud squeak came from the castle. A blonde plodded down the steps. Ron groaned audibly.
"Lavender." he said with no amusement in his voice.
"Why are you here early? Have you missed me?"
"Terribly." he said with a flat drawl. "You'll have to excuse me."
"But you have just arrived. I have missed you so much Won-"
"Are you blind or deaf?" Ginerva interrupted. Lavender glared at her. "It's obvious that he didn't come for you. Now go be a warm body for some other poor fool."
Lavender smirked rather than looking shocked. "Of course I'm always the temporary replacement for her. You'll regret treating me like this."
"Don't treat her like that, Gin." Ronald frowned at his sister. "Lavender, can you show me into the castle?"
Lavender smiled at him. They all thought her stupid, she cringed on the inside. They had ruined her reputation with their loud mouths and she knew who was at the center of it all. Little innocent muggleborn Granger.
Hermione nearly dropped her spoon into her bowl when Ronald Weasley walked in with Lavender on his arm and Harry and Ginerva in tow. Her hand shook as she set the spoon down, getting a look from Draco as she did. "Is something wrong, Lady Bell.'
"Wasn't expecting him to arrive early is all." Hermione said and Draco looked up to see the Weasley in his dining hall. She grimaced, suddenly less hungry when Weasley approached the high table, bowing to the King and Queen before turning to Hermione. "Lady-"
"Bell." Ginerva urged him.
"How are you feeling?"
"I've lost my appetite actually." she said with a measure of haughtiness that Draco had yet to see her use. "You should bring Lady Purple to eat."
"Will we be able to meet after?"
"I don't think that the Lady will be entertaining anyone but me after dinner." Draco smirked earning a stiff slap on the side from his father under the table.
"I'll have tea with you after dinner, if Lady Red and King Harry join."
"We'll be there." Ginerva said eyeing Draco's reactions.
The red head led Lavender to her seat but his eyes barely left Hermione. Draco felt jealously well up inside of him. He leaned into her, inches from her ear but she didn't even realize how close he was because she too was fixated on the elephant in the room. "I thought that you said I didn't have anyone to worry about." He grabbed her hand, squeezing it lightly in his own.
She retracted her hand from his, a small demure smile on her face. "Trust me you don't have to worried about him."
A maid poured them tea, the only sound in the room was the tea sloshing into the cups. Ronald cleared his throat, trying to garner attention from Hermione and failing. "So, 'Mione, I see that you are close to the Prince."
"He has taken a liking to me."
"He plans to claim her." Harry said with zero humor in his voice. Ron's face grew red with anger, his lip curled at the thought of it, but for once he didn't raise his voice.
"That won't last long." he grinned after thinking about it. "What a waste of a season for him."
Hermione knew that it was true, that no feelings Draco may have for her would last once he knew about her, but hearing it from someone she once considered marriage with was a smack in the face. He did love to remind her how inferior she was to them, didn't he? She sipped her tea, as if hoping the action would hide her displeasure but stiff posture gave her away.
Ron yelled out, spilling the hot tea into his lap. He desperately waved at his crotch, trying to cool it. Crookshanks sat licking his paw from the top of the couch where Ron had been sitting. A smug look on the intelligent cats face. "It tried to maim me!"
"Shame. Crookshanks," she wagged her finger at the cat. "Try harder next time."
"I won't take this hostility from you, Hermione. It's not uncommon for a man to look elsewhere to meet his needs before marriage. You didn't have to be so-"
"I think it's time that we leave, mate." Harry gave him most authoritative voice.
Hermione woke up the next morning to a sudden increase in sound in her room. She opened her eyes to find Astoria ordering around the maids and three women holding sacks of silk cloth. She turned away from them, hoping that they wouldn't notice that she had opened her eyes, but Crookshanks betrayed her with a loud meow and kneading her in the side.
The afternoon went by in a flurry as the maids and seamstresses worked on her dress for the ball that the Queen was planning. The queen herself took to sipping tea watching over the dress being made. Hermione felt as if every move she made was being watched under the Queen's watchful eye. it was hard to not respect her with the air she had about her, as if she were at the top of a mountain staring down at you as you tried to climb it.
"The wedding dress will take much more time." Narcissa frowned, running her fingers over the dress Hermione had put on for the fifteenth time that day. "It's a tradition for the Queen to embroider the first part."
"I'm sure that you are wonderful at stitching. The tapestries in this castle are wonderfully done."
Narcissa laughed then, "I'll let you in on a secret."
"Oh?"
"I'm dreadful at it. I've always told my ladies in wait that they would have to restrict me to one stitch."
The two shared a moment and Hermione felt just a little closer to the top of that mountain.
