Author's Notes: Okay so I guess you've all noticed the new title I changed the story is no longer: It's The Ring's Fault, it's Choices and I also have a new summary to go with the new title! My story has taken an interesting turn of events, I had no idea their was even going to be royaltie in the story. Origionally it was just going to be based on Draco - Hermione, I don't plan things though, I just go with the floo, I have no clue what happens in the next chapter, like you guy's it's a surprise for me too as i write, what comes next! I HATE PLANNING! I feel if i plan something like a story it ruins the excitement in it becuase you'll know every think that happends before you've even written it.
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Chapter 9. King Leon.
"I told you to stay in the carriage," Lucius scolded the young man, annoyed.
"Don't scold me Lucius Malfoy, my father is no longer here to allow you to tell me off, or whatever else. I am king now, I will do as I please, I was tired of the castle, I wanted to get out, and Hogwarts seemed the safest untouchable place. Where is Draco?" Leon asked.
"Sitting at his house table with his other housemates and his wife," Lucius seethed. He was not a happy man right now.
"Wife?" Leon asked, interested. He'd not seen his old friend and rival for a long time, this was news to him.
"Yes, my friend here's," Lucius made a lazy hand gesture to Severus, "daughter and my goddaughter. She fought in the war and played a big part in defeating the Dark Lord," Lucius answered. He knew the young King would be interested in Hermione, he and Draco rivaled each other, always had done always would do.
"I should like to meet your daughter, sir," Leon spoke directly to Severus, ignoring Lucius. Those within hearing range knew Severus would not have a choice but to obey the order. It was not a command or a request.
"Yes, your majesty," Severus paused, not liking this, deciding to change the subject, "I would like to introduce to you the Headmaster of the school, Albus Dumbledore, and the deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall," Severus spoke with ease and held a natural expression.
"Yes, I know who they are, father told me much about the great Albus Dumbledore," Leon replied, smiling a dazzling smile that would make any witch weak at the knees.
"Ah, young Leon, the last time I saw you was when you were a little baby in your mother's arms. How is Rowena these days?" Dumbledore asked politely, relaxing knowing the young King meant no threat or harm to his students. He was still wary from the war against Voldemort.
"Well as can be expected, I should send her here, Hogwarts castle seems a much more happier and more welcoming place than home at the moment," said Leon, still ignoring his adviser, Lucius.
"Well come on in m'boy, the more the merrier," Albus said warmly. The young man was indeed the spitting image of his father, dark hair, firm, handsome, tanned skin with rich chocolate eyes, he knew the female population will be pining for the young man. Things would become very interesting indeed, he did not miss the interest the King held when Lucius mentioned young Malfoy's wife, Severus's daughter! Yes, things would become very interesting indeed.
"Thank you Dumbledore," Leon replied.
"You and your mother are welcome at Hogwarts anytime, will you be residing?" Dumbledore asked, as he motioned the young King forward to follow him up to the staff table. The look on Lucius Malfoy's face was priceless, Dumbledore had to suppress laughter at the sight!
"If it will be no trouble Dumbledore," said Leon. He had heard many stories about Hogwarts and was interested in learning all there was to know about the castle and was looking forward to being reunited with his friend and introduced to his wife!
"Not at all and please, call me Albus," he replied.
"In that case you must call me Leon, my father was very fond of you, he used to say 'your uncle Albus,' if he spoke of you or told a story of your younger days," Leon replied smoothly.
The rest of the group was following a few paces behind the two men, Lucius and the two men in uniform were behind, McGonagall and Severus at the back.
Severus glanced at the Slytherin table and found his godson. The look on his face was one of shock, surprise and a little fear perhaps? Lucius had told him of Leon and Draco's childhood days. He glanced at Blaise who mirrored Draco's shock and surprise. He glanced at his own children, who were watching him, looking at him for answers. He shook his head and looked in front of him.
Draco sat there in shock as he saw his old childhood friend who he'd not seen in quite a few years. He felt fear, shock and surprise flood through him all at once. He waited for them all to sit down and then he undid the silencing charms around himself and Blaise. He looked at Hermione and grabbed her attention. He sent her a silent message using legilimency.
Leave with me now. Hermione looked at him, surprised, but they both rose at the same time and left, walking down the aisle. Draco grabbed hold of her when they were in the doorway of the Great Hall and, practically dragging her, stormed down to Slytherin common room.
At the staff table, Leon had accepted Dumbledore's place at the centre. Leon watched as his old friend rose along with a pretty-looking brunette, from what he could see of the side of her face and watched as she turned her back to him and walked down towards the doors of the Hall. He watched as Draco grabbed hold of her hand once he reached them and all but drag her out of the Hall.
"Albus, who was the pretty brunette I just saw leaving?" He asked the old man quietly.
"Ah, that would be Severus's daughter, Hermione Snape, now Mrs. Hermione Malfoy. She's the brightest and most talented student we have, high scores every year, she gets better and better. She was a massive part in the war of defeating Lord Voldemort," Albus answered.
"Speaking of students Albus, are you going to tell them of my identity? They know nothing of the Wizarding King, apart from made-up stories," Leon asked.
"I will, if you wish it, in the morning. Or I can make up a story," Albus offered.
"No, it's about time. The Wizarding world is safe once more, it's about time the Royal family comes out in the open," Leon calmly replied.
"Very well," Dumbledore rose from his seat. The Hall went silent.
"Now you are all fed and ready for a new year to begin, we have a very special guest joining us for as long as he wishes to stay, you will be told of his identity tomorrow morning at breakfast but for now it is time for bed. Prefects please lead your new students to their dormitories, the Head's have other business to deal with," Dumbledore watched as the older students started chatting and leaving for the doors and the younger students stayed behind. He placed a comforting hand on Leon's shoulder and waited until all of the students were gone.
Dumbledore did not agree with arranged marriages like the one Hermione and Draco had. He knew the young King was interested in Hermione and was curious to see what would happen here. He was going to place Leon in the Head's chambers and let Leon have the room that would have been Hermione's.
"Severus, I would like a word with you and young Hermione in private," he announced to Severus as the other staff left.
"I see," Severus smoothly responded.
"Tomorrow during lunch, in my private rooms," Dumbledore said.
"I will speak with Hermione, she and Mr. Malfoy are residing in my chambers tonight. We have things to discuss, there is already trouble brewing and the term's not even started yet," Severus said bitterly, scowling darkly, silently cursing the Weasley boy and several others.
"Ah, nothing to troubling I hope?" Dumbledore replied, gazing intently at Severus.
"Not as far as I know, the Weasleys and others did not take to well to finding out my daughter's true identity and about her marriage to Draco," Severus said, his eyes diverting to Lucius who met his gaze evenly.
Leon listened and watched the man named Severus intently and with curiosity. He was an interesting person to study, unlike Lucius. Severus had a strange character about him that he was looking forward to getting to know.
"Very well, I will see you tomorrow at lunch time, Severus, with Hermione where I will introduce Leon too and she can show him around the castle. She may have the afternoon lessons off," Dumbledore announced.
"I will pass the message on," Severus said, eyeing the old man curiously, wondering what he was up to now.
"Well, Leon, I will show you to your rooms now. Would your men like to follow me and Lucius, if he is needed? I'll assign a house elf to you if you wish to get your things," Dumbledore said. Leon rose up.
"I'll only need my two men, I don't need Lucius the rest of this evening. You are free to go home to your wife Malfoy," Leon said, smirking at the rage that lighted in his adviser's eyes.
"Thank you, your majesty," Lucius replied, rising while still holding Severus's gaze and the two of them left together.
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