A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates, I lacked inspiration for a while...but I'm back now!

This is a Harmony chapter, as requested by a guest reviewer. While I don't ship this pairing, I actually really had fun writing it. It's a Medieval Muggle AU, which I'd never done before but I loved doing. Anyways, enjoy!

"In order to...por...proop...prop...proper...properly! In order to properly use a long buw...boow...bow! In order to properly use a long bow, one must always oolti...uteleze? Utilease? Ugh!" Hermione swore and slammed the large book closed in frustration, the dust from it floating into her nose. She sneezed loudly and her eyes went wide in fear, realizing how much noise she had just made. Holding her breath and not moving a muscle, she listened. After a moment she relaxed, convinced that no one was near.

With a reluctant look and a sigh, she reopened the large book and once more began attempting to sound out the words. The title of the book was "The New Age Archery Technique", and it was a very dull book with many large words which a new reader, like Hermione, probably should not have attempted to read. Of course, Hermione had always loved a challenge, so she picked out the largest book she could find in the castle's library.

In hindsight she realized that this was most likely not the best decision. But Hermione was never one to back down from a challenge. Therefore, every night, when all of the other maids were fast asleep, she snuck out of the servant's quarters and into the library. This resulted in very little sleep (which then led to several plates breaking and two ladies-in-waiting growing very cross), but in Hermione's mind, it was worth it.

Her uncle, a clergyman, had given her a few short lessons when she was young. Although that was many years ago, Hermione had a knack for remembering things, especially those relating to knowledge. She managed to use what she had learned to read through fifteen pages of the large book over the course of several months.

She had been quite proud when she reached the end of the fifteenth page tonight, but she quickly grew disheartened when she realized that there were close to nine hundred pages in total. However, she steeled herself and moved on, leading her to where she sat now, at around two in the morning, sounding out words and slowly decoding the text.

She was just in the middle of trying to sound out "panacea", a particularly tricky word, when she heard a rustle of clothing. She froze, eyes wide and mouth slightly ajar. If someone found her she'd be fired in the blink of an eye! She softly closed the book and slipped behind the chair she had been sitting in.

Although Hermione was terrified, she couldn't help poking her head out to look when she heard someone enter the room. She let out an unbidden gasp when she saw who had entered.

It was the orphaned prince from the neighboring land - Prince Harry of Gryffindor!

She could still recall when she had first heard Prince Harry's story. It was during her first week of working here, when she was full of questions but, more often than not, denied answers. Her questions concerning the mysterious Prince Harry were some of the few to be answered, as her fellow maids loved gossip, no matter how tragic.

Rita, one of the older maids, had eagerly explained Prince Harry's plight late one night, once all the other servants were asleep. Although she seemed to find the tale almost humorous, Hermione thought it to be quite sad.

It seemed that Prince Harry was originally a Prince from the neighboring kingdom of Gryfffindor. Unfortunately for him, his parents were assassinated by a mysterious figure whom even Rita seemed to fear - The Dark Lord.

While Prince Harry should have become king, he was only one year old. Therefore, King Lucius of Slytherin, Hermione's current employer, offered to take Prince Harry in and keep him safe. Of course, in return King Lucius demanded temporary control of Gryffindor until Harry reached eighteen.

As that date slowly approached, Hermione heard whispers of poison and highly skilled assassins sent to eliminate Prince Harry, securing Slytherin's claim over Gryffindor. Hermione personally didn't care. Although she had never met Harry, from what she'd heard from the lady's maids and butlers, Prince Harry was quite rude. He would often yell at and disrespect King Lucius, Queen Narcissa, and Prince Draco. And besides, Hermione had no loyalty towards either of the kingdoms. As long as she got her pay check, she was happy.

At least that's what she told herself.

But regardless of his tragic backstory, he was still a Prince and servants were not allowed in the library unless cleaning, let alone to read!

As she crouched behind the chair, Hermione held her breath and squeezed her eyes shut, praying that he hadn't seen or heard her.

"Hello?" Prince Harry called out as he walked into the room. "I know you're there...please come out...I won't punish you."

Hermione opened her eyes just as he walked past the chair she was hiding behind. She gasped and he turned and saw her. She stood up immediately and ducked her head, avoiding his eyes.

"I apologize, milord! I beg of you to forgive me! I meant no harm!" She cried.

"Please, calm down!" Harry replied. "Or else someone will hear us," he added in a quieter voice.

She gulped and bit her lip nervously, awaiting her sentence. Would he fire her? Would she be thrown in the dungeons?

"Don't worry. I'm not going to tell on you," he added, seeing her distress.

She looked up in surprise, her mouth hanging open.

"Why?" She asked before she could stop herself. She groaned inwardly. How dare she ask such an impertinent question?

But Prince Harry only smiled amicably. "Well, first of all, you were only reading. I don't see what's so awful about that. And secondly, I don't really like King Lucius, and he gets a certain thrill out of firing servants so I'd prefer to deny him of that thrill."

Hermione couldn't help but smile in return. King Lucius was known to have a fiery temper, and he did seem to enjoy raging at servants and lesser nobles.

"So what's your name?" He asked her, sitting down on a chair and motioning for her to sit in the chair next to his.

She was astounded at his forwardness. He acted as they were equals, as though he was not a prince and she was not a lowly servant.

She sat down gingerly and perched on the very edge of the chair.

"My name's Hermione."

"And I'm Harry, although you probably knew that already." He grinned at her and she cautiously smiled back.

"So what brings you to the library?" He asked her.

"The books. The day I first came in here I fell in love with them. I had never seen so many books in my life! And the smell of this place! Oh, it's wonderful! They're absolutely beautiful, and each is filled with so much information. It's all right there at the tips of my fingers!" She finished breathlessly. She suddenly remembered who she was talking to and her hands flew to her mouth.

What had she done?! How could she be so disrespectful?! Prince Harry didn't care about the life of a servant girl!

However, Prince Harry didn't seem to even realize Hermione's dilemma. He had reclined in his chair, with his hands behind his head.

"Wow, I never thought about this old, stuffy place like that," he began casually. Hermione opened her mouth to defend her precious library, but she stopped herself. She couldn't argue with a Prince!

"I've spent a fair amount of time in here, being tutored," he continued, "but I never got the same feeling you did. I mean I can see what you're saying, about all the information being right there, but unfortunately for me, I can never truly appreciate the smell of this place. You see, my tutor has a rather...peculiar scent, and now I smell that whenever I go in this place."

"He can't smell that bad," she insisted. Hermione knew that it wasn't her place to question a prince, but Prince Harry was so easy to talk with.

"Do you know who Lord Snape is?" He asked and she shook her head.

"Well picture a greasy, black mop. That's his hair. And he's got a nose so long and beak-like a bird would be jealous of it! And his skin, dear lord! It's as pale as corpse' bottom!"

Hermione stifled her giggles with her hand.

"So, why are you here so late at night?" He inquired once her laughter had subsided.

Hermione bit her lip nervously. "Well...I was reading...or at least trying to...I'm not very good yet. But don't worry, I'll stop I promise, just please don't throw me out on the streets! I never meant any harm!"

"I already told you, I'm not going to tell on you." Harry assured with a comforting smile. "From what I learned, life for a servant in my parent's kingdom was very different. They were all given basic lessons, good pay, comfortable quarters, and were treated as equals. Why, they could even rise to great power! My mother, for instance, started out as a simple farm girl! Obviously King Lucius runs things differently here. But I believe that my parents had the right idea; I mean, we're all humans after. I don't see why the amount of money in our vaults should change the way we're treated... But enough of that nonsense. I talk politics plenty... Well perhaps 'scream politics' is more accurate if I'm discussing them with King Lucius. We have some very different views... Anyways, let's talk about you; what are you reading?"

"The New Age Archery Technique," she replied.

Harry made a disgusted face as he glanced at the large tome. "That sounds horribly boring!"

"It's actually quite interesting, once you've made it past the difficult text, that is," Hermione argued, trying to defend her precious book.

"Are you planning on becoming an archer?" Harry asked.

"No."

"Well then why'd you pick this book?"

"It was the biggest," she replied. "But I didn't just pick it to prove my intelligence or so I could brag about reading the largest book. I picked it because it has the most information in it. I could learn the most from it. And it was a challenge."

Harry raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "But it's just archery. It's nothing you'll need to use."

"Knowledge is knowledge, no matter what form." She replied confidently. "And I do enjoy reading." She added upon seeing Harry's continued disbelief.

"Well, I guess that makes sense then. As long as you're having fun." He conceded.

"Don't worry, I do."

"Mhmm...You know, you're one of the most interesting people I've met..." He said absentmindedly.

He suddenly seemed to realize what he had said and began to stutter a response, but Hermione interrupted him before he could get any real words out.

"The same to you," she smiled and he returned it giddily.

Just then the clock chimed three times. Both of them jumped as they were brought back to reality.

"I had best be going," Hermione said hastily, grabbing her book and placing back on the shelf.

"Me too." Harry stood up and stretched. "I'll see you around," he said and left with a small wave.

Hermione smiled and waved back, but her heart sank. She probably wouldn't ever see the kind prince again. She went back to her quarters and laid down, but she couldn't sleep at all; she kept thinking of Harry and his friendly smile. She wished they could be friends, but how could a serving girl ever befriend a prince?

.

.

.

As Hermione entered the library the next night, she expected to once again be alone, but after only five minutes, Harry had joined her. They spent the night reading. He helped with the hard words and they got through a record number of pages. The next night went much the same and the one after it and dozens of ones after that.

Against all odds the prince and the servant became very close friends, and perhaps, Hermione often thought late at night when dreams and reality blurred, there was a chance for something more.

But one night, Harry didn't come. She grew worried as the minutes passed, but soon she decided she may as well get started without him. As she opened the book, she reasoned that Harry was most likely too tired to meet her tonight. But there was still a pit in her stomach, for she knew Harry would never miss one of their meetings. Perhaps leave early or arrive slightly late, but never outright miss it.

Hermione knew something was wrong.

The moment she opened to the page at which they had left off, she found that she had been correct in her suspicions. There, in between the pages, was a folded piece of paper.

Hermione gingerly picked up the paper and unfolded it. Inside it was a hastily scrawled note.

Hermione,

I was just informed that tomorrow morning they are going to assassinate me and secure their hold over Gryffindor. I decided it might be best if I don't wait around to see just how they plan on doing that.

I'm going to return to Gryffindor and reclaim the throne. I'm not asking you to come with me, I understand why you wouldn't want to. But it'd be nice to say goodbye.

If you wish to, meet me outside the stable at one o'clock this morning.

- Harry

Hermione's eyes widened as she read the letter. The moment she had finished, she threw it into the fire. She quickly checked the large grandfather clock and swore. It was already 12:50! She turned and dashed out of the library not even bothering to close the book.

.

.

.

Harry sighed as he looked around the dark stable one last time. It appeared that Hermione wouldn't be saying goodbye. Although he knew it was safer for her this way, he mounted his horse with a heavy heart.

Harry turned to his companion.

"I'm ready," he said stiffly.

The man nodded in reply and was in the middle of mounting his horse when there was a cry from across the stable.

"Wait! Harry! Don't leave!"

Harry turned and saw Hermione rushing towards him!

He jumped off his horse onto the ground, and before he knew it, Hermione's arms were tightly wrapped around his neck and her face buried in his chest After a moment of surprise, he returned the embrace with equal enthusiasm.

"I thought I had missed you. I thought you were gone forever," Hermione said feverishly into shirt.

"And I thought I'd never get to say goodbye." Harry replied, hugging her tighter.

"Harry, you can't honestly think - "

The other man cleared his throat loudly, interrupting Hermione. The two pulled apart and faced him.

"Perhaps now that you two imbeciles have detached for a moment, you'll see the severity of this situation." He hissed angrily at them. "Ms. Granger here just yelled across the grounds quite loudly and unless the guards are deaf or as stupid as Ms. Granger appears to be, they will soon be joining your little reunion."

"You take that back!" Harry bellowed at the man. "Hermione's not stupid!"

"Harry!" Hermione chided quietly. "Thank you for defending me, but please, don't yell. Anyways, he was right. I acted stupid."

"If you say one more word against her, Snape..." Harry threatened in a low voice.

"Wait...Snape?" Hermione asked incredulously. "Isn't he your tutor? King Lucius' advisor? Harry, he's one of them!"

She pushed Harry behind her and faced Snape. "Don't you lay a finger on him!"

Snape merely rolled his eyes. "Foolish girl," he said cruelly. "If I was planning on killing him, he'd be dead already."

"He's on our side, Hermione," Harry confirmed from behind her. "I don't know why, but he is."

Hermione opened her mouth to say something more, but just then there was a cry from the other side of the stables.

"There they are! Get them!" Several guards began to rush towards them, swords withdrawn.

Harry pulled out his sword to fight, but Snape stopped him.

"We can't defeat them, idiotic boy! We must leave now!" Snape mounted his horse and glared down at Harry who had turned to Hermione.

"Run, go, quick!" Harry said frantically to her, as the guards grew closer. "They can't see you yet, you'll be safe if you just - "

"Harry, don't you get it? I'm coming with you!" She cried. Harry suddenly noticed the small bag she had thrown over one shoulder. "Come on!" She said urgently but Harry simply smiled at her ecstatically, his whole face lighting up.

She mounted the horse and turned to Harry who was still on the ground.

"Really?" He asked eagerly. "You're coming? You don't mind - "

"Yes! Now Harry, get on the bloody horse!" She exclaimed as the guards grew closer.

Harry glanced and saw the fast approaching guards then quickly climbed up after her.

The two horses ran off together and the guards were left calling for reinforcements.

Snape continued to berate them for nearly getting killed as they rode on, but the two weren't listening.

Hermione's arms were tightly wrapped around Harry's waist and she leaned against him, seeking warmth from the cold air.

Harry's heart fluttered excitedly as Hermione rested her head on his back and tightened her grip on him.

"I love you." Hermione whispered softly as she breathed in his comforting and familiar scent.

"I know." Harry replied quietly. "I love you too."

A/N: Please review! Criticism is welcome! I've barely written anything with these characters or any sort of medieval stuff, so some feedback on how they came out would be awesome!

Thanks for reading!