Chapter 14

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"Octaveous Wright," Harrius repeated, "I believe I had the pleasure of being acquainted with your daughter."

The black smith looked sideways at Harrius for a split second, before continuing on to pack up his tools, "That's impossible…she's probably a journey away from here."

Harrius folded his hands around his back, and smile proudly at him, "You know, it amazes me how excellent you work, with your vision the way it is."

The black smith that fixed Harrius' new armour indeed had impaired vision. He wasn't blind, but there was a tint like shade covering over his brown eyes. Even though he enjoyed his company, Octaveous hadn't directly looked Harrius in the eye at all.

"It shows that much, does it not?" he asked, a bit glumly, "My vision has been like this for as long as I can remember, young one…a couple of years back, I believe a little while you were just a page boy. My wife and my little girl used to live here with me. We used to live out in the fields. I had always dreamt on becoming a knight, that's why I enjoy making yours and Prince Ronald's armour. One evening, while were all asleep, some bandits came to our hut and started a fire, I was able to get my daughter out. I went back in to save my wife, but…I was hurt. The hoof one of the horses had hit my face. At first all I could see was shapes and black shadows…then… finally…my vision was never the same. After I lost half my sight, I was useless in the fields, and obviously no one would think I'm fit to become a knight. In spite of that day, my daughter got taken away from me."

Harrius sat looking at Octaveous in sorrow, "I'm sorry."

Octaveous weakly smiled, "But even for a little girl, she still reminded me of you for some reason." He now stood up; he struggled a bit, using the table for his balance. He went and stood behind Harrius, and started helping him latch on his chest plate.

"Don't worry, sir…one day you might see her again," said Harrius. Distant horns could be heard blowing from the castle's towers. It a tune that was only presented when guests came from distant lands. Harrius hopped on his horse, "Thank you, Octaveous, I must be off now."

The black smith smiled and put up his hand, bidding him goodbye.

"Draw down the bridge!!" one of the guards, at the castle's entrance yelled, "It is King Lucious and Queen Narcissa!"

Ron came galloping along from the corridors in the castle to greet them.

Their daughter Lavender could be seen in the carriage with a lilac vial over her face. Ron got off his horse, he along side Cedric, went over to greet Hogwarts' guests. There were a lot of things going through Ron's head; he knew that the King of Romania would want some answers on why he has been so distant from them. If he did decide to tell them the truth, what would happen toHermione? She could be condemned to death or even worse torture. No matter what, he knew that he had not intention of letting her go.

"King Lucious," Ron properly said, bowing his head against the King's hand. "Welcome."

Lucious didn't smile, but just bowed his head back at Ron, pulling his hand back. "It is a great honour, indeed, to be staying in the presence of your Father's kingdom."

Ron nodded, "Cedric, see that the King, his wife and daughter are led to the Great Hall at once."

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All the Kings, Princesses, Dukes, and Lords were all in the Great Hall. There was a lot of commotion going on during this feast. King Arthur's seat was empty; he was the only royal missing from this great get-together. Ron was in deep conversation with Lucious, while Harrius and his Father Lord James were talking amongst the royal Dukes of Romania.

"When will King Arthur be making his presence, Ronald?" asked Lucious, taking a sip of wine from his goblet.

"Don't you worry, Lucious, he will be here," said Ron, confidently, even though he was still unsure. Ron took a sip of his wine; he noticed that Lavender was staring at him from the side. She was sitting on the right side of her Mother. Ron tried avoiding her look at all costs. He then looked straight forward, across the dance floor, only to notice a girl walking across the corridors. He smiled, when he saw it was Hermione. She stopped for a second only to smile and lightly lifted her hand to wave at him. Ron smiled and winked at her, afraid if he waved back, someone would get suspicious. Hermione then continued walking down the hall, when she walked behind the pillar, he couldn't see her anymore. Ron quickly glanced at Lucious and said, "Excuse me, I just be a moment." Lucious put on a cracked smile, as Ron got up from his seat. He made his way across the Great Hall, into the corridors. But as he turned to go into the direction as he saw Hermione going, Ron collided into someone causing a great groan. "Oh, excus-…" he started; he stopped midway, when he got a good look at the person.

King Arthur was staring at him, with his head straight and his hands folded behind his back. He was looking serious as usual. "Ronald."

"F-Father," said Ron, "Hello."

"Where may I ask are you off to? When you're supposed to be in your place?" Arthur asked.

"Oh, yes, I-…I was just coming to look for you. King Lucious and his Queen are eagerly waiting your appearance, Father."

Arthur didn't nod or anything he just stood still in his same position. His face became even more serious, "Let me thing one thing clear, boy! You're in no position to assist me in any way. I make my appearance when I am ready! Understood?"

Ron frowned slightly, but bowed his head, "Yes, Father."

Arthur nodded, walking past him, expecting Ron to follow him. Ron looked behind him, but then sighed and followed behind Arthur. When Arthur stepped into the Great Hall, everyone around him at the tables started applauding. He raised his hand, proudly at all of them. After Ron went back to his seat, Arthur went to his in the middle, before being seated he went to talk.

"Welcome, welcome, Romania, to another gathering at Hogwarts!" Arthur exclaimed, raising both his hands, "Now I would just like to say a few words before we shall all continue enjoying our extravagant feast. First I would all my faithful subjects to give a nice warm welcome, to our noble guest, the ruler of Romania, King Lucious and his Queen, Narcissa, and his lovely daughter, Princess Lavender!" Everyone applauded, even Harrius and Ron after a little hesitation. "I shall expect all my Hogwarts disciples to make my guests feel welcome, and comforted while they are staying here. Another notice…if there may be any chance of disturbance later on in this gathering, we shall not let it interfere with our dance and feast, or any other rules of this castle." At that several people started looking suspiciously at one another, and started whispering. Ron usually wasn't the least surprised at his Father saying something like that, but with the recent actions, he couldn't help but wonder. "Thank you!"

Everyone continued to enjoy the feast, later on Hogwarts' traditional dancing was to take place. Obviously as future King, Ron had to be groomed for that kind of commitment. Both he and Harrius were taught to dance traditionally starting at the age of five. While everyone got up to dance, Ron just stayed seated, not feeling too comfortable to interact. His Father stood at the side of a pillar talking to his lady-in-waiting, looking to be also keeping watch of everything and everyone.

Harrius approached him, walking with his cape of his robes around his shoulder, and his hands behind his back. "How are you doing, Ronald?"

Ron sighed, moving his fist away from resting on the side of his chin, "Lousy. Sooner or later, my Father and King Lucious are going to mention me having to be wed to the Princess of Romania."

"Ronal-…" Harrius stopped, and softly smiled, "Ron…I know how much you love Hermione. And I bet she's all you've been thinking about this whole time. But where are you planning to take that? It's the rule of Royals all around the world: royals are to be married to royals. Anything else is just uncommon."

"I-I know that, Harrius," said Ron, "I don't know what to do. I s-should think about telling my Father."

Harrius sighed seriously; he looked to see if anyone including his Father was looking. He moved closer, to Ron. "It's not just the fact that you love Hermione, or you don't want to wed with Romania's princess. It's also the fact that you were…together with a peasant before a royal. Now-…I don't mean to that as an offence to Hermione, because I love her too. But this is going to be trouble for the both of you, if we don't think of something fast."

"We…?" said Ron.

"Of course, I don't think you specifically, would be able to survive without me," said Harrius, smirking at him.

Ron chuckled, tossing a piece of his bread at him. "I guess not, thanks, mate."

"Mate? Ha, it's been a while since you've called me that," replied Harrius, "Anyways, whatever happens, we're in this together, right."

Ron bowed his head at him. Harrius walked off back to his Father. Lavender then approached Ron, with her arm locked around her Father's own. Ron immediately sat up, straightening himself up a bit.

"Prince Ronald, I would like you to have a dance with my Princess and your future Queen of Hogwarts," said Lucious. Lavender pleasantly lifted her lilac vial; she gave him a sweet, but wicked smile.

Ron cleared his throat, trying to find a way out of this. "Well, you see Lucious. I have got…a stiff neck this evening." Ron couldn't believe that he just said something so foolish. "P-Perhaps we could save the dance for later on in the celebration…?"

Lucious let out a loud laugh, he turned around to face all the guests. "My people and people of Hogwarts! Is it just me or am I getting a little gesture that our very own Prince Ronald Weasley is a little frightened to take the floor with my daughter and future Queen of Hogwarts and Romania, Lavender?!" King Lucious and all his Lords and servants started throwing back their heads and laughing with goblets in their hands. Harrius was looking a little nervous for Ron, as were the people of Hogwarts were. King Arthur sat at his seat with his arms folded, looking angry and embarrassed by for himself and by Ronald.

Harrius cleared his throat and went to stand in front of Lucious. He held up his hands for everyone to be silent. "Prince Ronald, fears nothing! It was just his own figure of speech to gesture that he had a stiffened neck!" Harrius turned around to face Ron, "Come on then, Ronald. Put on a fair dance, with the princess. And let's entertain our guests on this evening."

Ron hesitated for a bit, before clearing his throat and standing up from his seat. He fixed his red and dark green robes, before making his way to Lavender. She held out her hand for him, he took it and led her into the middle of the squared dance floor.

King Arthur stood up, he held up his hand, "Maestro!!"

The French horns, the flutes and the tambourines started chiming together. Ron led Lavender in the Hogwarts traditional dance. Everyone surrounding them started clapping, and some came onto the dance floor themselves. They started doing line dances, and circle dances, led by Ron and Lavender. Everyone had seemed to be enjoying themselves, all except for King Arthur, who was still sitting at his seat with his arms folded against his chest not looking very amused.

When the music had stop and the dance was over, Ronald quickly bowed to Lavender and vacated the Great Hall. People stared after him and started whispering amongst one another. Harrius turned to look at Arthur who was looking ready to call either an attack or a search. He knew he had to come up with a quick distraction. He quickly started clapping his hands together loudly.

"That was magnificent! Just magnificent!" Everyone turned their attention back to Harrius, they started clapping and cheering. "Yes what an excellent dance!" Harrius made his way into the center, "And now for the main event…." Harrius took out a little handkerchief from his robes, and wiped his forehead quickly.

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Ron trudged outside the castle; he stopped when he reached the well. He sat himself down on the cement bench. He sighed deeply and buried his face in his hands, and just let the winds blow through his hair.

"Prince Ronald?" a voice said.

Ron raised his head, and looked up to see Roger standing in front of him. "Oh…hello Roger."

"Are you alright? Are you not supposed to be at the feast in the Great Hall?" Roger asked, sitting himself next to Ron.

"Yes I am," said Ron, glumly, "I-I just needed some fresh air." He chuckled after saying this.

Roger sighed, and looked at Ron some what knowingly. "Big gatherings like that would make someone nervous, boy."

"It's not that, exactly," said Ron, "You see, the main reason King Lucious and his family were invited here, is because-…" Ron trailed off. But Roger had known exactly why and what he was about to say.

"I see…tradition states, does it not?" said Roger.

Ron nodded. "I'm to wed the princess of Romania so I could carry on the legacy here in Hogwarts….b-but I don't want you to think t-that I don't love Hermione...because I do."

Roger looked a little disturbed about all of this; he stroked the hairs on his chin, and sighed. "I know you do, Ronald."

"I just don't know how to express that to everyone," he said.

"You might be stripped of your kingdom," said Roger.

"It's not me I'm worried about…it's Hermione," Ron said. "She's al-already been through enough trouble, and if m-my Father or any of his guards or Lords know anything about us-…"

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Harrius had introduced some Viking men that came from a place call Nors, far north from Hogwarts. They had come also as special guests to the feast. Cedric came scurrying into the Great Hall, with his little stumpy legs. He had a piece of parchment in his hands. He hurried over to Harrius in the middle of the hall. The hall went silent.

Cedric caught his breath, looked up at Harrius. Even for a middle-aged man he was very short. He looked from Harrius to the very crowded hall. "Well, it looks like Harrius is the center of attention this afternoon." Cedric chuckled at himself after saying this, "Get it? Center of attention, because he's in the center of the--…." Cedric trailed off, as he looked around to see everyone just staring blankly at him and not laughing. "Friendly humour…no?" Cedric's smile quickly faded, he cleared his throat and looked back up at Harrius. "I'm sorry to interrupt, young lad, but this parchment was brought to me from by a black eagle with silver wings."

Harrius frowned and folded his arms, "Silver wings? A bit odd isn't it, Cedric?"

"Yes, well I was unable to locate Prince Ronald, so I thought you might give it to you," he said.

"Now is not the right time for this, Cedric," said Harrius, "I'm entertaining our guests here."

"It's not much, Harrius," he said.

Harrius sighed; he took the parchment from Cedric, '.' "What is this Cedric? The message is in some foreign writing."

"It was sent to the castle's owlery," Cedric replied.

"Alright, let's find Ronald and see what he says," said Harrius.

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"Hermione's in her room resting at the moment," said Roger, "She isn't feeling at her best right now."

"Is she alright?" asked Ron, "Is she ill?"

"I think she'll be fine," said Roger, "She's working all day long."

"Yes, I told her to not push herself into working so hard," said Ron, "Now she's within castle walls, that's all taken care of for her."

"Very well, but as you well know…we are not used to hospitality from anyone but ourselves."

"RON!" A distant voice yelled.

Ron and Roger looked to see Harrius and Cedric rushing towards them. Ron stood up, "What is it, Harrius?"

"A parchment flew in for you," said Harrius, catching his breath before handing it to him. "Your Cedric here said an eagle with silver wings delivered it."

Ron's eyes widened as he opened the parchment and examined it, "This looks like old Nors writings."

"You've seen this before then?" asked Harrius, sounding surprised.

"One of the merchants told me when we were in Romania…but I can't read Nors," said Ron.

"But I can," Roger then said. Ron handed him the parchment. "This must be a very important message if it was delivered all the way from the north."

"What does it mean?" asked Ron.

"Nors writings can mean numerous of things, but…roughly it means 'Do not fall for the King's lies.'

Ron and Harrius exchanged looks.

"What can this mean?" asked Cedric.

"Someone either has it in for your Father, Prince," said Roger, "Or there's something about your Father that we do not know of."

Now Roger, Harrius and Cedric all exchanged looks at Ron. Ron sighed, he faced the castle, with them still looking at him from behind and said, "That would not very well surprise me one bit."

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Hermione stood by the window of her room, holding her stomach from one side. She sipped some of her warm milk the nurse had given her in a little wooden cup. She turned her head, when she heard the room door close. She smiled when she saw who had entered,

"No need to look out the window, Hermione…I sensed that you needed me," Ron said, coming to her.

Hermione lightly chuckled and said, "What are you doing here, Ron? You're supposed to be in the Great Hall."

"Roger told me you were ill, and…I just wanted to make sure you're alright," said Ron, taking her by the waist.

"I've just been feeling a bit tired these past few days," said Hermione, giving him a weak smile, "and now I think it's getting to me."

"I can ask one of my nurses to check you for any illnesses," said Ron.

"O-Ok, thank you," Hermione said, stroking his cheek.

Ron pulled her closer and brought his lips down on hers. Hermione slid her arms around his neck, kissing him back. She moaned as Ron started rubbing under her top. Ron groaned, he tugged her away from the wall, and started leading her to the bed, still not breaking the kiss. Before they could go any further, Hermione moaned and quickly pulled away, again clutching her side.

"Hmm." Was all she could mutter out.

"Hermione, are you alright? You should see to a nurse immediately," said Ron, putting his hand over hers.

"I'm fine, Ron, really," said Hermione, "It's just little pains. I used to get them all the time in the past."

"But if they've been bothering you these past couple of days, you should be cared for," said Ron. Hermione could tell he was really concerned; she smiled with such innocence in her eyes and said,

"Alright then, Ron, I promise I'll talk to your nurse later on. But for now I want you to get back to the Great Hall before you're missed."

Ron stuck his bottom lip out, causing Hermione to swat him on his shoulder. "There's just another thing I wanted to tell you." Ron pulled out the piece of parchment from his robes. "This parchment came from an eagle with…silver wings."

Hermione looked shocked, slapped a hand over her mouth. "Silver wings? Ron, did you know Merlin the wizard was known to have an eagle like that."

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