CHAPTER THIRTY


Summary: Finding herself one thousand years back in the past and in the legendary Kingdom of Camelot was something Hermione had never seen coming. But with no possible way back to the future and being stuck in the past, Hermione had no option but to form a new life for herself, and hopefully without changing the timeline. Unfortunately, matters of the heart cannot be controlled and she finds herself entwined in the lives of Prince Arthur and the great and powerful sorcerer, Merlin. Hermione x Arthur pairing.

Disclaimer: I do not own canon events and characters, they belong to J.K Rowling and the creators of Merlin, and the BBC. I am not making a profit from writing and posting this fanfic. I'm also making some big changes to the Merlin plotline so don't be surprised that nothing matches with canon. If I'm being honest, it's been years since I last saw the series, so I'm mostly going off what I remember and episode reviews and notes. And I've decided Arthur won't be dying.

AN

Had I meant for this chapter to be so long? No. Should I split it in two? No, I can't be bothered, you may take it as it is, a 12,000+ word monster of a chapter.

I'm pretty sure you're all going to hate me after this chapter. Well, maybe not hate me but still...

I hope you're all out there being safe and taking care of yourselves as the world slowly goes to hell. What a time to be alive, eh? I'm cracking up with this whole social distancing/self-isolation thing and I'm hoping to get a lot of editing done as well as make some headway on writing and updating other fics, but don't hold me to that, sometimes I look at my computer and think 'I can't be arsed, let's watch TV and eat until I make myself sick,' so we'll see how it goes.

Oh, and Sirs Nigel, Aldus, Godfrey, Oswaine, Davie and Conan are OC character mentions. The rest are all a part of Merlin canon, something I spent bloody ages researching as I had to make sure none of them had died yet, spoiler alert, most of them do but I won't say who.

Your views came flying in for the last chapter and you guys are the absolute sweetest, I swear, I don't deserve you.

Also, how many chapters are there? I'm going to honest, I don't have a clue. Whilst I know what I want to happen and when I want it to happen, I'm winging it in regards to chapter length, content and quantity as we all know by now, I can't stick to a schedule and I can't help myself.

Q&A

Fairytalebliss182 – Akela is going to be the bane of Arthur's existence and the best chaperone anyone could ever hope for their child to have.

Gameofsuperwholockathogwarts – Wow, that was a long-arse username to type out and it took me three attempts, as well. I've reached season 2 of Vampire Diaries but I've got to the point where I just want to bang my head off the wall and have since stopped watching it to give myself time to come to terms with my hatred at Elena. I've never thought of a self entry, probably because it'd be harder to write myself as a person than it is to write someone else. Does that make sense? As for the GoT, I'm working on it but it's a very, very slow work in progress and though I don't feel there's enough out there, it isn't my top priority at the moment but I could definitely consider doing one of those pairings sometime in the future.

– I know she confessed to Merlin, to be honest, I can't remember is she said the same to Arthur so I'll have to go back and have a check. If she did, would he piece together the information or stay in denial? They do say 'Ignorance is bliss' after all.

Padfoot'smyMan & Calimeli06 – Keep reading to find out.

Kneazle – I don't want you to worry, I understand your review was not meant to be negative and I always welcome constructive criticism. If I'm being honest, English is not one my strong suits and I know I've improved massively over the years (I'm editing the first piece I ever wrote and it is grammatically painful for me) and I know I'll continue to improve as the years pass. Most of the time, I tend to pick up what other authors are doing without even realising that I'm using it in my own work, and I don't have a beta (trust issues and all that) and I rely heavily on the programme Grammarly. I'm not the best proofreader even if I've read and reread a piece three times before I post it but I always go back and reedit and clean everything up the best I can once I've completed the work and I have every intention of doing the same with this one. Yes, I know that Hogwarts is not south of Camelot, perhaps I had Hermione state that on purpose, another security measure so they'd never be able to contact or find it should they ever try to? Anyway, I'm glad you're enjoying this pairing. I agree, there really isn't enough out there, neither is there of Hermione/MCU pairings and I had a lot of fun writing my Hermione x Peter pairing, particularly the teasing/annoying of Sam and embarrassing Peter.


Page count: 27


"Merlin!"

The manservant sighed, rolled his eyes and then plastered a smile on his face, turning around to see Prince Arthur approaching.

"Yes?"

Arthur stopped before him, narrowing his eyes suspiciously as he held the crossbow in his hand down by his side, having been practising his aim on the training fields for the last hour.

"Where is Hermione?"

"The Princess?" His eyebrow arched, his mouth twitching in amusement when the young Prince speared him with a withering glare.

"No, the handmaiden. Yes, of course, the Princess," he snapped irritably.

If he were honest, Merlin found it entertaining and he'd been enjoying ruffling the Prince's feathers for the last couple of weeks.

Merlin had always known and understood the Prince's thoughts and feelings surrounding Hermione but ever since the incident of their abduction, Arthur's protective instincts had grown exponentially, so much so, the Princess had taken to hiding from him for a small reprieve, not that Arthur knew that. It was to be kept secret, something only himself and Gwen knew. Whilst Merlin thought Arthur was being a tad overprotective, he also found it both amusing and quite adorable, too.

"I have not seen the Princess since we crossed paths this morning after breakfast. I'm not entirely sure what her plans were for today but I know she had her guards with her and Akela," he told the Prince, not blind to the way some of the tension seemed to drain from him at the news.

"And you do not know where she is?"

"No," Merlin confirmed and it was the truth. He'd been collecting and gathering ingredients for Gaius all day and had only recently returned to the castle's grounds. "Perhaps she is with the children," Merlin offered, knowing that with the recent start of construction of the approved orphanage Hermione had been spending quite a bit of time with the orphaned children in the lower city, preparing them for their transition.

"No, Guinevere told me she has not seen Hermione today and she's been with the children most of the day."

"Perhaps she is with Charles, helping to tend to patients."

"No, not only has the number of citizens requiring care decreased and it being the reason behind Hermione stepping back from her duties to allow Charles to take over, but I have already spoken with him. He has not seen her today either and he said she had no plans of collecting any ingredients for her remedies."

Merlin's brow furrowed. "The marketplace?"

"No, I had Sirs Leon and Geraint search the marketplace, none of the vendors recall seeing or speaking with her."

Merlin bit his lip, admittedly beginning to feel a little worried but he reminded himself that if she were in trouble, not only did she have her guards with her and Akela, she was more than capable of taking care of herself and if she weren't, Merlin wouldn't have been surprised if she knew some magical way to contact him other than the sister copper coins they sometimes used to communicate with each other during late-night hours when neither of them could sleep or he had a question about magic he couldn't wait to ask her.

"And she is not in the castle?"

"No, she has not been seen entering the castle since she left this morning," Arthur answered, doing his best to hide his worry but Merlin could see right through it. "Nor has she been seen walking the grounds."

"I am certain she is fine no matter where she is or what she is doing," Merlin assured him. "The Princess is well guarded and you have witnessed yourself that she is capable of wielding a dagger. She has yet to miss dinner and is likely to return before it is served."

Arthur released a breath and ran a hand through his hair.

"You are useless," he grumbled, turning on his heel and stalking away from him and back over to the group of training Knights.

From afar, Merlin observed Arthur setting down his crossbow and selecting a sword, beginning a fight with one of the Knights, Merlin wincing in sympathy when he saw Arthur was not being merciful.

His eyes did a quick search of his surroundings and seeing no one nearby, he readjusted the strap of his heavy satchel over his shoulder and then dug into his pocket, feeling the cool metal of the coin in between his fingers. Pulling it free, he stared down at it, sending a quick message to Hermione, enquiring about her well-being. He held his body still and his eyes did not leave the coin until he received a reply several minutes later.

I am well. Do not worry. I will be back for dinner.

Releasing a breath of relief, Merlin slipped the copper coin back into his pocket, gave his head a shake and left the training grounds, needing to take his gathered ingredients to Gaius.

~000~000~000~

"Dear Gods!" Hermione shrieked, her hand pressing against her heart in an effort to stop it from leaping from her ribcage. "Arthur! Was there any need in that?" She scolded, scowling at the Prince as he stood before her after having chased her down the corridor and darted in front of her, halting to a stop.

Arthur didn't reply, not even seeming to have registered her words as he stepped closer and brought his hands up to clasp her upper arms, his eyes slowly scanning her from head to toe in search of injuries. Seeing this, Hermione huffed and folded her arms over her chest.

Honestly, she was very close to hexing him, her secret be damned. There was only so much she could take and Arthur was testing her patience.

After the incident of their abduction and escape, King Uther had forbidden both herself and Arthur from leaving the city gates alone. Whilst they were allowed to continue spending time together, if they should wish to leave the city that had to be accompanied by Akela and a guard of no fewer than five, something both she and Arthur had automatically baulked at. Their evenings and days spent together, no matter what it was they did, there was something comforting and private about it and neither of them wanted that experience to be witnessed or experienced by anyone else and because of that, they hadn't left the city since that day.

At first, the King hadn't allowed either herself or Arthur to leave the castle grounds and it was three days later when Hermione was cracking up and pacing the corridors like a caged animal, that Arthur went to his father and convinced him to lift their 'house arrest', using Hermione's need to be present in the lower city for her healing duties as an excuse.

Whilst she and Arthur continued to spend their time together by the stream or walking the castle grounds as they used to do, she was quite aware of the change in Arthur's behaviour. To most, it would be subtle but she knew Arthur rather well compared to most and the change was obvious to her. He was far more protective of her.

When he accompanied her through the marketplace, he was barely a step behind her, always watching for any who may wish her harm or stepping closer when she spoke to one of the vendors or she was approached by someone. He barely took his eyes off her when they were sat at the dinner table or when they were by the stream and Hermione read from a book, sometimes aloud and sometimes not. Heaven forbid if she sneezed.

Whilst she thought it was sweet he cared so much for her well-being, she also found it infuriating and had taken to hiding from him, ducking into alcoves or rooms when she heard him approaching or having Charles or Gwen lie to Arthur about her whereabouts so he wouldn't go in search of her or if he did, he wouldn't find her. She just needed some peace and sooner or later, if he didn't stop, she was going to snap.

"Arthur, I am fine," she assured him, trying to keep her voice calm.

His eyes snapped to her, looking at her accusingly. "Where were you today? No one I spoke to had seen you, Sirs Geraint and Leon didn't see you in the marketplace and you weren't with Charles. Anything could have happened to you and I wouldn't have known where you were."

She barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes at him and she unfolded her arms and batted his hands away from her, taking a step back from him whilst he blinked in surprise.

"Arthur, I know that what happened to us was unfortunate and difficult, but you really must stop worrying, it is driving me insane. I was completely safe. I had Emerick and Michel with me as well as Akela. I had planned on spending some time with the children and then later checking in with Charles when I was reminded that my ingredients supply was growing dangerously low and so I went in search of my required supplies in the woods, also allowing Akela the chance to hunt something other than rabbits."

"Hermione, you can't leave Camelot, it's too dangerous," Arthur's eyes widened in panic.

She released a slow sigh before her eyes darted about the empty corridor but not wishing for anyone to overhear or stumble upon them, she stepped around Arthur and crossed over to the door on the left, the door creaking as she opened it and stepped inside. Arthur followed after her in confusion and she closed the door behind him once he entered, briefly noting they were in one of the guest rooms. Just how many did the castle have?

"Arthur..." She started slowly, making sure she had his attention. "I did not leave Camelot, I was simply in the woods. I crossed the training grounds when you were training with a bow and arrow," she said, seeing a slight frown pull at his brow. She knew what he was thinking, why didn't he see her? "You were quite focused, and at the time, I believe you were breaking up an argument between two of the Knights. I was safe. When I am in Camelot, no matter who I am with, I am always safe. You need not worry."

"I always worry," he admitted, running his hand through his hair, a few strands sticking out at odd angles.

"I am touched that you hold such concern for me, but you are only causing yourself more stress. Since our abduction, you have been intolerable and whilst I know you mean well, it is overbearing, I feel like I can't breathe."

A horrified expression crossed his face. "I..." He paused, unable to finish his reply. He visibly swallowed before saying, "That had not been my intentions."

"I know," she assured him, softening her voice and offering a smile. "I know, Arthur, you are just worried, but please, stop. I enjoy our walks through the marketplace and our time spent by the stream, I am comfortable in your presence and I don't want anything to change between us but if you do not stop worrying, I'm afraid you might push me away."

"I don't want that," he shook his head. "I apologise."

"Apology accepted," she nodded. "Now, I believe we best head to dinner before they serve it without us and we're late."

Arthur released a breath and held his arm out in offering, Hermione slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow.

She was more than aware of his gaze being on her for the entirety of the walk and she purposely kept her attention facing forward.

~000~000~000~

"This one?"

Hermione looked up from browsing the clothing options for boys, wishing to purchase something new for her four young charges. With them now receiving regular and decent meals every day, whether it was Hermione making them, Charles buying food items from the market now that he could afford it, or food being sent from the castle's kitchens, they had all gone through a growth spurt and whilst Hermione could and had easily and magically altered their clothing to accommodate their growth, she didn't see the harm in purchasing new clothing so they had more than one of each essential clothing item.

"I'm sorry?" She questioned.

"What do you think of the colour?" Arthur asked, holding a pale pink scarf by one of the stalls to the left.

"Arthur, it is pink," was all Hermione said.

Arthur's face pulled into a slight grimace. "Yes, and you hate pink," he nodded knowingly, putting the scarf back on the table and perusing the other colours.

A week had almost past since she'd had her talk with Arthur and she was extremely glad to see that things had all but gone back to normal. Whilst she was sure his feelings hadn't changed, he'd certainly learned to get a better grasp on those overprotective tendencies and she no longer had to purposely hide from him.

They were taking a walk through the marketplace and it was just herself and Arthur that day before they both intended to go their separate ways, Hermione to check on the progress of the construction of the orphanage and Arthur to tend to some council business with his father.

"This one?" Arthur suggested, holding a lilac coloured scarf.

"It's pretty," Hermione admitted. "Why do you wish to know my opinion? Why are you looking at such an item?" She tilted her head in confusion.

His mouth twitched. "As a gift, of course."

"A gift? Who for?" She questioned curiously.

His eyebrow arched. "For you, who else?"

She blinked slowly before giving her head a shake. "That is kind of you, Arthur, but I cannot accept such a gift."

"Why?" His brow furrowed.

"You should know by now, I am not one for material possessions and I don't much like accepting gifts from others. Besides, what do I require of a scarf? The weather has yet to take a turn for the worst, the days are lovely and when they are not I have cloaks to protect me from the cold."

She turned her eyes to the older woman before her, handing her payment for her selected items before she placed them into her basket and then walked off, missing the exasperated look Arthur gave to the amused vendor before he followed after her.

After Arthur had offered to buy her various jewellery items, perfumes and even a pig (an actual pig!) Hermione's annoyance at his persistence had morphed into amusement, watching as the Prince all but pouted for the remainder of their walk. As she neared the last couple of stalls, Hermione purchasing some pies she'd later take to her four charges, she felt a tap on her shoulder and she turned around, a smile pulling at her mouth at the sight of Arthur stood before her, a bouquet of white and purple flowers held in his grasp.

"Princess," he bowed playfully, his mouth pulled into a wide smile and his blue eyes sparkling in the beam of sunlight that shone down on them, not being the slightest bit embarrassed by their audience watching them, the citizens in the marketplace halting in their steps to observe and whisper between one another.

"My Prince," Hermione played along, placing her basket on the ground, holding the skirts of her red dress in her hands and then curtseying, rising to full height when Arthur did so, too.

"A gift for a Princess as beautiful and delicate as you," he beamed a smile.

Hermione immediately felt her cheeks fill with heat as she accepted the flowers from him, bringing them closer to her face and burying her nose against the soft petals, breathing in the sweet, floral scent.

"Thank you, Arthur," she replied. "They are beautiful, and this is a gift I will happily accept," she responded, Arthur's smile seeming to grow wider.

Hermione darted a quick glance around her, seeing the excited whispers that seemed to have broken out amongst their audience and she shifted on her feet nervously, thankfully, she was saved from further embarrassment in the form of a distraction she most certainly hadn't been expecting.

"Your Highness! Your Highness!" A voice called frantically, pushing their way through the crowd until he reached the front and halted to a stop, doubling over slightly as he breathed heavily.

"Emerick? What's wrong?" Hermione frowned, seeing her usually composed personal guard looking so worried, his guard's uniform askew and being without his helmet.

"It's Polly, Your Highness," he breathed out.

"Goodness," Hermione whispered, her eyes widening.

Polly was Michel's wife, someone he spoke of often when they were away from the castle, someone he knew he loved dearly and after being married for two years, she was now heavily pregnant.

Hermione knew that Michel and Emerick had grown up together, Michel's mother helping to care for Emerick when his mother had died and his father struggled with the loss of his wife and raising a young son. For that reason, it wasn't all that surprising that Michel and Emerick were brothers in everything but blood, just as she'd been the same with Harry and Ron. Emerick's worry meant one of two things; a, Polly had gone into labour or b, something was terribly wrong.

"The baby..."

He wasn't given time to finish as Hermione whirled around, turning away from his worried expression and Arthur's surprised one before she faced the man and woman that tended to the baked goods stall.

"Arnold, would you mind if I left my purchases here and collect them later in the day?" She asked the older man.

"Of course not, Your Highness," he barely gave it thought.

Hermione smiled before she placed her bouquet of flowers in the basket and turned back to Emerick.

"Where is she?"

"Michel was escorting her to your medical hut."

Propriety be damned, she lifted her skirts in her hands so she wouldn't trip and then she took off in a run, Emerick and Arthur so being surprised by her behaviour that it took them a moment to catch up. Hermione ran and she didn't stop until she reached her destination, not even to wave to or smile at some of the lower city citizens who called out a greeting or the children who wished to speak with her. When she reached the medical hut, she could hear cries coming from inside and the door slammed against the stone wall when she barged in.

All eyes turned to her, seeing her chest rising and falling with laboured breathing, her hair windswept and a thin sheen of sweat breaking out on her forehead.

Charles looked both horrified and relieved as he stood at the end of the cot Polly was occupying, looking as though he couldn't decide between being sick or fainting. In all of the weeks she'd been training Charles and everything he'd witnessed, this was the only thing that had fazed him. She'd wanted to hand over control to Charles but before she could do that, she knew he'd have to assist with child delivery, and despite being in Camelot no more than three months, she, herself, had yet to deliver a baby, too. Luckily, she had plenty of experience from her time in Ealdor. She wasn't so cruel to throw Charles into the deep end, if it had been anything else she wouldn't have hesitated, but this was something she would have to tend to herself and have Charles assist.

"Your Highness, thank god," Michel breathed out, looking a mixture of horrified but worried.

"Not to worry, all will be well. Now, let's see to things shall we?"

Hermione calmly but quickly crossed the room, reaching for some soap and water to clean her hands with and she turned her eyes to Charles.

"Charles? Charles!" She called, his eyes snapped to her. "I need hot water, a towel or sheet, a knife or dagger and some string or wire."

"Hermione..." He trailed off, his wide eyes darting between her and the crying woman on one of the cots, one she knew he would most certainly not sleep in that night.

"Charles, listen to me. I need your help. Whilst I am quite capable of doing this on my own, I would much rather have your assistance. This is something you need to know and it's imperative you listen and observe carefully."

Taking a breath, he seemed to compose himself before he darted about the room, retrieving the items she'd asked for.

"Michel, perhaps you'd like to wait outside?" She suggested.

"Oh, yes, yes, of course," he said quickly, looking relieved as he all but ran from the hut and shut the door behind him.

Hermione chuckled before she closed the distance between herself and the cot, kneeling on the ground and seeing Polly watching her star-struck despite her current situation. She had bright green eyes, her hair a dark blonde which fell down to her shoulders in a limp, sweaty mess. Her skin was sun-kissed, her cheeks chubby and her nose small. Hermione thought she was quite pretty and could only imagine what her future children may look like.

"Not to worry, My Dear," Hermione gave her a comforting smile, "I've delivered plenty of babies and I've yet to let either mother or child down."

"A Princess is delivering my baby," she whispered in child-like awe.

Hermione smiled amusedly. "Yes, a Princess is delivering the baby of which her personal guard fathered. That will be quite the tale when they are older and they have quite the bragging rights when they have friends."

Polly released a laugh which soon morphed into a loud cry and Hermione winced in sympathy before reaching for the skirts of Polly's dress and lifting it.

"Is this your first child?" She asked despite already knowing the answer, she just wanted to distract her.

"Yes,"

"What are you hoping for? A boy or a girl?"

"I want a boy, Michel wants a girl," she panted. Hermione arched an eyebrow knowing that there was always supposed to be one male child born to carry on the family name, especially for those of nobility or royalty. "Michel has four brothers, he is the second eldest and witnessed the hassle they caused his mother. He believes a daughter will be less stressful."

Hermione laughed and shook her head. "Oh, then he is most certainly in for a rude awakening when she reaches her teen years."

"Yes, I believe he might lock her away when she begins to speak of marriage," Polly replied, sharing a laugh with Hermione.

"I want you to mimic my breathing, it will help manage the pain," Hermione explained, practising the breathing exercises she'd read about in one of her medical textbooks long ago by breathing out two short breaths quickly and following it with a longer, slower breath. "Good," Hermione praised when the mother-to-be did the same. "Charles? This baby is not going to wait much longer," she warned, not taking her eyes from Polly.

Charles was soon beside her, looking as though he was fighting off the urge to faint or flee, placing his gathered items on the ground.

"Thank you, did you wash your hands? Excellent. Polly, you are fully dilated and when you feel the need, I want you to push. I know it hurts and I know it's hard but trust me, this is all going to be worth it, once you have your little one in your arms, you will never again care for what you went through. If it will help, grip the sides of the cot and don't let go, squeeze as hard as you can."

"I...I think I need to push," Polly spoke around her breathing exercises.

"Are you ready?" Hermione looked to the fifteen-year-old.

"No," he shook his head, looking horrified.

"Wonderful," she said lightly, paying no mind to his annoyed glare. "Polly, push!"

As the minutes ticked by, Charles' pallor gruel paler and Polly's cries grew louder.

"Charles, take over," Hermione instructed.

"What?" He squeaked out, terrified.

"Take over, everything is progressing as it should... You're doing wonderful, Polly, take a breath and push... I have no concerns regarding the health of the mother or baby, we are almost through here. Just be sure to support the baby... Polly, we're nearly there, I need one more big push. You may scream as loud as you wish, shatter the windows for all I care, but I need you to do this."

"I can't!" She sobbed.

"Yes, you can. I know you can... Charles, I'm right here, don't worry, you're doing fine..." She said before she left his side and kneeled at the side of the cot, holding her hand out in offering and Polly quickly latched onto it, squeezing tightly. "I'm right here with you, one more push and it's all over. Squeeze as hard as you need to, break my fingers if you wish but take a deep breath and push..."

Hermione was sure to keep her expression supportive and calm and not show the pain that spiked through her as Polly gripped her hand tightly and moments later, Polly collapsed back onto the cot and a cry sounded, Hermione turning her eyes to see Charles looking equally horrified and mystified.

"Well done, let me see to the little one and I'll be right back," Hermione said, giving her hand a squeeze before releasing it and moving over to Charles.

"Grab the dagger, cut the umbilical cord and then tie it off with the string," Hermione instructed, carefully taking the newborn from Charles' stunned form, it taking a moment for him to process Hermione's instructions.

"We need to gently clean the baby of the blood and fluids," she said, Charles immediately reaching for a sheet and dipping it in the water, watching as Hermione gently cleaned the baby's skin whilst supporting it in one arm.

When she was done, Charles handed her a second clean and dry sheet and swaddled the baby the best she could with only one hand.

"Is... Are they well?" Polly breathed out, looking worried and exhausted.

Hermione lifted her eyes from the wriggling newborn in her arms and looked to Polly, smiling.

"Exceptionally well," Hermione assured her, finding the baby's pulse and feeling the heartbeat beneath her fingers, it all seeming normal. "The cries are a good indicator of having a healthy set of lungs and whilst it is music to the ears now, in a few weeks it will be the worst noise you've ever heard."

Polly laughed and reached up, pushing her hair back from her face.

"Charles, would you like to do the honours?" Hermione asked.

"I'm sorry?" He blinked in surprise.

Hermione tipped her head. "You helped to deliver the firstborn child of Polly and Michel. Would you like to present her their child and inform them of the sex?"

Charles cleared his throat before accepting the baby, Hermione noting that he didn't seem all that uncomfortable or worried about holding such a delicate little being, but she supposed he was a decade older than little Kenelm and he'd likely held him when he was a young baby, too.

Charles moved to crouch beside the cot, "You've got yourself a daughter," he informed Polly, carefully placing the newborn onto her mother's chest as arms came up to cradle her and a happy sob broke free.

Charles rose to his feet and backed away, giving her a moment alone with her baby and he moved to stand beside Hermione as she washed her hands with water and soap.

"You delivered your first baby today, how do you feel?" She asked him.

He slumped against the table, pressing his hands against the surface and bowing his head.

"That was... Horrifying!" He whispered. Hermione laughed. "But I feel... I don't know, good. Really good."

Hermione nodded. "It is an experience," she agreed. "There is nothing quite like helping to bring a child into the world but I warn you Charles, not all experiences are as happy or successful."

"Meaning?" He frowned, turning his head towards her.

"Whilst I have been lucky enough to not yet experience such a thing myself, there are cases where the child may be stillborn." He looked confused. "Dead, Charles. Some children are born dead." He looked horrified, an expression which had been present for most of the morning, she knew. "Some children are born with health issues, some women have complications during childbirth, resulting in the loss of the baby, of the mother and sometimes both. Some women have the baby but do not want to keep it."

"Why would they not want to keep it?"

"In most cases, the mother was raped, the child was born out of wedlock or the mother works in or for a brothel."

"Oh," he nodded, a frown marring his features.

"I will teach you how to combat the complications of childbirth and pregnancies but for now, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. And whilst I do still wish for you to assist with one or two more childbirths before delivering a child on your own, I'm confident in your ability to succeed and with my decision."

"Decision?"

Hermione smiled before she crossed over to a cabinet, opened the drawer and reached inside, pulling out a scroll of parchment and returning to his side. She held it out to him and he took it with curious caution, releasing the string that tied it together and unrolling it, his eyes scanning the neat, loopy script before him, something he recognised having read most of Hermione's medical notes.

I, Hermione Gryffindor, a physician in the Kingdom of Camelot, do hereby declare my apprentice, Charles Swift, a trained and highly competent physician.

Beneath that was a smaller, messier script he'd never before seen.

I, Gaius, Court Physician to the Pendragon throne in the Kingdom of Camelot, have witnessed the competency of apprentice Charles Swift and do hereby declare him a trained physician.

Beneath that was a third and final script, the handwriting bigger than Hermione's and slightly slanted.

I, crowned Prince Arthur Pendragon of the Kingdom of Camelot, have witnessed the extensive training apprentice Charles Swift has undergone under the watchful eye of Princess Hermione Gryffindor, one of the greatest physicians I have ever been under the care of, and do hereby give the royal approval of declaring Charles Swift a trained physician.

Each script was signed by the correct author and at the foot of the scroll was the Pendragon Royal Stamp.

He'd literally been given the royal seal of approval, something most physicians did not get.

He dropped the parchment to the ground and opened his mouth to speak but no sound came out.

Amused by his reaction, Hermione reached down and picked up the parchment from the ground, her eyes scanning the words written before she rolled her eyes and reached for the string, retying the scroll after rolling it up. She wasn't all that surprised Arthur had given Charles his approval whilst also complimenting her in the same sentence. He couldn't help himself. Arthur hadn't taken that much convincing when she'd asked if he'd give his approval of declaring Charles a trained physician, simply because she'd been the one to ask, he'd witnessed Charles training under her and she knew that there wasn't much he'd deny her. Gaius, on the other hand, had taken a lot more convincing but with Merlin's help, they'd finally succeeded.

Whilst her approval was more than enough, having the approval of a second physician always worked in one's favour and having the approval of a Royal was the highest level of approval one could get. Should Charles ever decide to leave Camelot, all he had to do was show his 'credentials' and he'd be set for life.

"Charles?" She called.

"I...I don't understand," he muttered, giving his head a shake.

"What is there to understand? You are no longer an apprentice, you are a physician."

"But..."

"No, you are a physician," she repeated. "And now you have more options available to you than ever. Should you wish to leave Camelot and form your own practice, you have the approval of two healers and a Royal, something that will work in your favour immensely."

"I don't want to leave, I can't do that to my brothers, Camelot is their home," he frowned.

She smiled. "And that brings me to your second option. I want you to take over."

"Take over? Take over what?"

She arched an eyebrow. "Here, of course," she gestured about the hut. He gawked at her. "I am going to step down and allow you to be the physician in charge."

"But...But I'm not ready," he protested.

"Why is precisely why you are ready," she promised. "You know what to do, you've been shadowing me for weeks. You know how to make the remedies and I've begun teaching Harrow. He can help when you need him to. And I will always be nearby should you need my help. Since you are no longer my apprentice and medical care is given for free, you won't be paid for your services like most physicians, so I will continue to pay you and now that you are trained, I will double your wage."

"Double?" He spluttered.

"Yes," she smiled, tilting her in amusement. "Also, do you remember Kaelyn?"

His brow furrowed. "The servant girl you freed?"

"Yes, well, she now owns all of the late Thorley Harte's properties, one of which, I'd originally intended to purchase for the use of turning it into a medical hut. I've spoken to her and we have since settled on a price, I have purchased the property which is located in the heart of the city, in your name."

"Excuse me?" He choked on his own breath, Hermione reaching out to pat him on the back.

"You now own your own home. It is twice the size of this hut and will house you and your brother's comfortably. I've already arranged for furnishings to be sent and set up so you may spend your first night in your new home. I have already been by and completed the same wardings as I have around this hut," she added quietly so Polly wouldn't overhear.

"I can't accept that, Hermione."

"Yes, you can and yes, you will. Think of it as a congratulatory gift. Now that you have a property, you no longer have to save to purchase one and can use your wage to ensure you and your brothers never go hungry again."

"Thank you," he whispered, looking as though he wished to say more but couldn't.

She smiled at him. "You are very welcome. I care for you and your brothers very much, I only wish to see you safe and comfortable. You have worked exceptionally hard, Charles, and I am very proud of you."

Charles' eyes darted away from her and to the cooing mother, his eyes widening.

"Hermione, what is that?"

Hermione looked to Polly, a snort falling from her when she saw what his horrified gaze had landed on.

"That is the placenta, also known as the after birth. It is imperative that it is removed in its entirety. Some mothers like to eat it..." He grimaced. "Some physicians keep it and use it in their remedies but I like to simply burn it."

Hermione approached Polly after collecting a clean sheet and she was quick to clean the mess, being sure to put it off to the side so she could get Polly's preference later on.

"Polly, are you ready for visitors?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, I can't wait to see Michel's expression."

Hermione laughed before she helped to prop the new mother up with pillows and then covering her with a blanket to offer more privacy before she headed for the door, opening it to see a pacing Michel, a sickly-looking Emerick and a bored-looking Prince Arthur.

"Michel?"

He halted to a stop and spun to face her, his expression one of worry and pleading.

She smiled. "Mother and baby are doing exceptionally well," she promised and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Is it..." He hesitated. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

Her mouth twitched in amusement. "Polly explained that you wished to have a girl?"

"Yes," he nodded, Hermione seeing Arthur's surprised expression but that was understandable given he was expected to one day produce a male heir to the throne.

"You are aware that whilst girls do tend to be more mature for their ages, that once they reach their teenage years, they can be quite the handful, I would know, being female, myself." He paled in realisation and she laughed. "Congratulations, Michel, you have a daughter and she is beautiful."

A smile broke out on his face and Hermione stepped aside to allow him past and into the hut, Emerick following after him with a smile of his own.

The moment she stepped back into the hut, she barely stopped herself from laughing when she saw both mother and father cuddling and cooing over their daughter and Emerick's extremely pale expression as he swayed on his feet. Apparently now seeing the funny side, Charles smirked before offering the personal guard a seat and he sagged down onto it, staring down at the ground with his head buried in his hands.

"Men," Hermione rolled her eyes before sending a wink to Polly and the new mother giggled before turning her eyes back to the newborn in her arms, staring down at her adoringly.

"So, if you don't mind my asking, have you thought of a name for her?"

Michel carefully and hesitantly accepted his daughter into his arms before he shared an apprehensive look with his wife and they both turned to look at her as one.

"Well..." He paused, swallowing nervously. "If...If you wouldn't be opposed to it, we would like to name her Hermione, Your Highness."

Hermione blinked in surprise, her mouth parting a little and she released a puff of air.

"You wish to name her after me?" She questioned slowly.

"Yes, Your Highness. You are the kindest, most compassionate woman I have ever met and you delivered my child safely and ensured the health of my wife, something I will always be grateful for. We wish to name her Hermione in hopes that she will one day grow to be as kind and selfless as you are."

If Hermione were honest, she was touched by the notion and felt tears sting at her eyes. She never in a million years thought she'd have a baby named after her.

"I have never been more honoured," Hermione replied, smiling kindly.

Michel and his wife shared a look of relief before turning their attention to their daughter. Hermione felt a presence behind her and without having to look, she knew it to be Arthur. She felt his hand press against the small of her back but the gesture was hidden from the others and she peered up at him, seeing his mouth twitch into a smile whilst he watched the newborn baby with her parents.

"Well done," he praised.

Hermione tipped her head. "Today is a happy day," she replied, seeing Charles eyeing Arthur contemplatively.

"Why is he looking at me like that?" Arthur asked, subtly tilting his head in Charles' direction.

Hermione's mouth twitched. "I have given him the news of both his newly acquired position here and his newly owned property."

"And how did he take that?"

"It was a sight I will never forget," she replied, Arthur chuckling. "Michel, I would like for you to take a couple of weeks away from your duties to spend time with your wife and daughter. The first few weeks are always the hardest and they are both going to need your support."

"Your Highness..."

"No, I won't hear of it," she interrupted. "They need you more than I do. And the same goes for you, Emerick. Take a couple of weeks away from your duties; Michel is going to need your support, being a new parent is hard and the support of friends and family is always important."

"Your Highness..."

"No," she interrupted his reply as she had Michel's. "Michel is a new father, his protective instincts are understandable, you, however, have no excuse. I already have one overprotective Prince in my life, I do not need two overprotective guards as well."

"Yes, you do," Arthur, Michel and Emerick all unintentionally replied as one, looking to each other in surprise whilst Polly giggled, Charles smirked and Hermione sighed in annoyance.

"Men," she muttered. "I will ask King Uther if I might be assigned two temporary guards until your return."

Michel and Emerick shared a glance, neither of them looking comfortable with the idea. Hermione could understand why. They spent the majority of their time together and whilst Michel and Emerick were her guards and there for her protection, she never talked down to them as though they were inferior to her and she never treated them unkindly, if anything, she treated them as though they were her friends. Two overprotective friends, something she knew all too well. She had come to care for them and she knew they felt the same, which is why they didn't trust anyone but each other to guard her and she suspected that included Arthur, too, especially after the abduction incident, something they'd been furious about after learning what had happened.

"If you wish to protect me, do so by watching over little me," she nodded to the baby in his arms, receiving a look that contained annoyance, uncertainty and amusement. "Trust me on this, you will be thanking me once you return to your duties. I do not want you distracted or exhausted and having a young baby at home interfering with your sleep will most definitely not be beneficial when you are expected to guard me for the day, something I admit, I do make difficult."

"Your Highness..."

"Oh, I swear, you men are a massive pain in my side," Hermione huffed, throwing her hands in the hair before storming out of the hut, only to pop her head back inside moments later. "Charles, I will be by later to take you and the boys to your new home, pack anything you wish to take. I'll make you dinner and tell Kenelm his bedtime story, but I can't stay long," she said before she disappeared again.

"I like her," Polly commented amusedly as she stroked her finger down her daughter's cheek.

"She is a handful," Arthur replied, his eyes on the door she'd left out of it.

Michel and Emerick shared a surprised expression, wondering why the Prince was still there and having a casual conversation with them, something that had never happened before.

"And you wish to marry the Princess?" Emerick questioned boldly.

Arthur's eyes snapped to the personal guard, a scowl marring his features.

"How do you know that?"

He shared a glance with Michel.

"It is common knowledge amongst those in the castle, were we not supposed to know, Sire?" Michel asked in confusion.

Arthur released a breath and ran his hand through his hair. "Does Hermione know?"

"I don't believe so, Sire. The Princess is not one to take notice of or participate in rumours or idle gossip."

"Good, that's good," he muttered. "Congratulations on the birth of your child, and I will personally ensure that Hermione's replacement guards are more than capable of ensuring her safety."

"Sire? If I might suggest, perhaps someone who will not be afraid to say no to something that is too dangerous for her," Emerick suggested, sharing a knowing glance with Michel.

Arthur nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, Hermione is quite stubborn, isn't she? Perhaps I will ask two of my Knights to guard her, they are not afraid of her."

"They are," Michel and Emerick disagreed.

Charles snorted as he busied with cleaning up the hut and Arthur's mouth twitched in amusement.

"Possibly Sirs Leon and Geraint," Arthur mused.

"No, Sire. Sir Leon is highly likely to get injured; he has a penchant for teasing the Princess on her height, something she does not take kindly. And Sir Geraint, he often teases Akela, I fear if you put them in close quarters, he may be eaten."

"Is that really such a loss?" Arthur replied, seeing the stunned expressions of those in the room, something he found amusing. What, because he was a Prince he couldn't make a joke? "Sir Brennis, he is too weak-willed against Hermione, Sir Bertrand whilst good in a fight, is getting older and might not be able to keep up with Hermione. Sir Montague, despite his size and appearance, would fold under her stare..." Arthur released a sigh. "She does not make protecting her easy," he commented, Michel and Emerick nodding in agreement and Charles released a snort. "I will have to give them some serious consideration." He shook his head. "Once again, congratulations on the birth of your daughter and I will ensure Hermione is well guarded, even if I have to do so myself."

~000~000~000~

"Sir Osric, what are you doing here? Where is the Princess?" Arthur asked, eyeing the older Knight accusingly when he avoided his gaze and shifted on his feet.

He cleared his throat and lifted his head, still not meeting his eye. "We lost her, Sire."

"Excuse me?" He questioned slowly.

"We lost her in the marketplace. Sir Robert is still searching for her."

Arthur was furious.

~000~000~000~

"Sirs Oldof, Radnor, is there any particular reason you are here and not with the Princess?" Arthur asked lightly, already dreading the answer.

They shared a glance before looking to him, their hands resting atop their swords as they tried not to shift on their feet.

"We lost her, Sire."

"Excuse me?"

"We lost her in the woods. She said she needed to gather some ingredients for her remedies. We lost sight of her and could not find her but she does have her wolf with her."

Arthur wasn't sure who he wanted to kill more, Hermione or his Knights.

~000~000~000~

"Sire?"

Arthur halted in his steps climbing the stairs to the entrance doors of the castle and he turned around, seeing Sirs Aldus and Conan quickly approaching.

Arthur's eyes closed briefly and he released a slow, steady breath.

"Where is the Princess?"

They looked to one another nervously.

"We are not entirely sure, Sire," Sir Aldus admitted.

"She wished to check on the progress of the orphanage, we passed through the marketplace and lost her in the crowd," explained Sir Conan.

Arthur had a headache forming.

~000~000~000~

"Sirs Ranulf, Nigel, what is your excuse for losing the Princess?" Arthur asked knowingly, even if he hadn't recognised the guilty expressions they wore, there was a pattern building and it had only been four days since Hermione's personal guards had been given time away from their duties. He was certain he'd have gone insane by the time they returned. He was quickly running out of Knights.

"Sire?" They questioned.

"Don't lie to me," Arthur narrowed his eyes.

They shared a glance before their shoulders slumped.

"She was playing with the children in the lower city. She was teaching them to play hide and seek, she asked if we would count to fifty whilst they hid and we would go in search of them. We found all of the children..."

"But not the Princess," the other Knight finished.

"Give me a break," Arthur groaned.

She was the most infuriating woman he'd ever met. Brilliant, but infuriating.

~000~000~000~

Arthur had just mounted his horse, having every intention of spending the day hunting in the woods with only his loud-mouthed and clumsy-footed manservant Merlin, when he dropped Llameri's reins and brought his hands up to rub at his temples at the sight of two of his Knights approaching gingerly.

"Where did you last see her?" He asked knowingly.

"In the heart of the city, Sire," answered Sir Godfrey.

"She wished to make dinner for her charges so it would be ready for when they returned home," Sir Oswaine finished.

"Merlin, change of plans," sighed Arthur, deliberately ignoring his manservant's snickers and his Knights' apologetic expressions as he rode past them, his destination not the woods but the heart of the city.

~000~000~000~

"You folded, didn't you?" Arthur folded his arms over his chest after setting down his quill, leaning back into his chair as he sat at his desk and Sirs Montague and Brennis stood before him in his chambers.

"I apologise, Sire," Sir Montague looked down at the ground sheepishly. "She gave me the look."

"The look?" Arthur arched his eyebrow.

"Yes, Sire, the look. She looked like a wounded puppy, I couldn't refuse her."

Arthur's eyes darted to Sir Brennis, seeing him nodding guiltily in agreement.

Arthur rolled his eyes, this time he only had himself to blame. Why he thought to put Sirs Montague and Brennis together as Hermione's guards was beyond him. He could've made a better choice, not that he had many Knights left, that is.

~000~000~000~

"And your excuse for losing the Princess?" Arthur asked lightly.

Sirs Davie and Bertrand looked to one another and then back to him, both of them red in the cheeks, sweat having formed on the foreheads and they still looked to be struggling to breathe.

"In our defence, we did not lose the Princess. We know she is in the woods," said Sir Davie.

Arthur arched an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"Akela saw a rabbit and chased it into the woods. The Princess followed him but we couldn't catch her, she is really fast," said Sir Bertrand.

Arthur rolled his eyes, he knew he shouldn't have put the two eldest Knights on Hermione's protection detail.

~000~000~000~

"What has she done now?"

"She was playing with her youngest charge by the medical hut, we lost sight of them and could not find them," said Sir Robert whilst Sir Nigel nodded in agreement.

Arthur had hoped that changing up the combination would make a difference, he was wrong.

"Sir Nigel, have you not already fallen for such a tactic?" Arthur questioned, the Knight nodding guiltily. Arthur sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Well, now she is just becoming predictable."

He was a little disappointed.

~000~000~000~

"Sir Leon, why are you limping?" Arthur cocked an eyebrow, his mouth twitching in amusement, already knowing the answer. "I'm sorry, I didn't hear that," he said after Sir Leon's mumbled response.

"The Princess stomped on my foot and kicked me in both shins," he confessed grumpily.

Arthur blinked slowly in surprise. "Why?"

"I may have teased her," he admitted.

Arthur turned his eyes to Sir Geraint, seeing he was cradling his hand to his chest.

"And you, Sir Geraint, what happened?"

"Akela bit me," he muttered.

"I'm sorry?" He questioned. Akela had not bitten anyone in Camelot. Well, except for Thorley Harte but that was understandable.

"He nipped him," Sir Leon corrected, rolling his eyes. "He offered cheese to him but pulled it away three times before Akela nipped him in warning."

Arthur's eyes darted between their grumpy expressions before he suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter, finding it hard to stop.

He had to give it to her, she was certainly amusing. He couldn't get the image of Hermione kicking Sir Leon or Akela nipping at Sir Geraint in warning out of his head, the imagery feeding his laughter. He wasn't worried for Hermione's safety; he'd seen her enter the castle before he'd approached his Knights and both she and her wolf had looked far too pleased with themselves, now he knew why and it was honestly brilliant.

He finally managed to calm himself, not missing their scowls at him taking joy in their pain.

"Go see Gaius, get yourselves looked at."

"That's not necessary," Sir Geraint protested.

Arthur's mouth twitched. "Do not worry, I will not tell any other Knight what happened."

"That's a promise?" Questioned Sir Leon.

"It is," Arthur nodded.

The moment they headed for the physician's chambers, Arthur found Merlin and told him what had happened. The news has spread throughout the entire castle and to the rest of the Knights within the hour.

He had kept his promise. He hadn't told another Knight, but his manservant who had a penchant for gossip. And at dinner that evening, he'd given extra cheese to the wolf sat in-between his and Hermione's chair.

~000~000~000~

"Hermione, you cannot keep doing this," Arthur sighed tiredly.

Doing what, Arthur?" She questioned, smiling angelically.

"Slipping your guard detail, they are there for a reason."

"It's not my fault they are unable to keep up with me," she argued, the both of them bickering back and forth as they stepped into the banquet hall and took their seats at the table, neither of them acknowledging King Uther or Morgana.

"Hermione..." He said, exasperated.

"Yes, Arthur?" She tipped her head, smiling innocently.

"Give me strength," he muttered, looking to the ceiling before turning his eyes to her. "You have to stop."

"As I said, it is not my fault."

"It's for your safety," he argued.

"Then perhaps they best take their responsibilities more seriously," she shrugged.

Arthur made a sound of irritation before they both looked to King Uther after he cleared his throat, his expression was blank but his eyes showed amusement.

"And what are we discussing this evening?" He inquired.

Arthur sent an annoyed glance to Hermione and then turned back to his father.

"Father, Hermione has slipped her guards every day for the last eleven days. I no longer have any viable options left, so has evaded each and every one of my Knights, some of them twice," he explained.

King Uther looked to Hermione and she smiled innocently.

"It is not my fault, Your Grace."

"No?" He questioned, unable to hide his amusement in his tone.

"No," she confirmed. "They lost sight of me in the marketplace, they were unable to find me when I was playing hide and seek with the children, they were unable to keep up with me when I was forced to chase Akela into the woods."

"You hid deliberately," Arthur argued.

"Of course I did," Hermione replied, "That is the object of the game, to hide while another searches for you. It is not my fault they were unable to find me," she smiled. "Perhaps your Knights can benefit from some tactical training and perhaps you should ensure their fitness, too."

Arthur blinked slowly as Morgana burst into giggles and his father laughed, actually laughed.

"I will see to it, Princess," King Uther tipped his head. "It is my understanding your personal guards are due to return in four days, perhaps you might not purposely hide from your guards for the remainder of the duration."

Arthur sent his father a thankful expression and then looked to her smugly.

Hermione simply smiled. "I have to confess, Your Grace, I visited with Michel this morning, his wife and daughter as doing well, and when I saw how happily exhausted they were, I granted both Michel and Emerick a further week away from their duties."

Arthur's forehead banged against the surface of the table when he slumped forward in his seat, groaning in annoyance.

"How generous of you, Princess," King Uther replied, giving her an amused glance and then looking to his son disapprovingly for his behaviour at the dinner table.

How Michel and Emerick were able to contend with Hermione, Arthur didn't know, but he'd be sure to get some pointers from them for future reference, and he made a mental note to increase their wage. Anyone who could handle Hermione as well as they did, deserved it. His Knights could barely last an hour, and here Michel and Emerick did it every day and had been doing so for a little over three months.

~000~000~000~

"Sire! Sire!"

Arthur paused mid-strike before he lowered his sword, seeing Sir Robert quickly crossing the training grounds.

A week had passed since Hermione had been made to promise to not slip her guards and to prevent her from doing that, she was not only now guarded by three Knights, but they rotated every few hours making it harder for her to wear them down or successfully evade them. She'd tried, of course, but that added extra guard helped keep her in sight, Arthur was just glad there were only five days left before Michel and Emerick returned and his Knights could return to their normal duties.

"What is it, Sir Robert?" Arthur questioned, seeing the other Knight being red in the face and out of breath, obviously from running as whatever he wished to say must have been deemed important. The expression he wore when he paused was a mixture of pain as he struggled to regain his breath and excitement, so it wasn't bad news, Arthur deducted.

"Sire, they have been seen approaching Camelot," Sir Robert breathed out.

"They?" He frowned in confusion.

"Yes, Sire, they carry banners of red and gold with the emblem of a lion."

Arthur froze, his sword falling from his grasp in shock. No, it couldn't be, could it? It had only been a little over three months since the riders had been sent to deliver the missive; it wasn't possible for them to have returned so soon, especially with him. He hadn't expected him to come in person at all but he supposed that was his own mistake, of course, if he had a daughter or Granddaughter as beautiful and brilliant as Hermione, he'd want to meet the one asking for her hand in marriage, too.

Arthur froze for a second time; he was going to meet her Grandfather, the one person who held his future in his hands.

"How many approach?"

"No fewer than twenty, Sire. And I must warn you, they are not riding horses but a strange..."

"It's a hippogriff," he interrupted knowingly. Sir Robert looked surprised and confused as did the others that had grouped closer to him. "Hermione said they don't ride horses in her Kingdom, they ride hippogriffs, a magical creature which is half-eagle, half-horse."

"Well, they do accept and welcome magic," mused Sir Leon as she scratched at his chin thoughtfully, "So that isn't too surprising, I suppose. Now that I think about it, it explains so much, particularly why she is unable to ride a horse or why she seems uncomfortable around them in general."

Arthur looked down at himself, seeing his white shirt and dark breeches before he realised he was going to meet Hermione's Grandfather, he had to change and quickly.

"How long before they arrive?"

"Within the hour, Sire."

Arthur's eyes widened before he bent to retrieve his fallen sword, sheathed it and then took off in a run, ignoring the teasing calls and comments that followed after him.

~000~000~000~

Arthur sat in the throne room beside his father, doing his best to contain his nerves and not fidget in his seat. He'd reached his chambers after running through the grounds and castle, seeing the flurry of movement of the servants as word spread that a visiting King was expected very soon and thankfully no one had paid him any mind.

He'd called for Merlin and after having a quick wash and Arthur snapping at his manservant one too many times after his teasing comments about what was to come, Arthur had dressed in a red shirt and black breeches and boots, his red cape adorning the golden dragon was fastened around his neck and his golden crown sat atop his head. The moment he'd entered the throne room and approached his throne his father had glanced at him, nodding in approval before gesturing for him to take his seat.

Morgana sat on the other side of his father, dressed in green with her hair pulled back and secured at the nape of her neck whilst his father also wore red and black, his crown and jewellery all gold. The Knights of Camelot all wore their formal armour and cape and stood along the walls of the throne room, their posture perfect, their hands resting atop their swords and facing forward, looking at nothing in particular.

He wasn't exactly sure where Hermione was but she'd been sent for, this was something Arthur did not want her to miss. She was going to be reunited with her Grandfather, the only living family she had left.

The large doors opened and Arthur struggled between remaining in his seat and standing, wishing to show the visiting royal some respect but given it was him who was the host, he did not have to.

"I present to you, His Majesty, King Godric Gryffindor of Gryffindor city and co-ruler of the Kingdom of Hogwarts."

Arthur was not entirely sure what he'd been expecting but it certainly wasn't the man, the King that seemed to float into the room, his eyes briefly darting about his surroundings before landing on him and his father.

Arthur knew he wasn't the smallest man he'd seen but neither was he the tallest, but with his broad shoulders and chest, it more than made up for it. His hair, a shade lighter than Hermione's but with a tint of copper, fell in waves down to his shoulders, it looking a little frizzy, exactly the way he'd seen Hermione's go when she was stressed or it was a little too warm. His moustache and beard were neatly groomed, the tip of his beard reaching to his sternum, his nose whilst bigger than most suited his face and his eyes, the same shade of brown as Hermione's. He was dressed in a ruby-red tunic, a golden belt fitted around his stomach with black breeches beneath tucked into black boots. A red and golden cape depicting a roaring lion on the back hung around his shoulders, and the most noticeable thing of all, he carried a sword that looked to be the twin of the one in Hermione's rooms.

Arthur had never believed Hermione to have been lying to him about her identity despite his father's warnings but looking to the King before him now, he felt hope fill him. There were too many similarities to ignore.

"King Godric," his father greeted, Arthur seeing the way he eyed him curiously over the fact he was not wearing a crown as most Kings did, particularly for formal occasions such as this one. "I am Uther Pendragon, King of Camelot. This is my son, Prince Arthur, and this is Lady Morgana, my ward," he introduced.

"Your Grace," King Godric's voice was deeper than Arthur had expected. "I would introduce to you those who I deem close to my heart, sadly, they did not travel with me on this journey."

"If you don't mind my asking," Arthur started, seeing his father looking to him curiously, "But how did you travel to Camelot so quickly. We were informed it was a three months' journey south to reach your Kingdom, it has been a little over that since the rider's departed."

King Godric arched an eyebrow at the news, seeming surprised by the information but Arthur didn't comment on it.

"Well, my young Prince, I was not in my Kingdom. Your riders unintentionally stumbled upon my riding party upon our return to Hogwarts and we made a detour to Camelot."

"We thank you for coming so quickly," his father tipped his head. "Before we begin on the reason behind our missive, please know that you and your party are welcome in Camelot and rooms are being prepared as we speak so you might rest before your departure."

"Thank you, I appreciate your hospitality," King Godric replied. "Please, why was a missive sent?"

"You have not read it?" Arthur blinked in surprise.

"No," he smiled. "Not only do I prefer to handle my business and affairs in person, but I also admit that I accidentally lost it during our travels."

Arthur wasn't sure if he should be amused or horrified by that news. How could King Godric lose such an important missive, one that held details of a potential union between their Kingdoms?

"There is only one question I wish to ask of you," his father stated, keeping his gaze locked with King Godric's, the man was unfazed. "Do you have a Granddaughter?"

"Excuse me?" King Godric blinked in surprise.

Arthur felt his stomach twist painfully, losing a small amount of hope at that reaction.

"Do you have a Granddaughter?" He repeated.

Arthur held his breath as King Godric opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted when Hermione appeared in the doorway, stepping into the throne room with Akela by her side, eyeing the twenty or so unfamiliar men cautiously, and with Sirs Leon, Geraint and Conan following behind her.

"You summoned me, Your Grace?" She asked confused, her eyes darting about the many unfamiliar faces as she clasped her hands in front of her stomach and returned her gaze to him and his father, seeing that he was obviously dressed formally for a reason. He tried to give her a reassuring smile but thought it likely looked more like a grimace.

"Yes, I did," his father replied, not referring to Hermione as 'Princess' as he usually would. "Please halt where you are."

Her brow furrowing into a frown, Hermione paused in her approach, stopping directly in line with King Godric. Akela stopped beside her, his side brushing her leg and the Knights halted behind her, automatically falling into position to mimic the other Knights in the room.

His father watched Hermione carefully before turning his gaze back to King Godric.

"King Godric..." his father started.

Arthur felt his whole world crashing down around him as he gripped the armrests of his throne tightly, seeing Hermione's eyes widen in horror and her already pale complexion paling until she looked sickly.

"Is this young woman your Granddaughter? Is she Princess Hermione Gryffindor?"