CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

Hermione woke to Draco wrapped around her like he was her wrapping paper. Looking at the nightstand she did a double take, before yelling move to Draco, who woke with a start and two naked men brandishing wands only.

When the chaos died down, "What's wrong love?" Lucius asked in a sleepy voice.

"It's an hour before I have to leave for the Queens Quarters. MOVE." She yelled.

"Obviously this Queen doesn't get late nights..." Draco muttered and Severus chuckled.

"No Drake shes the one you never make wait."

Hermione was already in the shower. Scrubbing herself and muttering how late she was going to be. Charming her hair straight, and applying a light cover of makeup she finally opened the box that held the gown she was to wear. Before putting it on she went and made her morning meal, too the astonishment of the men.

"Aren't you meant to eat there?" Lucius asked in confused.

"Yes I am meant to but that will be in about three hours from now. I need to get through a meeting first with the advisers and the Queen first. Not to mention its bad form to have a rumbling stomach while she is trying to talk. Knowing my luck that's what going to happen." Taking a seat the men looked at her and saw that the Potter side of the family was kicking in. Her hair was less frizzy and her face paler. The differences were more visible in normal light than by candles. Her hair was also darker and longer. When she had finished her impromptu breakfast that she almost forgot about she dashed off again to her bedroom and found Totty waiting for her to aid her with her hair.

Forty five minutes later Hermione appeared again this time dressed in a skirt suit of the colour of blue sky, she wore a cream button up blouse and the set of jewellery that she was presented the night before.

The door opened and everyone in the room had their wands out ready to fight. Four guards dressed in dark blue suits and ties, stood stunned. Before them were people standing around with twigs in their hands. They had been told that their client wasn't always in town and that she was a witch, but this was off the chain right.

Draco made his way over to where Hermione was standing. With a flick of her wrist she slammed the door shut making all four men jump. "Baby doll I think they are you security for today."

"Gentlemen show me some identification please."

"Certainly ma'am. We need to reach into our jackets." one of the men said calmly.

When one of the jackets moved Hermione glimpsed the hand grip of a gun. Her wand was held more tightly in her hand as she advanced. With her free hand she moved the jacket aside and pulled the gun. In two seconds and pressing a set of places it was on pieces on the floor and the clip kicked away. The normally calm men started to show concerns that they were here for something else. As soon as the identification was shown to her she relaxed completely.

"Its them, put the wands down. Announce yourselves next time. I don't have time to play twenty questions." Grabbing Draco's sleeve and handing him her patching cloak that went with her skirt suit, he drew it around her shoulders. And she and Draco were ready to leave.

"I'll see you gentlemen back here when I get back?" she asked them.

"Yes Mya you will."

With a flash of cloak they were both gone. Almost running to the elevator, and out of it before they were placed in the car. The cars pulled out of their parking and made their way to the Queens Quarters.

The ride was filled with tension and an elephant standing between the wizards and the muggles. Passing thought the security check points they were escorted around to the private entrance to the monstrosity of a building. Taking a deep breath and giving Draco a reassuring look they exited the car and were ushered into a well lit hallway with security every two feet.

Hermione put her hand in the crook of Draco's elbow and escorted him down the seemingly never ending hallway into a receiving room that had the Queen's secretary waiting for her arrival. Dropping into a curtsy the secretary then opened a door that led to an open room furnished with flowers, and greenery.

QUEENS QUARTERS RECEPTION ROOMS

Draco had to appreciate the sheer power the building emitted. This was a place that made enemies bow and allies stand taller. Going through a dozen more rooms they were escorted to the greenhouse. The Greenhouse itself was the size of a large suburban home.

"Nev would love this place." Draco whispered to her as discretely as he could as more security joined the trio.

"Agreed I am sure that he would think he went to heaven if he saw just a few of her greenhouses." Hermione added.

The security units left the trio at the doors. The secretary rounded on them. "My Lady Cumberland please remember that the Queen is a busy person but she has set a chunk of time aside for you and I don't understand why. Do not tax her..."

Hermione cut the woman off before she continued. "I am sure I know the spiel madam Secretary. My family has been here a few times before. Now please move aside as I wish to see my aunt."

Huffing the secretary stepped aside and allowed access to the interior. In the middle of the greenhouse was, a twelve person dining setting. Standing around were her grandsons and their dates, Her Highness and her husband. Approaching the gathered people. Quietly Hermione told to bow when they got there.

Dropping into a curtsy and Draco a bow before rising and waited for acknowledgement. It was no more than a couple of minutes before Queen Elizabeth came forth. She reached out towards Hermione and grasped her shoulder. "The public mourn with you Lady Hermione for your loss." with that she led the way to the table and was seated. The males did the same before taking their places themselves. After a prayer over the meal people began to pick at the foods on offer. Draco poured two glasses of champagne for the both of them. Clearing her throat. "What is said in this room doesn't leave here, not even discussed between yourselves. I will not be naysayed either. Is the throne heard?" a regal voice came out of the aged woman. There was agreement all around.

"We are sorry to do this to you Mya, but how has Hogwarts child?" Elizabeth asked kindly.

"Hogwarts was well aunt the last time we were there." Hermione answered for Draco and herself with a rather stunned look on her face.

"Reveal your wands please." Elizabeth ordered and two other wands were on the table along with Hermione and Draco's.

"That explains that question then." Draco murmured and the table laughed.

"You are quiet right young Lord Malfoy. Although the royal family is not riddled with witches as you would say, we are not unknown in that community. We do rule it by proxy but we do not make it a habit to reveal ourselves either." Elizabeth explained. "We are in need Mya, will you answer the call."

"Of course, Aunt. What does the throne require of me?" Hermione answered humbly.

"I am an old woman niece, and you being a witch of a lot of renown due to helping on the front line to destroy the megalomaniac that called himself a lord. Not to mention scoring the top schools top scores, denotes your intelligence. Your list of virtues have been listed to us, and we are most pleased on your already larger than life accomplishments. We are asking you to be Prince Harrison's Magical Adviser? If he takes the throne?"

Hermione looked at Draco, and he nodded. She gave her agreement and everyone went on eating. The secretary returned and saw nothing but people eating, someone had disillusioned the table already, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

When the meal was concluded, Hermione was given a box with instructions to wear what was inside in the wizarding world. And the smaller pin when she was in the normal world. She was sent on her way with the good wishes of the throne and nation. They were escorted the way they came and deposited back to her own security men. The ride home gave them a lot to think about.