CHAPTER SIX


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.


Page count: 9


He found himself running across the village, following after Hermione. She was fast, very fast. She reached the gathered crowd before he did and he halted at the sight of a man laying on his stomach and having been thrown into a cart. An arrow was stuck in his back and a note attached to it.

He reached out, tearing the parchment free and briefly being aware of Hermione fussing over the man. Arthur didn't know why, he was dead, that was obvious. His eyes fell to the note that read,

Make the most of this day, it will not last.

It was a warning; Arthur knew they would be there soon.

"He's alive!"

Arthur's eyes snapped up in surprise. How was he alive?

"Someone carry him to my hut, quickly! And don't remove the arrow!" Hermione ordered, soon bustling after the two villagers that were carrying the man, but Arthur reached out, his hand gently encircling her wrist and pulling her to a stop.

Her eyes were frantic, her face worried and she was itching to follow them, so he made sure to be quick.

"We don't have much time. He was stationed as a lookout."

Hermione took a breath, calming herself. "I'll do what I can for Matthew and then make a start on those explosions for you. If there's any sign of Kanan, have the children sent straight to my hut, they'll be safe with me."

He believed her. He didn't know why, but he did. She wouldn't let any harm come to them no matter the cost.

"I suggest any traps that have been made are put into place, we need to focus on securing the village. I shall see you soon but I better see to Matthew," she said, giving him a small smile and he released her wrist, nodding, and then she was gone, darting after the two men who had reached her hut.

He turned around, seeing that he was surrounded by the majority of the villagers and they were all staring at him, some silently and others whispering.

"Kanan is coming, we don't have much time. Prepare and arm any traps in the chosen locations, gather and fashion as many weapons as you can and gather the children, they shall be sent to Hermione for protection."

~000~000~000~

"He's not dead yet, William," Hermione said, briefly sending her friend a glare as she focused her attention on stopping the bleeding.

William had barged into her home minutes before, pacing and ranting about the danger they were all in, about what had happened to Matthew and that it wouldn't be the first or last death in the village.

"Grab me some cloth, quickly!" She ordered.

He continued his ranting but grabbed a cloth and handed it to her, continuing with his pacing as she applied pressure to the wound. She had no idea how Matthew was still alive. The arrow hadn't pierced any of his internal organs but there was quite a bit of blood and she could feel his pulse weakening, if she didn't stop the bleeding he'd die. It was at times like this she wished she could use Blood Replenishing Potions without the risk of her magic being discovered.

"...Come with me."

"What?" Hermione shook her head, having blocked out his words as she focused her attention on the man bleeding out on her table.

"Come with me."

He was leaving?

"Hermione, you'll be safe if you leave with me."

She shook her head. "You know I cannot do that, William. I won't abandon the village. I'm to stay here and protect the children from harm. I will erect a series of magical barriers that will prevent Kanan and his men from finding us; they will be safe with me."

"Hermione, please..."

"No, William," she said, looking away from her blood-covered hands and pressing firmly down on the cloth. She needed another one! "I understand your need to leave, I truly do and I don't fault you for it, but I cannot leave. If I do, there will be no one to heal the casualties or pick up the pieces once this is all over."

"That's if you survive," he argued.

"We will," Hermione assured him. "I have faith in Prince Arthur and I shall remind you that this is not my first battle."

His face softened and he stopped in his pacing, turning to face her. "I suppose not," he muttered. "Please, come with me," he begged.

"I'm sorry, William," she said softly.

The anger seemed to drop from him suddenly and he released a slow breath.

"Do you not have fear?"

"I fear many things, but death is not one of them. I have had many close calls in my time, so many I'm surprised I'm still alive. I won't stop risking my life for the safety of others; it's not in my nature. I won't allow others to suffer if I can help it, and right now, I can."

William closed his eyes and sighed, before he closed the distance between them, coming up beside her and he leaned in close.

"Take care of yourself, don't do anything stupid," he muttered into her ear.

"Of course not, that's your thing, not mine," she replied, being frustrated that she'd ran out of cloth and instead she reached for the edge of her cloak, pressing that over the bleeding wound, too.

A chuckle left him and he shook his head. "You are too good for this world, Hermione," he said quietly. "Goodbye," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple and stepping back from her, turning and walking out the door.

"Goodbye," she whispered, watching him leave before turning her attention to Matthew. There was nothing for it, she'd have to cauterize the wound.

A knock on the door sounded.

"What now, William!" Hermione snapped in annoyance, looking up at the open door and her eyes widening when she saw that it wasn't William, but the future Queen of Camelot, Gwen. "Oh, I'm terribly sorry, I thought you were someone else," she said.

Gwen smiled, not seeming to take offence and an understanding look crossed her face.

"It's fine, I'm sure you're overwhelmed trying to help him," she nodded to Matthew. "Most would have given up by now and left him to his fate."

"I'm not most people," Hermione responded, gathering more of her cloak and pressing it over the wound.

"I can see that," Gwen replied. "Would you like some help?"

Hermione sighed. "Your help would be much appreciated," Hermione nodded and Gwen quickly crossed the room, coming to stand beside Hermione, who removed her cloak entirely. "Keep pressure on the wound, we need to stop the bleeding, I'll be back in a moment. Just don't let go and press down as hard as you can," she instructed.

Once Gwen had taken over, Hermione dashed into her storage room, closed the door behind her, conjured a bucket of water, grabbed some clean bandages and with a quick spell, she heated the blade of a dagger until it glowed orange. She quickly returned to Gwen and Matthew, having the future Queen step aside and instructing her to be ready with the water, as Hermione removed all the cloths and her cloak and without a second thought, pressed the blade of the dagger against the wound.

The only sound that came from Matthew was that of a pained groan, being too far out of it to otherwise react. When Hermione pulled the dagger back and dropped it to the ground, Gwen carefully tipped the water over the wound until the table and floor was soaked and there was barely any water left, and then Hermione soaked the bandages in the water and quickly added some burn salve and gently layered it over Matthew's back, standing back and observing for any signs of shock or difficulty breathing. There was none.

"Merlin was right."

"Excuse me?" Hermione questioned, her eyes darting to the woman opposite her.

"You're a wonderful physician; I believe Gaius would be rather impressed with your talents. He may have let the man succumb to his injury, there is no point in delaying the evitable, I believe he would say."

"Well, no one is dead unless I say they are," Hermione responded, wiping at her forehead with the sleeve of her tunic, smudging blood across her skin. "If I know I can help someone, no matter their condition, then I will. If I can't, then I don't stop until I'm sure there's no absolute way of saving them, at which, I make them as comfortable as possible and I don't leave their side so they don't pass alone," Hermione responded.

She crossed over to her small bed, grabbed the pillow and returned to Matthew, lifting his head and placing the pillow beneath him. She then crouched down until she was at eye level and she brushed his hair gently away from his sweaty forehead. His eyes opened weakly and she smiled at him.

"Death will have to wait for you a little longer; you're going to be just fine," she said softly. "Get some rest, you're going to need it," she instructed. It seemed he'd been waiting for those words and as soon as she started humming, his eyes closed and he fell asleep.

"I can see why he likes you," Gwen commented.

Hermione's humming stopped and she looked up at Gwen questioningly.

"Arthur, I can see why he is so taken with you. You have made a big impression on the young Prince."

Hermione froze before slowly rising to her feet and looking down at the water-soaked floor; she had nothing to clean up the mess with and she sighed, realising she'd have to sacrifice what little linens she had.

"I had no intentions of doing such a thing," Hermione responded, moving to her bed and removing the bed sheet before returning to the table and crouching down, mopping up the bloody water from the floor.

"I'm sure you didn't," Gwen said, nodding. "And that is why you have done so."

"I believe he is simply fascinated that I am a woman physician."

"I admit, that came as quite a surprise to the rest of us, too. But I am glad that you are showing men that women are capable of great feats, too. But, Arthur...I have seen the way he looks at you, I have seen the two of you conversing and Arthur is comfortable with you in a way I have never before seen with another woman."

Oh, Merlin! She thought.

"And what of you and Arthur?" Hermione asked cautiously, curiously, wanting to see if she could figure out why they didn't appear to have any form of relationship yet.

Gwen looked surprised. "Arthur and I are nothing but acquaintances. I am Lady Morgana's handmaid and rarely interact with the Prince. In fact," she paused, looking over her shoulder for any eavesdroppers. "I couldn't stand him."

Hermione blinked in surprise. Godric Gryffindor, what was going on?

"Before Merlin arrived in Camelot, Arthur was rude, arrogant, entitled, a bully..."

Hermione's eyes widened. Prince Arthur, a bully? Really?

"Merlin stood up to him and he became something of a hero amongst the servants, but since being made Arthur's manservant, I have noticed a change in him. He is still arrogant and sometimes rude, but he is less of a bully and more thoughtful of others."

"I'm sorry," Hermione shook her head, rising to her feet and grimacing as she held the bloody, soaked bed sheet in her hand and she put it in the bucket. She'd have to burn it. "I just can't imagine the Prince being as you described him. He seemed perfectly kind and considerate during my interactions with him."

"That being my point," Gwen replied, "Arthur has seen many a Princess and noblewoman, all of them wishing for marriage, yet no matter their beauty or offerings, he has declined each one. No one is quite certain of what he is looking for, but I think he's found it in you."

She felt like fainting. Again! This was getting beyond a joke.

"I hardly doubt that; we have had but a few interactions and have only known one another all but a day."

"I know," Gwen nodded with an amused smile. "Which is why Lady Morgana is quite amused. There was an incident in which magic was used to ensnare Arthur's heart as a plot of revenge, he became infatuated with the woman but the spell was soon broken. His behaviour now, although not as erratic or chaotic, is similar as to before."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Surely you are not insinuating I have Arthur under a spell."

"No," Gwen shook her head. "I'm merely saying you have Arthur under a spell, just not the magical kind. It is your kindness, intelligence and willingness to risk your life for others, that has ensnared him. I am unsure why you would think there was anything between Arthur and I. If I'm being honest, there is another that may hold my heart," she said, ducking her head shyly. "A Knight by the name of Lancelot."

Godric! Give her a break.

Hermione cleared her throat. "Are you suggesting that Arthur wishes for my hand in marriage?"

Please say, no! Please say, no!

"No,"

Thank God!

"I am suggesting that he may be considering you as a potential wife."

Oh no!

"That's not possible," Hermione shook her head. "Arthur is a Prince and I am but a poor villager, King Uther will never allow it."

Gwen raised an eyebrow, a smile pulling at her face. "You are too well educated to be a poor villager. I overheard Merlin speaking to some of the people who say you came to this village but were not born to it. No one knows of your past before arriving here. As for King Uther, he will not be on the throne forever, he is already weakening with age and once Arthur is King, he may marry who he wishes. But even so, if Arthur truly wishes for something, I have learned that he will do whatever is needed to achieve it. If you are a poor villager and the Prince should wish for your hand in marriage, he will make it possible."

~000~000~000~

"Hermione?"

Hermione looked down at Elisa, seeing the little girl shaking and her eyes fearful.

"I'm scared."

Hermione's heart broke and she reached down, scooping up the little girl in her arms and holding her against her, rocking her slightly. "I know, little one, but you are safe here. I promise no one will be able to find us. Prince Arthur, his friends and the villagers are doing everything they can to protect us. It'll all be over soon," she promised.

Not wanting to admit it, but she was a little worried, too. She wasn't quite sure how long the noises had been going for, maybe an hour? She heard shouts and cries, explosions and weapons clashing, and she desperately wanted to know what was happening, she wasn't sure how much longer she'd be able to stay locked away in the safety of the hut.

A loud explosion sounded, the ground shaking and the children all cried out in surprise and fear. Despite the limited space in her hut, the dozen or so children had all found somewhere to perch whilst Matthew was on a cot, sleeping under the dose of the Sleeping Draught she'd fed him and he was cordoned off by a sheet, the children knowing to stay far away from it.

She couldn't wait any longer. She had to see what was happening.

"Elisa, you stay here and I'll be back as soon as possible," Hermione said, putting the child back on the ground and stepping away but Elisa sprang forward, gripping her cloak tightly.

"Please don't go," she begged.

"I have to, but I promise I'll be back. There may be people that are hurt and need my help. Stay with Eve, she'll look after you," she said, giving the little girl a gentle push in the direction of the eleven-year-old girl. Her eyes searched for the oldest of the children. "Edmund, you're in charge. When I leave, don't open the door for anyone but me, understood?"

"Yes, Hermione," the twelve-year-old replied.

Nodding, Hermione made a detour into her storage room, grabbed a dagger and slipped it into the hidden pocket of her cloak and then she left the hut, hearing the bolt being closed behind her.

As soon as she stepped out she saw the ruins and smoke, the sheep and cows roaming free and bodies littered the ground, thankfully, none of them appeared to be any of the villagers. She quickly and quietly made her way through the village, darting between fighters and helping where she could, before she found herself in the centre of the village where most of the fighting was taking place.

She ducked behind a hut, spying Arthur fighting with Kanan but he appeared to have the upper hand, years of training giving him an advantage. Her eyes next landed on Gwen, who despite looked to be struggling was doing rather well for herself as she helped an older woman to safety. Morgana, though clearly not as skilled as Arthur, had likely had some training, too, and easily defended herself. Her eyes fell to Merlin, stood with a sword in hand and his other hand raised, his palm facing the ground.

Hermione had no idea what he was doing but her eyes soon widened when a whirlwind picked up out of nowhere, Merlin's eyes glowing gold and his brow furrowing as he muttered to himself. Hermione watched, amazed, at such powerful magic and it was working, the whirlwind had frightened Kanan's men and the majority of them fled.

Her eyes fell back to Merlin, what was he doing? She thought, her eyes widening when the whirlwind grew bigger and more powerful.

He was losing control of the spell.

And that's when it hit her. Merlin was young, very young! He hadn't yet learned to control his magic.

She pulled her wand and directed it at the whirlwind, muttering a "Finite Incantatum," beneath her breath, being sure to be careful so no one saw her.

Unfortunately, Merlin was just too powerful for her and she couldn't overthrow his control. There was only one thing left to do.

Slipping her wand back into her cloak, she left her hiding spot and quickly moved over to Merlin, sidling up beside him. He didn't startle until she reached out, her hand slipping into his gently, feeling the power radiating off him. His eyes darted to her, still golden but surprised, maybe even scared. In his surprise, he lost further control and the whirlwind was quickly becoming a full grade tornado that would destroy the village if it wasn't stopped.

"Don't fight me."

"What?" He muttered, his golden eyes locked in a gaze with her.

"Don't fight me," she repeated.

He looked confused until she allowed her magic free, no longer keeping it contained in the carefully crafted box. It brushed against his, she could feel it twining with his power and his eyes widened as he understood, that she, too, had magic.

She tried to force her magic over his but he was just too powerful. If she couldn't override it, she couldn't stop it.

"Relax and let me take control," she told him, being thankful when he seemed to do just that and she no longer had to put a strain on her magic and it settled over his easily.

With their magic combined but Hermione's being a little stronger as he'd given her control, she was able to slow the tornado until it was once more a whirlwind and then a gust of wind, until finally, it settled as a gentle breeze.

His golden eyes lost their shine and returned to dark blue and he stared at her silently, his eyes wide and his mouth partially opened. Without saying a word, she released his hand and spun on her heel, running away.

She followed the sound of metal clashing and halted to a stop when she realised there were only two people fighting whilst the rest of the village watched. Arthur and Kanan.

Hermione held her breath as she watched them. Arthur truly was gifted, watching the way he moved gracefully as if he were dancing and not fighting for his life. Hermione gasped when Kanan almost sliced Arthur across the throat but the Prince darted out the way and then surged forward, plunging his sword through Kanan's chest.

Kanan stumbled back before falling to the ground. There was not a sound to be heard as everyone took in the sight, took in the meaning. They'd done it, they'd saved the village.

Arthur, panting and tired from the fight, slowly turned to face everyone, his eyes scanning the crowd and widening slightly when they landed on her, knowing she was supposed to be locked away with the children.

His eyes narrowed in anger and rather than heading for Morgana, Gwen, Merlin or even one of the villagers, he was heading straight for her, looking as though he were about to give her a telling off.

Her eyes widened at the sight of Kanan reaching for a crossbow and before she could shout out a warning, he fired and the arrow was headed straight for Arthur's back.

No! He couldn't die. He was due to be King, this wasn't mentioned in any of the books she'd read.

A cry of horror left her. Not because the arrow struck Arthur, but William who shoved the Prince out of the way. The arrow lodged firmly in his chest and he fell to the ground.