CHAPTER NINETEEN


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

I am literally posting this whilst I'm at work. I'm doing my first ever night shift, 10pm-7am! I swear, I haven't slept properly since Monday, I've been awake since 5am, I haven't been able to find the time to have a nap today and it's already killing me. God give me the strength to get through this! It's 3am for me. Five hours down, four to go. Pray for me! So, that's how my night's going, I hope yours is a lot better than mine, especially with the added bonus of a new chapter.


Page count: 12


"Do you happen to know of any properties that I may purchase?"

Gwen looked to her, pulling her attention away from the vendor selling bracelets made of leather and twine.

"Properties? For what purpose, might I ask?"

"If I'm to offer my services to the people of Camelot, I will need a premises in which to do it from. I don't believe King Uther would be pleased with civilians wandering the castle at all hours of the day."

Gwen frowned slightly. "And I can't imagine Arthur approving of you working in the city away from the safety of the castle."

"Arthur is beginning to understand that I only do as I please, that only I can make decisions regarding my life and that I find it difficult to take orders."

Gwen's mouth pulled into a smile, her eyes dancing with amusement, apparently finding her words funny.

"I foresee the Prince having a difficult few months," she replied, giving her head a light shake. "Well, this is the market place, if you wish to help others I would suggest being located in the heart of the city, it's a central point of access."

Hermione nodded and bit her lip thoughtfully. "Do you expect the properties to have a hefty price? Money is no object, I only wish to be prepared."

"You are new to the city, it is likely the owners will try to increase their prices but some will only sell to other nobles. It may be of your interest to reveal your identity."

"That is something I would like to avoid, if possible. If the people discover who I am, they may be intimated and refuse my help, they may visit only for the sake of seeing a Princess, taking my attention away from those that truly require my services, or some may wish to harm me."

"There will be risks involved," Gwen agreed. "I live in the lower part of the city where the less fortunate reside. The city centre is for those with wealth and station."

"Would you mind showing me the way?"

"Of course," she replied.

They left the market place and the walk to the centre of the city was a surprisingly short one and Hermione quickly noticed the differences. The homes were larger, the streets cleaner, the people dressed in finer quality clothing. As she and Gwen made their way down the streets, Hermione was aware of the glances she received from the citizens, their eyes darting between her and Gwen, noting the differences in their clothing.

Most of the buildings were occupied and it wasn't until they were about to leave the city centre when they happened across a stone hut that seemed to have been built away from the rest of the buildings purposely, making it so it was isolated and quiet. The building looked to be a little newer than the others and though it didn't appear to be as big, it was bigger than her own hut had been at the village and as this would only be used for medical purposes, it allowed for plenty of room. She hadn't yet seen inside but she didn't need to.

"Do you know who this belongs to?" Hermione asked Gwen.

The other woman spied the parchment nailed to the wooden door and stepped closer to peer at the words. She turned to Hermione a worried frown crossing her face.

"Thorley Harte, I have never met him personally but I have heard tale of his behaviour."

"Meaning?"

"He is not a nice man. He is not of nobility but he likes to think otherwise. I think it is best if we allow a representative of the throne to make contact with him."

"I am capable of handling men such as himself, Gwen. He is not the first I have dealt with and I'm certain he won't be the last."

"I did not mean to offend, Princess. I only wish to ensure your safety. He is known for being violent, particularly to his servants."

"Well that settles it, we will be visiting him today. If he is harming his servants, we shall put a stop to it. We do not have the time to return to the castle, so if you know where he resides, please take me to him."

"Princess..."

"Gwen, when my mind is made up I cannot be swayed."

Gwen looked conflicted but she reluctantly nodded, guiding Hermione back through the city until they stopped before a decently side building and without thought, Hermione stepped forward and knocked on the door.

A few moments later it was pulled open and a young woman who can't have been much older than her, stood on the other side, her eyes darting between Hermione and Gwen nervously. The moment Hermione spied the dark bruise surrounding her right eye and the split in her lip, her eyes darkened. She straightened her posture, her chin lifted and her mouth pulled into a thin line as she stepped forward.

"Good afternoon, I was wondering if I might be able to speak with the owner of the building that is for sale. I believe he resides here."

"Of course, I shall alert him to your presence, one moment please," she said quietly, the door closing once more.

Hermione strained her hearing for voices behind the door but could hear none and soon after, the door was pulled open. Stood on the other side was a balding man with a large rounded stomach, a large nose and blotchy cheeks. He wasn't much taller than her and he wore an outfit of brown and red, his clothing of a quality that he didn't look to be able to afford. He wasn't how Hermione had imagined him if she were honest. In fact, something about him reminded her of Peter Pettigrew. She disliked him instantly.

"What do you want?" He asked gruffly, sending a glare over his shoulder and Hermione heard shuffling that was followed by hurried footsteps.

Her eyes narrowed but she placed a sickly sweet smile on her face as she turned and handed her basket to Gwen, who took it with eyes that were darting between her and the man nervously.

"Good afternoon, are you the owner of the property at the end of the street?"

"Yes, why?"

"I am interested in purchasing it."

He looked her up and down before doing the same to Gwen. Hermione, feeling protective of the future Queen, stepped to the side and deliberately blocked her from his gaze.

"You cannot afford it."

"How would you know? You have not given me a price nor have you asked for my name."

"You are a woman, if you are interested in my property, send your husband to do business. It is a man's job."

Hermione really didn't like him.

"I'm afraid I don't have a husband."

"Then I shall not sell to you," he sneered, moving to slam the door in her face but before he could her hand reached out, stopping it in place.

"Now, Thorley, is that any way to speak to a woman," she said.

His gaze darkened and his hand reached out to grasp at her wrist tightly. Hermione felt Gwen move forward, a gasp leaving her and she spared her a quick glance, seeing her wide eyes and horrified expression.

"I suggest you relinquish your hold before you dig yourself an even deeper hole, one I will not be able to help you out of."

"Oh, what are you going to do about it?" He sneered.

Hermione smiled. "It is not I you should be worried about, rather those that reign over Camelot."

"And why is that?" He asked, his grip tightening around her wrist and a wince left her.

"I am a guest of King Uther."

"Your Highness..." Gwen interrupted and her attention moved to the man. "You are currently assaulting Princess Hermione, she is under the protection of King Uther and Prince Arthur. I believe it would be in your best interest to release her before your punishment is execution."

He sneered at her and turned his eyes back to Hermione, deliberately giving her the once over.

"I don't believe for a second you're a Princess," he said, the look on his face all but saying she wasn't pretty enough to be royalty.

His grip tightened painfully, so much so she was certain to have bruises. "I gave you a warning so what happens next is of your own doing."

Before he could respond and being thankful he gripped her left wrist, she called forth the memory of the time she'd punched Draco Malfoy in the face and her right hand curled into a fist before she raised it, brought it back and hit him square in the nose. He'd never seen it coming.

Gwen let out a startled gasp and he cried out in pain as his nose crunched and blood poured from his nostrils, his grip on her wrist automatically dropping as he cradled his nose and stumbled back.

Hermione cleared her throat and calmly smoothed out her dress as she took a step back.

"I believe our business here is done, and to think, I was willing to pay twice your asking price. And I swear, if I hear of you harming a single servant, I shall return and do far worse damage. Good day, you horrible little man."

Hermione spun on her heel and walked away, hearing his yelling and threats and Gwen hurried after her.

"Your Highness..." She started, unsure of how to finish.

"I am capable of defending myself," Hermione spoke, rubbing at her aching wrist with the opposite hand. "I assure you, I have not yet finished with Thorley Harte. I can be kind, but I can just as vengeful. There are people that have crossed me and broken my trust who have learned the hard way that I am fiercely protective of those I care for. I do not care that he manhandled me, what I do care for is him laying hands on his servants and I wasn't quite fond of the way he was looking at you either."

"I don't understand," she admitted.

Hermione turned to look at the other woman. "We have had but few interactions, Gwen, but I like you. I consider you a friend," she responded and Gwen's eyes widened in surprise. "I have seen the look in that man's eyes before and I know what follows it. If he were given the opportunity, he wouldn't hesitate to force himself upon you." A horrified look crossed her face. "Exactly, I was more so defending you than I was myself."

"Where did you learn to do that?" She asked curiously.

A smile pulled at Hermione's mouth. "I was raised surrounded by boys who were very much my family; they thought it prudent that I was able to defend myself should I need to. Now, I've reconsidered and believe that the people who live in the city centre wouldn't much appreciate the homeless and poor being in their area, and seeing as they are the ones that will most need my help, we should find a building in the lower parts of the city."

"It will be dangerous," Gwen commented.

"No more dangerous than what we have just faced," Hermione argued. "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to visit those areas."

Gwen seemed hesitant but she did lead them towards the lower city and Hermione instantly noticed the difference. The streets were dirtier, the houses smaller and shabbier, the people dirty and hungry. Hermione's heart broke at the sight of a woman sat on the ground as she cradled a crying baby against her, looking as though all hope had been lost. Her heart broke at the sight of a group of children huddled together and they appeared to be playing a game with small pebbles, all of them looking as though they hadn't had a good meal in weeks.

"I have a lot to do," Hermione said quietly, her eyes darting about those on the street that needed care and attention. "I should like to start as soon as possible so finding a building is imperative."

They continued on their path until they stumbled upon a lone hut that sat in the centre of the lower city, it being the only building in sight. Hermione approached it, seeing that there was no sign with the owner's information should someone wish to purchase it, but it didn't appear to be lived in either.

She came to a stop before the door and gently pushed against it, it swinging open. Hermione shared a curious gaze with Gwen before stepping inside, immediately being assaulted by an unpleasant smell and seeing the hut empty except for a pile of blankets. Someone had been living there, squatting she realised.

"The owner likely passed," Gwen commented, her voice muffled as she covered her hand with her mouth. Hermione had faced worse smells.

"I may require more space but for the time being, it will be suitable for its purpose," Hermione spoke, her eyes darting about the single room as she planned out the layout in her mind, mentally positioning the examination table, the cots and the remedies cabinets.

There would be the risk of someone breaking in and stealing the remedies to later sell, but she could easily place a few security wards around the building to prevent that from happening. If her work proved to be successful, she could look into having a second, bigger building built, it's not like she couldn't afford it.

"Well, Gwen, today has been productive but now we should return to the castle as I'm sure dinner will not long since be served and I am expected to dine with King Uther, Arthur and Lady Morgana."

"Of course, " Gwen replied, stepping out of the hut and Hermione stayed a moment longer, knowing she'd have to scrub the room clean before anything else could be done. If she could get away with using magic to do so, she would.

Hermione nodded to herself before turning on her heel and stepping out of the hut, her breath being knocked out of her at the sight that met her.

The basket Gwen had been carrying no lay on the ground as she was being held with a dagger against her throat and a hand over her mouth by a young boy. His hair was a dirty blond, his eyes a deep blue and his skin tanned but filthy. His clothing was tatted and dirty and he stood taller than both herself and Gwen.

Gwen struggled against him but when the blade of the dagger pressed against her neck, she stilled instantly, her eyes wide with fear and tears as she stared at Hermione pleadingly. Whether or not it was that she help her or leave and save herself, she wasn't sure and she didn't care.

"There is no need for that," Hermione spoke softly, relaxing her face and her posture unthreatening. "What is your name?"

"Give me everything you have or I'll kill her," he said with false bravado. Hermione knew, she could see his hand shaking. He was just as scared as they were.

"I will," she promised, "As soon as you tell me your name."

He eyed her mistrustfully. "Charles."

Of course, it was, Hermione thought. She found it ridiculous that she kept meeting people with either the same names as those from home, or those that reminded her of those from home.

"I had a friend with the same name," Hermione replied. "Charles, I am Hermione and the woman you currently hold hostage is Gwen. We mean you no harm and I know you don't wish to harm us either. You're not capable of it."

"You don't know anything about me," he argued.

"I know you're young, how old are you?"

"What does that matter?"

"I would like to know."

"Fifteen, now give me everything you have," he spoke, pressing the blade against Gwen's neck a little harder.

"Fifteen," Hermione said sadly. "Where are your parents?"

"Dead."

Her heart broke. Fifteen was far too young to lose your parents and be on your own.

"Mine are, too," she said softly. "Are you doing this for yourself, or for others? I've seen many children in the streets. I know you don't trust me and I haven't given you a reason to, but I haven't given you a reason not to, either. I know that what I'm about to ask of you is a lot, but would you please put down the dagger. You are no killer."

"No, you'll do something to..."

"I won't," Hermione interrupted. "I promise and I never break a promise. All I ask is that you put down the dagger, you may still keep Gwen as a hostage if that would make you more comfortable, but you are frightening her and she has done nothing to you, has she?"

He looked conflicted before he slowly lowered the dagger down to his side.

"Thank you," she smiled, turning her attention to Gwen. "Are you hurt, Gwen?" She asked.

Gwen shook her head, her mouth still being covered by Charles' hand and although her eyes were still wide with fear, Hermione noted the slight way her body relaxed.

"Charles, are you doing this for yourself?"

"No," he admitted. "I have three brothers."

Hermione didn't think her heart was able to break again and it just had with those words. Hermione's face softened more than it already had done so.

"You are the eldest?"

"Yes, Harrow is twelve, Farley is nine and Kenelm is five."

"Godric," she whispered, her head and heart aching. "Charles, I would like to make a deal but first, please release Gwen. You have a weapon, we do not. Neither of us have any ill intentions towards you."

He once more looked conflicted but his hand moved from her mouth and his arm came away from her neck and she let out a gasp, springing forward and over to her.

"Your High..."

Hermione shook her head, signalling for her to not finish her words and she gently pushed the slightly smaller woman behind her, knowing she felt scared and unsafe.

"Thank you, Charles. Here's my offer, anything that is in that basket you may have. It may not be enough for the four of you, but it is all I have with me at the moment and I know the market place is now closed and I cannot buy you anything more. You will find some apples, cheese and bread to tie you over this evening, be sure not to allow them to eat it too quickly as it will unsettle their stomachs."

He eyed her strangely before slowly bending to pick up the basket, peering inside and his eyes widened. Whilst the amount of food may not have meant much to her, it seemed it was more food than he'd seen in a while.

"In exchange for the food, I would like for you to meet me here tomorrow morning and please bring your brothers."

"Why?"

Hermione smiled at him. "I shall explain tomorrow, but know that I mean neither you nor your brothers any harm. I know that should you come tomorrow, you shan't regret it."

"I'll think about it," he replied, shoving the dagger back up his sleeve before slowly backing away, keeping his eyes on her until he was far enough away that she wouldn't be able to harm him, and then he turned and ran.

"Are you well, Gwen?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, thank you, I think you just saved my life," she said, her shaking hand rubbing at her throat.

Hermione smiled. "That boy was unlike Thorley, he did not have it in him to harm you. He was merely banking on frightening me into submission. You heard as well as I, he only did what he did out of love and fear for his brothers. Fifteen is such a young age to take on the responsibility of a carer," she sighed softly.

"How did you remain calm?"

"I have been in worse situations than this one," Hermione smiled with fond sadness. "You know that I was to be executed before you arrived at Ealdor and Arthur saved my life. He was just a frightened boy who needs someone to show him kindness. But enough of that, we best return to the castle."

~000~000~000~

"Enter," Hermione called softly.

She'd not long since returned to the castle and she'd headed straight to her chambers to change into a fresh dress ready for dinner with King Uther, Arthur and Lady Morgana. The moment she'd stepped into her chambers Akela had been beside her, sniffing at her as though he knew she'd had a few bad interactions that afternoon and he even sent her a glare, as if it were her fault.

She'd been selecting a dress, deciding between a soft purple or a deep red when there'd been a knock on the door. She wasn't expecting anyone in particular but the most likely visitor had been Merlin, that was why she was surprised when the door opened and Arthur stepped inside.

She peeked her head through to the other room, seeing the Prince's eyes carefully scanning the room, landing on the wolf lounging by the recently lit fireplace and then they locked on her. In a move she hadn't been expecting, he stormed across the room and over to her, his hands gently wrapping around her upper arms, his eyes darting over her from and moving from head to toe and back again.

"What were you thinking?" He demanded, his eyes wide with disbelief and concern and he gently shook her in his hold.

She frowned. "You'll have to be more specific, Arthur."

"Guinevere told me what happened!" His voice rose slightly.

Damn, tattletale, she thought in annoyance.

"I am fine,"

"You could've been killed!"

"I think you're being a little overdramatic," she responded.

"Overdramatic? Overdramatic!"

"Yes, overdramatic," she echoed, very much wanting to cross her arms but she couldn't with his hold on her.

"He had a dagger pressed to Guinevere's throat!"

"And she is fine. He was just a boy, a scared boy who has three starving little brothers to care for. I was able to convince him to lower his weapon and release Gwen. He wouldn't have harmed either of us; he didn't have it in him. I know a killer when I see one, Arthur, and he most certainly was not one."

Arthur, sensing he wasn't going to win the argument, slowly took a deep breath to calm himself.

"I know what happened with Thorley Harte and I assure you, he will be punished for laying his hands on you," he said, his voice softening despite the anger held in his eyes.

"I can look after myself."

His mouth tugged into a proud smile. "Guinevere said you broke his nose."

"Yes, I was raised surrounded by older, overprotective boys. They thought it best I know how to defend myself. I don't care that he harmed me, I didn't care for the way he was looking at Gwen and thought it best to get us both away from him before any more damage could be done. He is also abusive towards his servants, which I will not stand for. I have every intention of returning tomorrow and pulling them from his care."

"You should have allowed the guards to escort you, none of this would have happened."

"That's true, but then I would have never gotten to spend time with Guinevere and form a friendship with another woman. I would have never met Thorley or known about his abusive tendencies towards his servants. I would have never met Charles or learned of his circumstances. Everything happens for a reason, Arthur, that is something I've learned and something I believe in."

"Hermione, if you would have gotten hurt, I would never forgive myself for not being there to defend you," he spoke softly, his hand coming up to cup her cheek.

No matter how much she wanted to revel in his touch, how much she wanted to lean in closer, and she really did, she couldn't allow it. She couldn't allow herself to fall for him any more than she already had. It wasn't meant to be for them and she had to do her best to keep her distance without avoiding him or hurting his feelings. She had to get him to fall for Guinevere no matter how much it may hurt.

She pulled back from him, stepping out of his hold and turning on her heel to head over to the two dresses she'd hung up on the cabinet-wardrobe doors, missing his look of hurt as she did so.

"Now that we've established I am perfectly fine, I need a second opinion, red or purple?" She asked, holding the two dresses up for him to see.

He blinked slowly, his eyes darting between her face and the dresses before he cleared his throat.

"Red," he answered.

She nodded, putting the purple dress away until tomorrow. "Well, I best change for dinner, I shall see you down in the hall in a little while."

~000~000~000~

Hermione had expected to wander the castle until she found the correct room, however, the moment she stepped out of her chambers, Arthur had been stood leaning against the wall, looking as though he'd been patiently waiting for her.

He'd given her a dazzling smile before escorting her to dinner which was held in a room only slightly smaller than the banquet hall but it was very much decorated the same. Morgana and King Uther had already been present and after curtseying and exchanging pleasantries, she and Arthur had taken a seat at the table. She hadn't been blind to the fact he'd offered her the chair beside himself rather than Morgana.

Once dinner was served, they waited until King Uther started eating until they picked up their own utensils and quietly ate.

"How has your first day in Camelot been, Princess?" King Uther asked her.

"Eventful, Your Grace," she responded, spying Arthur taking a deep breath and glowering down at his place, spearing a piece of chicken with his fork harder than was necessary. "Camelot is truly beautiful, but I have witnessed the difference in the central and lower parts of the city. I came here to help as many people as I could and I plan to start first thing tomorrow morning."

"Start what?" Arthur asked.

"When I was in the lower city with Guinevere, we happened upon an abandoned building. Whilst it is small, it will suit my needs for the time being and until I am able to find a bigger premises to operate out of. There are many people in the lower city that need medical attention but some of them just need someone to show them kindness."

"They cannot afford medical treatment," Arthur spoke.

"I have more than enough funds hidden away to provide the care they need."

"You plan to provide treatment for free?" Morgana asked, looking surprised.

"Yes, what good is having wealth if you are not able to use it to better those that are less fortunate? The building will need a clean but that shan't take long and I need to acquire a few items and some furniture, but once I have done so, I can start helping those that need it."

Arthur looked torn between pride and concern. "Hermione, you are in the lower parts of the city, it will be dangerous for you to be alone."

"No more dangerous than any other part of the city," she said, and his eyes darkened at the reminder of what had happened to her. "And I plan to keep my identity a secret so there is no chance of anyone wishing me harm or to use me to get to you. Only the nobles have seen my face, the rest of the city is unaware of my identity, whether they know of my presence in Camelot or not."

"I'm not comfortable with you being out there by yourself."

"I can take care of myself just fine."

"I'm not saying you can't, Hermione. But if there is more than one wishing you harm you will be defenceless, I don't want another bandits situation."

"You need to have more faith in the people, Arthur. Not all of them are capable of atrocities."

"But some of them are," he argued. "I only want what is best for your well-being and being out in the city alone certainly isn't," he said, giving her a pointed look and she felt her eyes darting down to her bruised wrist, being glad for the sleeves as she was sure he'd lose his temper and Thorley would find himself being executed.

"I am in agreement with Arthur," King Uther interrupted her retort and both she and Arthur looked to him as if they were only just remembering that he was there, too. "Your safety is what matters most and when you are no longer within the castle walls, you are without protection. You wish to help the citizens and we wish to ensure your safety, I believe a compromise is in order. If you leave the castle grounds, you are to be escorted either by a Knight, guard or Arthur himself. If you are in the city, there will be two guards assigned to you at all times."

Hermione really didn't care for such security and whilst she could argue with Arthur without repercussions, she couldn't do the same with the King.

"Yes, Your Grace," she said, turning her attention to her food and catching Arthur's thankful expression he sent his father's way.

That's just what she needed, bodyguards being around her twenty-four-seven. How in the name of Merlin was she to create some of her remedies and prepare the building without the aid of her magic?

Being in Camelot was a lot harder than she'd thought it would be. If it wasn't keeping her magic a secret, it was doing her absolute best to guard her heart and not fall for Arthur any more than she already had.