CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE


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

Okay, I've had numerous people over the years asking me if I'd consider writing an HP x Vampire Diaries/Originals crossover and I always said I'm not sure because I'm part of the small population that hasn't seen either series. Anyway, I was on Netflix the other day and bored out of my mind and I came across the Vampire Diaries and thought 'why the hell not? Just watch it' and so I did.

I'm only a few episodes in but so far I'm enjoying it, so when I get further enough into the plotline/episodes and seasons I can start fleshing out ideas for pairings and plots, as it is, I already have an idea for a Hermione/Damon pairing. I was curious and had a quick look on fanfic and archive of our own and I was surprised at the lack of crossovers, so I can't wait to add to them and put my own spin on it. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know. I also know about Klaus (from friends) and from what I've learned about him, I think I'd like to write a pairing with him and Hermione at some point, too.

And is it just me, or is Elena like...Really annoying? I don't know what it is about her but I just can't take to her. She seems too self-absorbed. Please tell me I'm not going to hate her forever. If she's like this the entire time I don't think I'm going to make it very far in the series, but then I suppose I could always stray from canon and do what I want. And Bonnie seems a little weird, too. Damon, Caroline and Alaric I actually like, though. Anyway, I'd done rambling, enjoy!

Q&A

FriskyDragon – You're very welcome. How are you finding it? Was it what you were expecting? Don't you just love Merlin and Arthur's relationship? I swear, I think they are one of the funniest pairings I've seen on TV.

RosiePieXx - Thank you, your words were very sweet and I'm glad you're enjoying this as much I love writing it.

Before I forget, I think someone asked me how long I planned on this being, well, I'm trying to get it done before 40 chapters, whether I can do that remains to be seen as we all know I'm rubbish at sticking to the intended amount of chapters and always go way over.


Page count: 11


It was the day Hermione had been dreading.

This day she was accustomed to being surrounded by her friends and loved ones. She was accustomed to waking to a pile of gifts at the end of her bed and to an owl or two swooping into the great hall to deliver her post, bringing with it a letter and selection of perfectly wrapped gifts. She was accustomed to going about her day, as usual, enjoying her lessons and eating a lovely dinner before returning to the common room where there'd been a cake Mrs. Weasley had sent and Hermione would blush red as her friends serenaded her. But this would be the third year she would be without the tradition.

The first had been the year of her being a fugitive. They'd quickly ran out of resources, Ron had always been complaining or in a mood, Harry had always been silent and brooding and she had done her best to be the glue that would hold them together. The entire day had almost passed without her noticing, until Harry pulled a little wrapped gift out of nowhere and she'd cried herself to sleep. Ron had forgotten, but she hadn't blamed him.

The second year was that of the year she'd arrived in the past. She'd done her absolute best to avoid remembering all of the good times of the previous years. She'd locked herself away and cried for God knows how long, until William had gotten worried at her lack of presence in the village and gone in search of her. He'd found her curled up in bed, crying and feeling sorry for herself and in her vulnerable state, it hadn't taken much for him to get the truth out of her. He'd disappeared and returned a couple of hours later, a steaming apple pie being held in his hands and a wide grin on his face. She knew he had little resources and the fact he'd used them to make something solely for her, had prompted her to burst into tears once more. That year she'd gotten through the day because she had William, the only one that truly felt like family to her.

And now this year, William was gone and she was alone. It helped somewhat that she had Akela by her side, but not wanting to repeat her actions of the previous year, she'd woken and dressed with purpose, steeling her emotions and prepared to spend the day helping others. When the day was over and she woke in the morning, everything would be fine again.

This day was her 20th birthday.

~000~000~000~

It wasn't unusual for Arthur to see Merlin scurrying around like a headless chicken, but it was unusual to see him doing so with a large grin on face. No one enjoyed chores, especially the chores he gave him for his own entertainment.

Narrowing his eyes suspiciously, Arthur pulled his attention from watching the sword fight between two of his Knights and towards his manservant, suspicion sinking in. He'd seen Merlin disappear into the woods not too long ago but thought nothing of it, knowing he often collected ingredients and herbs for Gaius, but when Merlin made a reappearance, crossing the training grounds with dirt smudged across his face and staining his knees and a wide smile on his face, he knew Merlin was up to something.

Arthur sheathed his sword at his hip and crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing.

"Merlin!" He called.

He didn't respond.

"Merlin!" Arthur called louder, spying the way Merlin faltered in his steps before he continued walking as if nothing had happened.

Arthur's eyes narrowed into a baleful glare.

"MERLIN!" He yelled. "I know you can hear me."

Merlin visibly stopped in his steps and winced.

"Get over here or I'll make you clean out the stables with your bare hands," he threatened, seeing Merlin sigh and hearing his Knights sniggering before they turned their attention back to the sword fight.

Arthur stepped away from the group, crossing the grounds until he could still hear the Knights behind him and Merlin came to a stop in front of him. Arthur's eyes scanned his manservant's face slowly before lowering until they landed on a basket. Usually, he wouldn't have been suspicious, except for the fact this was a nicer basket than he would usually use to collect Gaius' ingredients and he was certain Merlin preferred his satchel.

Arthur leaned forward slightly, peering down and into the basket only Merlin shifted a cloth to hide its contents from his view.

"What's in there, Merlin?" Arthur asked his manservant.

"Nothing," he replied innocently.

"No? Then show me what you're hiding," he said, reaching to pull the cloth away only Merlin took a step back and hid the basket behind his back, out of reach. Arthur's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Merlin," he said in a tone of warning, taking a step forward and Merlin took a step back.

"Yes, Sire?" He questioned.

"Show me the basket."

"It's mine."

"That is not what I asked or commanded. Show me what you are hiding."

"I'm not hiding anything, Sire," Merlin responded.

"I swear, if you do not show me what you are hiding, you will not only clean out the stables with your bare hands, you will not only have to polish every piece of armour, weaponry and silver in the castle, but, I will reassign you to the kitchens."

Arthur's mouth twitched into a victorious smile at the way Merlin winced as if the thought alone was painful, which it was. Arthur knew how horrid the kitchen staff was and they were very territorial. They hated newcomers and others interfering with their work. Even as a royal, Arthur had always made it a point to avoid going to the kitchens, even as a child. He'd always send someone else to do his bidding.

"Are you going to show me what's in the basket?" He asked his manservant.

Merlin did something he most certainly wasn't expecting. He stood his ground, lifted his head and straightened his posture.

"No."

Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"You can't have it, it's not for you."

"Then who is for?"

"Hermione,"

Arthur's hand halted as it made to reach for the basket and he felt his brow furrow in confusion as he stared at his manservant questioningly. What was hidden in the basket that was so important and meant for Hermione, that he couldn't see it?

"Why do have a gift for Hermione?" He questioned suspiciously as he was certain that had been Merlin's intentions. To gift it to the pretty Princess.

Merlin frowned in confusion. "You don't know, do you?"

"Know what?" He snapped in annoyance.

"Oh," Merlin's eyes widened. "It's Hermione's birthday, she's twenty-years-old."

Arthur felt his eyes widen, his hand drop down to his side and his heart drop into his stomach. It was Hermione's birthday? How hadn't he known? Why hadn't she told him? Why did Merlin know before him? Oh Gods! He hadn't gotten her gift. What was he going to do?

Forgetting or not celebrating the birthday of the woman you were falling in love with and had every intention of one-day marrying would never be forgiven or forgotten. His father would kill him if he discovered he hadn't known of Hermione's birthday, not only as she was a visiting royal, but would hopefully one day be a member of the family and as such, the King would wish to throw a feast in Hermione's honour, something he knew Hermione would protest.

What was he going to do? How was he going to find the perfect gift for the woman that didn't seem to care for or want anything? When Morgana's birthday drew near, he'd usually spend weeks searching for the perfect gift as he knew she was particular in her clothing and jewellery. But Hermione? Despite knowing as much as he did in such a little time, he had no idea what to gift her. None at all! And he had very little time to find a solution.

His eyes darted down to the basket in Merlin's grasp. Merlin seemed to be close to Hermione, they had a bond Arthur couldn't understand or describe and though he hated to admit how jealous he sometimes felt when he saw them conversing and whispering between themselves, he knew he should be grateful that Hermione had made friends with someone he could trust to keep her safe. And that friendship may very well be his saving grace as he stared at the basket.

Arthur reached out for the basket and tried to pull it from Merlin but the manservant stepped back.

"Merlin, give me the basket," Arthur ordered.

"No," he responded.

"Merlin," his voice lowered in warning and he took a threatening step forward.

"No."

Arthur lunged forward and reached around Merlin, grabbing the basket until Merlin twisted and the basket was held in-between them, the Prince and sorcerer fighting for the upper-hand in what depicted a game of tug and war.

"Give it to me."

"No, it's mine. You can't have it," Merlin argued.

"Merlin, I swear, I will make your life a living nightmare."

"You already do," Merlin fired back.

"Merlin, I need a gift to give to Hermione."

"Find your own, this is mine. I've spent all morning searching and trekking through the woods."

In a show of strength that Arthur hadn't expected, Merlin was able to tug the basket out of his grip and the manservant stumbled back, once more hiding it behind his back and out of his reach.

"Merlin..."

"No, you need to find your own gift for her. She knows me, she knows what I will gift her and what I won't. If you give her my gift, she will know that you were not the one to acquire it. You need to give her something meaningful, something to show her you care."

"She doesn't care for jewellery or clothing," Arthur said frustrated, running a hand through his hair.

"I know, so give her something only you can give her, something she will appreciate. Now, I need to finish collecting the items for her gift basket," his manservant said before he spun on his heel and all but ran from the training grounds and towards the castle, leaving him very confused, very agitated and in a bit of a panic.

He had to get this right. This was something he couldn't risk messing up. This could majorly tip the balance of their relationship in either direction.

~000~000~000~

Arthur nervously paced back and forth in the entrance courtyard of the castle, waiting for Hermione to return to the castle after a long day of tending to the city's people.

After Merlin had left and seeing the amused, pitied looks that graced the faces of his Knights after they'd overheard his conversation with Merlin, he'd sent them all withering looks before storming off the training grounds and to the privacy of his chambers, where he'd spent hours trying to think of the perfect gift and had been unsuccessful. Thinking he needed to clear his mind to better focus, he took a stroll through the castle until he happened upon Guinevere, and after asking for her advice, he'd concluded she'd been no help at all.

It wasn't until he wandered past the library that inspiration struck and after making a detour inside, he left with an armful of books and a smile on his face, whilst the bookkeeper had been tripping over himself to aid in his search, especially since Arthur couldn't remember the last time he'd visited the library. Had he ever?

After making his way back towards his chambers, he took a little known shortcut through one of the banquet halls and as he did, inspiration struck once more and he changed his destination to the kitchens. Given how important that day was and that he proved to Hermione that he truly cared for her, he put aside his immediate instinct to avoid the kitchens and send someone else and he allowed his determination to do well to override the fear, not that he was afraid... Of course, he wasn't.

As he stepped into the kitchen, all activity stopped and every pair of eyes turned to him, silence falling in the room. He felt rather uncomfortable but cleared his throat and straightened his posture, looking confident and commanding.

His original plan had been to request that certain foods be prepared for dinner that evening, foods that he'd observed Hermione favouring over the others in the weeks she'd been at Camelot, but something stopped him from doing do so. A conversation he remembered having with Guinevere in which she'd scolded him for lying about preparing dinner after he'd promised to make it as a thank you for allowing him to stay in her home.

It was expected that he would be unable to cook, having had servants to do it for him all of his life, he couldn't ever remember making a single meal for himself but after Guinevere had said it was more impressive and appreciated if he were to cook for himself, he decided on doing exactly that for Hermione. He was going to cook dinner for her. It had barely taken any convincing that the workers aid him in his quest but it was clear they very much would've preferred to have done it themselves and without his presence in the kitchen. But with him being the Prince, they didn't dare voice their opinions.

Once everything had been taken care of, Arthur returned to his chambers and called for Merlin and once his manservant had arrived, he quickly washed himself clean of the flour and eggs and changed into clean clothing, a dark blue shirt, dark breeches and dark boots. He then sent Merlin down to the stables to retrieve his mare and have her readied for travelling before he retrieved his cape and the books and headed down to the entrance courtyard.

The books had been packed into the saddlebags and the food had been collected from the kitchen as well as a blanket before they were put into the saddlebags, too, and now Arthur was just waiting on Hermione to return, which he knew wouldn't be much longer.

He had originally thought of taking two horses before he remembered that Hermione couldn't ride, in which, he made a mental note to make time to teach her once her presence in the city wasn't needed as frequently and he thought that to not be much longer. In the two weeks she'd been in Camelot, she'd tended to almost half of the lower city.

"Arthur?"

Arthur startled and whipped around, halting in his steps and letting out a sigh as he saw it was only his father, stood in the doorway of the entrance doors and watching him with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes, Father?" He questioned.

"Are you planning a hunt?" He asked.

Arthur silently berated himself, he knew he'd forgotten something and that was to send word to his Father that neither he nor Hermione would be present at dinner that evening.

"No, once Hermione returns to the castle, I shall be taking her off the grounds for the evening; neither of us will be attending dinner."

"The reason being?"

"It is Hermione's birthday," he answered and a brief flash of surprise crossed his father's face before his blank expression returned. "Yes, I was surprised by the discovery, too. I will be spending this evening with her without the presence of guards or servants or any who may see us."

His father's lip twitched in amusement. "Very well, do ensure that you are careful and well prepared."

"Of course, Father," Arthur tipped his head.

"And with this new information, it would be a travesty to not celebrate such an event. I will have a celebratory feast planned and readied for tomorrow evening and have the noble families of Camelot invited," he said and then he turned and was gone from the doorway.

Arthur ran a hand through his hair, knowing Hermione wouldn't much appreciate the gesture as she hated such events, before he returned to his nervous pacing, only coming to a halt when he saw Akela step into the entrance courtyard and that meant Hermione wasn't far behind him.

The large wolf came to a stop in front of him and tilted his head to the side as if he were confused by his behaviour and Arthur let out a sigh.

"I'm just nervous, I know it's Hermione's birthday and I'm unsure if she will like the gifts I have gotten her."

For the second time since meeting the large wolf, he reached out with his nose and nudged at his hand and Arthur slowly raised it to rest on his head, scratching the animal behind the ears.

"Thank you," he spoke.

Hearing Hermione's voice as she conversed with her guards, Arthur drew his hand back and readjusted his posture, the wolf letting out a snorting sound before he walked off and headed into the castle, apparently not feeling the need to accompany Hermione for the rest of the evening. Arthur found himself standing taller than usual at the feelings the wolf's behaviour invoked within him, as the wolf had all but confirmed he trusted him to ensure Hermione's safety and well-being without his presence. Arthur knew that was the highest approval he could achieve and likely the one Hermione would most care for.

Hermione approached wearing a dark cloak to protect her from the chill in the evening air and beneath he spied a dark blue dress in the style he now knew she wore only when in the lower city and when carrying out her duties as a physician. They were practical and comfortable and she didn't mind if they were to get dirty or stained, but when she returned to the castle she always changed into a dress that was more befitting of a Princess. But to Arthur, she looked beautiful no matter her clothing. Her hair hung down her back in tangled curls but was clipped back from her face with pretty pins and she reached up to push a curl out of her face after it was tousled by the breeze.

"Arthur," Hermione greeted with that pretty smile he was growing to love. "I admit, I was a little worried when I did not see you in the city this day."

Arthur felt a little guilty that he hadn't been present that day as he'd made it a point to visit for a few hours several times a week, allowing him to see Hermione when she was most happy and allowing him to teach the four orphans the basics of sword fighting and self-defence, and not just the boys either, in fact, other children had started making an appearance and at the sight of Hermione's happy tears, he hadn't been able to turn them away and instead retrieved more equipment to accommodate the growing crowd. He admitted that he hadn't solely done it for Hermione but because he found that he enjoyed interacting with the children and he learned more about the city's people and gained their respect, too. Something that was imperative to a King.

"I have been kept occupied by other matters," he replied.

"Nothing too serious I hope," she spoke with a concerned frown and she came to a stop before him, gently clasping her hands in front of her body and her eyes darted to his horse and then back to him. "Are you going hunting this evening?" She asked curiously.

Arthur looked to her guards, "You are excused for the remainder of the evening; your services will not be required."

They both bowed with a 'Sire' and 'Your Highness' before turning and heading back into the city and Arthur turned his attention back to Hermione's confused expression.

"No, I am not hunting this evening but I do plan on leaving the grounds. I was wondering if you would care to join me," he replied, giving her the smile he knew he only reserved for her, it was charming but not overly so, it was genuine and happy, something he found came easy to him when she was in his presence.

"And if I were to come with you, where would we be going?" She asked.

"That is a surprise."

She scowled in annoyance and pursed her lips but otherwise did not comment. He knew her curiosity would get the better of her, he just had to wait.

"Very well, but I should probably change first," she said, making as if to run inside the castle and up to her chambers to do just that.

Arthur stepped in front of her, preventing her from doing do. "You look lovely,"

She blushed and his mouth pulled into a smile at the colouring in her cheeks.

"Still, I shouldn't be seen in such a state."

"You look lovely," he repeated, her blush darkening and his smile widened before he held his hand out in offering and she gently placed her own in his and he guided her forward and towards his mare.

"Everything is packed, Sire," Merlin spoke.

Arthur simply nodded and then excused him, seeing the way his manservant sent Hermione a knowing look before he disappeared. Filing away the exchange for later analysis, Arthur helped Hermione onto the horse, ensured his cape was securely fastened around his neck, he slipped on his riding gloves and then mounted the horse, settling behind Hermione and reaching for the reins, trapping her between his arms and against his body.

"It's not too far a journey," he said, before lightly kicking his mare and she took off in a gentle walk, Arthur nodding to the guards as they left the grounds.

They received many glances as they journeyed through the city and they both diligently ignored them unless someone called out a greeting and they tipped their heads and smiled in response.

"And how has this day found you, Hermione?" Arthur asked to fill the time.

"Busy," she responded and he hadn't expected anything less. "I believe I will have treated or seen to the majority of the lower city within the next two weeks, after which, things will quieten down and I will have more time to dedicate to other duties. Charles is doing remarkably well and he is an incredibly quick learner and within a few weeks, I trust that he will be able to run the practice without my presence but I will be sure to always be nearby should he need my assistance."

"And what are your plans after?"

"I promised I would teach Farley and Kenelm to read and write and I wish to do the same for the other children but there are far too many to do so by myself. I've a solution that would mean I would gather a group of adults who I would teach to read and write, and then I would put them in charge of teaching the children of the city, freeing up my time and giving these people a purpose."

"And with that free time what will you do?"

"I wish to build an orphanage. There are many children that suffer just as Charles and his brothers did before I showed them kindness. And that is all they need. They need someone to show them kindness, to ensure their safety, that they are being fed and clothed and kept warm. So, with my time I wish to open an orphanage that would house the children and will be run by staff that will care for them."

"I have not been able to do much for the people and certainly not as much as I would like to do," Arthur started, "And having not visited the lower city until recently, I was aware of the struggles and suffering but not that it was to the extent I witnessed. That day I realised that such fates were a reality and after hearing of Charles' situation and that there were others who were suffering the same, I knew I would not be able to sleep at night knowing that there were children that were cold and hungry and afraid, so, I went to my father and I proposed that we build an orphanage."

He heard the hitch in her breath and felt her shift as she twisted to look at him over her shoulder, their eyes locking.

"The council had been against the notion but we do not currently have such a facility in Camelot, I was able to convince him it was the right decision and he sided against the council. Plans are currently being made and we expect construction to begin within the next week or two."

"You are having an orphanage built?" She asked quietly.

"Yes, and you will not pay a single coin to it. It will be paid by the throne. And I am aware that you are spending an incredible amount of coin on the citizens of Camelot, a place that is not your Kingdom, and after bringing this to my father, you will be reimbursed for any coin you may spend that is not on yourself."

Her mouth parted in surprise. "I have plenty of gold, Arthur."

"But you will not if you continue to spend it on things that should be provided by the city. The council refuse to fund the facilities and deals you have made with the marketers, but, as you are a visiting royal and you are spending your coin on our people, it is making the throne look as though we cannot look after our own people and it will affect the opinions of other neighbouring Kingdoms. As such, the council cannot condone spending coin on the city and people, but they can with reimbursing you for your coin spent on our people."

She took a breath and her eyes closed briefly. "I cannot believe you are having an orphanage built."

"I'm beginning to understand you and the way you think, I knew it would be a matter of time before you mentioned wishing to build an orphanage and this is something that Camelot needs, something that will better the children who will one day bring forth the next generation."

"You do not stop surprising me," she commented softly.

"And that is good?" He questioned.

"Yes, exceptionally so."