A/N: Grateful for all the fantastic reviews! Stoneheart, in regard to the
un-updated story that you so kindly put on you favourite's page is at a
dead end. Very sorry, but may revive it one day!
Malfoy does want Hermione in the this fic, remember it is AU
I don't think that this fic will be finished before the release of the next HP book, but I will continue writing it, regardless of whether or not JKR puts Ron and Hermione together. I mean, it is AU! Please keep reading if you are enjoying it and do assure me in your review that you will!
Thanks!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Hermione Granger, you get prettier every week.' Hissed Draco Malfoy as he passed their vegetable stall in the market place.
'And you, Malfoy are wasting your flattery.' Said Hermione, busying herself with arranging the vegetables. Every week, Molly, Paulette and herself would come to sell the vegetables they grew to make money for Elizabeth.
'It's a pity your soil is the best in the province yet so poorly tended.' Continued Malfoy smoothly.
'We have limited resources, sir. We do the best we can.' Shot back Molly curtly, with deep dislike of the man.
'Perhaps you should discuss it with Elizabeth and stick to shopping instead.' Said Paulette, the scullery maid.
'Excuse me, but I was talking to Hermione. I've always had a soft spot for the unfortunate. You need a wealthy benefactor and I need a pretty woman with spirit to entertain me. . .' he paused, arching an eyebrow.
'Prunes?' asked Hermione shortly, holding them out towards him.
'No.' he said, his eyes flashing. 'I'll buy nothing this week, and take care to remember that if it weren't for my generosity, this pitiful farm would cease to exist!' and with that, and the sweep of his long black cloak, he stalked away.
'The cruel man. If he didn't buy a bushel of vegetables every week, I'd wipe that smile off his face.' Muttered Molly.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Meanwhile, Harry was walking along with Marguerite and Jacqueline, much to Elizabeth's satisfaction. Marguerite was talking animatedly, while Harry listened, though rather absent-mindedly.
Marguerite caught sight of the stall. 'Oh, here are our servants.' She said carelessly.
'Oh really?' said Harry, breaking out of his reverie. 'I'd love to meet them.'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Molly, Paulette and Hermione were working methodically, heads bents when Hermione heard a voice that sounded suspiciously like Harry's say cheerfully, 'Good morning, ladies!'
Hermione started, thinking quickly, she kicked a cart making a chicken fly into Harry's face, taking the opportunity to ran away.
'What on earth were you trying to do!' screamed Elizabeth, brushing the feathers off Harry's cloak. 'Scare him to death?'
Harry was apparently unconcerned, but focused on the two servants, narrowing his eyes. 'Were there just the two of you?' he asked, confused.
'And the chicken, sir.' Added Molly, helpfully, in the corner of her eye seeing Hermione crouched behind the large horseless carriage.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Hermione was sweeping Elizabeth's room, hearing an endless monologue of Marguerite's eventual marriage to Harry which she had apparently taken completely for granted would actually happen.
'We must press for a quick engagement.' She was saying idly, lolling on the couch as she watched Hermione sweep. She had pleasure not letting Hermione do magic in the house, and merely watched as she strained to reach behind the large closet. 'Honeymoon in Paris, you think? Oh,' she started as Hermione emerged from underneath the bed, covered in dust, with a scowl on her face. 'My mother was hard on me too.' She said, sharply.
'She was convinced that cleanliness was next to Godliness.' Elizabeth continued, oblivious to Hermione mimicking her behind her back. 'She forced me to wash my face twenty times a day and was still convinced that it wasn't clean enough. And see where I am, a courtier. And Marguerite shall be married to the next Minister of Magic. Pity you never knew your mother. There must be something of her in you.' She added, carelessly.
'I wish I knew what she looked like. The photos of her are all missing.' Said Hermione thoughtfully, perching on a chair.
'Well we mustn't feel sorry for ourselves.' Said Elizabeth, crisply. 'Sometimes I can almost see your father in you. . . well, after all you're so masculine.' She added spitefully.
'Did you love my father?' asked Hermione, tilting her head and looking carefully at her stepmother.
'Well, I barely knew him. Now go away, I'm tired.' Said Elizabeth airily.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Hey look, Ron!' said Hermione twirling around, having charmed a kite to fly from her wand. 'It's floating.'
Ron looked over his canvas to survey her. 'I don't know what your happy about. You'll be swimming in manure if they get married.' he wiped some red paint off his face.
'I don't know why you care so much. I don't.' said Hermione, continuing to fly her kite.
'You're lying.' Said Ron loudly. 'The Minister for Magic will be your brother-in-law and you, Daniella,' he emphasized 'would be bringing them breakfast in bed.'
'Yes, but they'll move into the palace and leave me in the manor. I'll turn things around and make life so much better for your mother, Molly and the rest of the servants. That's all that matters.'
'You like him. Admit it!' teased Ron.
'Nope!'
Ron, catching sight of Harry approaching on a horse said quickly, 'And if you saw him again, you'd say. . .'
'I'd say, my family is your family, please take them away.' Said Hermione happily, not noticing him coming.
'Good, 'cause here's your chance, their heading this way!' shouted Ron.
'Ron!' squealed Hermione, immediately running behind a haystack.
'I'm looking for Professor Dumbledore, have you seen him?' asked Harry, stopping by Ron.
'Dumbledore? Er - no, no I haven't.'
'Who is flying that kite? It is magnificent, rather like the professors.' Added Harry. Hearing this, Hermione quickly threw the wand out of her hands.
'It belongs to Her - Daniella.' Said Ron slyly.
'Daniella?' Harry's voice tone immediately changed. 'Please, you know her? I must find her, where is she staying?' Hearing this, Hermione placed her head in her hands. Please don't Ron, she pleaded silently.
'I do know, sir, that she is staying with - er - a - cousin. Yes, a cousin. Courtier Elizabeth De Ghent, to be exact.'
'Hmm.' Harry looked a little frustrated. 'That is a problem.'
'But,' said Ron quickly. 'I do know that she is there, alone, at this very moment.'
Harry smiled. 'Excellent.' He said. 'Nice painting.' He said to Ron, before mounting his horse.
After making sure he was gone, Hermione picked up her wand and ran out for behind the haystack. 'Ron! You horrible thing!' she shouted.
Ron, meanwhile was staring at his painting as though it had a new meaning to him. 'Did you hear? He likes my painting!'
'And he's heading towards my house!' said Hermione, shaking her head.
Ron leant forward, and whispered in her ear, 'Then I'd suggest you run.'
Half gratified, half exasperated, Hermione quickly mounted Ron's horse and rode off, going through the quicker shortcut, well away from the main road Harry was traveling, she tore of her apron as she ran into the manor. 'Molly! Paulette! Quickly!' she said.
A few minutes later Hermione was dressed in another beautiful gown which was in a chest that belonged to her mother. Hair slightly askew, she was a little out of breath when she answered Harry's knock on the door.
'Your highness, what an unexpected surprise!' she said, stepping out.
'You didn't attend the Quidditch game?' asked Harry, after greeting her.
'I'm very afraid of heights.' Conceded Hermione, smiling slightly.
'I know of a fantastic library. Since you love books, I thought of taking you there.' Said Harry.
'Well, you know my weakness, but I don't know yours.' Said Hermione.
'I thought it would be obvious.' Said Harry quietly, his green eyes boring into hers.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'I've never seen anything like this!' said Hermione spinning around as she looked at the floors and floor of shelves filled with books. 'It's incredible!'
'Pick one.' Said Harry simply. 'Or many.'
'I couldn't, I wouldn't know where to start.'
'What makes you love them so much?' asked Harry, as they walked down the circular staircase.
'I think it was my father. He loved reading, and he often bring back books to read to me at bedtime. I used to fall asleep listening to his voice.' Hermione paused, tears starting to form in her eyes. 'I'd rather hear his voice again than any sound in the world.' She stopped abruptly, turning away from him, composing herself. 'He died when I was seven,' she continued. 'Utopia was the last book he brought home.'
She turned around again, to see his face. 'That would explain why you quote it.' He said soberly.
Hermione saw a little uncertainty in his eyes. 'Is there something wrong? If I said, or did anything . . .'
'No,' said Harry quietly, bringing his finger to her lips to silence her. 'Please don't, it isn't you.'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'This was the best idea, mother.' Said Marguerite. 'Getting Lily Potter's favourite brooch, pretend I saw her drop it and return it. Oh, she will love me!'
'Isn't that what mothers are for?' asked Elizabeth. 'It's now or never.'
'Forgive me, Madame,' said Marguerite approaching the horseless carriage they were about to go off in. 'But you dropped this earlier.' She smiled sweetly, her playing her part well as she held out the brooch.
'My dear, it is a rare person who would return such a valuable keepsake. Why, I can't even remember putting it on!' said Lily, kindly.
Marguerite smiled, lifting her long lashes. Feigning shyness, she curtsied prettily. 'You are too magnanimous.' She said, her blue eyes, blonde hair and angelic demeanor really softening Lily's heart.
'How very kind. You are Marguerite De Ghent?' queried Lily. Marguerite nodded. 'We shall have a chat tomorrow, and do bring your mother.' She said.
'As you wish.' Said Marguerite, serenely watching the carriage move away.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
THAT AFTERNOON:
'Well, this is embarrassing.' Said Harry, looking over their carriage which had broken down. Hermione anxiously looked at her watch for the time.
'Well, we'll have to walk.' Said Hermione hastily.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Now we can't be too confident, ladies.' Said Elizabeth. 'Harry wasn't in at lunch and was apparently out all morning. We must figure out why this is.'
'Marguerite gets to do everything.' Complained Jacqueline.
'Don't be silly, Jacqueline. Lily Potter doesn't even know you exist.' Sniffed Marguerite.
'After all, once Marguerite is Harry's wife it will benefit us all.' Said Elizabeth briskly.
'Lovely, next I'll be a servant like Hermione.' Said Jacqueline, annoyed.
'Where is that girl?' asked Elizabeth suspiciously.
'Probably off catching rabbits with her teeth.' Said Marguerite airily.
Paulette entered the room nervously, with Molly in tow. 'Please Miss, did you move the gilded mirror in your bed chamber?'
'Of course not.' Snapped Elizabeth. 'Why?'
'Well, it's also missing.'
'Then it too shall come out of your pay.' Said Elizabeth contemptuously.
Both servants bowed their heads and exited the room. 'Either you stop telling her when things are missing or we won't be paid at all!' muttered Molly.
'Good thing I didn't mention the tapestries,' said Paulette fervently.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Why is it that men can never ask for directions?' asked Hermione, she shielded her eyes. 'Please come down, Harry!'
'What? Am I scaring you?' asked Harry, who was on the topmost branch of a large tree, trying to spot where they were in the immense forest.
'Come down now!' said Hermione.
'Or what?' teased Harry. He took both his hands off the branch he was holding onto. 'Look, no hands!' Hearing Hermione scream, he smiled to himself and thought that he'd come down and scare her no more. He climbed down swiftly and jumped to the ground, turning to face her.
But she was screaming for another reason.
A band of gypsies, people who were shunned from the wizarding world and banished, were surrounding Hermione, one holding a knife threateningly as they had no wands.
A tall one picked Harry's fine cloak off the ground. 'My son'll love this!' he shouted dangling it in the air.
'Hey!' shouted Harry. As soon as he opened his mouth, three men leapt at him, holding him captive.
'Release him at once!' demanded Hermione, drawing her wand out. 'Return our things and since you have stolen our transport,' - they had hacked off the silk curtains and gold finishings of their broken horseless carriage - 'I demand a horse as well.'
The leader of the group laughed suddenly. Taking off his hat, he bowed to Hermione. 'My lady,' he said walking forward. 'You are without a doubt, most unique. Harry Potter is lucky to have you. Would I be fair in saying, mademoiselle, that he could have whatever he could carry?'
Harry pulled himself away from the three men that held him and stepped forward. 'I have your world on that?' he asked.
The leader laughed again. 'A banished wizard's honour, sire. You have a gypsie's word.'
Harry walked forward and quite easily picked up Hermione, and put her over her shoulder. 'I hope your son will love the cloak.' He said sincerely. He walked away slowly, his heavy boots thudding against the ground, the only sound amid silence.
The leader called after him, 'Come back! We'll give you a horse, on the condition you'll come to our party!' The band of gypsies laughed heartily.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'I want to be informed the minute she returns.' Said Elizabeth, as the sun slowly set.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Harry stared intently into Hermione's eyes. Each having enjoyed a meal and a dance, they retired by the fireplace.
'You are reading my thoughts.' Said Hermione quietly.
'Are they as complicated as mine?' asked Harry.
'Truth or dare.' Asked Hermione.
'Truth.' Said Harry.
'Do you want to be Minister for Magic?' she asked. Both the cross-legged, sitting opposite each other, and she rested her hand on her chin.
'No.' said Harry, placing his intense gaze on the roaring fire. 'I don't.'
'But think of all the wonderful things you could do. For the rich, for the poor, for the banished,' she said, gesturing at the riotous crowd. 'For country and the world.'
'Yes, but no one will see me for anything but my title. I will be always defined by my position, and that's not who I am.' Said Harry, throwing a stick into the flames.
'You'd be surprised.'
'What?'
'Your not the only one defined by your title, so are the gypsies. They are judged by their status but that isn't who they are. And just because I read by the fireplace, I'm Cinder -' she stopped abruptly. 'You are born to privilege, Harry. I've only known you for a little while, but. . . you're a great person. I'm not saying that because you're Harry Potter, I'm - I think I - well . . .' Hermione trailed off, casting her eyes down. 'I'm sorry, sometimes my mouth just runs away with me.'
Harry carefully placed a hand under her chin and tilted it upwards, luminous green eyes meeting melting golden ones. Leaning towards her, she closed her eyes. 'No, it is your mouth that has me hypnotized,' he whispered before their lips met.
He kissed her softly and gently, pulling her closer, his hands tangling in the silky ringlets. Hermione ran her hands through his hair, not caring that she had no business pretending -
A chorus of wolf-whistling interrupted them. Coming back to earth, Hermione and Harry separated, each with a smile on their face.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
THAT NIGHT:
'Please, drop me here. I don't want to wake anyone.' Said Hermione quietly. Harry jumped off the horse they were riding and lifted Hermione down.
'Thank you.' He said, running his cupped fingers down her cheek.
Hermione smiled, and turned away, towards the manor.
'Daniella . . . do you the ruins by the Forbidden Forest?'
'Yes.'
'Would you meet me there tomorrow?' he asked.
'I shall try.' Said Hermione, the first onslaught of guilt setting in.
'Then I shall wait all day.' Said Harry, climbing back onto the horse.
That night, when Hermione tumbled into bed, she cried. That was the happiest day of her life, yet she couldn't lie to Harry any longer. She had fallen in love with him when she was only a servant, and she couldn't deceive him any more. Tomorrow she had to tell him that she couldn't see him again.
She had never been loved by anyone but her father, but she knew that this couldn't go on. Life was bleak before, but life without Harry seemed to be devastating. Though he had only been in her life for a small while, she knew that life without him would him the worst yet.
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
Malfoy does want Hermione in the this fic, remember it is AU
I don't think that this fic will be finished before the release of the next HP book, but I will continue writing it, regardless of whether or not JKR puts Ron and Hermione together. I mean, it is AU! Please keep reading if you are enjoying it and do assure me in your review that you will!
Thanks!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Hermione Granger, you get prettier every week.' Hissed Draco Malfoy as he passed their vegetable stall in the market place.
'And you, Malfoy are wasting your flattery.' Said Hermione, busying herself with arranging the vegetables. Every week, Molly, Paulette and herself would come to sell the vegetables they grew to make money for Elizabeth.
'It's a pity your soil is the best in the province yet so poorly tended.' Continued Malfoy smoothly.
'We have limited resources, sir. We do the best we can.' Shot back Molly curtly, with deep dislike of the man.
'Perhaps you should discuss it with Elizabeth and stick to shopping instead.' Said Paulette, the scullery maid.
'Excuse me, but I was talking to Hermione. I've always had a soft spot for the unfortunate. You need a wealthy benefactor and I need a pretty woman with spirit to entertain me. . .' he paused, arching an eyebrow.
'Prunes?' asked Hermione shortly, holding them out towards him.
'No.' he said, his eyes flashing. 'I'll buy nothing this week, and take care to remember that if it weren't for my generosity, this pitiful farm would cease to exist!' and with that, and the sweep of his long black cloak, he stalked away.
'The cruel man. If he didn't buy a bushel of vegetables every week, I'd wipe that smile off his face.' Muttered Molly.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Meanwhile, Harry was walking along with Marguerite and Jacqueline, much to Elizabeth's satisfaction. Marguerite was talking animatedly, while Harry listened, though rather absent-mindedly.
Marguerite caught sight of the stall. 'Oh, here are our servants.' She said carelessly.
'Oh really?' said Harry, breaking out of his reverie. 'I'd love to meet them.'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Molly, Paulette and Hermione were working methodically, heads bents when Hermione heard a voice that sounded suspiciously like Harry's say cheerfully, 'Good morning, ladies!'
Hermione started, thinking quickly, she kicked a cart making a chicken fly into Harry's face, taking the opportunity to ran away.
'What on earth were you trying to do!' screamed Elizabeth, brushing the feathers off Harry's cloak. 'Scare him to death?'
Harry was apparently unconcerned, but focused on the two servants, narrowing his eyes. 'Were there just the two of you?' he asked, confused.
'And the chicken, sir.' Added Molly, helpfully, in the corner of her eye seeing Hermione crouched behind the large horseless carriage.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Hermione was sweeping Elizabeth's room, hearing an endless monologue of Marguerite's eventual marriage to Harry which she had apparently taken completely for granted would actually happen.
'We must press for a quick engagement.' She was saying idly, lolling on the couch as she watched Hermione sweep. She had pleasure not letting Hermione do magic in the house, and merely watched as she strained to reach behind the large closet. 'Honeymoon in Paris, you think? Oh,' she started as Hermione emerged from underneath the bed, covered in dust, with a scowl on her face. 'My mother was hard on me too.' She said, sharply.
'She was convinced that cleanliness was next to Godliness.' Elizabeth continued, oblivious to Hermione mimicking her behind her back. 'She forced me to wash my face twenty times a day and was still convinced that it wasn't clean enough. And see where I am, a courtier. And Marguerite shall be married to the next Minister of Magic. Pity you never knew your mother. There must be something of her in you.' She added, carelessly.
'I wish I knew what she looked like. The photos of her are all missing.' Said Hermione thoughtfully, perching on a chair.
'Well we mustn't feel sorry for ourselves.' Said Elizabeth, crisply. 'Sometimes I can almost see your father in you. . . well, after all you're so masculine.' She added spitefully.
'Did you love my father?' asked Hermione, tilting her head and looking carefully at her stepmother.
'Well, I barely knew him. Now go away, I'm tired.' Said Elizabeth airily.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Hey look, Ron!' said Hermione twirling around, having charmed a kite to fly from her wand. 'It's floating.'
Ron looked over his canvas to survey her. 'I don't know what your happy about. You'll be swimming in manure if they get married.' he wiped some red paint off his face.
'I don't know why you care so much. I don't.' said Hermione, continuing to fly her kite.
'You're lying.' Said Ron loudly. 'The Minister for Magic will be your brother-in-law and you, Daniella,' he emphasized 'would be bringing them breakfast in bed.'
'Yes, but they'll move into the palace and leave me in the manor. I'll turn things around and make life so much better for your mother, Molly and the rest of the servants. That's all that matters.'
'You like him. Admit it!' teased Ron.
'Nope!'
Ron, catching sight of Harry approaching on a horse said quickly, 'And if you saw him again, you'd say. . .'
'I'd say, my family is your family, please take them away.' Said Hermione happily, not noticing him coming.
'Good, 'cause here's your chance, their heading this way!' shouted Ron.
'Ron!' squealed Hermione, immediately running behind a haystack.
'I'm looking for Professor Dumbledore, have you seen him?' asked Harry, stopping by Ron.
'Dumbledore? Er - no, no I haven't.'
'Who is flying that kite? It is magnificent, rather like the professors.' Added Harry. Hearing this, Hermione quickly threw the wand out of her hands.
'It belongs to Her - Daniella.' Said Ron slyly.
'Daniella?' Harry's voice tone immediately changed. 'Please, you know her? I must find her, where is she staying?' Hearing this, Hermione placed her head in her hands. Please don't Ron, she pleaded silently.
'I do know, sir, that she is staying with - er - a - cousin. Yes, a cousin. Courtier Elizabeth De Ghent, to be exact.'
'Hmm.' Harry looked a little frustrated. 'That is a problem.'
'But,' said Ron quickly. 'I do know that she is there, alone, at this very moment.'
Harry smiled. 'Excellent.' He said. 'Nice painting.' He said to Ron, before mounting his horse.
After making sure he was gone, Hermione picked up her wand and ran out for behind the haystack. 'Ron! You horrible thing!' she shouted.
Ron, meanwhile was staring at his painting as though it had a new meaning to him. 'Did you hear? He likes my painting!'
'And he's heading towards my house!' said Hermione, shaking her head.
Ron leant forward, and whispered in her ear, 'Then I'd suggest you run.'
Half gratified, half exasperated, Hermione quickly mounted Ron's horse and rode off, going through the quicker shortcut, well away from the main road Harry was traveling, she tore of her apron as she ran into the manor. 'Molly! Paulette! Quickly!' she said.
A few minutes later Hermione was dressed in another beautiful gown which was in a chest that belonged to her mother. Hair slightly askew, she was a little out of breath when she answered Harry's knock on the door.
'Your highness, what an unexpected surprise!' she said, stepping out.
'You didn't attend the Quidditch game?' asked Harry, after greeting her.
'I'm very afraid of heights.' Conceded Hermione, smiling slightly.
'I know of a fantastic library. Since you love books, I thought of taking you there.' Said Harry.
'Well, you know my weakness, but I don't know yours.' Said Hermione.
'I thought it would be obvious.' Said Harry quietly, his green eyes boring into hers.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'I've never seen anything like this!' said Hermione spinning around as she looked at the floors and floor of shelves filled with books. 'It's incredible!'
'Pick one.' Said Harry simply. 'Or many.'
'I couldn't, I wouldn't know where to start.'
'What makes you love them so much?' asked Harry, as they walked down the circular staircase.
'I think it was my father. He loved reading, and he often bring back books to read to me at bedtime. I used to fall asleep listening to his voice.' Hermione paused, tears starting to form in her eyes. 'I'd rather hear his voice again than any sound in the world.' She stopped abruptly, turning away from him, composing herself. 'He died when I was seven,' she continued. 'Utopia was the last book he brought home.'
She turned around again, to see his face. 'That would explain why you quote it.' He said soberly.
Hermione saw a little uncertainty in his eyes. 'Is there something wrong? If I said, or did anything . . .'
'No,' said Harry quietly, bringing his finger to her lips to silence her. 'Please don't, it isn't you.'
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'This was the best idea, mother.' Said Marguerite. 'Getting Lily Potter's favourite brooch, pretend I saw her drop it and return it. Oh, she will love me!'
'Isn't that what mothers are for?' asked Elizabeth. 'It's now or never.'
'Forgive me, Madame,' said Marguerite approaching the horseless carriage they were about to go off in. 'But you dropped this earlier.' She smiled sweetly, her playing her part well as she held out the brooch.
'My dear, it is a rare person who would return such a valuable keepsake. Why, I can't even remember putting it on!' said Lily, kindly.
Marguerite smiled, lifting her long lashes. Feigning shyness, she curtsied prettily. 'You are too magnanimous.' She said, her blue eyes, blonde hair and angelic demeanor really softening Lily's heart.
'How very kind. You are Marguerite De Ghent?' queried Lily. Marguerite nodded. 'We shall have a chat tomorrow, and do bring your mother.' She said.
'As you wish.' Said Marguerite, serenely watching the carriage move away.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
THAT AFTERNOON:
'Well, this is embarrassing.' Said Harry, looking over their carriage which had broken down. Hermione anxiously looked at her watch for the time.
'Well, we'll have to walk.' Said Hermione hastily.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Now we can't be too confident, ladies.' Said Elizabeth. 'Harry wasn't in at lunch and was apparently out all morning. We must figure out why this is.'
'Marguerite gets to do everything.' Complained Jacqueline.
'Don't be silly, Jacqueline. Lily Potter doesn't even know you exist.' Sniffed Marguerite.
'After all, once Marguerite is Harry's wife it will benefit us all.' Said Elizabeth briskly.
'Lovely, next I'll be a servant like Hermione.' Said Jacqueline, annoyed.
'Where is that girl?' asked Elizabeth suspiciously.
'Probably off catching rabbits with her teeth.' Said Marguerite airily.
Paulette entered the room nervously, with Molly in tow. 'Please Miss, did you move the gilded mirror in your bed chamber?'
'Of course not.' Snapped Elizabeth. 'Why?'
'Well, it's also missing.'
'Then it too shall come out of your pay.' Said Elizabeth contemptuously.
Both servants bowed their heads and exited the room. 'Either you stop telling her when things are missing or we won't be paid at all!' muttered Molly.
'Good thing I didn't mention the tapestries,' said Paulette fervently.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'Why is it that men can never ask for directions?' asked Hermione, she shielded her eyes. 'Please come down, Harry!'
'What? Am I scaring you?' asked Harry, who was on the topmost branch of a large tree, trying to spot where they were in the immense forest.
'Come down now!' said Hermione.
'Or what?' teased Harry. He took both his hands off the branch he was holding onto. 'Look, no hands!' Hearing Hermione scream, he smiled to himself and thought that he'd come down and scare her no more. He climbed down swiftly and jumped to the ground, turning to face her.
But she was screaming for another reason.
A band of gypsies, people who were shunned from the wizarding world and banished, were surrounding Hermione, one holding a knife threateningly as they had no wands.
A tall one picked Harry's fine cloak off the ground. 'My son'll love this!' he shouted dangling it in the air.
'Hey!' shouted Harry. As soon as he opened his mouth, three men leapt at him, holding him captive.
'Release him at once!' demanded Hermione, drawing her wand out. 'Return our things and since you have stolen our transport,' - they had hacked off the silk curtains and gold finishings of their broken horseless carriage - 'I demand a horse as well.'
The leader of the group laughed suddenly. Taking off his hat, he bowed to Hermione. 'My lady,' he said walking forward. 'You are without a doubt, most unique. Harry Potter is lucky to have you. Would I be fair in saying, mademoiselle, that he could have whatever he could carry?'
Harry pulled himself away from the three men that held him and stepped forward. 'I have your world on that?' he asked.
The leader laughed again. 'A banished wizard's honour, sire. You have a gypsie's word.'
Harry walked forward and quite easily picked up Hermione, and put her over her shoulder. 'I hope your son will love the cloak.' He said sincerely. He walked away slowly, his heavy boots thudding against the ground, the only sound amid silence.
The leader called after him, 'Come back! We'll give you a horse, on the condition you'll come to our party!' The band of gypsies laughed heartily.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
'I want to be informed the minute she returns.' Said Elizabeth, as the sun slowly set.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Harry stared intently into Hermione's eyes. Each having enjoyed a meal and a dance, they retired by the fireplace.
'You are reading my thoughts.' Said Hermione quietly.
'Are they as complicated as mine?' asked Harry.
'Truth or dare.' Asked Hermione.
'Truth.' Said Harry.
'Do you want to be Minister for Magic?' she asked. Both the cross-legged, sitting opposite each other, and she rested her hand on her chin.
'No.' said Harry, placing his intense gaze on the roaring fire. 'I don't.'
'But think of all the wonderful things you could do. For the rich, for the poor, for the banished,' she said, gesturing at the riotous crowd. 'For country and the world.'
'Yes, but no one will see me for anything but my title. I will be always defined by my position, and that's not who I am.' Said Harry, throwing a stick into the flames.
'You'd be surprised.'
'What?'
'Your not the only one defined by your title, so are the gypsies. They are judged by their status but that isn't who they are. And just because I read by the fireplace, I'm Cinder -' she stopped abruptly. 'You are born to privilege, Harry. I've only known you for a little while, but. . . you're a great person. I'm not saying that because you're Harry Potter, I'm - I think I - well . . .' Hermione trailed off, casting her eyes down. 'I'm sorry, sometimes my mouth just runs away with me.'
Harry carefully placed a hand under her chin and tilted it upwards, luminous green eyes meeting melting golden ones. Leaning towards her, she closed her eyes. 'No, it is your mouth that has me hypnotized,' he whispered before their lips met.
He kissed her softly and gently, pulling her closer, his hands tangling in the silky ringlets. Hermione ran her hands through his hair, not caring that she had no business pretending -
A chorus of wolf-whistling interrupted them. Coming back to earth, Hermione and Harry separated, each with a smile on their face.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
THAT NIGHT:
'Please, drop me here. I don't want to wake anyone.' Said Hermione quietly. Harry jumped off the horse they were riding and lifted Hermione down.
'Thank you.' He said, running his cupped fingers down her cheek.
Hermione smiled, and turned away, towards the manor.
'Daniella . . . do you the ruins by the Forbidden Forest?'
'Yes.'
'Would you meet me there tomorrow?' he asked.
'I shall try.' Said Hermione, the first onslaught of guilt setting in.
'Then I shall wait all day.' Said Harry, climbing back onto the horse.
That night, when Hermione tumbled into bed, she cried. That was the happiest day of her life, yet she couldn't lie to Harry any longer. She had fallen in love with him when she was only a servant, and she couldn't deceive him any more. Tomorrow she had to tell him that she couldn't see him again.
She had never been loved by anyone but her father, but she knew that this couldn't go on. Life was bleak before, but life without Harry seemed to be devastating. Though he had only been in her life for a small while, she knew that life without him would him the worst yet.
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
