Chapter Twenty Three: A Naval Career
Hermione came late to the Great Hall for dinner and saw most of the Gryffindor table was full. She noticed that a space was open next to Robert and decided to join him at the Hufflepuff table. Robert looked at her without surprise and asked how her day was.
"Terrible," She admitted, "and great. How did your navy class go?"
Robert smiled. "The Captain deliberately humiliated Malfoy. You would have loved it."
Hermione smiled. "You have to tell me all about it. First, who's this captain?"
"Captain Grissom. He gave Harry and I our initial training." Robert then told her about the incident with the hat.
Hermione laughed. "He sounds like an interesting man. What's he like?"
"He is at the teacher's table, talking to Hagrid."
Hermione looked up to see a tall man, heavily muscled. He was not handsome by any standards, with a plain face that was given character by the harshness of the weather from years spent at sea, but it also gave him a formidable look.
"I'm curious," Hermione asked. "What is he going to teach the two of you?"
"The six of us," Robert corrected. "Dumbledore opened the class to anyone who wanted to attend. Six of us stayed when only two of us had to. And he is going to teach all of us how to captain a ship."
"I heard about the ship on the lake. The class sounds wonderful."
"It will be," Robert said cheerlessly. "We will learn everything about every type of ship, how each ship is manned and supplied, how to stock supplies and to order them. What forms to fill out, paysheets, rosters, inventories, processing orders and requisitions . . ."
"Enough," Hermione laughed. "That sounds like more book work than I have." To change the subject slightly she asked, "I'm guessing Ron is taking the class." Robert nodded. "And I noticed Susan Bones sitting with him?""She is taking the class as well." Robert paused to look behind him. "They do like each other. In time they could become serious."
"They're only thirteen," Hermione reminded him.
Robert paused. "In my world, thirteen is not too young to begin thinking about such things."
"Harry told me," Hermione commented.
"Hermione," Robert said in a suddenly serious tone. "In my position, I need to think about such things. I am heir to the Duchy of Cambridge."
Hermione was surprised at the look in Robert's eyes, and began to understand what he was saying, but she still had to ask, "What do you mean?"
"I need to think of my bloodline, of securing my title for the next generation." He put his hand gently on Hermione's. "Would I be too forward to consider you a close friend?"
Hermione swallowed hard. "A close friend?"
"I am asking you to consider it," Robert said sincerely. "I, for one, am not planning to do anything until after we have finished our schooling, but showing an interest would sit easier with the Council of Lords."
"Easier?"
"I will not even be of age to wed until this summer as it is, and I will need to petition His Majesty on your behalf. I think he would approve your admission to the Order of Saint Agnes, especially as my Aunt and Godmother, the Lady Darcy is now in that order . . ."
"STOP," Hermione screamed, causing everyone nearby to turn to look at her.
"I am sorry," Robert said as he took his hand away. "I should have broached the matter more carefully."
"You had me marching down the aisle without even waiting for an answer," Hermione said, more with hurt than anger.
"I did not mean to be rude," Robert said with embarrassment, and stood up. "I only wanted to explain how such things are done, in my world, for someone in my position."
Hermione grabbed his hand. "I was surprised." At that point she realized that everyone around her was completely quiet and looking directly at her. "This is something we need to talk about, PRIVATELY."
"What happened?" Ginny asked as Hermione and Robert settled down.
Harry smirked. "Robert asked Hermione to marry him."
Ron spit out a mouthful of pumpkin juice and began coughing.
"I didn't know they were dating," Ginny said evenly, trying to control her surprise.
"They are not," Harry responded. "It is a difference of culture. They will not date unless Hermione says yes."
"Don't you date someone to find out if you want to marry them?"
"No," Harry answered, "Not in the Empire. I date to find out about the woman I chose to marry."
Susan Bones looked up as Ron stopped coughing. "What if you don't like her?"
"I offer to withdraw my favor. If she agrees, then we are both free to go our separate ways. If she does not agree, then we marry anyway. That is why you have to be very careful who your friends are."
"So if Hermione says yes, he's committed to marrying her regardless of what happens."
Harry smirked. "Yes and no. My uncle, Lord Darcy, related a case he needed to investigate. A couple had made a commitment to each other over his father's objections. To smooth matters over, her brother contrived to kill his father but was found out. In such a case, the commitment is obviously dissolved as though it had never been. That is an extreme example, I admit, but it does illustrate the point. As it is, Hermione has no title. She will not be acceptable unless that changes. As an example, my Godmother, the Dowager Duchess of Carlisle is a commoner. Her marriage to the late Duke of Carlisle was permitted because he already had an heir by his first wife. She was only able to marry my uncle after she was raised to the Order of Saint Agnes. This made her a noblewoman in her own right."
Susan nodded. "Isn't Professor O'Lochlainn is a friend of your uncle?"
"They work together. Master Sean is a Forensic Sorcerer. He investigates crimes when magic is believed to have been involved."
Ron smiled. "He's that world's version of an Auror. That's why Dumbledore gave him the job."
Susan nodded. "And I do believe we have successfully changed the subject."
"I am a fool," Robert said to no one in particular as he walked out of the school.
"But you're popular," Colin said from behind.
Robert turned around and saw the boy had his camera, as usual. "I suppose you wish to preserve this moment with a picture."
"No. I wanted to know how serious you are." Colin had his ever present smile, but there was a seriousness to it. "If I heard correctly, you asked Hermione Granger to agree to marry you in five years."
"Four." Robert paused to smirk. "I was trying to tell Hermione that I liked her, but my world and yours are too different in some areas. For me, if I approach any woman I must make my intentions known. Therefore I told Hermione that should conditions become proper I would want to marry her."
"Why didn't you just tell her you liked her?"
Robert saw Colin's smirk. "The reason is simple. I have invited Hermione to come to my brother's house for the Christmas holiday. It would be improper to invite her as 'a friend'."
"But if you're engaged, it's not a problem? " Colin laughed as he understood. "When are you going to break up?"
This time Robert laughed. "My fault was in thinking we will not. Who can foretell the ways of fate?"
Colin nodded. "Could I ask a serious question? About Captain Grissom."
"Yes. Captain Grissom will get a uniform made to fit you."
"Why?"
"He thinks you are useful. I think he is soliciting your services for the Crown. Good officers are always in demand. The Captain thinks that you could be a good officer, with a few years of training."
"I don't like the idea of all that schoolwork. Couldn't I just get a Barony like Ernie did?"
Robert was caught by surprise and looked to find Colin already laughing at him.
"Robert?" Colin ran after the Hufflepuff who had started walking toward the lake. "Why was Ernie made a Baron? He doesn't look the type, if you know what I mean."
"I know what you mean." Robert sighed. "I do not know the truth but I can surmise. I think His Majesty was trying to be nice."
"Nice? I'm only twelve and that doesn't even make sense to me."
"It is this way, Colin. Ernie was given a Barony but I doubt anyone expected him to accept it. Nobility has requirements, and one of these is that all Lords and Ladies of the realm must belong to the Church in order to be vested in their rights of station. Upon inheriting a position, or being given one as Ernie was, the Lord or Lady must also physically visit his or her fief and lay claim to it in the name of the King by way of the Ceremony of Investiture. And all of this must be done within a given period of time or the fief is forfeit. It is a guess but I believe everyone thought that Ernie would forfeit the Barony."
"But he didn't?"
"No, he did not. If he had, he would still be considered a lord, out of courtesy. This is how the Crown honours foreign dignitaries. Instead, Ernie fulfilled all of the requirements of his rank."
"Then I'm really in your Navy?"
Robert stopped when Colin did. "Honestly? I think Captain Grissom was trying to be nice. He will even get you a uniform if you ask him."
"And if I fulfill all the requirements?" Colin's smile was gone. "Robert, I had six months of my life torn away from me because I didn't know what to expect. I came back to find a different world. I need to know. Is this real, or is it just for fun?"
Robert paused as an unbidden thought came back to him. He looked at Colin. "An act done in jest or noble cause is still an act done."
Lucius Malfoy was very calm as he talked to the Minister for Magic. "There were two incidents in two days, and both involved my son. I think I have every right to make a complaint. My son was attacked by a Hippogriff and only escaped by his quick reflexes. Then he is deliberately assaulted by this joke of a teacher. After the way I was manipulated last year, I must assume these actions were planned."
Cornelius Fudge was more than willing to be sympathetic to Malfoy's case. "I will agree that Rubeus Hagrid may have erred in bringing his students in contact with such dangerous animals. I have no difficulty in calling an investigation to decide on his qualifications as well as whether it is safe to let the hippogriff remain." Fudge was happy to see Lucius Malfoy smile. It made his next statement easier to say. "As far as the man who attacked your son, there are diplomatic problems."
"This empire he comes from?" Malfoy's disgust was obvious.
"Exactly." Fudge's attitude was a mirror. "By agreement, the Ministry cannot intervene. Any actions taken have to be PRIVATE matters, regardless of how sympathetic the Ministry is toward the injured party."
Malfoy understood the Minister's suggestion, but knew that such an action would probably do little more than cause embarrassment. He decided to test a theory he was forming. "These people. I know they are studying us. Have they shared their means of travel between worlds with us?"
"Not as yet, but we are finally discussing the matter. It is a delicate issue."
Malfoy repressed a sneer. An embarrassment was what the Minister wanted. It could force the hand of these people. And such a gift could be useful . . . in the right hands. "I am sorry to hear that, Minister, but I do feel the need to pursue this matter." Both men smiled, and Lucius rose to take his leave. "Oh, by the way, Cornelius. About the matter of Hagrid and that beast, I have a friend, MacNair, who is an expert in that area. I would like to see him involved in the investigation, but . . . he is a friend."
"I will keep him in mind. Any report he makes would be reviewed as a matter of course."
The conversation ended there. Both men understood each other perfectly, and were willing to use the other. The only question was who would benefit more.
"Your Majesty." The Lord High Admiral bowed deeply to King John IV. It was two days after the previous conversation.
"Have you read the report fully, Admiral?"
The Admiral grinned. "It was most amusing, Your Majesty. Captain Grissom has his sails well trimmed with two young girls as cadets."
His Majesty permitted himself to grin. "And the boy?"
"We have his measurements. We will make a uniform for him to play in. Shall I make him a full Lieutenant for bravely taking the coin?"
Both men laughed briefly. "My Lord Admiral, that is not the boy I was referring to, and you know it."
The Lord High Admiral smiled. "If you mean the Malfoy boy, Your Majesty, the boy was deliberately humiliated with no room to leave any doubt."
"And his father?"
"He has talked to the Minister, and is now talking to their version of a barrister. He will make a demonstration in their courts."
His August Majesty nodded. "We are still a backward people. You are aware of that. Why else would one of our own act with such barbarism."
The Lord High Admiral refused to accept the jest. "Your Majesty. The wizards have toys. They behave like children. We have skills. One skilled and dedicated man can do wonders that they have never dreamed."
His Majesty started. "You know something that we do not."
This time the Admiral started. "It appears I do, Your Majesty. And it is an item of some import. In a quiet moment, after his baptism, Lieutenant Lord Henry Somerset revealed a curious incident to his Great Uncle, the Duke of Cambridge, who related it to myself. I had thought he was informing me IN ADDITION. I should have . . ."
"My Lord Admiral," King John said in good humor. "Simply tell Us. It is obvious that you are already acting upon this information."
"Lord Henry's scar. He has felt it presence all his life until he went to Saint Cathal's Cathedral. It was the first time he had entered a church . . . in our world."
King John nodded thoughtfully. "Inform Master Sorcerer Sean O'Lochlainn and have him relate the information to Father Maurice Pannier. We will personally inform the Archbishop of London."
John IV Plantagenet smiled. For the first time since the recovery of the missing control stone and contact with the parallel world, His Majesty knew that his own world had the means to defend itself.
"What is it?" Harry asked.
After his naval class, he and Ron had decided to pay Hagrid a visit. Robert and Colin joined them.
"It's that Malfoy," Hagrid fumed. "Ye missed the first day of class, so ye don't know. I had Hippogriffs." Hagrid smiled as he said that word. "Wonderful creatures, but ye have to mind yer manners or they'll try and claw ye."
"One clawed Malfoy?" Harry asked, almost hoping it was true.
"Nothin' like that but it snapped its beak at him just to let him know to stay out of range. That boy never bothered to mind the rules. And now the Ministry is investigating."
"That is curious," Robert said thoughtfully, making Hagrid look up.
"Snape stopped to see Captain Grissom during class," Harry told him.
"Yeah," Ron added. "Malfoy's dad is accusing the Captain of deliberately hitting his little boy, Draco."
Hagrid was incensed. "How'd he ever get that idea?"
Colin smirked. "When the Captain deliberately hit Malfoy with his hat."
"And when he pushed Malfoy into the wall," Ron added.
Hagrid grinned. "I guess that captain is a decent sort after all, despite what they say about that other world. But ye don't need to hear my moaning. What's yer class like? I've seen that ship."
"It is boring," Robert said and Harry agreed.
"It's great," Ron added with Colin nodding.
The four boys looked at each other and laughed.
Captain Grissom paired the six students. Harry and Ron, being best mates, were an obvious pair. The two girls, Ginny and Susan, were also paired. Which left Robert and Colin, until Captain Grissom had a better idea. Rather than being trapped with a pair of girls, he changed the partner's around.
Robert ended up being partnered with Harry. The class was designed for these two and Grissom would give them the most attention. He took advantage of the emotional attraction and Ron was put with Susan. Colin ended up as Ginny's partner.
Classes were held five days a week. All six students met on Mondays and Fridays. Each pair met on one of the other three days. Joint classes were for practical knowledge and were mostly book work. The paired classes were the physical part of the class, where the students learn how to physically set ropes for sails or control rudder and speed when using the engines. The only problem Grissom had was when, a week before Hallowe'en, Colin demanded his uniform. The request had been expected, but then Ginny Weasley insisted on one as well.
As it was regulation for all cadets, a formal request was sent to the Lord High Admiral's office at His Royal Majesty's Naval Headquarters in London.
The Lord High Admiral stood before the King. "It is real, Your Majesty, although based on family history the girl has most likely made this request in order to see what will happen. She is well aware that enrollment is limited strictly to men."
The King nodded. "We know We will enjoy this. What was your reply?"
"I felt obliged to make the offer. In her world, women and men are both in the military. There, such a request is normal. I have also made the effort to point out that the Lieutenants Somerset have committed themselves to a career, and that uniforms are issued to students in her world who make this commitment. I am sure she will decline the offer once the conditions are made known."
"And if she does not?" His Majesty was right. He was enjoying this.
The Lord High Admiral shrugged his shoulders. "If she is that determined, I will make her my personal aide once she completes her education."
"My Lord Admiral," His Majesty said. The smile was still on his lips. "The Creevey boy has been issued a uniform. Has he been informed of the situation?"
"Um," the Lord High Admiral answered. At that moment he thought of the perfect solution. He could have had the Somerset twins returned to this world for their lessons. The greater risk of exposure would have been better than this embarrassment of details. "Could Your Majesty give him an exemption?"
"Do you think I should?" Ginny asked as she leaned on the railing of the ship.
"Should what?" Colin asked.
"Accept the offer." Ginny showed him the letter. "After all, you accepted it."
Colin read the letter, and paled when he read the part about being committed to a career. This was not his agreement. He was given the uniform to help him feel part of the class. That was why he wore it. "Why would they say that. . ." he started to say, then realized something. They didn't want Ginny to say yes, but for some reason they couldn't stop her. And they had forgotten about him.
"Why would they say what?" Ginny asked.
"About Harry and Robert. They're officers and they're getting paid. They have the option to resign."
Ginny stared at Colin. "They are being paid to take this class?"
"Yeah. I thought you knew that."
"Are you being paid?" A gleam entered Ginny's eye.
"No, I'm, um, only an acting officer."
The gleam left Ginny's eye.
"Ginny, why do you want to join the Navy?"
"Hermione was telling me how it's only for men, in their world. I wanted to see what would happen." She sighed. "It's nice to know they would make an exception." She paused. "Colin, if you joined, then will you wear your uniform all the time."
Colin paused. It was a question he had never asked himself. He realized for the first time that when he took that coin he did not understand what he was doing, and he still didn't. Until he figured it out, he would have to give some lame excuse. "I only have one uniform. Harry has a trunk full of them."
Ginny smiled at the answer. "That's too bad. You look cute when you're dressed up."
As Ginny left the ship, Colin had another thought. Maybe he should dress in a uniform all the time. If Ginny likes him because of it . . .
Captain Grissom walked up as Colin stood by the gangplank watching his partner walk back to the school. He grinned to himself as he knew what the boy was thinking. It was called puppy love, and the small boy was truly a pup. "Colin, should you be heading back to the Castle? It is near time to eat."
"Captain," Colin asked. "Did I make a commitment?"
Grissom looked at the boy thoughtfully. "You will have to tell me."
"I don't know."
"Until you do, you are not allowed to wear that uniform."
Colin felt upset by the remark. He liked dressing up like Harry and Robert. It set him apart from everyone else. It made him feel special.
He stopped himself. That was what he had been doing when he first came to the school, when he was eleven. But he had lost six months of his life, Colin thought. He hadn't grown up at all.
"I only have one anyway," he said in a sour mood.
"Should I order more? Dumbledore can arrange for them to arrive in the morning if you are that eager."
Colin looked up at the Captain. His eyes were dry. He felt like crying but tears wouldn't come. "I wanted to be like Harry." He added without realizing it, "I wanted to be special."
"So did I," Grissom said with a far away look. Suddenly he was twelve years old and Captain Huxton was glaring at him demanding to know why he wanted to be a sailor. "I thought I would be taller if I wore a uniform."
Colin stared. Grissom had echoed his feelings exactly. Grissom noted the boy's reaction.
"Colin, don't ever grow up. The first thing you lose is your immortality. In exchange you get the knowledge that nothing lasts forever."
"It's too late," Colin answered.
"We never know what we have until it is gone." Grissom saluted the boy and sent him on his way.
Colin walked slowly back to the school. Dinner was almost starting when he arrived. He entered the Great Hall without bothering to change. As he sat down, one of his dorm mates commented that he was still wearing his uniform.
Colin looked at him without smiling and said carefully, "It is required of someone in my position."
Harry and Ron walked by to join Hermione who was already sitting with Ginny. Harry noticed Colin and said hi. Colin said hello and raised his hand to his forehead. Harry paused. He recognized that look. Nathan Brennan had given him the same look not that long ago. Colin was saluting a superior officer. Harry returned the salute, and went to join his friends.
In the morning, Colin awoke to find fresh uniforms in his trunk. He didn't feel special.
