A/N: For all practical purposes, the story is over. I have posted four chapters today. The epilogue was too long, in my opinion, to fit comfortably into one chapter. That is why there is Part One and Part Two.
The last two chapters are from the original version of this story. I added them for those who are curious.
As this is the last time I have a chance to comment, I would like to answer TimI's question about how Henry Planck lost two fingers on his hand. It was during a storm. Something came loose and smashed into the side of the deck where Henry's hand was. Whatever it was, and his two smallest fingers, washed away in the next wave.
I should remind Wytil that electricity and magic do not go well together, and the Empire is too committed to the use of magic. They would not introduce electricity into their society, although now that they know its properties you can expect a group of scientists at RTI to search for a way around that problem.
As a final note, I want to thank everyone, reviewers and readers, for spending your summer following this story. Good Reading - HiBob
Epilogue: Part One
The day had finally come. Goodwoman Jenny Planck had taken the train to Dover and was waiting to board the ship that would take her to a new life. She sat in the shade the lone tree with a five-month-old baby looked about in uncomprehending wonder. Naval officers and men, some of them only boys even younger than her, walked past on their own business, officially ignoring her despite the many unofficial smiles.
"Ginny?" It was a familiar voice that seemed to be laughing at her. She looked up to see Colin Creevey standing there.
"I see you've decided to try piracy instead."
Colin grinned at the reference to his eye patch. He looked around and then joined her under the tree. "What are you doing here?" He stared at the baby. The baby stared back and reached for his nose.
"Harry, this is Colin. Colin, this is my son, Harry Arthur Planck."
"You're married."
"To a Navy man. He's a Lieutenant on the Adventurer."
Colin nodded in admiration. "It's a good ship. They were the ones who first spotted the enemy fleet."
Jenny smirked. "I know. I was there. That's how I met my husband." Her eyes moved to little Harry. "That's when I became Jenny." There was a wistfulness in her voice. "Henry and I bought into an emigration deal. I'm supposed to sail today to Port Adelaide."
Colin smiled. "Do you know which ship?"
"I'm waiting for a message from the Post Admiral. Henry's Captain called in a favor. I'm supposed to sail on one of the Navy ships. It will save us the cost of travel, at least." Jenny sighed at thought of how long it would take to pay off the debt.
"Like you need to worry about money," Colin smirked.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't you know? The Adventurer is the talk of the Sea Lanes. They pick up a foreign merchantman at least once a week, sometimes more."
"Henry wrote me that they took some ships, but what does that have to do with money?"
"Remember what Grissom told us about taking prizes?"
Ginny gasped, which startled Harry, who decided to laugh instead of cry. "That means . . ."
"Probably less than you're thinking."
"I wish I could tell Mum and Dad. Colin, is that still possible?"
Colin shook his head. "The stones were destroyed over a month ago. Shortly after they killed Voldemort." His eye held a sad look. "This is the only world we have."
"I'm sorry, Colin."
"For what?"
"Your parents. Your brother."
"Don't be. They're at the beach right now, no more than ten miles from here, trying to decide what to do."
"They're here?"
"I make more than dad. So HE quit his job." They both laughed.
"Colin, if you see Harry, tell him I'm sorry. About Robert. I heard the official story, but that still means . . ."
"That's all I know, too. Harry won't talk about it. Neither will Hermione."
Jenny smiled. "She came. I wish I had known. When does she start school?"
"Apprentice Sorcerers have school all year long. She's already started. I heard she loves it. She has to spend all of her time studying. Harry said she hardly has time for anything else. Wait a minute." Colin called out to a passing boy. "RUNNER."
"Aye, Lieutenant," the boy said as he saluted.
"Give Captain Marshall my compliments and inform him that I request transport for a friend and her son. Note to the Captain that her husband is a Lieutenant on board the Adventurer."
"The Adventurer?" the boy smiled. "He serves under Sly Captain Slye?"
Colin smirked. "Joshua, run with the message or the Port Admiral will put her on someone else's ship."
"Not on my watch," the boy said, and ran off.
Jenny laughed at the ease with which Colin did that. "Which ship is yours?" She had to ask.
"Oh, that big grey one. The Birmingham. I'm only Fourth Lieutenant."
Jenny smirked. "Henry is Second Lieutenant on his ship."
Colin smirked in return. "There are only two Lieutenants on Henry's ship."
"Colin, thank you for being here. And thank Lord Bontriomphe for telling you to look for me."
"I already did." They sat back and looked toward the ships. "Did you know, when Dennis was introduced to the Marquis of London, his first question was 'Why are so many people in your world named Lord?' The Marquis told him it was a very popular name."
"Are you serious?"
"I am, but I'm not sure Dennis was."
"Oy, Jenny," a voice came from behind them.
"Oliver?" Jenny brightened, as she turned. "You decided to come, after all."
"Whot? Are you crazy? It wount be roight ta leave London." Oliver smiled smugly. "Oi got ya this, for the trip."
He handed her a book. "Histories of the people of New England. It sounds wonderful. Thank you."
Colin politely kept quiet at the strange reunion. How Lord London came to be here dressed as a mudlark, and why Ginny/Jenny knew him as a Charles Dickens character was never fully explained to him. Despite that, he knew to keep his mouth shut. He had become very good at keeping secrets.
'Oliver' stayed for almost an hour, impressing Jenny by reading from the book. When the runner appeared, calling them to the ship, Oliver reached over and kissed baby Harry goodbye. He also whispered so that only the baby could hear. "Goodbye, dear Harry. How I regret I will never see you grow up."
He and Jenny hugged, and Oliver ran off quickly so that no one would see the tears in his eyes.
"An unusual boy," Colin said flatly.
Jenny smiled in agreement. "He's wonderful. That boy is capable of doing anything."
To Colin's credit, he managed to keep a straight face. Had Lord Bontriomphe been there, he would have agreed wholeheartedly.
It was the First of September.
"Harry! Come see this."
Lord London came running into the bedroom and began shaking his brother vigorously.
"Roger, must you?"
"I must. And if you do not get up, I must do it again."
Harry forced himself to sit up. "And what do you want me to see."
"You have to look out the window."
Harry dragged himself out of bed and followed Roger. "Is that the King's Emblem on that coach?"
"A King's Messenger is with Lord Bontriomphe this very minute. I would wager it concerns you."
"And why me?"
Roger's grin faded. "You are Robert's heir. Harry, he is watching you this day. Make him proud." Roger grabbed Harry in a hug. He would not let go until Harry returned it. Then he left the room through the 'not so secret' passage to let his brother dress.
Harry was pulling on his jacket when the housekeeper knocked. "My Lord?"
"Enter."
The door opened. "Lord Bontriomphe requests your presence in his study."
Harry nodded. "Clarice, is it a formal request or casual?"
"Formal, My Lord." She curtsied and closed the door behind her as she left.
Harry went to his trunk and took out his sword, strapping it in place. He put his hat under his arm and went to meet the Messenger.
"My Lord Bontriomphe?" Harry asked as he entered the study.
"Lord Henry, I regret to inform you that you have been removed from the Title List." Lord Bontriomphe was smiling, and Harry could guess the reason. "It seems that the Duke of Cambridge has made his decision on whom to select as his heir."
Harry tried to smile. "It was expected, My Lord. His Grace hinted that he would wait an appropriate length of time."
"The formal declaration will be made at the end of the week, here in London. There is to be a celebration in your honor." He looked at the King's Messenger. "And there is to be a special guest."
Harry couldn't help himself. He grabbed Remus Lupin and hugged him for all he was worth. Remus hugged him in return, then made him hurry up. The coach was ready to take him to Westminster.
"I wish you could come."
"Harry, I am only the groundskeeper. I would not fit in."
"The Creeveys are there."
"And their son is an officer and a hero. How many lives did he save, even after he was wounded."
"Colin says it was never half as many as they say."
"One is enough in my book. And yours. Now get going or I will carry you and stuff you into the coach."
"Goodbye Uncle Remus, Aunt Charity. I will make you proud of me."
"You did it now," Remus said, as Charity hugged him in turn.
"Now, off with you, My Lord," she said cheerfully. "They will be waiting for you."
Harry smiled and walked to the coach. Despite the war, despite Robert's death, life seemed good. He climbed in the coach, wishing only that Roger could have joined him for the ride. But this was Harry's day. To have the Marquis of London with him would have taken some of the attention away from him. Roger would not have it, even if Harry would.
The coach arrived, and Harry stepped out. The Captain at arms escorted him into the Palace, leaving him at the waiting room where he was passed on to Lord Bontriomphe.
"My Lord, you should have arrived sooner. They will be expecting you shortly and there are two small tasks that must still be done."
"May I ask what that is, Lord Bontriomphe?" One of them, Harry knew, was that he needed to receive the blessing from the Archbishop of London, who was standing and waiting. It was important to be in good grace when you met with the King. For the other task, Lord Bontriomphe turned to Captain Sir Mortimer Sheffield who was standing with his daughter, Harry's close friend, Caroline. As he looked, Caroline stepped up to him.
"My Lord Somerset, as it is my prerogative, I release you from the vow you made to me."
"Vow?"
Lord Bontriomphe nodded and Caroline stepped back to stand with her father. "My Lord," he explained quietly. "A Knight's daughter is not appropriate for a Ducal heir."
Harry nodded and let himself be led before the Archbishop. He was slightly annoyed at the phrase, 'not appropriate'. Caroline may only be one small step above a commoner but she had more intelligence and wit than most of the noble ladies he had met. She also had a good heart, and she had become a close friend.
He dared to cast a glance in her direction as he walked toward the Archbishop. She was talking to her father, but there was a moistness in her eyes. She did not want this either.
Harry stopped in his thoughts. He had mentally added the word 'either' automatically. Without thinking, he stepped away from the Archbishop before the man could say anything.
"Captain Sheffield."
"My Lord Somerset."
"Actually, I am still Lord Henry Somerset. I will not become Lord Somerset until I receive His Majesty's approval. May I ask you a question?"
"As you wish, Lord Henry."
"May I have your daughter's hand in marriage?"
"That would be inappropriate."
"It is this way, Sir Mortimer. It will be inappropriate once I enter that room. At this moment it is inconvenient. However, we have everything that is required. As her father, you may vouch that your daughter enters into this arrangement freely. As legal guardian of the Somerset family, Lord Bontriomphe may do the same for me. And we also have the Archbishop to perform the ceremony."
All three men stared at the brusque young officer. Harry ignored them and turned to the only lady present. "Lady Caroline, will you marry me? I need someone strong to be by my side, and every time I look with my mind's eye, I see you."
"Father?" Lady Caroline's look expressed all of her hope.
"MY LORD," Sir Mortimer said. "You are expected by His Majesty within minutes. And His Majesty must approve of the union. It can not be done."
Harry smiled. "If he refuses to accept the marriage, you have my promise that I will foreswear my inheritance."
The Archbishop chose this moment to begin laughing, causing all heads to turn in his direction. "My Lord Henry Somerset, you are always full of surprises. I was supposed to relay a message to you from His Majesty. Instead, I will relay your message to him." He began to walk toward the ballroom.
"Your Grace," Lord Bontriomphe asked. "What message?"
The Archbishop turned around. His smile was still there. "Why, that he does not wish Lord Henry to become the Duke's heir. His Majesty has other plans for his nephew."
Lord Bontriomphe stared. He dare not ask what other plans. And he was aware that the Duke had made known his intentions. "I assume Cambridge has been informed."
"Only after he made his decision known. And true to form, Lord Henry has provided a most delightful excuse. The common people would have cheered his inheritance. I dare say they will cheer his wedding even more." He turned to Harry, who was still holding Caroline's hand. Both were staring at him. "I give my blessing to your union, My Lord and My Lady."
Sir Mortimer smirked as the Archbishop left. "If you were Army, he would have made you a Duke anyway."
"Is that a yes, Father?" Caroline asked.
Sir Mortimer was not convinced by the smirk on Harry's face. He was convinced by the almost worshipful look on Caroline Sheffield's face. She was amazed that Harry would threaten to give up a Duchy for her, and hopeful that his request would be accepted. It was obvious that she did understand that she would end up as the wife of a mere naval officer. But for ill fortune, that is what would have happened anyway.
Sir Mortimer sighed. "I suppose it is. I still do not like your choice, Dearest, but your mother will never be swayed. I swear she wanted this from the first. At least now we have time to arrange a proper wedding"
"I would like that," Harry said gratefully as he looked at Caroline.
She smiled back. "As would I. Thank you, Father."
Captain Sir Mortimer Sheffield looked at Lord Bontriomphe, who simply shrugged his shoulders.
"If you will excuse me," Bontriomphe said. "The King's Guard is preparing to announce us. It is time."
As the two entered the ball room, the Guard announced loudly, "Lord Henry Somerset and his fiancé, Lady Caroline Sheffield."
Along one wall, Master Sorcerer Sean O'Lochlainn pulled a one pound coin out of a pocket and handed it to Lady Darcy. "At times you are worse than your husband, My Lady."
"Lord Henry has always been a smart boy, but you do need to place everything in front of him. It was my suggestion that Captain Sheffield save himself the trip to London House. After all, the 'friendship' was only a formality."
Master Sean arched an eyebrow. "Milady, you planned this?"
Lord Darcy grinned at his wife. "They are a beautiful couple, my dear."
Harry and Caroline were walking toward the center of the room. The Duke of Cambridge met them, then led them to meet the King.
"Your Majesty," the Duke said carefully. "May I present to you, Lord Henry Somerset." He paused and added, "and Lady Caroline."
The King's approval is needed for certain facets of noble life. He must approve of an heir. In most cases it is a formality. The Lord sends a letter of intent, and the King puts his seal on it. In the rare cases that the heir is not in a direct line, His Majesty will meet the proposed heir, along with any who would argue against it. As this is a rare occurrence, it is not inconvenient.
Another aspect is that of marriage. No lord can marry without the approval of the King. Should His Majesty disapprove, the marriage does not take place. As a rule, this is also a formality.
"We have been told of your intentions. You have my approval, Lord Henry Somerset."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Your fiancé is the daughter of Captain Sir Mortimer Sheffield?"
Harry nodded nervously. It was not an easy task to carry on a conversation with more than a hundred people standing around and listening to your every word. "That is correct, Your Majesty."
His Majesty smiled. "My favorite aunt was named Caroline. May you enjoy a long and fruitful life."
Harry and Caroline bowed deeply and stepped back. As expected, the issue of the inheritance did not come up and would not come up. Harry was and was to remain a Naval Officer.
"I am sorry," Harry whispered, "for not becoming a duke."
"For what?" Caroline whispered back. "I still have you."
It was sheer impulse, but Harry kissed her for saying that. Caroline was smiling when she broke away.
The room was filled with polite applause. As it died down, all faces turned toward a corner of the ballroom. Harry could not help notice that his cousin, Goodman Thomas Dudley, was being escorted from the crowd of guests by two Armsmen. His surprise was noticeable to everyone. He was led in front of His Majesty and had to be forced to remain standing. The Duke gave him an encouraging smile, then turned to address the King.
"Your Majesty, may I present for your approval, my heir, Lord Thomas Wyatt Dudley."
"Lord Dudley," His Majesty said with a sincere smile. "It is our hope and knowledge that you will excel in your duties when the time comes." He bowed politely to the new Lord, who stiffly returned the bow.
Harry couldn't help but smile. He would have loved to have been Duke, but he thought his cousin an excellent choice. As his Majesty stood up, he caught Harry's eye, noting the smile on the boy's face. His own look was one of approval for Harry's reaction to the events. He excused himself and left the room.
Thomas turned around, more correctly was turned around by his uncle the Duke, to face the guests. Harry was the closest and, with Caroline, stepped forward. They both bowed. "My Lord Dudley, may I offer my congratulations."
"My Lord Henry, I should be the one to congratulate you." Thomas knew that this was supposed to be Harry's day, but Harry only smiled, and squeezed Caroline's hand.
"We thank you, My Lord." Harry said, deliberately misunderstanding his cousin. Harry and Caroline bowed again and stepped away so the next couple could greet the new heir.
The Duke of Cambridge came over to the couple, his face beaming. "To think that I had to hurry up and produce another heir." He laughed politely. "And you are an unpredictable young man, Harry." He turned to Caroline. "Did you know? Lord Henry's grandfather had the same problem."
"I did not, Your Grace, but I should have." Caroline paused. "Was that Robert Somerset? He married Caroline Plantagenet?"
The Duke was smiling. "The very one. My brother was impulsive in some respects. They married in '38'." His voice softened. "John was still alive . . . But that is history you already know. May I welcome you to our family, my dear child."
The Duke and the Lady hugged.
"Now the two of you must follow me. You need to have a private conversation."
They left the ballroom and walked to the library where His Majesty was waiting.
"Good afternoon, Nephew."
Harry failed to stop himself from genuflecting, but he did remember to reply, "Uncle."
"I am sorry, Harry, to dash your prospects."
Harry looked at Caroline. "Uncle John, I am satisfied with the turn of events."
"I want you to know that I do have plans for you." His Majesty reached over to grab Caroline's hand, smiling as she blushed at such a personal action. "I have plans for both of you. And do not be embarrassed, Caroline. You are marrying my favorite nephew." He grinned harder when Caroline gasped.
"I apologize, Your Majesty."
"Call me Uncle John. You have earned the right."
Caroline was now blushing furiously. "Yes, Uncle John." She had just call the King and Emperor by his first name.
His Majesty turned back to Harry, but still held Caroline's hand. "Under the circumstances, Harry, I would like to grant you a boon. I will even give you a title is you ask."
Harry was impressed. John IV had told him how much he cared, but to make such an offer was more than enough proof. "Uncle, I would like to ask a favour. But not for myself. There was an Armsman. He died protecting me . . ."
It was now early December.
The small boy was escorted by the Armsmen. In the not far past, he would have run as quickly as he could, but that was a different time. Then, until recently, he had been a familiar sight at the barracks. He had become almost a mascot. But that was before his brother died.
No one would tell him what happened. Only that he gave his life to save another man. There was a funeral, and then he was escorted to the Mercy Hospice of the Angevin Order. It was the orphanage. But Michael no longer cared.
Now he was walking through some fancy building with four Armsmen on either side. Bill had told him: This was an honour escort. As he walked through the door held open for him, Michael saw the man who was standing there and dropped to the floor, afraid to look up.
"Goodman Michael Potter, you may rise."
Michael looked up in fear. It was the King! And the King knew his name. Carefully, he climbed to his feet and stood there, head bowed. A hand cupped his chin and forced him to raise his head.
"It is rude not to look at someone when they are talking to you." His Majesty took his hand away and looked at the boy, smiling in satisfaction that he kept his head erect.
"Your brother was Armsman William Potter?"
"Y-Yes, Your Majesty."
"He died with honour. He gave his life to save another man. Do you know that man, Lord Henry de Somerset?"
Michael was stunned. "Bill died to save LORD HARRY?"
"We do believe he is called that by common folk. But you should refer to him properly."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"From your look you have a question. What is it?"
"W -Well, Your Ma-Majesty, I am common folk. I should be able to call him Lord Harry."
His Majesty smiled. "Then you have not been informed?"
"Been what?"
"No one has told you?"
Michael wasn't sure what to say. "I guess not. No harm meant, Your Majesty, but I don't know what you're talking about."
"Then I will tell you. For his bravery, William Potter was posthumously made Baronet. Do you know what that means?"
Michael shook his head.
His Majesty put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "One becomes a baronet by showing Proof of Blood. He was made Sir William because he gave his life in such a selfless manner. That title would have been passed on to his children, but he never had the chance to marry. Therefore, Sir Michael, the title passes to you."
"But . . ." Michael leaned in to whisper to the King, who bent his ear. "But I'm not really his brother. He 'dopted me."
His Majesty nodded. "Then you are his brother by adoption, Sir Michael. You are still an hereditary knight of the realm and you must live with it. And that is the problem. We were only told about you recently, otherwise you would never have gone to the Hospice. Take my hand."
Sir Michael did as he was told, and His Majesty led him to another room. "This is the Lord Chamberlain. He will see that you are settled properly and that you are made familiar with the duties and privileges of your rank. As you have no place of residence, We have ordered you to be housed within the grounds of the Tower of London."
His Majesty left the two together. He had not told the boy everything. Sir Michael would have to find out about the Title List on his own.
It was the First of June.
Hermione Granger was dressed in her plain blue robes of an Apprentice Sorcerer. She was riding to Saint Paul's Cathedral in a coach bearing the arms of O'Connell. She smiled at the young man next to her. He returned the smile.
"Hermione, you know my feelings toward you, but I do not wish to presume that you feel that way about me."
"Owen, why do you always say something by saying something else first?"
"You are changing the subject. I am trying to ask you something."
"And you're doing a poor job of it. All you've said is that you love me and you will understand if I do not love you in return."
"I stated it more elegantly than that." Owen actually looked offended.
"No, you said it more vaguely than that. If I didn't know what you were talking about, I wouldn't have known what you were talking about at all."
"Hermione, you are trying to confuse me."
"It isn't hard to do."
They both laughed.
"I am trying to be Polite," Owen insisted. "I am asking you to be a 'close friend'. It will be helpful to you when we arrive."
"And this is just for today?" Hermione was grinning at his embarrassment.
"It is your choice. It will last as long as you wish." Owen had recovered and was seeking to repay her in kind. It worked.
"Are you asking me to marry you?"
"I am asking you if you would like to have a more elevated position than apprentice sorcerer when you meet the King and Emperor of the Anglo-French Empire."
"Then you aren't asking me to marry you?"
Owen smirked. "Hermione, will you marry me?"
"When."
"Whenever you chose."
"Once I become a journeyman."
Owen paused. "Did you say Yes?"
Hermione smiled and leaned over to kiss him.
"Until then, I have the right to change my mind."
Owen smiled. "There is time and time. At least we have resolved tonight's problem. You now have an appropriate station from which to greet His Majesty."
"Does that mean I can't say, 'Oy, nice hat'?"
Owen tried to say something but kept laughing at the picture that was stuck in his head.
"Owen, thank you," Hermione grabbed hold of his hand. "I needed someone to be there. I had given so much of myself to Robert that when he died . . . You helped me see that life can still be good. I don't know what the future will bring, but . . ."
"I will make no plans. If you decide to honour my offer, I am willing to go though with it."
They smiled in understanding. They were still smiling when the coach stopped and the footman opened the door. Walking hand in hand, they entered the cathedral and were escorted to their place. They were to sit with the Marquis of London. Hermione flashed a quick smile to Harry, who was standing at the altar. She also grinned at the best man. Lord Dudley was no longer a nobody.
Before the wedding began, everyone rose to greet the King In Attendance. His Majesty took his seat, and the music began. Hermione saw the bride begin her walk, and broke her promise to herself. She began to cry.
The couple were led to the ballroom where several guests were already gathered. They were announced as O'Connell and his Lady, which let everyone know what had happened in the coach.
Owen spent most of his time talking to Dennis Creevey and his father, at Hermione's suggestion, while she escorted Mrs. Creevey and made introductions.
"Are you interested in Dairy farming then?" Owen asked.
Mr. Creevey shrugged, "I'm used to delivering the stuff. I don't think I've ever touched a live cow before I came here."
"Ah, that could be a problem, Goodman Creevey."
"Do you think, O'Connell?"
"I could do it," Dennis said, "but I don't want to."
"You are young enough. What do you want to do? Join the Navy, like your brother?"
"No way. I want to do what you do."
Mister Creevey laughed. "I would like to give that a try, myself."
Owen became defensive. "I have duties. It is not all fun and games. For example, I am obligated to secure my bloodline. And soon, I will have to assume my official duties."
Dennis gave a mock sneer. "And you won't go to any fancy parties."
"Of course I will." Owen returned the sneer with a mock grimace. "I have to go. I have to attend fancy parties almost every night it seems. And I always have to be charming and polite and well mannered, and laugh politely at the most boring jokes you have ever heard."
"Tell me one," Dennis challenged.
Owen smiled. "A wild elephant walks into the common room of an inn and asks the serving wench for a pint of ale. She brings him the ale and thinks, 'it is only an elephant. How smart can it be.' She tells him the cost of the pint is ten pounds. As he pays her, she comments, "We do not have many elephants as customers in here.' And he replies, "At ten pounds for a pint, I am not surprised."
No one laughed. Owen explained, "I was told that story three times in one night, and I laughed every time."
"Wow. You must be good."
"Thank you, Dennis. I am."
Hermione was back and slipped her arm around Owen's arm. "I should warn all of you, our special guest is about to arrive. Mr. Creevey, do you know what to do?"
"I was told. Get down on one knee and stay there until I'm told to rise."
"And Dennis and I do the same thing," Mrs. Creevey added.
"As will everyone else," Owen added, "but I will not, and neither will you, Hermione."
"I wasn't planning on it," Hermione said mischievously.
The Lord Chamberlain entered. "Prepare To Meet His Majesty, The King."
John IV entered the room and everyone fell to their knees, bowing. His Majesty 'failed to notice' one young boy lifting his head up to see what was going on. As was protocol, He approached the young man who was standing. "We are well met, O'Connell."
"Plantagenet, we are well met indeed. Might I present my fiancé . . ."
"Hello, John."
Owen stared in wonder at what he had just heard, but his wonder increased a moment letter.
"You look beautiful, Hermione. Commitment becomes you." John took Hermione's hand and squeezed it. "And thank you for Crookshanks. He simply loves the Tower."
As though nothing had happened, His Majesty said in a loud voice, "You may all rise, and be at your ease in my presence." Then he winked at Owen and walked away to greet the Duke of Cambridge.
"Hermione, did you give your cat to Plantagenet?"
"They like each other," Hermione said, as though she talked to Kings every day and twice on Sundays.
It was another June. Head Boy Ron Weasley was in the headmaster's office. He would soon be graduating. Albus Dumbledore smiled at him.
"I understand you have asked Susan Bones to change her last name."
Ron blushed, his face matching his hair. "She said yes before I had the chance to finish asking her."
Albus smiled. "I have an early wedding present for you, if you are interested." He opened the drawer in his desk and pulled out a blue stone. "I regret that there is no longer any communication between our world and the Empire. Not since the Traveler Stone was destroyed. Therefore, I am only giving you a colorful rock."
"I know that, Sir, but that rock represents a lot of memories. I know Susan will appreciate it." Ron tried to forget that some of those memories weren't good. For a brief second he saw himself holding baby Harry in his hands. It was the moment he realized he would never see Ginny again. He swallowed hard at the thought, and said. "Thank you, Sir."
It was almost two years later. Susan Weasley, sixth months pregnant, leaned against her husband as they sat on the couch. Fred and George, the wealthy Entrepreneurs, had come over for dinner. He was showing them the stone.
As Fred handed it back to Ron, he said, "I have this idea, and I know it will sound weird."
"I would expect nothing less from you two," Susan said with a grin. "And what was this idea."
"Well, the way I understand it, the control stones should still work. It's what Professor O'Lochlainn taught us, about the laws of magic. ('You actually paid attention?' Ron and Susan asked.) If two similar objects are attuned to each other, they have a strong attraction that exists so long as the spell is in effect. He says it's what they do to examine a spell when they don't want to break it."
Ron shook his head. "They tested that theory, Fred. Nothing happened."
"Yeah, Ron, but . . . never mind. I said it was stupid."
"No, you said it was weird," George answered. "And now I must insist that you tell us what came after 'but'."
"Well, since the two stones were tied to each other, it might work if you tried to go where the other stone was. You know, go to the other stone rather than to some particular place."
Susan's eyes twinkled with mirth. "It's a strange thought, Fred. And it is worthy of you. But there's one problem with testing your theory. Assuming it would work. Since the control stone will go with you, it will be a one way trip."
"I don't know," George mused. "They say the Traveler Stone always stayed behind."
Ron and Susan looked at each other. Then they looked at Fred and George. The next night, there was a farewell party, just in case. They tried using the stone. It fell to the floor.
