The woods had become their refuge. No one could hurt them there and they were always happiest when reigning over their magical land. Rain or shine, there wasn't a day she and Harry weren't there. Harry had gathered some wood and they built a makeshift castle for Hermione had insisted, "What would a magical kingdom be without a castle and fort?"

"Let's go," whispered Harry, "I want to get there before dark." It was now winter in Little Whinging but that never stopped Harry and Hermione. It was too much fun but Dudley was trying to put a stop to all that. He must have been getting suspicious of Harry's happiness. Dudley always hated it when Harry was even the slightest bit happy. Now he stopped Harry and Hermione in the street that lead to the park's entrance. Hermione wanted to stand up to the nasty Dudley. Being a queen had made her tough. She stood up for herself. "No, James, We can't let this tub of lard beat up on us," she said, almost not moving her in an attempt to conceal the exchange from Dudley

"Diddy! Its time for you to come in! I have cookies." Dudley's head turned at the sound of his mother's voice. He shot the pair a glaring look before turning away and walking home. Apparently cookies were too tempting.

"That was close, Jane!" Harry said, "I'll never be allowed to step outside again if they catch me."

"Come on. Let's go," Hermione said, rolling her eyes at Harry's seemingly pointless worries. They reached the woods and walked toward the Rope that would swing them into Kayzar.

"After you, King James," she said to him. Harry swung over quickly, he had gotten much better and was landing upright more often than not, and threw the rope back.

"What matters do we have to attend to today, Queen Jane?" Harry asked when Hermione arrived, trying to sound as regal and kinglike as he could.

"Matters of most importance, my dear king. The people of Kayzar have warned of an impending attack on the village." Harry wondered how such a little girl could sound so majestic and powerful.

"They have?"

"Oh, yes. The Beasts of the north have become angered. Let us enter the castle and prepare for a battle." Hermione walked ahead and Harry followed. Inside their wooden fort Hermione told the most wonderful story about the Beasts of the north and their troubles. She often told stories of the magical animals that inhabited the forest. Harry listened intently for he loved her stories. But this one was cut short at the very end.

"Listen, King James. Can you hear them? I do believe the Beasts have arrived." Harry was a little confused but decided to go along with Hermione. When they stepped outside of the wooden fort he looked around half-expecting to see giant hairy beasts looming over them. But there was nothing.

"Do you see them?" Hermione asked urgently. Harry shook his head.

Look harder. Just there, behind the trees. Do you see?" He looked harder and, as though they appeared out of thin air, shapes began forming in the outskirts. He could really see them and joined Hermione as they fought back the angry beasts. Eventually the battle was won for the side of good.

"Look King James! Look at the villagers!" she pointed around her and across the stream. "They're all cheering for us. For you."

Harry heard the cheers rush to his ears. He looked over at Hermione. She was waving to these imaginary people so Harry waved to them as well and bowed really low. Harry was a real king now and he felt like one too. He hoped these happy days in the kingdom with Hermione would never end.