Author's Note: Thank you all so much for your reviews, they're a great
help! Okay, to clear up some confusion, (thanks, harrypotterwanter!)
Hermione was not allowed to leave her bed because of the reason that she
fainted just a few hours back. I'm guessing that's how they treat it during
those times. (Sorry, haven't done much research on this.)
Anyways, thanks for all the reviews, please keep them coming! If you have
any suggestions, please let me know, it would be a great help! And now,
with the story!
Chapter 5: Medieval Life
Only after a couple hours' more of sleep was Hermione able to get up from bed. It was, by her calculation, twelve noon, as noted by the increase in temperature. Swinging her legs off the bed and getting up, she smoothed out her clothing. Only then did she realize what she had been sleeping in - a beautifully embroidered white linen nightgown.
Now, why would a grumpy and immensely sarcastic medieval lord have this kind of nightgown lying around his castle? Hermione wondered. Running her hands through her hair in a vain attempt to remove the tangles, she then walked over to the huge window off to the side of the room and peered out.
She had to squint at first, the harsh fall sunlight hurting her sleepy eyes, but when she finally adjusted to the glare, she smiled at the sight before her. Her view was of the castle gardens. She also wondered why would this particular lord, whose attitude was of rather dark qualities, have this beautiful garden? The garden was littered with flowers and there were herbs off to one side of it. To Hermione, it looked like a place for two lovers to meet and kiss.
Unfortunately for me, Hermione thought, it looks like there'll be no passionate kiss under the stars while I'm here. Subconsciously, her mind drifted off to Draco. She thought on how he looked, wearing what medieval people wear: woolen tunics and tights. His shoulder-length blonde hair was free from any bonds and for a second all Hermione wanted to do was run her hands through them.
Suddenly, the door of her room opened, causing her to snap out of her little daydream and flushing a deep red. She turned to a somewhat horrified gasp and relaxed. Hermione turned to Mathilde and smiled at the old lady's reaction.
"My lady. you should not be up yet...!" Mathilde exclaimed.
"Hush, please..." Hermione said, in an effort to calm the woman down. "I am quite alright, Mathilde. And please, call me Hermione. All this 'my lady' is too much for me to handle right now."
"Of course, my..." Mathilde hesitated. "Of course, Hermione." She smiled up at Hermione.
"Thank you."
"I was sent here to see if you were hungry." Mathilde said.
"By lord Draco?" Hermione asked.
"Aye, Hermione."
Hermione pursed her lips. "I think, Mathilde, that what I would like now, is a nice bath. Except, I don't have any other clothes with me."
"Oh... then a bath you shall have. I will send a handmaiden to help you. As for your clothes, I will find some that will fit you." Mathilde replied.
"Thank you, Mathilde." Hermione exclaimed, going to where the old woman was standing and giving her a light kiss on the cheek in gratitude.
"Aye, my lady." Mathilde replied, waving her hand at Hermione to say that she didn't care about the look Hermione was giving her. "You are most welcome."
And with that, Mathilde bowed slightly and went out of the room in a hurried fashion, calling for a handmaiden. Hermione shook her head in amusement and happiness. Within a few minutes, a shy and petite girl went into Hermione's room.
Half an hour later, Hermione was feeling refreshed and quite cool. The bath certainly removed the stickiness she'd been feeling all morning and was now ready to go out and take a tour of the castle. She'd been fitted with a beautiful yet simple forest green gown. Her hair was left down to dry and she wore leather slippers, much like the flat slip on sandals she used to wear before.
She smiled at Rose, her handmaiden and thanked her for everything.
"Oh no, my lady..." Rose assured. "The gown was picked by Lord Draco himself."
Hermione felt the ground shift, but was assured that it was in her imagination. Her feet were firmly planted on the stone ground of her bedroom. Draco picked this? For me? Hermione thought wildly. She then smiled back at Rose, refusing to say anything other than words of gratitude.
A polite clearing of the throat was heard and Hermione turned to the source. She smiled when she saw that it was Sir Gregory Goyle, his head slightly bent and his eyes warm, standing by the doorway.
"Sir Gregory Goyle!" Hermione said brightly. He smiled back.
"Please, my lady, call me Goyle. I am not used to hearing my full name being used." He replied.
"Sir Goyle." Hermione compromised and Goyle's smile widened.
"My lady, I come, on Lord Draco's behalf, to escort you to lunch. Seeing as you are well, despite the fainting spell you've suffered through yesterday."
"I thank you for your concern, Sir Goyle, I am quite well right now." Hermione hesitated but asked him anyway. "Permit me, but why on Lord Draco's behalf?"
"Ah, he has been busy all morn. He expresses his regret of not being a proper host and coming to fetch you himself, but he will join us for lunch. You must be hungry..." Goyle supplied.
"Well, yes and thank you for being so kind as to escort me, Sir Goyle."
With that, Goyle offered Hermione a beefy arm and Hermione gladly took it. Together, they set out for the dining hall. The corridor of the floor where Hermione's room was situated was wide, Hermione roughly estimated it to be about ten feet across. It was lit with wall torches that assumedly were never put out. It was only a few feet till the circular staircase and Hermione's eyes widened when she reached it. It was expansive and completely made out of stone. It was really beautiful.
Careful as not to cause her to trip, Goyle started down the staircase. Soon, they were on the landing. Hermione looked around the room and her mouth went agape at the sight. The hall was big and airy, the ceiling was two floors up. Opposite the staircase were three beautiful stained glass windows. Hermione could only make out one figure as a dragon when Sir Goyle subtly nudged her and they continued to make their way towards the dining hall.
The dining hall was a little off to the side of the entrance hall, but it was not as grand. Wall torches lined up the hall and opposite those, were more windows. Hermione smiled at the overall layout. The long rectangular table could seat more than 25 people on each side from end to end. But today, only three settings were placed on the table. One was on the end, near another room which Hermione guessed as the kitchens. The other two were on either side.
Hermione was led to her seat. Sir Goyle, obviously reliving his chivalry training, pulled out the heavy chair for her and ushered her to sit. But before she could even sit, heavy footsteps reverberated throughout the hall. Hermione and Goyle turned towards the sound and saw the lord himself walking towards them, coming from an opposite path of the dining hall.
Draco strode towards them in an unhurried fashion. He nodded briefly to Goyle and he nodded as well. Draco then turned his attention towards Hermione. He acknowledged her then let his eyes travel her whole length. She was in one of his mother's gowns, the dress fitting her perfectly. He'd specifically told Mathilde to take one of his mother's gown and fit it to her. Mathilde looked quite schocked, but then Draco assured her that it was only until the handmaiden could sew an appropriate day dress for Hermione.
He'd assumed, from what she'd told him a few hours ago, that she would be staying here. And in a strange way, he felt glad that she wasn't going anywhere.
"My lady, Sir Goyle." He's acknowledged as he stopped a few feet from them.
"My lord." Hermione said, slightly bowing. When she looked up, she saw Draco looking at her intently. His gaze made her flush a deep red and she didn't know why. Goyle then bowed at Draco and proceeded to go to his side of the table.
Draco stepped forward and held Hermione's chair out for her. He ushered her to sit, never taking his eyes off her. Hermione sat and busied herself with smoothing out the folds of her skirt in an attempt to alleviate his gaze. Draco went to his chair, which was at the head of the table. At his command, the food was served and they began to eat.
Hermione sat and ate quietly, answering only the questions addressed to her. She refused to look up though. Soon, Draco and Goyle were talking to each other.
"My lord." Goyle began, dropping his voice so that Hermione would not hear.
"What?" Draco asked.
"Have you gotten any information about her?" He asked, referring to Hermione.
"I have. But I will not say. She has told me in confidence."
"I see." Goyle said, stifling his smile. "Well then, my lord. I think that you should offer to take her around the castle, seeing as she should get to know the parts."
Draco glared at him for a moment, then shifted his gaze towards Hermione. She was still eating with her head down.
"Now?" Draco asked, turning back to Goyle.
"Aye, my lord, after the meal."
"I cannot, I have many things to do..."
"Ah, but my lord, consider them done. I will personally see to your affairs." Goyle offered. Before Draco could put up an argument, the knight spoke up again, "My lord, it is but proper that the owner of the castle should give a tour to his guest."
After much thinking, Draco nodded, much to the pleasure of his friend.
He waited until the meal was over, then took a deep breath before asking her. After clearing his throat, he spoke. "My lady?"
Hermione, who was merely playing with the handle of her fork, jumped when she heard him call her. She looked up in quite a shock and looked at Draco, but not before glaring at Goyle who was shaking in silent laughter. He promptly shut up when she glared at him.
"My lord?" She replied, turning her attention to the man by her side.
"Would you like a tour of the castle?"
Hermione sat, stunned. Then, after a few moments of letting the information sink in, a smile began to form on her mouth. When she looked at Draco with that smile, he was unable to catch his breath.
"Yes, I would..." She replied, smiling more. "Are you going to take me, my lord?"
"Aye." He said, nodding. He was half-afraid that she would scowl in displeasure when she'd learned that he was going to take her, but, if it were possible, her smile widened even more. He relaxed.
"Great! Um... when do we go?" Hermione asked.
"Right now... if that suits you."
"It suits me." Hermione said excitedly. Draco could almost smile, but much bitterness was ingrained in him for him to smile readily. Instead, he stood up from his chair and walked over to Hermione and pulled her chair for her. Looking first as Goyle, who had stood up as well, he held out a hand to Hermione.
Oblivious to the fact that this was probably his first time of offering his hand to a woman, she gladly took it and Draco easily got her on her feet. Then, he offered his arm out to her. She took it.
After saying their goodbyes to Goyle, they slowly made their way around the huge castle. Sir Goyle smiled to himself and thought. Aye, it is a good thing Lady Hermione made her way here... Lord Draco, know it he might not, needs someone to give life to his heart.
And with that, Goyle made his way to accomplish his lord's duties.
Chapter 5: Medieval Life
Only after a couple hours' more of sleep was Hermione able to get up from bed. It was, by her calculation, twelve noon, as noted by the increase in temperature. Swinging her legs off the bed and getting up, she smoothed out her clothing. Only then did she realize what she had been sleeping in - a beautifully embroidered white linen nightgown.
Now, why would a grumpy and immensely sarcastic medieval lord have this kind of nightgown lying around his castle? Hermione wondered. Running her hands through her hair in a vain attempt to remove the tangles, she then walked over to the huge window off to the side of the room and peered out.
She had to squint at first, the harsh fall sunlight hurting her sleepy eyes, but when she finally adjusted to the glare, she smiled at the sight before her. Her view was of the castle gardens. She also wondered why would this particular lord, whose attitude was of rather dark qualities, have this beautiful garden? The garden was littered with flowers and there were herbs off to one side of it. To Hermione, it looked like a place for two lovers to meet and kiss.
Unfortunately for me, Hermione thought, it looks like there'll be no passionate kiss under the stars while I'm here. Subconsciously, her mind drifted off to Draco. She thought on how he looked, wearing what medieval people wear: woolen tunics and tights. His shoulder-length blonde hair was free from any bonds and for a second all Hermione wanted to do was run her hands through them.
Suddenly, the door of her room opened, causing her to snap out of her little daydream and flushing a deep red. She turned to a somewhat horrified gasp and relaxed. Hermione turned to Mathilde and smiled at the old lady's reaction.
"My lady. you should not be up yet...!" Mathilde exclaimed.
"Hush, please..." Hermione said, in an effort to calm the woman down. "I am quite alright, Mathilde. And please, call me Hermione. All this 'my lady' is too much for me to handle right now."
"Of course, my..." Mathilde hesitated. "Of course, Hermione." She smiled up at Hermione.
"Thank you."
"I was sent here to see if you were hungry." Mathilde said.
"By lord Draco?" Hermione asked.
"Aye, Hermione."
Hermione pursed her lips. "I think, Mathilde, that what I would like now, is a nice bath. Except, I don't have any other clothes with me."
"Oh... then a bath you shall have. I will send a handmaiden to help you. As for your clothes, I will find some that will fit you." Mathilde replied.
"Thank you, Mathilde." Hermione exclaimed, going to where the old woman was standing and giving her a light kiss on the cheek in gratitude.
"Aye, my lady." Mathilde replied, waving her hand at Hermione to say that she didn't care about the look Hermione was giving her. "You are most welcome."
And with that, Mathilde bowed slightly and went out of the room in a hurried fashion, calling for a handmaiden. Hermione shook her head in amusement and happiness. Within a few minutes, a shy and petite girl went into Hermione's room.
Half an hour later, Hermione was feeling refreshed and quite cool. The bath certainly removed the stickiness she'd been feeling all morning and was now ready to go out and take a tour of the castle. She'd been fitted with a beautiful yet simple forest green gown. Her hair was left down to dry and she wore leather slippers, much like the flat slip on sandals she used to wear before.
She smiled at Rose, her handmaiden and thanked her for everything.
"Oh no, my lady..." Rose assured. "The gown was picked by Lord Draco himself."
Hermione felt the ground shift, but was assured that it was in her imagination. Her feet were firmly planted on the stone ground of her bedroom. Draco picked this? For me? Hermione thought wildly. She then smiled back at Rose, refusing to say anything other than words of gratitude.
A polite clearing of the throat was heard and Hermione turned to the source. She smiled when she saw that it was Sir Gregory Goyle, his head slightly bent and his eyes warm, standing by the doorway.
"Sir Gregory Goyle!" Hermione said brightly. He smiled back.
"Please, my lady, call me Goyle. I am not used to hearing my full name being used." He replied.
"Sir Goyle." Hermione compromised and Goyle's smile widened.
"My lady, I come, on Lord Draco's behalf, to escort you to lunch. Seeing as you are well, despite the fainting spell you've suffered through yesterday."
"I thank you for your concern, Sir Goyle, I am quite well right now." Hermione hesitated but asked him anyway. "Permit me, but why on Lord Draco's behalf?"
"Ah, he has been busy all morn. He expresses his regret of not being a proper host and coming to fetch you himself, but he will join us for lunch. You must be hungry..." Goyle supplied.
"Well, yes and thank you for being so kind as to escort me, Sir Goyle."
With that, Goyle offered Hermione a beefy arm and Hermione gladly took it. Together, they set out for the dining hall. The corridor of the floor where Hermione's room was situated was wide, Hermione roughly estimated it to be about ten feet across. It was lit with wall torches that assumedly were never put out. It was only a few feet till the circular staircase and Hermione's eyes widened when she reached it. It was expansive and completely made out of stone. It was really beautiful.
Careful as not to cause her to trip, Goyle started down the staircase. Soon, they were on the landing. Hermione looked around the room and her mouth went agape at the sight. The hall was big and airy, the ceiling was two floors up. Opposite the staircase were three beautiful stained glass windows. Hermione could only make out one figure as a dragon when Sir Goyle subtly nudged her and they continued to make their way towards the dining hall.
The dining hall was a little off to the side of the entrance hall, but it was not as grand. Wall torches lined up the hall and opposite those, were more windows. Hermione smiled at the overall layout. The long rectangular table could seat more than 25 people on each side from end to end. But today, only three settings were placed on the table. One was on the end, near another room which Hermione guessed as the kitchens. The other two were on either side.
Hermione was led to her seat. Sir Goyle, obviously reliving his chivalry training, pulled out the heavy chair for her and ushered her to sit. But before she could even sit, heavy footsteps reverberated throughout the hall. Hermione and Goyle turned towards the sound and saw the lord himself walking towards them, coming from an opposite path of the dining hall.
Draco strode towards them in an unhurried fashion. He nodded briefly to Goyle and he nodded as well. Draco then turned his attention towards Hermione. He acknowledged her then let his eyes travel her whole length. She was in one of his mother's gowns, the dress fitting her perfectly. He'd specifically told Mathilde to take one of his mother's gown and fit it to her. Mathilde looked quite schocked, but then Draco assured her that it was only until the handmaiden could sew an appropriate day dress for Hermione.
He'd assumed, from what she'd told him a few hours ago, that she would be staying here. And in a strange way, he felt glad that she wasn't going anywhere.
"My lady, Sir Goyle." He's acknowledged as he stopped a few feet from them.
"My lord." Hermione said, slightly bowing. When she looked up, she saw Draco looking at her intently. His gaze made her flush a deep red and she didn't know why. Goyle then bowed at Draco and proceeded to go to his side of the table.
Draco stepped forward and held Hermione's chair out for her. He ushered her to sit, never taking his eyes off her. Hermione sat and busied herself with smoothing out the folds of her skirt in an attempt to alleviate his gaze. Draco went to his chair, which was at the head of the table. At his command, the food was served and they began to eat.
Hermione sat and ate quietly, answering only the questions addressed to her. She refused to look up though. Soon, Draco and Goyle were talking to each other.
"My lord." Goyle began, dropping his voice so that Hermione would not hear.
"What?" Draco asked.
"Have you gotten any information about her?" He asked, referring to Hermione.
"I have. But I will not say. She has told me in confidence."
"I see." Goyle said, stifling his smile. "Well then, my lord. I think that you should offer to take her around the castle, seeing as she should get to know the parts."
Draco glared at him for a moment, then shifted his gaze towards Hermione. She was still eating with her head down.
"Now?" Draco asked, turning back to Goyle.
"Aye, my lord, after the meal."
"I cannot, I have many things to do..."
"Ah, but my lord, consider them done. I will personally see to your affairs." Goyle offered. Before Draco could put up an argument, the knight spoke up again, "My lord, it is but proper that the owner of the castle should give a tour to his guest."
After much thinking, Draco nodded, much to the pleasure of his friend.
He waited until the meal was over, then took a deep breath before asking her. After clearing his throat, he spoke. "My lady?"
Hermione, who was merely playing with the handle of her fork, jumped when she heard him call her. She looked up in quite a shock and looked at Draco, but not before glaring at Goyle who was shaking in silent laughter. He promptly shut up when she glared at him.
"My lord?" She replied, turning her attention to the man by her side.
"Would you like a tour of the castle?"
Hermione sat, stunned. Then, after a few moments of letting the information sink in, a smile began to form on her mouth. When she looked at Draco with that smile, he was unable to catch his breath.
"Yes, I would..." She replied, smiling more. "Are you going to take me, my lord?"
"Aye." He said, nodding. He was half-afraid that she would scowl in displeasure when she'd learned that he was going to take her, but, if it were possible, her smile widened even more. He relaxed.
"Great! Um... when do we go?" Hermione asked.
"Right now... if that suits you."
"It suits me." Hermione said excitedly. Draco could almost smile, but much bitterness was ingrained in him for him to smile readily. Instead, he stood up from his chair and walked over to Hermione and pulled her chair for her. Looking first as Goyle, who had stood up as well, he held out a hand to Hermione.
Oblivious to the fact that this was probably his first time of offering his hand to a woman, she gladly took it and Draco easily got her on her feet. Then, he offered his arm out to her. She took it.
After saying their goodbyes to Goyle, they slowly made their way around the huge castle. Sir Goyle smiled to himself and thought. Aye, it is a good thing Lady Hermione made her way here... Lord Draco, know it he might not, needs someone to give life to his heart.
And with that, Goyle made his way to accomplish his lord's duties.