Author's Note: Thank you for all of your reviews! For the query on Hermione
being a lady-in-waiting, that's only for Olivia's wedding. I'm glad you
liked the whole birthday thing, I had quite a hard time thinking of that
chapter, (that's because I can't wait for the actual plot and the whole
intimate experience between Hermione and Draco to begin) but it's all good
right now and I hope that you'll love this chapter! I'm sorry I was a
little late in updating; I needed a bit of inspiration. Anyways, the plot
thickens right here!
Chapter 16: A Journey of Sorts
"Are you feeling well?" Draco asked Hermione in a very concerned manner.
Hermione snapped out of her thoughts. She turned to Draco and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine." Draco nodded and spurred Dusk to the head of the group. He had turned back a few yards to where Hermione was riding her horse, a grey mare, because of his fear that she was not standing to the weather very well.
It was four days before the Emil's wedding and they were halfway to their destination. They left early morning yesterday and only traveled when the snow would fall intermittently. There had been a blizzard last night, but everything was fine in the camp Draco and his men had set up just before twilight yesterday. All in all, the group was consisted of Draco, Goyle, Hermione, Kate and twenty other men from Draco's personal guard. A wagon was also present for their belongings and supplies.
The journey towards Aquitaine was roughly a two-day trip on horseback, depending on how fast you were going. At the rate they were in, it was lucky they would get there by mid-afternoon the following day. But, Draco's guard had a tracker who would scout out the best possible route to Aquitaine. Hermione didn't mind the delay, as long as she was out and she could see the beauty of the countryside.
Oh sure, all you could see for miles on each side was snow and lots of it, but Hermione was too deep in her daydreams to care about what she'd see or didn't see. The ride was awesome, if she could say so herself. The company was most certainly entertaining and pleasant. Everything was going well.
She looked towards the front of the group and saw Draco. He wore chain mail under his heavy woolen cloak, no doubt he was wary of the forests and the places they were passing, and his hair was bound. His sword was at his side and he kept looking in all directions every now and then.
Kate was by Hermione's side, doing quite well on a stallion she'd picked out herself from the range of horses the men showed to them. Hermione noticed that she seemed very at home in these conditions; with the snow and riding on horseback. No wonder she and Olivia got along so well, Hermione thought after recalling a previous conversation with Kate that described Olivia as free-spirited and adventurous.
Goyle was directly behind Draco, but usually, he would stay back and humor the two girls until they both begged him to get away.
And what was Hermione doing when she was not daydreaming?
Oh, nothing really. Just simply staring at Draco's back and loving every time he would go to her and ask her if she was feeling well. Sweet of him, really. The sun was getting low on the horizon, Hermione noticed, as the group trudged on. They would have to spend another night in camp.
Suddenly, a cry was heard then the whine of a horse. Hermione looked the left and saw that a horse was galloping away. She was about to cry out at the scene when Draco's call to stop was heard and everyone immediately halted. The instant Draco called the group to stop, about ten of the twenty men guarded Hermione and Kate, protecting the two girls in a circle and facing outwards with their swords drawn. Five of the remaining ten got off their horses and began to go deep into the forests in different directions.
Draco and Goyle both got off their horses and started walking towards the sound that was heard a while ago. Draco was obviously in a very bad mood, and his purposeful stride told it to be so. A few seconds after, a man of a tall stature and dark hair appeared from the forests in a very grim disposition. Hermione recognized him to be Paul Godwin, Draco's tracker and lookout.
"We were being followed, my lord." Paul said, his voice hard and anger laced through it.
"By whom?" Draco asked, his hands clenching into fists.
"I do not know sir, but if I may guess, it was Durant's spy."
Draco swore and Hermione had to look down at what he just said. Then, she heard more words from Draco.
"Bring the bastard to me."
Paul nodded and quickly went back into the forest. When he came back, Hermione had gasp at the sight. A man with light brown hair and a slightly small frame was brought before Draco's feet. Buried into his left side, just half an inch below the heart, was an arrow with the feathers of it painted a dark green. This arrow was no doubt from Draco's army. The man was not dead... yet. But he was breathing heavily and on the brink of it.
Draco merely looked at the man whose life he had in his hands. The arrow's shot was precise. Paul was trained, when affronted with a possible spy or attacker, to shoot the arrow just below the heart. This was so they could investigate and their actions would start from there.
"He bears the emblem of Durant, Draco." Goyle said solemnly. "See the phoenix and the sword on his cloak."
Draco nodded. For what must have been the longest time, he stared at the emblem of the enemy whom he had yet to meet. But Draco had satisfaction in wasting all the known and remaining members of his enemy's clan. He still had to face his most formidable foe.
The man broke the silence by giving one last gasp then falling limp. Paul checked the man's pulse and affirmed all suspicions. "He's dead." Paul stated.
Draco thought for a moment before turning back to the group who was waiting patiently for what their lord had to say.
"Where are the others?" Draco asked, referring to the five men who had gone into the forest.
"Out searching, my lord." One replied.
"Call them." Was Draco's answer and almost immediately, a loud whistle was emitted and after a minute or so, the five came back. They were breathing heavily, but no blood was stained on their hands or cloaks. Amazingly, the snow had stopped just before the interruption. Once they were all there, Draco began his instructions.
"Five men on each side of the road, ten to fifteen yards apart." Draco began. "You will serve as the lookout for any possible ambushes and attacks. If you see anything that looks threatening, shoot it." The men nodded and Draco continued on. "We will ride hard into the night. I want to reach Aquitaine by dawn."
Then, Draco turned to Hermione who was looking frightened and shocked over the turn of events. "Hermione," He said and walked over to her.
"Yes?" She replied in a small voice.
"You will ride with me." He said simply. And he then proceeded to lift her off her horse and set her on the ground without so much as a warning. Hermione looked up and saw the harshness now evident in Draco's face. Apparently, this Durant guy had something against him. A quick whistle from him and Dusk came trotting to his master. Draco hoisted Hermione up unto the horse and got on as well, with her being in the front.
"Kate, you will ride with Goyle." Draco said and Goyle carefully got Kate off her horse and unto his.
After ordering the men to secure the other two horses and when everything was in order, (which all took about a total of two minutes, by Hermione's calculation.) Draco spurred his horse and soon, they were riding at quite a speed from what Hermione was used to.
Draco had one arm around her waist, securing her. They were going so fast that Hermione had to clutch at his hand to keep from falling off. She had not ridden astride. She leaned into him, feeling more secure that she was feeling him behind her.
"Am I going too fast?" Draco murmured in her ear.
"Yes... but I'm safe." Hermione replied, looking over her shoulder at him. He looked at her briefly before turning back to watch the road.
After a few minutes of feeling the ground every now and then and almost hearing Draco's steady breathing and heartbeat, Hermione fell asleep in his arms.
* * *
They did reach Aquitaine before dawn. When they reached Emil's castle, Hermione was still half-asleep. Emil's mother, who was there, of course, quickly sent them to their respective rooms for a few hours of sleep.
When Hermione finally woke, a handmaiden was there, already with her breakfast and a few of her clothes. Once she had eaten and dressed, the handmaiden went off, telling Hermione to stay in her room. Hermione had taken the time to notice the whole room. It was very much like her own room back at Draco's home, but the window was facing the inner bailey and Hermione chose not to watch as the men down below were training.
The door opened and Hermione looked up from the armoire's moldings she was checking out. There stood a woman about a couple of inches shorter with long copper waves that fell down her back. Her eyes were a sort of violet and she had rosy white skin. Hermione instantly guessed her to be Olivia Haven, Emil's betrothed.
"Good morning, Hermione." The woman greeted, smiling at her. "I'm Olivia Haven."
"Good morning, Olivia." Hermione greeted as well, going up to her and giving her new friend a quick hug. When Hermione pulled back, Olivia was certainly not expecting that kind of response from her. Hermione laughed. "No need to be so shocked, Olivia. You are my new friend... and I was looking for a way to express my gratitude for making me a lady-in-waiting for your wedding."
Olivia laughed. "I can now see why Emil was talking about you so much." She said.
"Why is that?" Hermione asked, perplexed.
"Because you make others laugh without trying. And you have the strangest ways of doing things, as he told me." Olivia replied.
"Oh... I guess that's pretty much correct." Hermione said. "Please, come and sit... and talk. I know you and I have a lot to talk about."
Olivia laughed again as they both sat down on the bed.
"Now I know the reason why Lord Draco is acting the way he is." Olivia said, shaking her head.
"How does he act?" Hermione asked.
"Emil told me about Draco before. He said that Draco used to be harsh and unrelenting. That he never smiled or laughed or showed any other emotion than anger." Olivia explained. "I was scared of him when Emil said that. I was half-hoping that Emil wouldn't invite him to the wedding. I've also heard a lot of stories about him."
"What kind of stories?"
"Oh, stories that are too ghastly for me to say now. Surely you've heard about them."
"No, I haven't." Hermione replied, feeling her chest constrict.
"I am sorry, I have disturbed you." Olivia said.
"No. Go on. I want to know the rest." Hermione said, smiling.
"Well, believe me, it was quite a shock when Emil came home after Christmas. He told me that Draco had changed... and you were the cause of it, Hermione." Olivia said, smiling. "I met Draco a while ago and I couldn't believe that this man had so much hate inside of him. He has lost some of it now, I can tell... and it's because of you."
Hermione had covered her mouth with her hand, too stunned to speak. So Olivia continued.
"That's why I wanted you to be a lady-in-waiting even though I have not met you. You were responsible for Draco's happiness... and Emil was happy because his friend was happy."
"I... I had no idea that Emil told you about that..." Hermione said.
"Well he has... and I am glad to finally meet you and for you to be my new friend." Olivia said. Hermione laughed and they hugged each other again.
When they pulled away from each other, they both had ear-to-ear grins on their faces. Soon, they were talking animatedly for some time before a servant came to call them for supper. Hermione did not know that she had slept until noon.
For the next two days before the wedding, Hermione and Olivia were inseparable. They would get into fights in the snow with Kate and have girl- talks all through the day. When night came, they would go into Emil's sitting room and talk with the three men.
Hermione met Lady Robyn de Gervais, Emil's mother and found her to be just like Emil and Kate. She was witty and funny and Hermione wanted to be like her when she reached Lady Robyn's age.
During those talks in Emil's sitting room, Hermione would lay back as Draco stroked her hair and give little, unnoticed kisses. Hermione was enjoying every minute of it. But soon, the wedding day came.
* * *
The bride wore a gown of satin gold. And she looked more beautiful than ever.
The groom wore something Hermione did not have a chance to ask what it was, but found that it was of a deep blood red. Gold trimmed Emil's cape and he looked positively overjoyed on his wedding day.
Hermione had a gown of rich green velvet. She watched in joy as the two made their vows in front of the priest and so many people. She did not know that they had so many relatives and friends. Draco had worn something similar to what Emil wore but this was of grayish black.
After the wedding came the celebration full of dancing and singing and merrymaking. Hermione had sat with the newlyweds, Draco, Goyle and Kate. She was having so much fun that she did not realize that she had caught the eye of a gallant knight who chose to stay away from actual celebration and contented himself to watch her from the back.
It was when Hermione broke away from the group to go and use the garderobe (bathroom) that he pursued.
Hermione was coming back from the garderobe when she bumped into a tall man clothed in blue.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I did not see you." Hermione said, her hand over her heart.
"Quite the contrary, I should be the one apologizing." He said as he looked at her. He had short light brown hair and dazzling hazel eyes. He was handsome. And he continued, "May I ask your name, fair lady?"
Hermione laughed a little then smiled at him. "Lady Hermione, kind sir. And you are?"
"Sir William of England, at your service." He said, giving her a bow.
"It's very nice to meet you, Sir William." Hermione said.
"Ah, a pleasure as well to meet you, Lady Hermione. Pray, are you related to the couple?" William asked.
"Well, I am to Lord Emil's cousin."
"And who is this cousin?"
"Lord Draco Malfoy." Hermione said, smiling. William reeled for a moment before regaining composure.
"You are married to Lord Draco Malfoy?" William asked pleasantly.
"Oh no, sir..." Hermione said.
William said nothing, but continued with the pleasant expression on his face.
"Well, sir, if you would permit me. I need to get back to the others." Hermione said.
"Of course," William said, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. Hermione smiled.
"Good bye, sir." Hermione called out as she went back to the table.
William watched as she sat next to a man with long blonde hair and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. William guessed the man to be Lord Draco Malfoy.
He turned away rather quickly, leaving them be.
Chapter 16: A Journey of Sorts
"Are you feeling well?" Draco asked Hermione in a very concerned manner.
Hermione snapped out of her thoughts. She turned to Draco and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine." Draco nodded and spurred Dusk to the head of the group. He had turned back a few yards to where Hermione was riding her horse, a grey mare, because of his fear that she was not standing to the weather very well.
It was four days before the Emil's wedding and they were halfway to their destination. They left early morning yesterday and only traveled when the snow would fall intermittently. There had been a blizzard last night, but everything was fine in the camp Draco and his men had set up just before twilight yesterday. All in all, the group was consisted of Draco, Goyle, Hermione, Kate and twenty other men from Draco's personal guard. A wagon was also present for their belongings and supplies.
The journey towards Aquitaine was roughly a two-day trip on horseback, depending on how fast you were going. At the rate they were in, it was lucky they would get there by mid-afternoon the following day. But, Draco's guard had a tracker who would scout out the best possible route to Aquitaine. Hermione didn't mind the delay, as long as she was out and she could see the beauty of the countryside.
Oh sure, all you could see for miles on each side was snow and lots of it, but Hermione was too deep in her daydreams to care about what she'd see or didn't see. The ride was awesome, if she could say so herself. The company was most certainly entertaining and pleasant. Everything was going well.
She looked towards the front of the group and saw Draco. He wore chain mail under his heavy woolen cloak, no doubt he was wary of the forests and the places they were passing, and his hair was bound. His sword was at his side and he kept looking in all directions every now and then.
Kate was by Hermione's side, doing quite well on a stallion she'd picked out herself from the range of horses the men showed to them. Hermione noticed that she seemed very at home in these conditions; with the snow and riding on horseback. No wonder she and Olivia got along so well, Hermione thought after recalling a previous conversation with Kate that described Olivia as free-spirited and adventurous.
Goyle was directly behind Draco, but usually, he would stay back and humor the two girls until they both begged him to get away.
And what was Hermione doing when she was not daydreaming?
Oh, nothing really. Just simply staring at Draco's back and loving every time he would go to her and ask her if she was feeling well. Sweet of him, really. The sun was getting low on the horizon, Hermione noticed, as the group trudged on. They would have to spend another night in camp.
Suddenly, a cry was heard then the whine of a horse. Hermione looked the left and saw that a horse was galloping away. She was about to cry out at the scene when Draco's call to stop was heard and everyone immediately halted. The instant Draco called the group to stop, about ten of the twenty men guarded Hermione and Kate, protecting the two girls in a circle and facing outwards with their swords drawn. Five of the remaining ten got off their horses and began to go deep into the forests in different directions.
Draco and Goyle both got off their horses and started walking towards the sound that was heard a while ago. Draco was obviously in a very bad mood, and his purposeful stride told it to be so. A few seconds after, a man of a tall stature and dark hair appeared from the forests in a very grim disposition. Hermione recognized him to be Paul Godwin, Draco's tracker and lookout.
"We were being followed, my lord." Paul said, his voice hard and anger laced through it.
"By whom?" Draco asked, his hands clenching into fists.
"I do not know sir, but if I may guess, it was Durant's spy."
Draco swore and Hermione had to look down at what he just said. Then, she heard more words from Draco.
"Bring the bastard to me."
Paul nodded and quickly went back into the forest. When he came back, Hermione had gasp at the sight. A man with light brown hair and a slightly small frame was brought before Draco's feet. Buried into his left side, just half an inch below the heart, was an arrow with the feathers of it painted a dark green. This arrow was no doubt from Draco's army. The man was not dead... yet. But he was breathing heavily and on the brink of it.
Draco merely looked at the man whose life he had in his hands. The arrow's shot was precise. Paul was trained, when affronted with a possible spy or attacker, to shoot the arrow just below the heart. This was so they could investigate and their actions would start from there.
"He bears the emblem of Durant, Draco." Goyle said solemnly. "See the phoenix and the sword on his cloak."
Draco nodded. For what must have been the longest time, he stared at the emblem of the enemy whom he had yet to meet. But Draco had satisfaction in wasting all the known and remaining members of his enemy's clan. He still had to face his most formidable foe.
The man broke the silence by giving one last gasp then falling limp. Paul checked the man's pulse and affirmed all suspicions. "He's dead." Paul stated.
Draco thought for a moment before turning back to the group who was waiting patiently for what their lord had to say.
"Where are the others?" Draco asked, referring to the five men who had gone into the forest.
"Out searching, my lord." One replied.
"Call them." Was Draco's answer and almost immediately, a loud whistle was emitted and after a minute or so, the five came back. They were breathing heavily, but no blood was stained on their hands or cloaks. Amazingly, the snow had stopped just before the interruption. Once they were all there, Draco began his instructions.
"Five men on each side of the road, ten to fifteen yards apart." Draco began. "You will serve as the lookout for any possible ambushes and attacks. If you see anything that looks threatening, shoot it." The men nodded and Draco continued on. "We will ride hard into the night. I want to reach Aquitaine by dawn."
Then, Draco turned to Hermione who was looking frightened and shocked over the turn of events. "Hermione," He said and walked over to her.
"Yes?" She replied in a small voice.
"You will ride with me." He said simply. And he then proceeded to lift her off her horse and set her on the ground without so much as a warning. Hermione looked up and saw the harshness now evident in Draco's face. Apparently, this Durant guy had something against him. A quick whistle from him and Dusk came trotting to his master. Draco hoisted Hermione up unto the horse and got on as well, with her being in the front.
"Kate, you will ride with Goyle." Draco said and Goyle carefully got Kate off her horse and unto his.
After ordering the men to secure the other two horses and when everything was in order, (which all took about a total of two minutes, by Hermione's calculation.) Draco spurred his horse and soon, they were riding at quite a speed from what Hermione was used to.
Draco had one arm around her waist, securing her. They were going so fast that Hermione had to clutch at his hand to keep from falling off. She had not ridden astride. She leaned into him, feeling more secure that she was feeling him behind her.
"Am I going too fast?" Draco murmured in her ear.
"Yes... but I'm safe." Hermione replied, looking over her shoulder at him. He looked at her briefly before turning back to watch the road.
After a few minutes of feeling the ground every now and then and almost hearing Draco's steady breathing and heartbeat, Hermione fell asleep in his arms.
* * *
They did reach Aquitaine before dawn. When they reached Emil's castle, Hermione was still half-asleep. Emil's mother, who was there, of course, quickly sent them to their respective rooms for a few hours of sleep.
When Hermione finally woke, a handmaiden was there, already with her breakfast and a few of her clothes. Once she had eaten and dressed, the handmaiden went off, telling Hermione to stay in her room. Hermione had taken the time to notice the whole room. It was very much like her own room back at Draco's home, but the window was facing the inner bailey and Hermione chose not to watch as the men down below were training.
The door opened and Hermione looked up from the armoire's moldings she was checking out. There stood a woman about a couple of inches shorter with long copper waves that fell down her back. Her eyes were a sort of violet and she had rosy white skin. Hermione instantly guessed her to be Olivia Haven, Emil's betrothed.
"Good morning, Hermione." The woman greeted, smiling at her. "I'm Olivia Haven."
"Good morning, Olivia." Hermione greeted as well, going up to her and giving her new friend a quick hug. When Hermione pulled back, Olivia was certainly not expecting that kind of response from her. Hermione laughed. "No need to be so shocked, Olivia. You are my new friend... and I was looking for a way to express my gratitude for making me a lady-in-waiting for your wedding."
Olivia laughed. "I can now see why Emil was talking about you so much." She said.
"Why is that?" Hermione asked, perplexed.
"Because you make others laugh without trying. And you have the strangest ways of doing things, as he told me." Olivia replied.
"Oh... I guess that's pretty much correct." Hermione said. "Please, come and sit... and talk. I know you and I have a lot to talk about."
Olivia laughed again as they both sat down on the bed.
"Now I know the reason why Lord Draco is acting the way he is." Olivia said, shaking her head.
"How does he act?" Hermione asked.
"Emil told me about Draco before. He said that Draco used to be harsh and unrelenting. That he never smiled or laughed or showed any other emotion than anger." Olivia explained. "I was scared of him when Emil said that. I was half-hoping that Emil wouldn't invite him to the wedding. I've also heard a lot of stories about him."
"What kind of stories?"
"Oh, stories that are too ghastly for me to say now. Surely you've heard about them."
"No, I haven't." Hermione replied, feeling her chest constrict.
"I am sorry, I have disturbed you." Olivia said.
"No. Go on. I want to know the rest." Hermione said, smiling.
"Well, believe me, it was quite a shock when Emil came home after Christmas. He told me that Draco had changed... and you were the cause of it, Hermione." Olivia said, smiling. "I met Draco a while ago and I couldn't believe that this man had so much hate inside of him. He has lost some of it now, I can tell... and it's because of you."
Hermione had covered her mouth with her hand, too stunned to speak. So Olivia continued.
"That's why I wanted you to be a lady-in-waiting even though I have not met you. You were responsible for Draco's happiness... and Emil was happy because his friend was happy."
"I... I had no idea that Emil told you about that..." Hermione said.
"Well he has... and I am glad to finally meet you and for you to be my new friend." Olivia said. Hermione laughed and they hugged each other again.
When they pulled away from each other, they both had ear-to-ear grins on their faces. Soon, they were talking animatedly for some time before a servant came to call them for supper. Hermione did not know that she had slept until noon.
For the next two days before the wedding, Hermione and Olivia were inseparable. They would get into fights in the snow with Kate and have girl- talks all through the day. When night came, they would go into Emil's sitting room and talk with the three men.
Hermione met Lady Robyn de Gervais, Emil's mother and found her to be just like Emil and Kate. She was witty and funny and Hermione wanted to be like her when she reached Lady Robyn's age.
During those talks in Emil's sitting room, Hermione would lay back as Draco stroked her hair and give little, unnoticed kisses. Hermione was enjoying every minute of it. But soon, the wedding day came.
* * *
The bride wore a gown of satin gold. And she looked more beautiful than ever.
The groom wore something Hermione did not have a chance to ask what it was, but found that it was of a deep blood red. Gold trimmed Emil's cape and he looked positively overjoyed on his wedding day.
Hermione had a gown of rich green velvet. She watched in joy as the two made their vows in front of the priest and so many people. She did not know that they had so many relatives and friends. Draco had worn something similar to what Emil wore but this was of grayish black.
After the wedding came the celebration full of dancing and singing and merrymaking. Hermione had sat with the newlyweds, Draco, Goyle and Kate. She was having so much fun that she did not realize that she had caught the eye of a gallant knight who chose to stay away from actual celebration and contented himself to watch her from the back.
It was when Hermione broke away from the group to go and use the garderobe (bathroom) that he pursued.
Hermione was coming back from the garderobe when she bumped into a tall man clothed in blue.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I did not see you." Hermione said, her hand over her heart.
"Quite the contrary, I should be the one apologizing." He said as he looked at her. He had short light brown hair and dazzling hazel eyes. He was handsome. And he continued, "May I ask your name, fair lady?"
Hermione laughed a little then smiled at him. "Lady Hermione, kind sir. And you are?"
"Sir William of England, at your service." He said, giving her a bow.
"It's very nice to meet you, Sir William." Hermione said.
"Ah, a pleasure as well to meet you, Lady Hermione. Pray, are you related to the couple?" William asked.
"Well, I am to Lord Emil's cousin."
"And who is this cousin?"
"Lord Draco Malfoy." Hermione said, smiling. William reeled for a moment before regaining composure.
"You are married to Lord Draco Malfoy?" William asked pleasantly.
"Oh no, sir..." Hermione said.
William said nothing, but continued with the pleasant expression on his face.
"Well, sir, if you would permit me. I need to get back to the others." Hermione said.
"Of course," William said, taking her hand and kissing it lightly. Hermione smiled.
"Good bye, sir." Hermione called out as she went back to the table.
William watched as she sat next to a man with long blonde hair and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. William guessed the man to be Lord Draco Malfoy.
He turned away rather quickly, leaving them be.