Her Knights

Lady Countryrose

Ch. 5

Hermione followed Erik and Severus to the fireplace in the sitting room, near the front of the house. Erik kept Hermione close to him, even through the floo network. Stating that he didn't want to lose sight of her. When the three had made it to the Leaky Cauldron. It was when they were faced with a group of Gryffindor's that would follow her around the school...the Marauders.

'I have a bad feeling about this,' thought Hermione, as the gathering few were around them.

"Hey, it's the Snake Lady," called out Sirius Black with a cheesy smile. While he and his friends came walking towards them.

'I am so not up to this,' Hermione groaned. Seeing the sparkling grey eyes of Harry's Godfather.

Severus grumbled, "Did you know that they would be here?" His dark eyes glaring towards his cousin.

"No," Erik shook his head. "But...they're going to be following Hermione. And I really don't know if I like it...since it's before school."

James Potter gave a charming smile before making his way towards Hermione and gave her a shallow bow. "Milady. It's an honor to accompany you today…"

She crossed her arms over her chest giving him a harsh glare. "Save it, James. I've heard it all." She shook her head, as she led everyone to the back alley way. 'Granted it wasn't towards me, but I'm practically amoond.'

Everyone had fallen instep after her. Knowing it wouldn't be well to allow such an important woman to run around by herself. Since they knew that she was a daughter to a high-end dark wizard. None of them were willing to get on the wrong end of his wand anytime soon.

Once the group had made into Diagon Alley. They followed Hermione towards Ollivander's where she told all but Erik to stay outside. The store owner had gone through many wands before finding a wand that did well for her. Which happened to be white oak and dragonheart string.

The owner had stated, "I see a leader in the making…"

After that, Erik took her to the clothing shop. Where she was given a massive wardrobe, as well as a wedding dress that he wasn't allowed to see. Erik had also managed to get some robes for the upcoming wedding as well. He even ordered some good quality cloaks for Hermione. From there they went to the bookstore and nearly lost her within the shelves.

Sirius turned to one of his friends, giving him a cheeky grin. "A woman after your own heart, isn't she Mooney?"

Remus gave a glare towards the handsome proclaimed Maradure. "Not going there Pads," he gave a sharp but low growl. He walked off, trying to keep an eye on the young lady that they would be going to school with. "I already have one animal to deal with. I really don't need another," knowing his friend could hear him.

Erik chuckled, "Too right you are, Mr. Lupin."

"Please," stated the sandy haired male, as he turned towards Erik. "Just Remus."

Hermione had already grabbed the few books that was required for seventh year. She went along the back wall, where she knew where all the ancient texts were. It was also where Remus and Severus seemed to have followed her.

She allowed a huff, "Even though I know that you two liked to read." She had picked up a book and glanced at what it was. "I would have been angry with you two following me."

"Even as it may be, Hermione," glared Severus. His dark eyes, showed very little emotion. Causing Hermione to slightly shiver. "We are still in service of following you."

Remus took a deep breath. "I hate to say this, but Severus is right after all." He shook his head. "This is going to be a long year."

As they heard Sirius, James, and Erik arguing in the background. "You two keep your traps shut, she is going to be my wife after all…"

"Wife," yelled Sirius. "I bet her father only got you to be her husband for money that you have…" A thump was heard.

Hermione gave a hurtful look towards Remus. Knowing that he may be thinking the same thing. When she looked into his eyes, she didn't see that. All she saw was anger in his eyes and she didn't know where that anger was going.

"Will you two knock it off," James growled at them. "You're making a scene."

"Oh that's rich," Erik's baritone voice carried through the store. "Usually you're the one for big scenes aren't you, Potter. I mean, you and your merry men like to cause pranks and all…"

"Excuse me," stated Remus before walking towards the ruckus. With a few thumps later, the werewolf came back with a sigh leaving his lungs. "Sometimes….you can't bring some people into a bookstore anymore." He went back to where he was before leaving. Going through the books that he was going through before.

After a time had passed. Erik came over to where Hermione was, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Did you find any books...that you can't live without?"

Hermione turned around to where she could see him. "Is there a reason why you had gotten...into a scuffle just now?"

"Well, you see...Black, Potter, and I...go way back." His cheeks became a little pink. "We've gotten into a lot of trouble...back in the day…"

Hermione turned towards Severus with a raised eyebrow. She knew; out of anyone, he would be the one to tell her the hidden truth of what's going on. She wasn't disappointed.

The dark haired young man took a deep breath. "If it's not about Quidditch, it's about the prank wars that they had going on." He shook his head in despair. "No one in the school was safe, not when they were going at it with one another."

"Really," she asked with a fearful look. "I've never heard anything about Erik Prince," she whispered. "Not even before coming...here."

"That's not surprising, since Erik has never been caught. The teachers had all believed that it was them." He pointed towards where James and Sirius were coming towards them. "They never believed it was my cousin, when it came to turning the staircases into slides…"

"What now," she asked, as her eyes popped wide open. "I'm glad I never went to school with you lot." She shook her head, before grabbing a few books and placed them into Erik's arms. "I think I'm ready to leave...now."

Erik gave his cousin a glare. "Why did you have to tell her all of that?"

"I want her to be on my side," stated Severus with a smirk. "I wouldn't want the future Mrs. Prince to be on their side," he pointed towards the Marauders. "Once school starts and they decided to pick on me again…"

"That is one thing I won't stand," growled Hermione. Causing the guys around her to look at her. "If anyone gets bullied," she pointed towards all the guys around her. "Anyone of you, not including Peter." The boy quivered from where he stood. Which trying to look small. "Then I will hex the lot of you and call it good."

Everyone knew then that it didn't bold well for anyone to anger the young woman. They knew that they had to be on their best behavior if they wanted to keep her happy. It was something that the group of six guys had silent agreed with. Never to anger Hermione.

They left the bookstore and made their way into Diagon Alley again. Each one of them had glanced around and was surprised to see...very little people walking about. Hermione turned towards Severus and Erik with a raised eyebrow. The two shrugged.

It was her way of asking if they knew anything about it. Then they replied that they didn't. Which met that it was her father, they didn't know anything about it. As Hermione's eyes raked through the alley. She had a bad feeling, like something dark was watching them. She never liked that feeling, because it was never wrong.

She led the group back to the Leaky Cauldron. It was where they found an unusual sight. Not so many people around the place. It was enough to have red flags flashing in front of Hermione. She knew when it was time to leave and fast.

Hermione turned to the group around her. She hissed towards James Potter. "You and your friends should leave. I don't like the feeling I'm getting."

"You felt that too, did you," the young cooky man asked her. "Do you know what could behind it?"

"Not really," she shrugged. "But if I'm right, you should leave. You don't want to face a man like him. Especially after me telling him that I was going shopping...without him."

Sirius gave a smirk before wrapping an arm around James' shoulders. "So...father and daughter anger issues." He chuckled before tugging James towards the fireplace. "No mate, she's right. Not the best place to be right now, we should head home while we can."

"Hey," James cried out before trying to wiggle out of his friend's hold. "We can handle ourselves!" He then turned towards Sirius with a glare in his eyes. "When did you become self preserve all of a sudden?"

The dark-haired male with grey eyes huffed at his friend with heat in his eyes. "Do you remember me coming to your house, just after fifth year. I came through the foo, covering in my own blood?" When James gave a nod, Sirius continued. "It was when I faced her father," he pointed towards Hermione. "A man you really don't say no to and live…"

Hermione nodded before shoving the boys towards the fireplace. "Now go, before you meet him," she growled at them.

"But it's our job to watch you," stated James with sorrow in his eyes.

Hermione could tell that it was eating at him. Knowing that Dumbledore had given him a job to follow. Then also hearing the true reason behind the bloody encounter after fifth year.

It was Remus that provided Hermione the saving grace that was needed for the group before her. "Come on James," Remus calmly placing his own hand on his shoulder. "We should go and informed your parents...of our upcoming roles in Hogwarts this year. They might be proud hearing that Dumbledore gave you more...responsibility."

"Fine," huffed the unruly dark-haired male. "But I'm not going to like this. Allowing a defenseless woman to face a man...like her father. Even though the said man, is her father at that." He shook his head before looking into her eyes. "Call us...if something comes up?"

"Unless you want to be a part of a wedding…" She heard a few hisses, mainly from Erik and Severus. "...then I don't think you'll hear from me. At least not until close to going to Hogwarts."

The four Marauders gave a quick nod before rushing through the floo. Hermione allowed a sigh to leave her lips before turning towards the two cousins. "If I see them again, it might be too soon."

"Now you know how I feel," stated Severus as he crossed his arms over his chest. He turned towards Erik with a glare.

Erik smirked towards the other man. "It looks like we're heading towards Prince Manor." His lips pulled back into a smirk, when he heard a small groan coming from his cousin. "We need to get the place in order, before my bride moves in."

Hermione closed her eyes for a moment. She knew from her experiences when dealing with Harry Potter being her best friend. But she never imagined to be his enemy's daughter. Nor had she dreamed that she was getting married to one of his...men. 'Oh Harry, with your amounts of bad luck, why did you have to rub some off onto me?'

When the three had made it to Prince Manor. Hermione was pleased to find that the place had a warming feeling compared to Malfoy Manor. Which meant, there was more light and airy feel to it. As well as warmer colors that were painted on the walls.

No matter how hard she tried to map out her surrounding of the manor. Hermione's mind kept futzing out on her. Too many thoughts came rushing at her and all at once. It was enough to shake her head more than once, causing Erik to hold onto one of her arms.

"Are you alright," her future husband asked.

"Not really." She took a deep breath. "There's just a lot to put my mind to and it's not going to get any easier." She looked into his unnatural purple eyes. "Please tell me that everything is going to be alright, because I don't think I can face this wedding…"

He placed a finger over her lips. Preventing her from talking any further. He smirked at her, as his eyes sparkled at her. "One good thing about a marriage," he stated kindly. "You're able to face things together. Allow me to face whatever scares you, with you."

Hermione couldn't do more than nod. Since the man still had his finger on her lips. She couldn't help but smile at the man. He was able to quiet her, without her becoming mad. Something that neither of her two male friends, was unable to do before.

Severus groaned. "You two are too sugary sweet." He huffed before making his way down the hall. "How sickening of you…"

"What until you find your one and only, Severus," stated Erik, as he moved his hand away from Hermione's face. But not before moving some hair from her face. "You would find that even a badger like you, could turn into a cuddly teddy bear."

Hermione couldn't help but giggle, trying to picture her dark brooding professor as a teddy bear. It was a hard image to imagine. But she couldn't help but agree that under the right conditions. Even he, could find great happiness. Even he of all people, has a heart...buried within his cold depths.

"I find that every unlikely," stated the cold teenage man.

"You need to let her go," Erik gave Severus a sorrow look. "It's been what, a few years since that fateful day. The day that you said the one word that changed everything for the two of you."

"I've told you! I don't want to talk about it," Severus glared towards Erik. Making Hermione questioning the safety of her future husband. "If you don't mind, I'm going off to the lab!" Then he walked off, showing the anger with every step that he took.

Once Severus Snape had turned down another corridor, Hermione turned towards Erik. "What were you talking about? Who was the woman that Severus...can't seem to let go?"

Erik groaned, he turned towards Hermione. He took a breath that sounded...like he was going to regret, whatever he was going to tell her. "Have you ever heard about Lily Evans?"

"Yeah," she shrugged at him. "Where I come from, she becomes like the ultimate hero of motherhood, why?"

"Did they happen to tell you that the one true reason that James Potter had it against Severus. Was because Severus was friends with Lily and James hated it. Not because they were friends but because she wouldn't give James any time of day. All because she hated that James had gone after Severus...all because that he couldn't get her out of his mind."

Hermione gaped at him. Sure she had seen a few pictures of Lily but not enough to warrant a battle for her attention. 'She wasn't that beautiful.'

"With long flowing fiery hair with an attitude to match. It was enough to not just attract the attention of Severus Snape but also James Potter. A woman full of life, an inner spark that those around her couldn't ignore. Along with an endless passion, the kind that any man wouldn't mind having…"

Hermione gave Erik a thoughtful look. "If one didn't know any better, one must ask. Did you have feelings for her…?"

"No," chuckled the maroon colored haired male. "Even though she may be a spark of fiery energy that most men strive for. She also brought with her...her own sense of drama. No," he shook his head. "I wouldn't be with a woman that almost tore a couple friends apart."

"Who," she asked. Hermione was never one for gossip. But she had a deep feeling, back when she was in her...supposed time. That she was missing something. Especially whenever someone talks about Lily to Harry.

"Since first year, Lily nearly had gotten James, Sirius and Remus from becoming friends. All because James dubbed Lily to be his." He chuckled as he shook his head. "Let's just say, there was a three-way prank war against one another. Not many people knew what had egged them in battling against each other. But I found out, because Severus was my cousin and I was worried for him."

Erik lead them to the second floor, going up the grand stairs. "Let's just say, Lily found out because of her roommates overhearing them in the common room one night. It was enough that it caused the girls to have their own prank war against the guys." He chuckled darkly. "It was loud enough to get their Head of House to walk in and started yelling at them. Giving them a months worth of detention."

Hermione gaped at him. There was no words...at least those worth saying anything. She had no idea that Lily was...a Hellena of Troy. The one woman that was worth launching a thousand ships for. She shook her head. 'I guess boys really do think with the wrong head…'

"But I must say," stated Erik as he led her down the long hallway. "I've never seen Severus happier than when was still friends with her… It was as if, she was the soul reason he ever noticed the sun shining…"

"What happened," she found herself asking. "What ended their friendship?"

He turned towards her, as if he was thinking on what he should tell her. "It was right after OWLs I believe. Severus was still under a tree, reading some of his notes that he had… It was when they showed up...James Potter and his friends. They were picking on him."

He closed his eyes. "They managed to disarm him, turned him upside down. De-pants him in the process. Showing off his underwear the to the world. It was when Lily showed up, demanding them to leave him alone."

Erik growled. "Severus at this moment, had enough. He started barking the first thing that came out his mouth. All because of his pride was mortally wounded. Telling them, after James jealous fit of Severus needing Lily to step in and protect him."

He took a deep breath. "It was when Severus said that he didn't need a little mudblood like her to protect him all the time. To this day, he wished he could take those words back. He was a wounded animal and lashing out the only thing good in his life. Lets just say, even though he was will to sleep outside of Gryffindor, just to talk to her. But she didn't want to hear it…"

"Poor Severus," it was the only thing she could say. Sure, she had been called that, but not from a friend. Sure she had been called a menus from a friend, but not a mudblood.

"I don't think it was because of that word alone, causing her to end things with Severus." Causing Erik to look at Hermione with a thoughtful look. "I mean, I think she was only fishing for something to end things anyway. Being tired to being a friend to someone that your own house doesn't like. May have had a bigger impact than just that word alone."

"You may be right," he purred out softly. "It was rumored that Lily did have a crush on James. But she wouldn't act on it...not while she was friends with Severs." He then opened a door, leading her into a very large bedroom. "This will be our room, after the wedding."

Hermione couldn't believe what she saw. The bedroom alone, looked like it could fit her supposed parents lower level in one room. The walls were colored in a soft winter blue color with soft silver termings. The furniture was in white, even the bed frame was in white. The comforter was in lilac and silver.

The whole room felt cool and inviting. Something completely different when she had thought about Malfoy Manor. Cold and distant. Hermione was pleased to find a walk-in closet, as well as an in-suite bathroom. A massive shower that looked like it could hold six people, as well as a large bathtub doing the same.

"Wow," she really couldn't find many words when dealing with Prince Manor. It was like a dream that she never thought of ever dreaming.

Erik smirked. "I would suggest, since we are to be married. Why don't you leave most of your things here and only bring a few things back to...Malfoy Manor with you. I can only imagine that we'll be married before you know it…"

Hermione gave the man a thoughtful look. "As much as I hate for someone else to be right. Not because I have an ego trip for such things. It's because, I'm always the brains in my circle of friends."

"Get use to it, sweetheart," he purred at her. As he walked towards her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Bringing her closer to him, showing her that he would support her. "I know how to use my brains," he kissed her temple.

She pulled away, giving a small smile before going into the closet. Where she magic her clothes and organizing her clothes as she saw fit. Only keeping a few clothes, even some fancy clothes incase her father saw fit for a party. She really hated parties, but didn't want to anger her father.

Once done, she left the closet. Finding Erik leaning against the headboard. Deep in thought before hearing her coming back into the room. He had gotten up and lead her out back into the hallway. The two fell into a comfortable silence before making their way back to the front door. Where they found Severus waiting for them.

"Your potions lab needs work," stated the man dryly. "How can you find anything in such disarray?"

The Prince Lord chuckled darkly. "I didn't say that I make my own potions, have I? No," he shook his head. "My father was the one...who made his own potions. No one has been down there, since the man became ill. So...it's been a few years since someone has been down there."

Severus leered, "I guess...I'm going to have to live with that." He opened the door, leading them out of the manor. "What do you do, if it's not potion making?"

"You mean, besides sitting as lord on the console," he asked. Hermione wanted to know that as well, since she would be marrying him. But she didn't know to ask such a question. "Well," he gave a thoughtful look. "I guess you can say, I work as a consultant for the Law Enforcement division. Alastor Moody likes to call me in...for questionable issues that his department seems to have on a regular basis."

He gave a soft chuckle, as he lead them out of the front gates. "One must ask if the guy misses me, by the mount of times he calls me in. Even for mundane things like cursed artifacts that he knows what spells were put on it."

Hermione gave him a thoughtful look then. "Moody calls you," she asked in disbelief. "A man that could be jumpy of his own shadow, if ever forgotten that he had one?"

"Yes," Erik smirk as he nodded. "I see that you know of him."

"Well, I have known him for a few years." She allowed to state. "It's just hard to believe that he would bring someone in to question his findings. I would believe more than anything that he would just handle things on his own…"

"He would," agreed Erik. "If the ministry wasn't so hardcore on them wanting him to co-sign on said tests with another person. Out of all the people in the world, he had to pick me." He gave a dark grin. "He knows a lot of things about the Prince family enough to cause hair to grow on his chest. But he allows me to co-sign and test things for the department to live with."

"Wow," stated Hermione with a surprised look in her eyes. "I never knew that Moody had a lot of issues while being an Auror in the ministry. He seemed a well-known man enough for him...to get by with anything he wanted."

"He wanted people to believe that, but like anyone else. He's reliable as the ministry would allow. They would rather listen and believe a lord or lady, before a common worker any day of the week."

Hermione gave him a harsh look. It was enough to let him know that she didn't like what he had to say. "Anyone has a right to their voice. Even if that person a common working class citizen."

He raised his hands. "I don't believe what the ministry is doing is right. I'm just letting you what they believe in. So that you would understand what's wrong with it. Since you are planning on taking over it."

"You're right," she nodded. "I need to understand." She gave him a hard look before glancing towards Severus then back again. "Can I really trust you two? I need to know that you have my back, on whatever I do."

"Yes," answered Erik without much of any thought. He was willing to show her that he would do anything for her. Even if it would go against her father's wishes on many things. Erik then turned towards Severus and saw that he was deep in thought. He pushed his shoulder against his cousin's. "Come on man, give us an answer?"

"Are you willing to rush in on any hairbrain effort and all for what," Severus asked. When he had gotten no answer, he growled. "All things Salazar! You really think that she can turn things around." He shook his head, "And you haven't even slept with her yet…"

"Careful," stated Erik with harsh glare. That would have killed anyone, just by standing there. "You don't want to walk down that road. You had already lost a friend, you don't want to lose what little you of family, now do you?"

Severus turned his focus towards Hermione with a harsh look. "You better be worth it," his voice became dark and sooth. Just like the firewhisky that she knew he had loved to drink. "Because if you're just stringing us along...I don't want any part of it." He then looked towards Erik before a good-looking grin came upon his lips. "But if you're going to kill him just to have the power and money...then where do I sign up to help?"

"Wha...what," gasped Hermione. She glanced towards the two cousins before a laugh left her lips. "Merlin! You two are twisted."

"People had believed that Potter and I like to dance around in her flirtatious ways," drawled Severus. His dark eyes shining with mirth. "But between the three of us," his voice became a bit husky. "I think Potter doesn't know his true feelings are. Since he believes wholeheartedly that he's in love with Lily," he purred.

The young woman gasped at him. She felt air rushing into her lungs and ran up to her brain. Causing it to freeze. Hermione had never once dreamt. Or fathomed that her old potions professor would ever through a joke or two. 'Did my so called father killed me, rather than send me back in time?'

Erik wrapped his arm around Hermione, bringing her closer to him. "Now, now. That's enough of that, I believe my bride may have mixed feelings about our family." He turned towards Hermione, seeing the paleness in her face. "Let me guess, back where you're from, Severus wasn't like this, was he?"

"No," she shook her head. "Not at all. He was the kind of man that rather be part of children's nightmares than…" She waved towards the dark-haired man. "...him being this…"

"Well, get used to it," stated Severus with a grin. "Because we're all…" He glanced towards Erik before glancing towards Hermione again. "...we'll be one happy family. Including me...having this kind of attitude against James and his bunch of merry men."

"You have a death wish," she stated with harshness in her voice.

"Come," stated Erik, as he looked towards the sky. "We need to get back to Malfoy Manor, before your father decides to go on a warpath."

It was then that the three, headed back to Malfoy Manor. She was only glad to realize that Prince Manor is farther away from where her father was living. It would give her space away from him, she would have that space.