AN – I own nothing!

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Chapter 21

Kingsley Shacklebolt stepped into Wellington Castle's entrance hall along with Albus by his side. He was surprised to hear that his King had returned and wondered why he was invited to have lunch with the man. He was nervous for he never met him personally, but he could not turn the invitation down.

"Good afternoon sirs," Alfred greeted them as he stepped into the hall. "They are all waiting in the dining hall. Please do follow."

"Are you sure about this?" Kingsley whispered to the older wizard. "What would be so important that he would want to meet with me?"

"Yes Kingsley. I've never seen you nervous before," Albus chuckled.

"I've never met King Richard or anyone royal before," he informed him.

"Don't be so sure about that," Albus smiled. "My King," he then bowed as he entered the dining hall.

Kingsley stopped for a brief moment before bowing. What in the hell was Lucius Malfoy and his family doing here? And why were Minerva and Remus chatting with them so casually.

"Mr. Shacklebolt, so good to finally meet you," King Richard said as he stood and approached the two. He shook his hand with a firm grip. "May I call you Kingsley?"

"Of course sir," Kingsley replied.

"Please do have a seat," King Richard said as he gestured towards the dining table. "I am sure you know Lucius Malfoy, his wife Narcissa, and his son Draco?"

"Yes," Kingsley said as he slightly bowed his head stiffly at them with an angry look on his face.

"We are all on the same side," Albus said as he and Kingsley took their seats.

Kingsley looked at Albus as if he had gone mad. Since when was Lucius a good man, and when did he start fighting for the light?

"Kingsley, Lucius has been a double spy for me since the beginning. He and his family have been always against the dark. Lucius here is my right hand man and has always been trusted."

Kingsley blinked his eyes a few times, in shock. Until Lucius's voice caught his attention.

"I apologize for any inconvenience that I have cost you," Lucius said.

"Apology accepted," he answered back.

"Good," the King said. "Now on with business. Kingsley, I want you to be the next Minister of Magic. I will be firing Fudge soon enough for I never liked how he handled his job. Please accept my offer."

"Excuse me sir?" Kingsley asked, not sure if his ears had betrayed. Did the King say he wanted him to be Minister?

"I would like to appoint you to be the Minister of Magic," King Richard said once again. "We all here agreed that you were the best option."

Kingsley turned to face Albus, who was nodding at him, telling him to say yes. "I accept," Kingsley finally said, and shook King Richard's hand.

"There are other priorities that we have with regards to this war. One of them is my granddaughter," the King said.

"Granddaughter?" Kingsley questioned.

"Yes. You know her." King Richard paused briefly before saying her name. "Hermione Granger."

"Hermione… Granger?" Kingsley asked in disbelief.

King Richard then started the story from the beginning. He explained every single detail, even the one with regards to Severus and Hermione being soulmates and having to marry. Kingsley of course was all the more shocked with the news. He kept silent though and allowed everything to be explained clearly. In the end, he understood.

"So where are Hermione and Severus?" Kingsley asked.

"On their honeymoon," Narcissa answered.

Kingsley shook his head and frowned at her answer.

"You should see them," Albus said with a twinkle in his eye. "They are so good together."

"We all know she could use the vacation," Lucius said.

"How is she handling things? Does she plan to tell Harry and Ron? What about the rest of the Order?" Kingsley asked.

"For now, I prefer to keep it between us. The less know, the better," King Richard answered. "It is Hermione's choice if she wants to tell her friends. I will not pressure her further. Everyone here has kept their word and promised to keep Hermione safe."

"As will I," Kingsley added.

"I know. And my people do come first as well."

"Of course. I will do everything you ask of me your Highness," Kingsley vowed.

"I will go public and appoint you after Severus and Hermione have arrived. Till then, we will have to discuss our plans for the ministry and the war," King Richard said.

Soon enough, everyone at the table started to eat lunch. Business as usual and planning, catching up on stories were all discussed at the table.

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AN – Just a short chapter to put Kingsley in the story. Review!