AN – I own nothing!

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Chapter 23

Hermione sat across her grandfather's desk. She sat relaxed in one of his chair, leaning back against one arm, her legs draped over the other.

"How was the honeymoon Poppet?" King Richard asked as gave Hermione a brief kiss on her head with a hug. "And I don't need to know all the details."

"Grandpa!" Hermione exclaimed, with a blush going across her cheeks as she looked up at his twinkling eyes and wide smile. "I am not going to say anything."

"I didn't say anything," he chuckled. Hermione was getting defensive. "And must I also assume that you did a lot of shopping yet again."

"It was Italy after all," Hermione rolled her eyes as she watched him walk towards his chair. "I can't deny that I'm a shopaholic from time to time."

"I'm afraid to even ask how much he spent on you."

"Then don't." She didn't know exactly how much she spent of Severus's money, but she knew it was a damn lot.

"Everything's all set for tomorrow. Albus and Minerva have also arranged everything for you when the school year starts," King Richard said as he took his seat.

"Whatever," Hermione sighed. She was in no mood to talk about it.

"You and Draco will be appointed Head Boy and Head Girl," he informed her. "With that, you two will be living in quarters next to each other. Draco will be able to keep you company and keep an eye on you. Have you decided if you wanted to tell your friends the truth about you?"

"Not yet?" Hermione replied. "I don't think that they'll be able to handle the truth well, most especially when it comes to Ron."

"So what are you going to tell them if they ask you where you've been?"

Hermione shrugged. "I told them I was with my Grandfather. I could just say that you live in Italy or something if ever."

King Richard nodded. It was a doable answer. "Hermione, if there's anything you are uncomfortable with, or anything you want to do, tell me."

"I'm not comfortable with anything grandpa. I don't know how people will react, and that goes for my friends as well. When you go public, that will put you more at risk. What if he, Voldemort, tries to assassinate you or something afterwards? What about me?"

"That is why you have to keep a low profile, and we have to do everything to keep you safe," King Richard replied.

"That is not what I was talking about, and you know it," she said softly. She didn't want her grandfather to die, like her parents did.

"If anything happens to me… you are ready Hermione. You have Severus, and Lucuis who will be your advisor and will help you. It's all been planned. Plan A, B and numerous backups, all for you."

"So are you telling me that you're going to die or get killed anytime soon?" Hermione said as she had tears in her eyes. "Tell me the truth."

"I don't know Poppet, I really don't. Your grandmother didn't tell me anything about that part."

"Now that's just wonderful," Hermione said sarcastically as she stood from the chair, and started to head towards the door.

"Hermione," King Richard called, making her stop. "I am doing everything for you, remember that."

"Me, or for the people?" Hermione said coldly not bothering to turn around. "Don't bother," she interrupted him before he could answer, "It's my destiny, I know." With that, she left him as she slammed the door behind her.

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Severus, Lucius, Remus and Albus all were inside the game room. The three younger wizards were playing a game of muggle billiards, while Albus kept on staring at the pinball machine with wonder. The muggle game seemed to blink brightly with colorful lights. He wondered how it actually worked.

"So how was the honeymoon?" Lucius asked Severus with a smirk, watching the man lose his concentration and miss his shot. "That good huh?"

Severus snapped his head at Lucius, glaring daggers at him with a growl.

"Is that how you sound in bed Sev?" Remus chuckled.

"Will you two just mind your own business!" Severus hissed at the both of them.

"Anyways, did you take her shopping?" Lucius asked. "The woman sure knows how to damage my wallet along with Narcissa. Maybe next time you should take the both of them together on one of their shopping sprees."

Severus eyes widened. His wife and Narcissa shopped together?! Oh Gods!

"Yup, it's your turn next time," Lucius smirked, seeing the shock in Severus's eyes.

"Leave the man alone," Albus said as he turned to face the other three. He popped a lemon drop in his mouth before he continued. "Severus, we already made arrangements for Hermione when the school year starts."

"She can't live with me Albus. We all know we have to keep things a secret," Severus told him.

"She and Draco will be living in the quarters or the Head Boy's and Girl's. The floo network there will be accessible to your chambers, giving the both of you a chance to see each other secretly without anyone else knowing—besides Draco. She can live with you. No one will know."

Severus nodded and felt relieved. He and Hermione were able to see each other nightly and still sleep in each other's arms. He couldn't imagine not spending a night next to her. He was also relieved to know that Draco would at least be able to stay with Hermione and keep her company when need be.

Suddenly, Severus felt Hermione's sadness and fear flooded him. He knew that she and her grandfather were having a talk. Something must have gone wrong.

"Hermione will not be allowed to go out alone, unless she is accompanied by a member of the Order or you," Albus told Severus. "And if the both of you choose to spend some quality time together, the muggle world is your only option."

"I know that Albus," Severus said softly. He couldn't ignore Hermione's emotions.

"Something wrong?" Remus asked, watching Severus's face soften just a bit.

"Hermione needs me," Severus said as he swiftly walked out the room.

"Merlin, I think the man has fallen in love with her," Remus said in surprise.

"Don't be surprised," Lucius smirked.

"Ahh… young love," Albus sighed with a bright twinkle in his eye. He then turned back his attention to the pinball machine.

--

"Hermione?" Severus called as he walked into what used to be her suite. It was now there's since they got married.

Hermione didn't answer. She was seated right on the window seat and just stared outside, with tears in her eyes.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" Severus asked ever so softly as he stood next to her. He knew however what was wrong.

"Just hold me Severus, please?" she whimpered not looking at him.

Severus didn't say anything, but just sat down and held her against his chest. His arms wrapped around her tightly and protectively. "It'll be alright," he said into her hair. "I'm here."

Hermione nodded as she continued to look out the window. For now, she was in her favorite place in the world—Severus's arms, and that was all that mattered.

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AN – King Richard goes public, up next. Review!