AN – I own nothing!

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Chapter 26

Lucius sat down heavily on one of the chairs in front of King Richard's desk. He tried to catch his breath, as his body ached and had some involuntary twitches. Fresh wounds were present on his skin, visible on his neck, and arms. He had just arrived from a meeting with Voldemort and the other Death Eaters.

"Are you sure you don't want me to call for a healer?" King Richard asked as he handed a glass of firewhiskey to Lucius. It was mixed with a healing and pain potion. There would be nothing wrong with drinking those potions with alcohol. That's what Lucius wanted.

Lucius shook his head, and took a sip of his drink.

"What about if I call Severus? I'm sure he can heal you somewhat." He handed the man a handkerchief so that he could cover the gash he had on his neck.

"No need. I'm sure that he's asleep along with Hermione. I would not want to disturb him. Naricssa can handle things when I go home," Lucius said. "I've been put through much worse Crutacius curses."

The King nodded and moved in front of Lucius. He sat on his desk, arms at his side, leaning on them. "How did he take it?"

"Not too well," Lucius said gravely. "He demanded to know information about you and why we were all stupid to not know your whereabouts. He knew you were alive though, otherwise, he would have taken your throne. All of us received a Crucio from him. We were all punished for our stupidity."

"So he wants to take over my country and my throne?"

Lucius nodded. "That is what he said. His plan is to take over everything, and then cast out muggle borns, making them slaves. Punishments also to the ones that do not follow him."

"The Dementor's Kiss?" King Richard asked.

"If not, the Killing Curse by him or Death Eaters."

King Richard sat there and said nothing. He imagined his country and his people, being ruled by the Devil himself. Innocents being killed, criminals running freely, children growing up in fear, or, them being trained to become Death Eaters themselves. No. It couldn't happen.

"He isn't pleased with the heir that you have either," Luicius added, drawing his attention. "He might have a few plans of assassinating you... and Hermione will be forced to reveal herself. He will probably get the shock of his life when he finds out that the muggle born from the Golden Trio isn't muggle born after all."

"He already threatens her life as it is. What all the more?"

"Your Majesty, we have to double up security. For you and for Princess Hermione. I can now expose myself-"

"No!" King Richard interrupted. "Lucius, your intentions are well, I know. As of now, he is too strong, and so are his followers. The only option we have now is to train everyone else, even spells from the Dark Arts. Remember, even Harry couldn't fight against his Occulemency?"

"Then let me train him sir. Draco has done well."

"Probably that is better," King Richard said in thought. "Your relationship with the boy though, isn't it worse than what Severus has with him? He won't take it well."

"He doesn't have a choice," Lucius said.

"So, you've heard that Sirius does plan to tell him about you being a spy?"

Lucius nodded and then said, "Remus called me as well. Potter will know soon enough."

"You teach him, while Severus teaches Hermione," the King said.

"What?!" Lucius exclaimed in shock. "Hermione doesn't need it." Yes, he may not have liked the boy too much. Why would Hermione need it?

"She does," King Richard said seriously. "If, and only if she gets caught or exposed, don't you think that he will try to delve into her mind? He will have complete control over her. No."

"When will you tell her, and Severus?" Lucius asked softly. King Richard did make sense.

"Soon," King Richard answered. "Perhaps when they are awake later, or sometime after Harry's birthday."

"And then what of him?"

"Then you will have to start training him. It would be better if you did it here at the castle. We cannot let more people know the truth yet."

"Then he will know the entire truth about Hermione."

"He will know it's best not to speak. And if he is truly Hermione's friend, he will accept the truth, and remain to be her friend," the King stated.

"Sirius will demand to know the truth," Lucius reminded him. "He is too over protective over Potter."

"He is his godfather after all. It's the same with you and Hermione. You would do anything to protect her as well."

Lucius cocked his head to one side. He couldn't argue with that. He drank from his glass before he spoke. "Neither of them will take the marriage well, and will threaten Severus." He knew that not a lot of people would take their marriage well. A few of them being Harry and Sirius. Hopefully, if they knew the truth, and saw just how in love Hermione is with the man, then they would accept. After all, they were really all on the same side.

"They do not have a choice. I will call Remus first thing in the morning and tell him to tell Harry and Sirius about our plans for Harry's training."

"Then you would have to talk to Hermione and Severus first thing in the morning as well?"

"So it seems," King Richard answered.

Lucius gulped down the last of his firewhiskey and stood up on weak knees.

"Will you be alright going home on your own? I could ask one of the guards to accompany you."

"No need your Majesty," Lucius replied, giving back the glass to the King. "Thank you for the drink sir."

"Thank you for everything Lucius," he said to the man.

"Anytime," Lucius said. With that, he left the study, and was on his way home.

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AN – I'm sure at least one of you saw that coming. I apologize to some of you, saying that chapter 27 was up. I meant 26, sorry! You know what to do... review!