AN – I own nothing!

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Chapter 38

Remus, Tonks, Harry and Sirius appeared on the front lawn gardens of Wellington Castle, and walked towards the main entrance. Remus had hooked Tonks's arm around his; Harry and Sirius followed close behind.

"Are you sure what I'm wearing is alright?" Tonks asked Remus for the thousandth time. She wore a pair of blue jeans and a blouse that was untucked. Harry and Sirius were also wearing casual clothing. Nothing formal. It was Remus who told them to dress casually.

"This isn't a grand ball Nymphadora," Remus assured her. "It's just barbeque with King Richard and a few other guests."

"Exactly, with the King," Sirius said. He too also felt under-dressed.

Harry kept silent and gulped. He was nervous. He was about to meet King Richard. The King!

As they approached the double doors, they started to open. There stood Alfred, waiting for them.

"Good afternoon sirs, and madam," he greeted them. "Lunch will be on the patio on the North Wing. Please do follow."

"Alfred?" Remus asked as they walked down the halls.

"Yes Professor Lupin?"

"Has everyone arrived?"

"Everyone is present except for Princess Hermione and Prince Severus," he replied. "They should be arriving shortly."

"Prince Severus!" Sirius snorted. "I don't think I'll ever call him that."

Harry nudged Sirius in the ribs and glared at him. He didn't want Sirius to be rude. They talked about it before they left Grimmauld Place. Sirius said he would try. Apparently, he needed to be reminded of it.

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"Harry Potter!" King Richard exclaimed as he stood up from his chair as he saw them step out on the patio. He walked towards Harry and stretched out his right hand. "It is so good to meet you."

"It-it's good to also meet you sir. An honor," Harry stammered as he and the King shook hands.

"There is no need to be nervous around me," he chuckled. "I myself am honored to meet you."

"Your Majesty," Remus bowed and stood straight again. "This is my girlfriend Nymphadora Tonks and Harry's godfather, Sirius Black."

"Yes of course." He also shook their hands. "A pleasure to meet you."

"Ah, hello Sir," Sirius said.

Remus laughed at him. "Speechless yet again?"

As they approached the table, Harry and Draco's eyes met. Both gave each other very strong glares. Where they glares of anger?

Harry walked up to Draco and stuck his right hand out. "Truce Malfoy?" Harry said. It surprised everyone at the table that Harry just did that, without badmouthing the blonde boy.

Draco stood and accepted. "Truce."

Sirius swallowed his pride and walked up to Narcissa. If Harry could do it, so could he. "Hello… cousin," he greeted her.

"Sirius!" Narcissa said happily as she stood and pulled Sirius in a tight hug, squeezing the air out of him.

Next, Harry and Sirius also had set their differences aside with Lucius. Everyone was happy, and few people were relieved. They were ready to stop a fight if ever it did happen.

"This is cool place you have here Your Majesty," Harry commented as he looked around the vast area.

"Thank you Harry. I do have a small quidditch pitch out on the other lawn. Perhaps you and Draco could play a small friendly game."

Draco nudged Harry on his side. "He's got the wickedest broom collection in one of his rooms," he told him. "Brooms of all brands, from all over the world… even the limited editions."

Harry's eyes widened. He couldn't wait to see the brooms. "Could we try them?" he asked softly.

"He doesn't mind...as long as we don't break them or anything."

"Boys!" Lucius addressed them in a warning tone. He knew what the two were snickering about and what they were planning to do.

"It's alright Lucius. Let the boys have their fun," King Richard grinned widely at the two. He once was a young lad, and knew exactly what they wanted and needed: fun and action.

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

"They usually spend lots of time in Severus's loft in muggle London," Albus replied. "Princess does need her escape from time to time from our world."

"I swear, those two people are so in love, and they don't even know it," Lucius said.

"What?" Harry asked in confusion. "Last week, Hermione told me that she loved Snape." When he saw people around the table grinning from cheek to cheek, and laughing, he wondered if he said something wrong.

"I knew it!" Lucius laughed.

"But it doesn't mean Severus had admitted his feelings towards her," Minerva said.

"We aren't so sure Minerva," Albus said with his eyes twinkling.

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"Grandpa!" Hermione exclaimed happily as she stepped out on to the patio and ran towards him. Even though he was seated in the chair, she gave him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Hello Poppet," he kissed her cheek as well. "Miss me?"

"Always," she replied.

After Severus just said good afternoon to everyone in a flat tone, he sat down right next to his wife. He had the usual scowl on his face, but there was a glint in his eye. A glint of happiness as he and Hermione were about to inform everyone.

"My word!" King Richard gasped as he saw Hermione's charm sparkle brightly under the sun. It was hard to miss, even if he tried. "That another gift form Severus?" he asked Hermione as he leaned forward to look at the closely.

"Yes," she replied as she glanced at Severus. He gave her a nod, meaning it was time to tell them.

"You spoil my granddaughter too much Severus," King Richard said as he leaned back into his chair, shaking his head. "If you know what's good for you, I beg of you not to always buy her what she wants."

"With all do respect Your Majesty," Severus started. "Hermione here is anything but spoiled. It is I that gave the charm to her."

"It's exquisite," Narcissa commented as she leaned on her elbows, and tried to look at the small charm from across the table. "Is it a blue shoe?"

"It is," Hermione replied.

"I've given Narcissa jewelry as well. Flowers, butterflies and hearts. Shoes, I don't understand," Lucius said as his brow frowned. "And it's not even Slytherin or Gryffindor colors. I would have made it match the emeralds on her ring. Severus, you should know better."

"It's an Aaron Basha," Severus added. He waited for Narcissa to respond. After all, she was a shopaholic and knew a lot of designer names.

"Who?" Narcissa asked. "Who's that?"

Severus smirked as he looked at Hermione. "Oh…" One of his brows arched up. "Does Narcissa Malfoy not know of a very popular jeweler?"

Narcissa scoffed at his comment and kept her chin up.

Severus chuckled a bit. "Oh, so she's never heard of him."

Hermione leaned over and then whispered, "Severus don't be such a tease."

"Hush Little One," he whispered. "Let me enjoy this moment."

"Well, educate us and tell us who he is," Narcissa said, with much pride in her voice.

Severus looked around the table as all eyes were on him. His hand was in Hermione's as he rubbed his thumb up and down her knuckles. "Aaron Basha is a designer that targets mothers and… expecting mothers."

"You're pregnant?!" Minerva gasped. She was the first to speak among the surprised and speechless audience.

Hermione nodded.

"With a son," Severus added with a small smile.

"Congratulations!" King Richard exclaimed. He stood from his chair and his granddaughter and son-in-law. Few tears were running from his eyes as he hugged them both. He was going to have a great-grandchild, which made him very happy.

Lunch started soon after everyone congratulated the happy couple.

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AN – Lunch will continue in the next chap. Everyone else will hear about Ron. Review!