Chapter 18
By Sk8ernv
Term Begins
While Harry and Hermoine sat enjoying the feast they could not possibly knowing of the act of betrayal that had just befallen them. Dumbledore looked on with an almost feral grin knowing that his plan was proceeding just as planned.
"Well Severus it appears that all things will begin to return to the way they should be." Dumbledore said as he raised his goblet to Snape who despite a successful mission had a look of concern on his face.
"What happens if Potter should learn of our plans." Snape asked with a look of concern as he looked out into the Great Hall and observed not only the sea of undisciplined students, but also the numerous guards who were scattered throughout the Great Halls. Who's presence while attempting to look inconspicuous were none the less a potent show of force of who's domain Hogwarts truly resided in.
"Then we must be prepared for the consequences" Dumbledore said with serious look.
As the feast wound down Dumbledore gave his traditional speech warning all of the students of the dangers of the Forbidden Forest, and reminding all of the students that the list of banned items had grown to record breaking 637 items. Surprisingly or perhaps not so surprisingly the vast majority of those things found on the list were created by Hogwarts' greatest tricksters Fred and George.
As the students began to empty out of the Great Hall. Harry and Hermoine began their long trek to towards Gryffindor Tower. It was here that Harry had to do something that he had not done since Hermione first ventured into the Misty Isle he had to part ways with the woman who had quickly became the one person in the world that he truly could not be without.
"Well your Majesty I believe this is where we must part ways." Hermoine said while trying her hardest not to burst out into a fit of laughter while observing the numerous shades of purple that Harry was turning know that tonight he would not have the warmth of Hermione's body pressed up against his as he had become accustomed too.
"You know maybe I could just go in for a few minutes..." Harry began not noticing the grimace that was now stricken across Gladius' face of the prospect of spending even more time with teenagers.
" I don't think that your Man-At-Arms is really looking forward to that." Hermoine said noticing the look of horror on the older warrior's face. Hermione then began to lean into Harry for a parting kiss. Just as they began to feel each other's breath.
"Hey Mate lets go in and play a game of chess." Ron said as he slapped Harry in the back
"Your Majesty I'm afraid that you have several matter's of State that must be addressed immediately." Gladius said after receiving a small satchel with the royal crest on it.
" Sorry Ron duty calls...I will see you both tomorrow." With a party glance Harry looked longingly at his beautiful angel.
As Harry strode off towards the royal tower Hermoine had just jumped from the frying pan straight into the proverbial fire as she strode into the Gryffindor Common Room.
"Oh My God!!!" Hermoine heard as she walked in only to be assaulted not only by Lavender Brown but her partner in crime Parvarti Patil.
"I can't believe how good Harry looks now. What have you been doing with him all summer you must spell it all." Lavender shrieked as she and most of the female populace of Gryffindor tower jumped up and down clamoring for any details of newest Hogwarts heart throb.
" I am sure I don't know what you are talking about." Hermione said while trying to sound abashed at the implication.
While Hermoine was trying to avoid questions that were being sent her way. She did not notice the pair of eye's that had begun to watch her while they filled themselves with rage.
" I bloody believe it. He disappears and all of sudden he comes back while spitting in Dumbledore and the Order's face, and we are all just supposed to love him because now he is some kind of ruddy King." Ron gritted through his teeth.
" I am sure....." Neville started to say, but was again cut off by Ron . " She was supposed to be mine. Dumbledore promised me. I will have what is mine yet. Harry be damned."
The next morning Harry woke knowing that something was just not right. When he rolled over he noticed that the one thing that he really had become accustomed to this summer was the familiar warmth of Hermione. With out knowing in the night he had left the place that would normally be reserved for Hermione
"Good morning your Majesty we have a busy morning today before you begin your classes." Sorian in a tone that was much to cheery for early in the morning.
"Sorian not that don't appreciate the gently wake up, but what could I possibly have to get accomplished before the sun is even up.
This time a new voice much gruffer than Sorian's peaceful musings sounded from within the bed chamber. "Your Majesty must have been mistaken if he thought I was going to let him get soft while he was up at this posh school." Gladius said with an evil grin as Harry grimaced
So in the pre-dawn hours Hogwarts School of Witch Craft and Wizardry was host to an event that had not taken place in several hundred years. A duel with swords had not taken place on these grounds in sometime.
"You are dropping your guard when you recover from a thrust. This will leave you open to an attack." Gladius said as he looked out as the King was sprawled out unceremoniously on the ground. " If you want to defeat Voldemort you must be prepared for all types of battle just magical, but me lee combat as well. While the young King had come far in his mastery of the might blade Excalibur. He still had much to learn before he could be considered a Master which is what was needed to defeat the forces of Darkness.
" I guess I should have assumed that you would let up on me while we were away from Avalon." Harry said already knowing the answer to his question.
While Harry was feeling exhausted from his workout his other half also woke with feeling of exhaustion. Hermione padded down into the common room feeling that there was something just not right.
"Morning Hermione....Are you OK?" Lavender said looking at Hermione who was normally a morning person.
"I just feel kinda run down must have been more tired than I thought last night."
The term began as usual with Professor McGonagal handing out time tables to the students. While there was still a buzz going around the Great Hall about the events of last night some of the fervor of the new kings arrival had died down a little bit. What still seemed like point of interest was the newly discovered relationship of 2/3rds of the "Golden Trio".
"You look tired Mione." Harry asked Hermoine who looked like she was about to fall asleep right at the table.
"I don't know what's come over me. I woke up this morning and felt like going right back to bed."
Harry looked concerned, but did not dwell on it too much. The day progressed without incident as the students began to reacclimatizes themselves to daily grind. For Harry it was going well until his first double potions class with Slytherin.
"Some of you may be under the impression that just because you managed to slide into this class because of their fame. With that said if you do not meet my standards which are substantial. No trick of nature will be able keep you in." Snape said never taking his eye's off of the young King.
The class had proceeded without much fan fair. It was a stroke of luck that Sorian had personally tutored Harry while he was in Avalon in the "Subtle art of Potion" making as Snape like to call it mainly in an attempt to boost his own ego. For while brewing potions was a very exacting science it did not require much if any actual magical ability often making it a favorite for those who where lacking in other area's.
It was towards the end of the class that Harry really began to notice that Hermione who had the misfortune of being paired with Pansy Parkingson while Harry had been paired with another 6th year Slytherin who Harry really wasn't that familiar with began to look rather piqued. Then as she was walking towards the large table where Snape was collecting the samples from the day's work. As she was walking Hermione's legs began to give out from underneath her. At first she stumbled, and then she collapsed onto cold dungeon floor. Harry immediately leaped to his feet and rushed to her side.
"Hermoine. What happened are you OK?" Harry said
"I think...."Hermione began as she was cut off by Snape's furious roar
"What is the meaning of this nonsense." Snape said as he snatched Hermione to her feet. Without so much of a thought Harry placed one the daggers he had hidden in his under robe against Snapes throat as he supported Hermione who had began to regain her footing.
"You touch her again and next time Snape I will end your pitiful existence" Harry said coldly his eyes blazing with energy and rage.
"Your Majesty....."Gladius began as he saw the state that Lady Hermione was in he could not finish.
"Take her to the Hospital Wing." Harry commanded and several guards who were in tow of Gladius scooped up Hermione. Harry and his entourage then began to sweep out of the dank dungeon.
"This isn't the end of this Potter I will have you expelled for sure this time." Snape bellowed while Harry made his way down the long corridor.
A/N: I mainly used this chapter to get my head back into the story. I have not abandoned this story. Unfortunately, between the passing of my mum and spending the last couple of years in Iraq and Afghanistan this story kind of went to wayside. I am not sure how often my updates will be, but I will be updating this story.