Passion & Duty ~ Chapter 3 of 8
Title: Passion & Duty
Author: jadestrick
Original Couple/Prompt: Lancelot & Guinevere
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the universe of Harry Potter. JK Rowling owns all that. I do this purely for enjoyment with no profit expected. Life is so unfair.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Sexual implications
Summary: When your heart feels true love for the first time, can you go against the world and everything you believe in?
Notes: Written for dramione_remix. Story begins here in the comm. Beautiful banner made by ningloreth.
I had FUN with this. Oh, it was stressful, especially since I NEVER write long fic. (I'm a drabble queen.) But this was FUN. And I already have oneshots for bits of the story rambling through my head. :) GARGANTUAN thank yous to caitriona_3 for being my beta and to rightxhere for being my cheerleader. I couldn't have done this without them. And thank you, of course, to the mods of dramione_remix for this wonderful idea! And thank you for reading the inner dark workings of my mind. :)
Additional Notes: Hermione's uncle is up to your imagination. :)
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Passion & Duty ~ Chapter 3
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The noon sun streamed through the stained glass windows, making specks of dust stand out against the stone steps. Her skirts rustling the stone hallways, Hermione quickly ran down the stairs, tying the lace at her breast. Her maid, Lavender, rushed behind her, trying in vain to tie the ribbons that laced up the back of her dress. They stopped in front of the curtain that separated the Great Hall from the rest of the castle.
"By heavens, my lady," Lavender sighed as she brushed the shoulder of Hermione's dress. "One day your uncle is going to see to it that you stop gallivanting throughout the forest."
"What he doesn't know won't hurt him, Lavender." Hermione smoothed a hand over her hair and grimaced as she felt a small twig buried deep in her hair.
"You underestimate him, my lady," said a voice from behind them both. They turned and Lavender made a quick curtsey as Hermione straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin in the face of Sir Remus. "He knows more than you think."
Hermione felt a small smile creep up onto her face. "Then why doesn't he stop me, sir?"
Sir Remus smiled and leaned in closer to her face. "Because he knows you are your father's daughter. And your father broke many a rule in his days." He offered her his arm. "Shall we?"
Her smile grew bigger and confidence rose in her chest as she took Sir Remus's arm. Lavender successfully pulled the twig from her braid and shooed them both toward the curtain.
The curtains were opened by two guards standing at attention. Hermione looked around the room as Remus led her toward her uncle. At least five stories high, the Great Hall was the crowning glory of Hogwarts. Huge windows on either side of the room let the sun inside, warming the cold stone walls. Small panes of stained glass, a gift to her late grandfather from Madame Maxine, created bright bits of color on the floor. The entire court had been summoned and considering the occasion, everyone was dressed elegantly. Hermione saw Ron and Harry standing there in their dress armor and smiled and winked at them. Harry grinned in response and Ron winked back. On either side of the thrones in the center of the room, the ambassadors stood milling, waiting in anticipation. As she passed the group on the right, the Duchess Minerva reached out and took her hand, dropping a small curtsey. She leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"Make us proud," she whispered into Hermione's ear.
Hermione blushed at the trust the old woman placed in her and squeezed her hand. Remus led her up the stairs to the throne, taking a deep bow in front of her uncle. Hermione nodded her head in respect.
"So," her uncle began, "are you ready to do your duty, my lady?"
Hermione smiled and felt calmer than she imagined she would feel when this day arrived. "I am, Uncle."
Her uncle stood and placed his arms on her shoulders, leaning in and giving her a kiss on either cheek. The crowd applauded at their display and her uncle whispered in her ear.
"That's my girl."
As no one knew when the honored party would arrive, Hermione watched as her uncle conducted the daily affairs. The crowd of lords and ladies, adorned in festive robes for the day's occasion, mingled back and forth, laughing and chatting and drinking butterbeer. After a couple of hours, Hermione rose from her place beside her uncle and wandered down the stairs to Harry and Ron. Harry was still teasing Ron about taking Hermione's kill when the trumpets announced what everyone had been waiting for.
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Draco adjusted Cedric's cape as the huge stone doors of the throne room opened. He turned to check over the appearances of Blaise and Theo and gestured to Blaise to adjust the position of his sword. Theo, of course, looked perfect, as always, never a hair out of place or a single misplaced crease. Cedric turned to look at Draco and Draco looked back into the eyes of his almost brother.
"This is it," Cedric whispered.
Blaise put a hand on Cedric's shoulder and Theo bowed his head. Draco smiled genuinely at the sudden little boy that appeared out of the eyes of his king. "It's going to be perfect, Cedric."
Cedric's worried expression softened as his features visibly relaxed. Beyond the brotherly scene, Draco heard the herald announce their party, and he could see the crowds parting, clearing the path of the long red and gold trimmed carpet laid out in their honor. All four of the men stood at attention, composing themselves for the important moment and Cedric took the first step forward.
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The trumpets played an incantation and Hermione saw her uncle rise from his throne and descended the stairs to the floor of the throne room. Harry placed a hand on the small of her back and whispered into her ear.
"You're going to be beautiful."
She smiled and a flush crept up into her cheeks. She looked at Harry and he smiled reassuringly. From the corner of her eye, she saw her uncle reach out his hand to her future husband and took a deep breath in and out to gain some composure. She looked once more at her friends and Ron reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Turning toward the party, she surveyed the man that was to be her husband before taking a single step forward. Dark slightly curly hair fell across his forehead and his smile created deep dimples in his cheeks. Though he was tall and lanky, he filled out the royal Hufflepuff uniform with ease and strength. His eyes were what caught her attention the most: though they took in his surroundings with a quick glance, aware of all that was around him, they were soft and she could see his emotions plain as day in their orbs.
She smiled, feeling a sigh of relief building in her lungs. She lowered her head, discreetly pinched her cheeks and smoothing out wrinkles in her long blue skirt. As she raised her head, she took a step forward, smiling and nodding toward the other guests that had attended the greeting. Her eyes darted back and forth to faces as they nodded or bowed until her eyes came to rest of the three gentlemen that had protected King Cedric to come and meet her.
As her eyes fell on a face framed by white-blonde hair, she stopped dead in her tracks and her breath hitched in her throat.
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"And was the journey tolerable?" the king kindly asked.
"Quite enjoyable, actually, your Majesty," Cedric smiled. "It's not often I'm allowed anywhere without a platoon of men behind me, so this almost turned more into a time out than an undertaking."
The king smiled in return. "I imagined you would enjoy the journey. You're so different from your father in your love of the outdoors." He leaned in to where only Cedric and his men could hear him. "And as I understand, three Slytherin soldiers have more skill and cunning than two platoons."
Blaise and Draco smiled in gratitude and Theo bowed slightly at the waist toward the king. "And these are the best, your Majesty," Cedric agreed. "They've been my brothers since they were children."
Draco took the moment of ease in conversation to cast one more cautious eye around the room, looking for any sign of dangers. The conversation between the king and Cedric became noise in the background as Draco looked past Theo to his right. He went stock still and his mouth opened slightly in shock.
No longer was she wearing the breeches and tattered brown shirt of a huntress, but rather filling out a blue dress festooned with ribbons along the front of her chest and around her arms. Her hair, no longer fighting to be pulled back in a loose braid, was piled upon her head and a long, lone tendril fell soft upon her left shoulder. Her eyes, though, were locked with his and held the same spirit he had seen not eighteen hours ago. A thousand questions and emotions passed in her eyes before she finally dropped her gaze and seemed to stare dumbfounded at the floor. Draco cleared his throat and looked down himself.
"And of course, Cedric," the king continued, "it's time."
Cedric nodded and turned toward the king's gestured direction, blocking the view for his men. Draco took the moment to draw in a deep breath, and try to gather his thoughts, but he was hopelessly interrupted when the king turned and Draco could see king introducing Cedric to his future bride.
No, he thought. Merlin, anyone but her.
Whatever moment had transpired when their eyes had locked across the throne room was completely past as he watched Princess Hermione take Cedric's hand in greeting, her smile genuine and seemingly smitten. Cedric leaned over to place a kiss on Hermione's hand, and Draco felt a small rush of jealousy flood his brain, remembering the way her hand had traced feather light touches in his hair. He felt Blaise elbow him in the ribcage.
"What's wrong with you?" he whispered.
Draco blinked and looked at Blaise with an air of confusion. "Why? What am I doing?"
"You stopped breathing."
"Huh?"
Theo hissed at them both from behind. "Shut it, both of you!"
Draco and Blaise looked forward as Hermione giggled at something that had been said by Cedric. The king clasped his hands behind his back and looked pleased.
"Princess, allow me to introduce you to the remaining members of the Knights, my most trusted friends and brothers-in-arms." Cedric took Hermione's arm and led her in front of the three men, who each lowered themselves onto one knee.
Draco felt the whole world turned blurry and heard very little of the introductions until Cedric said his name. He took a deep breath and stood at full attention, his face full of formality.
"And Draco Malfoy," he heard Cedric say. "Though you probably know his reputation best by the name ‘The Dragon.'"
Draco bowed his head slightly and forced himself to look into the princess's eyes. Her own eyes seemed stricken, but her face didn't waver. She smiled politely at Cedric's explanation and said, "I've heard of your adventures, Sir Malfoy. I was sorry to hear of your parents."
Draco cleared his throat, unsure whether he felt choked because of the woman in front of him or at the mention of his parents. "Many more were lost that day, your Highness." He saw her flinch as he said her title. "Thank you for your condolences."
"Well," the king interrupted. "Shall we adjourn for the day and prepare for dinner? I'm sure you gentlemen would like a rest."
"That's very kind of you, your Majesty," Cedric agreed, once more kissing the princess's hand. He turned and the crowds parted, making a path for the four men.
Draco turned and followed Cedric without a backwards glance, his chest tight and hurting.
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~ Chapter 2 ~
~ Chapter 4 ~
Author: jadestrick
Original Couple/Prompt: Lancelot & Guinevere
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the universe of Harry Potter. JK Rowling owns all that. I do this purely for enjoyment with no profit expected. Life is so unfair.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Sexual implications
Summary: When your heart feels true love for the first time, can you go against the world and everything you believe in?
Notes: Written for dramione_remix. Story begins here in the comm. Beautiful banner made by ningloreth.
I had FUN with this. Oh, it was stressful, especially since I NEVER write long fic. (I'm a drabble queen.) But this was FUN. And I already have oneshots for bits of the story rambling through my head. :) GARGANTUAN thank yous to caitriona_3 for being my beta and to rightxhere for being my cheerleader. I couldn't have done this without them. And thank you, of course, to the mods of dramione_remix for this wonderful idea! And thank you for reading the inner dark workings of my mind. :)
Additional Notes: Hermione's uncle is up to your imagination. :)
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Passion & Duty ~ Chapter 3
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The noon sun streamed through the stained glass windows, making specks of dust stand out against the stone steps. Her skirts rustling the stone hallways, Hermione quickly ran down the stairs, tying the lace at her breast. Her maid, Lavender, rushed behind her, trying in vain to tie the ribbons that laced up the back of her dress. They stopped in front of the curtain that separated the Great Hall from the rest of the castle.
"By heavens, my lady," Lavender sighed as she brushed the shoulder of Hermione's dress. "One day your uncle is going to see to it that you stop gallivanting throughout the forest."
"What he doesn't know won't hurt him, Lavender." Hermione smoothed a hand over her hair and grimaced as she felt a small twig buried deep in her hair.
"You underestimate him, my lady," said a voice from behind them both. They turned and Lavender made a quick curtsey as Hermione straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin in the face of Sir Remus. "He knows more than you think."
Hermione felt a small smile creep up onto her face. "Then why doesn't he stop me, sir?"
Sir Remus smiled and leaned in closer to her face. "Because he knows you are your father's daughter. And your father broke many a rule in his days." He offered her his arm. "Shall we?"
Her smile grew bigger and confidence rose in her chest as she took Sir Remus's arm. Lavender successfully pulled the twig from her braid and shooed them both toward the curtain.
The curtains were opened by two guards standing at attention. Hermione looked around the room as Remus led her toward her uncle. At least five stories high, the Great Hall was the crowning glory of Hogwarts. Huge windows on either side of the room let the sun inside, warming the cold stone walls. Small panes of stained glass, a gift to her late grandfather from Madame Maxine, created bright bits of color on the floor. The entire court had been summoned and considering the occasion, everyone was dressed elegantly. Hermione saw Ron and Harry standing there in their dress armor and smiled and winked at them. Harry grinned in response and Ron winked back. On either side of the thrones in the center of the room, the ambassadors stood milling, waiting in anticipation. As she passed the group on the right, the Duchess Minerva reached out and took her hand, dropping a small curtsey. She leaned forward and kissed her cheek.
"Make us proud," she whispered into Hermione's ear.
Hermione blushed at the trust the old woman placed in her and squeezed her hand. Remus led her up the stairs to the throne, taking a deep bow in front of her uncle. Hermione nodded her head in respect.
"So," her uncle began, "are you ready to do your duty, my lady?"
Hermione smiled and felt calmer than she imagined she would feel when this day arrived. "I am, Uncle."
Her uncle stood and placed his arms on her shoulders, leaning in and giving her a kiss on either cheek. The crowd applauded at their display and her uncle whispered in her ear.
"That's my girl."
As no one knew when the honored party would arrive, Hermione watched as her uncle conducted the daily affairs. The crowd of lords and ladies, adorned in festive robes for the day's occasion, mingled back and forth, laughing and chatting and drinking butterbeer. After a couple of hours, Hermione rose from her place beside her uncle and wandered down the stairs to Harry and Ron. Harry was still teasing Ron about taking Hermione's kill when the trumpets announced what everyone had been waiting for.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Draco adjusted Cedric's cape as the huge stone doors of the throne room opened. He turned to check over the appearances of Blaise and Theo and gestured to Blaise to adjust the position of his sword. Theo, of course, looked perfect, as always, never a hair out of place or a single misplaced crease. Cedric turned to look at Draco and Draco looked back into the eyes of his almost brother.
"This is it," Cedric whispered.
Blaise put a hand on Cedric's shoulder and Theo bowed his head. Draco smiled genuinely at the sudden little boy that appeared out of the eyes of his king. "It's going to be perfect, Cedric."
Cedric's worried expression softened as his features visibly relaxed. Beyond the brotherly scene, Draco heard the herald announce their party, and he could see the crowds parting, clearing the path of the long red and gold trimmed carpet laid out in their honor. All four of the men stood at attention, composing themselves for the important moment and Cedric took the first step forward.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The trumpets played an incantation and Hermione saw her uncle rise from his throne and descended the stairs to the floor of the throne room. Harry placed a hand on the small of her back and whispered into her ear.
"You're going to be beautiful."
She smiled and a flush crept up into her cheeks. She looked at Harry and he smiled reassuringly. From the corner of her eye, she saw her uncle reach out his hand to her future husband and took a deep breath in and out to gain some composure. She looked once more at her friends and Ron reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Turning toward the party, she surveyed the man that was to be her husband before taking a single step forward. Dark slightly curly hair fell across his forehead and his smile created deep dimples in his cheeks. Though he was tall and lanky, he filled out the royal Hufflepuff uniform with ease and strength. His eyes were what caught her attention the most: though they took in his surroundings with a quick glance, aware of all that was around him, they were soft and she could see his emotions plain as day in their orbs.
She smiled, feeling a sigh of relief building in her lungs. She lowered her head, discreetly pinched her cheeks and smoothing out wrinkles in her long blue skirt. As she raised her head, she took a step forward, smiling and nodding toward the other guests that had attended the greeting. Her eyes darted back and forth to faces as they nodded or bowed until her eyes came to rest of the three gentlemen that had protected King Cedric to come and meet her.
As her eyes fell on a face framed by white-blonde hair, she stopped dead in her tracks and her breath hitched in her throat.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"And was the journey tolerable?" the king kindly asked.
"Quite enjoyable, actually, your Majesty," Cedric smiled. "It's not often I'm allowed anywhere without a platoon of men behind me, so this almost turned more into a time out than an undertaking."
The king smiled in return. "I imagined you would enjoy the journey. You're so different from your father in your love of the outdoors." He leaned in to where only Cedric and his men could hear him. "And as I understand, three Slytherin soldiers have more skill and cunning than two platoons."
Blaise and Draco smiled in gratitude and Theo bowed slightly at the waist toward the king. "And these are the best, your Majesty," Cedric agreed. "They've been my brothers since they were children."
Draco took the moment of ease in conversation to cast one more cautious eye around the room, looking for any sign of dangers. The conversation between the king and Cedric became noise in the background as Draco looked past Theo to his right. He went stock still and his mouth opened slightly in shock.
No longer was she wearing the breeches and tattered brown shirt of a huntress, but rather filling out a blue dress festooned with ribbons along the front of her chest and around her arms. Her hair, no longer fighting to be pulled back in a loose braid, was piled upon her head and a long, lone tendril fell soft upon her left shoulder. Her eyes, though, were locked with his and held the same spirit he had seen not eighteen hours ago. A thousand questions and emotions passed in her eyes before she finally dropped her gaze and seemed to stare dumbfounded at the floor. Draco cleared his throat and looked down himself.
"And of course, Cedric," the king continued, "it's time."
Cedric nodded and turned toward the king's gestured direction, blocking the view for his men. Draco took the moment to draw in a deep breath, and try to gather his thoughts, but he was hopelessly interrupted when the king turned and Draco could see king introducing Cedric to his future bride.
No, he thought. Merlin, anyone but her.
Whatever moment had transpired when their eyes had locked across the throne room was completely past as he watched Princess Hermione take Cedric's hand in greeting, her smile genuine and seemingly smitten. Cedric leaned over to place a kiss on Hermione's hand, and Draco felt a small rush of jealousy flood his brain, remembering the way her hand had traced feather light touches in his hair. He felt Blaise elbow him in the ribcage.
"What's wrong with you?" he whispered.
Draco blinked and looked at Blaise with an air of confusion. "Why? What am I doing?"
"You stopped breathing."
"Huh?"
Theo hissed at them both from behind. "Shut it, both of you!"
Draco and Blaise looked forward as Hermione giggled at something that had been said by Cedric. The king clasped his hands behind his back and looked pleased.
"Princess, allow me to introduce you to the remaining members of the Knights, my most trusted friends and brothers-in-arms." Cedric took Hermione's arm and led her in front of the three men, who each lowered themselves onto one knee.
Draco felt the whole world turned blurry and heard very little of the introductions until Cedric said his name. He took a deep breath and stood at full attention, his face full of formality.
"And Draco Malfoy," he heard Cedric say. "Though you probably know his reputation best by the name ‘The Dragon.'"
Draco bowed his head slightly and forced himself to look into the princess's eyes. Her own eyes seemed stricken, but her face didn't waver. She smiled politely at Cedric's explanation and said, "I've heard of your adventures, Sir Malfoy. I was sorry to hear of your parents."
Draco cleared his throat, unsure whether he felt choked because of the woman in front of him or at the mention of his parents. "Many more were lost that day, your Highness." He saw her flinch as he said her title. "Thank you for your condolences."
"Well," the king interrupted. "Shall we adjourn for the day and prepare for dinner? I'm sure you gentlemen would like a rest."
"That's very kind of you, your Majesty," Cedric agreed, once more kissing the princess's hand. He turned and the crowds parted, making a path for the four men.
Draco turned and followed Cedric without a backwards glance, his chest tight and hurting.
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~ Chapter 2 ~
~ Chapter 4 ~