Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Spoilers: Books 1-5
A/N: Thanks to everyone for your wonderful reviews and feedback. Please keep them coming!
Chapter 3
Harry had been on his assignment at St. Andrews for two weeks now, as a member of the Royal Protection Squad. Overall, it had been pretty standard, accompanying the Prince to class, polo matches, and occasional nights at the pub. Harry had kept in the background from the Prince, keeping more to the side of Joe Goodrow, who had been assigned as his mentor.
"Hey Harry." Joe sat down next to him. They were in the university dining hall.
"Joe, what's on tonight's itinerary?"
"Fergus Boyd's birthday is today, and the gang is going out to celebrate tonight at The Old Castle Tavern. They'll have a private room, but since it's a popular place, I'd like for you to join them as one of the party."
"Me? One of the party?" Harry was surprised as he had not actually had contact with the prince yet. No one that he had talked to had let on they knew Harry's actual background, which suited Harry fine. Being in the background had allowed Harry to do some additional surveillance for Death Eaters and communicate back to the Aurors at the ministry without being spotted.
"Sure, you're the same age as this group, and given our lack of success in keeping uninvited guests away from the Prince in the past, it would help tremendously to have an undercover as a part of the team." Joe smiled.
Harry smiled, wondering if Joe had any idea how undercover he really was.
"Okay, where do I report and when?"
Joe laughed "We'll go over the prince's flat together at 17:00 and introduce you. The party itself starts at 20:00, but I believe there's going to be drinks at the flat before hand."
* * *
Later that afternoon, introductions were made. Harry found himself immediately at ease with Prince William, who insisted Harry call him William instead of Your Highness. Harry immediately understood how much William did not want to be fussed over, and how much he shunned the limelight. Harry felt fortunate that he had magic wards to help protect his own privacy when he was back in London.
William did ask one thing that Harry had not heard since he lived at the Dursleys: "Hope you don't mind me asking, but how did you get that scar?"
"Car accident. As a kid - I don't' remember it at all." Harry was amazed how automatically he went back to the Dursley's old excuse.
"Sorry mate."
"No problem" Harry smiled.
Harry was introduced to the Prince's other friends who were already at the flat: Anna Sloan, Kate Middleton, Fergus Boyd. Very soon they were off to the pub, where they met up with William's old flame, Arabella Musgrave, along with other friends Ian Brock, Eric Stanford, and Keith Delmore. He was relieved to find that similar to his friends, this group had no false airs, and were simply happy to be together and celebrating.
About an hour after they arrived, a taller man with blond hair appeared. Harry immediately stood up in his role as royal protector, but William called out over his shoulder: "Hullo Rhys!"
Rhys Paladin waved back to the crowd.
William explained to Harry, "Rhys is new to St. Andrews this year, just joined the polo team. I asked him out with us."
Harry regarded Rhys blandly. He was here tonight, after all, to protect the Prince, and this friend had not been on any of the lists he had reviewed earlier, but he seemed friendly enough with William, and it was plausible that since he was a new student, that the Royal Protection Squad was not aware of him yet. Harry made a note to check in with Joe, when something completely unexpected caught his eye.
A young woman with beautiful curly brown hair had entered the pub and was shyly looking around when her sparkling brown eyes met his.
"Hermione?" he had spoken out loud without realizing it.
A look of panic crossed her face and then she quickly recovered smiling. Harry made his way quickly past the group to her, trying to figure out how he was going to explain himself without blowing his cover. He kept her gaze the entire time as he crossed the room.
"Harry" she said breathlessly, "what are you doing here?"
Harry sighed and whispered "I'm undercover, please play along okay?"
Hermione frowned and looked around. "Of course, it's me, remember?" Then she caught sight of the group from which Harry had come from. A look of recognition caught her face then she looked up at him. "It's okay Harry, I know you can't talk to me when you're on assignment. I've just come in for a small bite then I'll leave." This last statement was said in a very brisk manner, one that left Harry cold.
"Just…just wait a minute, will you? I'll be right back." and with that Harry made his way back over the Prince.
"Hey Harry, who's the pretty lady?" William asked.
"Actually, she's a good chum from school." Harry explained. "Would you mind if I asked her to join us?"
William regarded Harry a little hesitantly. "Harry, I'm sure you're a good chap, but tonight's really not the night for the fan club."
Harry was confused at first, how could William know about him and the stuff he dealt with at wizard pubs? Then it occurred to him William thought Hermione was interested in meeting the Prince. "No, no, I promise it's nothing like that. Just the opposite, she wanted to leave but it would be a big favor to me if she could join us. I promise, she's totally appropriate with the celebrity thing. Very, very down to earth and not at all fussed."
"You sure?" the Prince looked unconvinced.
"I'm sure. Hermione's is one of my best friends. I wouldn't ask for anyone else, including my OTHER best friend." Harry laughed, thinking how Ron would make a fool of himself in front of the muggles.
"Alright. I must say, she's very pretty. Is she your girlfriend?"
Harry's stomach clenched "No, we're just friends."
William nodded, and Harry went back over to Hermione, who was finishing her first drink.
"Hey, why don't you join us?" Harry asked.
"Are you sure? What about being undercover?" Hermione whispered.
"I completely trust you. Plus, these are nice folks and I can explain everything later this evening. I don't want you to leave, I want you to stay." Harry felt like he was blabbering.
"Harry, that's the Prince over there. The second in line to the throne."
"Yes it is. And I promised him that you weren't fussed by that thing. So why don't you come on over and join us."
Hermione eyed him suspiciously "You know, you're the last person I expected to see here tonight."
"Well that makes two of us, I thought you were in Edinburgh." Harry looked back at the party. "Hermione, I'm sorry, I am on duty, so I really can't be away too long. Please join us and I promise to fill you in on everything this evening. Okay?"
"Well, okay" she slid off the barstool and walked over to join the group with Harry.
"Everyone," Harry announced to the table, "may I introduce Hermione Granger. Hermione and I were at school together. Hermione this is Fergus, the birthday boy, Kate, Anna, Keith, Ian, Arabella, Rhys and William."
"Hello" Hermione weakly smiled and waved.
William stood up and put an extra chair in between his and Harry's, "Hermione - pleasure to meet you, please sit down."
Hermione did so, saying very little but still wearing the same shy smile.
"So Hermione," William asked, "what brings you to St. Andrews"
And with that, Hermione started to explain her research, leaving out all wizarding references. And, as Harry knew she would, she completely held her own in the crowd, discussing various topics and often engaging in long conversations with William. Harry had to admit, he was pleased how well she was getting along with everyone.
At one point during the evening, Hermione excused herself for a moment, and William leaned over to Harry.
"You were right mate, she really is something. She's not asked about my mum once."
Harry smiled, "no, that wouldn't be her style. Though if you ever brought it up, she'd understand that too." William looked confused. "Oh sorry, I forgot you didn't know. My parents died when I was young. I lost my Godfather about 5 years ago as well. Hermione was a great friend to have when I finally decided to face up to that."
"Sorry, Harry." William looked around. The rest of the crowd was starting to say their goodbyes. Hermione came back and began to take her cue from the rest.
"Well, this has been lovely, but I should call it a night." She turned to William "Thank you so much for letting me join your party tonight, it was really a pleasure." She extended her hand to shake with the Prince.
William took it and brought it to his lips. "The pleasure was mine. However, I'm not letting you walk home alone, let me walk with you."
Harry's insides seethed at witnessing this. She's not your girlfriend Potter said a voice which sounded like Mad Eye Moody, but did little to calm his nerves. However, Harry was on duty, which meant that he had to walk behind Hermione and William and make sure that the Prince would be safe.
Hermione's eyes lit up and she blushed. "Well that would be lovely."
"Alright then, shall we?" and with that William took her arm.
Hermione looked over to Harry. "well, good night then, Harry."
William laughed, "Didn't you tell her Harry? Actually Hermione, that is the one down side of having me walk you home. No offense Harry to you personally, of course, but Hermione, when I walk you home, there's always an audience in the background."
Hermione's eyes flashed with understanding and Harry knew that she was understanding more than William had just told her. But that was for later when he went to see her. Now he had to be undercover and pretend that his insides weren't turning inside out at the sight of Hermione holding hands with Prince William.
They walked down the deserted streets and came across Hermione's flat only a few blocks away from the pub. Harry stayed a bit away from them, jealously seeing Hermione smile up at the Prince and accepting a good night kiss from him. Why would she kiss him so soon? Harry was beginning to understand why Ron had begun to dislike Victor Krum so much.
Harry watched Hermione close the door to her flat and then rejoined the Prince. They walked in silence a bit before William spoke first.
"She really is something."
"Yes she is." Harry agreed.
"Did you ever date in school?"
"No," Harry shook his head. "I guess we just were too busy with other things." Like fighting the second war and killing the most evil wizard in the world he continued in his head.
"Hmmm…." William looked thoughtful. "You know I didn't catch where you had gone to school."
Harry looked up - they were at William's flat. Harry pretended that he hadn't heard the Prince and said "Well, here we are. I see Garrity is at his post," Harry nodded to the older gentleman in the window. "Thanks so much for a fun evening." Harry shook William's hand.
"You're welcome, good night."