A/N: Hey sorry this chapter was late but complications arose and my beta still has yet to get back to me. If he ever does, I'll repost this chapter with his changes. If not… well you'll just have to deal with a self-edited chapter. But anywhooo thank you all so much for all of your amazing feedback! I hope as I get deeper into the story, it'll get much better. And if it works out the way I'm planning it to, hopefully that'll be soon
Disclaimer: Harry Potter isn't mine, I am not J.K. Rowling, blah blah blah. Stop making me bitter, damn you!
Enjoy!
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Magique
Chapter 3: The Fowls
The kingdom of Gryffindor had been abuzz since the announcement that two new women would be staying inside the castle to help prepare for the Freedom Ball. Whispers began immediately throughout the town with everyone trying to piece together who exactly these women were. But for the safety of the Ladies, no official statement had been made other than that they were from the neighboring ally kingdom of Ravenclaw. Many speculated that it was the queen and her daughter, but those statements were quickly shot down by the king. Who exactly were these women, the kingdom wondered, and why were they being kept such a secret?
Inside the castle, however, there was a different kind of buzz going around. Everyone from the maids to the cook knew of the new arrivals and who they were - the only question was why they were so keen to come and assist in the preparations. Sure, the balls had never been perfect, but nothing ever was after the war.
Each member of the castle staff put their best work efforts into the ball each year and was hit with different emotions from hurt and offense when they heard of the new arrivals and what their reason for coming turned out to be. Because of this, gossip among the staff ran rampant, particularly about the Fowl's past. It was well-known that Elizabeth Fowl had been widowed soon after the birth of her daughter, Clara, and the only thing saving them from poverty was their good name and ties with the royal family of Ravenclaw. Some of the more bitter members of the staff speculated that the only reason they were coming here was to rub shoulders with the king and young prince, hoping to win their favor as well. Only the good-hearted waved these whispers off, wondering why someone would question an offer to tighten the ties between kingdoms and restore the unity that once was.
That was the funny thing about war. It always made you question motives, even if it had ended years ago and the people in question were your close allies.
Up in his room, Harry wasn't looking forward to greeting these new women. He had heard the whisperings floating about the castle and was becoming increasingly paranoid. The only person keeping him sane was Hermione telling him that he had no reason to worry. Sometimes even then he couldn't find the will to calm down.
Three knocks on his door startled him from his thoughts. He turned around and called, "Come in."
Hermione and Ron entered his chambers, each dressed in their best clothes. Ron in his red and gold robes and Hermione in a matching flowing dress, her hair pulled back to frame her smiling face. They were both the picture of Gryffindor royalty. Harry glanced down at his own attire and remembered that he, too, was dressed in similar apparel save for the crown that was still perched precariously on a pillow atop his dresser. Hermione followed his line of sight and breathed out a laugh. She brushed past him and picked up the bejeweled cap, holding it delicately in her hands with an eyebrow raised.
He shrugged. "I couldn't find the will to put it on."
She sighed and covered the distance between them in a few strides. She spoke cautiously. "The will or the heart?"
"Both."
She smiled softly and reached up to place the crown atop his head. He craned his neck down when she couldn't quite reach and let out a breath when he felt the cool metal collide against his cranium. She adjusted it carefully and brushed his hair with her fingers as she pulled away.
"We have to face them eventually, mate." Ron said, though his tone gave away too easily that he was looking forward to greeting their new guests as much as Harry was.
"I suppose so." He answered grudgingly.
"Oh would you two stop it?" Hermione said in exasperation, crossing her arms about her chest. "I'm sure that the Fowl's are very nice women and you would do well to think so yourselves."
"That's easy for you to say, Miss I-Can't-Think-Ill-of-Anybody." Ron said.
"I have my doubts as well." Hermione defended. "But I choose not to dwell on them and let them take over my opinions. We haven't even met them yet and you're acting as though they're carrying the Black Plague."
"They could be!" Ron said.
"Don't be ridiculous, Ron."
"I'm not-"
"Hermione's right, Ron." Harry interrupted, stopping what was sure to become another heated yelling match between the two of them. "We need to man up and greet our guests with honor and not let our preconceived opinions get in the way."
"Oh sure, side with her." Ron said sourly.
Hermione smirked and Harry winked at her. Ron rolled his eyes at the two of them and turned to exit. Harry and Hermione followed close behind him and together they made their way downstairs to the entrance hall where the entire castle was waiting to greet their new guests.
When they arrived, everyone was gathered in a half-circle near the door. Sirius was talking in hushed tones with Remus near the middle. When he spotted them, Harry made a beeline for his two guardians. Sirius saw him first and grinned. Remus turned and gave him a similar look and Harry came to a halt as they both turned toward him.
"You look troubled, Harry." Remus said.
"Not so much troubled as worried." Harry replied honestly.
"There's nothing to be worried about." Remus reassured him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "They're just here for the ball."
"I know." Harry said. "But I can't help but feel wary."
"And you have every right feel so." Sirius said. "But keep in mind that their presence here is a peaceful one. There is nothing to be wary of."
"Is that what the Council said?" Harry said darkly.
Sirius opened his mouth to speak but a voice echoing from the hall interrupted him. "They're here!" it called.
The voice belonged to the lookout who had been scouting the window. Sirius turned to the two guards at the door and nodded. They gave him a salute in response and turned to open the double-wide door. Harry looked around for Ron and Hermione and saw them standing near Ron's family. He ached to go over to them - to have Hermione reassure him one more time that it was going to be alright and that his worries were all for nothing. But his place was by the king.
As though sensing his discomfort, Hermione turned to Harry and their eyes locked. She gave him one of her famous smiles and he felt some of the pressure lift from his chest. Before he could mouth any thanks, the sound of horses approaching drew their attentions away from each other and toward the doors. A small party was gathered near the gates, all dressed in the blue and bronze colors of Ravenclaw. Two men slid off of their horses and helped the two women at the front of the party off of theirs, each carrying a large trunk. They were far away enough that Harry could not make out their faces. After a few moments' pause, the two women and their guards continued en route for them. The people in the hall collectively held their breathes as they waited for the two women to come into view.
Though Hermione continually told Harry and Ron not to worry, she found herself overcome with the same emotion the closer the two women came. For reasons she didn't dwell upon, she turned toward Harry one last time before they entered. She heard the release of many held breaths release simultaneously and saw Harry's face soften, making their entrance unmistakable. She forced herself to look forward and felt a mix of emotions run through her at the sight of the Fowl's.
Both women had hair as blonde and bright as the sun, accentuating their porcelain skin angelically. One was slightly taller and worn-looking, making her look much older but still not taking away from her beauty - Elizabeth. She had eyes the color of sapphires and cheeks as pink as a baby rose. She held herself with a certain grace that made her seem confident and poised, two traits that Hermione had only dreamt of possessing. She was dressed in a royal blue gown with bronze trimming, showing the colors of her kingdom. The other woman, Clara, looked to be the same age as she was. Her appearance was nearly identical to her mother's save for a slightly rounder face and sea-green eyes. She was wearing a white dress laced with baby blue trimmings and a matching cloak.
Both women were stunningly beautiful and there was no use denying it. Hermione felt herself shifting uncomfortably, her eyes darting around the room. Each person in the hall was either gaping or frowning, and sometimes both. She let her eyes venture to Ron next to her. He was one of the ones gaping, his eyes three times their normal size. And though her logical mind screamed in protest, she turned her attention to Harry next. He was neither gaping nor frowning but something much worse. He was grinning.
Elizabeth and Clara made their way to the king and prince with delicate smiles gracing their perfect faces. Greetings were exchanged but Hermione didn't pay any mind to the words. She was more focused on the way Harry lifted each of the women's dainty hands and kissed them tenderly. She knew that it was customary to greet women this way for many occasions but that didn't stop the heaviness in her stomach from losing any weight.
"Thank you, my Lord, for letting us assist you." Elizabeth said breathily.
"The pleasure is all ours, I assure you." Sirius replied, kissing her hand as Harry had just done before him.
"What are we to do with our horses?" She asked.
"I will have my stablemen take very good care of them, milady." Sirius responded.
"And our rooms?"
"Ah, I think Harry can show you to them." Sirius said with a smile, looking over to his godson.
Harry nodded. "Of course. If you would care to follow me…"
Harry led the two women and the men carrying their luggage away from the entrance hall. Soft chatter was heard behind them as they exited but Harry paid no mind. He was still reveling in the fact that his worries had been for nothing, just like Hermione had said. The two women seemed to be nothing but grateful for their hospitality and were set on helping them plan the ball to the best of their abilities.
"You have a very nice castle, Prince Harry." Clara remarked as they ascended the grand staircase.
"Please call me Harry," Harry said. "And thank you. It is remarkable, isn't it?"
"Quite." Elizabeth agreed. "So much grandeur and history, quite like our own Ravenclaw castle. Granted, I've never seen the entire grounds, but from what I have seen, they are quite similar in design."
"Not much has been changed since it was originally built." Harry remarked. "Only a few more portraits added and furniture refurbished."
"Ah." Elizabeth said, looking up as they passed a grand chandelier. "Still trying to keep the original beauty?"
"Precisely." Harry said.
"That's very noble." Clara said, turning his attention to the younger Lady. "I heard that over in Slytherin they are always remodeling things inside the castle and town. It seems a shame if you ask me."
"And why is that, milady?" Harry asked as they rounded a corner.
"Clara, please." Clara said with a small smile. "I think that you should always keep the ways of old as part of your life. Sure a remodeled castle may not sound bad, but if you change everything that made your heritage great, then is it even heritage at all? Why fix what was never broken to begin with?"
"That's a very intriguing argument." Harry said. "I feel that there is always room for change in moderation. Without change, Hermione would have never been named a Lady of Gryffindor because of her blood. But without change, the rebels would have never gained power and started the war. It is gamble that we all must face at one point in our lives."
"Spoken like a true future king." Elizabeth said.
Harry felt himself blush. He then realized where they were and stopped in front of a door. He made a motion with his hand and stepped to the side. "Lady Elizabeth, this is where you will be staying."
With a flick of his wrist, the door opened and the two Ladies stepped inside with Harry following them at a safe distance. The spare room had been decorated with Ravenclaw colors from the linens to the sheets and stocked with a fresh basket of fruit on the table. The fire was already lit and hooked up the Floo Network with a vase filled with floo powder resting on the mantle. One of the men carrying luggage brushed past Harry and set down a box atop the bedspread.
"Thank you, Arthur." Elizabeth said kindly.
The guard nodded and turned to leave. The other was still waiting patiently outside the door with Clara's belongings. Harry turned to Elizabeth and spoke over the sound of her rummaging through her things. "Is everything to your liking?"
She whirled around and gave him a dazzling smile. "Everything is wonderful, Harry, thank you. Now all there's left to do is unpack."
"I'll leave you to it." Harry said with a nod. "Clara, your room is right down the hall."
Clara nodded and followed him out the door. He stopped halfway down the hall and waved the door open like he did with her mother's and let her and the guard carrying her belongings through. She thanked him and he left with a nod similar to his predecessor's. Harry stepped into the room further and watched her take in her surroundings. The layout was nearly identical to her mother's save for a view overlooking the gardens. She turned to him after a moment with eyes shining.
"It's lovely, Harry."
"Just like you."
Whoa, where did that come from?
Her cheeks colored and he saw how true his blurted statement was. She was very lovely-looking, her figure silhouetted perfectly by the sun shining through the window. He cleared his throat and spoke huskily. "Well I'll just… I'll just leave you to unpack."
She smiled suggestively. "You could help me if you wanted to."
Oh, there was definitely a part of him that wanted to. "N-no, that's quite alright."
She shrugged and turned to her trunk. She unlocked it delicately and pulled out her wand, waving it about and muttering the proper charms to un-fold and -shrink her belongings. He caught sight of a white lacy undergarment and turned away before he could see anything else. He felt his face heat up as he made his way down the hallway and away from her room.
~*~
The crowd in the entrance hall had long since dispersed, but Hermione still remained. Ron had returned home with his family to help them prepare for the feast that was to be held in welcoming of the Fowls. Molly had always insisted on bringing a dish of her own making to events such as these and more times than not required her entire family home with her to help. Being of noble blood had never changed the Weasley family and that was one of the reasons Hermione loved them so much. They had invited her into their home when her parents had passed and became like a second family to her, with Sirius and Remus running a close third.
She was sitting atop one of the window's cushioned ledges, deep in thought. She couldn't recall how long she'd been there but she knew it was for longer than needed. But something told her to stay and so stay she did. She should be preparing for the feast but she saw no need. She didn't need to dress up for a welcoming feast, and surely not one for some brownnosing Ravenclaws.
Oh, what was she doing? Just yesterday she had been telling Harry to stop worrying about their arrival and here she was acting just like he had been with hint of bitterness. Harry was only being polite. She shouldn't be worrying - or even reacting, really. She had no claim over him, or even Ron. They were free to do whatever they wished no matter what she thought. No matter what she did. No matter how much her chest constricted.
"Hermione?"
Speak of the devil and he shall appear, she thought as she turned her head up to see Harry looking down at her with concern. She gave him a small smile to cover up her thoughts but he wasn't fooled. He never was.
"What's wrong?" He asked as he took a seat next to her.
"Nothing of importance," she answered. Before he could refute her, she ventured on. "Shouldn't you be preparing for the feast?"
"The feast starts in ten minutes, Hermione." He answered, looking her over once. "Have you even left here since I saw you last?"
She looked down shamefully.
"Hermione…"
"I just lost track of time, I guess." She tried defending.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with the Fowls, would it?" he asked.
She rolled her eyes. "What does it matter? They're here to stay, aren't they?"
"Only for a couple of weeks." Harry said, reaching out to put a comforting hand on her knee. "And besides, weren't you the only welcoming their presence a few days ago?"
"Things change."
"Wh-"
"Ah, Harry, Hermione!" A voice interrupted.
The two looked up to see Remus panting a few feet away. "I've been looking for the two of you! The feast is almost ready and you both are supposed to be in the great hall in two minutes."
"Damn," Harry cursed as he got up.
He extended a hand to Hermione and helped her up. Together, the two of them jogged the distance to the great hall. When they arrived, the hall was completely filled with noble blood from all corners of Gryffindor. All heads turned to them and their faces colored. Harry's eyes caught Clara's and she smiled softly at him. Her face faulted in grace for a moment as her eyes flickered to the space in-between Harry and Hermione. Harry followed her glance and saw that his and Hermione's hands were still clutched in each other's. He didn't know why he cared that Clara saw him and Hermione like this. They held hands all the time.
Nonetheless, Harry led the two of them to their seats and only dropped Hermione's hand when he had to take his place next to the king. Sirius looked at him with amusement before motioning to the servers. As soon as Remus arrived and took his seat on the other side of Sirius, he spoke.
"Welcome one and all to the feast in celebration of our new guests, Elizabeth and Clara Fowl. I hope that you will look upon Gryffindor as a second home these next two weeks. To Elizabeth and Clara!" He ended by raising his goblet.
"Elizabeth and Clara!" The room echoed.
"And now, without further ado, I invite you all to tuck in to the delicious feast."
At the word feast, the table was filled with trays of food. Murmurs of surprise and excitement bubbled up throughout the room as the people began to help themselves. Hermione delved into the food, determined to forget about her rapidly changing thoughts. Harry looked over at her oddly but she ignored him, becoming more interested in her steak. It was hard to avoid his gaze sitting right next to him but she somehow managed.
"So Harry," Clara spoke up from the opposite side of the table. "How long have you been courting Hermione?"
A piece of steak got caught in Hermione's throat and Harry paled. She choked the meat down and looked up to see the Ravenclaw Lady looking at them expectantly.
"Oh no we're not-"
"Harry and I aren't-"
They looked at each other, having spoken at the same time. Harry cleared his throat and turned back to Clara. "We aren't courting."
"Oh?" Clara said.
"We're friends." Harry clarified. He looked back to Hermione, who was staring at her plate. "Just good friends."
"Forgive me." Clara said, playing with a stray strand of her hair. "I was merely being curious."
"It's no trouble." Harry said.
Hermione looked up from her plate to see the two of them smiling at each other. She pushed her plate forward, her apatite lost. This caught the attention of Ron, who nudged her shoulder lightly.
"Hey, are you alright?" he whispered.
She looked over to him with a sad smile. "I'm fine."
He knew she was lying. It was hard to see otherwise. She turned back to her plate and began to play with her food, giving the appearance that she was still interested in the feast. But Ron knew better. When it came to Harry and Hermione, he had always knew better.
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