Ancient Help (A Harry Potter and Merlin Crossover)

Chapter Forty-Three: The New Court Physician

Somehow, Arthur could imagine what Uther's reaction would be over this matter. Probably, his father would be rolling in his grave, infuriated, at the mere thought that Arthur chose a woman as the new Court Physician of Camelot. But then again, he knew that Uther might be rolling for a while now due to the fact that he married Guinevere.

His thoughts were halted when Gwen gave him a smoldering glare. He was actually quite surprised by the look on her face, not having seen such a dark look on her face before. He had always known his queen had a soft spot for her friend, but he never realized that she could be very passionate when it came to defending her.

"Why couldn't you break tradition?" she started, lifting her chin in defiance. She warily narrowed her eyes and lightly scowled at him. "You started with me, Arthur. You started by marrying me. Is it such an appalling idea to have a woman as Camelot's new Court Physician, who by the way has brilliant skills that could rival even the best physician in Camelot? Gaius used to say she would be a wonderful physician. Gaius said."

He was dumbstruck by her speech. He opened his mouth and closed it, finding himself at loss of what to do or say. His cheeks lightly colored as he shot a quick look at the members of his Court; they were looking at him with rapt attention.

Queen Guinevere then expelled a soft sigh and slowly rose up from her throne. Arthur could not believe that they were actually having their first fight as a married couple over this trivial matter. And in front of his Court, no less! "If you may please excuse me," she petulantly said, descending the dais. His Court parted for the Queen to pass and Arthur, helplessly, merely looked at her retreating back.

Once she disappeared, an uncomfortable silence settled among them. Arthur then cleared his throat, attracting the attention of the members. "Please excuse my wife today," he hastily said. "I believe she is still exercising her... err... newfound authority."

Arthur swore Sir Kay's lips twitched.

__________

Hermione almost knocked off the potion-filled cauldron when the door banged open. In came an infuriated Guinevere, her beautiful dress billowing behind her as she stiffly walked towards the brunette.

Currently, she was in Gaius' bedchamber. Although the late Court Physician was not there to train her and teach her more about potion-making, Hermione took it upon herself to study herself. Merlin once pointed out that she was slowly turning into Gaius, which actually made Hermione smile. For the manservant to now laughingly joke about Gaius was a relief; somehow, it was an indication that Merlin was slowly recovering from his mentor's death.

Gwen then unceremoniously plopped down beside Hermione on the bench and crossed her arms.

"Is there a possibility for me to know why you angrily stormed here, my lady?" Hermione asked, quirking an eyebrow.

The queen warily gazed at her friend. "Just because I married Arthur doesn't mean I am not 'Gwen' anymore," she shot back, frustrated.

Hermione's eyebrows shot up in amusement. "It is protocol, your highness," she said, adding the address in the end just to rile up her friend.

Guinevere glared. "Hermione," she said with great emphasis.

The brunette chuckled and shook her head. "All right, Gwen," she said. "But only if we are alone. God knows how much scandalized gasps and disproving glares I, a mere maidservant, would receive if I did not address you, the queen, without respect."

Gwen sighed and sadly wrapped her arms around her maidservant. "I missed being myself," she murmured softly. "But, that doesn't mean I regret marrying Arthur." A small, beautiful smile appeared on the queen's face. "I still believe it was the best decision I had ever made."