Chapter 1
Love is in the air

In 1997, the sky had darkened for twelve-year-old Anna Gonzales.
She cried to see her daddy again. She knew he wouldn’t come back.
He had died of cancer two months ago.
Now she had to deal with her mum’s constant paranoia, her sister’s coldness and angry stepbrothers.
She needed attention and love.
She had gone back to her sadness and loneliness.
Her fears came back bigger than ever. She then watched the TV.
Boring soap romances were not for her anymore.
She had grown up all too quickly.
She fell to the ground sobbing, did her homework and then fell asleep.
She dreamed of witches, wizards and Hogwarts.
Because of that she was happy.
Then she heard someone call her name,
“Anna!” it said, it sounded foreign.
She thought that she had watched too much British drama.
She looked at the window and how it was cold.
Her mum was still asleep and her sis was still studying.
She knew her mum had to have a gall stone operation and her sister would have to choose what university she would go to.
Her family was in complete poverty and they had to use the bus every day.
She would get tired from walking everywhere. Her house was not in a good state either. Her sister and she were the only hope.
She sat there looking at the stars thinking (“Will I ever find happiness?”).

On the other side of the world, a young man and his guitar made his way through the streets of London.
Funny thing was that he couldn’t stand singing to other people.
He was barely in acting school and couldn’t read a thing.
One year earlier he had lived on the streets.
He still missed his little brother that passed away two years ago. He had also kept drinking and smoking.
His curly strawberry blond hair was fuzzy.
“I’m so f--d up.” he sighed, walking to the Royal Shakespeare Academy.
He hated acting as Tybalt in R+J. He wanted to know that there was more to life than pain and suffering.
He hated the tourists looking at him like he was an idiot. He hated his life.
He continued to walk.
Suddenly he had a headache and then a vision.
A pretty girl with brown hair called his name, but she was exotic and very young.
He thought nothing of it and went to the theatre.

Anna sat by the bleachers and watched the stupid rally full of cheerleaders and jocks. She was alone and isolated as always.
She was the best in her class and always read books.
She was more grown up then the rest though.
Anna had a job in a bookstore. She was going to be a doctor that’s what her teachers wanted her to be.
She wanted to be a meteorologist or an archaeologist.
Now in high school, Anna was taller and wiser.
She was going to graduate soon and go to UCLA.
She had decided that she was going to live in England.
Maybe it was her love of Harry Potter that made her say that.
She sat by the grass looking at an English magazine her classmate Robert had brought in to show her.
“My future wife is that girl.” He pointed to a pretty young British girl.
“Yeah right Robert and my future husband is this man”
She pointed to an older version of the young strawberry blonde blue-eyed man.
“Aren’t you too young for him?” Robert asked, looking at him.
“You’re an idiot Robert, you can keep the magazine.”
She pouted as she cut out the page with the young blonde man and putting it in her binder.

“William. We want you to do a dare for us.” A funny
American director, who was his friend, said.
“Sure.” The blonde haired man named William replied
“We want you to wear drag.” The director said with an evil laugh.
“Sure” He smiled.
William was finally clean.
He was reading Proust and Keats. He had found happiness in acting.
He had at last got his big break.
Finally after 6 years of acting in small movies and mini-series, he was going to act as a young knight-prince who was going to fight for his sister the Princess.
That’s what she called herself.
The director was a young woman who was very eccentric.
She talked a lot to her little sister in California.
He had been given a big chance to show what he was made of.
He also liked to speak out against the government, which the director had no problem with.
He saw the exotic looking girl.
This time she had an UCLA sweater on and was talking to the director.
They both walked towards each other.
“This is my little sister Anna, Anna this is William.”
The director said, introducing Anna to William.
“Hello.” She smiled, half in disbelief at what she saw (“It’s him. The man I’m going to marry.”)
“H-hello” He stuttered (“It’s her. I know it.”)
“Well I see you guys know each other.” The director smiled

Chapter 2
The Rise of Holy Rome

“All hail their Imperial Majesties Daniel Jacob I Augustus! Holy Roman Emperor, King of Jerusalem, Scion of the House of David! And Emma Charlotte Augusta the Graceful, Duchess of Oxford!’
The huge crowd inside the Cathedral shouted as the newly crowned Emperor and Empress solemnly walked to their thrones.
A red haired man, wearing the chain of Imperial Chancellor and the cross of Grand Master of the Knights Templar, knelt on one knee and kissed the Emperor’s hand, “Your Highness. It delights me to see your face again.” He murmured.
The Emperor raised his friend from the floor, “Tell me Sir Rupert. How was the Palace while I was away?”
“Everything was fine Sire,” the Chancellor replied,
“Now I suggest that your Majesties get on with the favour dispensing ceremony. After all it is your birthday Sire.”
And the Emperor and Empress sat down on their thrones.
Trumpets blared as the Chancellor took out a scroll and read out the list of those who were to be given Imperial favour.
Nobles, heads of state, people the Imperial couple had worked with in their Potter days (Chris Columbus was made a Knight of the Order of St. Michael.) and ordinary people were given gifts, titles or made knights of the realm.
In fact many of their former colleagues were members of the Imperial Court.
Ever since the European Union had collapsed several months before and the Empire was restored to its former glory, many people had flocked to the Court wherever it was based.
There were six Imperial Palaces in Europe alone.
The Imperial couple and the Court would travel to each of them and stay there for several months in the year.
Many people who visited had been fans of the Imperial couple in their younger days, acting as Harry Potter and Hermione Granger in the phenomenal Harry Potter film series.
Several of them now worked as important officials within the Imperial Court.
Jenna Bensous, formerly web-mistress of Dan Radcliffe.com, was now Head of the Imperial News Service and web-mistress of the Imperial web site.
Page Banfield (formerly of Dan Radcliffe.co.uk) was the American Ambassador to the Court.
Even some of the most important officials were former Potter cast or crew.
Alfonso Cuaron was Mexico’s Ambassador to the Court, Matthew Lewis was the Imperial Lord Butler.
Even J.K. Rowling herself had a position at court, as the Imperial Author Laureate along with the title of Dame.
And there was I.
Standing behind the Empress’s throne, I watched the proceedings of the ceremony.
Watching my husband as he explained court protocol to the new members of the Court.
For I am the Chief Lady-in-Waiting to her Highness.
My name is Lady Genevieve Joan Grint and I am wife to his Lordship Lord Sir Rupert Michael Grint, Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of the Eagle of Este, Knight Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of Saint Rupert of Salzburg, Duke of Salzburg, Earl of Hertford. Lord of the Lea, Warden of the Cinque Ports, Constable of the Tower, Grand Master of the Knights Templar and Lord Chancellor to his Imperial Highness Daniel Jacob I Augustus.
This is the story of how the true Priest-King was found, a family was created and how an Empire was restored. This is my story.

It all began 15 years ago, when I discovered a name that was so familiar in a book I was reading.
The name Charles Radcliffe popped out at me.
As I kept reading about this mysterious figure, I discovered that he had been Grand Master of the Priory of Sion (a secret society determined to place a member of the Merovingian bloodline upon the throne of a unified Europe) in the early 18th century and was an illegitimate grandson of Charles II of Britain. Charles was also the Earl of Derwentwater.
I wondered if he was an ancestor of the only Radcliffe that I knew about, Daniel Radcliffe.
But I had more important things on my mind so I didn’t think about it any longer.
Over time I wondered if there was any connection between the two of them.
So I began to do some research into the Radcliffe family. I discovered some startlingly shocking facts.
The Northrumbian Radcliffes had fled from Northrumbia, after Charles was executed for his part in one of the Jacobite rebellions, and moved to London.
This was that same family that eventually gave to 21st Century Britain one of its greatest young actors, Daniel Radcliffe.
My mind boggled to think that here was a future Priest-King, practically a Messiah in other words, living and working amongst the ordinary population of Britain. And nobody else, except myself, knew about it.
So I decided to follow these theories up with a visit to the former Grand Master of the Priory of Sion, Pierre Plantard de Saint Clair.

It was a cold autumn night in 2005 when I knocked upon the door of the present official residence of the Plantard de Saint Clair family.
I was on my way to London at the time, to finally realise my dream of going to a Harry Potter premiere which I had been planning since the beginning of 2004.
If I were lucky to meet Daniel there, I would reveal to him my plans for his candidacy for the throne.
After several minutes of knocking, the door finally opened and a young man looked at me.
I quickly whipped out my English-French dictionary, “Bonjour. Are you Monsieur Pierre Plantard de Saint Clair?” I asked.
The man looked me up and down.
He then answered, “Sadly not mademoiselle. ” He opened the door wider, “You see. My father has been dead these past 5 years. I’m his son, Thomas Plantard.”
I stepped back in shock, “Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t realise he had passed away. I’m sorry for your loss.”
M. Plantard smiled at me, “That is quite alright. Come inside mademoiselle. You must be cold.” And he ushered me into his study.
He sat behind his desk and I sat down on a chair nearby.
M. Plantard looked at me critically for a few minutes.
Then he asked the question that I had dreaded for some time, “What is your reason for coming to visit my late father?”
I leant over his desk and whispered, “You must of course know of your father’s involvement with the Priory of Sion.”
He nodded, “Yes I do know of his involvement.” He looked at me, “Why do you ask?”
I started to turn red. In truth I never thought I’d get this far.
I looked at him nervously.
Eventually the words came, “You must know of Daniel Radcliffe?” I asked.
Plantard looked at me quizzically, “I have heard of him but I cannot place where or when.” “He’s the actor who plays Harry Potter.” I replied.
Plantard snapped his fingers, “That’s it.” He cried, “My children have been talking nothing but Harry Potter for months on end. What are you implying about this young man?”
I gulped, “I have done extensive research on his family and I was intending to tell your father about this.”
Plantard tapped his foot impatiently, “Well out with it.”
“Daniel could be the King your father and the Priory have been trying to find for years.” I managed to say.
Plantard looked startled, “I have heard from Father about it but are you sure about this?”
I nodded, “I am sure that he is the true King.”
“Well then,” Plantard smiled at me, “I’ll check this out for you.”
He stood up and perused the bookcase near by.
He picked a large leather bound book out of its place upon the shelf, sat down in his chair and opened to the relevant page. He laid the book on the desk and pointed to a family tree, “Here’s the Radcliffe family tree.” He told me, “Now tell me, what his parents’ names are?”
I looked at the page, “Alan and Marcia. But I do not know his mother’s maiden name.” Plantard looked at me kindly, “Does not matter what her maiden name is, we’ll find her.”
His finger scrolled down the page until, “Found them!” Plantard said excitedly. His finger jabbed at the spot on the page.
I looked and my face brightened up. “You’ll have to write in Daniel’s name in though.” I added thoughtfully.
Plantard looked at the page again and his face fell.
For on the page the relevant name was missing. “That’s alright, we can write it in.” I told him.
I looked closely at the page, “I thought so. His mother’s maiden name is Gresham. I entirely forgot it.”
Plantard took a pencil and carefully wrote in what I told him. There now written upon the page was the legend “Daniel Jacob Radcliffe (Daniel Jacob I), born 23 July 1989.”
I looked up from the page, “Now what?”
Plantard smiled thoughtfully, “Now we’ll organise a meeting with the Priory, though I do not know how receptive they’ll be to me. After all my father was their Grand Master for years until they forced him to resign. So you’ll have to go alone, but only if you want to continue with the claim?”
I nodded, “Yes I do.”
Plantard closed the book with a snap, “Now it begins. Daniel Radcliffe will gain that throne or we’ll die trying.”
So events were set in motion for a pan-European confederation, a true Empire with Daniel as its supreme ruler and he would wield a power so formidable that the United States and the Vatican would find hard to overcome and destroy.

Several days later, I was rudely woken by three loud knocks on my hotel room door.
I opened it and was knocked out.
Eventually I came round and I found myself sitting on a plush chair, in a large chamber lit with torches, and being watched by people in white robes sitting around a long table.
The man at the head of the table pointed at me, “Is this the woman who says she has found the Anointed One?”
Another person stood up, “This is her. Grand Master.”
I tried to stand up from my chair but a pair of strong hands pulled me down.
I noticed behind me was a burly man dressed in the same robes as the rest.
“Why did you bring me here?” I yelled, “Are you the Priory of Sion?”
The man at the head of the table, who now I assumed was the Grand Master, stood up and walked towards me, “We are indeed the Priory,” He purred, “The son of one of our former members recommended you to us.”
He bent down and whispered in my ear, “Are you indeed the one who has found a true lineal descendant to the Christ?”
“Yes yes I am!” I screamed, “Now will you let me go?”
The Grand Master shook his head, “Not until you give us his name.”
“What do you intend to do with that information?” I asked.
He laughed, “We intend to tell him of our plans for his accession to the throne that was denied his line by the blasted Vatican.”
He turned to his colleagues, “Isn’t that so brothers and sisters of Sion?”
The entire group of people around the table responded with a resounding “Yes!”
He turned back to me, “Then that is settled. Will you now tell us his name?”
I looked about at all the people in the chamber. They all looked expectantly at me.
I bowed my head and mumbled, “Daniel Radcliffe.”
The Grand Master cupped his ear and said, “Louder if you please. I want everyone to hear.”
I raised my head and shouted, “Daniel Radcliffe!!!”
“Good.” The Grand Master patted my back.
One of the men at the table raised his hand, “Isn’t he the actor who plays that young wizard Harry Potter?”
The Grand Master walked back to the table and sat down, “That’s correct Brother Marcel. Would you like to be the one to tell him of his destiny?”
Marcel gulped, “I do not know Grand Master. I am but a simple archbishop of the Catholic Church and I am not worthy enough to be in his presence.”
The Grand Master tapped his fingers impatiently at these words.
Finally he responded, “Nevertheless you will go and tell him. I know of an event that will be taking place within a few days in London and you will be there.”
“But Grand Master….” Marcel started to say but the Grand Master cut him off, “No excuses Marcel. You are going and that is final. So bon jour Marcel, or as you’re known in your diocese, Your Grace Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre.”
The Grand Master turned to me, “Do you know of the certain event that Marcel will be going to?”
“The Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire World Premiere.” I breathed.
The Grand Master nodded, “You’re right. Only then we can tell your candidate of his true destiny.”
He smiled at me, “I believe you are going there, are you not?”
I nodded. He laughed, “Capital! You can help in telling him along with poor Marcel over there.”
Marcel, in the world outside a Catholic archbishop, waved shyly at me.
The Grand Master turned to me again, “Is the young man involved in some kind of relationship?”
I shook my head, “No, not one that I’ve heard about. Though there might be somebody…” “Who is it then?” the Grand Master asked.
I stroked my chin, “Well I’m only going by rumour here. He might, just might, be going out with one of his co-stars.”
I looked up at him, “Have you heard of Emma Watson?”
The Grand Master chuckled, “Of course. In fact everybody in this room has heard of her. I’ll let you in on a little secret.”
He bent down and whispered in my ear, “Her mother’s family has a connection to the mystery of Rennes-le-Chateau.”
I sat upright in my chair, “How can that be possible? I mean her mother’s family lived and still live in Paris.”
The Grand Master tapped his nose conspiringly, “You see, the Duerre family originally lived in the Languedoc, in the area surrounding Rennes-le-Chateau. In the 1870s I believe, Miss Watson’s great grandfather, Jean Luc Duerre, met Abbe Sauniere and his “friend” Emma Calve while staying in the village on business. He took quite a shine to Calve and became a noted friend of hers. You might say that friendship continued right until the Duerre family moved to Paris after the First World War and extended itself right down the generations to the present day. In fact Calve is the old family friend that Miss Watson was named after.”
“But her grandparents live in South Carolina.” I stammered, “It just can’t be possible, it can’t be!”
The Grand Master placed his hand upon my chair and pulled himself up from his kneeling position, “After all of that, she is destined to become Empress regardless of her feelings for your candidate.”
“Why is that?” I asked.
“Do you know anything about her, her ancestry and the possibility that she is descended from the Magdalene herself?”
“But how can that be true? How can Emma be a blood descendant of St Mary Magdalene?” I asked with uncertainty, my mind exploding at the thought of this outlandish idea.
The Grand Master smiled at me, “It is possible that she is a direct descendant and what’s more, the county of the Razes will be hers as well, once she marries your candidate.”
I finally resigned myself to the fact, “What do I have to do?”
“Tell him of his destiny that is all you need to do so far.”
I pointed to Marcel, “Does he have to come with me?”
The Grand Master nodded, “We need a witness to make sure you complete this task.”
“May I go then?” I asked.
“You may.” He replied, “But remember our agreement, the Priory will help you with your claim for him and you do this one thing for us, ensure that he and his rumoured partner are truly together before we make arrangements for his accession to the throne. That is all we ask.”
The members of the Priory stood up from their seats and cried, “Ave Danielis Imperator!!!” and they sat back down.
Marcel stood up and grabbed my arm as I started to walk away, “Help me to the door mademoiselle.” He pleaded.
I felt sorry for him, “I’ll help you Your Grace.” He grasped my arm even tighter and so supported he hobbled to the door on my arm.
As we stepped out into the corridor, I noticed how aged the Archbishop actually was.
“Excuse me if I’m prying, but you were alive during the Second Vatican Council, how have you lived for so long?”
The priest answered with a wry smile, “Just the thought of finally having a descendant of the Messiah himself placed upon the throne kept me alive. For once he is King, I can at last die.”
I nodded in understanding, knowing the Grail romances told that the impotent Fisher King could not die until a suitable successor could be found that had the same lineage as him.
We walked out into the night and a car drew up beside us.
The driver’s window was pulled down and the driver called out to us, “Your Grace,
Mademoiselle! You are needed at the Channel ferry urgently. The Priory has bought you tickets.”
The driver opened his door and stepped out of the car.
He walked around and opened the passenger’s door.
Both the Archbishop and I sat down inside and the driver sat back in his own seat.
Soon we were on our way to Calais and the Channel ferry which would take us to Dover and then on to London.
We finally reached Calais and boarded the ferry bound for Dover.
After a stormy and windswept crossing, we landed in Dover and were picked up by a taxi hired by British members of the Priory.
We were driven to London and sequestered in a hotel in Leicester Square itself, very close to the Odeon Leicester, where the premiere would be held in a few hours.

At last we had made it.
The stars were arriving for the biggest film premiere in history.
The Archbishop (dressed in his clerical uniform) and I was standing at the front of the crowd, waiting for Dan the man himself to walk down the red carpet.
I had luckily prepared a pamphlet explaining what we were planning for him.
The crowds began yelling his name and we braced ourselves for the task ahead.
Daniel started to walk down the carpet, resplendent in a red and gold suit looking every inch an Emperor, waving to everyone and smiling broadly.
A few girls swooned at his smouldering looks towards them.
I sighed and thought to myself, “Is this a man or a Messiah? Will his charisma change the world for the better? I hope he can.”
My friend Jenna, standing beside me, yelled for him to come over and give an interview for the readers of DanRadcliffe.com.
He walked over, grinned widely and said, “Hi Jenna. Long time no see eh?”
Jenna smiled too, “It has been too long my friend.”
As they conducted the interview, I had to stop the Archbishop from kneeling many times.
At the end of the interview, Jenna pointed to me and said, “Dan. My friend Genevieve has wanted to meet you for ages. She also has something for you”
I blushed, pulled the pamphlet out of my pocket and proffered it to Daniel.
He took it and smiled at me, “I’ll read it now.” He said generously.
Daniel started to read it and the expression on his face changed to surprise, to fear and then shock as he read it through.
“How can this be,” His voice shook with the effort, “I can’t believe that you would go to all this trouble just to put me on a throne that hasn’t existed for centuries.”
“But it’s all true,” I stammered, “I’ve researched this for nearly two years. I believe you can be Holy Roman Emperor as it was due to your ancestors long ago.”
Jenna tried to pull me away from Daniel, “Don’t listen to her Dan. She’s just a crackpot.”
I wrenched myself from her grasp, “It’s all true,” I cried, “Sire, believe me. I would never lie to you.” And I fell on my knees in front of him, sobbing for the futility of it all.
Daniel knelt beside me and wiped the tears from my eyes with a silk handkerchief, “Of course I believe you,’ He said sympathetically, “I’ve never forgotten the kindness you’ve shown to me and my co-stars. I truly believe you.”
I snuffled, “You do?”
Daniel smiled, “Of course.”
He helped me up from my knees and he helped me over the barrier separating the stands from the red carpet.
I stood with him on the carpet while cameras flashed around us.
The crowds started to shout for Emma and she came walking down the carpet, dressed in a white Chinese silk dress (which I remembered her wearing at the British premiere of “Wimbledon” almost a year ago), her long brown hair blowing in the wind as she walked towards Daniel and I.
“Who are you?” she asked rather rudely.
I felt like I wanted to shout at her, but common sense stopped me.
After all she would become the Empress once she married Daniel and he ascended the throne.
“My name is Genevieve.” I replied politely, “And such an honour it is to meet you at last.”
Emma looked at Daniel, “Why is she over here?”
Daniel took her arm and they walked off together, presumably to explain the situation.
About ten minutes passed before they returned. Emma’s face white with shock.
“I see that you intend something greater for him,” Her voice trembled, “What is my part in all of this?”
“Well are you involved with him?” The Archbishop emerged from the crowd.
“Don’t be preposterous,” Emma bristled, “I’m not going out with Daniel.”
The Archbishop waved a finger at her, “Don’t lie Miss Watson. You would know what happens to liars.”
Emma lowered her head, “I do Your Grace,” She raised her head and mouthed something to Daniel, who nodded.
“We are going out,” She stammered, “We had to keep it secret, mainly because of the ravenous media.”
The Archbishop smiled at her, “Well then it is true. The future Messianic bride will be you, your grace Lady Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson, Countess of the Razes and Duchess of Oxford.” And he knelt before her.
Emma looked like she was about to cry at this news, “How can I have these titles?” This question came out in small sobs, “France has been a republic for years and Oxford is not a duchy at all.”
I knelt also while the Archbishop said to her, “You are forgetting your heritage, you by all means have the right to hold those titles through the fact that you are of the same lineage as your betrothed. You are of the sacred bloodline, a descendant of Christ and the Magdalene through the Merovingian line, though of a different branch of that bloodline than your future husband.”
Tears ran down Emma’s face when she heard this.
Daniel took her into his arms and they embraced.
Emma raised her tear stained face to look at him.
He looked down at her and planted his lips upon hers.
They kissed for what seemed like an eternity, while the crowds of fans wolf whistled, girls fainted and mayhem ensued at the sight of Daniel and Emma kissing.
Eventually they stopped and Emma laid her head against her betrothed’s chest.
The Archbishop smiled, pulled his episcopal ring off his finger and presented it to his lord.
Daniel took the ring and slipped it onto his future bride’s ring finger.
Emma smiled at him and they kissed again, the crowd going ape over it all.
Security guards rushed forward to stop the barrage of books, pictures and pens being thrown at the future Imperial couple as they embraced. Daniel brushing Emma’s hair out of her face and looking at her lovingly.
Rupert eventually turned up and the crowds were silenced by his arrival.
He threw up his hands, “Are you animals or human beings?” He called out to the crowd, “Sure we are movie stars, but we are human too.”
The crowds stopped throwing things, “We understand now.” They all replied in unison.
Then Mike Newell came running out of the Odeon, “Daniel, Emma, Rupert!” He bellowed, turning red, “The audience is getting impatient. Get in there now!!!”
Daniel raised his head from looking at his adoring fiancee and asked both the Archbishop and I, “When will all the arrangements for my accession be made?”
The Archbishop bowed, “All arrangements will be made by us, your highness.”
He nodded towards me and I curtsied to the future Emperor and Empress, “We promise that all arrangements will be made by the time that all the films are finished, your highnesses.” And I curtsied again.
Daniel smiled nobly at us and, taking Emma’s hand, departed inside with his betrothed at his side.
Rupert gave a wide grin, “Wicked, truly wicked. What you are doing for Dan and Emma is bloody brilliant.”
He took my hand, kissed it and then embraced me. I laid my head on his chest.
I felt a tingle run through my body, for this was the man I had fallen in love with months ago.
I looked up at him as he held me in his arms, “Can I kiss you?”
Rupert smiled down at me, “Sure.”
And our lips touched for the first time in a relationship, even as I write this, seemed very surreal at the time.
After several minutes, as cameras flashed around us, he eventually broke off the kiss and walked inside.
That kiss burned in my heart for years, for I knew we would meet again some day and I would finally give myself to him.
The Archbishop and I stood on the carpet, knowing we had fulfilled our task.
We had told a young actor of his destiny.
At last a new age of humanism and progress could begin.

Twelve years slowly passed, President Kerry was re-elected and then defeated by a member of the Bush political dynasty (Former President George W Bush’s daughter Jenna), and fear gripped the world yet again as terrorists blew up The Hague with all the delegates of the European Union inside. None survived the terrible blast.
I was now in my thirties and I knew it was time for Daniel to ascend to his rightful throne.
A secret meeting was organised in London, with delegates from noble and royal families from all over Europe attending.
Daniel himself was present and he promised that he would restore the former ruling dynasties of Europe to their rightful thrones if they would pledge allegiance to him and him alone.
The delegates made their individual pledges on behalf of their families and threw their support behind him.
An emergency meeting of the UN was convened several months later to discuss the idea of a European Empire. Daniel spoke at the meeting, determined to persuade ambassadors of many countries.
The idea was put to a vote and Resolution 196 (Creation of a European Empire) was passed with only minimal opposition from the Ambassadors from France, Israel (the Resolution had a clause that Jerusalem had to be made part of the new Empire), the United States (The President didn’t want her authority to be undermined by an upstart washed up actor who had played a wizard, Well that was her opinion anyway. The actual reason was that an Empire would hold greater influence and power in the world, in effect become a world power which the US didn’t want) and the Vatican (because that would mean that the Pope would have to recognise an Empire ruled by a member of the Messianic succession, which they didn’t want to go through again after all the trouble they had with the Merovingian kings).
And so it was.
The preparations began for the marriage and coronation of Daniel Jacob Radcliffe, Prince of the Royal House of David, Earl of Fulham, Lord of London, Premier Duke of Austria, titular Duke of Lorraine and King of Jerusalem to Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson, Comtess de Razes and Duchess of Oxford-Marlborough, as Emperor Daniel Jacob I and Empress Emma Charlotte.

Chapter 3
Friendship and Love

“Mmm, this strawberry ice cream is delicious.” Emma said very happily.
“I came to talk to you about the future Empire, Emma.” Genevieve said worriedly
“It is hard to believe that I will be Empress of an Empire that existed centuries ago.” Emma grinned.
“Believe it Emma, it will happen. I fear you have no choice, it’s your destiny.” Genevieve replied sadly.
“To save the world from all it’s evils.” Emma said
“I know it’s hard that a total stranger told you and your boyfriend that you are the future Empress and Emperor of an ancient Empire.” Genevieve sighed
“Yes, you don’t know what to believe. You’re an actress doing your job and then you find out about your destiny.” Emma replied
“But also I fear that we will have enemies that will oppose us.” Genevieve said,
“It is said in the prophecy.” She added
“But I can see that you like Rupert.” Emma smiled slyly.
“Yes, I do Emma. I can’t help it.” Genevieve blushed
“Oh that’s fine. You seem much nicer and sweeter than Elaine. I can’t stand that girl, she’s so vain and pompous.” Emma said
“Is Elaine Rupert’s girlfriend?” Genevieve asked, trying not to cry.
“No, that would be dreadful but she wants to be. Don’t cry Genevieve, I know that he began to love you ever since he first saw you and kissed you, so don’t worry.” Emma smiled
“Really?” Genevieve asked with a smile on her face.
“Yes!” Emma grinned
“Thanks Emma. It’s good that I have you as a friend.” Genevieve said
“And vice versa.” Emma laughed
It was the start of a wonderful friendship.
“Did you see Troy?” Emma asked.
“ I did because of Orlando.” Genevieve blushed
“I saw it for Brad Pitt. He’s so hot!” Emma sighed.
“Yes. Daniel must be jealous.” Genevieve nodded
“Nope, he’s so sweet and very kind.” Emma said
“Yes, I could see it right away.” Genevieve grinned
“You’re lucky Emma. You found love at first sight.” she added
“Don’t worry. I have a feeling Rupert is your special someone.” Emma smiled

Anna was sitting at a table with Diana Fricke.
Diana was one of her best buds. Meliean was the other.
They had been eating strawberry sorbets at the Italian restaurant.
Diana had green eyes, deep black hair and very fair skin.
She was also very pretty, liked discussing ethics and helping the revolutionaries. “Diana. Do you want to come with William and I to play tennis with his friends?”
Anna asked with a smile.
“Anna. Are you setting me up?” Diana asked in her German accent.
“Me, never. I’m not that evil.” Anna grinned.
“I’ll go, I love playing tennis.” Diana said
“Wonderful! I suck at tennis so I need a good partner.” Anna smiled.
“Anna!” Diana squealed.
“Okay. Well I’m kind of good.” Anna shrugged.
Diana winked at her.
“Speak of the devil. Here he comes now,” she added.
“Hello my honey bun. Ready to get your ass whipped by moi?” Anna grinned deviously
“You are wrong. It is I who will win.” William laughed. “Hi Diana.” he added.
“Hello William.” Diana smiled.
“You’ll really love my friend. He’s German and an excellent chum.” William looked at Diana
“Ja.” Anna nodded.
“I would love to meet him. I haven’t seen many Germans in London since….” Diana was about to finish off her sentence but Anna cut her off,
“Since our beloved Emperor ascended the Throne,” she said bitterly.
You could see she was 20 something years old.
“Yes and then the war started,” William sighed.
“But let’s not spoil our wonderful match now. Yes, even if there’s a better way than war. We should just play tennis and try to forget.” Diana said.
“You guys are right.” Anna was smiling again.
“Come on. We don’t want to be late.” William hurried them along.
They arrived at center court where a young very tall, brown haired and rather handsome German man was waiting for them.
“I thought you’d never come. I thought you were with your girlfriend.” He said to William in a thick German accent.
“You know very well that we’re both a team.” William reminded him.
“Yes my dear friend.” He replied and smiled at Diana.
“And who might you be?” He asked her.
“Her name is Diana Fricke. Diana, this is Alan Wagner.” Anna introduced the two of them to each other and then left them.
“William. Let’s get your racket,” she added.
“But I have it. Owww! Yes I left it in my locker! William yelped as Anna kicked him. “Lets go.” Anna smiled
“Okay. We’ll be right back.” William whimpered as he held his leg.
“Did you have to kick so hard, Anna?” he asked as they walked to his locker.
“Yes, they need to know each other.” Anna replied.
“What will I do with you, Cupid?” William laughed as he held her hand.
“I don’t know.” Anna grinned, “But I do know that they like each other.”

“Anna is sure acting strange.” Diana sighed
“William too.” Allan shrugged, as he looked at the bushes.
“What part of Germany you come from?” Allan asked, looking at Diana
“In Goshen, just north of Hanover.” Diana replied
“What part of Germany do you come from, Allan?” she asked as well
“My parents were born in Berlin and I spent my childhood there but moved to England when I was 15.” Allan responded
“I have been to Berlin when I was young, it is a wonderful place.” Diana said,
“I have never been to Hanover.” Allan said.
“You should go there, because it is a wonderful place. I miss my home town, I haven’t been there in 5 years.” Diana sighed as she remembered her life there.
“Maybe we can visit it together.” Allan smiled as he looked into Diana’s green eyes
“I would love to.” Diana replied as she looked into his eyes also.
“Can we get out of the bushes now?” William asked Anna.
They were hiding in the bushes.
“Not yet.” Anna rolled her eyes
“Wait for it.” She muttered as Allan and Diana were getting closer.
William stood up and walked over to them.
“Ready to play?” He asked
“Arrrrgh!” Anna yelled as she stood up.
“Yes, I can’t wait to beat you William.” Allan grinned
“ My friend, it is you who is about to be beaten.” William replied.
“Yaaay! Diana are team mates with Allan while I play with my sweetie.” Anna squealed.
As they started to play, you could tell Anna sucked at tennis, while Diana was rather good at playing tennis.
Allan and Diana won while Anna and William lost.
“Hey, we should go eat ice cream, my treat.” Anna proposed.
“Yes, besides you owe me, remember?” Diana grinned.
“Yes I know.” Anna sighed.
“I’m going, I wouldn’t want to leave Diana alone.” Allan laughed.
“So I see someone likes you, Diana” Anna said with a big grin on her face.
Diana started to blush.
“So it’s settled, we are going to eat ice cream.” Anna said

As Anna and William were sitting down at the table, the future Empress saw her,
“You!” Emma yelled angrily
“What about me?” Anna asked irritably
“You tried to steal my fiancee!” Emma screamed in Anna’s face
“Look, I don’t know your future husband. I have a boyfriend and I love him. Look Your Majesty, you must’ve confused me with someone else.” Anna tried to reason with her.
“You dirty liar!” Emma roared
“That’s it, I’ve tried to be peaceful. I must teach you the hard way!” Anna yelled back, her arm swung back to throw a punch.
“I’m not afraid!” Emma screamed as she threw the first punch.
“My friend is only trying to defend herself. And if she fights, it’s only to show you that she won’t let anyone insult her.” Diana explained
“We need to stop this.” William muttered as Anna hit Emma.
“Now!” Allan yelled as the both of them came between the two fighting women.
“I won’t forget this!” Anna screamed as William pulled her away
“She is innocent really, it’s just she has anger problems.” William tried to explain.
“Let’s go Diana.” Allan said
“Yes this could be bad for all of us.” Diana sighed
“Anna! What were you trying to do?” William asked as he put ice to her eye.
“She was insulting my honour. Why the fuck would I want to be with Daniel Radcliffe?” Anna growled
“Basically you got offended because Her Majesty told you that you were a whore.” Diana said as she brought alcohol.
“But it wasn’t true you shouldn’t have let her” William said
“Nobody insults me William especially because of what I look like.” Anna said angrily as Diana put rubbing alcohol on her bruises.
“Oh my dear Anna.” William said
“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt the precious Empress.” Anna muttered.
“I’m sorry that she was so ignorant.” Diana apologised
“She has a point there.” Allan nodded
“I won’t forget about this, never.” Anna growled with fire in her eyes

Chapter 4
Beginning of a romantic rebellion

Meliean walked to the Denny’s in Osaka. She worked there as a waitress.
It was raining hard and it was cold.
She went in and started taking orders.
She worked hard at what she did.
Guys would flirt with her but she paid no attention to them.
She passed by table eight and saw a Japanese man with short hair and wearing a silver cross around his neck.
He was smoking.
“Excuse me sir, it would be respectful of you to not smoke in this establishment?” Meliean asked very nervously
“Meliean, don’t do that.” One of her coworkers squealed and pushed her into the other table
“What? Just because he’s a j-rock star!” Meliean spluttered
“Yes, you do want to get fired.” The other waitress muttered
“He looked fancy to me.” Meliean said to her.
“Like all the other men in this place” The other waitress said
“Sheesh! It’s like they haven’t seen a Brazilian gal before.” Meliean sighed
“Well you do look exotic.” The other waitress smiled
“Come on, we need to work.” Meliean said
Meliean felt like she was being watched.
“That chain smoking dude was cute.” she giggled.
“Oh well I have to work” Meliean sighed as she got orders.

Meliean was teaching American gals to dance Brazilian carnival style for a presentation at the Space Shower awards.
Their suits were carnival style without the little string bikini.
Meliean worked as a dancer and waitress to support her education.
She went to Osaka University and was learning Japanese.
“Okay girls, places!” Meliean yelled
“The band Heaven are going to accompany our dance.” The girls told her.
“Dios Mio! That’s my favourite band!” Meliean squeaked
“Yup!” The girls nodded
They went out onto the stage, dancing.
Meliean stole the show.
She danced her heart out and that chain-smoking guy was on the guitar close to her.
“Hi!” Meliean panted as she danced

Meliean was on the phone with Anna
“This guy makes me fuzzy inside.” Meliean said
“Hee heee.” Anna giggled
“You’re in love,” she added
“With who? “ William’s voice could be heard over the phone
“I want to know, please tell.” Anna said
“The rock star’s name is Ken Kitamura.” Meliean replied.
“You’re kidding eh?” Anna asked
“She’s not kidding.” William told her as he held the Smart magazine that had the Space Shower awards on the cover
“Go for it.” Anna said
“Her fancy of making a match with Heaven is complete.” William sighed
“I know he likes me but I’m a poor dancer not a rich pop star.” Meliean said
“He likes you,” Anna smiled, “I know, I’ve seen visions of you and him planting a tree with a little girl.”
“So in other words its your destiny.” William said
“I know, we just have to wait and see.” Meliean grinned as she held a package.
“It’s for me, who can it be from?” She asked
It was a package of orchids from Ken-kun.

William, Anna and Meliean were at a café in Tokyo.
“Here’s our symbol for the Children of the Revolution.” William said as he raised from the table a drawing of a baby dressed like Che Guevara which was black upon a red background.
“Brilliantly done William. You’re a great artist.” Meliean congratulated him.
“So I’ve heard that you have a secret admirer.” Anna grinned.
“Yes, she kept telling me about that on the flight.” William sighed
“Yes, he always keeps sending me orchids. I think I know it is.” Meliean giggled
“Ohhh! I bet that he is a j - rock star.” Anna smiled.
“One of the members of the band Heaven.” Meliean answered.
“Heaven, that’s my favourite band. You’re lucky, I do hope its Ken-kun that’s after ya.” Anna said with a smile
“You told me he’s 35.” William said in shock
“So what, you’re 31.” Anna replied
“Well, tell us about your CD. I’ve heard it’s 1# in the Oricon charts.” William said.
“Yaaay, you’re now a success!” Anna squealed as she drank her Boba.
“Yes, the manager of Heaven and Yuki produced it for me. It’s a dream working with Heaven. They are nice. I like Ken-kun, he makes me laugh and smile.” Meliean smiled.
“You’re in love.” Anna giggled.
“Yeah, he’s a lucky wanker.” William said rudely as Anna lightly hit him with her bag.
“ Problem is he smokes too much.” Meliean sighed.
“He’s not the only one.” Anna rolled her eyes as William lit up a cigarette.
“What did I bloody do?” William asked as he inhaled the smoke.
“ If you can live with it, maybe I can.” Meliean smiled as she drank her ice tea Boba.
“ I’m going to Utaban tonight, would you guys like to go with me?” she asked as well.
“Yes, I love that show. I loved the prank they played on Gackt. Bloody awesome, wot?” Anna grinned.
“Ah yes, the lovely sliding piano trick.” Meliean grinned as well.
“You do know there’s a rumour going around that you are dating Gackt.” William said as he placed a teen pop magazine on the table.
“Those bastards, he was coming on to me. I hate that idiot.” Meliean muttered angrily.
“I bet that he thinks you like him.” Anna said
“I see people trying to dress like you, that’s very cool indeed.” William smiled.
“That is what worries me. Those girls look up to me. I have to be careful.” Meliean hissed under her breath.
“Well, I don’t think you have to worry about that.” Anna said to her.
“Look! Ken-kun is approaching!” Anna squeaked
“So that’s how Ken looks like.” William realised.
“We have to go.” Anna said as she tugged at William.
“We do?” William asked.
“Bye Meliean, see you later.” he said as Anna pulled him away.
“Hello Ken-sama.” Meliean smiled.
Ken sat beside her in the chair recently vacated by William.
He took Meliean’s hands and gently kissed them.
“Oh Meliean,” he whispered, “I love you so much. I want you to come with me to the Palace.”
Meliean looked at him, ”Can I think about this overnight? I need time to think.”
Ken smiled, “Of course, my little cherry blossom. I cannot deny you anything.”
She stood up from her chair and he stood up from his, Meliean kissed him and left for her hotel where she undressed for bed.
Meliean pondered and rolled in her bed overnight, wondering whether to go or not. Finally, she made her choice.

Meliean slowly walked into the Palace hand in hand with Ken.
Amazed, she turned her head in Ken's direction.
Ken looked straight ahead.
Meliean smiled at him even if he couldn’t see it and slowly and gracefully glided forward.
She squeezed Ken's hand and he looked at her.
“It's gonna be ok.” his eyes seem to say.
“Gosh, I hope it will.” she whispered.
“It will...”
Ken and Meliean strode into the hall where the Emperor sat.
They approached him.
Meliean followed what Ken did because she was very unfamiliar with Japanese customs.
The Emperor looked up, “Ah yes. You have returned my son. Is this the woman you have been telling us about?”
Ken bowed to his father, “Yes it is, o most noble son of Heaven.”
The Emperor laughed, “You don’t need to stand on ceremony, my son. Nor you, Meliean Gonzalez.”
Meliean looked up at him in shock, “How do you know my name, Your Majesty?” She asked politely.
The Emperor waved away her question, “I know of your uncle and his work for your native country as Prime Minister and you are well known within my court as the woman who spirited the Crown Prince Kensuachi out into the world and into love.”
Meliean looked at Ken, “And I thought you were just a singer, but you are the Crown Prince of Japan. How dare you lie to me?”
Ken bowed his head, “I couldn’t tell you who I was until I was sure that I had indeed fallen in love and now I have, with you.”
The Emperor grunted, “You can go now my son. His mother will wish to meet you, Miss Gonzalez.”
And with that, Meliean and Ken were escorted out of the hall by a guard.
After meeting the Emperor, she and Ken left the Palace.
“Ken, that was perhaps the worst and best thing that ever happened to me!” she exclaimed.
“Yeah.”
“Ken, you don’t seem interested at all.”
“I don’t know Meliean. I'm sorry.”
“See, this is why I really thought hard about coming here with you.”
“Mel, no, wait.”
“Talk to me when you're interested.”
“Meliean, please, will you just listen?
“You didn’t listen to me, why should I listen to you?”
“I’m sorry, ok, I was just thinking about- err- when I should,” and he got down on one knee in the middle of a deserted street.
“I am insanely in love with you and I wanted to ask you, will you…” but the sentence was left hanging because the rain started to fall.
Meliean pulled on the hood of her coat and walked away.
Ken jumped up and ran after her. “Meliean?” he cried, “Why do you walk away from me?”
Meliean turned to face him, “Because you lied to me.” She said simply.
“That was because I had no choice. If I had told you when we had met, you would’ve seen someone that I am not. I never asked to be born into the Japanese Imperial Family and even if I had, I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you.” Ken told her.
Meliean allowed him to kiss her sweetly on her lips. “Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t know you felt that strongly about me. I forgive you.” She whispered, “Now what were you going to ask me?”
Ken went down on one knee once more and fumbled in a coat pocket.
At last he brought out a golden ring, engraved with Japanese characters and a diamond encased in a crown.
“Meliean Maria Gonzalez? As Crown Prince of the Empire of the Sun I ask you this one question, will you marry me?”
Meliean burst into tears of joy, “Yes, I will marry you!”
And so it was.
Ken and Meliean returned to the Imperial Palace and told his parents the Emperor and Empress that they were engaged and the preparations for the wedding began.

Chapter 5
Of crowns and kings

“Mother, I have to go to the Coronation.” A young man spoke.
He had black hair and blue eyes. He was a member of the Eagle Guard and his outfit was the purple robes of the Eagle Guard. He proudly wore upon his breast a gold lily badge with the initials EI inscribed upon it and had a sword at his side.
“Yes son, I have to meet a friend. I’ll be back after the ceremony.” His mother replied, wearing green robes
She walked to a building who’s sign read “Café Roma”.
She went inside and saw two girls who looked alike.
“Anna.” She smiled and gave Anna a hug
“Fran.” Anna smiled also
“We have to stop this madness.” Fran said as she grabbed her sword which had a ruby set in gold on the pommel.
“Yes my friend, we must not let power take over.” Anna said as she grabbed her sword.
‘Your son is going to open the ceremony, isn’t he?” She asked
“Sadly, yes.” Fran sighed as she held her son’s circlet; it had an amethyst embedded in it.
“Fran don’t worry.” Anna said, “here have my stone. It always gives me good luck.”
“My dear Simon is in love with someone who doesn’t love him.” Fran said, her brown hair swept in the wind
Simon ran to Her Majesty, he had his sword which had a lily inscribed on the blade and his huge shield.
“Your Majesty.” Simon knelt before the young Empress, she wore a purple gown lined with gold brocade, and it was a medieval/futuristic design.
Her wreath was studded with diamonds.
“Daniel.” Emma said as she ran to the Emperor in his Imperial robes.
“Sir, the ceremony is about to start.” Another Eagle Guard saluted Simon.
He hurried up to take his place near the Empress and her guards.
“The ceremony is about to start!” William said as his group got closer.
The future Empress walked down to the coach with her long purple silk train trailing behind her and stepped into the coach, her future husband already inside and Simon with the rest of the Guards to escort them to the Cathedral.

It was a bright and sunny Christmas Day in 2017.
Hordes of people filled the square outside Aix Cathedral, where the coronation would take place, and lined the parade route.
On the Cathedral steps stood Pope Paul VII, Patriarch Methodius of Constantinople and Leslie Marks, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
All three awaiting the arrival of the Emperor and Empress.
Trumpets sounded as Knights Templar, (their Order reinstated by the Emperor as his first official act upon the passing of the resolution) led by their new Grand Master Sir Rupert Grint bearing the Imperial banner, marched into the square followed by priests of the Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Churches dressed in all their finery, waving thuribles trailing incense, holding holy icons and chanting. Followed closely behind by knights on horseback bearing the flags of the nations within the Empire and blowing hunting horns in celebration, the sound reverberating throughout the square.
Then came the delegates, from nations eager to recognise the new Empire, riding into the square in open topped coaches.
Then trumpets blew again as a golden coach was sighted in the distance and the crowds began to cheer, for this was their Emperor and Empress coming to be crowned and to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Matrimony.
At last the coach pulled up to the Cathedral, the coachman jumped off the driver’s box, opened the door and bowed.
Daniel stepped out of the coach to the cheers of his subjects.
He wore with pride purple robes and the Imperial cloak, delicately embroidered with golden bees.
Daniel had grown a mane of long black hair and had an impressive beard and moustache that made him look imposing and rather handsome.
Then Emma also stepped out of the coach, wearing a purple dress (the same one that she had worn to the European premiere of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban thirteen years ago) but now lined with gold brocade, an ermine lined Imperial cloak and had a golden wreath perched neatly upon her long brown hair.
They waved to their adoring subjects and were accompanied inside by the Pope, the Patriarch and the Archbishop.
The procession up the aisle towards the thrones went smoothly, the two crowns resting upon silk pillows on the High Altar.
Daniel and Emma stood at the Altar and said their vows, then exchanged golden rings adorned with amethysts that had been blessed by the leaders of the three main branches of Christendom. Their vows said and rings exchanged, the Pope along with his fellow bishops, blessed the Imperial couple and any offspring they may have as result of this union of two families while Lord Alan and Lady Marcia, Earl and Countess of Fulham (created as such by their son), and Lord Christopher and Lady Jacqueline, Duke and Duchess of Oxford-Marlborough (who had remarried upon the imploring of their daughter and given their titles by their very grateful son-in-law for letting him marry their very beautiful daughter) looked on proudly.
With that part of the ceremonies complete, the coronation began.
Daniel and Emma sat down upon their thrones and were given their regalia of sceptres and orbs.
Then Daniel said the Oath of State and was handed the Imperial Sword as he did so.
He then was anointed with chrism upon his head, his arm and his back.
The same was done to Emma, except she was only anointed on her head.
The Ring of State was handed to Daniel who put it on his ring finger along with his wedding ring.
At last the moment had come for the crowning.
The Pope was handed the imperial crown, and blessing it, gently placed it upon Daniel’s head.
He then took a smaller crown from upon the Altar, blessed it, and placed it upon Emma’s head.
Trumpets blew and those within the Cathedral bowed to the newly crowned Emperor and Empress.
The organ began to play the British National Anthem and the choir sang.
After the Anthem was sung by all those present, a shadow fell over the Coronation,
“Stop!” a group of people, wearing green robes, yelled
“You will not have the Empire!” Anna pulled down her hood and screamed
“We will not let you!” Fran screamed also as she pulled down her hood.
“Mother!” Simon said in shock, torn between his mother and the Empress
“Your Majesty!” he added
“Who are you to interrupt this sacred ceremony?” The Emperor roared
“Sacred only to the Catholic Church!” Anna yelled to his face
“In other words, the Empire will be destroyed!” A man in the same green robes yelled, it was William.
“Take these insolent scoundrels away now!” The Emperor bellowed
“You won’t forget us!” Fran screamed
“We are the Children of the Revolution!” They all screamed in unison as they were being taken away.
“You will pay!” Anna yelled as she was being taken away.
“Continue the ceremony!” The Emperor said
“My lady, I will protect you,” Simon knelt before the Empress “I am afraid my mother won’t give up so easily.”
After that interruption, the Emperor and Empress began to give out favours to those who had pleased them greatly for many years.
Many Imperial Orders of Chivalry were reinstated and Sir Rupert Grint was made the first member of the Royal Order of the Eagle of Este for many years along with many other former members of the Harry Potter cast and crew.
Alfonso Cuaron was confirmed as the Mexican Ambassador to the Imperial Court and a few others were made Ambassadors of their respective countries to the Court.
Sir Rupert was given a title that had been created especially for him.
He was made the Duke of Salzburg and given the Imperial Order of St. Rupert of Salzburg (which for years afterwards wags in the city of Salzburg observed they had two men named Rupert watching over them, St Rupert their patron saint and the Duke.) and he was also given the very important position of Chancellor.
Then the Empress looked up and beckoned to me.
I stood up, walked over to the dais and then curtsied.
The Emperor smiled at me, “For all that you have done for us,” he said, “my wife has asked that you be made her Chief Lady-in-Waiting.”
He nodded to the Empress who then spoke, “It would be my greatest pleasure to give you the position of Chief Lady-in-Waiting to myself and I believe that my husband’s new Chancellor wishes to ask you something.”
Sir Rupert was standing beside his lord’s throne.
I walked up to him and curtsied.
Rupert held up his hand, “No need for that my love.” And he raised me to my feet.
“What do you want to ask me?” I asked him.
He smiled at me, took out a small purple box from a pocket hidden somewhere in his robes and knelt on one knee in front of me.
Rupert opened the box.
There, glittering before me was an amethyst ring, much like the rings the Emperor and Empress wore.
“Will you marry me?” He asked.
I responded with a hearty “Yes!”
Rupert stood up and, removing the ring from its box, slipped it upon my ring finger.
The Emperor and Empress rose from their thrones and congratulated the both of us.
Rupert and I kissed and the organ started up again, this time with a song that had been so familiar to me.
It was the song Beautiful Day, one of the best songs written and sung by the Irish group U2 and it was the song that had so reminded me of Rupert for years.

We married several months later, in the chapel in Salzburg Castle where we were confirmed as the first Duke and Duchess of Salzburg and the Castle was made the Imperial Chancellery by decree of the Emperor who was present at the wedding along with the Empress and they both showered us with gifts.
Then they departed for a tour of the Empire and this is where my story first began, with the Imperial couple’s return to France and the favour ceremony in Rheims Cathedral.
During the ceremony one of the Eagle Guards had rushed up to my husband and handed him a telegram.
Rupert stepped up to the throne, bowed respectively to the Emperor and whispered in his ear.
His Majesty stood up and shouted in shock, “What!! How dare they declare war upon the West?”
He sat down again and Rupert quickly did some more explaining.
The Emperor listened intently and then stood up again.
The Court, silenced by his earlier outburst, turned to hear what their lord had to say, “My lords and knights of the realm. I have grave news for you all.”
A few of the lords started to whisper amongst themselves.
The Emperor stared hard at them, then he continued, “War has been declared on the West by the Ayatollah Sahjib Mohammed, leader of the United Republics of Islam.
I greatly fear that all those under my rule will be threatened by this menace. I say we must declare war upon him and his horde.”
The entire Court was taken aback, the Emperor had only been reigning for a few months, why would he make such a rash decision?
But they had no choice but to follow their ruler into a war with no ending in sight.
The Imperial Armed Forces were mobilised, with my husband as the Emperor’s second in command.
And so war was declared upon the United Republics of Islam.

Several months after the declaration of war, the wedding of the Crown Prince Kensuachi of Japan and Meliean Gonzalez was being enacted inside the Cathedral at Rio de Janeiro.
Many diplomats and heads of state were present, including the feared yet benevolent Holy Roman Emperor Daniel I and his wife the Empress Emma, the Lord Chancellor His Grace the Lord Sir Rupert Grint and many others.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan were also there, to wish good fortune to their son and new daughter-in-law.
Also a few members of the Children of the Revolution were guests at the wedding.
Once the ceremony was complete and the register was signed, the Crown Prince and his new wife the Crown Princess Meliean walked out into the square, to be greeted by hundreds of well wishers and members of the press.
Photos were taken outside the Cathedral with all of their guests and then with the proud parents-in-law.
Afterwards, there was a wedding feast and both the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were showered with gifts and offers of allegiance from the Holy Roman Empire and many other states.
The most moving of them all was a private oath of allegiance made by Sir William and Lady Anna Townsend on behalf of the Children of the Revolution.
Now, at last, married life could begin for the newly married couple.

Chapter 6
The Empress’s journey

Crowds of people lined the main street of Paris as the city’s greatest daughter, the Empress Emma Charlotte Augusta, wife of the Emperor Daniel Jacob I Augustus, rode in a golden coach drawn by white horses and waved to her people.
The crowds shouted to her, “Viva la France! Viva la Pucelle!”
Knights on horseback preceded the Imperial coach as it rumbled towards Notre Dame where Her Highness would be met by the Cardinal Archbishop of Paris, the city’s mayor and other distinguished dignitaries from all over France.
At last the coach rolled to a stop, the coachman pulling upon the reins, the horses neighed and stamped their hooves.
The coachman leapt from the driver’s box and landed upon the ground.
He walked to the coach door, taking off his feathered hat, he opened it.
The coachman extended his hand and a petite yet tanned hand, bearing a gold and amethyst ring, took it.
He knelt before the door, cradling the Empress’s hand in his.
A woman’s soft voice spoke, “Thank you Monsieur. I trust your family is well.”
The coachman raised his head, “Yes they are well your Highness.” And he led her out of the shadows within the coach.
For what emerged from within made the people of Paris cheer even louder.
A young woman, clothed in a white silk dress (which was rumoured to have been made in China) over which was thrown the Imperial cloak fastened at her throat by a golden lily brooch and a gold tiara perched neatly upon her long brown hair, stepped out of the coach.
The Archbishop waddled over and seemed to have trouble getting on his knees before her.
He grabbed her hand with his pudgy fingers and raised it to his lips.
His Eminence kissed her ring and slowly stood up, “Welcome to Paris your Highness. Many years have passed since you’ve graced this city with your presence.”
The Empress smiled benevolently upon the elderly priest, “I’m glad to be back amongst my own people.” She replied in impeccable French, yet tinged with traces of an Oxford English accent, “My husband sends his apologies for not being here. Unfortunately he is in Spain, reviewing his troops along the front. He had so wished to be here, to meet the people of this city, my city, the city which will always be my home.”
Paris’ Mayor walked forward and took her hand, “Welcome back your Highness. The City Council and I are pleased that you have returned, if only for a short while.”
He knelt on one knee and she gently placed a hand upon his head, “By Imperial mandate, I place the City of Paris and its people under Imperial protection for as long as the House of Radcliffe-Watson survives.”
One of her attendants walked up with a purple cushion in her hands.
The Empress took a golden chain, an eagle hanging from it, from upon the cushion and placed it around the mayor’s neck.
He stood up and his people cheered even louder for their mayor.
For they had been given the greatest honour possible for a city to be given, to be placed under Imperial protection and given all the rights of being the birthplace of the Empress herself.
Accompanied by the Archbishop and the Mayor and other important city leaders in ceremonial procession, the young Empress solemnly walked into the Cathedral.
Within the Cathedral was celebrated a Solemn High Mass, watched by the Empress and her entourage. She also took communion from the hands of the Archbishop who blessed her and her house with the Sign of the Cross and prayed to her saintly namesake and personal patron, St Emma of Freisach.
A choir sang the Hosanna chorus from Handel’s Messiah during the recessional procession.
The Archbishop, once the procession had reached the outer portal, blessed the Empress with holy water and a golden crucifix was presented to her on behalf of the priests, religious orders and laity of the French Catholic Church.
For the Empress, it was the greatest honour that they could bestow upon her, for she had been one of the greatest young actresses of Anglo-French descent, she had played Hermione Granger for an entire decade (2000-2010) and that made the population of two cities (Oxford and Paris) very proud of her.
Always to them she would be the little girl who shot to stardom when she was only ten years old, she would forever be known as Emma Watson.
Once the procession had emerged from within, the crowds outside cheered wildly for their Empress.
France’s Prime Minister appeared beside her and kissed her hand, “Why Monsieur Prime Minister,” she smiled, “Have you come to greet me?”
The Prime Minister bowed, “Of course Your Highness, I wouldn’t dare forget that you were and would forever be a citizen of France.”
And the Prime Minister escorted the Empress to the podium set up in front of the Cathedral, protected by gendarmes.
The Prime Minister made his speech, welcoming the Empress back to France and upon such a momentous occasion, her 29th birthday.
Then the Empress thanked the Prime Minister and the people of France for their welcome and then she waved to her people as they cheered for their Empress and native daughter.
The Empress and her entourage took their leave and retired to the Imperial Palace upon the outskirts of the city, where a special banquet was given in honour of her Highness’s birthday and those who were invited to this dinner celebrated long into the night.
Several weeks passed, with the Empress attending many functions given in her honour, visiting schools and opening countless buildings including hospitals and opening a session of Parliament with much pomp and ceremony.
At last, with much sadness and sorrow from both herself and her people, she had to leave for the United States to represent her husband the Emperor at the United Nations in New York and help the President and New York’s Mayor with opening the long awaited Freedom Tower which stands upon the spot where the World Trade Centre, destroyed by terrorists on September 11 2001 several months before her rise to stardom began with the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/ Philosopher’s Stone in November 2001, once stood. She would also visit Congress and the White House where she would meet the President formally.
The Empress also intended to visit her elderly grandparents in a rest home in South Carolina.

A Boeing 747 flew into JFK Airport on a warm summer’s day that same year.
Bearing the Imperial double headed eagle insignia on its tail and wings, the plane taxied towards a terminal reserved for the Empress’s arrival, where she would be met by the Mayor of New York, the Cardinal Archbishop of the Diocese of New York, the city’s Police Commissioner and other civic leaders.
As she walked out into the terminal, accompanied by her entourage and Imperial correspondents from the world’s major television and radio networks, such as the BBC, CNN and Fox, the Empress was met by Mayor Laura Stanton, who greeted her with a low curtesy, “Welcome to the Big Apple Your Majesty. It has been many years since you came here for a Potter premiere of all things.”
The Empress smiled upon the Mayor, “It has been a long time since I last came here,” She looked around at the huge crowd of people surrounding her, “My husband sends his greetings to the city of New York and it’s citizens. He is saddened by the fact he could not be here with me today. He remembers, and as do I, the wonderful kindness and hospitality that the city had shown to him in his younger days, as many of you know, playing the most recognised literary character ever, Harry Potter.”
The crowds applauded and the Empress went along the row to meet the Archbishop of New York.
He bowed low at the waist and then rose as she came walking towards him, “Your Eminence,” She greeted him, “How wonderful it is to see the traditions of Catholicism kept alive in one of the largest cities in the world.”
The Cardinal bowed with respect again, “That’s correct Your Majesty. The Church has come a long way since the Second Vatican Council.” He replied politely.
The Empress smiled at this prince of the Church and then walked away.
When she had reached the Police Commissioner, he took her hand and kissed it, “Welcome back,” He murmured, “I’m pleased that Your Majesty has returned, but under higher security than before.” Referring to the fact she had been under lesser protection when she had been last in New York
“I remember when I saw you for the first time, I was just a rookie cop, fresh out of the academy, and was assigned to one of the patrols acting as security for the Prisoner of Azkaban world premiere,” He smiled, remembering those carefree days. “You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. But of course you married the Emperor and stepped out of my reach with that act.”
He bowed from the waist, “I’ll keep you no more from the tasks you have to perform in the United States, Your Majesty.”
The Empress smiled upon him and stepped away.
At last, with greetings said and everybody introduced to Her Majesty, they all accompanied her out of the terminal and into a waiting limousine, bearing the flags of the Empire, and so she left for her hotel.

A bright day dawned on the eighteenth anniversary of September 11th with the Empress, her entourage, the Mayor of New York, President Jenna Bush and press from many countries, at the Freedom Tower.
Her Majesty, holding a pair of golden scissors, ready to cut the red ribbon held across the doorway.
President Bush made a speech, commending her father for standing against the forces of terrorism and evil, giving a slight nod to the Empire who had taken over Europe (Christian fundamentalists believed that the Empire was ruled by the Antichrist).
Mayor Stanton then made a speech, welcoming the Empress back to New York for the first time since the premiere of the last Harry Potter film nine years ago, “I welcome Your Imperial Majesty back to the city that has hosted six American premieres and the only world premiere to be held outside the United Kingdom. I’m proud that you have returned to American shores. The President and I now ask Your Majesty to cut the ribbon and declare the Freedom Tower open”
The Empress, brandishing the scissors, walked up to the door and cut the ribbon.
The crowds applauded her.
She walked up to the podium and spoke, “I declare the Freedom Tower open.”
Bigger applause followed her as she stepped down from the podium and sat in the throne especially prepared for her visit.
The entertainment followed, with many bands performing for the crowds, the Empress sitting on her throne, flanked by the President and the Mayor.
She clapped her hands politely after each performance, bristling at the fact the President had referred to the Empire as evil and wondering if President Bush’s fundamentalist leanings were starting to show through.
Her husband the Emperor was doing much good domestically, politically and diplomatically.
He had done much for mentally and physically disabled children, founded schools and hospitals, gave the arts and sciences a boost with his foundation of the Imperial Academy for the arts and sciences, Sports were encouraged and some of the Empire’s greatest athletes came from the Imperial Sports Academy in Berlin, major artists were commissioned to create works of art for the Imperial Art Gallery also in Berlin.
The Emperor had beautified the Imperial cities with gardens, statues and parks.
His palaces were the most beautiful ever seen, built with majesty and royalty in mind.
They won prestigious architectural prizes from the European Institute of Architects.
His Majesty had been flattered by the way they had compared him to Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal.
All that he wanted now was an heir to the riches and lands of the Imperial House of Radcliffe-Watson and to tighten his line’s grip upon the Eagle Throne.
She sighed, closed her eyes and leant against the back of her throne.
The Mayor looked over at her, “Your Majesty!” she cried, “What is wrong?”
The Empress opened her eyes and looked at the President on her right, “I cannot believe that you do not have any faith in the Empire or my husband. He has been doing many good things in the world. I can’t believe that you have a vendetta against him.”
The President looked shocked, “I assure you Your Majesty that I have nothing against your husband the Emperor,” She responded, “I can remember when he was Harry Potter, I was twenty at the time but I can remember it quite well. My father may have been an inconsiderate man but I’m not like that. I swore to break the mould of my father’s and grandfather’s policies and I have done so. With respect Your Majesty, I don’t interfere with the affairs of the Empire, so you shouldn’t interfere with the affairs of the United States.”
The Empress stared back at the President, “I see,” she said coldly, “I know for a fact you have spies within my husband’s court.”
One of the Secret Service men tugged at the President’s arm and whispered urgently in her ear.
President Bush looked up at the Empress, then lowered her head again as she listened to her agent.
She straightened up and looked the Empress in the eye, “How in God’s name would you know that?” she asked.
The Empress smiled, “Madam President, my husband has his ways of gaining information. I’m not at privilege to say how.”
The President shot her an angry look and turned back to the entertainment.
Her Majesty smiled a secret smile not seen by the leader of the free world and leaned back into her throne to watch the rest of the entertainment.
At last the entertainment ended and the three leaders applauded the many bands that had played.
The Empress stood up and walked to the podium to give her speech, “To the people of New York and the United States of America, I thank you for your hospitality and goodwill towards myself and the Empire whom I represent. I’m pleased that I could be here for the opening of this monument to the dead of 9/11 and the beginning of a new era for the City of New York.”
The crowds applauded her and cheered.
And so the Empress left in her limousine and was driven to the United Nations.

At the double doors of the United Nations, she was greeted by the Imperial Ambassador to the United Nations, Lord Alexander Watson, Earl of Bradenose (Her Majesty’s younger brother) and his staff.
He knelt before his elder sister, “It has been a long time since I saw you, my lady.”
Lord Watson said, “Come into my office.”
He took his sister’s hand and led her through many corridors, followed by her entourage, until they reached the office door bearing the Imperial coat of arms upon it.
He dragged his sister inside and slammed the door.
“Emma! What in blue blazes are you doing?” He asked angrily, “There was an air of tension between you and the President out there earlier. She and her administration are our greatest allies. Do you want to alienate them further with your attitude?”
The Empress shook her head, “I don’t want to break the Treaty of Washington with my actions. I know Daniel would be angry with me if that did happen.”
Lord Watson grasped his sister’s shoulder, “It is his political future at stake here, if you as his representative make things worse than it already is, the President would see it as a chance to go to war against the Empire. Look at her father, he went and invaded Iraq all because his intelligence had a hunch that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. He was eventually proven wrong and after a war of all things. Don’t think that his own daughter won’t pull the same stunt. The Emperor has explicitly instructed me to keep you out of trouble. After all you are his wife and the only person who can give him an heir. You are also my sister and I don’t want to see you getting hurt in any way.”
The Empress lifted her brother’s hand off her shoulder, “I appreciate your concern Alex. But I can look after myself you know.”
Lord Watson shook his finger at his sister, “Please don’t annoy, in any way, the President. She has the power to declare war upon the Empire and I bet your husband doesn’t want that to happen.”
The Empress smiled at her brother, “I promise.”
Lord Watson nodded, “Good. Just make sure you don’t make any mistakes when you speak to the United Nations General Assembly today.”
The Empress rolled her eyes, “Yes Alex. I won’t.”
She smiled again.
Lord Watson sighed, “Geeze Emma, you’re an Empress not a drama queen. I’m surprised you got picked to play Hermione in the first place and especially with a temper like yours. ”
Her Majesty shot her brother an angry look, “I’d better make that speech then,” she pouted, “Don’t expect any favours from me in a while.”
She turned around, pushed the door open and left the office, her brother shaking his head at her stubbornness.

Several minutes later, in the huge Assembly Room, the Empress was standing at the podium, ready to speak to the General Assembly.
Lord Watson stood beside her, holding the speech that he had prepared earlier.
He handed it to his sister and she began to speak.
“Honourable ambassadors, President Bush, Secretary General Masters and the press,” cameras flashed around her, “I come to you today on behalf of my husband to make a special plea. As you all know, my husband is fighting a war that he fears will have no ending. He asks that you commit troops to the war effort. You may put this to a vote if you wish but time for my husband and the Empire is running out. If he was here with me today, we would both implore you to make this decision as quickly as you can.”
She left the podium with tears in her eyes and the Secretary General stepped up, “My fellow ambassadors, we will vote on this as Resolution 67 (Giving military aid to the Empire) and we will vote for it now.”
He looked around the room, “Those who are for the Resolution say aye.”
A resounding chorus of “Ayes!” came from most of the ambassadors, “Those against.”
A small proportion of ambassadors responded, “Nay!” they cried.
The Secretary General turned and bowed to the Empress, “Looks like your husband is going to get the troops he wanted, Your Majesty.”
The Empress smiled at him and placed a hand on his head, “My husband will be so pleased with what has happened today. I will tell him of you.”
The Secretary General bowed again, “Thank you Your Majesty. I’m grateful that you would do that for me.”
She laughed, “I promise that my husband will give you what you most deserve, a knighthood.”
He smiled, “Thank you.”
The Empress turned to leave the Assembly who all applauded her.
The President met her outside, “That was a brave thing you did Your Majesty,” She commented, “I’ll be committing American troops to your husband’s cause. I’ll continue my father’s and grandfather’s legacies, to stop terrorism in the world and teach the Middle East a harsh lesson, don’t mess with the Western world.”
“Why thank you Madam President,” the Empress said, “I thank you for your support and I’m sure my husband will too if he was here.”
She nodded to the Vice President who curtsied to her and she left the United Nations.

The Imperial jet flew into Washington DC on a winter’s day.
Snowflakes were falling as Her Majesty settled herself in the limousine and was whisked away to Congress to make a speech there.
She was met outside by the Speaker of the House and many congressmen who then escorted her inside.
On the speaking floor, the Empress made a stirring speech to persuade Congress to commit troops to the war effort.
Most congressmen were swayed by her speech and voted for her proposal then and there.
An overwhelming majority voted for the proposal and it was put before the heads of the US Army, Navy and Air Force, who put their support behind it and so it was.
The military might of the United States of America would be mobilised for the biggest war since the Second World War.

After that memorable visit, she left for the White House for a private meeting with the President herself.
Met by members of the Secret Service and escorted inside to the Oval Office, where the President, Vice President and commanding officers of the Armed Forces were sitting.
The President stood up as the Empress entered the room, “Welcome Your Majesty to the White House. We have many serious matters to discuss.”
“Of course.” The Empress said and she sat down in a nearby chair.
The presidential staff filled the office as they began their meeting.
Several hours later, the Empress emerged from the Oval Office with the agreement that the US would provide one hundred thousand troops, the entire US Mediterranean naval fleet and both the 56th fighter group “The Aurors” and the 23rd bomber group “The Bludger Droppers” of the US Air Force and place them all at the Emperor’s disposal.
Afterwards a dinner was held in her honour and many dignitaries from all over the US attended.
During the dinner, the Empress was presented with a golden tiara studded with diamonds from the President.
Close to the dinner’s end, one of the White House staff ran up to the President and whispered urgently in her ear.
The President looked up and motioned to the Empress, “Your husband wishes to speak to you.”
Her Majesty stopped talking to a lieutenant colonel and stood up.
A butler came walking in with a videophone on a silver platter.
He bowed respectfully to the Empress and handed her the phone.
The butler held up the video screen which showed the Imperial Eagle.
The screen flickered and then the Emperor himself appeared.
Dressed in his familiar Imperial robes and the Crown upon his head, he smiled at his wife, “My lady Emma. How is your visit going so far?”
The Empress said to her husband, “It is going well my lord Daniel. The President and I have agreed that she and her government will provide troops for the war effort. How is the war going my husband?”
The Emperor looked crestfallen, “Not as well as I had hoped,” He said, “I was hoping that you will return to France. I need to see you badly.”
Her Majesty smiled, “There is only one more thing I need to do before I return,”
She told her husband, “I intend to see my grandparents.”
He looked saddened at this news, “That is quite alright Emma. You may go and visit your grandparents.” The Emperor said generously.
“Thank you Daniel.” The Empress smiled at her husband, “I’ll see you when I come back to France. Goodbye my love.”
And she put the handset down.
The Emperor held up his hand and placed it against the screen, his wife gently placed her hand against it also and the screen blacked out.
The Empress turned around and looked at those who had gathered in her honour, “I have to leave now,” She said, “I’ve got to see my grandparents.”
She whirled around, Imperial robes flying, and left the dining room, followed by her entourage.

Several days later, in a small rest home in South Carolina, Mr. and Mrs. Duerre were sitting on the porch in the sun.
Both hooked up intravenously to a heart monitor.
The elderly couple were woken suddenly by a limousine drawing up outside.
They peered curiously to see who it was.
When a young woman stepped out of the limousine, Mr. Duerre shook his wife’s shoulder, “Isn’t that Emma?” He asked.
Mrs. Duerre shook her head, “I do not know.”
The woman walked towards them and as she came closer, they saw it was indeed their famous grand daughter.
The Duerres started to rock their rocking chairs and hooted with excitement.
The Empress greeted her grandparents and they had a nice long chat.
Suddenly the phone in the limousine rang and was picked up by the driver.
He opened his window, “You are needed in France urgently Your Majesty.”
The Empress finished her conversation with her grandparents, walked back to the limousine, settled herself inside and left for the airport and boarded the Imperial jet for her flight to France.

Chapter 7
War in Greece

The hot sun beat upon the dry plains of northwestern Greece.
The Islamic forces of Sheik Hassan Al Sadr wearily marched towards their camp.
A lot of the soldiers kept watch as they marched.
Knowing full well of the recent victories of the Allied forces led by the Holy Roman Emperor Daniel Jacob I and his second in command Lord Sir Rupert Grint, the greatest member of the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon and its Grand Master.
A man feared by many who were unfortunate enough to face him in battle, for it was rumoured that he was cruel and vindictive to his prisoners and the men under his command.
But Sheik Al Sadr knew none of that was true.
He had fought the courageous Sir Rupert on many an occasion.
It was of course true that Sir Rupert was cunning and the only thing that distinguished him from the contingent of Knights Templar that were under his personal command was the long red feather plumes upon his helm.
Al Sadr had heard from one of his officers that another rumour flying about the ranks was that nobody had ever seen the enemy commander’s face but the Sheik knew better.
He had seen a photo of his enemy once.
Sir Rupert was dressed in the white robes and cloak of the Knights Templar, both emblazoned with the red cross pattee, the official symbol of the Templar Order.
The fabled young knight’s crowning glory was his red hair and beard, kept long in keeping with the precepts of his Order.
An unusual thing that Al Sadr had noticed about his enemy was that he, unlike the knights under his command, was not celibate.
Sir Rupert had a wife living in the Imperial Chancellery in his duchy of Salzburg within the country formerly known as Austria but now was part of the Empire.
As the Sheik rode with his officers to their camp, a horn sounded and was followed by many more horns sounding from the eastern hills.
Al Sadr reined in his horse as it tried to bolt at the sound as thousands of soldiers and knights charged from the hills, straight for his forces.
Hooves thundered as a group of Knights Templar, dust clouds forming in their wake, galloped at full steam towards Al Sadr.
He drew his scimitar, “Let us make carrion out of these foul Christian dogs.
For the glory of Allah and His prophet Muhammad!”
Al Sadr spurned his horse forward and the rest of his forces did the same.
But Al Sadr realised too late his mistake, this was no ordinary enemy he was facing, this was Lord Sir Rupert Grint himself, he could now see the commander riding in the front of his Templars, the long red plumes billowing out from his helm and his lance bearing the Imperial banner, for he was one of the few (other than the Emperor) who were allowed to bear it.
Sir Rupert raised a horn to his lips and a deep note sounded as his knights continued their charge.
A cry came from them, “For the Empire! Sanctus Maria Magdalena! Sanctus Johannes Baptista! Deus du volt!”
A command was rapped out and their lances were lowered.
Al Sadr and his horsemen met the charge head on.
The screams of wounded men and horses soon filled the air as swords and lances sliced through metal and into flesh.
Dust clouds obscured the sky as Al Sadr slashed at his foes with his scimitar.
He leapt off his horse and started to fight an enemy soldier.
Suddenly Al Sadr heard the sound of hooves behind him and a whinny as the horse was stopped.
A clanking of armour was heard as the rider took off his helm.
“Al Sadr!” a deep voice boomed, “You have brought much sorrow and pain to the nations of Europe and their allies. Now the time has come to face me”
The horse was urged forward and the rider came out of the dust.
Al Sadr raised his scimitar, ready to strike.
Something was thrown by the rider and struck Al Sadr in the chest.
A lance, bearing the Imperial banner upon it, had impaled him right through.
The rider dismounted and walked towards the dying Al Sadr.
Al Sadr’s eyes, darkness swimming before them, widened in horror,
“You foul son of a camel,” he spat, blood dripping from his mouth, “Allah’s wrath will fall upon you like fire. He will kill you and your countrymen for this injustice. Allah will avenge my death and will bring death to you, Sir Rupert Grint!!!”
Sir Rupert knelt beside the dying man and, gripping his lance with both hands, pulled it out of him.
A scream erupted from Al Sadr and he died with a gurgle as the blood rushed from the wound left by the lance.
Sir Rupert raised his lance and the banner upon it started to fly.
Those of his forces who survived walked, limped or were dragged by their comrades towards him out of the dust.
“God has made us victorious, let us celebrate by presenting the Emperor with our foe’s head.” He cried to the survivors.
They cheered, “For the Empire!”
And so it was.
Greece was freed from the forces of Islam at last.

Several months later, a weary group of knights, led by Sir Rupert, reached the gates of the Imperial Palace in Paris.
The gates opened and the knights rode inside.
They dismounted and their steeds were led away to the stables.
The doors into the Great Hall were thrown open and trumpets were blown.
Sir Rupert led his weary band inside and they walked towards the thrones.
Applause followed them all the way until they reached the Emperor and Empress themselves.
Sir Rupert and his knights knelt before them.
The Emperor, an imposing man whose long black hair and beard had earned him the nickname of Barbanera from the people of Italy, looked down upon his chancellor,
“I believe you have a gift for me.”
Sir Rupert took from a leather bag slung over his shoulder something wrapped in a bloodstained cloth and presented it to his leader.
His Highness carefully stripped the cloth from the object that it covered.
What was revealed to him shocked all the members of the Court.
There, being held by the Emperor was the mummified head of Sheik Hassan Al Sadr.
A servant rushed up with a golden plate and the Emperor tactfully deposited the head upon it.
The Empress, a young woman dressed in much the same way as her husband except she wore a gold tiara studded with diamonds upon her head, leaned forward and prodded the disgusting object.
“So this was one of the Empire’s greatest enemies?” She asked.
Sir Rupert bowed, “That is correct Your Highness. He was our most deadly and cunning enemy and I was proud to have faced him upon the battlefield.”
And with that the Empress smiled down upon him.
The Emperor clapped his hands, “You will be well rewarded for your valour Sir Rupert.” The servant holding the head rushed away and another took his place.
This servant held a purple cushion on which was born a rose made of pure gold.
He held it up to the Emperor as he rose from his throne.
His Highness picked up the rose and spoke, “This rose came straight from the Pope in Rome, His Holiness has blessed it and he sent it to me upon hearing of your impending return. He wished for me to give it to you as a reward from the Vicar of Christ for destroying the forces of the infidel and freeing Greece from his pernicious control.”
Sir Rupert stood up and the Emperor presented him with the rose.
The knights who had accompanied their Grand Master to the Palace gave a great cheer.
Then the Empress stood up from her throne, “I have my own reward to give to your chancellor, my lord.” She told her husband.
The Emperor nodded his assent.
Her Highness beckoned to one of her ladies-in-waiting to come forward.
The rather nervous young woman walked up and curtsied to her mistress.
All the while she was holding a purple cushion upon which was born a golden eagle pendant and chain.
The Empress picked up the pendant and, turning around to face Sir Rupert, placed it around his neck.
Sir Rupert fingered the pendant around his neck, “Thank you Your Highness. I will cherish this forever.”
He then realised he had forgotten something.
Sir Rupert took out the Imperial banner, which had been folded for the return journey, from his bag, “I’m returning your banner to you Your Highness.”
And he presented it to the Emperor.
The Emperor handed the banner to a servant nearby.
“Thank you for returning my banner to me.” He smiled at his vassal.
Sir Rupert then looked his lord and master in the eye, “What do you intend to do about the Mahdi’s forces now, Your Highness?”
The Emperor’s face went grim, “I intend to call the Imperial Council to plan our strategy to deal with those foul Saracens, and I promise you that.”
Those people surrounding the thrones cheered and the rest of the Court took up the cry as the Emperor and Empress, along with their entourage, took their leave of the Court.

And so the preparations for the calling of the Imperial Council and the subsequent meetings in London began.

Chapter 8
The salvation of Holy Rome

The Great Hall was filled with representatives from all over the Empire as the second meeting of the Imperial Council got under way.
Sitting upon the great Eagle Throne, was a man in his early 30s, his long black hair and beard framed his face. He was dressed in rich robes and the Imperial crown was upon his head.
His large blue eyes surveyed the Great Hall.
The delegate from Belgium stood up, “Your Majesty, The Mahdi has made many incursions on the Empire’s borders, but with the valour shown by your chancellor, Greece was returned to the Empire.”
He looked the Emperor in the eye, “What do you intend to do with the enemy now?”
The Emperor stroked his beard, “We will find a way to finally finish this war and bring peace to Europe at last,” he said at last, “I promise you that.”
The councillors chatted excitedly at this promise.
Then the delegate from France rose to his feet, “What is your plan, Your Most Divine Majesty?”
The Emperor tapped his nose knowingly, “Gather round and you’ll find out.”
He nodded to a computer technician and the technician brought up a digital map of Europe up on a large screen.
The Emperor, using his sceptre, pointed to the city of Rome, “That gentlemen, is the Eternal City, the home of the papacy and the head offices of the Catholic Church itself, the Vatican. I intend to check the Mahdi’s forces there. To prevent them from overrunning Rome and the rest of the Italian peninsula.”
The technician then brought up a more defined digital map of Rome itself.
The Emperor again pointed to various areas on the outskirts of the city, “They are camped in these areas around the city.” The symbol of the crescent moon appeared on those areas, “If we don’t stop their advance, they will occupy Rome and drive the Pope out of the Vatican. Even overrun all of Italy if we don’t stop them now!!!”
“What do you plan for these foul dogs, Your Majesty?” The delegate from the United Kingdom asked.
The Emperor again nodded to the technician.
Several armies bearing the symbol of the Imperial Eagle appeared upon screen, surrounding the Muslim forces and attacking in a pincer movement.
The many members of the Council stood up and applauded their great leader.
The commanding officers of the Imperial Army, Navy and Air Force huddled together and discussed their Commander in Chief’s strategy.
One of them, Air Marshal Sir Mark Williams raised his hand, “Do you wish for air support, Your Majesty?”
The Emperor smiled, a wide grin appearing behind his long black beard, “Of course Sir Mark,” The High Admiral Sir Thomas Felton raised his hand, “Yes Sir Thomas. We will also need your naval fleet to sail up the Tiber as well.”
He pointed to the map again as a fleet of ships, bearing the Imperial Eagle, sailed up the Tiber and docked near the Vatican and troops disembarked to occupy the hallowed ground of the Vatican City.
Meanwhile fighter jets flew overhead to provide the invasion with protection from the air.
The Emperor nodded at the technician and he shut down the screen, “That will be our battle plans for the coming invasion of Rome,” He told the Council, “I guarantee that the Muslim menace will be routed in a few hours. They will not withstand our fierce assault upon their forces.”
The Council applauded these words and with that the meeting ended.

Over the next few weeks, troops of the Imperial Army began to arrive in London and were placed in barracks outside the city, Imperial warships and aircraft carriers were being prepared at the naval base in Portsmouth and Imperial pilots were training and flying their fighter and bomber jets in preparation for the Invasion of Rome.
The Emperor himself would personally inspect his men, the Eagle Guard in their barracks on Palace grounds one day, the Imperial naval base in Portsmouth the next.
Plans were being made for the largest scale invasion to take place since D-day 1944.
Vassals of the Emperor were arriving with their own troops every day, from the High King of Tara and his highly trained soldiers (all ex IRA men) to the King of Britain and his Scots Guards.
The Imperial armies were being swelled by new arrivals from all over the Empire; the Emperor was assigning many of his most trusted advisers to the war effort as commanders of his forces.
The purple Imperial banner (bearing the fabled Lion of Judah) was entrusted to the Chancellor and he was made the standard bearer for the Empire.
Soon all the preparations were made, every little detail was sorted out, the troops boarded the ships, the pilots made the last checks upon their jets and ship’s crews boarded their vessels as they geared up for war.

The Imperial fleet of warships, aircraft carriers carrying most of the Imperial air force and landing craft arrived on the shores of the River Tiber in the early hours of the morning several days later.
The bombardment of the city began with the Imperial flagship “The Golden Eagle” firing first, its golden tipped shells destroying a makeshift minaret in the main Muslim camp.
The Emperor, standing on the bridge of his ship, binoculars in hand, was being advised by his officers when he heard the yells from the shore, “You foul sons of dogs,” the enemy roared, “How dare you attack us!”
Several ships from the Islamic fleet sailed out of harbour and proceeded to attack the Imperial fleet.
His Majesty turned and yelled at his officers, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!”
The order was relayed via radio to the gunners on every ship in the fleet.
Huge cannons slowly turned to face the enemy ships and crews frantically loaded each one.
High Admiral Felton saluted the Emperor, “The cannons are primed and ready,” he reported, “and the gunners await your command sire.”
The Emperor nodded, “Fire at will!”
Admiral Felton roared at his officers, “Jump to it then. The order has been given!”
The officers quickly radioed the surrounding ships and then, Kaboom!!!
The sound of cannon fire reverberated around the harbour as the entire Imperial fleet fired at the enemy ships.
A few were hit and fire shot out from the decks.
Their hapless crews dived into the sea or died horribly in the flames.
The enemy fired at them as well but the welcome sound of jet engines could be heard in the sky.
The aircraft carriers had been left outside the harbour and when the order had been given by the Emperor, Imperial bombers had taken to the skies and now presently bore down upon the enemy fleet.
The screech of jets as they flew over the battle and the whistling noise of bombs as they came tumbling down exhilarated the Imperial fleet.
Huge explosions burst out of the remaining enemy ships and flung debris and corpses through the air.
The Emperor and his officers ducked as this occurred.
When the noise died down, His Majesty rose from his crouching position and looked through his binoculars.
The bombers flew around the scene as the bombed ships slowly sank into the sea, their crippled companions slowly limping back into port.
The screams of drowning men and the crackle of flames upon the oil-strewn waters didn’t disturb either the Emperor or his officers as they surveyed the scene.
He turned to his Chancellor Lord Sir Rupert Grint and said, “The way has been cleared for the invasion force to land. Give the order to load the landing craft.”
The Chancellor rapped out the order to his knights and the order was relayed to the ships carrying the troops and they were lowered into the landing craft.
At last the landing craft set out, Sir Rupert leading them, and landed on the shore.
The doors were opened and millions of foot soldiers and knights on horseback burst out of them.
With the continued bombardment of the Muslim camps by the Imperial fleet, the invasion forces raided the camps as well.
Enemy soldiers cut down by knights and the ringing sound of sword upon scimitar sounded throughout as the Imperial forces fought bravely with the enemy, Sir Rupert leading his Templar knights into the thick of the fray, the Imperial banner flying proudly on his lance.
The Emperor watched from a distance.
Then he called upon the keeper of the Imperial weapons to arm him for battle.
Golden armour was placed upon him, his golden helm with the purple feather plume was placed upon his head and he was handed his shield and lance.
At last the Imperial sword was handed to him.
The Emperor drew it from its scabbard and studied the gleaming blade.
He then put it back and had it strapped to his side upon his sword belt.
His officers stepped back as the Emperor walked to his landing craft, his horse, neighing and shaking its head, already aboard.
The landing craft sailed to the shore, the Emperor already settled in the saddle, and landed upon the shore.
The Emperor upon his horse burst out of the landing craft and galloped towards his Chancellor’s forces, lowering his lance to attack his foes that surrounded Sir Rupert and his knights.
His Majesty, once he reached his embattled friend, skewered an enemy swordsman upon his lance, drew it out of the dead man, wheeled around and pierced another man through.
He threw his lance aside and drew his sword.
It rose and fell upon the enemy as he hacked his way through to reach Sir Rupert.
His stallion reared and trampled upon the fallen.
The Eagle Guard, fighting nearby, seeing their leader in the fight, galloped in to help him.
And then Sir Rupert burst out of the ring upon his own horse, sword swinging and the remains of his lance, the Imperial banner still flying upon it, still in his hand.
His white tabard and armour stained with blood, his face cut and the blood dripping through his beard, he laughed, “Your Majesty. These Saracen scum are running like children.”
The Emperor gently took the Imperial banner and placed it in a saddlebag.
He then grabbed his friend’s shoulder, “Get a hold of yourself Rupert,” He shook the Chancellor, “This war isn’t over yet and I need you to lead my armies.”
Sir Rupert calmed down, the red mist of blood lust clearing from his eyes, “You’re right old friend,” he grasped the Emperor’s hand, “We’ve been through more trying times than this.”
They grasped the reins of their horses and set them at an amazing speed, knights falling in behind them.
The Emperor and the Chancellor rode side by side, friends to the end, and charged towards the enemy, swords drawn, ready to free the city of Rome and the papacy from the United Republics of Islam.
Orders were given and the knights behind them moved into formation as they galloped.
At last the charge crashed into the enemy line and scattered the foe.
Knights chased after them, whooping with delight as they made them run for their lives.
Death stalked the battlefield that day as casualties mounted on both sides; knights tumbled off horses and were killed by foot soldiers, cannon shot took off the heads of many an enemy.
At last the enemy, disillusioned and broken, fled and the Emperor stood triumphant.
He gathered his surviving knights and rode towards the gates of Rome, entering the city to the cheers and shouts of its citizens.
The Emperor rode solemnly to the Vatican where surviving members of the Swiss Guard saluted him.
Outside the Lateran Palace, he dismounted and went in search of His Holiness the Pope.
Eventually the Holy Father was found sheltering in the Castel Sant Angelo and the Emperor went inside to meet with him.
The atmosphere within the fortress was one of fear and then relief as the papal court realised it wasn’t the Muslim commander coming to capture them, that it was the Holy Roman Emperor himself who had come to their rescue.
Inside the papal throne room, surrounded by the remains of the Sacred College of Cardinals, was Pope Paul VII himself.
He rose to greet his saviour, “Your Majesty I thank you for your valour upon the battlefield. You saved Rome from a great evil, how can I ever thank you?”
The Emperor smiled at his fellow leader, “There’s no need to thank me. I did what had to be done. The Church of Rome will not fall to an enemy while it is under my protection.”
The Pope embraced him in gratitude, tears running down his cheeks.
An Eagle Guardsman rushed into the throne room, grasping a telegram in his hands, “Your Majesty!” He cried, “The Empress is, she is…” he stopped, “Here read it for yourself.” And he handed the Emperor the telegram.
His Majesty opened the envelope bearing the Imperial seal and read its contents.
“My God!” he exclaimed, “She’s pregnant!”
The Pope and his cardinals gathered around and read the telegram for themselves.
His Holiness looked up and gave the Emperor a huge grin, “Well done Your Majesty. Your first child and I think you’re hoping it will be a boy. You’ll be very pleased.”
The Emperor looked unsteady on his feet, “I never thought I could have an heir this quickly,” he said shakily, “It’s been three years and I didn’t think Emma could get pregnant this early in our marriage.”
The Pope looked sympathetically upon him, “Go and be with her then. I’ll take over from here. The blessings of God go with you and your wife. I pray she will have a successful pregnancy and produce a healthy baby boy.”
His Majesty turned and shouted for the Chancellor, “Sir Rupert! I need you here!”
Sir Rupert ran into the room and looked at his ruler, “What is it Your Majesty?”
“We are leaving,” The Emperor told him, “The Pope can take over from now on.”
“Why?” The Chancellor asked.
“Emma is pregnant.” The Emperor responded.
Sir Rupert looked astounded, “Our best friend, the girl we worked with for ten years and now your wife, she’s pregnant?”
The Emperor nodded, “That’s right.”
“Which Palace is she living in at the moment?” Sir Rupert asked.
“She is living in the Palace in France I believe.” The Emperor replied, “And we’re going to see her.”
“Of course Your Majesty,” Sir Rupert bowed, “I’ll send out the order.”
“Good.” The Emperor smiled upon his chancellor.
So the order to leave Rome was given and the Imperial forces left for France.

A month later, the Emperor was shown into his wife’s private rooms and let into her bedroom, where the Empress was in her bed propped up by pillows, the roundness of her belly indicating her pregnancy.
She reached out her arms for a hug, “Daniel, you’ve returned from Rome. Did you get my telegram?”
“Of course Emma,” he replied, “I’m very happy that we’re going to have a child.” And he hugged her.
“I never thought I’d get pregnant,” the Empress said, “It was just luck and the fact you managed to persuade me to come home after being in the US for ages.”
The Emperor laughed, “And you think that through that, we may have conceived our first child. I’m just so happy.”
He placed his hand upon her belly and felt the slightest movement as the baby within kicked.
He embraced his wife, “I love you even more than ever Emma.”
“I love you too Daniel.” She responded.
And then they kissed.

Chapter 9
An heir is born

Nurses of all shapes and sizes ran to and fro, bearing towels, hot water and so on.
For a new life was coming into the world that morning, the birth of the heir to the Eagle Throne and its lands and dominions was taking place at this very moment.
Walking into the bedroom of Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Emma Charlotte Augusta, we see her upon her bed, her back supported by large scarlet pillows, in the throes of childbirth.
The Empress’s long brown hair plastered to her face by sweat, her screams startling the Eagle Guardsmen stationed outside.
Doctors and midwives surround the Imperial bed, watching and making sure that this birth doesn’t have its complications.
A midwife at the end of the bed shouted, “I see the head. Keep pushing Your Majesty.”
The Empress screamed, “I know, just get it out of me!”
Ten minutes later, the heir to the Eagle Throne slipped into the world and was lifted in the arms of the midwife.
She presented it to the supervising doctor to make his inspection.
He checked the sex of the child and pronounced, “It is a boy.”
The doctor gave the newborn Prince to the midwife for weighing.
She washed and weighed the Prince and noted down his weight.
At last the Prince was clothed in swaddling and given to his mother for a cuddle.
The Empress held her newborn son in her arms, “His name will be Henry.”
And she kissed him upon his bald head.
The child was taken away to be fed by a pre-selected wet-nurse and Her Majesty the Empress Emma Charlotte Augusta collapsed upon her pillows and fell asleep.

Several days later, the baby Prince was presented to his father the Emperor Daniel Jacob I Augustus himself.
Within the Great Hall of St James Palace, the entire Imperial Court was present as the procession to the thrones took place, Prince Henry being held by his nurse and escorted by the rest of the staff that looked after him.
The Emperor and Empress watched as their son made his way towards them.
The nursing staff, once they reached the thrones, all bowed and curtsied to the Imperial couple whom smiled at them.
The Empress held out her arms for her son and the nurse who held him stepped upon the dais.
She laid the Prince in his mother’s arms and curtsied again, “Your son, Ma’am.”
The Empress nodded at her husband, who, greatly pleased, took his sceptre and gently tapped the nurse’s shoulders with it, “You have helped us greatly with our son,’ He told her, “I wish for you to continue your wonderful ways and I command that you stay upon the nursing staff as his chief nurse for as long as our son lives.”
He took Henry from his wife and gently cradled him in his arms, “At last I have a son who will be the heir to my Empire.”
The Emperor held him up for the Court to see, “This is my son and heir. Once I am dead, he will be your Emperor. Bow down to your future leader and never forget that I will be alive in him.”
The Court bowed to the newly pronounced Prince Imperial.
Henry gurgled happily at the sight of his future subjects bowing to him.
The Emperor gave him back to his nurse and patted his son upon the head; “Take good care of him until he has come of age. Then he will be given a present he will never forget.”
And the ceremony ended with the Prince’s return to his rooms.

Two months later, the Imperial entourage made their way inside the gates of Rome, for the Prince Imperial’s baptism by Pope Paul VII.
St Peter’s Basilica was decorated in purple and gold and hundreds of dignitaries were present within as the ancient ceremony took place.
The great font was used to baptise an Imperial heir for the first time in centuries.
The Pope anointed him with chrism and poured water over his head three times in representation of the Trinity.
He also blessed his parents and his godfather Sir Rupert as well.
Upon their return to London, they were greeted with great crowds lining the London streets, all wishing to see the heir to the Throne.
The war continued with much slaughter, the Emperor leading his armies into battle on many an occasion.
The armies of Islam were pushed back into their old lands of Africa and the Middle East.
Then at last the Mahdi was killed in what was the last battle of the Third World War (The Battle of Jerusalem) and his armies were utterly defeated, scattered throughout the world and never to make such incursions again.

Twelve years slowly passed and the young Prince Henry was becoming a fine young man.
He held a remarkable resemblance to his father the Emperor.
He was taught the fine arts of war and statecraft by his father’s best friend and
Chancellor Lord Sir Rupert Grint, who had said of his pupil, “He is attentive to his lessons and is quite intelligent. A quality I believe he has inherited from his mother.”
Henry was a perfect gentleman in many respects; he w