A/N: This is a redo. I got a rather strongly worded review for the original, and I found they had a point. So I'm doing a rewrite of certain parts. Hope it's better.

Chapter 3. Strange Behavior

(DPOV)

I watched as my wife left my most promising general for the night. I could see the way they were looking at each other. I saw how she looked at him. It was faint, but I could see the fondness in her eyes. And when he kissed her hand, I had to fight the urge to jump down there and slit his throat. He may have been one of my greatest generals, but he was still a Griffindor in my country of Slytherin. He had to be reminded of his place. And no one handles my wife in such a way.

I hated to lose, so I knew I had to do something to keep her from straying away from me. She may have been a silly Ravenclaw, but she was still my wife. I realized I was never affectionate with her, but affection doesn't rule a kingdom, strength and discipline did. Even so, I had to do something quick to show her that she was mine and no one else's.

Then, I got an idea.

(HrPOV)

During my lonely trek up the many, many stairs towards the royal bedroom, I couldn't stop thinking about how kind Harry Potter was to me. He shown me a kindness I haven't seen in over ten years. Maybe I really did make a friend in this country at last. I really did hope I could see him again soon. Even a queen needs a friend.

Once I made it to my room, all I could think about was sleep. All the events of tonight have really tired me out. Only once I opened the door and walked in, I was very surprised to find my husband inside, sitting in one of the overstuffed chairs in the corner. Yes it was his chamber as well as mine, but I rarely saw him in it. I was even more surprised to see a smile on his face.

Rather than endure an awkward silence, I said to him, "Draco. I thought you'd be in your study tonight, planning your next strategy."

His smile got even wider. It was a little unnerving. "Well, today's news of victory has gotten me very euphoric, so I thought I'd spend the evening with my lovely wife for a change." Something wasn't right. He never complimented me. At least not when we were alone. Then I noticed he was only wearing a lose green night robe.

I tried to hide my confusion. "Draco, forgive me, but is there something going on?"

He got up from his seat, still smiling. "I just thought I'd celebrate another victory with my wife and queen for a change. Before the bigger, louder celebration begins at dawn." He walked right up to me and placed his large hand on the back of my neck, leaned down and kissed me.

Needless to say I was shocked by his sudden act of affection. He wrapped his other arm around my waist and pulled me flush against him. Out of fear of offending him, I wrapped my arms around his neck. Then I felt his tongue rub against my lower lip, asking for entrance. Reluctantly I granted it.

He actually moaned a little as his tongue moved around in my mouth for dominance. After a few moments, he pulled back, but didn't let me go. He spoke again, "Hermione, I know I've been neglecting you," For the last ten years, I thought to myself, "But I've been thinking. Perhaps it is time to try for a baby after all."

I was definitely not prepared for what he just said. But still, he said the words I waited for him to say for the past ten years. So needless to say, I couldn't hold back the smile that spread across my face. But I also couldn't stop the wave of confusion that came to me. "But I thought you said-"

"I was being selfish." He interrupted me. "In all the years we've been married, I've never once thought of you. And what you said at supper, how I've denied you the one and only thing you've ever asked of me. You were right. We only have so long to have a child, so, let's start trying now."

I almost hugged him, but I worried I would do something wrong. So I just didn't say anything. Although I did give a gasp of surprise when he picked me up and carried me over to the bed and gently laid me down. I still had my simple dress on, so he started helping me out of it. As he was pulling at the ties that held it together, I could swear he was trying to be seductive. He carefully caressed every inch of skin as it was exposed. Once I was completely bare, he shed his robe and climbed on top of me, careful to keep most of his weight off of me, but I could still feel it. Then he went strait to work.

Once he was all through, he fell strait to sleep. However, I couldn't seem to find sleep, despite how exhausted I was. My mind was just filled with "why's." Why was Draco acting so strange all of a sudden. Why was he suddenly so interested in having a child? Why did he drastically change his mind on such a thing? Why was he suddenly treating me like I was the center of his world? Just so many "why's" flowing in and out of my head at once, I couldn't even keep up.

Then my mind, on it's own accord, drifted to my short time with that very kind hearted Harry Potter. I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever see him again. I needed a friend, and so far he was the closest I've ever made to a friend. Would I have to ask Draco for permission to see him again, for secret reasons of course, or would I have to sneak around behind his back just to have a friendly bit of small talk with an almost stranger? I concluded that I would start by asking permission, but if it didn't work, I would have to indeed sneak around. I certainly did not relish the idea of deceiving my husband, but if it was the only way I could have a friend, then so be it.

Eventually, sleep caught up with me, but I still couldn't help but wonder what my husband was up to.

(HaPOV)

It was a very beautiful morning. I was at my home today. First time I'd laid eyes on it in nearly eight months. Being a High General for the Slytherin Army was indeed a hardship at times, but I was lucky enough. The battles I lead and fought were indeed often bloody and brutal, but in the end, we always prevailed. Though my heard bled like a thousand whip lashes delivered at once with every life I took.

I'd be lying if I said I enjoyed serving with the Slytherin army. I was born in the kingdom of Griffindor. That was my true home. I only came here so I could learn to be a fierce warrior so I could hunt down those heartless monsters who killed my family and destroyed my home and dispense justice to them. Though alas, I have not been able to make such a journey. When I joined this army, I didn't realize it was a lifetime contract. Apparently the only way I could leave the army or even this country is if I either had permission from the king himself or if I were dead.

I was very good at holding a respectful façade around King Draco. I didn't trust him. Although he was very pleasant to me as one of his finest generals, he just had this air about him that screamed darkness and corruption. I mean, I could understand wanting to expand the size of a kingdom for the sake of increasing its' strength, but the methods we used… they felt just… savage. But who was I to question the orders of a king?

As I was going about my business in my house, I couldn't help but think of the time I spent with Queen Hermione last night. She certainly wasn't what I thought she would be. I definitely didn't think she was anything like her husband, but I didn't expect her to be interested in my life's story. I really don't know why I told her about my parents when she asked about my scar. I suppose I felt like I could tell her anything without feeling judged. And the way she held onto me when she broke down about her own unhappiness, I don't know what it was but, something about holding her in my arms just felt right.

As I thought all this, I couldn't help remember how beautiful she was. Very long curly brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, porcelain skin with rose colored blush dusted on the apples of her cheeks. She had a fine figure of course, but not extremely petite. And when she changed into that simple dress just before our flight, I could really see her. I found that simple clothes suited her better than the highly elegant ones she usually wore. Last night was certainly not the only time I ever saw her, of course. We occasionally saw her standing at the king's side. But last night was the first time I had ever seen her up close and personal. And besides my mother, she was the most beautiful woman I had ever set my sights upon.

I'm trudging on dangerous ground. The queen wanted to know the worth of a flying horse, and I shown it to her. We chatted for a while, shared a moment of emotion, but it couldn't be anything beyond a platonic relationship between us. Though Lord knew I wanted to pursue the urge to get to know her better, I just couldn't. But I could tell she needed a friend. I already thought Draco was far from an ideal husband to her, but seeing her in so much pain, it made my heart ache. If I could, I'd take her away from her unhappiness. But if I were insane enough to even attempt such a suicidal act, I would be a guaranteed death sentence. For the both of us.

I was in my back courtyard, sitting in the warm sun polishing my sword when one house maid came out to give me news. He curtsied to me as she said, "My lord, the king himself has come to call on you, sir."

This was definitely a surprise. I thanked her as I got up and sheathed my sword in the scabbard I always carried on my waist and went to greet his majesty. My house was large and grand of course, but obviously not nearly as much so as the royal palace. The king gave it to me as a reward several years ago for winning victory over the mountain country of Lyrica. I walked through the corridors and found his majesty sitting comfortably in my great sitting room.

I bowed respectfully as I said, "My king. What an unexpected surprise." I stood upright before I continued, "To what do I owe the privilege of having his majesty in my home?"

At first he didn't say anything. He just stared at me with a very unnerving smile on his pale face. I glanced to my left and saw three armed guards at the door leading out of the room. Finally, after a very long moment of silence, he spoke, in a somewhat sarcastic tone.

"My wife told me this morning that she really enjoyed the ride you gave her last night." I didn't understand what he was getting at.

I replied, "I believe she did enjoy herself, your highness. She expressively approved of the steed I chose for us."

That strange smile was still there as he continued, "What I find completely fascinating is that my wife is deathly afraid of heights. She would never even look over the balcony in our bedchamber."

Where was this going? "Yes, sire. I could tell she was frightened but she wished to see the worth of a Pegasus and I was obliged to show her. And I assure you she was and is very safe with me. I would sooner dismember myself with my own sword than allow any harm to come to your queen."

He got up from the seat and slowly walked over to the fireplace, which I just noticed had been lit. He just stood there starring at the flames. After a few moments, he looked at me, glancing down at the sword I always carried on my waist.

He gestured to it. "I see you carry your sword in your own house."

I glanced down at it myself before I responded. "You never know when you may need one sire."

He chuckled as he slowly walked over to my side. "That's very good, General Potter. Always on your guard, even when there's clearly no need to be. Very good indeed." His smile vanished and it was replaced with a threatening glare. "It's just as well. Because if I heard that someone was fraternizing with my wife, for any reason other than a servant to a queen, I'd imagine it would be a very unpleasant situation for the perpetrator. Wouldn't you agree… General?"

I was one of the very few allowed to look him directly in the eye, but I guessed that this wasn't the time to exercise that privilege. So I just stayed standing upright with my eyes forward. "I would feel the same way if it were my own wife, my liege."

I heard him quietly chuckle again. "I'm glad we have an understanding, general. Now, there's going to be a council meeting this evening regarding our next plan of action. I would like you to be in attendance, general."

It amazed me how he could just strike up a friendly conversation like he didn't just threaten me in my own home. "It'll be my pleasure, your majesty."

He clapped me on the shoulder. I had to fight not to cringe away in disgust. "Excellent. Good day, General Potter." And then he and his entourage just walked out of my house like he owned the place. I suppose in a way he did. He is he one who gave me this fine castle-like house after all.

I supposed that was that. My earlier thoughts about the queen were correct. I could never try to pursue a friendship with her, though God knew she needed one. I stopped caring years ago whether I live or die, but I would not risk Hermione's safety in any way.

A/N: Ok. There we go. Hopefully this version is much better than the original. I just wish that reviewer didn't go anonymous so that I could shove this version in their face.