Author's note: Hi there! So I've returned from Wales, it was beautiful and lovely and I came back with lots of inspiration for the next couple of chapters for this story! I hope you guys like this one! Please review, I would love to hear your thoughts on everything! ENJOY!

Chapter 7

Draco saw the castle from a distance, finally. He had been riding since he left, not even stopping to spend the night. He felt the exhaustion in every part of his body, his bones were aching for some rest. But he knew that eventually, Hermione would have to leave court and that if he wasn't there, she would leave without him. If he wasn't with her, there was no way they could get back to their own time and that was the only reason he was so eager to get back, or that's what he kept telling himself. As they reached the courtyard, he jumped out of the still moving carriage. He ran into the castle and to the throne room. "Ah Draco, you've returned" his father smirked.
"My darling, you look exhausted!" his mother shrieked.
"I'm fine, mother, I'll need to be speaking to Hermione, where can I find her?" he asked.
"I heard she was still in her chambers, hasn't left them since arriving here." The king explained. Draco nodded his head and turned around to walk away.
"Oh and Draco?" he heard his father's call and he turned his head towards him.
"We do hope your courtingskills will prove sufficient, as I want you to marry that queen soon. And you know how I get when I'm disappointed" he warned. Draco's jaw tensed and he walked away. He retreated to Hermione's chambers, as fast as he could. He knocked on the door, and she opened it reluctantly.
"Draco!" she gasped, throwing her arms around his neck. His eyes grew big before he wrapped his arms around her waist protectively. As she let him go, they walked into her room and he closed the door behind them.
"I'm so glad you're back" she whispered. He grabbed both her hands.
"Tell me what's been going on" he answered, his thumb slowly running over her hand.
"Well, I'm going back to my country for the funeral and the coronation. I asked the king to send you along and he agreed." He smiled at that piece of information.
"But James is also coming." She whispered, barely audible.
"You asked him to join us?" he let go of her and raised his voice.
"What? No I didn't! He asked the king and got permission" Malfoy nodded, it figured that he would do that.
"Draco, there is more" she sat down on her bed.
"What else?" he asked, looking at her. He was already fuming, so maybe he shouldn't ask for more information.
"My advisors don't want me to marry you, they want me to marry James." She looked at her hands.
"WHAT?! They want you to marry that piece of filth? He's not even a prince, Hermione!" Draco yelled.
"No, but he has armies, Draco! Armies that we need to protect my country, armies that your father won't or can't spare for me!" She stood up and yelled at him.
"Do you want to marry that tool? Is that it! Is that what you really want?! Because if it is, Granger," she interrupted him before he could finish that sentence.
"No! No, that's not what I want" she yelled. He stopped and stared at her, they were both panting. She was standing there, wearing a tight black dress, her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. He couldn't help himself and strode over to her. He didn't touch her, but his face was inches away from hers.
"Then what is it you want?" he asked, his breath rushing over her face. She looked up at him and he could see the fire in her eyes. A fire he knew she always had, for as long as he could remember. It was part of what made her so goddamned annoying, but it was also part of what made her so alluring.
"What do you want, Hermione?" he asked again. His nose was almost touching hers and she looked up at him.
"What . Do. You. Want" he breathed again, emphasizing every word. She bit her lip and carefully raised her hand to his hair. She grabbed a platinum lock of hair and twirled it in her fingers.
"Hermione" he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him again.
"Tell me" he whispered. She opened her mouth to give him an answer but at that moment a knock on the door filled the room. They quickly stepped away from each other once more, awkwardly looking away from each other. The door opened and James walked in.
"Hermione, the king informed me that we are to leave for Argon soon, tonight as a matter of fact." Hermione nodded.
"Thank you, James, I'll prepare for our departure" she answered. James took a bow and took his leave, not before sending Draco the most evil of looks.

Hermione watched as Draco left her room without saying anything else. He had mumbled something about packing his stuff and then he had turned to leave. Men. She started to pack her own things. Her ladies had already sorted out some outfits for her to take back to Argon, but Hermione added some of her own outfits to the mix. It wasn't usually her responsibility to pack, but she had insisted. She hated being catered to. The ride to Argon would be long and taxing, not to mention the fact that Draco and James would both be there. This was going to be torture. When all her things were packed, Hermione went to the courtyard. Several servants were loading the carriage.
"My luggage is in my room, but I have another request." She asked. They bowed and waited for her to make her request.
"I would like Rogue prepared for me, I'd like to do some riding along the way." The servants nodded and sped off to the stables.
"What's this I hear, you're going to ride part of the journey?" she turned and smiled as she found Draco there, looking dashing in his burgundy velvet robes.
"Yeah, it's the perfect opportunity" he held his hands behind his back.
"Well, I'll enjoy watching you" he smirked. "As will I" James turned up next to Draco.
"We both know that you are magnificent" he smiled. Hermione looked at her shoes as the two men glared at each other. Luckily for her, it didn't take long for the servants to return with Rogue. Hermione took the reins and patted the horse on its neck, its nose was pressed against her neck, softly nibbling.
"Hey boy" she whispered, smiling softly. She grabbed the saddle and just as she wanted to pull herself up, she felt someone's hands on her waist.
"Let me help you, my lady" he whispered sweetly in her ear. James. He was everywhere, reminding Hermione of the kiss they shared, the kiss that Draco knew nothing about. A weapon that he could use against her. He lifted her, and Hermione swung her leg over the saddle.
"Thank you, James" she said. His hand rested on her thigh, and he squeezed it softly.
"I'll always be here when you need me" his voice was sickly sweet. Hermione looked at Draco, he was standing there, clenched fists. She could see that it took everything he had to not attack James right then and there. James turned and walked towards his own horse and Draco took his place in the carriage. They took off down the road and Hermione positioned her horse next to the carriage. .