Lilith's home appears to have the interior of a Victorian townhouse although there are no windows and half of the ceiling curves into the earth in which it appears to have been excavated. The warm yet feeble light of candles cast shadows over the walls and antique wooden floor. There are dead leaves scattered there and dust coats almost every surface evenly. Lilith is a shaking mess on the ground, pulling logs from her reserve by the fire place and pushing them into it unskilfully. She flicked her wand to light it. The walls are painted a vivid apple green and the architrave is a glossy black. It is unconventional but not vulgar as some muggles may have dismissed it to be. I think it suits her incredibly well, the little I know of her.

She interrupted my thoughts abruptly: "You need a bath little witch."

I couldn't agree more. I smiled. the thought of a bath after all this time was a blissful one.

I need a bath too. Lilith thought, in a tone significantly calmer than her exterior would imply.

I turned to find her smiling also and imagined that, if she had been feeling a little less tense, she might have winked at me. She stood and warmed herself by the fire as though I wasn't there.

You go first. It is ready for you.

But how?

The stars told me I would be having a guest. I thought it would be Bellatrix but the stars gave me you. Perhaps you are in more need of a bath. Lilith smiled tiredly. Then sprung into another doorway where she retrieved a large glass bowl in her arms and walked toward the front door. I am going to clear up my mess. There is a robe and some bath oils on the side. Help yourself… she looked up at me. "Hermione," she spoke my name, just my name, and walked out the door, shifting the dead leaves behind her regal gown. An outfit that one might have worn to meet their destiny I mused as I looked down disdainfully at my muddied hands. The stars gave me to her? It was obvious that I was not enough, I was cold and hungry and tired but not beaten, in fact now I was more motivated than ever to solve this ever-complicated conundrum.

I stepped into the bathroom and was greeted by a floor to ceiling mirror. I winced at my reflection. To the left of it there was a beautiful bathtub, organic in its uneven shape, as though it were a rock form that Lilith had found and enlarged or possibly apparated from far off lands. It looked like obsidian and the taps were made of a dark red stone. Garnet perhaps.

More than enough space for two…

I picked up a small green bottle on the side of the bath and brought it beneath my nose.

Mmm, is that black pepper?

I popped a few drops into the tub and picked up the bottle next to it. This one was larger, something citrus, orange or bergamot perhaps. I put a couple of drops of that into the water as well and began to disrobe. Groaning as the water touched first my aching feet then caressed my legs, my back, my chest, in utopian warmth. I breathed the scent of the water as I took deep breaths. The soap bubbles were scented with cocoa and ginger. I moaned again. It felt so good, and all of a sudden, I didn't care how I had arrived here, what danger I might be in, or how Harry and Ron were fairing on their quest without me. I felt like I was simply where I should be, and magic had never felt so good.

Lilith walked in holding a bowl of shimmering peppermints. She placed the bowl next to me and our eyes locked. Hers were kind and tired now, nothing like the eyes that flashed with fear and rage only moments earlier.

You are frightened Hermione?

No, actually.

We paused.

Join me Lilith.

The older woman closed the door and placed her wand next to me.

Use that if you get scared.

Thank you.

Lilith looked at me in the mirror as she unbuttoned her gown. The beads of jet that covered the front of her bodes, flickered beautifully in the candle light. She had placed a subtle beauty charm on herself to even her skin tone and line her eyes perfectly, fiercely in metallic black glitter. Her lips too, seemed fuller, redder. It had been six months since we last spoke, but two years since we first met in the Department of mysteries. I smile remembering our last meeting together. She had been speaking with Dumbledore when I walked into his office, her gaze lingered on me and we smiled, so too did the headmaster.

That night felt years away, the great wizard was now dead and buried and Lilith was here, before me, at my own request, naked and stunning. Her body seemed to radiate pure starlight as she climbed into the bath tub. Her feet first, her slender ankles, then more quickly her leg, muscle by muscle entered the water until it reached the tops of her thighs. I looked up suddenly to find her amused.

Don't stop there, little witch. I was so enjoying listening.

Lilith placed herself next to me in the vast tub and arched her back as the water wrapped around her. the sound that escaped her lips was nothing short of erotic. I had to bite my lip to stifle my own moan at the sound of it. guttural, wanting. She wet her hair and pulled it to the side of her where it rested on her breasts. They were small but beautifully shaped and I imagine incredibly sensitive. I lick my lips.

Hermione. Oh Hermione. What cruel trick is this that the stars have played? How can a teenager love me the way that I need her to?

I know what you need Lilith.

The woman turned to face me with a smirk. Oh yes?

You need a lover.

I beg your pardon!

The stars have sent me- I should know.

Lilith's expression relaxed when she realised, I was teasing.

But seriously, Lilith, may I- um

What? Touch me?

I nod.

May I?

Yes

Then yes.

I slid my hand under the water and over the woman's flat stomach, I felt her abdominals tense as I did so, and her breathing changed.

I had been waiting a long time for this, I thought to myself and smiled as Lilith reacted to my light touch.

Mmm yes. I know exactly what you need.