I cast my gaze coolly across the pale body that had begun to pulse evenly with sleep and I smiled. I could sense the darkening of my eyes as I twirled Bella's wand in my fingers and silently robed myself in her corset and skirt. Polyjuice contained neatly in a hip flask, I was satisfied that I had all that I needed. I apparated.

Diagon ally was a bleak sight: hollowed out, the buildings seemed taller, the path before me narrower and less light-filled. And at the centre of it all, Gringotts.

I took a moment to myself in a shady outlet, a moment to firstly observe my reflection, then to take a deep breath and assume the character of the woman whose form I temporarily inhabited. I smile, push my shoulders back, and stride into the bank. Heeled boots causing echoes to resound with each contact. I drew my wand into my hand, as I approached the desk. I did not look at whoever was manning it, only at my wand, at the ceiling, at a particularly frightened looking goblin who promptly began to work at a rate of knots. I grinned at him.

"How can I help you Madame Lestrange."

I diverted my attention to the goblin behind the desk. His demeanour was calm, if not somewhat impatient.

"Rodulphus is dead-" I spoke carelessly, casting my wand around as I spoke, until the point of it found the goblins quivering heart "- You will refer to me as Madame Black. Understood?"

"Yes, Madame Black" was the curt reply.

"I wish to make a withdrawal- my wand." I placed my wand onto the desk. The goblin observed it.

"Yes, Madame Black, this way."

The vault was cast in darkness, I new better than to touch anything other than the horcrux which I sought. It took only moments to identify, I walked over to it, picked it up into my hand and left the vault.

When I saw daylight once more I apparated to the forbidden forest, removed the heeled boots and sunk my bare feet into the soil, closing my eyes.

Hermione- Hermione, I know you can hear me. I need the sword.

Hermione POV

A voice as smooth as silk cut through my musings and straight between my legs. I bit my lip, swallowing what I realised then, would be the last of my evening meal.

Yes, Lilith, I can hear you.

That's my good girl.

A huskiness could be heard in the woman's voice and I felt a blush rising rapidly as I excused myself from the company of Ginny and Luna, who were observing the Last Diadem of Ravenclaw in its destroyed state with morbid interest. I never wanted to touch that thing again. Neither one questioned my exit, knowing how I often wander the castle at night, finding that sleep evades me perpetually.

Where are you Lilith?

I cannot reveal myself at the moment Hermione, it would be excessively… stimulating, for you.

S-Stimulating? I thought privately, Is she naked again?

You haven't had an ounce of time to practice occlumency in my absence?

I cursed myself.

I am sorry Lilith; I just keep having these dreams and-

And what Little Witch? Your raging teenage sex drive renders you incapable of baseline discipline? Practice only takes perhaps ten minutes each morning-

Lilith, its not that, its just your voice, its- distracting…

I stepped back into an alcove to hide from passing Carrows but found my body met that of another. A hand wrapped firmly around my mouth as my back was thrown into a wall.

"It's me" Lilith whispered; her breath warm against my earlobe. I felt my heart beat faster in fear, in anticipation. Her fingers moved from my mouth, down over my robes until they settled on my waist.

"Lilith" I whimpered.

"What is it Little Witch?"

My legs are trembling- get it together Hermione.

Or, alternatively-

Lilith slipped something heavy and metallic into the pocket of my robe.

We can sneak into McGonigal's office and I can watch you come apart.

Lilith, you know that's too risky- "Ohh"

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my own moan as Lilith pressed her lips firmly into my neck, her teeth grazing at my pulse point.

"Lilith, Lilith you can't just-"

Do you want this?

Yes, more than anything.

Then why can't I?

Lilith waited for an answer, when none arose, she slipped into the nearest classroom. I followed…