A/N: New chapter I am going to do this in two parts because I don't want the chapter to be too long, and I don't want to keep you waiting too long either! Hope you enjoy this chapter. Some more Christian/Tom feels, which I rather enjoyed writing. Some Ron and Harry interactions, plus Hermione being a little bold. *wink wink*

TO DESTROY IS TO CREATE

Tsagaan-Ovoo

North Eastern Mongolia

15th February 2014

Hermione POV

I woke to the simple sounds of domesticity- a herd of goats bleating as they wandered past, the kettle boiling and toast popping in the toaster in the kitchen. It was comforting and brought a huge smile to my face as I stretched out in the bed star fishing under the covers. I almost wanted to stay in bed and have a morning repeat of last night. It was the most emotionally charged intense sexual experience we have had so far, and I doubt we could top it. He was almost...dare I say loving(?), he was always a tentative lover, but it felt different last night. Well for me at least I felt it was different. Under a different set of circumstances, I could almost imagine myself saying I love you, but I don't think that is something that he would appreciate or welcome. I think the I adore you is about as close to love as I am going to get, but I don't mind really. I can feel or sense he that feels intensely about me without having to verbalise it.

I roll over on to my side and breathe in deeply, I can smell Christian's cologne on the pillow and nuzzle my face in more. His smell is comforting, and it also sends tingles through my body, he just makes my insides turn to mush. I hum as I take another breath, I resist the urge to touch myself as I can feel my body begin to react to the scent and amorous thoughts. After the bathtub confessional I wanted to just get lost in him and he certainly rose to the occasion. The sex was slow and sweet and hot and heavy. Our sweat slick bodies sliding against each other in desperate lustful thrusts, foreheads touching, gazes locked and him whispering sinfully filthy things against my lips. I groan and squeeze my thighs together, willing the heat burning beneath my skin to go away. As memories of last night played through my mind, I tried not thinking about it but really my body had other ideas. Maybe I should just drag him into the shower? I'm not usually this forward but he cultivates a confidence in me that I have never had. I fling the sheets back from my naked body and the cooler air instantly contrasts against my flushed skin.

My toes touch the wooden floor and it is bloody cold, but I disregard the sensation as I tip toe quietly across the floor and peak out from the bedroom to see where Christian is standing and debate whether I can sneak up behind him. He is leaning against the kitchen counter facing away from me with his head hung in thought.

I take a chance and cast a silencio over me so I can creep up to him.

Tom POV

I stand here in the kitchen while making some breakfast for Hermione and I, and my mind wanders back to last night after I practically spilled my guts to her. I may as well have sliced myself open and flayed my skin back so she can bear witness to my inner workings. I have never displayed such a weakness to anyone before and part of me is angry that I did that. Never be vulnerable in front of anyone, never show weakness! That voice that has always guided me from strength to strength. However, this is unchartered territory for me, and I am distinctly avoiding that voice for the first time in my life. I feel off kilter, like the ground is shaky and I can't quite get my footing. Despite that feeling I find that I don't mind to a degree. I've never looked for personal attachment and that is always how I wanted it. A quick screw in a back-alley way or a cheap room for the night to let off some steam and I could detach myself from the person I was fucking as just a warm body, nothing more. Except Abraxas. Hermione…. Hermione…. I could get drunk off her kisses. Kissing was the type of activity I thought was rather unsanitary. It was something I wasn't interested in in school, then I let Abraxas kiss me and that was…nice. Pleasant and I could see the appeal of kissing someone you liked. I always thought letting someone get this close on a personal level was dangerous, them having access to all your vulnerabilities that they could use against you. But…. this woman with honest wide eyed brilliance and a smile that is like fucking sunshine touches something inside me that I never knew existed. It scares me and I don't get scared. The feeling it evokes is nearly too much. She is the light in my veritable darkness.

Last night was slow and exploratory and the realization that this probably what making love is, is a humbling and sobering experience. Surprisingly, my worries and insecurities remain at bay. That is also frightening. I'm slightly confused with all this emotion that I have never experienced or bothered to acknowledge that is twisting inside me. Part of me wants to run, run away from her and never return and the other part sickeningly wants to bathe in her blood, to feel her life essence touch my skin, drink in her desire and fuck her incoherent. I'm a selfish sick fuck which is why I will stay, to keep her because no one touches what is mine.

I lean forward on the counter gripping it hard, trying to get myself under control from the tornado of emotions ripping through me. I feel gentle hands slowly slide around my waist and I lose some of the tension holding my muscles hostage I almost slump into the bench. She is a soothing presence and I'm not sure how to handle that.

"Morning sweetheart", I say my voice betraying the emotions thrumming under the surface.

"Morning", she nuzzles her face in between my shoulder blades and her hot breath on my back makes me shiver.

"Would you like some breakfast? I have made toast and tea", I say trying to divert the conversation to something neutral before she notices or at least acknowledges that I am acting a little weird even for me.

"Mmmm… Christian I have something else in mind that I want", her hands slip achingly slow down to the waist band of my jeans, giving me ample time to stop her if I wanted too. She unbuttons the clasp and one delicate hand draws the zipper downwards. I can feel myself throb and swell in anticipation. She takes my silence as an invitation and tugs at my jeans and boxer shorts, pulling them down to my ankles. Hermione runs her hands up my legs, playfully nipping at my ass- I can feel her teeth the vixen. She circles the base of my engorged length but doesn't touch it. I grunt in frustration.

"Hermione", my voice comes out more breathy than sharp as I had intended.

"Shhh" I can feel her placing lazy kisses up the dip of my spine, I bask in the feel of her lips on my skin.

I allow her to turn me around bracing myself against the bench top.

She must be feeling particularly bold this morning, the look in her eye as I gaze upon her nude form. There's a renewed confidence surrounding her, a fearlessness that I have never seen in her before. It's really quite attractive and I am rather proud that I instilled that in her.

She traces her fingertip along my bottom lip, and I let the tip of my tongue follow along in tandem. She laughs and it breaks a little of the stifling sexual tension that is enveloping us. I can't help but smile. The palms of her hands descend down my chest and I feel my heart begin to race, I can't wait to feel her mouth on me.

She drops to her knees and fuck she looks good there. I know we have done this before, but the dynamics of the situation were different. Our relationship has shifted, and this feels disparate even after only one day.

The sensation of her lips on my shaft was heady, watching her kiss up my length and her tongue flicking out to lick the beaded precum from the tip I couldn't contain the ragged breath I released. I feel her eyes on me watching every minute action or reaction, while I just couldn't pull my attention from her glorious mouth.

"I want bruises on both my knees for you", her voice was thick with desire, but her words...her words..fucking Salazar the imagery they evoked. I groaned at the thought squeezing my eyes shut, trying not move my hips.

"Fuck sweet- ahhh", her mouth engulfed the head and sucked while tonguing the slit and I could feel more precum leak out. Merlin, she has an amazing tongue.

She drew back releasing my straining aching stiffness. I whined- I actually whined. Part of me, the part of my brain that could still semi function registered mortification. I opened my eyes and looked down to see what she was doing.

"I like seeing you unravel and you're doing it so well", she purred, and I gaped at her, but damn if they didn't resonate. I always did well with praise. She stroked me while I noticed her free hand descend upon herself and disappeared between her thighs. Dirty girl. Her cheeks sported a delectable glow and I wanted to taste her lips.

She brought the hand out from between her thighs that were now covered in some of her desire. I didn't have time to think about what she was doing before my cock slid back into her heated wet mouth. One hand gripped my ass and pulled me a little closer as she bobbed her head up and down my cock, tongue tracing the thick vein on the underside. I panted and moaned, I tried biting my lip to stop the sounds being emitted but I couldn't help it. Hermione's other hand the one that probed herself now drew along the back to my puckered skin, teasing the hole looking for entrance. My hips involuntarily snapped forward at the attempted intrusion.

"Relax honey you're doing so well", I preened a little at the praise and held still as she breached me. I let out a loud guttural moan as she simultaneously fingered me and swiped her tongue up my shaft. Oddly I didn't feel ashamed of my actions. I felt I could let go and feel.

"I want to take you apart. Do you want that?" Did I ever.

"Y-yes", since when did I stutter?

"So receptive, you're being a good boy and I think a reward is deserved", I gasped and bucked into thin air. I just wanted to fuck her mouth I didn't care at this point.

I had to hunch forward and grip the bench hard, (if I had super strength it would be dust by now) as she took me back into her mouth twisting and swirling her tongue expertly while playing with my ass. I could do nothing but writhe and watch myself enter and exit her mouth.

"Mouthwatering"

"D-don sop", I couldn't stop my hips from thrusting into her mouth I was too far down the road of no return. The electricity crackling up and down my spine told me I was close, on the verge of an insane orgasm.

I was a panting mess and she had reduced me to that with just her mouth. God damn the power she held.

"Herm...oneee...imgoin...to...ccmmmm", normally I would be sprouting dirty talk but all I can manage to articulate is garbled sounds. She pulled back right as I felt my balls tighten and draw up. Fuck it was beautiful torture.

"I love your voice like that. You're a beautiful mess, coming apart at the seams. All wrecked and ruined", her mouth was on me again before I could even think of a response. It was a crescendo that built and built, and stars began dancing in front of my eyes as I spilled myself on her tongue. It was shear exquisite relief as I could barely hold myself up, my knees trembling.

She lovingly pulled my boxers and pants up and set them straight again, looking marginally less dishevelled.

"Jesus Hermione", my brain not quite fully online yet after being short circuited.

"Just a thank you. It's nice to be able to be myself with you. If I can't do that then really what's the point?", I drew my hands around her bare waist and pulled her in to me.

"Ok. I'm trying Hermione. I need a bit of time that's the most raw I've been in a while...I need to adjust", I spoke earnestly and honestly to her.

"I know….so a praise kink?", as she cupped my face and gave a devilish smile. I gave her a look not answering.

"We need to get moving...but first get on the table and spread your legs". I slapped her hard on her bum.

Hermione POV

A few hours later...

After this morning's sexy interludes, we did finally get out of the tent and set off to find the priestess. Currently my feet are sore, and I am tired from walking around all day. We have nothing to show for it. Which has left us both a little grumpy.

"Christian we have been wandering around for hours now and we seem to be no closer to finding the priestesses place of residence than we were this morning. Maybe we try again tomorrow before we have to return?", I didn't want to give up..but we having trouble communicating to the locals, they seemed to not understand us or played ignorant. Clearly, they were not fond of outsiders.

"No we are not giving up Hermione…at least not just yet", Christian huffed in frustration and a determined look on his face. I knew never to oppose him when he had that look on his face as nothing would sway his decision.

We stopped briefly for a water break and leaned up against a building in silence as we thought about things. I felt a gentle tug in my sleeve and looked down to a small boy of perhaps maybe the age of six, staring up at me with inquisitive eyes.

I bent down with a smile on my face, "Hello", and I held out my hand for him to take. He stared curiously at my hand for a moment then placed his hand in mine and tugged on it for me to follow. I turned to look at Christian who was staring at the small boy with a frown.

"Hermione, why is that small child holding your hand?"

"I don't know but we are about to find out" and I let myself be pulled away.

The boy pulled me along for maybe ten minutes and Christian trailed behind us with a constant frown that had turned into a full-on scowl somewhere along the way. I couldn't help but giggle at him and he would just roll his eyes but return the scowl. It was then I noticed a Yurt in the distance that wasn't there before, because believe me had walked this same path earlier in the day. I guess it would make sense that she would keep her residence well-hidden and only to be found if she wanted to be.

"Christian look" and I pointed in front of me so he could tell what I was seeing. He looked unsurprised and grunted in response. Damn pouting bruised male ego.

The boy abruptly stopped in front of me, nearly tripping myself as I tried not to crash into him. He relinquished my hand, bowed, gave a blinding smile and ran off. It was odd; however it was obviously pre-planned on her part.

"Well that was a little weird", I remarked to Christian as he came up beside me and wrapped an arm around my waist.

"Certainly strange. Be on guard, we have been noticed not that we have been subtle but still I don't want to be entering a trap", he turned serious and his infamous stony look moulded his features. I wasn't too worried because I knew how capable both of us where in regard to wielding magic. I wasn't so stupid to think that just because we are here that she would help us.

"Ok let's do this", getting closer to the priestess's Yurt I could make out all the small trinkets and various other items that adorned it. It was very stereotypical of what you would expect a priestess to have in and around her home. Various animal bones strung up, wind chimes of different sizes, beads, shell, feathers and twigs all twisted up together to make items. And the smell wafting from the front was a mixture of different incense that I could not discern from each other. It gave a slightly creepy feeling to whole hut. Not that I was superstitious...but it made you feel like you should be.

"I don't like this feeling", I whispered to Christian as we stood in front of the front door.

"It's just one of the protection spells, we mean her no harm so it's just a nauseous feeling instead of death"

I snort. "Well that's reassuring". The door slowly opened creaking at the hinges, screaming out like they needed desperately to be oiled. It was also incredibly cliched.

"Hello?" I called out, I tried to step forward, but Christian prevented me from doing so. He pushed me behind him as he crossed the threshold. I rolled my eyes this was not the time for selfless chivalry. But I let him anyway, secretly part of me was thrilled to be cherished enough to be protected.

"Welcome travellers…ahh I see one has returned", the voice that rung out was not an old sounding voice like Christian had said, more in the ball park of my age perhaps a fraction older. It also had an accent creole, which is bizarre considering where we are.

She strutted into view like she had been waiting for us all along and we were trapped in her little game, with a wide Cheshire grin. I wondered if this was the real priestess I was seeing or if this is just what she wanted us to see. She was of African descent and dressed like she was in an era two centuries earlier. She had long dread locks tied back with a black ribbon and had small flowers and leaves entwined in them.

Christian stiffened at being remembered, maybe he didn't anticipate her to remember him after 5 years.

"Please sit down make yourselves at home, I'll be with you in just a moment while I look for what you have come seeking", she retreated back into the dark recesses of the Yurt, considering the building is circular that is quite a feat.

I hit Christian playfully on the chest, "I thought you said she was old!" I whispered to him.

"Well she was when I was here before, she still looks the same to me. Why what does she look like to you?", he was rather curious that the priestess looked different to me.

"African descent, young and speaks with a Jamaican Creole accent. It's kinda creepy", I looked around and it was filled with junk for lack of a better word. She had clearly been here a very long time. Books, cauldrons, pots, pans, chemistry beakers and other round looking ones where everywhere. Some pots where smoking different colours, the aroma was bordering on overwhelming. There was a small round table that was clear of junk, that only had a stack of tarot cards and a bag which I was sure contained bones for Cleromancy.

"Interesting", was all Christian said on the matter. Her reappearance startled me.

"Here is what you are looking for the Mohiyat Turzoq spell. Very old, you will find the counter ritual in here as well. Although, you should beware of the ramifications. Destroying his soul to create something of this nature was... very draining. I don't think you will like what you find", she handed over the book to Christian. In the split second we looked at the book she had disappeared.

"Well that was very ominous", Christian sighed as I pointed out the obvious. I knew this would happen; it was never going to be a quick solution. The Horcruxes where bloody easier to destroy than this tablet.

"You can take the book and go. Good luck", her disembodied voice sliced through the silence. Great not that we needed assistance or anything. Since when did I become so cynical? Christian must be rubbing off on me.

"Alright let's head back", Christian sounded a little dejected and that made me worry…. seeing him like that must mean this counter ritual is not going to be the answer we were searching for. This time the pit of my stomach rolled and not because of the protection spell.

Tom POV

Hours later back at the tent

I run my hands through my hair as I sit out on the sofa in the living area. Hermione fell asleep hours ago as we have been sitting up since we got back pouring over the counter ritual. It's not good. I now understand the hint the priestess said about it being 'draining'. This is almost a human sacrifice essentially. A sacrifice for the greater good. I snort at the irony of the situation. Fucking Dumbledore. How everything comes full circle. Despite all that rubbish I can't let Hermione do this. Of course, I won't tell her that because she will just become more determined. Her and her innate self-martyring.

I get up and walk over to the bedroom and watch her sleeping, all cocooned in the bedclothes. I smile and

I get that warm feeling in my chest, my smile drops.

Nothing ever good comes from falling.

Ron POV

Ministry of Magic

Harry's Office

I can barely contain myself, I thought maybe I could hold off telling Harry waiting for the right moment. But this is the perfect opportunity to plan an ambush while the enemy is away.

"Ron what are you doing here, don't you have work to get to? You are already behind on your paperwork", Harry addresses me as soon as I enter not exactly the reception, I was expecting but nonetheless I push forward. He will be pleased once I outline my findings.

"Yeah yeah" I wave my hand in a dismissive manner. "I will get to that today, but this is important! I was in Hermione's apartment and in a bottom drawer I found this" and I thrust the goblin paper forward trying to shove it into his hand. He slowly takes it frowning like I am talking to quickly for him to catch up, then I see his expression change the moment the words register.

"Wait hold up… you were back in her apartment, without her there?", I was annoyed that he hadn't even looked at the paper yet and that he was fixated on the fact that I broke into Hermione's apartment again. You know small minor details in comparison to this.

"Yes…I needed information of Christian, the guy is shifty I tell you and none of you believe me! Now I have evidence that he is not who he says he is, and I can say 'I told you so'. The fact that I broke into her apartment again will be inconsequential. You'll see", I had the audacity to smile smugly, Harry had a hard look on his face, and he said nothing but stared at me and my bravado started to deflate.

"When Hermione gets wind of this and she will, I will not stop her from seriously maiming you. I don't even want to think about what Christian will do. I can imagine some serious bodily harm of the more permanent kind", I paled slightly because in reality this was all well and good while 'Christian' was not here, but I failed to take into account the damage he could do while here. I wasn't too worried about Hermione as she still cares for me.

I studied Harry looking at the paper and he stared at it for a really long time, this was also not the reaction I was expecting. I thought anger or storming through the Ministry demanding a task force to hunt him down, but not him staring silently at it was not in any of the scenarios I had imagined. Ok fine fantasies.

"Harry, he's the bloody Dark Lord hiding in plain sight, tricking Hermione. There's no way she couldn't not know it was him and still be with him. Maybe he has her under a really strong imperio or other strong mind control that we don't know about", Harry turned and looked out the window of his office, he was clearly trying to process this shocking information, now I just need to get him on board with tracking this bastard down.

Harry POV

His office

A certain part of me was not all that surprised by this revelation, I had my suspicions but didn't really think that they would come to fruition. I knew his magic was oddly familiar but different enough I couldn't completely place it. His expressions and mannerisms reminded me of Voldemort, but not knowing what the Dark Lord looked like at 30 it was really hard to say. However, despite all that he has done some things which make me believe this isn't the man who murdered my parents and killed or had killed many many people. The man who Dumbledore was so ready to blame everything on. I see the way he looks at Hermione when he thinks no one is looking, and the way she smiles in return. They are clearly in love even if neither of them knows it yet. This isn't the red eyed beast ready to drag everyone to hell. I mean fuck, he commissioned a portrait of my parents and for that I am eternally grateful. It's been five years and other than a few paedophiles suddenly disappearing everything has been squeaky clean.

I honestly don't believe Hermione is naive in this. The goblin paper was in her own apartment and I recognise the sheet, it's the same one from her beaded bag. Does Ron really think she is that daft? If Hermione is really in love with him then it gives more credence to the theory, he really isn't the same Tom Riddle we knew. I trust her judgement.

Now what to do about Ron, he certainly isn't going to go quietly about this. I don't want a war to start over a misunderstanding. I need to get him to hold off until Hermione and Christian return from Mongolia, so we can sort this whole thing out. I worry for Ron; he is so fixated on Hermione that he can't see the wood for trees? Is that the muggle saying? I rub my face aggressively, struggling to think of a quick solution to convince Ron to hold off for a bit longer.

"Ron, I need you to keep quiet about this for now. I'm not going to start a mass panic; we need to do this smartly. When Hermione and Christian return we will confront them on neutral ground or somewhere relatively safe. Leave this with me and I will start compiling evidence", I see the manic glee in Ron's eyes and think if anyone should be more offended or excited by this it is me. But I'm not. Christian doesn't bother me, it's not his face I see in nightmares every night.

"Ok sure Harry I can do that; it will be our little secret. Let me know when you want to plan his take down", he salutes and stalks out of the office like he is ten feet tall. It irritates me.

Once he is out of view, I set the goblin paper on fire and just stare until it is ashes upon my desk.