Hermione was awoken by the sound of movement around the bed. Something heavy closed and the distinctive noise of the Colloportus charm followed shortly after. She rubbed her eyes profusely, trying to remove the heaviness from their sleepy state.

"Go back to sleep." The demand wasn't harsh, but Hermione made the decision to sit up instead, stretching her arms above her head, before resting her head against the headboard. "I believe I told you to go back to sleep." Hermione turned her head to see Voldemort. His back was facing her as he looked outside the dark window as snow fell quietly against the many square panes.

"Since when do I do what you say?" Her question made him turn to face her. She watched as he walked towards her, his black robes, long and trailing behind him. He moved closer, sitting next to her on the edge of his large bed.

"You are here...are you not?" Hermione didn't reply to his question. Instead her eyes closed allowing her attention to focus on the feeling of his hand on her skin. The way his fingertips moved up her arm and then across her clavicle. His touch, making her body react in the most tantalizing way. As his fingers made it to her lips, her mouth slightly opened, placing tender kisses on the tips of his fingers.

"Remind me again, of the things you wish to teach me," she whispered taking hold of his hand, moving it down her neck, to her chest, over her stomach, between her thighs. The sounds of his hiss made her inhale sharply, as those fingers of his started to move through her wet folds...then stopped. Her darkened eyes opened with confusion, meeting his red.

"As tempting as this is, I must leave." Hermione rolled her hips harder against his hand, causing him to close his eyes and groan.

"Forgive me, I didn't hear you," said Hermione as she pushed the weighted covers to the side, displaying her nude form for the taking. Then she was on her back.

Hermione watched as he placed his travel cloak over his pristine black robes. Like any woman watching her lover preparing to leave, she had a plethora of questions to ask him. Why are you leaving? Where are you going? When will you be back? Who are you going with? Hermione knew he would not give her any information, but perhaps a timeframe wasn't too out of the question. "I will be back by the new year." Hermione couldn't stop the surprised look from appearing on her face. "I didn't need to read your mind, dearest. I am quite aware of when you have questions. Which is the majority of the time."

"If that's so, then why don't you answer my questions the majority of the time?"

"Because I have no need to." Prat! "Severus will be here after breakfast today and the rest of the time that I'm away. When you complete your lesson with him today, a house-elf will come and take your measurements for new clothing. You may also let it know whatever else you might need."

"It? I'm quite positive he or she has a name." Voldemort turned to face her without any form of emotion on his face, which irked her greatly. Staring back at him, she tried to prevent herself from lecturing on the inhuman treatment of these creatures and declaring him an evil arsehole, but he was probably already aware of that fact and therefore would be wasting her time. Hermione closed her eyes to calm herself. I can only do so much. His treatment of house-elves will be added to my list, but sadly would not be my top priority. She opened her eyes to meet his again.

"I left you another robe in the laboratory to wear until your clothing arrives."

"How thoughtful of you," she replied with a false gratitude. "For a moment, I thought I would have to pull a Scarlett O'Hara." Voldemort's eyes moved his eyes towards the window, his non-existent eyebrow raised in question.

"Now, pet. There truly is no need to destroy perfectly fine curtains." Hermione was still angry, but the comment forced a tight smile to appear on her face.

"I suppose it's for the best. I'm a terrible seamstress and being wandless doesn't help."

"Ah, so something my acquired skilled witch isn't capable of?" Hermione rolled her eyes at his impertinent statement, sliding herself completely back under the covers. We shall see about that. "Are you not going to wish me a safe journey before I leave?" Silence. "Very well." Hermione's eyes were open under the blankets as she thought about him not being here with her. Perhaps, even never returning. Then, what will happen to her? She will be free, but he will...

"Voldemort!" she shouted, jumping out from beneath the blankets and out of the bed. He was still standing in the same spot, as though he knew she would not let him leave without saying anything to him. Hermione made her way to him, standing close to his body. She placed her hands on his chest and looked into his eyes. They glimmered against the fire like garnets. "I hope you fail miserably on whatever horrific thing you're planning on doing," she said, then turned on her heel and walked back to the bed, then positioned herself comfortably back underneath the covers. Once she was a snug fit, she faced him again, a flirtatious smirk played upon her lips. "However...do be sure to return." With that, he was gone.

Hermione was standing still in her bra and knickers while Meeley strategically moved the measuring tape in different directions around her body. Hermione had made sure to introduce herself the the little house elf when her breakfast was delivered later that morning. It was the first time she had seen the elf since she arrived to the manor. Meeley was small with large hazel eyes and large ears, like many of the other house-elves she had met. Hermione had startled the poor thing when she started talking to her and insisting she be referred to as Hermione and not Miss. However, Meeley refused and Miss it was.

"Meeley?"

"Yes, Miss?"

"Volde-," Meeley's screech was so loud, Hermione grabbed for her wand that she did not possess, in fear that someone was hurting the small creature.

"Miss, no, no, no! Can't say, that!" Hermione fell to her knees, trying to stop Meeley as the elf started using the tape measure as a lash against her tiny arm.

"Stop! Don't, do that, Meeley!" Hermione forcefully snatched the tape measure from the elf. Her actions causing Meeley to start crying, until Hermione's only solution was to yell at her. "Stop! This instant!" The elf immediately stopped, her eyes glazed over with unleashed tears. "I'm sorry, Meeley." The elf's lip pouted like a child being scolded by a parent. Hermione's chest ached at the sight. "Now, I promise I won't say his name, but you have to promise not to hurt yourself. Is that clear?" The elf blew her nose on her pillowcase dress and nodded her head in agreement.

"Yes, Miss. Meeley does what she is told."

"Good. Are we finished now?"

"Almost, Miss. Meeley only needs one more measurement, then your robes will be made."

"Perfect." Hermione stood back up, as Meeley stood on the ottoman and measured her the length of her arm.

"Master wants you to have more things. What do you need, Miss?"

"Um. More undergarments would be nice. Some more bras and knickers and sleepwear."

"Oh, yes. Silk and lace pieces."

"No! No, silk or lace. Just cotton things. White." Meeley looked taken aback by Hermione's decline. Hermione quickly changed the subject. "Oh! Perhaps some soap and shampoo of my own. I don't believe you can get me Muggle shampoo and conditioner, so whatever you can get me will be fine." Hermione watched as Meeley nodded her head in agreement, then stopped to stare at her with a finger under her pointy chin.

"Miss? May Meeley touch your hair?" Hermione looked at the creature who was studying her face with fierce observation.

"Um...of course." Meeley reached up, curling her tiny finger into Hermione's mane. She looked at the ends, pulling them down, then letting them spring back into wild frizzy curls. She nodded her head again as though she came to an obvious solution for the mess in front of her.

"Meeley thinks aloe vera and rosemary and argan oil will work. Maybe Meeley can cut some too?" Hermione looked at the elf with bewilderment, as Meeley continued to talk about the treatment of her hair. "It will be shiny and even more beautiful for Miss. Meeley does love using scissors! Can Meeley cut? Miss?" Hermione looked down at the elf, her brain turning as she looked at the sear happiness on Meeley's face. Meeley lives here. She is the Malfoy's house-elf. If I…

"Meeley, you can fix my hair and even cut it if you like." The elf started clapping, while jumping up and down. "But." Meeley stopped and looked wide eyed at Hermione.

"Yes, Miss?" Hermione felt terrible for using the poor creature, but she will get what she needs and Meeley will have the opportunity to showcase her love for scissors. Oh, dear! In a way it was a win-win, for both of them. Besides, hair grows back, right?

"Before I let you touch my hair again, I need you to get me into the Malfoy library." Meeley's eyes grew larger and Hermione caught her hand before Meeley used it against herself. "I told you no hurting yourself, Meeley."

"Oh, Miss! You can only stay in your room and Master's. No leaving those rooms."

"Oh…" Hermione provided Meeley the same pout she received moments ago. "I see." Meeley nodded her head quickly. "I was so looking forward to you fixing my hair too." Hermione was internally slapping herself, but she needed to get into that library. Draco used to boast about his library being better than Hogwarts and she was sure she could find the information she needed for her plan, which wasn't really a plan yet.

"Oh, Miss!"

"No, it's alright, Meeley. I completely understand." Hermione patted the little elf on her head. As she moved her hand away, a tiny finger enclosed around her wrist, catching Hermione off guard.

"Miss will also like silk and lace undergarments." It wasn't a question, but a statement. Hermione could swear she could see a mischievous gleam in the elf's eyes. Hermione huffed.

"Very well, silk and lace bras and knickers!"

"With colors!"

"Fine, but tonight you will take me into the library." Hermione pointed her finger at the elf.

"Yes, Miss. After all the guests have retired for the night. Meeley will take you."

"Excellent," replied Hermione as she thought of what she would need to look for.

"Gold!" exclaimed Meeley.

"Gold what?"

"Gold underclothing will look lovely on you."

"Gold it is." Hermione looked down at her current bra and knickers. "Do you really think gold knickers would look good on me?"

"I think gold knickers would look exceptional on you."

Hermione stood still in shock, recognizing the familiar baritone voice from behind her. She tried to swallow the lump that formed in her throat, as gradually turned to face Snape as he stood near the fireplace, mindlessly dusting the soot off his black flock as his black eyes took in her almost nude body.