The warm rose scented steam filling the room easily brought forth a sense of calm. Hermione corked the bottle of the rosewater bubble bath, placing it back with the collection of scented fragrances Meeley insisted she needed. Removing her robe she carefully stepped into the bathtub, only hissing once before finally settling in the hot comforting water. She hummed with pleasure, enjoying her own little oasis tucked within the confinements of exquisite white marble. The bathtub had become her place to escape and it usually was exactly what she needed to clear her head. However, this morning, the beautiful getaway still couldn't hold back the weight of the past couple of days still lingering in her mind. Hermione exhaled, thinking about him. He didn't leave this time, but made sure to keep his distance. The night after their confrontation ended with him coming to bed without saying a word. The next morning he stayed in his study working away, then at night once again joined her in bed without a word leaving his lips. She wasn't angry at him for it, nor did she think he was angry with her, there seemed to be a silent agreement, allowing an illusion of space between them and she couldn't fault the decision. There were many things said that night and only time could help smooth out the wrinkles.

"If he only knew," she whispered to herself. It took everything in her being to walk out of the room that night, to keep her back turned away when he joined her in their bed. She had wanted nothing more than for him to have slowly removed the beautiful velvet dress from her body. To have his hands trace the path of the material as it fell to the floor. For him to do the wicked things she knew he was capable of. Hermione's eyes closed at the thought of what could've happened that night.

An image of his long fingers gently pulling the thin straps of her dress down her shoulders caused Hermione to whimper. Another image of his eyes showing a sense of shock as he discovered she was bare underneath except for a pair of silken lace black knickers. A pair of knickers that hugged her hips and arse perfectly. Another whimper left her mouth as she lowered her hands to squeeze her taut nipples. Hermione continued the descent of one of her hands over her slick body. Her knees now surfed from the water as she moved herself to the shallow end of the tub, planting her feet to the bottom. Her quiet whimper turned into a moan when her fingers reached their destination. The circular motion of her fingers against her sensitive clit was tantalizing while she envisioned him thrusting harder and deeper inside her. "Yes," she breathed, gyrating her hips to increase the intensity of her ministrations. "Oh, oh-"

The splash from the water hit her face, awaking her from the delicious fantasy that was playing in her head. No, no, no! Hermione opened her eyes, her breathing so heavy within her chest it almost hurt. Voldemort stood before her, looking down into her face. Her offending hand now captured within his own. Their chests moved in a synchronized pace. Her eyes lowered, following the droplets of water that fell from his milky skin as they dropped back into the pool of water. Water that sinfully ended right below his Adonis belt.

"I-I want you so badly," she whispered. Voldemort stepped closer to her, the heat between their bodies mixing impeccably with the steam encasing them. He slowly raised her glistening fingers to his lips, his eyes darkened with need, as his tongue slowly licked the mixture of water and arousal from her hand. He moaned. The lustfulness in his face was so beautiful, she was convinced her body could climax without further assistance. Lowering her hand from his mouth, he guided it back in the water, using his body to press her harder against the edge of the tub. He lowered his head.

"I want to see you come for me," he hissed in her ear. His hand still held hers as he guided her fingers through her tender folds. His other hand weaved through her damp hair, pulling it while he moved her fingers deep inside her, making sure not to ignore her clit with his own thumb. The view in front of her, completely erotic. Wholly better than any fantasy that manifested in her head. Oh, Merlin!

"Y-Yes," she moaned. "Don't stop."

"Yes, witch. Show me." Hermione wrapped her free hand around the back of his neck, pulling him forward so their lips to meet. The heated kiss unleashed the buildup that nested in her core. Her muffled cries echoed throughout the bathroom, drawing out her orgasm while he consumed her moans without stopping the pumping of her fingers.

When her body started to calm, his kisses became surprisingly gentle, allowing her to catch her breath between his endearing pecks. The tenderness was too much. The simplicity of his feathering lips ignited her passion again. She wanted him desperately inside her. She needed more. Dragging her nails down his back, then around his hips, Hermione reached for his hard cock, relishing from the sounds of his moans as she stroked his impressive length.

"I need you inside-" Hermione yelped. Before she could finish her statement, Voldemort's quick reflexes had her over the tub's edge and her tits pressed firmly against the cool marble. Hermione buried her face deeper within her folded arms as the pressure of his tongue against her flesh sent mischievous shivers down the length of her spine. The feeling of the muscle collecting the droplets of scented water across her back created the most exquisite sensation to gather between her legs. She spread her legs further apart for him anticipating his thrust. Her lover did not disappoint. Sounds of the splashing water and slapping of their skin musically filled the room while he drove his cock deep within her. The animalistic roar that escaped his lips had her screaming with pleasure as she clutched him tighter, milking him over the edge while he cried out her name.

Hermione was too tired to move, so instead, she stayed there enjoying the feel of his weight on her, despite the hard floor she was pressed against.

"Are you comfortable, dearest?" Hermione smiled. The question reminded her of their time shared weeks ago. Weeks that feel like months.

"Quite the opposite, really," she teased.

"Good." Hermione laughed as his arms wrapped around her and the tug of his magic took them away from her oasis.

"Ogling at me doesn't change what you see," said Voldemort, opening his eyes from his presumed kip. Hermione looked down at him, her head resting on her raised elbow. Hermione smiled. After their vigorous bathing session this morning, the pair had ended up in bed neither one showing any indication of leaving it.

"I wasn't ogling, simply-"

"Thinking." Hermione shrugged her shoulder. "When am I ever not?"

"Ask."

"Perhaps, I don't have any questions for you," she replied, her eyes avoiding his gaze.

"Very well-"

"But since you insist," she said, sitting up in bed and crossing her legs. Hermione's brow furrowed thinking about the right question or maybe even questions to ask. Of course, she had a million, but to spoil the intimacy occurring between them at this time would be unbearable. She refused to go back to unspoken words or arguments that lead to disappearances. Hermione lifted her hand to his face, gently trailing her fingertips down his jaw. "Was this done intentionally?" He didn't pull away from her affection, his only movement a subtle shift from underneath the covers. She knew he was aware of exactly what she was asking him, but the silence was starting to weigh in.

"No," he said, covering her hand that now was positioned on his chest. Hermione opened her mouth, but closed it immediately when he started to speak again. His smirk was a clear confirmation that the question was not yet answered. "No, this was not done intentionally. Do I frighten you?" He took her hand, moving back to his cheek, where she lightly stroked the hollow flesh.

"You did," she answered honestly.

"And not anymore?"

"Your actions frighten me, not your appearance." Hermione lowered herself back into their cocoon of blankets, curling herself around his body.

"Magic is power, Hermione. And when one can tease, push and manipulate its boundaries, there is always a price to pay for it. Something I was and am willing to forever do." Whether mind, body, or soul it seemed.

Thank you Pamela RR for your help and thank you to everyone who continues to follow me on this journey. The support has been truly amazing and I cannot stop sending out my thanks enough.