Chapter IV: A New Proposition

Warning: Major smut alert! Well, sort of…more of it to come. Please do not read if you might be offended.

Thanks for the reviews! Keep them coming! My muse is ravenous.

Hermione woke sometime in the early morning. She looked over to Ernand, who had been watching her quietly. Memories of their lovemaking the night before flooded her senses.

flashback

After joining her on the bed, Ernand had slowly placed kisses on her nearly naked body. Once he had reached the lower part of her stomach, he then lifted one of her legs and started to kiss the inner side. She moaned involuntarily and felt herself move a bit on the bed.

"Your reaction tells me you will become quite the lover. Your mate will no doubt need a lot of energy." His words had come out in a whisper.

She blushed at the comment and had noticed herself how relaxed she had become. No jitters, no regrets. She was quite looking forward to whatever came next.

Ernand turned his attention back to her wonderful legs. Soft and tan, well toned. He knew her secret, of course. Before entering Hogwarts she had taken many classes in dance and ice skating. During her breaks from school he had seen her on rollerblades in the park on many occasions. When her parents had taken her to the Yucatan after her fourth year, she had joined in some of the festive dances. Then she was hurried over to Grimmauld Place, ending her summer fun. Ending her last real vacation.

Sensing her arousal, he knew she was ready for more. He hooked his thumbs through the sides of her knickers and slowly drew them off.

"When you are with your mate, it is usually best if you pleasure him first. That way he will have time to become aroused again while he's pleasuring you. However, for you first time, I will pleasure you now. Later, I can show you how to pleasure a man."

"You…you don't want me to try first? I think I can do it."

He smirked at her. "Of course you can. I look forward to it. But this night is for you. I want you to feel everything I give."

He then lowered his head between her thighs, caressing her folds with his tongue. Her body jerked with the increased sensations she was feeling, and she immediately clutched the pillows behind her. He went slowly, wanting her to feel the increasing buildup of her first orgasm given by another. When she was finally there, she screamed out in complete bliss.

He remembered what he had told her, or rather, let her think, that she was going to pleasure him next. But seeing her lying there, so beautiful, so wanton, he had to have her. He slid his body up to her and positioned himself, looking deep into her eyes.

Hermione was still breathing hard as she felt Ernand above her. Her hair was wildly fanned out around her, her face glistening with sweat. She felt him at her entrance and looked back at him with wide eyes. He swooped down for a breathtaking, agonizing slow kiss and then broke through her barrier. She felt her teeth bite down on his lower lip and he groaned with the intense mix of pain and pleasure.

Flashback ends

Ernand himself had woken nearly an hour before, as sleep was something he hardly needed or was accustomed to in human form. As a wraith, he simply was pulled in and out of time unless he searched for something more specific. In human form he still had many powers, but was tied to his chosen and their needs. Before drifting off to sleep the night before, after hours of tender love-making, Ernand had asked Hermione what she might wish for from him.

"It is necessary for me to ask you, after our first night together, what you want most. What is your deepest desire, Hermione?"

Hermione spread her arms around the sheets. She was quite the kitten after sex, even to the point of making soft sounds much like purring. She looked up then over to one of the windows. The one that showed her earth. England and that side of the world were now approaching dawn. She sighed in the way of a person with the world on her shoulders. The world on Harry Potter's shoulders, the magical world.

"I can't ask for anything to benefit myself." She spoke quietly. " I guess if I can choose, I can only wish that the war my friends and I face have the most positive, beneficial outcome. Not only for the magical world, for the witches and wizards of our world, but for the sake of all others as well."

He looked at her carefully, "And if that means your death? Your friends?"

She turned to look deep in his eyes, "Then let it be so."

Her words had haunted him. Never had any human asked for such a gift. No one was ever completely selfless no matter how much they wanted to "save the world". He had marked her after that, letting the three sharpened teeth grow as the deep-blue liquid started to form.

Hermione had stared wide eyed as he opened his mouth. Fangs now appeared, along with a third from his lower mouth. She had gasped when he opened his mouth and saw what was about to happen, seeing the dark, blue liquid spill from the fangs. He suckled the right side of her neck a bit first then bit down hard, puncturing her delicate, soft skin just below her earlobe.

Her body convulsed two times as he held still, waiting as the dye flowed into the three, tiny new holes in her neck. They formed a triangle, and would remain with her even after death. When it was done he repeated his actions down on the opposite inner thigh.

After a few hours of sleep he carefully considered his decision. She looked at him now, as if wondering his eyes held his answer. Instead, she asked "So what happens now? Do I stay with you? Or, do you call for me again later? Tonight?"

She was overly curious to the end.

"No, I shall not come for you tonight." He answered softly.

"But I thought…"

"Hermione," He said cutting her off, "I will not nor am able to tell you my gift yet. Not until our joining is complete. However, I can help you."

She looked at him in confusion. "How? I thought you were only here to teach me…the arts of sensuality and sexuality." She blushed in a most adorable way, causing him to smile warmly at her.

"My dearest, you and your friends were given quite a task. To ensure that all seven horcrux are destroyed. Yes, I know all about them. In fact, I first learned of some many years ago. I know that some have already been placed and or destroyed. That you and your friends plan to find and destroy the remaining Horcrux."

Understanding fell upon her face. "You're going to help me…us…find them?"

Ernand nodded. "Yes. As a wraith in human form, I still have most of my powers. While we are still together, our nights not yet complete, I am bound to you and your will. Whatever it is you need, I am allowed to help you. And that is why you will first join your friends and set off on your journey."

Although the news was a bit unsettling, Hermione understood what Ernand was doing for her. For the world. Of course, he hadn't told her that as unless as her wish was, he simply could not comply with it. No one could, whether human or not. But she must know that, he mused.

"I will come again for you before the wedding you have been invited to, no doubt with news of some of the Horcrux. It won't be easy, as I need to remain in human form. But I have many connections from both my world and yours. They can help, but time must pass while I reach them and learn what I can."

"Is there anything I can do?" She asked.

"Continue your research in the Abbey. I am certain you will gain more knowledge to benefit our quest."

Days…weeks?...passed as Hermione threw herself into her research. Ernand was correct in that she found critical information hidden in tombs beneath the Abby, discovering interesting passages that she copied to take with her when she, Ron and Harry set off on their search. She hadn't heard from Ernand yet, but had received a reminder from the Weasley's about the upcoming wedding. It was in two days, and she would have to go to the Burrow the next day as she was now part of the ceremony.

That meant Ernand was supposed to come to her by tonight. She didn't think he would come while she was at the Burrow. She was a bit unsettled that Ron had seemed more than anxious for her arrival. That meant he would hardly let her out of his site. She loved Ron, she knew that, but didn't Ernand complicate things purposefully?

Even more unsettling, Hermione had received a letter from Hogwarts. Minerva had offered her the Head Girl position, even suggesting that she could keep the position should other events arise. Another girl was already chosen to be her stand in, Padma Patil from Ravenclaw. Hermione wondered who had received Head Boy. Surely not Ron or Harry, especially since it wouldn't be wise to have acting Heads for both positions.

Meanwhile, Ernand had just apparated himself back to England after a long, strenuous trip. He had never spent so much time in his human body, and had felt the effects. He had most of his powers, but still…he was exhausted! He found himself in Hermione's house, and settled on her bed for a rest before she came home.

His journey had started in Ireland where he found Severus Snape, hiding among some ruins. He knew the man was innocent, well, rather forced to do his deed at the encouragement of Dumbledore himself. The war would have to play itself through before his innocence would be found. But Ernand knew Severus have vital information and would not hesitate sharing it with the wraith.

Severus had felt his presence during the Triwizard Tournament, almost catching him before running into young Mr. Potter and accusing him of stealing certain potions. The man had been relentless at trying to locate the wraith, as Snape was indeed powerful, but Ernand knew how to escape him. Potter had been an easy mark.

After finding the former Professor, the two joined together to find out more information about the remaining hidden Horcrux. They had been successful to a point, and he knew where to send Hermione and her friends.

Ernand awoke from his slumber to find Hermione sitting beside him on her bed.

"Coimbra." He whispered as he took her in an embrace. He nuzzled her neck a bit before kissing her on the lips. She complied.

Minutes later he explained. "There is a Horcrux in Coimbra, near the University"

"Isn't that in Portugal?"

"Yes, the university was founded centuries ago. Thirteenth century, western time, I believe."

"It's north of Lisbon, no?"

"Yes. There are some of the original ruins there, but not many. Most of the buildings were rebuilt, some in the last hundred years. But in the gardens nearby, on the hill, there is a fountain. It is older than many believe, as it was made by wizards. We believe it is there."

"We?"

He ignored her question. "We couldn't go there, that is for you and your friends to do." He kissed her again and brought her down on top of him.

Ronald Weasley was getting his final fitting with his dress robes for the wedding. He had two new sets, courtesy of the twins (their parents had already paid for enough, so they offered to spring for Ron and Ginny's robes), one for the rehearsal dinner and one for the wedding. Looking in the mirror he was glad he didn't see the nightmare of robes he had worn to the Yule Ball.

He wondered what Hermione would think when she saw him…heck, he was wondering what she would be wearing for the dinner! He had already seen the bridesmaid dresses, but they didn't do anything for him…yet. He had to see her in them.

His mind drifted back to Dumbledore's funeral, when she had been in his arms needing comfort. He wasn't ready to admit (to us readers) that he had needed her comfort as well. She felt so soft, yet so…well, just not delicate. She wasn't like other girls. She had fought Deatheaters and punched Malfoy in the nose. He didn't even think delicate was in her vocabulary. Too many words in there already, he thought with a laugh.

"Mate, you ready?" Harry said peeking his head through the dressing room curtains.

"Blimey, Harry…what if I was changing?"

"Looks more like you were daydreaming." Harry scoffed. "Come on, the others want to get out of here. Charlie's taking us for an early supper, so your mum doesn't have to cook."

"I'll be out in a minute." Ron said. Harry left, and Ron took one more glance at himself in the mirror. He held his arms out as if he were dancing. Still looks good, and comfortable, too. He thought in regard to the deep crimson suit. This set was for the wedding himself. The bridesmaids were wearing a soft rose color, and he could imagine himself and Hermione together, dancing at the reception.

He suddenly snapped out of his thoughts and quickly got dressed. "Bloody hell, I'm starving."

He could swear someone said "I heard that!"

Hermione leaned into Ernand's arms as he pulled her down on top of him. She kissed him back eagerly, feeling his hands slide up her shirt as if to take it off. She slipped the garment over her arms and tossed it aside, then helped him out of his. After a few minutes, not wanting to wait anymore, Ernand snapped his fingers and the rest of their clothing had disappeared.

Hermione moaned as he slipped inside of her. She was already wet for him, and let him help guide her. They hadn't done this position yet, after their intense lovemaking in various other positions before she had been too exhausted. Now she was ready, and soon was setting the pace for them. Ernand kept his hands firmly on her waist, watching as the girl threw her head back as she kept moaning.

It wasn't long before his pace quickened and he came inside of her just as her orgasm started. Not sure if it was complete, he slipped out and brought her hovering over his face and buried his tongue inside her. Her body twisted but he held her in place as he sucked on her most sensitive spot until she finally shattered. He licked her clean before pulling her down to cuddle with him. She soon fell into a gentle sleep.

When Hermione awoke Ernand was sitting at her desk going over some maps and documents. He had enclosed each in a plastic cover and used colored permanent markers to pinpoint routes and places. Hermione walked over to watch, her body still naked. She felt no shame in doing so, with Ernand…he let her embrace the natural form. He was naked, too.

"Is that where Coimbra is?" She asked looking over his shoulder.

"Yes, there is a public apparition point in Lisbon, but I wouldn't suggest it. There's no telling whose watching, especially since you would have to leave from a public port in Diagon Alley. I took the liberty of buying three tickets to go through the tunnel, once in France you can easily hop on a bus to Portugal. It will be faster going to Lisbon first, as the mountains routes are fewer and non-direct."

"Wow! You really helped us out, here."

"It was nothing. We…I had to do the same wherever I went."

"Your not going to tell me who you were with?"

Ernand shook his head. "Not yet. The time is not right. You will need to find some things out on your own, first."

Hermione nodded. She knew better than to ask if this person was trustworthy, as Ernand certainly knew more than she did… a lot more.

The next morning Harry and Ron woke with a deep pounding in their heads. Dinner with Charlie had been more than just…dinner. Ron hadn't even noticed the girls were missing until it was too late. They had been taken to the Owl Call, which served a mediocre meal plus a fabulous show. A strip show, to be more exact.

Pitchers of ale and shots of firewhiskey helped complete the meal, as had several lap dances to some of the "stag" party members. While mostly they were for Bill, a couple of girls had given free ones to Harry and one to Ron. Fred, George and Charlie had several themselves. Ron wasn't sure, but hadn't the latter three disappeared for awhile? And hadn't some of the dancers?

Ron shook his head and saw the two hangover potions were by his bedside. Opening one and draining it, he tossed the other to Harry. "We'll be ready for another day of mum's preparations in no time."

"What if I'm still not ready?"

Ron laughed. "No worries, this variety of wondrous potions is the best of its kind."

"That's what I'm afraid of." Harry replied as he gulped down his own. By the time he tossed it into the waste basket, Ron was off to the shower. He was back a minute later.

"Bloody hell, there's a line."

To be continued…