A/N: Wow, it's been a /long/ time since I've been able to update something, an absurdly long time in fact. I know that my original plan was to upload the first chapter of each of the stories that I had banging around in my creative centre but due to multiple things, including stress and starting college I just haven't had the time to contine with that until now. Also I've decided to go ahead and post chapter 2 of this story as opposed to beginning another one because of surprising number of reviews that this story has received.

Disclaimer - Anything you recognize doesn't belong to me, otherwise you wouldn't recognize it then would you. Also I would like to point out the fact that I have a terrible memory therefore if you see something that is very similar to another fic. that you've read, it is possible that I've read the story that had whatever it is that you've seen and had it stick in my mind even after I've forgotten that actual story. If that's the case I beg forgiveness as I'm only human, and a forgetful one at that, just let me know! Ok now that all that is done with, ON WITH THE STORY!

~ Chapter 2 ~

Startled by the unexpectedly masculine voice Hermione whirled around with wand in hand, a leftover habit from a long and dangerous war. Never having failed her before, Hermione's quick mind took stock of the person standing unexplicably before in only a few seconds.

Her first impression was that his hair was even wilder then her own. However where her hair was comprissed of riotious curls, his would be better classified as a mane of unruly locks. It didn't look like he'd brushed it in years and were those colored highlights mixed in with the fine strands of off blonde? The second thing she noticed was his rather wild clothing, who in the world wore tights anymore, and those boots…

"He's actually rather hot, the pants don't leave much to the imagination though." Embarrased and flushing red Hermione straightened her spine and stood before him resolutely, determined not to be imtimidated by this make-up wearing man.

"Who are you? Where is my cousin? And how in Merlin's name did you get in this house?" Hermione's quickfire questions seemed to amuse the man in from of her for some unexplained reason as was evident by his soft chuckle and the slight upturn of his lips.

"I am here because you called, my dear, and your cousin is exactly where you wished for her to be." The man showed a rather nasty grin as he took noticed the rapid loss of color in Hermione's cheeks.

"Don…Don't tell me that that book was for real? Are you actually suggesting that the goblins have come and taken my cousin away! That's utterly ridiculous, not to mention completely insane…" Hermione trailed off as she realised what she was saying. Who was she to say that goblins hadn't come and taken her cousin away due to her wish when she knew for a fact that goblins did in fact exist and she was a certified wand carrying witch.

"Listen here Jareth, you will give me my cousin back right this instant!" If she was right and this wasn't some sort of weird fever dream then she knew demanding her Krissy back would so her no could, however she felt like she had to give it a shot. If he was surprised that she knew his name it didn't show on his face and she had the feeling that he didn't often express his thoughts and emotions.

"It seems that I am at a disadvantage, you know my name but I do not know yours." It was not a question nor was it a demand, it was more like he couldn't imagine that she wouldn't immediately give up her name. As he looked down his rather aristocratic nose at her she was unpleasantly reminded of Draco Malfoy.

"My name is Hermione Granger, and you will give return Krissy to me." She didn't know what was going through her that possesed her to be so challenging, perhaps she was channeling Ron or maybe it was just that the war with Voldemort had left her feeling rather jaded.

"I'm afraid that I cannot do that Hermione, it is up to you to get your little cousin back. I never understand why you humans wish these children away only to harass me to give them back to you." He had turned his back to her and had walked over to the window, looking out along the neighboring houses, his features completely lit by the light of the moon. Hermione was struck silent by how ethereal and otherworldy he looked at that moment, finally realizing that it was no mere mortal that she was dealing with now. Lost in thought she subsequently lost the chance to reply and was snapped back to attention when he continued, all business again.

"Come Hermione and see where your cousin is." He gestured for her to join him at the window with a lazy wave from his gloved hand. As she reached him she was only moderately surprised to see that the view had changed to show a great expanse of maze surrounding a large castle and town. The morning light reflected off of the moss colored stone and it almost seemed as if the light itself sparkled, in short it was beautiful if a little downtrodden looking. Without noticing she reached a hand up to place it against glass panes and stumbled a bit when the glass wasn't there. Quickly regaining her feet, she straightened up and did her best to ignore both her own blushing cheeks and the cruely amused expression on the Goblin Kings face.

"It figures that he would show emotion only at my expense, definitely related to Malfoy though. I swear that smirk is patented." Now it was her turn to show Jareth her back as she examined and thought about the challenge before her.

"Let me make sure I have this right. I have thirteen hours to reach the castle at the centre of the Goblin City and when I do so you will return Krissy to me unharmed." Hermione still had her back turned to him so she was caught off guard when he spoke right near her ear, barely able to conceal the shiver that ran along her spine as his warm breath ruffled her hair.

"Yes, I shall return your cousin to you should you make it, however you only have twelve hours to do so." At this she whirled around to face him, surprised to find that he was not directly behind her as she had thought but rather a few feet back standing next to a large wooded grandfather cloak showing both hands at the twelve.

"But that's not what the book says. It clearly says that I receive thirteen hours in which to complete my mission. It's….it's not bloody fair!" Stamping her foot she crossed her arms over her rather, at least in her opinion, disappointing chest. However her anger was cut abruptly short when she saw the Goblin Kings face. The mixture of shock and anguish that showed up painfully clear on his pale face was the first honest emotion that he had shown and she couldn't help but wonder what it was that she had said to provoke such a reaction.

"What a strong reaction. There is more to this guy then meets the eye. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though, he was the books romantic male lead. Hmm, if all this is true I wonder if it all is?" Hermione cleared her thoat to ask him what in Merlin's name was wrong with him but the raspy sound seemed to snap him out of whatever it was that had come over him and his face became as expressionless as ever.

"Silly girl, whoever said that anything in life was fair?" His face may have become devoid of all emotion but his voice had taken on an icy quality and for some reason Hermione found herself honestly fearful for the first time. Taking her silence has acknowledgement he strode back towards her and took her chin in his hand, raising her face up to look into his eyes, which she noticed for the first time where not the same color.

"Are you sure that you want to go though all of this for some snotty little girl whom doesn't treat you with the respect you think you deserve? Just leave her with me and return home to your nice, normal life." Hermione found herself being drawn into his eyes and agreeing with his words until her quick mind caught his slip.

"The respect I think I deserve, I have rightly earned a little respect. Even if Krissy could never know." She squished the inkling of fear that was running rampant in her stomach and glared back at him. Her own voice had taken on a heated tone to match his glacial one.

"My life has been anything but normal for many years now, so don't pretend like you know all there is to know about me. I am going to get through your silly little maze and get my cousin back. Just watch and see." Jareth nodded his head condensendingly, looking neither surprised nor impressed at her impassioned words. In the next instance he was gone, the only sign that he had been standing there a moment before was the warmth lingering on her chin where he had grasped it between his leather-clad fingers and his voice ghosting along on the wind.

"What a pity."