A/N- Still don't own anything to do with Harry Potter. Still don't make money from this fic in the least.
Dinner was enjoyable and after they finished they went for their walk along the beach. Hermione was certainly enjoying this time together. He was a good date. He wrapped his arm around her and she leaned against him, satisfied with this arrangement. "You seem happier."
"I can't be upset about this arrangement when I enjoy your embrace and your body against mine," she said. He smiled and Hermione saw that same softness appear again in his eyes. He liked that she wanted him. That she genuinely, truly wanted him. Was that what he wanted all along? Her to desire him? He'd told her that she was his from the start. And he'd admitted to never having a girlfriend before. She kissed him and he softly moaned into her mouth as the kiss intensified. Hermione smiled into the kiss. Her lover was a very, very complex man. She ran her tongue against his lips and he immediately opened them. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and moaned into his mouth. "Maybe we should go back to the room," she whispered. "I want you right now."
"Yes ma'am," he smirked before pulling her with him back up toward their hotel.
Hermione ran back to their room, laughing as he caught her and kissed her madly, "Almost there," she whispered.
"Very close," he nodded, using the card key to open the door. Hermione pulled him in and slid the 'do not disturb' sign onto the door before shutting it and engaging the extra lock.
When they woke the next morning it was to a bright sun outside. Hermione smiled, "It's beautiful out."
"I prefer the view indoors," he said, his hand moving over her body. Hermione arched into his touch and he leaned down to kiss her, "We should take a shower before we go down to the beach."
"I'm glad we're in the north," she said, watching him get up, "it's warm up here still."
"It won't be if we have to go to Chile or Peru. We'll be up in the mountains then, it's winter there."
"Well hopefully we won't have to," she said, "less skin showing there."
"That would be a tragedy," he admitted, glancing at her body as she got up and moved to him, "you should never wear clothes."
"I do have to wear clothes though, Voldemort."
"Not around me you don't," he caressed her body, "I like this view."
"Me too," she smiled. "I wouldn't mind showering alone though. Get some time apart from you."
"You'll have that come September," he responded, pulling her into the bathroom with him.
September 1rst Hermione was at King's Crossing with him. Their search throughout South America had been fruitless, as far as his quest went. But their bond had become much tighter. Playing the part of a young boyfriend he kissed her gently, "Goodbye," he whispered.
"I'll miss you," she smiled.
"That I am certain of," he smirked. "I will miss you as well, Hermione."
She leaned up to his ear and whispered, "I'm sure you will figure out a way to be with me when you want me." She pulled back and kissed him, "Be careful."
"Always," he returned the kiss and leaned in to whisper, "you know how to reach me if you need me. For anything," he added, his tone changing to a familiar, suggestive one he used in the bedroom. Hermione didn't blush. He would have liked to see her blush then. He walked her to the entrance, her trolley with him. "Take care of yourself, Hermione."
"I will," with one last look at him she entered the barrier to Platform 9 3/4. On the other side she saw Harry and Ron. She smiled at them as she walked to the front of the train, where herself and Blaise Zabini would be. He gave her a courtesy smile and helped her get her trunk and Crookshanks' cage up into the train. "Thank you," she said as they got it up onto the rack.
"I-uh-I'm going to try to be nicer to you. I'm sorry about that crack I made before."
"You're forgiven," Hermione said. Blaise walked to the door and she stopped him, "Blaise?" He looked at her, patiently waiting for her to continue, "My friends…they never talk to me. Not since I was kidnapped. It'd be nice to have someone to talk to."
"Sure," he nodded. "I have to go say goodbye to my mother. Then I guess we can talk about our living arrangement?"
"Sounds good," she nodded, smiling. Blaise left and she leaned back into the chair. Voldemort had taken care of Zabini's insensitive, rude attitude. What had he done to him?
Their trip back to Hogwarts was long. They patrolled the train once each but spent most of their time in the front getting to know one another better. They were nearly there when he cast the spell on their carriage, "We're avoiding a topic."
"Once we're in our private and heavily warded rooms." He nodded. The train slowed and they exited, climbing into the first carriage. She smiled at Hagrid as she entered it. "I was an outcast our first year. It wasn't as lonely as this."
"I've never been social here. It's easier."
Hermione nodded, she understood that. "Are we sharing quarters?"
"I don't know. I would imagine we aren't. They are big on segregating the boys from the girls, after all."
When they entered the castle McGonagall led them to their quarters. "The two of you share living quarters, but private bed and baths."
"That sounds good," Hermione said, smiling at the Centaur painting that covered their door. Upon entering she was impressed. Their living quarters were quite large, with two doors at opposing ends.
"The door to your right is Mr. Zabini's. Miss Granger's is to the left. Your bathrooms are connected to your bedrooms. Did your letters make your duties clear?"
"Yes," they both nodded.
"Very well. You can now head down then. The password to your quarters is 'chimichanga'. You are welcome to change it."
McGonagall left and they looked at one another, "Wanna peek into our bedrooms?"
"Definitely," Hermione nodded. Blaise smirked and they went to Hermione's door, peeking their heads in. The room was red. "I'll have to change that."
"Bet mine is green," Blaise was right. His room was green. "Let's go see the prefects then," he said, picking up the envelopes with the common room passwords. "Ladies first," he said, holding the door for her.
"I like this new side of you," she admitted.
"You're not as insufferable as I might have expected," he shrugged. Hermione rolled her eyes. It would take baby steps with Blaise, apparently.
When they returned to their room after dinner Voldemort was sitting on the couch. Blaise immediately bowed, "My Lord," he said.
"Up, Zabini." His tone was very short. Hermione wondered if something had gone wrong. He seemed angry to her. "I want it clear. No one can know of your alliance with me, is that understood?"
"Yes sir," Zabini nodded.
He looked at Hermione and his tone softened somewhat, "Your bedroom. And if it's a Gryffindor theme change it immediately. I don't intend to sleep in a room devoted to that loon."
His words were still harsh, but she knew him well now. She moved to her doorway, pulling out her wand and casting spells to change the colors. Her bathroom was not in Gryffindor colors, which she was glad for. She re-entered the living room, "Fixed it."
"Good," he moved to her and they kissed lustfully as he pushed her into her bedroom, shutting and warding the rooms heavily with only his wand, "Strip for me. I want a show."
"Bad day?"
"Just do it," he said, removing his robes and sitting in the chair. He slid his shoes off, "I don't want to do anything but watch your body and then fuck you."
"Okay," she moved toward him, sliding out of her school robes. He smiled at her uniform. Not bad at all. She certainly wore that well. She moved to him, unbuttoning her shirt slowly as he watched. Her bra was green lace. Had she expected him tonight? He figured she had. The girl certainly didn't like Zabini. He licked his lips as she removed her skirt, unzipping it slowly and turning as she let it fall. Voldemort cocked his head to the side, admiring her body. Once out of her shoes she moved to his lap, straddling him, "Feel better yet?"
"Now I do," he muttered as her head lowered to kiss him. Voldemort returned the kiss with passion, his hands moving over her body as Hermione dutifully removed his shirt. She removed his belt and smiled. He was already hard. They kissed eagerly as she undressed him, Hermione groaning into his mouth. He felt as good as always. Hermione pulled his cock free and stroked him, lifting her hips. "Keep your underwear on," he ordered, watching her slide it to the side so she could move down on him. He groaned when she had his full length inside of her. "Lean back," he whispered. She did as commanded and groaned at the position change.
"You feel so good," she gasped.
"So do you," he stood and picked her up, carrying her to her bed. He mumbled the spell to remove her underwear and bra and smiled. She looked best nude. They fell into the bed and they moved against one another, enjoying their familiar and passionate embrace.
Two hours later Voldemort lay sated next to her. Hermione snuggled close and closed her eyes, "Do you feel better now?"
"Yes."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No."
She nodded and kissed his cheek, "If you do, I won't tell."
Voldemort sighed, "I don't know where else we can look. I was so certain we could figure it out and now…now I don't know where to start."
Hermione nibbled his ear, "You could start with me," she whispered. "I love you. You will have me here. When I'm not here I'll be with you," she kissed him. "We'll figure it out."
"Well aren't you reassuring," he mumbled, leaning in to kiss her again. "I need to be immortal. I have no safeguards right now, Hermione."
"I know," she nuzzled against his neck, "but I have access to a very large library. I think I can learn something."
"Don't neglect your studies."
"I won't," she promised. "Stay the night?"
"Tonight I will. Tomorrow I'm headed south. Egypt. I'll continue to look on my own. I won't be back for some time."
Hermione nodded, then paused, "Umm, what if I need you?"
"I'm just an apparition away," he whispered. "Don't abuse it though. I will be loyal to you."
She closed her eyes again, "I want to sleep now."
"Sounds good to me," he tightened his hold and they fell asleep.