When Hogwarts classes began again she and Blaise were back at school, acting as though nothing had changed. Well, except now Blaise wanted sex. He had more women in his bed than Hermione would ever have expected. But then, Voldemort had fixed it so Blaise couldn't have sex for a very long time. She understood wanting to and being unable to, even if hers was just Voldemort being gone. As for her, Voldemort was with her almost every night, making her scream his name as they fucked. He was so much more passionate now than he was before. She wondered why, but decided not to question the lust and passion he felt for her. She was enjoying it too much.

Voldemort looked at the old house of his father. It was believed to be haunted. He wished it had changed. That it had become the home of new families. "I thought I'd find you here," Voldemort smiled at the familiar voice. Of course.

"Dumbledore," he turned and the old man tilted his head to look at him. "I know, I look different. I didn't want to attract attention."

"Shall we talk, Tom?"

"About what?"

"Miss Granger," he answered, "and your nightly trips to Hogwarts."

Voldemort nodded and they entered the old house. "How long have you known?"

"Not very long. Only when you began coming every night did I become curious. I asked a house elf to check and they confirmed a man was sharing Hermione's bed. I knew it could only be you. No one else can get into Hogwarts. How did you break the wards?"

"My blood," he answered. "Salazar flows through me. The castle recognizes that. I used it to my advantage to see her. I altered the wards to recognize me each time; to let me enter."

"Yet you never try to kill me or Harry."

"No need. Besides, I'm not there for you."

"No you're there for her. I daresay you're the 'Ezio' she refers to?"

"Of course. No one gets her but me."

"She's your lover."

"She is."

"For how long?"

"Since this summer," he answered, shrugging. "I don't see why that matters."

"Did you ask for her?"

"No," he looked the old man over, "I learned Dolohov wanted her for a revel. I decided I wanted her."

"To save her?" Dumbledore was surprised.

"Yes. I do try to stop the revels when I know of them. But I knew I couldn't just say no. She was Potter's best friend. So I said I wanted her. Dolohov figured he would gain favor by giving her to me. So I got her. Didn't intend to keep her but she's smart and very useful to have around."

"Which explains why you let her return to her schooling. I presume she helped you find immortality," Albus cast a spell to light the fire, "why did she help you?"

"She loves me," he shrugged. "She wants me around."

Albus shook his head, "That doesn't sound like Hermione."

"She's not the little girl you recall."

"I could take her from you, hide her."

"I'll always find her Albus. If that means killing you or others to get to her so be it," Voldemort felt the anger growing. Take Hermione? Not a chance. He wouldn't let it happen. "She belongs to me."

"Does she know this?"

"She has from the start," he watched the old man, "don't even think of taking her from me."

"I wouldn't. But because it would hurt her, not you. She wants you, whether it's good or not is irrelevant. I let her down by not searching tirelessly for her when she was kidnapped. I won't let her down again by taking her away from the one man who has protected her."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Liar," Albus smirked, "you killed three men to protect her."

"I made sure my signature was wiped from their bodies."

"I saw you kill them. I would have stepped in had you not. She was glad to see you. Glad to have you there to protect her. I hadn't seen her light up like that in almost a year. You make her happy."

"Of course I do," Voldemort rolled his eyes. He glanced at the clock. He was now late. "I must go to her now."

Albus looked at him, "I'd say don't hurt her but I can't stop you from doing that."

"I would never hurt her," Voldemort said as he stood, "She is mine. I have always taken care of what is mine."

"And she will stand by as you kill her friends?"

"She and I have already discussed it. We compromised. She helped me, I'm going to end the Death Eaters. After I finagle one last thing."

"Kill Harry?"

"I'm so far beyond Potter now," Voldemort looked at Dumbledore, "I don't need him. Or you. I have what I've long wanted. And I got a lover in the exchange. Not bad for a Dark Despot. Now my lover is waiting and I'd hate to upset her or make her worry."

Dumbledore watched him Disapparate and sighed once he'd left. What did he have planned? And why did Dumbledore believe him?

"You're late," Hermione said. "I was worried."

"So sorry my pet," he caressed her cheek and kissed her. Hermione moaned into his mouth and they fell into the bed. He grabbed his wand and warded her rooms before entering her, Hermione's body thrusting up against him. "Mine," he growled.

"Forever," she gasped, pulling his head to hers and kissing him hungrily.

After their climax Hermione nuzzled his neck and sighed in contentment. Voldemort rolled onto his back and she moved to him, "My plans are nearly set to fall into place."

"So soon you'll be done?"

"Yes," he nodded.

Hermione smiled. "What's your big final plan?"

"Can't tell you," he caressed her cheek, "besides, there are better ways for us to spend our time." She rolled her eyes. He was always sidestepping it. She wasn't really sure what Voldemort was plotting. But she knew that he wanted her. And she liked that. They made love again before falling asleep together, Hermione nestled against him.