The warmth from Hermione's tea was soothing in her hands as she stared at the crackling fire. The quiet was a much needed remedy to calm her nerves and relieve the unease of what happened only days ago. Lifting her cup she took a sip, relieved the small tremors decided to fade away over the course of a day. She worried about Severus, hoping he was recovering. She wanted so badly to see him, to make sure he was okay and to apologize for what had taken place, for knowing his tragic tale without him even telling it.

As she sits and thinks, her mind takes her beyond Severus. She'll be lying if that was the only reason she continuously pondered about that day. How could she? The words of Voldemort's longing for her outranked Severus's story and even the physical pain she experienced.

"When you arrived that night, I knew."

"What did you know?" she breathed in anticipation.

"I would never let you go."

Wasn't that what she was waiting for? A way to know that he is capable of caring. That he cares for her. The bond between them was strong and if her goal was to save him, to save Harry, she had to take action. But how? Questions fluttered in her head. What can I do? Can he be saved? Can they truly both be saved? But where do I start? Hermione downed the last remnants of her tea. The sound of china meeting the silver tray clanged loudly within the room. The disturbance caused Voldemort to look up from his reading. A wisp of confusion on his face.

"You said the tremors had stopped."

"What?" His comment took her off guard. "I mean, no, yes, I'm fine."

"Then what is it?" Hermione stared at Voldemort, then turned her head towards the fireplace, then once again back to him.

"I am a witch," she said. The look on his face didn't change, so she continued before he could say anything. "You told me that you found yourself listening to me." Hermione held up her hands when she noticed his mouth opening. She was somewhat amused when the wizard ceased and nodded for her to continue. "Good, because I need you to listen to me now."

"I'm listening," he said, not taking his eyes off her.

"It's very clear that Severus will not be returning anytime soon." Hermione instantly noticed the sneer on Voldemort's face. She once again held up her hands to indicate she wasn't finished. "That being said, perhaps it's time for you to fulfill a piece of our bargain."

"Bargain?" he questioned, placing his book down and once again focusing on her.

"Yes, our bargain."

"I believe it was an oath and I provided you what you asked for."

"You mean an antidote you deemed useless which in turn tricked me to get me here?"

"One in the same."

"Look, if I can't see Severus, then you will have to teach me." Voldemort stared at her for a moment with amusement. Hermione moved closer to him, swinging her legs over his, then molding her body to fit within his. "Will you?" She curled herself further into him when his arm wrapped around her. She was incapable of stopping herself from moving her face close to his neck to breathe in his scent. Nor did she stop herself from placing a stream of kisses up his neck.

"You know, you don't have to seduce me to agree to your request."

"Alright." Hermione moved to stand and laughed as Voldemort pulled her back down to meet her lips.

"The things you can make me do." Hermione only smiled and met his lips this time around.

Hermione took another drink of her tea, savoring the much needed remedy. Her brain needed a rest from learning, even if only for a short while. Learning was truly her favorite pastime, but she couldn't deny how she had grown to cherish these few minutes of closed books, silence, and the aroma of a robust black tea drowned in an obscene amount of milk.

Voldemort's new role as professor was a mixture of exhilaration and exhaustion. His lectures on the history of magic manifested into powerful sermons that demanded attention; a vastly different experience compared to the absolute boring teachings of Professor Binns. From the wonders of ancient magic to the complexity of Runes, she could listen to him speak for hours.

Her favorite moments so far have been the times they've spent on the rooftop of Malfoy Manor. She could easily sink into his words as they discussed advanced Astronomy and how powerful a spell could be just by the alignment of a particular star or planet. An extra bonus being the giddy feeling that caressed her every time he flew them down from the rooftop without any assistance from a broom. That was truly a sight and experience that took her breath away. She disliked flying, but within his arms she could easily change her mind.

"Are you finished?"

"Almost," she replied, turning her head to see a wisp of annoyance play on her professor's face.

"It's a quarter past 11. We still have Arithmancy to go over."

"Exactly, it's only been fifteen minutes," she replied. The look of annoyance did not waver one bit. "Come here and sit with me. Have a cup of tea, it'll do you some good." Voldemort made his way to the sofa and sat next to her. "Here, black, like your heart." Hermione laughed as his response was an over exaggerated eye roll. "Oh dear, am I becoming a bad influence on you?"

"Indeed," he answered, accepting her offering. Hermione leaned forward placing a tender kiss on Voldemort's cheek, before stretching her body to make herself comfortable on the sofa. She wanted to make this moment last as long as possible. It was these small things that allowed her to imagine they were just an ordinary couple. Relaxed, content, and taking pleasure in each other's company - well, she was at least. She can only assume he felt the same way as he finished his tea and placed her legs over his lap. He gently stroked the tops of her feet causing her to relax completely.

"I suppose Arithmancy is out," said Voldemort as he moved his hand further up her leg.

"Perhaps. I am quite fond of Arithmancy though."

"I believe I haven't discovered any subject you're not fond of," he replied while untying the drawstring of her lounge trousers. A smile graced her lips as Voldemort continued to touch her, exploring the tender skin beneath her belly button. She happily assisted his endeavors by pushing the waistline lower as a welcoming invitation.

"I'm also quite fond of other things as well."

"Is that so?"

"It is," said Hermione. "I have extensive knowledge in many things." She made her way to her cardigan unbuttoning the tiny buttons with one hand to slowly reveal her bare chest. "Shall I demonstrate, professor?"

"No."

The response caught her off guard. Lowering his head, he gently traced the line of her jaw with his fingers. His simple action managed to enhance her arousal. "It is I who will show you my extensive knowledge, love."

Before her brain could process what she heard, the quick pull of Apparition found her on a familiar bed with its soft dark duvet pressed against her now magically naked body. Hermione's breathing quickened as she watched him appear from behind the canopy curtains. The fireplace accented his form creating a haunting yet beautiful silhouette of his body. A body absent of any clothing and evident that he was ready for her.

Thanks for sticking around. Life caught up with me.

Thanks Pamela RR for your help!