Well, I was going to wait a little longer to update, but I'm impatient so yeah. Hope you guys enjoy!

CHAPTER 7

...

"You're doing it again," she whispers against my lips.

Her hand runs up and down my arm lightly, spreading fire under her fingertips, as she shifts on top of me, her hair cascading around us like a curtain. Turning my head away I look at the stone wall. My thoughts won't stop, the Thing won't stop mocking me.

"Sorry, it seems I'm a little off tonight," I reply softly.

Her fingers grasp my chin and turns my head back to hers before she leans in and kisses me hard. I feel breathless as heat begins to crawl through my veins. Soon her tongue swipes my mouth and I open my own, our tongues clashing as she presses into me. My breathing hitches as I feel her fingers roll over my nipple, sharply pulling and I moan in pain and pleasure.

Suddenly she grabs my neck with such force I start to see black spots as her hand wonders down between my legs, the place I'm aching for her touch, teasing me. In my frustration I lightly bite her tongue and taste blood. She practically growls in my mouth squeezing my neck even more.

"Your impudence will not be tolerated," she whispers seductively before feeling her wand against my pelvic bone. "Perhaps this will remind you of who you are sharing your bed with," she breathes into my ear before slamming her fingers inside of me. "Crucio."

I scream. My skin feels on fire, my insides churning and melting, my muscles feel like they're tearing a part. My legs move frantically with her fingers and her mouth descends on mine, teeth clashing before brutally biting down and tearing into my lip. I am in Hell. The tidal wave begins to build, my mind is coming undone.

Almost.

Almost.

Almost.

I feel my body curl, my oxygen giving out, she pulls my body upwards, her hand fisting in my hair brutally yanking it back. Lips nick and lick on my neck. The pressure is building at the base of my spine, words that have no meaning are falling from my mouth. My hands hold onto her as I feel it.

I'm on the edge, right on the fucking edge.

"Let. Go," she demands roughly.

And I'm falling over the precipice, pleasure slams into me as I ride it out, wave after wave with such force I'm nearly sobbing. My body breaks, the curse lifts and we collapse together on the floor.

We lay there in silence, regaining our breath. She finally turns towards me, her red hair clinging to her body with sweat.

"Parkinson killed herself," Moira says blandly. "The little twit threw herself off the Astronomy Tower. Be ready, Dumbledore will not be lenient this time," she finishes before standing up and gathering her clothes.

"He has no proof," I spit out. "Parkinson, is not my problem. If she felt the need to rid herself from the world, then good. We're all better off for it."

"Be that is it may," she responds while getting dressed. "But you were sloppy this time, Parkinson's memory started coming back. And they found her in enough time to extract those memories before the bitch died. If she remembers anything of that day in the chamber, he'll send you straight to Nurmengard."

Unacceptable. I refuse to rot in Nurmengard. But I can't help but feel dread crawling up my body. Moira's right. If Parkinson remembers our little 'girl talk' in the Chamber, I am royally fucked. I need to speak with Riddle. He'll know what to do.

...

"Settle down," Steward's sharp voice booms over the loud classroom. "We will begin dueling lessons shortly, so Ladies, feel free to head over to the Library and work on your assignments. Boys, pair up."

Hermione began gathering her book, parchment rolls and quill.

"I hear that Professor Pletchly will be supervising us today," Venecia whispered in her ear. "I swear, I think she really has it out for you."

Yeah, no shit.

"Humph, well if the woman would loosen that knot on top of her head, maybe she would relax some," She replied as the two girls made their way to the door.

"Hermione!" Venecia reprimanded but still giggled all the same.

"Miss Granger," Steward's voice called behind her.

God. What now? She turned to face him while trying to school her irritation.

"Stay behind. This would be an excellent opportunity for you to progress with your extracurricular readings." His voice was final, leaving no room for discussion. "You may read in my office."

"Sorry," Venecia mouthed before heading out with the other girls.

Irritation swept through her. Pletchly had assigned a rather long essay and due to her 'minor mishap' as the Professor so lovingly referred to as, she only had one night to get it done. She needed this study break. Not to waste time reading more about magical cores. Not to mention, she still had no fucking clue what she was going to do when Steward attempted to find hers.

"Sir-

"Go. Now." His voice was cold, demanding.

She saw red. Such an arrogant prick. This is a school, and as such, maybe we should teach him. The Thing cackled in her head. And Christ, did she want to. She wanted the bastard to know exactly to whom he was speaking to. Rage began to boil just below the surface. She could already see it, him falling down, screaming and thrashing. Blood dripping from his eyes, his mouth, his nose. His bones breaking, shattering, protruding obscenely under his skin.

Suddenly a touch on her arm broke the sick fascination.

"Breathe Hermione," Alphard's voice was low and soft.

She slowly looked up and saw his eyes peering at her warily. He's afraid of her, and yet here he is calming her down, bringing her back to reality. She almost pities him.

"Mr. Black, I do recall quite clearly to find a partner, not to stop for a chat with Miss Granger," Steward barked.

Immediately, Alphard's hand dropped from her person and he mumbles a 'Sorry' before stepping away and pairing up with Christlin Lestrange.

Hermione glanced over and sees a rather annoyed expression on Steward's face. What I wouldn't give to tear it off. She thought before quickly ascending up the stairs to his office. Pulling the book from her bag, she continued where she left off.

As she continued to read, she hears a loud ruckus below her. The boys, no doubt, were hexing each other to London and back. She's somewhat jealous. She longed to be able to release her magic, but due to her 'condition' it seems that it was rather impossible. To say she was frustrated, would be the understatement of the century. Though, she knew she should count herself lucky, the Thing, having kept her from losing her magic altogether, she didn't, she felt bitter.

She had been stupid, careless and sloppy. Parkinson, the bitch, was her downfall. Just the mere memory of the pug-faced little twit made her blood boil. She'd wish that she'd been the one to push the little bint off the tower, at least then she'd have the satisfaction of watching her hideous face cave in after hitting the stone ground. But alas, no, the little twit went and did it herself and fucked Hermione over in the process.

Trying to read was useless, she was too wound up, too agitated to pay attention and tossed the book aside. Steward's office was quite bare, as if he never tried to make it his. It was strange, then again, he was rather strange. She suspected there was more to her DADA professor than what met the eye. He was secretive, charismatic and charming. He had a warmness to him whereas Riddle lacked, and she almost wondered if was real.

An ornate chest from the corner caught her eye. Feeling a little mischievous, she got up and began to snoop. After all, if Steward was going to monopolize her time for absolutely no reason, then really it was his fault she's bored out of her mind. Slowly she approached the chest and lightly touched the wood. The object practically buzzed with magic.

Looking over her shoulder, she pushed up her large glasses and unlocked it. Suddenly black smoke emerged and quickly took the shape of a human, a girl and to her horror, as herself- without any glamours. Her long dark hair cascades over her shoulders, the familiar scars on her face, but it's her eyes, black and soulless that alarmed her the most.

The girl before her smirked wickedly, and suddenly she sees the familiar body of Ginny Weasley, broken, mutilated, bleeding and hideous laying at her alter's feet. It was sickening and exhilarating at once. She vaguely realized it was her greatest fear and deepest desire all at once. Her emotions were conflicting with one another. She knows she should get rid of it.

Just a minute longer.

"Ridikkulus,"a voice said behind her, and just like that, the form begins to change to something unrecognizable before being driven back into the chest.

Slowly she turned her head and finds Steward leaning casually against the wall with an unreadable expression on his face.

"You should be more careful Miss Granger, you could've been hurt."

"It was only a boggart Professor, I highly doubt it could do much more other than try to scare me," she snapped getting up rather ungracefully.

"I'm surprised you recognized it," he said with a lifted brow before walking towards her, having her trapped between himself and his desk. "Even more surprised by what shape it took," he finished darkly.

Immediately her breathing quickened. He was much too close, and little hairs on the back of her neck stood.

"What are you doing Sir," she asked in a mousy voice.

"Merely making an observation Miss Granger," he replied with a cold glint in his eyes.

"It was only a scary image," she said shakily.

"Do. Not. Play. Dumb." He enunciated backing her into the desk with such force his quill holder fell over, clattering to the floor. "With me," he finished darkly, his arms on either side of her, effectively caging her in.

His face was mere inches from her own, his breath hot on her cheek. His magic began swirling dangerously between them both. It cackled and bit at her skin harshly. It was so overwhelming she felt faint. It was deliciously powerful and all consuming, had she not been accustomed to such power, she would have been afraid.

"I-I-I," she stuttered attempting to save face while gripping the edge of the desk hard. "I'm not," she breathed submissively and lowered her gaze.

She half expected him to move, but he did not. He remained rooted to the spot. Then his hand shot out and wrapped around her throat forcefully while pulling her to his chest.

"Let me be clear Miss Granger," he breathed hotly in her ear. "The rest of these fools might believe that a ghost" He spat the word as if disgusted. "Expended a rather large amount of dark magic, but I am no idiot." He said while digging his wand into her abdomen. "I am not sure what happened in that bathroom, but rest assured I will find out." He finished before letting her go quite forcefully, ignoring her coughing.

His eyes were dark, with a predatory glint. He was playing with fire and her patience had damn near worn out.

Enough.

Leaning over and coughing more she began to laugh, the sound hysterical even to her own ears. His eyes narrowed at her personality shift. Slowly she stood up straighter. She was not afraid and no longer interested in playing this little game with him.

"With all due respect Steward," she spat. "I really wouldn't go putting that nose of yours in my business. You might not like what you find," she finished, chest heaving some before reaching the door. "It would be a shame if something rather unpleasant happened to you," she finished with a cruel smirk before exiting, leaving behind an extremely flustered Professor.

...

Damn it all to hell. How could I be so stupid!

Perhaps this is the best course, that little tongue of his was most taxing. The Thing purred at her. And it was, regardless though, she had dropped the mask of being the submissive and good, little mediocre child and had shown a flash of her true face. It was too late now to go back, unless she obliviated him, which she knew was highly unlikely to be successful.

"Fuck," she swore while tossing her jumper on the bed forcefully.

This was not good. At first Riddle was her main concern, but now, remembering the way Steward's magic lashed powerfully at her, this was just as bad, if not worse. Sighing some she collapsed on her bed.

What the hell am I going to do now?

The thought hung in the air. Truth was, outside of killing the damn bastard, she hadn't the faintest clue how to handle this. But killing him was not an option. He was a teacher, his ties to the board could raise suspicions to the Ministry. No, she'd just have to tread carefully from now on and watch her back.

Images of the boggart filled her mind. It was strange seeing herself considering she hadn't looked like herself for some time now. She hadn't altered her appearance too much, just hid the scars, made her hair shorter and more frizzy. Her fractured magic was to be blamed for her sickly, pale skin. But it was obvious that the form was her, and the fact that Steward saw it, was nothing but trouble for her.

He was now going to be watching her like a hawk.

So much for going unnoticed. She thinks with a snort.

What she wouldn't have given to have Moira here. Her friend always did know what to do. Of course, Moira probably would have already unleashed Riddle on her for the sake of just something to do, so then again, maybe not.

Suddenly the door flew open, hitting the wall with such a bang she nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Okay, you have to help me pick out the perfect dress robes!" Venecia all but shrieked as she ran into the dormitory.

The girl immediately threw open her trunk and started tossing gowns on the bed like a mad woman. Fabric went flying along with accessories and Hermione just stood there dumbfounded at the sight.

"Hello!" Her friend practically yelled, flailing her hands in the air dramatically. "Slughorn's party is only three hours from now and I have no idea what to wear! Emergency Hermione! EMERGENCY!" She over pronounced.

"It's just a party Venecia, it's not as if the School is on fire," Hermione replied scathingly.

Venecia's eyes went wide before narrowing in the most scary expression she'd ever seen.

"Just a party?" She hissed and immediately Hermione backed up with hands in the air.

Holy hell! She looks possessed!

"Just a party!" She screamed quite loudly. "Only the most important wizards are in attendance! I have to find the perfect dress or I'll be the laughing stock and my future will be absolutely ruined!" She shrieked and collapsed on her bed sobbing.

Sobbing!

Oh for Christ's sake! This is ridiculous!

Regardless of her friend's dramatic antics, she felt pity for the poor girl and with a suppressed groan slowly went to her.

"Look, you're right," she said patting her awkwardly on the back.

"No, you think it's stupid, you think I'm stupid!" Venecia wailed.

God, girls these days! I am not equipped to handle this!

"It's not stupid, and neither are you," she continued in a tone she hoped sounded soothing. It probably wasn't.

Venecia's sobs died down some.

"Really?" She replied with a hiccup. Her eyes bloodshot and puffy.

The whole scenario was just ridiculous.

"Really," she said before picking up a powder blue gown. "This one is pretty," she said handing it to her.

Her friend held the gown, eyeing it somewhat as she tried to calm down.

"I suppose," she said with another hiccup. "I could try it on."

"Yeah, go on. I promise I'll tell you if you look awful in it," Hermione said with a smile.

Venecia stood shakily and got undressed quickly before slipping the dress on. It was rather beautiful. It had an empire waistline, with a gauzy material on the outside. She looked exactly like a princess from a fairy-tale.

"It's beautiful, and you look gorgeous in it," Hermione encouraged.

Venecia positively beamed.

"You think?" She asked softly. "My mother bought it from Paris."

Paris. Of course.

"I promise," she replied.

"Do you think," her friend started and toyed with her hands before biting her lip some. " That Mr. Riddle will think I'm pretty?" She asked bashfully.

Oh shoot me now. She internally groaned. How could she have forgotten! The mere idea that Riddle had an interest in her friend made her nearly see red, but she was also concerned. Riddle always has a reason for his actions, and she knew his interest had absolutely nothing to do with him being attracted to Venecia.

But her friend looked up and there was so much hope in her innocent eyes. And damn it, she didn't want to ruin her night. Sooner or later she'd find out what the snake wanted and she'd chop his fingers off if he dared to do anything uncouth towards her friend.

"He would be blind not to notice you in that gown," she replied with a strained smile.

Immediately the girl grinned and skipped to the dressing table.

"Well, my hair and makeup has to be perfect! Imagine! Maybe we'll dance and if I'm lucky he might even kiss me!" She said dreamily while leaning on her hand.

Ugh. I'd sooner cut out my tongue than lip lock with that creep!

"One can only dream," she replied instead.

So what do you think so far? I'm trying to make the chapters longer, my ADD kicks in so I have a hard with that. As of now, I will be posting once a week.

Things are finally heating up between Hermione and Steward!

And speaking of Steward, how do you find him so far?

Well, Dear Readers, please let me know all your thoughts. I really appreciate all your opinions, they really make my day and keep me motivated!