A/N: A bit of a longer update and lots of stuff goes down here. I hope you enjoy. As always, your feedback has been truly amazing and I hope you let me know how you like what you're reading. Thanks all for your support.

Chapter 17

Minerva had rolled out the tartan carpet for the new arrivals. Hermione and Jasper showed up at the gates to Tarbert Castle jostled, tired, nauseous and bedraggled and within minutes they had been fed, changed, kissed and deposited in a ridiculously comfy sofa in front of a healthy fire.

Hermione fought to keep her eyes open while Minerva sat on the floor with Jasper, using her wand to make his new toy Hogwarts Express toot and chug across the hearthstones.

Minerva glanced at her sleepy lover and brushed a hand over her knee. "Go to sleep, Leannan. I've got him."

She nodded through a chestnut tendril and snuggled deeper into the cushions and was asleep in moments.

When the baby started to fuss and it was clear he was ready for his own nap, Minerva carried him to the next room, where his own crib and other nursery necessities had been brought from Hogwarts. She sat in the rocking chair and tucked Jasper close to her, so she could feel his soft breath against her neck. "You're getting big, laddie. We need to have a talk, you and I. I know when you were younger I told you I would only be taking care of you for a bit, until your own Mum was ready to. But, I want you to know that I will always be here to help you, lad. Always. You and Mummy are verra special to me and I wilna ever leave you. Is that alright with you, prìseil?"

Jasper lifted his head and wrapped a lock of black hair in his fist. "Min," he said sleepily and yawned mightily before laying his head back down on her shoulder and putting a tiny thumb in his mouth. He was asleep in minutes, lulled so by Minerva's gentle voice singing a well-loved Gaelic lullaby she remembered from her time on Avalon.

The elder witch deposited her charge in his crib, and made her way back to the sitting room. Careful not to wake Hermione, she crawled onto the huge sofa behind her and spooned her from behind. Hermione gave her a sleepy squeeze on the wrist and snuggled her backside into Minerva's hips before dropping back off to dreamland. Minerva placed a kiss on the nape of her neck and soon fell asleep herself.

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Hermione was standing in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil when Minerva walked in carrying Jasper, who was rubbing his eyes and mumbling "Juice."

Without saying a word, Hermione transfigured a tea mug into a sippy cup and summoned a small decanter of pumpkin juice from the icebox, pouring it into the cup in one fluid motion. She floated the cup to Jasper's grasping hands, but didn't let him have it. "Can you say 'please' Jas?"

"Pees."

"Good boy." He smiled through the sippy cup and drank heartily.

Without missing a beat, Hermione poured the boiling kettle into the teapot to steep, setting two mugs on the table and setting Jasper on her lap.

Minerva watched the well-oiled machine work for a few minutes before sitting down across from Hermione. "You're a natural, lass."

"Ha! I wish. Just a well-practiced multi-tasker, darling. There are days I've considered hitting you up for that time-turner you gave me in third-year."

Minerva poured the tea and forced a smile, a little thrown by the sudden reminder of their vast age difference and the memory of an adolescent Hermione, so different from the mature woman before her.

"I have an idea for this afternoon, if you're game."

Hermione shrugged. "You mentioned the loch and some very blush worthy activities in the heather. Beyond that, I have no idea what you have in store, Lady Tarbert."

"Finish your tea and I'll show you, lass. The bairn can come too."

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Less than 15 minutes later found Hermione standing in front of a horse paddock, face to face with a very large gray mare.

"No bloody way."

Minerva stepped up behind her, Jasper's hand wrapped around her finger, toddling unsteadily next to her. "Dinnae fash, lass. I'll be right behind ye. Like this," she stepped closer, so Hermione could feel her body heat and her free hand wrapped around her, hand on her belly. Hermione's heart sped up and her breath became shallow.

Hermione regained her wits and rounded on her lover.

"Minerva McGonagall, you have seen me on a broom. Rolanda Hooch laughed her face off and you nearly fell off your own broom trying not to, and now you want me to ride something that actually has a brain? You're mental."

"Come, now, leannan, it wasna that bad," she hid her errant smile. "Besides, Jasper wants to, aye laddie?"

"Hosey! Mama Hosey!" He bounced on his shaky legs until he lost his balance and plopped softly on his bum.

"Oh, I see. Using my son against me. This is bloody emotional blackmail woman, and you will pay for it."

"Aye, I suppose I will. I look forward to it." With that, she opened the paddock gate and approached her horse. "Halo grin each. Mo Leah. Socair gràdhag," and with practiced ease, she swung herself into the saddle. "Hold onto the laddie and hold still." Hermione did so while Minerva wordlessly levitated them into the saddle in front of them. Jasper clapped excitedly tucked safely in his mother's arms, while Minerva wrapped one arm securely around Hermione and the other grasped the reigns. "We'll go slow, for the bairn, but Leah loves to run. Next time, I intend to let her," Minerva whispered throatily into Hermione's ear, letting the promise and intent drip from her voice.

Hermione was torn between desire from the gruff words, indignation that Minerva would dare say such things in Jasper's presence and abject terror from being on the back of something living.

"Och, don't be such a pròis. Leah is verra gentle, aye?"

"I don't know what that is, but whatever it is, I intend to continue being it until I am off this horse."

It didn't take much; a hillside view of the sparkling loch, the moors coated with purple heather, the warm comfort of Minerva's presence and Jasper's exuberance, the gentle roll of Leah's gait or the sounds of the highlands surrounding them, but eventually, Hermione relaxed, stroked Jasper's curls, and sunk into Minerva's embrace, letting her head fall against a strong shoulder and occasionally brushing her nose against a soft chin. She was almost disappointed when Minerva moved Leah back into the paddock and deposited the pair of Grangers gently back on solid ground.

Minerva gave Jasper a small currycomb and showed him how to brush the parts of Leah he could reach, which was mostly the legs. If he was to spend any time at Tarbert, she'd see he knew how to care properly for a horse. Maybe someday, one of his own. He did so, holding onto Hermione's hand so he didn't fall over.

They made their way back inside, to a dinner of Cornish game hens and roasted vegetables and the best lemon custard Hermione had ever tasted, prepared lovingly by house elves who chose to spend summers off from Hogwarts, assisting Minerva with the Tarbert estate.

As Jasper nodded off in his custard, Minerva reached for Hermione's hand and stroked her thumb over soft knuckles. "I'm so very glad you're here."

Hermione smiled. "Come on. Let's get the wee one to bed and I'll show you how glad I am to be here."

Minerva lost all power of speech and flushed to the roots of her hair as Hermione sauntered from the dining room with her son on her hip.

After ensuring Jasper was out for the night, Hermione made her way from the nursery, through the sitting room and into Minerva's enormous bedchamber. She found her lover, clad in an emerald nightie, pouring whiskey into two heavy-bottomed tumblers.

On silent, bare feet, she walked slowly to Hermione, handed her a glass, and with her now free hand, drew her close so their hips came together, eliciting a tiny gasp from the shorter witch. "To Scotland and England. May their union be long and prosperous," she rasped nibbling naughtily on Hermione's earlobe.

"Mm. Cheers," was the throaty reply.

Both witches threw back their whiskey and Minerva set both tumblers on a nearby table with a deliberate 'thunk' before pulling Hermione into a deep, thorough kiss.

In her own surroundings and ensconced in a place she had spent her life building and nurturing, Minerva was a much more assertive lover. The power and confidence that she showed in her daily work came out and gone were the nerves and shyness of before.

She neither waited for permission nor gave Hermione the opportunity to take the lead, but instead relieved her of her clothing with purpose and made love to her slowly and strongly until Hermione begged her to stop when she couldn't take any more.

The young woman had never felt so completely taken. It was the most erotic experience of her life.

"Woah," she said throwing a forearm across her eyes.

"Aye," Minerva answered, raining kisses on a bare shoulder and pushing damp curls from Hermione's forehead.

Hermione rolled to her side to study her lover. "How the hell do you do it?"

"What?" Minerva was still distracted by the expanse of pale skin laid before her.

"Stay so young, so… virile." She grinned maniacally.

"Ugh. That is a dreadful word, leannan. Never use it again." Minerva sighed, a bit of sadness creeping back into her voice. "I am far from young, dear one, but if you must know, the animagus keeps me looking young, and I suppose, my daily runs as a healthy adult feline keep me in fairly good health. Dinnae let it fool you, lass. I wilna live forever, but as long as I do live, I shall attempt to stay young, for you." She had wanted it to sound lighthearted and flip, but it came out with earnest and yearning, hoping Hermione believed her.

"I will cherish every day, darling," Hermione answered with matched earnest, drawing her finger down a patrician nose. She then rose up on one elbow and drew Minerva's lips to her own. "Now, I am going to shut your mind off, all right, love?" and she drew practiced fingers over a slim hip, down the outside of a strong thigh and drew Minerva's knee over her own leg, opening her lover up to allow Hermione's hand to tuck into the moist folds now exposed to her.

Minerva let out a sigh and drew Hermione into another kiss. Hermione was gentle but purposed, pouring all her love into her kisses and strokes, until Minerva was no longer able to kiss her properly, but only gasp erratically into her mouth before throwing her head back in a throaty scream.

Chapter 18

Hermione woke, hours later in a tangled heap of limbs and green silk. She smiled, then giggled, then sighed happily, looking to Minerva, who looked impossibly young and unburdened in sleep.

"God, I love you," she whispered into ebony hair, settling back into a more comfy position.

She lay in those arms, unable to drop back off, her mind racing with the knowledge of what was to come. She knew, if she was ever to be truly worthy of this woman, if was ever going to be strong enough or brave enough or whole enough to deserve the love being offered to her, then what lay before her was her only course. It was then she realized there was no use in waiting any longer.

"It's time," she said to the ceiling before extricating herself from her warm sanctuary.

It didn't take long to dress, tuck a small vial in her back pocket and write a glowing note in the air above the bed with her wand.

Dearest Minerva,

Please keep an ear out for Jasper, though I hope to be back before he wakes.

Not to worry, darling, I simply couldn't sleep and decided to take to the south moor for a bit of stargazing. The sun will be up soon, so I shan't be gone long.

I shall give your regards to Cassiopeia.

I love you more with every breath,

Hermione

She felt guilty lying to her lover, but if Minerva knew what she was about, she'd never allow it and, as it was, would be right pissed when she did find out. Best to keep it secret until she was safe back at Tarbert. So, she pulled out her map of the highlands, conducted a rudimentary locator spell and transfigured the map into an elaborate star chart to throw her lover off the scent.

She glanced in the mirror in the front hall on her way out. She looked like a muggle bandit. Black pants, turtleneck and boots topped with a black stocking cap to cover her telltale hair would hopefully keep her hidden on her trek through the moors.

She apparated about a half mile from McLaggen Manor and brazenly strode to the front gate.

It was a piece of cake at first. A couple of drops of Jasper's blood opened the gates and she eased in without making them creak. She cringed inwardly as she petrified the tiny, angry house elf who met her at the door and she snuck up the back staircase, picking her way from gut feeling.

She opened door after door silently coming upon libraries, empty bedchambers and drawing rooms, until she came upon a heavy oak door emblazoned with the Gryffindor crest. A bit of bile rose in her throat at the thought that she once shared a common room with her attacker, but the lion on the door perked up her inherent courage and she pushed open the door.

She let the door to Cormac's room shut with a quiet 'snick' and tiptoed to his canopy bed, where he was snoring quite loudly. She pointed her wand between his eyes and spoke, loudly enough to wake him.

"I'm glad you're able to sleep soundly, you fucking rapist, because I wake screaming every night when you enter my dreams."

Cormac McLaggen woke to a pair of firey brown eyes and barely got out a choked "Granger!" before Hermione let go with her unencumbered spell.

"Incarcerous!" and thick black ropes shot from Hermione's wand and wrapped themselves around Cormac trapping him in his bed.

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Minerva came awake in the quiet pre-dawn hours when it was still dark, but the world was on the verge of awakening. She smiled, stretched and rolled over to wish good morning to the astonishing witch sharing her bed. She was met with cold sheets and a brightly glowing note shining above Hermione's side.

She frowned and rolled back onto her back. Something seemed off. If Hermione was going stargazing, why not invite her? If she couldn't sleep, why not have a cup of tea and read a book, as she usually did when she awoke in the night. Minerva sat up and noticed the star chart on the table across the room, but the parchment was faintly shimmering with Hermione's magic. In fact, the whole room was heavy with it.

At that moment Jasper's cry from the other room rang out clearly. "Mama!" he cried. "Mama!"

Minerva raced into the other room to find the boy standing in his crib, his face wet and red with tears and the amulet around his neck glowing angry scarlet around his neck.

"Oh, my dear boy, come here. What's happened to your Mama, eh? I need to find her."

Jasper was inconsolable and she bounced him on her hip as she made her way back to the star chart in her bedroom. The answer was here, somewhere, concealed by Hermione's magic.

Jasper reached out a tiny hand and laid it on the parchment, stripping it of the spell that had been cast over it and the parchment changed to its true form, giving up its secret.

"Good lad, Jasper." She leaned over the map, frantic to find where Hermione had gone. A pulsing, lavender dot pulsed hotly directly over a piece of open farmland next to a large estate labeled 'McLaggen Manor'

"Dammit Hermione, what the bloody hell have you done."

Minerva sprang into action, working fast and efficiently.

"Rennie!" she called and her house elf appeared at her side with a loud 'Crack!'

"Please watch the bairn, Rennie. Hermione's gone to confront her attacker and I need to go after her."

"Of course Mistress. Come lad, let's get you changed and put back to sleep, aye? Dinnae worry, Mistress, he's in good hands. Off with ye."

"Mòran taing, Rennie."

She then sent an urgent Patronus to Harry at Godric's Hollow and another to the Ministry calling for reinforcements and apparated to McLaggen Manor, following Hermione's magical signature.

On her first approach of the gates, she was thrown back violently from the wards. She got to her feet and transformed to her animagus form. It wouldn't get her through the wards, but at least she would be camouflaged. Old highland manors were lousy with cats just like her, she'd never be noticed attempting to gain entry. As she approached the wards again, she was careful not to come so near the gates that she would be detected. How would she get through? Would she have to wait for the Ministry to arrive, and even then, would they be able to enter? What was going on inside? If she requested entry, would McLaggen simply allow her in? The striped tabby paced back and forth in front of the gates, weighing her options and becoming more distressed as minutes ticked by.

Then she saw it. A flash of glass in the moonlight. A vial. Upon closer inspection, a vial of blood. Jasper's blood. Of course. There was just enough left. She transformed and without thinking, smashed the vial against the gates and burst through the wards, tearing into the house at a dead run.

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"Ropes, Granger? I never made you for the kinky type. It's always the quiet ones, aye? I admit, I'm glad you came back for more." McLaggen sneered, his voice dripping with vile intent. "Release me, so I can give it to you proper."

"Not a chance."

Hermione's determination ignited the young Scot's anger. "You fucking bitch!" He struggled against his bonds. "Lemme go!"

"No. You have a choice, Cormac. I can gently put you under a sleeping curse and quietly take you to the Ministry myself, where you will turn yourself in for my kidnapping and rape, or, with a flick of my wand I can send a Patronus and have the entire Auror department up your arse in a matter of minutes."

"Or," another voice, dripping with the same vileness as his son's, came from the doorway behind Hermione, "I can do what my idiot son should have done in the first place and wipe your entire memory. No more Harry Potter, no more war heroine, no memory of that bastard son of yours. Clever girl, using the wee dobber's blood to break our wards, but there's nobody here to rescue you now, is there ya wicked besom."

Cormac's father raised his wand, an evil glint in his eye. "Oblivi-"

"Expelliarmus!" The evil man's wand flew from his hand and landed gracefully in the hand of Minerva McGonagall, standing in the doorway like an avenging angel, windblown and angry. She strode into the room and lifted the man, who was shorter than she by several inches, off the ground by his shirt collar. "Hello, Hamish. It's been too long. Lay, one hand on her, gomeral, and I'll chuck you from the nearest window, aye?"

"Minerva, you wretched woman." He smirked. "Thank Merlin you spent all those hours teaching me wandless magic in our Hogwarts days, eh. It's about to come in handy. We'll meet again soon," and he was gone, wandlessly and wordlessly apparating away, leaving her hand empty.

"Bollocks." Minerva flexed her hand as though she could will him back into her grasp.

"Da! No! Da! Come back and help me, you coward! Meatach! Argh!" The younger McLaggen struggled again against his bonds.

"Quiet, you. Minerva, I-" Hermione kept her wand trained on the boy on the bed while trying to gain her lover's attention.

"Don't speak." Minerva levitated a still tied Cormac off his bed and down the hall, and out of the house. The boy struggled and thrashed and screamed the entire way. Hermione had no choice but to follow behind her.

By the time they reached the manor gates, aurors had started to apparate into the perimeter around the house. Harry was the third to appear. Minerva threw her charge at his feet eliciting a frustrated grunt from the young man. "Get him out of here. The next time we meet, he'll either be in Azkaban stripes or I'll see him dead, understood, Mr. Potter?"

"Thank you, Professor. We'll take it from here." He peeked around Minerva and gave Hermione a hard look before grabbing his prisoner by the arm. "Come on mates, let's away," and he was gone, followed by his comrades.

By this time, Hermione was thoroughly abashed and near tears. "Minerva, please, I just-"

"Don't. Speak. Hermione."

She didn't. Instead, she stepped into Minerva's personal space and reached out a hand to stroke her cheek. Minerva grabbed her wrist with no sense of affection or kindness. Hard, green eyes bored into watery, frightened brown and Hermione nearly collapsed under the rage she saw boiling beneath Minerva's calm visage. Minerva closed her eyes to shut out the young woman, took a deep breath and promptly apparated them directly through Tarbert Castle's impassable wards and into the North Wing. They popped into the sitting room just as the morning sun peeked over the highland horizon, bathing the world in grey light.