Chapter 10
Princhek townhouse, London Saturday, April 12, 2014
Miranda awoke to soft lips on her shoulder, skimming up her neck and resting behind her ear. She sighed with contentment. Keeping her eyes closed, her senses registered Andrea's body spooned tightly against hers, one arm under Miranda's pillow, and the other wrapped around her waist. I could get used to this. Luscious lips sucked on her earlobe, causing Miranda to groan. Memories of the night before, of the hours of lovemaking they had shared, flashed through her mind. She began to turn over, only to have strong arms prevent her.
"Oh, no you don't. I have you right where I want you," Andrea said in a teasing voice, her teeth nipping at her neck.
Miranda shivered. Andrea seemed to know every sensitive spot, every erogenous zone on Miranda's body, and the younger witch made sure to lavish attention on each one. Miranda had never felt so satiated. She wanted nothing more than to revisit these feelings as often as possible. No, no—not revisit them. She wanted to reproduce them. With Andrea.
A talented hand cupped Miranda's breast and massaged it gently as a taut thigh parted Miranda's legs slowly from behind. "Do you know that even while we slept, I was making love with you?" Andrea whispered. "I couldn't wait to wake up so that I could taste you again, feel you moving against me again," she continued as Miranda shivered with arousal.
"And yet you slept for an awfully long time," Miranda teased as she pushed backward, grinding into dark, wiry curls seductively.
"Mmm," Andrea moaned. "I was trying to figure out just how in my dream I was able to enter you from behind while tasting your addictive breasts," she whispered.
Whimpering at Andrea's words, Miranda arched, feeling both her nipples pulled while two hands pulled her hips more firmly into Andrea's body. How is she doing this? Miranda opened her eyes and looked down, spying Andrea's hands over her breasts and yet feeling them pulling at her hips in a hypnotic rhythm. She cocked her head, and yes, she saw Andrea's hands on her waist. Four hands?
"It's a handy spell," Andy said in a faux-serious voice. Miranda groaned at the substandard joke. "Okay, I know. That was a poor joke. I used a spell—a couple of spells—so I could love you more completely."
"And did—," Miranda interrupted herself by moaning loudly as those hands on her breasts manipulated them masterfully. "I-in your dream, did you figure out the answer to your question?" she asked breathlessly, the thought of it arousing her.
"Not yet, but I have a theory," Andrea said.
Miranda felt Andrea push her hips forward as she pulled Miranda's body closer, and she gasped when an extra appendage pushed into her dripping channel. "That is not a hand," she whispered, pushing back with a groan as the sensation of being filled so completely made her lose her breath.
"Mmm, no, that was the incantation I used the first time we were together. You seemed to like it," Andrea said.
Before Miranda could answer, both her nipples were pinched sharply. She gasped and arched again. Another set of hands ran up her thighs, parting them more as Andrea moved slowly in and out. "Oh, God!" Miranda exclaimed, her body reacting forcefully to the various stimuli. "How, how many hands do you have?" she stuttered out just before Andrea's next thrust hit her sweet spot and pulled a protracted groan from her.
Her eyes closed tightly as she undulated against Andrea's curvy body. Their rhythm quickened as Andrea sucked on her pulse point. She felt a hand sifting through her hair, fingernails gently scratching her scalp and moaned her approval. She felt so well taken care of, as if every single action was intended to bring her pleasure—which she knew was the truth. When nimble fingers began playing with her clit, she shrieked with delight.
"Well, I'll give you a hint: octomanus," Andrea teased as she nipped Miranda's earlobe, her eight hands working Miranda's body, overwhelming her senses and pushing her toward a powerful orgasm.
Unable to deny her body's reactions, not wanting to, Miranda wailed as she climaxed, wave after wave of intense sensation rolling through her as Andrea's hands relentlessly stroked her, massaged her, stimulated her, and all the while Miranda felt Andrea inside of her, filling her, completing her, satisfying her.
"Andrea," Miranda whispered. Hands ran over her body enticingly, rubbing her back, her arms, her legs, her stomach as Andrea continued to move against her and inside her with clear intent. Miranda leaned her head against Andrea's strong shoulder as she attempted to catch her breath. Her own hands rested on Andrea's arms—those connected to the hands gripping her hips—as their bodies moved in tandem. Miranda did not want these glorious sensations to end, enjoying both the aftershocks and her body's growing tension as it geared up for yet another extraordinary orgasm.
"You are so sexy, Miranda. I love touching you, feeling you respond to me," Andrea said, her voice colored with emotion. "God, you drive me crazy. I can't get enough."
"You seem to be doing a wonderful job of trying," Miranda panted as she pushed her ass backward, grinding into Andrea's body firmly. She smiled when she felt Andrea moan into her shoulder. "Mmm, Andrea, you feel delicious. Oh!" Miranda interrupted herself, distracted by Andrea's fingers rubbing her bundle of nerves in various patterns. "Harder," she instructed, clamping a hand on top of those teasing fingers and moving them to where she needed them. "Ah!"
Miranda could feel her inner walls squeezing rhythmically, and she smirked, knowing by the way Andrea's body jolted against her that her lover was close to losing control. A roar was pulled from Miranda's mouth as Andrea pushed her over the edge again. Several of Andrea's arms wrapped around her tightly and turned her on to her hands and knees while other hands—two, three?—pulled her hips up and another continued to stimulate her clit. Miranda could not stop moaning—each thrust pushing further, deeper, touching her so intimately as she tried to brace herself on her arms. She gave in completely, allowing Andrea to ride her, control her, wring out every bit of pleasure from her body. Miranda felt exhilarated, so alive and vibrant.
"Merlin, Miranda! You are so beautiful, so wonderful. I need you so much. I could do this forever," Andrea said breathlessly, her words flowing over Miranda's neck as she continued to thrust into her deeply. "I'm gonna-Oh my God, I hope you're close 'cause I can't hold out any longer," she huffed before letting out a loud cry.
The feeling of Andrea climaxing pushed Miranda into another orgasm, and her body shuddered as her world exploded. Vaguely she heard her voice mixing with Andrea's as she pushed backward over and over, their flesh slapping wetly for countless moments of pure bliss before Andrea pulled out of her and they collapsed into an exhausted heap.
Lethargy filled Miranda. She loved how Andrea felt while draped over her body. Miranda rested serenely in a state of semi-consciousness and heard several words muttered quietly. She felt the extra hands that were holding her so securely disappear as Andrea slid off of Miranda's back and curled into her side. Noticing that the room was lightening, Miranda turned onto her side so that she could stare into darkened eyes.
"Andrea," Miranda purred. "Do you have plans for today?"
"Nope. I'm all yours," Andrea answered brightly. Miranda smiled at the hopeful inflection in her lover's voice.
"Good. As much as I would love to spend the day in bed with you, I cannot help but think that I should feed you, if only to quiet your extremely demanding stomach," Miranda said. Before Andrea could squawk, her stomach growled and Miranda chuckled. "There, you see? Let's feed you. You certainly worked hard enough for it—it is my understanding that such complex transformations drain a person's energy resources." Miranda sat up and turned her head to capture Andrea's stare, daring her to refute that fact. She could see the war being waged in Andrea's mind—to get up or remain in bed—and Miranda rose, prompting Andrea to follow suit.
They entered the dining area and found a spread of breakfast foods and drinks laid out for them. Silently Miranda thanked Santie for once again providing for her. She sat down and began filling a plate, pleased when Andrea took her lead without complaint. They ate in a companionable silence, and Miranda enjoyed just being next to the younger woman. Not so young, she reminded herself, and certainly not as innocent as I once believed. She felt a smile tug at her lips and did not try to control it. She felt at ease around Andrea, and could admit to herself that she had missed this feeling, missed being near her.
What would the future bring? Miranda was not sure. She knew she wanted Andrea in her life and in her bed, but she needed to put her daughters' needs first. If they decided to return to New York after they graduated, what would Miranda do? Would she return to New York, to Runway, to what life consisted of before holding this incredible woman in her arms? And what if they wished to remain in the UK? Would Miranda retire, leave Runway, and relocate to the wizarding world where she could be with Andrea? She had no answers.
"Andrea. My daughters will be remaining at Hogwarts this week while I continue to investigate the dragon attacks." Miranda paused, unsure how to voice her request. She was not used to asking for anything. Normally she would merely voice her demands, and they would be followed. She did not wish to do so with Andrea, though. No, Andrea was not her subordinate, and she knew that whatever became of their future together, she could not treat her in any way but as an equal.
"Miranda," Andrea said soothingly, silencing Miranda's internal chatter while placing a warm hand over hers. "Do you want me to keep an eye on them?"
Their eyes connected for long moments. Miranda could see the understanding and willingness clearly in bronze-colored eyes. Smiling softly, Miranda nodded. "If you do not mind."
"Not at all. Actually, I would feel better knowing they are keeping out of trouble. If it is okay with you, perhaps I'll even bring them to Hogsmeade on one of the days, as long as it is safe," Andrea added.
Miranda could feel affection flow through her. Andrea was so giving. She had always known that, always felt taken care of while Andrea was her assistant. And although she had employed countless people over the years to fulfill her requirements, Andrea had always made it seem as if she had enjoyed the challenge of carrying out her assigned duties.
Now, though, she was not an employee. Nor had she been for many years. Andrea had no reason to do anything for Miranda other than that she simply wanted to help her. It touched Miranda, knowing that Andrea gave of herself to such an extent for her. That, in addition to learning so much more about Andrea over the last week, strengthened her allure.
"Thank you," Miranda said softly. She did not normally feel gratitude, never mind express it, but she was hard-pressed to hold back these feelings. Unlike in the fashion world where such expressed emotions might be seen as a sign of weakness, Miranda knew she could trust Andrea to not exploit such feelings. Andrea's hand covered Miranda's forearm and squeezed gently before falling away.
They finished their meal in a comfortable silence and by tacit agreement shared a sensual shower. After they had made love and dressed, Miranda led them to her den and to the dragon statues. "Andrea, I want you to hear the clues some of the other statues have provided. I believe I understand what they are telling me, but you may understand a reference that I do not."
Having heard all of the clues already, Miranda sat down at her desk. She watched Andrea pull out her wand and tap the Norwegian Ridgeback. That was the newest clue and represented the dragon responsible for the last attack. Miranda paused as the powerful dragon's voice filled her mind.
The puppet strings are pulled tight, perpetrating horrors in the night. Hear females hissing to stir the fight. They are the ones blocking the light.
She watched as Andrea listened to all the clues, and marveled at Andrea's natural beauty and strong presence. She was not the same woman she had employed eight years ago. Andrea had grown into her power, and Miranda could practically see the magic emanating off of her luscious body.
After Andrea had finished hearing all the clues, she joined Miranda, seating herself in a chair in front of the desk. Miranda noticed the wand and asked curiously, "What kind of wand do you use?"
"The core is a dragon heartstring, and the wood is holly," Andrea answered as she handed it over.
Miranda took it carefully, her eyebrows rising in surprise. "And it doesn't make you ill?"
Andrea chuckled. "I know, huh? Maybe because I can't smell it? I'm glad it doesn't. This wand has served me well."
Thinking about the qualities associated with the wand, Miranda could understand why the wand had chosen Andrea. Dragon heartstring cores were extremely powerful. Charms could be learned quite quickly with these wands, and some of the most powerful members of the wizarding community owned wands with a dragon heartstring core. The holly wood was a rare material for wands, yet it made sense. It symbolized inner beauty, endless energy, generosity, and protection. It would certainly help to contain the power instilled by the dragon heartstring and temper Andrea's desire to use dark spells. Not that she believed for a moment that Andrea would ever succumb to dark magic.
"It reflects your attributes well," Miranda murmured.
"Attributes?" Andrea said as she tilted her head in question, a teasing look in her eyes.
Miranda merely smiled and shook her head as she returned the wand.
"What kind of wand do you own?" Andrea asked.
Miranda removed hers from her inner sleeve and passed it to Andrea. "It is hippogriff hair and fir wood."
"A survivor's wand?" Andrea asked. "You must have some stories to tell. I have never heard of anyone having a hippogriff hair core, though."
"Mmm, well, as I am sure you can imagine, anyone who works with dragons regularly is a survivor," Miranda drawled. She smirked when Andrea chuckled. Noticing the time, she sighed. "Andrea, I must take a conference call with Emily and Nigel in a few minutes. It will take about an hour." She wanted to ask Andrea to wait, but she did not feel she had the right.
"Oh. Would it be all right if I read near the fire, then, while you work?" Andrea asked. In answer, Miranda leaned forward and kissed her softly.
The conference call reassured Miranda that her faith in Emily and Nigel was not misplaced. Although some difficulties had arisen during her absence, they had already brainstormed possible solutions, and Miranda readily agreed with their ideas. It was good to know that Runway would not fall apart while she was absent. Miranda no longer needed nor wanted the magazine to suffer when she was unavailable. She had trained several key persons over the years so that her legacy would continue once she retired. It heartened her to know that she need not worry while focusing on why the dragon attacks continued to occur.
"Have you always worked for Runway?" Andrea asked once Miranda joined her by the lit fireplace.
"No. I actually began my career in the fashion world at Vogue," Miranda admitted, amused to see the shocked look on Andrea's face. "I worked there for three years while Grace Mirabella was the editor-in-chief. When she retired I was passed over, and Anna Wintour was appointed as Grace's successor. I couldn't stand the way she arrogantly lorded that promotion over me at every opportunity. So, I took a job at Runway and worked my way up the food chain. Anna isn't nearly as supercilious to me nowadays," Miranda finished with a smirk.
With a small laugh Andrea said, "I'll bet!"
Miranda stared into those mesmerizing eyes before leaning forward for a slow kiss. "I have some work to do," Miranda began in a quiet voice. "Perhaps in about an hour we can go to Hogwarts to find my daughters?" Miranda was not used to phrasing her plans as questions, but she truly desired to spend more time with Andrea. She smiled at Andrea's quick agreement and began to review her notes.
Miranda had visited all the attack areas and listened to the dragons' riddles. It seemed clear that Death Eaters were behind the attacks, coercing the dragons' actions by threatening their young. And the last riddle indicated that women were behind the attacks. Or maybe it was referring to female dragons—mothers of the young? What of the "hissing to stir the fight"? She needed more information to determine where the next attack might occur, or where the dragons were lodged, or even where to find the Death Eaters responsible. Shaking her head to clear it, she admitted to herself that she could not proceed any further in the investigation with the facts she had.
Tomorrow she would begin visiting the dragon sanctuaries. Hopefully, the dragons could shed some light on the rogue dragons' actions.
Glancing over at Andrea, Miranda found herself caught in her vibrant gaze. Smiling despite herself, Miranda said gruffly, "What?"
Andrea's answering smile warmed Miranda. "Nothing, just glad to be with you," she answered.
Miranda agreed wholeheartedly even as a pang of uncertainly about their future shot through her. She felt her smile fade. She could not afford to think about that right now—best to enjoy their time together than to wonder how they could successfully navigate a relationship.
"What?" Andrea asked, her eyes widening with concern.
Shaking her head, Miranda rose gracefully. "Nothing that can't wait." Nothing I can worry about right now. "Are you ready to return to Hogwarts?" Miranda patiently bore out Andrea's penetrating stare, nearly sagging in relief when she dropped the subject and joined Miranda at the fireplace.
"Sure. Let's go find your girls," Andrea said, although it was apparent she was still concerned. Taking Andrea's hand and throwing floo powder into the fire, Miranda stated, "Hogwarts, Charms Master's Office," then stepped forward. In the blink of the eye, they were standing in cold ash. Stepping out, Miranda looked around curiously. The last time she had seen this office, it had been while passing through to Andrea's private quarters. Her cheeks warmed as she thought of that encounter not so long ago. A warm hand squeezed hers, then let go. She hadn't even realized they were still holding hands.
"Scourgify," Andrea said while waving her wand over her robes and then Miranda's garments. Miranda nodded her head in thanks. "Let's try the Ravenclaw common room, shall we?" Andrea suggested and swept out of the office, her steps faltering for a moment as they entered her classroom.
Stopping so closely to Andrea that she could feel the younger witch's body heat, Miranda whispered, "I will never forget that day or that table." She watched as Andrea shivered and chuckled, leaning over to deliver a kiss on her neck. "If we do not leave now, I fear we will not be visiting anyone." Although that was certainly not a bad proposition, she really did want to see Caroline and Cassidy. She could feel Andrea struggling, her body trembling against her. Hugging her from behind, Miranda whispered, "We will make more memories, Andrea." This seemed to settle her, and with a sigh Andrea turned her head to deliver a chaste kiss before moving forward, out of Miranda's loose embrace. Acknowledging how cold she suddenly felt, Miranda hurried to catch up.
They walked through the halls of Hogwarts side by side, not encountering anyone. It was strange. Discounting last week, Miranda had not walked these halls for close to forty years, and yet it looked substantially the same. Same stone walls with rounded arches, same drafty corridors, same moving portraits. Some of the people in the paintings wished Andrea a good day as they swiftly made their way to the Ravenclaw tower on the west side of the castle. A few even recognized Miranda and tossed questions at her, which she promptly ignored.
"It's rather interesting that you and your family were Slytherins while your daughters are Ravenclaws," Andrea said. "I wonder why the change occurred."
Miranda thought about Andrea's query. "Perhaps because they are not Purebloods," she suggested.
"I wasn't under the impression that all Slytherins need be Purebloods. In fact two well-known Slytherins, Severus Snape and Tom Riddle, were half-bloods," Andrea said.
Miranda pursed her lips in thought. Andrea was correct, of course. "Indeed. Clearly, my girls have different personality traits than those embodied by Slytherins. Whereas Slytherins are ambitious, resourceful, and unwilling to take risks without a clear need, Ravenclaws are intelligent, creative, and willing to fight for a worthy cause. Before attending Hogwarts, my girls proved just how dangerous they could be when not intellectually challenged—I'm sure you recall." Miranda quirked her lips into a smile when she heard Andrea's carefree laugh.
Once they reached their destination, they stood before a bronze knocker in the shape of an eagle. A high-pitched voice asked, "Where do vanished objects go?"
Miranda was intrigued by this barrier to the common room. She looked at Andrea and saw her smirking. Raising an eyebrow at the obvious challenge, Miranda directed her answer to the door knocker. "Into non-being, which is to say, everything." This was certainly an old riddle based on first-year magical properties. The door clicked open, and they entered into an airy, circular room with arched windows and domed ceilings. The blue and bronze silks draped over the walls were not repulsive, and the furniture looked comfortable and ageless.
"Mom?"
Turning toward the far corner, Miranda saw her daughters seated across from each other in the middle of a game of Wizard's chess. She smiled when they jumped up and rushed toward her. She hugged and kissed each daughter, reveling in their obvious happiness to see her. As they greeted Andrea respectfully, in keeping with the decorum accorded to Hogwarts' esteemed professors, Miranda felt pride expand her chest. They had matured in so many ways over the years.
"Bobbseys, it is good to see you," Miranda said as they settled into chairs.
"How is the investigation going?" Caroline asked.
"Have you figured out why the dragons are attacking people?" Cassidy asked.
Miranda sighed. "I have identified the dragons and visited the attack sites. Tomorrow I will begin to visit the dragon sanctuaries to see whether I can gain further insight." She delivered a stern look to her daughters. "I expect you to keep out of trouble this week. I cannot afford to be worried about you. Andrea will be around if you need anything." She smiled slightly as they glanced shyly at their professor.
"Yes, of course," Andrea said. "As a matter of fact, I was hoping the two of you could help me on Monday with a small project." Miranda watched her daughters' faces light up with interest.
"Sure, Professor," Cassidy said. Caroline nodded enthusiastically.
"Great. After breakfast, then."
Hearing a chime, Miranda rose. "Shall we go to dinner?" She had not realized how late it was, her day spent with Andrea passing much too quickly. Andrea, Caroline, and Cassidy rose, and they quickly made their way down the spiral staircase of Ravenclaw Tower. While the girls chattered happily, Miranda glanced at Andrea, smiling involuntarily at the shining eyes and soft smile directed her way.
Miranda was greatly surprised to see so many students in the Great Hall and said as much. "Where were all these students earlier?"
"Oh, they were probably outside or studying. It was a beautiful day, after all, and many like to take advantage of the good weather by meeting on the grounds. We don't have that much more time to study for our exams. Both the O.W.L.s and the N.E.W.T.s will be given in only six weeks," Caroline explained.
"Seven weeks, Caro. Six weeks after break," Cassidy said.
"You know what I meant!" Caroline exclaimed.
Having missed their voices, Miranda let their friendly bickering wash over her for a moment before interrupting. "Girls, I will speak with you after dinner. Make sure you eat slowly," Miranda said before following Andrea to the faculty table. She had really wanted to eat with her daughters, but with so many students present, she chose to not embarrass them.
Once they arrived at the front of the hall, Miranda greeted the other professors cordially, participating in small talk as they ate dinner.
"Andy, don't forget about Tuesday at the Manor," Hermione said toward the end of the meal.
"Yes, plan to come for dinner, too," Minerva added.
Miranda tilted her head. I wonder what they are talking about.
My animagus training, Miranda heard clearly. She raised her eyebrows as she glanced to Andrea. Miranda nodded slowly, still a bit thrown by their ability to communicate telepathically.
"And if you are both free on Thursday, we would be happy to have you both over for dinner," Hermione said.
"Thank you. I must admit to a certain curiosity regarding the famed McGonagall Manor," Miranda said. "I look forward to Thursday."
Miranda knew this week would be long and frustrating, but the impending dinner would act as a beacon, beckoning her back to the person who effortlessly illuminated her world. She thought of asking Andrea to help her with the investigation but decided she would rather Andrea be available for her daughters. She trusted Andrea to protect them in her absence.
The idea that her daughters could be harmed while at Hogwarts had never occurred to Miranda before; however, with the way events were unfolding, she was unsure this was the safe haven it had been in the past. Whoever was behind these attacks had a definite plan and would do whatever was necessary to eliminate anyone who attempted to stop them. Perhaps by Thursday she would have more information and could ask Andrea for help then.
Too soon dinner was over and Miranda said her goodbyes to her daughters before returning to Andrea's office. They stood before the cold fireplace, eyes closed, arms tight around each other. Miranda could hear the wind rattling the closed windows as rain pelted the panes furiously.
"Have a good week, Miranda. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact me. Sometimes it helps to have a sounding board," Andrea whispered.
Luscious lips dotted soft kisses on Miranda's forehead, her cheek, and, as she tilted her head up invitingly, her lips. They stood a moment longer, lips connected tenuously until, with a sigh of regret, Miranda stepped away. She smiled wanly at Andrea before throwing floo powder into the fireplace. "Thank you, Andrea," she said softly, holding the younger woman's gaze before stepping forward and saying, "Princhek townhouse."
And although the house was warm and the lights were bright as she stepped into her den, Miranda felt a chill blanket her.