Chapter 11

Hogwarts School, Scotland, Monday, April 14, 2014

Andy looked across the Great Hall and watched as Caroline and Cassidy chatted away with some of their classmates as they ate breakfast. She wondered whether they would approve of her relationship with their mother. Such as it was. Andy had so many questions, yet she dared not voice them, lest they sound like demands. She was afraid that once Miranda finished her work here, she would return to New York. If that happened, would Andy follow her? Would Miranda want her to? Would Andy be willing to leave Hogwarts for Miranda?

Sipping her tea slowly, Andy admitted to herself that she just might, if Miranda asked her to. She would leave Scotland, leave the wizarding world, for her. Because the alternative—not having Miranda in her life—was unacceptable. She felt her eyes water, and she gritted her teeth. Leave it to her to become melancholy when, by all accounts, their relationship was wonderful. Blinking quickly, Andy swiped at the tears which escaped. She drank the rest of her tea before looking around subtly to determine whether anyone had noticed her emotional state.

A soft smile directed her way caused Andy to nod slightly. Aunt Minerva seemed to always know when Andy needed support, even if only through a smile or pat on the arm. She watched her aunt lean toward her. "What are your plans for today, Andrea?" she asked.

"I will be spending some time with the Priestly twins. Miranda asked me to keep an eye on them, and I believe they can help me with a little project I have in mind," Andy answered.

"That sounds interesting," Hermione interjected. "What type of project?"

"Oh," Andy hedged. "It's a new charm I created to pinpoint magical signatures. I haven't actually tried it, yet, but if it works, it could help with the investigation of the dragon attacks."

"All types of magical signatures?" Aunt Minerva asked, her eyebrows disappearing under the brim of her pointy hat.

"Um, that's the idea. I thought we'd start with using the charm in Hogwarts and then branch out. I am hoping we can detect signatures throughout the UK with the aid of some magical maps," Andy expanded.

"You'll have to let us know how it goes when you come to the Manor tomorrow night," Hermione said.

Andy nodded. "I will." Noticing a number of students leaving the hall, Andy pushed back her chair and stood. "Are you leaving today?"

"Yes. Do not hesitate to contact us if anything unusual occurs," Aunt Minerva said as she and Hermione stood.

"Of course. See you tomorrow, then." Andy smiled at both of them and walked toward Caroline and Cassidy, who remained seated at their table.

"Ready?" Andy asked brightly.

"Yes."

"Yup."

Both hopped up and fell into step next to her as they made their way to the Charms classroom.

"How's Mom?" Caroline asked as soon as Andy had finished sealing the room.

"You just saw her yesterday," Andy stalled.

"But you spend more time with her, and she wouldn't want to worry us," Cassidy said as she plopped into a chair.

"Well," Andy said as she glanced from one to the other, "she is working hard to figure out why the dragons are attacking people. In addition, she still has work constraints from Runway. And she worries about your safety. However, I am hoping that we can help her investigation. That's why you are here today. I have an idea I want to try."

"Does Mom know?" Caroline asked.

"She knows we are spending time together today," Andy said.

"But does she know what we are going to be doing?" she persisted.

"No. If it works, I will let her know immediately. One thing I do not want to do, though, is waste her time with news of failure. You know how much she loves that!" Andy joked. "So," she continued as she moved to her desk and removed several maps of the UK, "let me explain what I am hoping we can achieve."

Spreading the maps over several tables—not on the one where she and Miranda had made love—Andy took a deep breath to center herself. "I have devised a spell to track magical signatures. I want to experiment on how far away from us the signature can be located, what type of signatures can be tracked, and whether we can distinguish between signatures that are grouped together."

Andy pointed to the maps of the Hogwarts' grounds and surrounding woodland. She moved in front of one of the maps. "We will start locally and spread out. First we will track signatures in Hogwarts and then in the Forbidden Forest. If that proves successful, we will branch out to the countryside. Caroline, I want you to track signatures inside of Hogwarts, and Cassidy," Andy pointed toward another map of Hogwarts and the surrounding area that she had placed on the next table, "you can track signatures outside the castle but on the grounds that are included within the castle wards. Track the strongest signatures. I will track the weaker signatures. The idea is to determine how many are here and whether the signatures belong solely to humans."

She looked into the two young women's bright eyes, noting their interest. Smiling, Andy nodded. The words are veneficum vestigium," she said. "Move your wand this way." Andy swished her wand in a small, backwards "s" shape, raising it upward at the end. "You try it," she urged while watching closely. Pleased with their wand work, Andy directed them to begin while she moved toward another map to concentrate on her self-assigned task.

"Veneficum vestigium," Andy uttered as she moved her wand. She watched closely as small beads of light floated above different parts of the castle. She concentrated on the areas where she knew no humans were—noticing the different colors and strengths of the small globes illuminated over the map. She began to understand that the blue beads represented the ghosts, green beads represented the house-elves, and white beads represented the house portraits. Humans' were represented on a sliding scale of yellow, orange, or red, with red orbs representing the strongest magical signatures and yellow representing the weakest human magical signatures. She noticed that the orbs representing her, Caroline, and Cassidy were different colors: her students were orange beads while hers oscillated between red and bronze.

"Concentrate on the yellow, orange, and red beads," Andy directed. "They represent humans."

What she found even more interesting were the beads dotting the area surrounding the castle grounds—a virtual kaleidoscope of colors—which fascinated Andy. After studying the positions and groupings, she was able to determine some of them—a dozen thestrals, a boarhound, several kneazles, and a goblin. Andy started in surprise before realizing the goblin bead of silver was coupled with red…Filius. The forest green and red bead was obviously Aunt Minerva and her cat animagus form. She saw gold and red and immediately recognized it as representing Hermione and her phoenix animagus form. She mused that the Forbidden Forest would probably reflect many other magical creatures.

After checking in with Caroline and Cassidy, Andy concentrated on cataloging the different colors, their positions, and her guesses on identifying the different types of magical signatures she saw. It was slow work, but she felt confident that this information would prove invaluable. Caroline and Cassidy were busily writing down what they saw on their maps when a chime sounded, and Andy looked up in surprise. It was time for their midday meal.

Andy was pleased to see that the twins had finished their lists. She would have to cross check them with her results after lunch. "It's time for lunch. I really appreciate all the work you've done," Andy said as she waved her wand over the maps to clear them of the glowing beads hovering over them.

"Do you need more help after lunch?" Cassidy asked.

"We can come back," Caroline offered.

"Oh. Well. That would be very helpful to me, but I don't want to monopolize all of your time," Andy said.

"We don't mind," Cassidy said with a grin. "Right, Caro?"

"Right," Caroline agreed amiably.

"All right. Meet me back here at three, and we can start looking at the areas outside of Hogwarts." Andy smiled at them. "Thank you." She felt warmed by their answering smiles. After watching them leave, Andy took a few minutes to review their work more closely. They had listed the colors attributed to humans, how many for each color, and their placements. She nodded, pleased by their progress.

Noticing the time, Andy closed her eyes and rubbed her temples gently. She had spent the rest of yesterday and most of today tracking magical signatures. They had finished tracking those in and around Hogwarts, including the Forbidden Forest, yesterday.

Once they had begun concentrating on areas farther away, the drain on their magic had increased proportionately with the distance from Hogwarts. Andy, Caroline, and Cassidy had finished cataloging magical signatures in the southwestern portion of Scotland yesterday, and Andy had accepted their offer to continue helping her with the project today. She was hoping they could complete the rest of Scotland before she left to join Aunt Minerva and Hermione at the Manor for dinner. More importantly, she wanted to finish mapping Scotland and England by Thursday so that she could present her findings to Miranda when she saw her.

"Professor, may I ask you a personal question?" Caroline broke the silence that had enveloped them for the past few hours.

Andy glanced up to find two pairs of eyes trained on her. Although a bit wary, Andy nodded for Caroline to continue.

"Which House were you in?"

"House?" Andy repeated in confusion.

"Were you a Ravenclaw like us?" Cassidy asked excitedly.

"Oh. No. I mean, I didn't attend Hogwarts. I attended a wizarding school in the States," Andy answered.

"You did? Why?" Caroline asked in a confused voice.

"I, that's, I mean, I'd rather not…" Andy fought with her natural reticence to divulge information about that part of her life. She sighed. If she wanted to create any type of relationship with Caroline and Cassidy, she would have to reveal herself to some extent. Yet, she was still their professor, and she did not feel comfortable sharing family politics with them while they were her students. Finally, she said, "It was due to a falling out between my father and another family member. Although the issue was resolved before I graduated, I chose to continue my education in the States."

"What was it about?" Cassidy asked.

Andy grimaced. "Ask me again once you have graduated. I will no longer be your professor then, and if you are still interested to know, I will tell you." She stared at them fully, wanting them to understand she was not merely brushing away their questions.

"Okay. I can understand that. But, you know, you can trust us, Professor," Cassidy said softly.

Nodding, Andy said, "I do not doubt your discretion, which is why I have revealed even that much. However, since I come from a powerful family line, I would rather not divulge more information about other family members until you are out of school."

"You mean about the Headmistress," Caroline stated.

"Yes," Andy admitted reluctantly. "So, I have a question for you. What are your plans once you graduate?" She flicked her eyes between the two of them, curious to know.

"We are hoping to become Aurors, but they hardly ever have open positions, and it would be even rarer for two positions to be open at once," Cassidy said.

"And if you cannot become Aurors?" Andy asked.

"We've talked about returning to New York…" Cassidy said with a grimace.

"I think it would be boorrrinng!" Caroline said firmly.

"Well, I can understand your concern. Living in the Muggle world does seem a bit two-dimensional after living in the wizarding world for so long. However, New York is full of options. I lived there for several years after finishing my schooling, and I found it challenging in other ways," Andy said.

"That's just because you worked for our Mom. She's as challenging as fighting dragons," Cassidy chuckled.

Andy couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I am kind of hoping that working for your mom was a wee bit harder," she said with a smirk.

Their infectious laughter filled Andy's heart with joy. She would have to speak to her aunt about the chances of two Auror positions becoming available within the next few months. Aunt Minerva often was privy to information within the wizarding world that Andy was not.

Once their laughter trailed off, Andy once more became serious. "You both have the intelligence and fortitude to become excellent Aurors. I have no doubt that if the positions become available, you will both be accepted into their training program. However, if nothing opens up immediately, I hope you will consider working at the Ministry or becoming an apprentice in one of the disciplines. Your mother has always wanted you to do what makes you happy. I do not believe she would be content with your presence in New York if you did not truly want to be there."

Andy noted their thoughtful expressions and dropped the subject. She was sorely tempted to say more—to persuade them to remain in the UK. If they remained, Andy believed Miranda would at least visit from time to time. And that would give Andy more opportunities to be with the fascinating woman. Shaking her head, Andy focused on the map before her. She would not manipulate Miranda's daughters in that way. If Miranda wanted to be with her, they would find a way.

And if she asks me to come back to New York with her? Andy truly did not know. She had made a commitment to Hogwarts and its Headmistress. She certainly did not want to break her word. Yet, her aunt would understand. McGonagalls were slow to give their hearts away, but once done, they loved passionately, wholeheartedly, and irrevocably.

For better or worse, Andy had given her heart to Miranda.

Only time would reveal whether Miranda returned her feelings. The passion was present, along with a healthy respect for each other and a feeling of rightness. Whether Miranda would feel that was enough to build upon remained to be seen. Although their connection was undeniable, Miranda might not be willing to change her life for love, particularly since she had given up so much for her first husband, with heartbreaking results.

After another hour or painstaking work, Andy called an end to their day. They had finished Scotland and begun to track the northern part of England, but there was much more to do. "Thank you, Caroline. Cassidy." Andy nodded to each one and smiled. "Your help has been invaluable."

"We can help you tomorrow," Cassidy offered.

"Thank you. After lunch then. Have a good night," Andy said as she cleared the maps and rolled them up.

"You too, Professor," Caroline said, similar words echoed by Cassidy.

After removing all evidence of their project from the classroom, Andy returned to her bedroom to freshen up and change clothes. She was tired from the extended use of her magic, but she was pleased with how much they had accomplished in merely two days. In fact, she had determined which color represented dragons—bronze—by locating the dragon sanctuary run by the MacFusty clan on the Hebrides archipelago off of the west coast of Scotland. Sinking on to her bed, Andy began to rethink her immediate dismissal of Miranda's belief that Andy's animagus was a dragon. Andy's magical signature of red and bronze, her ability to communicate with Miranda and the dragon statues telepathically, and her detailed dreams were all pointing toward that conclusion.

Last night she had dreamt once more of flying high in the sky, only this time she had swooped toward the ground at a remarkable speed while fire spewed from her mouth in great waves toward a group of Death Eaters. She had felt anxiety and fear flooding her system, urging her to fly faster, to reach those she loved who were fighting for their lives below her. When she had awoken, Andy had felt as if she had been dipped in a vat of lava. Sweat had rolled down her back, dripping on to dampened sheets. Her hair had flopped over her eyes, as wet as when she would finish showering. And her clothes had stuck to her body, exacerbating her high internal body temperature by trapping the heat within the fabric of her pajamas.

She would have to discuss this with Aunt Minerva and Hermione. Perhaps they could provide her with some insight.

Andy got ready quickly, only pausing to run her hand over the block of blue chalcedony currently resting on her vanity. She hadn't had time to work on it lately. Of course, she had several months before Miranda's next birthday, but she hadn't lied to Miranda when she had mentioned that it took a long time to create the dragon statues. Soon. I will work on it some more soon. With a small smile, Andy swept out of the room to her office so that she could floo over to McGonagall Manor.

As she stepped out of the fireplace, she smiled and pecked Aunt Minerva's cheek. "Good evening, Aunt Minerva. Thank you for having me over."

"Oh, please! You know you are welcome here at any time," the venerable Headmistress said.

Andy stepped up to Hermione and kissed her cheek in greeting. "Good evening, Aunt Hermione," she said with a cheeky grin. Andy barely dodged a slap to her arm.

"Don't you start that again! You know I don't want you to call me that! It makes me feel old," Hermione said with a chuckle.

"Well, I figure I'll just try it every so often and see how it strikes you," Andy said.

"Not so well today. Let's continue with just Hermione."

"As if there is anything just about you," Aunt Minerva muttered.

"Exactly," Andy agreed with a smirk as they moved into the dining room to eat.

Dinner was as relaxing and joyful as always. Andy had spent much time in the Manor over the years, and consequently she never felt like a mere guest.

Toward the end of the meal, Hermione asked her whether she had experienced any more dreams. Andy took the opportunity to relate the latest one, as well as her growing belief that her animagus might be a dragon. Andy expected them to brush off such fanciful ideas, but they did not.

"It is not out of the realm of possibility," Aunt Minerva said slowly. "After all, Hermione, as you well know, turns into a phoenix and has all the magical traits indicative of that creature."

"And the clues you just related do all point to that conclusion. Now, we just have to get you there," Hermione said. She clapped her hands together and jumped up. "Right. So, what you need to do is think back to how you felt during your dream."

"Perhaps we should take this out to the courtyard," Aunt Minerva said quickly. "If your animagus is a dragon, you might need more space in which to transform."

They walked outside, and Andy breathed in the crisp night air deeply. "It is a lovely night," she commented with a smile. She felt energy flow through her as she settled her mind. She could hear the instructions being given to her as she focused on the dream. Their words floated gently on the spring breeze, mere murmurings as she visualized her body becoming larger and larger. More immense. More powerful. She opened up her senses and tipped her head back, her eyes closed and arms spread wide. Warmth spread through her, much as she had felt when she had awakened from her dream, and she breathed it in deeply, welcoming it.

Opening her eyes, she realized that neither her aunt nor Hermione were speaking any longer. She looked across the courtyard, only to notice that she could see straight into the Manor's top floor windows. Andy tilted her head downward and saw two stunned expressions. She said, "What's happened?" only it sounded like an inquisitive roar. Twisting her head, she saw cerulean blue scales covering her shoulders, sides, flanks, and wings. Wings! Andy stretched her arms out before her and inspected her razor-sharp claws and smooth scales. She flexed her shoulders and felt her wings twitch. Her chest, a mixture of silver and light blue scales, puffed up as she breathed in deeply with pride. She had never seen a dragon like her!

Experimentally, Andy flapped her wings gently. She could see how hard it was for her aunt and Hermione to remain standing near her as the wind she generated hit them. Crouching low, Andy pushed off, flapping more forcefully, screeching out joyfully as she swooped over the Manor. She was amazed at how fast she was traveling—each flap of her wings propelled her forward impressively. Searching below her she saw the ocean sparkling in the moonlight, and far below the waves crashed on to jagged rocks. Wheeling around, Andy began her trek back to McGonagall Manor, only now realizing how far she had traveled and how weary she felt.

Lessening the force of her wing strokes, Andy circled over the courtyard before dropping her legs forward and landing heavily. I'll have to work on that, Andy grimaced, noticing that she had overturned a few stones. She folded her wings back and leaned on her hind legs to rest.

Aunt Minerva and Hermione both approached slowly. Andy wished she could communicate with them—let them know she would not do anything to harm them. She lowered her muzzle to the ground and smiled at them, causing them to stop in their tracks. Hmm, maybe smiling wasn't the best way to placate them.

After a few moments during which Andy remained still, they walked to her side and touched her shoulder hesitantly.

"Wow!" Hermione exclaimed. "This is incredible!" Andy watched as Hermione turned toward Aunt Minerva. "Have you ever seen a dragon like this? It's like a cross between a Swedish Short-Snout and a Hebridean Black."

Aunt Minerva nodded her head pensively as she stared at Andy. "Yes, you are certainly different from any dragon I have ever seen. I look forward to finding out what special skills you may have at your disposal." Andy felt relieved by Aunt Minerva's warm gaze and reassuring words. She felt her aunt rub her snout affectionately. "You must be tired. Change back, dear, and we'll go inside."

Andy blinked for a moment before slowly standing up, making sure not to inadvertently hurt Aunt Minerva and Hermione with her bulk. She thought of her human form and felt as if she were being squished into a small compartment. A blanket of exhaustion made her stumble, and strong arms caught her before she fell to the cobblestone. Hermione supported her on the left and Aunt Minerva on the right as they half-carried Andy into the Manor and deposited her on the sofa.

"Let me get you some water," Hermione said. Andy nodded, even that small action nearly too much for her at that moment.

"Andrea, you will find that the more you change, the less tired you will become. You must do so every day. That way your body will adapt to the transitions and use less of your energy stores," Aunt Minerva advised.

"Here," Hermione said as she extended a filled goblet to Andy, who took it in both hands thankfully. "Your body will be sore as the muscles change. Damn! You are going to be muscular! You are a good-looking dragon," she teased.

Smiling at Hermione's words, Andy relaxed into the sofa and rested the goblet on her thigh. "That was amazing. I can't wait to transform again. I wish I could see myself fully. Perhaps if I fly over the water during the day…"

"Or, I can take a picture for you," Hermione offered.

"Oh, right! That's a better idea. I'll bring my camera over next time, and we can do a photo shoot, of sorts," Andy said.

"Miranda might become jealous, you know," Hermione said. "She might want you in a full-body spread."

"Hermione!" Andy exclaimed, slapping her on the arm. "I can't believe you just said that!" Andy could feel her face heating up in embarrassment.

"Oh, come on! We are all adults here, and it's no secret that you two are together," Hermione said, her eyebrows wiggling suggestively.

As true as Hermione's words were, she was not yet at a place where she could talk about her sex life with anyone, never mind with her aunt in the room. "Still, I just, I'd rather not—" Andy sputtered.

"All right, that is enough, I think. Here, Andrea, have some chocolate. Then, I think a bath might be beneficial to you, and bed. You can stay here tonight," Aunt Minerva interjected.

Docilely, Andy made her way upstairs and did exactly as her aunt suggested.

Right before falling asleep, Andy felt exhilaration rush through her. One thought reverberated through her soul: I'm a dragon!