Chapter 12

McGonagall Manor, Scotland, Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Minerva sat at the kitchen table, tea cooling before her as she gazed blankly out the window. Andrea had just left the Manor barely an hour before, and Minerva was still perplexed by all that had occurred the previous night.

To think that Andrea's animagus was a dragon!

Maybe it was just Andrea and Hermione's generation—an age of genetically advanced humans, based upon the Darwinian theory of survival of the fittest. It was particularly intriguing since magical creatures such as phoenixes and dragons were rare and exotic. Their numbers were slowly but steadily declining. And now they have propagated themselves in a new way. A startling way. A way that opened up endless possibilities for both magical creatures and humans.

Minerva could not help but envy their ability to morph into such unique forms. Her animagus was a simple tabby cat. Of course, the few people who had mastered an animagus form before Hermione and Andrea's generation also had transformed into ordinary, nonmagical animals: a cat, a wolf, a rat, a stag. Idly, Minerva wondered which magical creature might reflect her personality traits.

It was true that when she had mastered her animagus form so many decades before, she had reflected the traits of a tabby cat. Silent, stoic, independent, clever, mysterious, and intuitive—just some of the traits represented by a cat. And although she still reflected all of these traits, she had changed over the years—grown as responsibilities, heartbreak, war, and love had entered her life, marking her indelibly.

Minerva wondered whether being a Muggle-born made any difference. No. Andrea was a pureblood, so that theory would not apply to her. Muggles did form part of the McGonagall line, however. Perhaps, then, their ancestry had contributed new DNA strands, strengthening and adding to the complexity of their genetic encodings. Wizarding scientists were getting closer and closer to explaining why some people had magical abilities while others did not—maybe this was just another clue in the mysterious puzzle of evolution. Perhaps purer wizarding lines were unable to master the animagus form of a magical creature simply due to the fact that their genetics did not include any new chromosomal pairings in comparison to those added through the struggle to survive and thrive without magic that Muggles had experienced. These evolutionary changes might have also been the result of punctuated equilibrium—the wizarding wars having added the necessary pressure to the evolutionary system to force such awe-inspiring genetic mutations.

Fingers running gently through her hair and loosening her bun brought Minerva's attention back to the present. She looked into concerned, bronze-colored eyes and smiled, receiving a tender kiss a moment later.

"Hello, Gràdh," Minerva said softly once the kiss ended. Hermione's lovely face hovered closely, and Minerva took the opportunity to frame it with her hands, pulling it toward her gently. As their mouths meshed into another exquisite kiss, Minerva sighed with relief. No matter what was occurring in their world, no matter how much she aged or what her animagus form was, Hermione loved her, had pledged herself to her, would always remain by her side. Moaning at the feeling of a talented tongue sliding against hers, Minerva lost herself in her wife's love. When she finally opened her eyes, struggling to breathe, she realized that Hermione had straddled her and was gently rocking against her.

Eyes burned into hers with an ardent fervor that lit Minerva's passion. She wrapped her arms around Hermione and pulled the wards toward her. They apparated into their bedroom, landing on the bed with a loud crack rending the silence.

Without pause, Minerva pulled Hermione's head forward and engaged her in a heated kiss. Minerva could feel the warmth generated from Hermione's center as she ground her body against her. It stirred Minerva's desire with a hunger that consumed her. She flipped Hermione over and pushed her body between her wife's toned legs, growling at the exquisite feeling and wanting more.

"Exue," Minerva muttered, moaning as Hermione's fingers skimmed down her newly unclothed arms restlessly. She sank into Hermione's warmth, groaning loudly as she felt Hermione wrap her legs around Minerva's waist, opening herself fully. Minerva refused to give up swollen lips, choosing to keep up the onslaught of kiss after kiss as they moaned into each other's mouths and fought to breathe through their noses.

Finally, Minerva released those luscious lips and delivered small kisses across Hermione's pixie face, feeling a cherished smile flex against her lips before she lightly grazed her teeth against Hermione's throat and stalled at the pulse point. She could feel the rapid flutters against her lips, communicating Hermione's excitement. Minerva felt her lips stretch in a feral smile, borne of possessiveness and triumph. Hermione was hers, just as she had given herself to Hermione so many years ago.

The sun's rays streamed through the semitransparent drapes into the room, caressing Hermione's flawless skin. Pausing, Minerva gazed down at her wife, whose chest was flushed with arousal, eyes darkened with passion, and body taut with sexual tension. Minerva licked her lips in anticipation before swooping in to take one of Hermione's heaving breasts into her mouth. She heard her wife squeal even as strong hands pulled her closer. Sucking with a gentle pressure, Minerva allowed her hands to wander down Hermione's sides and grip her buttocks, pulling her body closer still. Pushing her body upward rhythmically, Minerva continued to pay homage to Hermione's gorgeous breasts, alternating from one to the other as she continued her body's motions.

"Merlin, I could make love to you every day and it would not be enough," Minerva muttered.

"Minerva!" Hermione exclaimed as Minerva gently bit on a hardened nipple and ran a finger over Hermione's engorged clitoris. Minerva reveled in the wetness she found weeping from Hermione's center, and she allowed her finger to play in it for a moment before bringing it to her mouth to taste. Groaning at the enticing proof of Hermione's arousal, Minerva shimmied downward and situated herself between Hermione's legs. Without pause, she licked forcefully and rejoiced in the shouts emitted above her.

Too soon Hermione climaxed, and Minerva eagerly licked up the liquid as it flowed over Hermione's inner thighs, mewling as the distinctive flavor hit her taste buds. She felt hands pulling at her head and shoulders and looked up into burning eyes.

"Come here," Hermione said urgently.

Sliding against Hermione's body, Minerva braced herself on her hands and looked into bright eyes. She couldn't help pressing her body against a flexing thigh, her need great after loving Hermione. She felt two fingers enter her swiftly and bucked. "Hermione," she gasped.

"I love you so much, Minerva. My life would be empty without you. Unbearable. Nothing would matter, and I would have no reason to live. You are everything to me. My light. My love. People try all their lives to figure out what their purpose in life is," Hermione whispered as she held Minerva close to her, her other hand resting on her hip, guiding Minerva's movements as she sped up her thrusts. "I know mine—have known since I saw you on the day we finally defeated Voldemort—I am here for you, to love you, to be by your side, to experience life with you. And so you see, my dear love," Hermione said, her voice raspy, "you must never leave me, for I shall not survive it."

Minerva shuddered as Hermione's words pierced her heart. She understood what she was hearing, but she could hardly believe it. Could it be true? Did Hermione love her that much? Looking into serious, teary eyes, Minerva fell over the edge, crying out as orgasm consumed her, pushing her body through several moments of bliss, all while her eyes remained locked with the expressive eyes of the incredible creature lying below her.

Her body spent, Minerva laid her head on Hermione's chest. She closed her eyes and listened to the pounding heart below her ear as she caught her breath. Fingers ran through her hair hypnotically, scratching her scalp and massaging behind her ears. Minerva hummed. She kissed the skin beneath her and sighed, squeezing Hermione's body as she burrowed into it more.

"Hermione," Minerva murmured, her mind swirling with what Hermione had said.

"Mmm, you do not need to say anything," Hermione said.

Lifting her head, Minerva brushed her lips against Hermione's softly. "I do. You must know I feel the same way, but with your animagus form you have the potential to live for hundreds of years. I do not like to think that you would give up your life when I die. No," Minerva said sternly when Hermione turned her head to the side, refusing to look at her. "Hermione, we have to talk about this. I will in all probability die well before you. Please, at least think about this. I do not want you to give up. You have so much to offer. And if you refuse to consider being with anyone else once I die, at least contemplate remaining alive."

"How can you ask that of me?" Hermione asked heatedly. "And don't be so sure that you will die. I can heal you with my phoenix tears. Who knows what other properties they may contain. It is possible it may slow your aging. I have every intention of conducting experiments. If there is a way for us to live together for much longer than anyone has ever imagined, then we shall."

Hermione pulled Minerva into a passionate kiss.

"I welcome every day I am able to share with you," Minerva said.

"Good. Because I expect you to make good on your offer to make love to me every day, if not more," Hermione said, a cheeky grin covering her beautiful face.

"If I must," Minerva said with a put-upon voice, smiling as Hermione's laughter filled the room. She leaned in for another kiss before sliding her body to the side and propping herself up on an elbow. "I found what Andrea is doing to track magical signatures quite intriguing."

"No kidding. That's so far past the abilities of the Marauder's Map. I bet the Ministry of Magic would be extremely interested in that spell. I worry, though, at the privacy issues," Hermione said.

"Well, unlike the Marauder's Map, it does not identify specifically who or what each magical signature represents," Minerva said.

"True. She said she was going to work on it today with the hope that she could finish reviewing the rest of England. That's pretty ambitious."

"Yes," Minerva agreed. "However, since she is focusing more on magical creatures, I think it will be a bit easier than we may initially imagine. And if she does find magical signatures for dragons, it is likely to represent where the rogue dragons are being held."

"Don't you think their signatures might be hidden somehow, perhaps with a disillusionment charm?" Hermione asked.

"No. From what Andrea has told us, her spell seems to track all magical signatures. It is a powerful spell," Minerva mused. "You are correct to believe the Ministry will be interested in it. I dare say they will have a grand time testing it and devising all manner of spells to defend against such a spell."

"It surprises me that the Priestly twins are able to use the spell," Hermione mused.

"Well, Andrea told me that it has tired them significantly as they have applied it to areas farther away from the school. In fact, Andrea has them working on Northern Ireland while she concentrates on England," Minerva said.

"That makes sense. I am sure that they feel useful helping, as if they are helping their mother, too," Hermione noted. "I know when Harry, Ron, and I were in school, we wanted to somehow help defeat Voldemort."

"And you did. You were the tipping factor, the reason why we were successful," Minerva said.

"We all had our parts, Minerva. You kept Hogwarts safe and gave us a place where we could return," Hermione answered as she ran a hand over Minerva's arm before resting it on her hip.

"Safe," Minerva said with a frown. "It was not safe. The Carrows were torturing students for the most minor infractions while Severus looked the other way."

"I know," Hermione said softly. "It was a difficult time for all of us. Yet, you remained in front, providing comfort and guidance for the students and faculty not under Voldemort's influence. You never contemplated leaving, even though your life was in danger. I have always admired your courage."

Hermione rolled onto her side so that their fronts barely touched. Minerva gazed into glowing eyes and could not resist cupping Hermione's cheek. "You are the courageous one," she whispered. "And I find you irresistible."

"Good thing you need not resist," Hermione said huskily before leaning in for a kiss.

Any thought of getting up promptly fled Minerva's mind as she fell willingly under Hermione's spell. Her body reacted forcefully, demanding she take all that was offered.

And she did. Multiple times. Until they fell asleep well-sated.

When she awoke several hours later, she noticed with satisfaction the various love bites she had sprinkled over her lover's body. She knew they would fade within a few hours. Hermione's health had improved drastically once she had mastered her animagus form. Scratches and bruises did not remain long. And when Hermione hurt herself more seriously, they poured phoenix tears over the area to heal it. They had several vials of the potent elixir stored at the Manor and at Hogwarts for such occasions.

Stretching her body languidly, Minerva grinned. She felt wonderful. Relaxed. Lethargic. Loved. Rising carefully so that she would not awaken Hermione, Minerva entered the bathroom to relieve her bladder and splash her face with some cool water before descending the stairs to find her house elf, Elsa. It was a gorgeous spring afternoon. She had high hopes that she could entice Hermione to join her at a picnic on the moorland behind the Manor. The heather was fragrant and soft—perfect to roll around in.

"Elsa," Minerva called as she entered the kitchen. With a popping noise, Elsa appeared before her. Minerva made her request and after arranging for the meal made her way upstairs with a glass of water. Placing it on the bedside table, Minerva ran her hand over Hermione's muscular back in a soothing manner until brown eyes fluttered open. A smile covered Minerva's face at the soft, open expression directed her way. "Good afternoon, my sleepy lass. Would you fancy a shower and then a picnic outside?"

Hermione sat up and hugged Minerva tightly. Minerva could feel the rumble of her wife's voice against her chest as she agreed. They remained in their embrace for several more moments before moving to the shower. Minerva washed Hermione's body with care, making sure she touched every inch of her wife's body with sensuous strokes. She smiled when Hermione finally could not take it anymore and pulled her forward for an endless kiss. It astonished Minerva how the passion was constantly pulsing between them. She felt grateful, humbled by this gift she had been given, this undying, all-encompassing love.

Once they finally stumbled out of the shower, they dressed and walked the well-worn path up the hill behind the Manor. They crested the rise and strolled slowly across the moorland toward the picnic that was set up near the cliffs. Minerva breathed in the salty ocean air and felt her spirits soar. Her homeland always affected her so. Having Hermione next to her, holding her hand tightly as they traversed the mystical land, filled her with a feeling of rightness. Minerva turned to Hermione and drew her in for a kiss, holding her body closely. "Tha gràdh agam ort," she murmured.

"I love you, Minerva. So much," Hermione said. They rested their foreheads together before sitting on the blanket already spread over the heather. "It should be interesting to watch Miranda and Andy interact tomorrow night," Hermione said as she placed food onto her plate.

"Yes. Although Andrea has never been one to hide her feelings, I am curious to see how Miranda acts around her. I am also hoping to hear that Miranda has made some progress on the investigation," Minerva said. She poured some firewhiskey into their glasses and raised hers to make a toast. "To you, mo Gràdh. Every day I am humbled by your love. Thank you for sharing your life with me." A broad smile was directed Minerva's way, and she felt love flow over her, warming her body.

"You really have no idea, do you?" Hermione said softly.

Minerva, not sure what Hermione meant, looked into her wife's eyes and began to worry when she saw tears gathering. "What is it?" Minerva reached over and grasped Hermione's hand. She felt it trembling and could not stand that Hermione was in distress.

"Minerva, you are the gift. You trusted me, gave me your heart. Every day that I awaken next to you, I fight tears because I am so overwhelmed with gratitude," Hermione said, her voice growing stronger with each word. "You enrich my life. So, thank you, Love. Thank you."

Minerva could do nothing but lean forward to kiss welcoming lips. She was amazed by the strength of their love. Smiling against Hermione's lips, Minerva broke the kiss and leaned back. "If we keep this up, we may fade away from hunger," she joked.

They spent an enjoyable afternoon eating, talking, and appreciating the mild weather. Eventually, they made their way back to the Manor and cuddled on the sofa in front of the fireplace. It was a peaceful evening, seeped with affection as Hermione leaned against Minerva, who held her securely with one arm as she read an old tome. Every so often they would gaze at each other and smile as they melded into another kiss.

"Minerva, I'd like you to consider something for me and not give me your answer today," Hermione broke the comfortable silence, her hands grasping Minerva's arm in a strong grip.

Minerva could feel her wife's anxiousness and sought to soothe her by hugging her closely to her body as she ran a hand through her copper-colored close-cropped hair. "You know you can ask me anything, Hermione. Anything at all."

"Yes. I do." Hermione remained quiet for another moment, and Minerva gave her the space she needed to formulate her words. "I have been thinking about this for quite a while, and although I cannot foresee the repercussions or think of any ways in which it would be detrimental, I hesitate to suggest it simply because no one has done it before." Minerva felt her wife take a deep breath before turning her head to meet her eyes. "I want you to consider drinking phoenix tears each day, an amount we can determine together, with the goal of improving your health and perhaps slowing your aging process."

Minerva stiffened in surprise as her eyes widened. She stared blankly at Hermione, trying to digest the request while her mind flittered through the myriad of possibilities. She did not believe drinking phoenix tears would hurt her, but no one had actually done so before. And to drink it each day? But then again an infinite supply was not readily available to anyone else. She blinked several times, on the verge of asking why Hermione would ask this of her before stopping at the look she found buried in chocolate eyes: hope and fear. It was the fear that stopped her words.

They had discussed Minerva's possible death occurring well before Hermione's death many times, even just this morning. Evidently, it weighed heavily on Hermione's mind, pushing her to find a way to keep Minerva by her side for as long as possible. Minerva felt her eyes tear, overcome with love for her soul-mate. She leaned in and kissed Hermione fiercely.

"Hermione," Minerva murmured, her voice breaking. "I do not need to think about it. I will do it. For you. For us." Noticing the relief flooding Hermione's face, Minerva pulled her forward and held her tightly. Any lingering skepticism she might have harbored regarding Hermione's earlier claims that she could not live without Minerva faded away. She finally understood. She kissed the side of Hermione's head and murmured in her ear, "You are so precious to me."

Tears slid down Minerva's cheeks, falling faster and faster as she felt Hermione's body wracked with shudders. Hearing her wife sobbing nearly broke her heart. "Shhh," Minerva said as she rocked Hermione back and forth slowly. "I am not going anywhere. Tha gràdh agam ort. I love you. I will do everything in my power to remain with you. I love you. Tha gràdh agam ort." Over and over, Minerva uttered soothing words, heartened by how Hermione's body sank into hers as her sobs turned into sniffles before stopping altogether. She did not release Hermione, who tucked her face into Minerva's forearm. Minerva burrowed her face into Hermione's neck and breathed in her distinctive, pleasing scent.

Feeling Hermione's body become pliable and still, Minerva leaned back to find her wife had fallen into an exhausted sleep. Smiling gently, Minerva pulled the wards toward her and apparated into their bedroom, much as she had done this morning. Hermione's eyelids fluttered, and Minerva murmured, "Close your eyes, Love. I have you." She tucked her wife under the covers carefully before rising to complete her ablutions.

Standing before the bathroom mirror, Minerva stared at her reflection. She studied the lines on her face, the aged skin, the receding hairline, and the milky complexion. Would phoenix tears really slow down the ravages of time against her body? Would it perhaps even reverse the aging process? They had no way of knowing. She would have to have Hermione take a picture of her before she began drinking the proposed elixir of life, their own version of the Holy Grail.

Minerva slid into bed and gathered Hermione into her arms. She delivered a chaste kiss to Hermione's forehead and closed her eyes, looking forward to sharing the next day, and all the upcoming days, with the love of her life. Never had life offered so much.