Author's notes: Some spoilers from Pottermore lore relating to Minerva's background are touched upon in this chapter rather briefly. Blink and you'll miss them!

Chapter 20

Hogwarts School, Scotland, Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Striding through the well-known halls of Hogwarts, Minerva felt a ghost of a smile settle in place for scant moments before she allowed her worry to overtake the joy she usually felt as another school year came to a close. She loved the feeling of completion, the knowledge that Hogwarts was turning out another fine group of wizards and witches. Not even the recent attempts by the Death Eaters to rise to power troubled her as much as the state of her niece.

Over the last seven weeks Andrea had struggled with depression. Melancholy pervaded the air around the normally vibrant woman, and Minerva felt at a loss as to how to help her.

She could well understand what it felt like to yearn for what could not be. When she was a young lass, just graduated from Hogwarts, she had fallen in love with a local boy over the summer. He had asked for her hand in marriage, and Minerva had blindly accepted. After some consideration, however, she had realized that she could not enter into such a union since he knew nothing of her wizarding heritage, and she could not give up that part of her life or live a double life. So, she had broken both their hearts by walking away, and she had not felt free to marry another until after he had died—nearly thirty years later.

The sense of loss, that burning hole in her heart, had plagued her, pulled her downward constantly. That double-edged blade of love had nearly killed her. And when she had finally found peace, when her heart had finally been released through his untimely death, she had married a man who had proposed to her numerous times over the years. He had died merely three years into their marriage, and she had sworn off love and all the vulnerability that came with it. Until Hermione.

Smiling as she thought of her wife, Minerva admitted to herself that her heart hadn't stood a chance against Hermione's charms. She had watched her grow into her power while attending Hogwarts, always inquisitive, courageous, and loyal to her friends. And after the final battle against Voldemort, Hermione had stayed at the school to help with repairs. That had been the beginning—the setting for what was to become the most magical, romantic, inevitable bond she had ever shared with another. They were soul-mates. Minerva recognized just how blessed she was, and she kept that in the forefront of her mind so that she would be sure to express her love for Hermione every day.

Glancing at the paintings and nodding at the various greetings she received as she continued down the stairs toward the Great Hall for dinner, Minerva mused that Andrea and she were quite similar when it came to matters of the heart. Once the heart chose, it did not matter how unlikely the pairing might be or how others might react. Andrea's heart had chosen Miranda. The poor girl.

Not that Miranda was a poor choice. Quite the contrary. The woman was a force to be reckoned with. She was a very powerful witch as well as an accomplished businesswoman. And it had been apparent to Minerva that she harbored very strong feelings for Andrea, even if she had not expressed as much to Minerva's niece.

Striding past the House tables currently filled with chattering students, Minerva made her way to the Head table where the professors sat. Hermione caught her eye and smiled her greeting, lifting Minerva's spirits greatly. She felt her libido spike at the sight of her wife, and when their eyes met, she saw the answering gleam in Hermione's bronze eyes. It took all her self-restraint not to swoop in and claim Hermione's lips in a torrid (and sure to be satisfying) kiss. It would have to wait until later.

After sitting down, Minerva signaled for the meal to begin. A hand on her knee brought back the libidinous feelings simmering beneath the surface, and Minerva was unable to stop her body from trembling. Sliding her eyes to the right, she saw Hermione's smirk, and Minerva raised a challenging eyebrow. The subtle though thorough once-over Hermione gave her did much to communicate exactly what was on her younger mate's mind. It was Minerva's turn to smirk. She had found over the last couple of months, ever since she had begun to drink the phoenix tears daily, that she had much better stamina. Not that she had been out of shape before, but one normally could not escape the effects of aging entirely. It was just another example of how Hermione had enriched her life. Minerva would do her best to satisfy her randy wife tonight. With pleasure.

Dinner passed quickly, filled with gossip over the results of students' final exams, graduation preparations, and summer plans. Graduation was in merely a few days, and the graduating class included many distinguished, promising individuals—fine additions to the wizarding world. Fluttering noises above alerted Minerva to owls making their evening deliveries. Normally, deliveries occurred at lunch, but at the end of term, the owls became much busier.

A large barn owl landed next to Minerva's arm and waited patiently to be acknowledged. She removed the letter and thanked him politely. Before he flew off, Minerva offered the messenger a treat, receiving an appreciate hoot before he left. Turning the letter over, Minerva smiled slightly when she saw Harry's wax seal. Set in the Ministry's color, Minerva knew it had to do with business, yet since it was Harry's seal, the contents would be unofficial. This must be the answer she had been waiting for.

Reading it quickly, Minerva's mood lightened significantly. She banished the letter to her private rooms and turned to gaze at Hermione.

"Good news, Minerva?"

"Very good," she agreed. Rising, Minerva stopped next to Andrea, who was pushing food around her plate halfheartedly. "Come to tea tonight at eight. I won't take no for an answer. I'll see you then." She patted her niece's shoulder comfortingly and departed the hall, Hermione next to her.

"What was that about?" Hermione asked.

"Don't you know that curiosity killed the cat," Minerva teased.

"Yes. But satisfaction brought it back," Hermione rejoined with a leer.

Minerva's laughter rang through the nearly deserted hallway. "Satisfaction, hmm?" she said, her Scottish burr caressing the words. "I suppose that explains why I feel so alive nowadays."

It was Hermione's turn to laugh. After a pause, she said, "Besides, I am a phoenix." They smiled at each other as they entered their private rooms. "Now. Let's see just how alive I can make you feel," Hermione said sensually as she reached for Minerva.

Minerva gladly met Hermione's addictive lips with her own.

Sitting on her sofa, staring at the fire's flames, Minerva felt content. Andrea would arrive in a few minutes, but for now Minerva basked in the emotions Hermione stirred within her. Minerva had never dreamed that she would fall in love so late in life, and yet she had fifteen years ago. And it seemed she fell deeper in love as time passed and they built their lives together. Hermione stimulated her in all ways, and as her wife continued to blossom, Minerva remained fascinated if not downright enthralled.

She made her feel energized. Youthful. Alive.

Hermione was her equal in every way. Sharing her life with Hermione was exhilarating. As her mind pulled up images of what they had just shared, her body shuddered lightly.

"I know what you are thinking," Hermione's sexy voice breathed next to her ear as a hand wormed into the front of her robe from behind her. Minerva moaned, her eyes fluttering closed. She indulged in the feeling of rightness for a moment, not objecting to how Hermione so easily manipulated her body into an acutely aroused state. She would be sure to return the favor later before they both became well-sated. This teasing served as an affirmation of their shared love and desire.

"Mmm, mo Gràdh, I was indeed reliving how you took me so thoroughly earlier. I have never been so well-satisfied." Minerva tilted her head to the side and gazed heatedly at her wife. "I fully plan to reciprocate later, so I hope you are not tired."

"Not at all," Hermione murmured before she bent down to kiss her.

Their tongues rubbed enticingly as Minerva raised her hand and placed it behind Hermione's neck, pulling her forward more. She felt Hermione's other hand pinching her hardened nipple, and Minerva barely stopped herself from pulling Hermione over the back of the sofa and stripping her of her clothes. She breathed through her nose with short exhalations as her body heat rose exponentially. Thrusting her chest out, allowing Hermione to continue her magnificent torture on her breasts, Minerva broke the kiss and sucked on Hermione's neck, flashes of what they had done earlier once more filling her mind.

Minerva holding on to the dresser...her backside raised in the air...Hermione seductively rolling her hips against her...hands torturing her sensitive breasts...

A whispered incantation...a hot mouth greedily sucking on a swinging breast just as she was entered forcefully from behind...

Hands on her hips, guiding the rhythm...the exquisite feeling of lips between her legs, tasting her...darkened brown eyes burning up at her from the woman kneeling before her...Hermione...

A hot mouth sucking behind her ear...on her engorged nerve center...hands holding her hips tightly...squeezing her breasts...strong thrusts...in...out...in...out...faster...harder...

Two Hermiones worshipping her body...pushing her toward ecstasy...

How?

Throat flexing...a primal scream of completion...voices joined...a body draped over hers...arms holding her tightly...a last kiss on her quivering center as words were whispered...

"Did you create that spell?" Minerva asked in a low voice, her teeth scraping down Hermione's neck.

"Yes. Perhaps you can use it on me some time," Hermione said.

Minerva thought of the Engorgio spell Hermione had used to enlarge her clitoris and enter Minerva as would a man, coupled with the double-Hermione spell. Perhaps a variation of the Geminio charm...

Smiling into Hermione's neck, Minerva purred and nipped the damp skin next to her lips. "That sounds wonderful."

A knock on the door caused them both to groan in frustration. Of course, it was their own fault. Hermione removed her hands from under Minerva's robe, but Minerva kept her hold on Hermione's neck, pulling her in for one more intense kiss.

"Later, there is an intriguing spell I intend to use involving you, the shower, and magical bubbles," Minerva whispered. She grinned lasciviously at the glazed look dominating Hermione's face. Rising gracefully, Minerva readjusted her tartan robes before proceeding to the door. One hand on the handle, Minerva looked back and saw Hermione leaning weakly against the sofa. Smirking, Minerva opened the door.

"Andrea, come in," Minerva greeted her niece, delivering a kiss on her cheek and guiding her toward the couch. Just as they sat down, tea appeared on the table in front of them, exactly on time. Minerva busied herself preparing their cups as Hermione attempted to lure Andrea from her despondent state.

"Have you heard from her?" Hermione asked, sipping her tea and nodding appreciatively at Minerva.

"Not a word. But Caroline and Cassidy have been rather persistent with relaying information to me about her," Andrea said, a small smile appearing before she sighed loudly. "Not that they could tell me what they will be doing after graduation. And that affects everything!"

Minerva made placating noises. "Do not fret, Andrea. Things have a way of working out. You'll see." Andrea looked at her pensively, and Minerva could see the wheels turning. It was no mistake that she had used the same words as only a couple of months ago, just days before Miranda had arrived to help deal with the dragon attacks.

Change was in the air, and this time, Minerva had the advantage of knowing what that meant. She smiled to herself.

"Well, they made sure to tell me that Miranda was coming here for their graduation on Friday. I just have no idea how to act. I mean, are we together? Should I welcome her as a lover, or would I be embarrassing myself? I have no idea what she wants!" Andrea complained, one hand over her eyes.

"Have her daughters made any indication?" Hermione asked curiously.

"They want us together. They believe it's just a matter of time. Not that their beliefs help one bit," Andrea groused.

Minerva chuckled. She swallowed some of her tea and hummed to herself, thinking of the message she had received from Harry earlier. Poor Andrea obviously had no idea, yet. Feeling eyes upon her, Minerva looked up to find two sets of brown orbs focusing on her intently.

"You know something," Hermione said slowly.

Eyebrows rising, Minerva noted Andrea's face—hope and despair warring for dominance. She could not allow her niece to remain in such pain when she could alleviate her suffering.

Placing her tea aside, Minerva clasped her hands together on her lap and smiled broadly. "I do." She nodded for added effect. "I received news from Harry today." She paused, tilting her head as she stared at her niece. "News I believe you will welcome, Andrea."

"Oh, for Merlin's sake, out with it, woman!" Hermione ordered.

"Well, some background is in order. After the battle at Bleaklow, I spoke to Harry about the Priestly twins' desire to become Aurors. Evidently, they had told Harry directly of their career aspirations, and after seeing them in battle and with the unfortunate loss of several Aurors, Harry has decided to extend invitations to them to train in his division."

"Oh my God! Why didn't they tell me? That's wonderful! That means Miranda will come here. Unless she has changed her mind. I mean, it's been a couple of months. Maybe now that she is immersed in New York life again, her feelings have changed. After all, she isn't surrounded by dragons and magic. Maybe she doesn't want that—"

"Andrea, dear. Let me finish. I may be able to shed more light on Miranda's future plans. First, Harry plans to present the invitations tomorrow at graduation, so the twins kept nothing from you. Second, Harry had additional news to impart. It seems that the temporary position of dragon consultant had become permanent. And filled." She waited a moment as she watched knowledge seep into her niece's shadowed eyes, lighting them up much as the sunrise fills the sky, chasing the darkness away.

"Miranda took the job?" Andrea said softly.

"Yes. Before she knew that her daughters were to be offered the Auror positions, I might add. In fact, no one knows about that, except for us and Harry. So you see, my dear niece, Miranda made her choice. She chose you." Minerva leaned forward and squeezed Andrea's hand.

"Oh! I can't believe it! I'm going to see her this week, and she is staying. I can't...this is..." Andrea's eyes flitted everywhere and nowhere, a hand over her mouth as tears streamed down her face.

It warmed Minerva's heart.

Soon after Minerva gave Andrea the life-changing news, she left, and Minerva enjoyed knowing her efforts to convince Harry that training the Priestly twins would be worth his while had paid off. Sure they were young, but they were no younger than Harry and Ron had been when they had begun their training, as she had pointed out to Harry when he had objected. Their talents were well-documented at school, and he had seen first-hand their practical abilities during the battle. Minerva had not hesitated to mention their blossoming ability to speak dracotongue, either. He knew not to let others know lest that invite danger, but such a skill would only aid them and the Ministry.

"If I recall correctly, you mentioned something about us, a shower, and magical bubbles," Hermione soft voice broke the silence.

"Did I?" Minerva asked coyly as she rose from the sofa and embraced Hermione tightly.

"Yes," Hermione insisted, kissing under Minerva's jaw. "You did."

Sweeping Hermione into her arms, feeling stronger than she had in decades, Minerva growled playfully and strode toward their master bath. Once in the bathroom, she removed their clothing, pausing before the mirror to acknowledge that her skin looked firmer and younger, the wrinkles on her face finer and fewer. Another blessing Hermione had given to her by way of the phoenix tears—proof that the ravages of time were being reversed so that Minerva could live longer with her beloved.

And I will use this time well, Minerva vowed while picking Hermione up once more and kissing the woman as they entered the shower stall where hot water began to spray over their heated bodies. Now for those bubbles, she thought. And she grinned wickedly.

Apparating to the perimeter of Hogwarts, Miranda took a deep breath. Then another. She was nervous. Excited. But nervous. It annoyed her. She had no reason to be anxious. Everything she wanted was within her grasp. She just needed to believe. And trust. Simple.

Miranda snorted. Trusting had never been her strong suit. She had several emotional scars that proved what happened when she took a leap of faith. Yet, she knew she could trust Andrea, if only because the formidable witch had delivered her heart into Miranda's care, even though she had no reassurance that Miranda would treat it well.

Once Miranda had returned to the States, she had searched her feelings and admitted to herself that being with Andrea was worth risking her heart. She loved the woman. Miranda believed the feelings had been present for quite some time. She did not want to return to an existence without Andrea by her side. She would not.

With that truth in mind, Miranda had discussed her feelings with her daughters, including her intention to return to the UK. They had resoundingly insisted that she come as soon as possible. Regardless of whether they were able to become Aurors right away, they would not return to the States. Miranda hadn't realized that they had made such a decision, but they steadfastly refused to live in a world without magic. This confounded Miranda since in all their previous conversations concerning life after graduation, they had waffled on what they would do. Yet, their reaction had made Miranda's decisions much easier.

They had also kept her apprised of Andrea's condition. Evidently, she was struggling, often sad and withdrawn. It broke Miranda's heart to know she was the cause of such sorrow. She would have her work cut out for her to gain Andrea's trust and to make the alluring witch happy. She would do it, though, starting today.

The brisk morning air was a welcome balm on Miranda's heated skin as she walked quickly toward Hogwarts' front gates. She couldn't wait to see Andrea, to take her in her arms, to tell her—.

"Good morning, Miranda," a well-known, venerable voice broke through her thoughts. Miranda realized with a start that she was nearly at the gates. With a soft word, the ostentatious, ebony-colored metal gates opened, and the Headmistress stood before her.

"Good morning, Minerva. I trust you are well," Miranda said politely.

"Very well, thank you. What brings you to Hogwarts?" Minerva said just as politely.

Narrowing her eyes, Miranda sized up the impressive woman, quickly concluding that before she could prove herself to Andrea, she would have to explain her appearance to her apparently overprotective aunt. Sighing, Miranda rubbed the bridge of her nose. There was no help for it, and really she should have anticipated this eventuality.

"I am here to see Andrea," Miranda answered.

"I dare say she is quite busy, what with graduation in two days and the school closing next week. Perhaps you should wait to see her on Friday or make an appointment," Minerva said blandly, her flashing eyes revealing deep emotions that her stance and voice did not.

Squaring her shoulders, Miranda tilted her head in contemplation. How best to handle this. She pursed her lips while staring at the Headmistress. "I have no intention of leaving. I am here to see Andrea, and I will. I understand that you want what is best for her, but she is certainly able to make her own decisions. Let me pass." Noting the confrontational way Minerva stood, she added with a sigh, "Please. I must see her."

"What are your intentions?" Minerva asked.

"I believe Andrea should hear such an answer before you do," Miranda answered stiffly.

"Nevertheless, you shall not pass unless you answer me. Besides Hermione, she is the only family I have left. I will not allow you to hurt her any more than you have."

Miranda blanched. "I did not mean to hurt her. In fact, I have changed my life to be with her, if she will have me." She stared at Minerva and made her feelings clear. "I love her. And although it will not happen immediately, I mean to make her my wife," she stated boldly, head held high, daring the woman to object. After a protracted staring war, Minerva nodded. Miranda just prevented herself from sighing with relief.

"Very well, but be warned. If you cast her away, you will deal with me," Minerva said, her Scottish lilt making the threat much more palatable to the ears but not any less intimidating. She stepped aside, and Miranda moved through the gates. As they drew level, Minerva laid a hand on Miranda's arm to stall her progress. "Take care of her, Miranda," she said softly, a note of pleading in her voice.

Miranda nodded with a small smile, and they parted ways.

As she crossed the entryway into the Charms classroom, Miranda marveled over how much had transpired during the last two months. She had embraced a part of her life that she had turned her back on, reclaimed her power, reconciled with her uncle, communicated with her daughters using dracotongue, and lived out her fantasies of being with Andrea.

Andrea, who had haunted her dreams for years. Andrea, who was one of the most powerful witches alive, if not of all time, keeping good company with her aunts, Minerva and Hermione. Andrea, who declared her love fearlessly and trusted that Miranda would find her way back. Andrea, who stood frozen at the front of the classroom, watching as Miranda sealed the door and applied a silencing charm on the room before approaching the dragon animagus.

Without a word, Miranda took Andrea into her arms and kissed her as she had dreamt since they had parted. A sob escaped Andrea's lips, and Miranda looked into wet eyes that sparkled with joy.

Acceptable.

Soon, she had Andrea's legs resting on her shoulders as she licked ravenously at her dripping essence. The sounds she made, the long, drawn-out moans and addictive, high-pitched groans pushed Miranda's passion higher. She filled her lover with three fingers, stroking slowly and deeply as she twisted her fingers to rub Andrea just the way she loved. As Andrea's body gyrated more frantically and her cries became louder, Miranda sucked the engorged center of nerves, determined to satisfy her Andrea, to let her know through her actions how much she cared. She caressed Andrea's gloriously muscular backside as it flexed rhythmically.

"Andrea. I have missed you. I could not stay away. Tell me you want me. You need me," Miranda said passionately. She looked up into mocha eyes as she sucked strongly, moaning at Andrea's distinctive, addictive taste and how easily her fingers slid through the profuse moisture that proved how aroused Andrea was. For her.

"I want you. I need you," Andrea moaned breathlessly.

"Come for me, darling. Show me you are mine," Miranda demanded. Andrea's cries of completion were music to her ears, and without even one touch from her lover, Miranda followed her over into the abyss, her shout joining Andrea's beautiful voice.

Taking deep breaths while her head rested on a well-defined thigh, Miranda felt peaceful for the first time since leaving Hogwarts two months ago. A hand sifted through her hair hypnotically, and she floated on the edge of consciousness. Her rational mind told her how comical it was that she was kneeling on the hard, wooden floor while naked, her body resting against the desk while nestled between Andrea's legs, the aroma of sex permeating the air. And yet she would not have moved for all the gold in Gringotts.

"I love you so much," Andrea said softly.

Standing up, Miranda helped Andrea sit up on the desk and gazed deeply into those mesmerizing eyes she had become fascinated with so long ago. "I love you, Andrea. I'm sorry I left, but I have come back for you. I realize you have no cause to trust me, but I would like nothing better than to build a relationship with you. I resigned from Runway, and I've told my daughters that I will remain here, regardless of their career choices. I will resume my dragon consultant duties with the Ministry in September. Give me a chance?"

"You won't have to worry about the girls. They are both being offered spots in the Auror training program," Andrea said.

That was wonderful news, but it did not answer her heart-felt question. Would Andrea give her an opportunity to love her as she truly deserved? "And your answer to my question?" she prompted.

Andrea's smile lit up the room and Miranda's heart. "Yes."

"Yes?" Miranda asked, afraid to believe but wanting to desperately.

"Yes." Their kiss was filled with elation and promises not yet voiced. They had much to discuss, much to decide, but they had time now. Miranda would not waste it.