Minerva turned at once and went back through the door, shutting it and silently sealing it. Draco gave Harry a puzzled look at Minerva's disappearance.

Harry didn't react, "Take me to her, Draco. Now. Please. Quickly." Draco nodded and turning crisply on his heel, led the way down the hall.

Minerva caught all three Weasleys in her arms, Ginny released a near-silent sob, George's face was white as a sheet, and with her arm wrapped around Charlie as he rested his forehead on her shoulder, Minerva could feel him trying to regulate his breathing. "I'm so sorry. I want you to go back to Hogwarts. Harry and Kreacher will bring her back there. Let Poppy take a look at her, yes? And hand me those vials before you go." Stepping apart, Charlie and Ginny each placed their vial in her palm. The bloody room seemed to be closing in on them, and Minerva could see signs of shock setting in. She pushed them toward the window. Putting an edge of authority in her voice, "Now, leave this place, at once. Let me, Harry, and Hermione take it from here. I'll send word as soon as I learn anything." George and Ginny complied, climbing back out first. Once they were out of sight, Charlie turned, finding his voice, "If you see Percy, tell him I'll kill him if he ever comes near our family again."

Minerva searched his eyes and seeing no sign of exaggeration, she nodded. "Go on, lad. George should be given a sleeping draft. See to it will you?" He nodded and his face transformed from anger into resolve as he exited the window. Watching them descend, she noticed bloody scuffs left on Hermione's branches from their shoes. I wonder if she can sense it. After they apparated away, she reached out, grasping the nearest flaky branch. Hermione, I need you to change back, love. Sighing out a wave of grief. I need you.

The response was immediate. I'm trying, but there is something wrong, my request isn't getting through the mycorrhizal network. There was a pause. Minerva tried to think what could disrupt a fungal network on that scale, that quickly. About to call Elspeth, Hermione transmitted again with the answer. Spider mites. They're deliberately eating the parts of fungal connective tissue attached to me. There are millions of them. I received a warning when I arrived that the soil was poisonous.

A rare feeling of panic started to seed itself in Minerva's gut. Taking a deep breath she nearly gagged at the overwhelming scent of Molly's blood. Doing the opposite of calming her nerves, it pushed her closer to the brink. Giving herself a stern talking to, Think, Minerva. Keep your wits about you for Merlin's sake. Signalling Elspeth through the wards, the elf appeared by her side. Handing her the vials of the blood potion,"Elspeth, would you mind discreetly delivering these to Harry or Kreacher immediately?"

"Of course, Minnie" and with a pop she was gone. Alone again and following her instincts she climbed out the window to a blood free branch and sat one arm around the trunk. Leaning her face against Hermione's bark, she breathed in the cleansing, fresh scent, letting her mind mull over what needed to be done. Elspeth reappeared by her side, legs wagging, "Harry has the vials and the Malfoy boy saw nothin'. Miss Mione can't change, me thinks, Minnie."

'Aye, Els, a spider mite infestation has cut her off from the other trees."

"Oy, spider mites is all? Ok, Minnie, I's call the ladybugs to come. Ask Miss Mione how far out the damage is. And then see if you can bridge it, yeah? Yous got your shift on, yes?"

Minerva glanced in wonder at her elder elf, eyes filling with tears. "Elspeth, I don't know what I'd do without you."

With a mischievous grin, "Me neithers, Minnie. Ya do get ya'self in the worst trouble and always have done. But I wouldn't have ya any other ways, now ask Miss Mione and get goin' yous."

Love, Elspeth is calling the ladybugs to control the mite population. And she also came up with another idea, if I shifted between you and the nearest tree, you think we could create a bridge in the network?

One moment.

Minerva scanned the property, mentally calculating the distances between each visible tree.

It may work, but you'd need to be quite large. A beech or redwood would be best. Go about halfway to the next tree the same way you came when you first approached me. The damage is less severe that way.

You could see me that far out?

Mmm, yes, love. It's different, but you'll see for yourself once I shift back.

Minerva, not wanting to waste a moment, apparated herself to the spot in the field. Lifting her sleeve and placing her right hand on her tree-shift, she pulled her magic to her and made her intentions clear to be one of the largest species available. Feeling her head tip back, she gave into the novel sensation. As she felt her feet transform into a quickly spreading Beech root system, she kept her mind focused on creating the bridge to Hermione. Her lateral roots shot out in two polar directions, one of which being toward the Manor, unfurling their fibrous extensions as they pushed through the soil. After about a minute, she was bombarded by thoughts that were not her own, like a garbled radio broadcast. Using that imagery she tried to tune into the right frequency relevant to her and Hermione, and at once things became more clear.

"...sent for the Centaurs."

"Thought we lost you."

"Trine, pull your magic inward and we will release you."

"Thank you, I will attempt to rebalance the soil when I can use my wand."

Feeling Hermione's presence detach from her awareness, she tuned out and brought her consciousness to her other senses.Wow, different indeed. Quite the understatement. The night sky was a stunning tapestry of colour and lights set in the milky richness of the galaxy. The Moon was a sight to behold, as she could detect cosmic rays hitting the surface, producing red gamma rays.

Just as she was going to ask to be released herself, she caught sight of the most stunning display she had ever witnessed. Hermione had shifted back and was now walking toward her, emitting the most beautiful energy streams flowing up and around and back through her heart, creating a pulsing, glowing, golden-red torus. Suddenly bands of circulating energy seemed to coalesce and shoot out from the torus boundary, blanketing the surface of the ground in all directions spanning two hundred yards. Oh my, she's casting a spell! Taking a moment to savour the electromagnetic sight of her love's magic, Minerva immediately registered there was a new ease to her system. Her respiration felt lighter and her xylem cleaner. My clever witch removed the toxin attracting the mites. Still advancing, Minerva felt the depth of her attraction and love grow with every step.

Hermione seemed to slow to a stop and Minerva was overcome with yearning for her nearness. Hermione reached forward with her hands, wand cradled by her right thumb, palms facing out, and took one step closer. An eruption of sparks lit up all around them. Sweet Merlin, so that's how Firenze saw us. Noticing Hermione's life force circulating faster as her heart rate quickened, Minerva's urgency for tactile connection seemed almost untenable. She felt her new corporeal form react as well, shifting her nutrients into a ready state to propagate.

Hermione, understanding from her experience how Minerva would be craving her touch, pressed the whole length of her body against Minerva's silvery-white trunk, wrapping her arms around and splaying out her fingers for maximum contact. I've got you, mo chridhe.

Minerva's senses had never been so overwhelmed and feeling the endearment "my heart" in Scots Gaelic from her lover was almost too much to contain. Fuck.

Hermione huffed out an empathetic laugh. Her left cheek shifted, placing three quick kisses on the smooth bark. Mm yes, I know, my love. Come back to me, Minerva. They are ready to let you go now.

Minerva, remembering the instructions she'd heard being given to Hermione, pulled her magic to herself and instantly found herself propped by her younger lover. No longer able to hear each other's thoughts, Minerva found her voice. Squeezing Hermione closer to her, "Seeing you like that, I..." her rough voice faltered. Hermione moved her hand up her lover's back and sliding her cheek to speak directly in Minerva's ear, "I know, love. Under any other circumstance, I'd lay you down right now and make magical love to you until the sun rose. Witnesses, be damned." Moving her face to meet emotionful emerald eyes, "Alas, we have much to do before then. Elspeth's filled me in. Should we go to Harry?"

Taking a deep breath to calm her raging libido and unfettered emotions, Minerva nodded. Only now realising she had not perceived Elspeth at all during her time as the giant Beech. Curious. Stepping away, and taking measure of herself, she was surprised to feel rather invigorated and not magically drained at all. "I believe so, I'm afraid my sense of time feels a bit off. Elspeth, are you near us, dear?" Elspeth appeared, "Aye, Minnie, I's just giving you and Miss Mione a moment."

"Bless you, Els. Is Harry still within the Manor?"

"Aye, I sense him and Kreacher in the cellars. The young Malfoy is atop the door in the floor above, keeping watch, me thinks."

"Can you bring us there from out here?"

"Aye, yous ready?"

Each nodding, the witches grasped a soft, warm, elven hand and disappeared.

May 30, 1998
(Meeting at Downing continued…)

PM Wilkinson chimed in after the American President, "Ah yes, very good. I'm very pleased to hear you are able to address this troublesome issue, Ms Granger. And thank you, Minister Shacklebolt, for making the introduction." Turning back to Hermione, "If you would consider this your top priority, I'd be happy to provide lodging and any other resources you need here in London as you sort this business out."

Taking a moment to consider revealing that lodging wouldn't be necessary as she lived not too far, she decided against it and nodded, "If my first understanding of this intrusion holds, I believe a few days should do it." Moving her gaze to Natasha, then Alexander, "I'll also need to access the terminus of these fibre cables on your end, in New York."

Seraphina cleared her throat, drawing all eyes to her. Not speaking immediately, she seemed to draw out the moment of having command of everyone's silent attention. Hermione used the opportunity to take her in fully. She knew what the history books had written about her, which now she knew to be highly edited and construed for political purposes. The descriptions, however, had certainly not prepared her for the aura of authority and power that Seraphina exuded. If someone had introduced her as a Queen, Hermione would have not thought twice. Her hair matched her skin almost perfectly, a deep bronze; pulled into a halo twist that crowned her head. The large trilliant-cut yellow citrine at her throat nestled in gold between two smaller diamonds seemed to be lit with sunlight from within. Her ivory silk tailored suit was also cuffed in smaller matching citrines. Hermione brought her eyes back up to Seraphina's, where they were waiting to be met. Hermione felt her magic tingling under the piercing look and was instantly on alert to any efforts of coercion the witch could be attempting.

Seraphina's velvety southern voice betrayed no ill intent, "While I do appreciate international cooperation, I'm quite sure if you give me precise instructions, I can accomplish the task. Sparing you the trip."

It was Minerva's turn to clear her throat and Hermione was reminded of the loaded look the two witches had shared when they had first entered. Her curiosity about their past increased tenfold. Sitting back in her chair, she deferred to her Order partner to respond.

"With all due respect, your magical ability of course would not be in question, but I do think Hermione should at least be present to ensure a consistency of application. Unless, of course, you do have an equal understanding of muggle technology that you have yet to share?"

Seraphina raised her eyebrow and grinned, knowing she had been bested. She's still got it then, eh? Let's see. "And I'm sure you'll be accompanying her then, Minerva?"

Minerva raised her eyebrow in a mirror image, "Naturally," the word elongated and rolling in it's Scottish delivery.

Seraphina's grin widened to show her perfect teeth, and in her most sugary Southern accent yet, "Excellent, well then you just must pay a visit to my home then, and bring your... friend here too."

Minerva's expression, unchanged, "We shall see." They remained undeterred eye contact even when the Prime Minister cleared his throat, obviously wanting to end the meeting as soon as possible and dismiss the magical folks he clearly distrusted.

"Well excellent then, Mary, please make arrangements for Hermione's stay in London and any travel arrangements to New York for whomever needs to attend." Looking at the table at large, eyes landing on the American President, "We good here?"

"On this matter, yes," came the President's brief reply as he stood, which triggered everyone else to stand. "I expect briefings daily Wilkenson. And also, reign in that Rowling woman, will you? You said she was committed to a fanciful depiction of this magic stuff, but it's a bit too close, wouldn't you say? And it's getting far too popular for my liking."

Kingsley, Minerva, and Hermione's ears perked up at the offhand comment, shooting each other questioning looks.

"Of course," the PM said, bowing deferentially. The Americans filed out of the room first, with Seraphina lingering at the door, casting a look first at Kingsley, "We'll talk this evening." Then toward Hermione, "I look forward to working with you.." and shifting her eyes deliberately to Minerva, "...again." Then, more gracefully than should be allowed wearing four inch heels, she turned and glided out of sight.

The PM seemed to pick up on the tension, "Headmistress, do you have any reservations working with the Americans in this?"

Minerva straightened and exuding total confidence and authority, "Reservations, no. I am, however, no doubt like you, familiar with their ways and have learned to be cautious if not a bit sceptical of whether their spoken intentions match their eventual actions."

PM Wilkenson smiled the first genuine smile of the session, "Right then, we are on the same page. Good. Please do keep me informed through Kingsley of anything that seems amiss, will you?"

"Certainly," Minerva nodded at both the PM and Mary, who she decided she liked after her kindness toward Potter. "If I may ask, what was that about a Rowling woman writing about magic?"

The PM looked confused, "You mean you don't know about the Harry Potter story that came out last year?"

Minerva's face tightened as she raised an eyebrow, "You mean to tell me, us , there is a muggle story out about Harry Potter?"

"Minister Fudge was the one who came up with the idea actually, along with a writer, her pen name is J.K. Rowling, but I'm not entirely sure what her real name is."

Minerva's eyes snapped to Kingsley's, "Did you know of this?"

"Absolutely not," Kingsley said. "Prime Minister, do you have a copy we could have?"

"Sure, I get the manuscripts sent directly from Rowling's office before publication. The next yet unpublished manuscript was delivered to me right before the internet disruptions started happening and it just so happens that that book features a large serpent creature, a Bastilist or some such that Harry speaks to. I thought the character was a complete work of fiction until you mentioned Mister Potter's name as being one who could decode the sounds." Looking to Mary, "Would you mind grabbing a published copy of the first book and the manuscript of the second from my office, Mary?"

"Of course, straight away," Mary looked quite pale.

"Oh my god," Hermione uttered as she sat, totally blindsided by this information. She hadn't set foot in a bookshop since they'd been on the run and the idea that there could be information about Harry out in the wider world stole her strength. "Are any others of us featured in the book as well, Prime Minister?"

"Oh yes, but I must say you are much more put together than this Rowling woman portrays, Ms Granger. And Harry Potter less so if I may add."

Hermione's mouth fell open. Mary returned, carrying one hard backed novel and one spiral bound book.

Kingsley, Minerva, and Hermione leaned in at the same time once she placed them on the table. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was embossed in gold on the maroon dust jacket of the hardback. The white sheet of the spiral notebook read, working title, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Minerva flipped the hardback over and there was a collective gasp as the author portrait was none other than Rita Skeeter.