AN: Thanks for all the support. You guys are great! I hope you like this next bit. Thanks to Butterfly for throwing one inspiring word at me... "Unicorns". As always, this is a MM/HG femslash. If you don't care for that sort of thing, then please don't read it.

THE GRAND SIRE

Hermione opened her eyes. It was very early in the morning. So early that even the birds weren't awake. She wondered why she'd awoken... then she remembered. The dream. She'd dreamt of Minerva. She and Minerva to be precise. Doing things that put even more curl into her hair. Grinning wickedly, she turned in her lover's arms. Minerva was still asleep. That in itself was a testament to how much exertion Hermione had put her lover through last night. She smiled thinking of what they'd done. Wicked, wicked but lovely things to each other. She felt her nipples tighten in response to her musings. She pulled back slightly so she could look at her lover. Truely look at her.

Minerva McGonagall was extrordinarily beautiful. Her lengthy black hair lie in unruly disarray all over the pillows. Her long black lashes draped over closed eyes. Enticing lips curled in a slightly mysterious smile. Aristocratic facial features that belied the supposition that with looks like that Minerva must surely be a pureblood snob. Hermione knew that was hardly the case. Minerva was the farthest thing from a snob that anyone could get. She was friendly and funny. Salty when crossed and flirty as a sailor on leave when encouraged. Which in Hermione's case didn't take much. The younger witch ran her fingers through Minerva's silky ebony tresses adoring the sensation. Knowing she was the only person permitted this priviledge. Minerva's face was a picture of peace. Hermione knew that the older witch had sought such peace all her life. Searching for something, she knew not what. Looking for...

"Me" She thought happily.

The older witch had confessed on more than one occasion how she'd been plagued with nightmares of her past battles with death eaters and such. How she would toss and turn and never fully get a decent nights rest. Then Hermione had come into her life. First as a student, then as a friend. That friendship had evolved into something deeper. Love. That love had grown and blossomed into the amazing relationship they now enjoyed. Minerva's nightmares had ceased when Hermione was with her. Yet something was still missing. Hermione knew what that something was... a commitment. She wanted more. She wanted... a ring.

Hermione leaned down and gently pressed her lips to Minerva's forehead. "I love you... I want to be your wife." She whispered a great longing in her voice and heart. Carefully, so not to awaken her lover, Hermione snuggled back down against Minerva. Tucking her head beneath the older witch's chin and closing her eyes.

A tear trickled down Minerva's cheek.

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"But Hermione said we would get to take her on a tour of the grounds today!" Angus argued. His mother, Fiona McGonagall, narrowed her emerald eyes at her son. Leaning forward, she rested her hands on the edge of the gold frame of her portrait. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to young man!" The ghost reared back surprised, "What?" Fiona shook her head, her loose ebony hair swaying gently. "That young lass is for Minerva... Don't even think of tryin' to butt in!" Angus gasped angrily, "I'm not!" Fiona waved her hand dismissively, "What are ya gonna do? You're a ghost for Merlin's sake!" She paused, knowing she was being cruel. This was necessary. She wasn't about to let her errant son mess this up for Minerva... or for the rest of the family. Sighing, she continued, "You're a ghost! Ya can't do anything with her ya know! Ya need to find a nice girl ghost..." Angus shook his head, "Aw mum!" Fiona shook her head sadly, "Face it luv, ya can't give her anythin'" Angus paced in front of the portrait running his hands through his hair, "All I want is her friendship mum. I know I can't give her my love. She doesn't want it. She wants Minerva." Fiona felt her heart go out to her son, "Aw my luv. Tis alright." She paused, thinking... "Hermione represents the future for this family. Ya know that right?" Angus nodded. His mother was correct in everything she'd said. He couldn't be anything more to the young lass than a friend. Ever. He couldn't give her the kind of love Minerva could. And what about Minerva? He loved his cousin dearly. He would never hurt her. This... whatever it was he felt in his heart for Hermione would just have to stay there. He looked up into his mother's eyes. "It just hurts." He whispered sadly. Fiona wished more than anything in the world that she could take her son into her arms. But alas, he was killed just two days before he was scheduled to sit for his magical portrait. They would never be able to embrace as mother and son... ever. "Darlin'... just know I love ya." Another soft voice whispered, "I love do too." His other mother, Edeen appeared behind her wife. Tears rolling down her beautiful cheeks. "Aw, come 'ere.." Fiona pulled her wife into her arms. Angus watched his mothers sadly. At least they had each other in a portrait. He had nothing. He was a ghost. He was dead.

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Minerva opened her eyes, she really didn't think Hermione was asleep. Not after what she'd just heard. She had some serious thinking to do. She gently tightened her embrace around the younger woman. Hermione raised her head, "Hey." She whispered kissing Minerva's collarbone. The older witch smiled, "Hey yourself." Their lips met in a sweet morning kiss. Hermione propped herself up on her elbow and asked, "So what's the plan for today?" Minerva reached out tucking a stray curl behind her lover's ear and replied, "Well, I thought we'd take a tour of the grounds. This estate is vast, so I thought we could take another broom ride... are you up for that?" She eyed Hermione curiously. The young witch smiled, "As long as I get to ride with you." The two witches rose and quickly went through their morning rituals. Age old and time tested rituals unique to every female that ever walked the earth... hair, make-up and wardrobe.

Angus was waiting at the bottom of the grand staircase as Minerva and Hermione descended. The older witch was wearing tailored forest green slacks and a white v-neck cotton top with half sleeves. She carried her house robe draped over one arm. Hermione had on snug blue jeans and a red tank top. Both women looked quite fetching. "Good morning ladies." A voice boomed out of a gold framed portrait. Minerva smiled as Hermione waved and replied, "Good moring Aunt Fiona." The portrait in question beamed at Hermione's use of the word "aunt". "Livvy's prepared a nice breakfast." Angus stated adding, "I have no idea where Izer is." Hearing the elf's name, both witches burst into mischievious laughter. Mystified, Angus scratched his head and quickly made a decision. "Hey..." Both women looked up at him. "I..uh have some stuff I need to take care of for the mums so I can't go with ya'" Minerva frowned, "Are you sure?" The ghost nodded smiling, "We'll share a drink later and you can tell me all about it." His cousin beamed, and her love nodded with a lovely smile.

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The Grand Sire looked up from his grazing. His keen hearing picked up the faint sounds of laughter. His depthless black eyes scanned the tree line for intruders. He nickered softly to his mate who was grazing a few meters away. She raised her delicate head, snow white mane falling gently into her sky blue eyes.

'Onara come'

His mare paced close and gently touched his flank. He continued to scan the horizon, finally picking out an approaching speck in the sky.

'Take the herd to the tree line'

Onara gently touched her horn to his. Then she turned and whickered to the small herd grazing in the lush meadow near the edge of Loch Shastia. The family of magical creatures cantered to the matriarch. She turned and galloped full tilt towards the safety of the deep forest that spread almost the entire length of the loch. The rest of her clan followed without question. All except one young stallion and his mate. Donatu approached his sire

'What is it father?'

The Grand Sire turned to his colt.

'Go. Take Alora. Keep hid. If there is no danger, I will call.'

Donatu bowed his head to his sire and nickered to his mate, Alora. She was heavy with foal. He gently urged her to follow him to the tree line. She obeyed, trusting him and his father to protect not only her unborn, but the rest of the herd as well.

When the Grand Sire was certain his family was well concealed, he cantered to the edge of the forest. Waiting and watching.

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Minerva brought her broom to a graceful landing in a rolling meadow at the edge of Loch Shastia. They'd just come from the southern end of the Manor where Minerva showed her love the extensive farm land that she oversaw. The muggle farmers had no idea their landlord was witch. They only knew that she was fair in her dealings with them. Taking only a small percentage of the profit their crops brought in and charging no rent. They couldn't get a better deal anywhere. If they were curious about the young woman with her, they never said a word. The odd looking broom in her hand had been curious as well, but there again, they said nothing.

Hermione had been amazed at the vast extent of McGonagall Manor and just how many muggles lived and worked at the perimeter. Minerva had explained that there were charms in place to prevent unwanted excursions into the Manor's interior. So far, no one had tried.

Hermione ran her hand through her unruly mane and asked, "Where are we now?" The older witch smiled as she spied what she came to this particular meadow for... "Look, just there.." Hermione followed Minerva's pointing finger to the tree line.

Standing at the edge of the forest was a unicorn.

"Oh my God." Hermione gasped, her dark eyes widening in astonishment. She'd never seen a live one before. The notoriously shy creatures that populated the forests at Hogwarts never allowed themselves to be seen that often. Hermione remembered back to her first year when she had to spend detention with Harry, Ron and Draco Malfoy trudging through the dark forest with Hagrid. This was a treat. She gazed at the beautiful snow white creature standing still as a statue at the tree line. He was magnificent. She counted twenty turns to his horn. "He must be old." She whispered to Minerva. The older witch nodded with a smile. "He has a small herd. They are probably in the forest behind him. This is his meadow. I would come here as a child and just sit for hours watching him. Eventually he allowed me closer. I never got to touch him though." There was a wistful quality to her voice. Hermione nodded to her lover and turned to look back at the glorious creature at the edge of the forest. Her soft chocolate brown eyes locked in a wondrous gaze with the endless black depths of the Grand Sire. She could sense a great wisdom eminating from him. That and power. Immense power.

For his part, the Grand Sire was intrigued by the young witch the Mistress had brought to his meadow. He had great respect for the Mistress. She had been a good caretaker of the land. Protecting his meadow from outsiders. He had watched her grow from the curious wide eyed child to the warrior she had become. She had battled the darkness on the side of the light. She had taken lives in those battles. As good and noble as the Mistress was, he could not allow her near the foals. The darkness that had touched her must never be allowed near the pure light that was his foals and grandfoals.

The young witch was different. She had battled yes, but she had never killed. It was not in her to do so. He sensed goodness and love in her. A great passionate love for the Mistress.

'Ah... She is your mate.'

He sent to the witches. Startled, the women looked at each other. "Did you hear that?" Hermione queried excitedly. Minerva nodded in amazement. Never before had the Grand Sire addressed her.

Amazing still was the fact that the great unicorn was making his way closer. Hermione gazed transfixed at the wonderous creature approaching. The Grand Sire was consumed with curiosity. This young witch was an interesting creature. The light filled her soul. He felt her love of learning. He felt her wish to be a healer. To find cures to curses designed to inflict pain. He felt her need to prove that she belonged to the magical world. Mostly he felt her overwhelming love and longing for the Mistress.

The Grand Sire stopped just a few meters from the witches. They remained completely still as if rooted to the spot. He was beautiful. Standing at least six feet at the withers, with a long silver mane that sparkled in the sunlight. His snowy coat was also flecked with silver. His hooves were black. As black as those deep, mysterious, all knowing eyes that gazed upon the women with gentle humor.

'I will not harm you'

He sent to them, hoping to calm the Mistress. He'd seen her hand edging towards where he knew her wand must be. Hermione took a deep breath, "Do you understand me?" She asked, marveling at the fact that she was addressing a unicorn! The Grand Sire's deep eyes reflected his amusement as he sent to Hermione,

'I do.'

To be clearer, he nodded. His silver horn shining, reflecting glints of sunlight. He stepped closer still, reaching his muzzle out to sniff. He caught a scent of wonder and joy from Hermione and curiosity and caution from the Mistress. She was deeply protective of this young witch. He gently probed her mind and realized why. She was protective of the young witch in much the same way he was protective of Onara. They were mates... and something else. Something to do with the human world. The Mistress wanted the young witch to be more. She wanted to ask the young witch for a deeper commitment, but she wanted it to be special. She had brought Hermione here. To this meadow. To him. His deep dark eyes blinked at the knowledge he gathered from the Mistress. He could sense that she was aware of his probing. She was not afraid. He swished his silver tail.

The Grand Sire stepped even closer. Hermione could reach out and touch him if she wanted to. She didn't though. Not without permission. The unicorn sensed her thoughts and stretched his muzzle out to her face. Gently, ever so lightly, he licked her cheek.

Minerva thought she would faint when the unicorn reached out to Hermione. Unicorns almost never approached people! Only those they deemed worthy. She realized in an instant, just how worthy Hermione was. And just how unworthy she was.

'No!'

The Grand Sire scolded Minerva.

'You have spent your entire life protecting my way of living... Yes, you have killed and for that you may never touch my grandfoals... but you ARE worthy Minerva McGonagall!'

Startled, Hermione gazed up at her lover. Minerva thought she, a pureblood, was unworthy of her? A lowly muggle? The Grand Sire picked up Hermione's thoughts and passed them to Minerva. The latter gasping at what she heard in her mind. Gathering Hermione into her arms she stated emphatically, "There is nothing lowly about you! Nothing!"

The Grand Sire observed tears gathering in the emerald eyes of the Mistress. She loved the young one. Truely loved her. There was an ancient magic at work here as well. Something that swirled in and about the witches. The Grand Sire realized what it was.

'You have a bonding.'

He was surprised that two females would have this happen to them. He supposed it was different with witches and wizards. They had knowledge of things that went to the beyond. The Grand Sire understood the beyond. Things that magical creatures could grasp but never do. Perhaps the Mistress had this knowledge. "I do." Minerva stated, picking up his thought. The Grand Sire gazed at Hermione with a new understanding of just what she represented to the Mistress.

'You are the future'

He sent to the young witch rubbing his horn against her lower abdomen. He was blessing her womb.

The Grand Sire raised his head and whinnied loudly. He was calling his family to attend the witches. Hermione felt like she was in a dream. She gazed at the forest to see seven unicorns approaching. There was an eighth standing at the edge of the forest. She was very pregnant and surrounded by three foals. As the small herd approached, the weather changed and it began to rain. The Grand Sire raised his head to the sky,

'I ask for a small bit of dry.'

He sent to the heavens. As The Grand Sire's family surrounded Minerva and Hermione the rain stopped in a rough circle about thirty meters around them. It still rained outside the circle. Inside it was dry and sunny.

The unicorn clan sniffed at the humans curiously. Onara gently nudged Hermione with her horn. The young witch gasping with delight as the female unicorn nuzzled her cheek. Sniffing her hair, then rubbing her horn against her lower abdomen just as the Grand Sire had.

'I am Onara. Odaan is my mate.'

She nodded to the Grand Sire and moved to Minerva. Rubbing her horn against the older witch's chest.

'You are of good heart. A warrior. You protect. I will touch you.'

Onara wanted her mate to see that Minerva was NOT dark. She fought the dark. The Grand Sire understood and permitted the others to approach. A handsome young stallion approached. He was almost as tall as the Grand Sire and had his coloring, except his mane and tail were pure white.

'I am Donatu. Odaan is my sire. My mate is Alora. She protects the young ones at the edge of the wood.'

He indicated the mare standing at the edge of the forest. Gently he touched his horn to Hermione's womb and Minerva's chest and moved away. A smaller female nudged Hermione from behind. She was ivory colored with dark eyes that reflected humor.

'I am Fendar. Blessed be your union.'

She licked Hermione's cheek and touched her horn to the younger witch's private area.

'We all know where little ones really come from don't we?'

Laughter, made it's way through the minds of the two women. The other unicorns introduced themselves and made similar blessings.

After the introductions, the clan moved to surround Hermione and Minerva. Bowing as one they then threw back their heads and whinnied loudly proclaiming their acceptance and blessing of the two witches. Hermione was glowing. Her spirit was bursting with joy. Minerva gazed at her with pure adoration. She too was glowing, their bond intensifying. The Grand Sire approached Minerva until he was eyeball to eyeball.

'The rest is up to you.'

She felt his gentle laughter swirling quicksilver through her mind. Minerva drew a deep breath and turned to her love. Dropping to one knee, she took Hermione's hands her own. Minerva gazed into the chocolate eyes of her soulmate, feeling the love swell within. Swallowing nervously, she looked deeply into Hermione's face and asked, "Will you ..."

-to be continued

AN: Should she or shouldn't she ask? Hmmmmm... I guess we'll just see in the next chapter. Sometimes ya just need a lil bit 'o sappiness in your life. Let me know what you think. Remember, be nice.