A/N: I apologize for the delay. A death in the family and work constraints have slowed me down. Hopefully, you are still enjoying this story. Feel free to let me know (and I thank you for your feedback)
Chapter 9
Ministry of Magic, Auror Division, London Saturday, April 12, 2014
Minerva brushed soot from her robes as she stepped forward to provide room for Hermione's arrival. She watched as Harry, seated at his desk, looked up wearily and smiled. His eyes reflected exhaustion and hard-won wisdom. She nodded her head in greeting.
"Please have a seat," Harry said moments after Hermione stepped into the room, nodding toward a conference table set off to the side. He got up to hug Hermione as Minerva sat down. Ronald walked in and nodded politely to Minerva as he joined them, hugging Hermione too tightly for Minerva's liking. Minerva growled playfully at the tableau, Hermione's light laughter teasing a small smile from her. Hermione sat down while Minerva shot a glare at Ron, chuckling when his face flushed and he cleared his throat nervously.
"Honestly, Minerva!" Hermione said as she swatted her arm.
Minerva captured her wife's hand and squeezed it while gazing at Ronald and smiling more fully. His loud sigh of relief was quite comical. Over the years, Minerva had become quite fond of him. When she and Hermione had first become a couple, Minerva had not respected him—his behavior toward Hermione had been unacceptable. He had made amends, though, and at this juncture, so many years later, their supposed rivalry for Hermione's affections was a well-played, light-hearted joke.
"I am glad you asked for this meeting, Hermione. I was planning on contacting both of you. We have been investigating several dragon attacks, as I'm sure you know," Harry began.
Minerva accepted the proffered file from Ronald and opened it. Glancing through its contents, she frowned. More dragon attacks had occurred than she had realized. Four in the last two weeks. She flipped to a report authored by Miriam—Miranda—and began to read. When she reached the conclusion, she looked up gravely.
"Dragons being black-mailed? Who could find a way to communicate with dragons, never mind coerce them into attacking humans?" Minerva asked skeptically.
"I know it sounds absurd, but it is not unheard of for a human to be able to communicate with a dragon. In fact one particular family line is known for its dracomouth members. Voldemort had been extremely interested in them, and most of that family had joined him during both wars. They are able to communicate telepathically—it's much more powerful than parseltongue. Until recently, we believed only one person existed from that lineage, a Death Eater who has eluded capture, but it has come to light that three other persons are also descendants."
"Why is this the first time I have heard about them?" Minerva demanded. How could they expect her to keep Hogwarts safe when people were running about with the ability to reduce dragons to slaves?
"We thought the threat had passed. The Minister had made the decision to bury the information, not wanting to agitate the wizarding community, particularly with all the other challenges it was facing at that time. It was assumed that the Death Eater had left the country or died after the last war—he was off the radar for sixteen years, and truthfully we still don't have any proof that he is alive and behind these attacks," Harry said.
"What family line?" Hermione asked.
"Princhek," Ronald answered. "We did not realize that Miranda Priestly is Miriam Princhek until she told us herself, along with information about her family. She and her daughters, along with her uncle, are the only people alive who have this ability, as far as we know—although she made it clear that her daughters have never indicated that they have this ability, and their father is a Muggle."
"The Death Eater is Theodorus Princhek. We are unsure whether he is aware that Miranda is here or who her daughters are, so we'd like to assign some Aurors to Hogwarts, just to make sure no one suspicious visits the grounds. It's only a matter of time until the truth comes out," Harry said.
"Why is that? No one has tried to gain admittance during the last seven years that the Priestly twins have attended Hogwarts," Minerva said. Not that she did not appreciate the gesture, but she did not wish for her students or faculty to begin to worry, as would surely occur once Ministry presence appeared. "We can reinforce the wards to shield against any intrusions."
"All the same, Headmistress, I feel strongly that Aurors should at least patrol the perimeter. We will attempt to be as non-intrusive as possible. With most of your students away for holiday, we are hoping to capture those responsible for the attacks before classes resume," Harry said.
"You really believe you can catch him in one week? Come on, Harry! You said yourself you have no idea whether he is even alive or the one instigating the attacks. What proof do you have?" Hermione asked.
"Most is speculation," Harry admitted, "but it is based on the information Priestly has given us. Her reports have confirmed which dragons are responsible for the attacks, and she believes it is the work of dark wizards and, in particular, her uncle. It's the only lead we have."
"We're assigning an Auror to Miranda, too, to keep an eye on her and make sure she isn't helping her uncle," Ronald added.
"That's absurd," Hermione exclaimed. "Use your head, Ron! If she were helping them, she would not have revealed her family's secrets. I've met her, and I know she is honorable."
"I agree," Minerva said. "She has done nothing to warrant your suspicion. I am sure you remember how it feels to have others doubt you without any proof of wrongdoing," she added as she stared at Harry. Although the man had matured into an admirable leader and she was glad he was the head of the Auror Division, it seemed possible that he had buried his memories of when he had been ridiculed and mistrusted by his peers so many years ago.
Under her steady gaze, she watched Harry's ears redden as he nodded in a choppy motion indicative of his embarrassment. She wondered how she had become the blush-instigator on this day. Shaking her head, she regretted embarrassing Harry, but she could not abide his jumping to conclusions. Ronald, yes—the Weasley boy had always been passionate and careless—but she expected more from Harry.
"Um, right. We're also following up on a few leads we have from some contacts who are friendly with several Death Eaters to get more information on who is instigating the attacks," Harry continued, his eyes glued to his file.
"Death Eaters! I thought they were all in Azkaban or dead," Hermione said.
"That is what we would rather have the wizarding community believe. Unfortunately, the truth is that several Death Eaters escaped after the war ended and could not be tracked. Eventually, a number of them turned up through the help of some former dark wizards—those who had defected after realizing that Voldemort would never reward their loyalty. They offered information about underground cells that proved accurate and useful. We are hoping those contacts will help us get to the bottom of these attacks," Harry explained.
Minerva noticed that during the entire explanation, Harry had kept his eyes on the documents in front of him. She waited until his eyes flicked up, and smiled gently. "Thank you for meeting with us. Please keep us apprised of the investigation," she requested and rose from her seat.
Minerva nodded to both men before crossing the room to the fireplace, Hermione close on her heels. She threw floo powder in the flames and stepped forward quickly. Moving into her office, she stared expectantly at the fireplace, waiting for Hermione's arrival. As her wife stepped out, she smiled grimly. Strong arms pulled Minerva into a fortifying hug.
"I think you made Ron a bit anxious, my Love," Hermione whispered.
"That boy needs to learn to keep his hands to himself. Perhaps it is time I make good on my threat to hex that octopus," Minerva said gruffly.
Hermione's relaxed chuckle only stirred up Minerva's ire. She wondered whether Hermione liked all the attention she received. Merlin knew Hermione was attractive and powerful. Was it no wonder that others felt her allure? She pulled away from Hermione and sat down at her desk, deciding to review the files of the dragon attacks more closely. Before she could even open the file, though, Hermione wrapped her arms around Minerva and plopped on her lap.
"Oh no, you don't!"
Minerva sighed, feeling quite irritated. She knew her insecurities were getting the better of her. Hermione loved her and would never stray. And was it really her fault that she was so desirable? Minerva would rather the unpleasant thoughts pass without dwelling on them. Or discussing them.
"Hermione," Minerva said, warning clear in her voice. Before she could say anything else, Hermione's lips crashed on to hers. Minerva capitulated with a moan, her lips opening to the passionate onslaught. Their tongues sparred for dominance as they held each other tightly. By the time the kiss ended, Minerva was panting with desire. They rested their foreheads together as they struggled to get their breathing under control.
The clock chimed, breaking the silence, and Hermione pulled back to stare into Minerva's eyes. "I love you. You! Ron knows he will never have me because I am yours and always shall be. I have pledged myself to you, and I do not take that promise lightly. If hugging me makes him happy, then so be it. I will be in your bed tonight and every night thereafter. Not his. Never his."
"After I die, you may reconsider," Minerva said, staring at the front of Hermione's black robes.
"Don't be daft, woman! I will die with you!" Hermione said vehemently.
"Hermione!" Minerva stared into impassioned eyes in shock. "I am much older than you. It makes sense that you will outlive me."
"I will not want to live without you. It's as simple as that. I will never lie in anyone else's arms. You are my first and only love. So, I suggest you remain healthy and alive, as I will be right next to you the entire time." Hermione leaned in and delivered a tender kiss.
"I am sorry, Gràdh. It astounds me that you love me as you do. I don't know what I did to deserve your devotion, but I will always be grateful. Please forgive me for acting so barmy. I do trust you," Minerva said. She pulled Hermione in for a hug and sighed.
"And I you," Hermione said softly. After a few minutes of silent cuddling, Hermione slid off Minerva's lap and pulled up a chair so they could review the file notes. Minerva smiled softly. Her wife simply amazed her.
Opening the file, Minerva began reviewing its contents, including a document of the Princhek family tree. Miranda's parents and two uncles had become Death Eaters during the First Wizarding War. She had no siblings. Her uncles, Theodorus and Jerome, had both married but had no children. Theodorus had married Eugenia Bulstrode, and Jerome had married Sylvia Stratford.
"Hermione," Minerva said, her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to remember. "Didn't you attend Hogwarts with a Bulstrode?"
"You mean Millicent," Hermione scowled. "She was a Slytherin. I believe she was part of Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad of goons."
"Hmm. Do you know who her mother was?" Minerva asked.
"Louisa Bulstrode, I think. They were distantly related to the Blacks. I can check…" Hermione began.
"No. That's not necessary. I remember now," Minerva muttered. Yes, she remembered both sisters. Both had been overbearing, arrogant Slytherins. And if memory served, Millicent had acted just as arrogantly. In addition, Sylvia Stratford had also been a Slytherin and had died in the Second Wizarding War while serving with Voldemort.
"I find it interesting that Miranda and her family line are able to speak to dragons telepathically and that Andrea was questioning a magical creature's ability to communicate telepathically with another," Minerva mused.
"Well, it is obvious that Andy was talking about Miranda. What are you suggesting?" Hermione asked.
"I am wondering how they are able to communicate in that way and what that has to do with dracotongue," Minerva began.
Albus' voice interrupted their conversation. "Tabby, there are four visitors at the front gate requesting admittance."
Nodding, Minerva said, "The Aurors, I suspect." She turned to Hermione. "You do not need to accompany me if you have duties to attend to. I will find you once I am done meeting with them." Minerva accepted the light brushing of lips Hermione offered before making her way to the Ministry employees alone, eager to finish this unpleasant business.
She and Hermione were supposed to leave for the Manor today, but now she wondered whether they should remain at the school. She would have to discuss it with Hermione once she returned to their rooms. Although not many students were remaining during the break, the Priestly twins were, and not many of the faculty would remain at Hogwarts.
Seeing the Aurors, Minerva quickened her steps and opened the gate with a wandless command. "Good afternoon," she greeted them. She recognized all of them—each a former student. They nodded respectfully, and one—Jackson Williamson—stepped forward to hand her some documents.
"Headmistress, we will each take one side of the castle grounds. That is a list of Aurors assigned to this detail and their schedules for the next week. We will be checking in with each other regularly, and at the end of each shift, a report will be delivered to you and to the Ministry. If you have any concerns, please feel free to let me know," he said politely.
Minerva reviewed the list quickly and nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Williamson. I would appreciate it if you and your colleagues would keep a low profile while patrolling. I do not want anyone to become concerned about the safety of Hogwarts."
"Of course, Headmistress."
"And I expect to be notified if anything seems amiss," she continued, staring at the broad-shouldered, sandy brown-haired man. Another nod ended their conversation. Turning on her heel, Minerva strode back toward the castle as she heard Williamson's voice ring out to his colleagues, providing instructions on who was to go where.
Once she returned to her private quarters, Minerva found Hermione grading a seemingly endless stack of essays. She smirked. That was one aspect of teaching she did not miss. Hermione's bent head and furrowed brow reminded Minerva of long ago when Hermione was her brightest student in Transfiguration class. Minerva remembered how she had planned to offer to train Hermione for her animagus mastery during her seventh and what would have been her final year of attending Hogwarts, but Hermione had not returned to school that year, instead joining Harry and Ronald on the run while searching for horcruxes. That had been quite the trying year. And once the trio had returned and helped to defeat Voldemort and his followers, Minerva's life had changed unequivocally.
Hermione had remained at the school to help with repairs, and they had become closer. And closer. Until Minerva could not stay away, could not deny her attraction, her captivation, her need to have Hermione in every possible way.
Yet Minerva had proceeded slowly, determined to build a proper foundation. And although she had been tempted numerous times to throw away caution and succumb to her desires—Merlin, how she had burned for the younger woman's touch—she had kept her resolve, making sure that they had both been ready for the intimacy of a physical relationship. Minerva was not one to give her heart easily, and she had known from the day Hermione had reentered her life that the younger witch was her last, true love.
Gazing at Hermione, she felt desire swirl low in her belly. Minerva had looked forward to this holiday, wanting to get away from the various demands inherent in her position as Hogwarts' Headmistress and lose herself in Hermione, but now she wondered whether that would be the best choice.
As if hearing her thoughts, Hermione looked up and smiled. She placed her quill next to the pile and stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "Would you like some tea, Love?" Hermione asked softly while crossing the distance between them.
"Yes. Allow me," Minerva said as she leaned in for a kiss. She sank into it, feeling arousal spike through her as an inquisitive tongue asked for entrance. She granted it immediately, moaning as her senses became overloaded by Hermione's well-known taste coupled with fingers weaving through her hair, pulling her closer. Minerva lost herself in the passion always thrumming between them, and she smiled contentedly when the kiss broke. "You are addictive, Hermione."
"Mmm. Just wanted to give you something to look forward to, since I intend to ravish you once we are at the Manor," Hermione said, her voice roughened by arousal.
Stiffening at the reminder of what troubled her, Minerva pulled back enough to kiss Hermione's forehead before moving away. She could feel her wife's eyes following her as she moved into the small kitchen area and prepared their tea. Once ready, she carried the tea service over to the living area and joined Hermione on the sofa. Her brow furrowed as she attempted to gather her thoughts. Her desires were at war with her logic. She wanted to go to the Manor, but her sense of duty directed her to remain at Hogwarts while a possible threat existed against her students.
"I realize you are worried about the Priestly twins," Hermione began softly. "And I am sure you are troubled with the thought of leaving Hogwarts when there is a chance, no matter how slight, that they may be harmed. But, Minerva, Andy has already indicated that she shall remain here to keep them safe. Filius and Poppy are here, and so are the Aurors. You must know that we will be contacted if anything happens, and we can come back immediately."
Minerva looked at Hermione, wanting to yield to her desires. Filius, since he semi-retired in January, only retained his duty as the Deputy Headmaster and Head of Ravenclaw House out of a sense of loyalty to Hogwarts and to her. Eventually he would retire fully, but Minerva hoped he would not at the end of this school year. Or the next. Andrea's agreement to teach in his stead had been a welcome surprise. She wondered whether her niece might change her mind about remaining at Hogwarts past this term if Miranda asked her to return to the States with her.
A gentle touch on her knee redirected her thoughts to Hermione's words. "You are right, of course," Minerva said with a sigh. "I do not feel comfortable leaving while a possible threat is present. What if something were to happen while we were safely ensconced in the Highlands? I do not know that I could forgive myself."
"Nothing will happen, Minerva," Hermione said. "But, if someone were to attack, you would be notified. If not by the Ministry, then by Andy. Or Filius. Or one of the other professors. And you are connected to the wards, themselves. You would know of the breach immediately."
Minerva listened to Hermione's reassurances, wanting to believe, wanting to trust.
"How about this—we'll remain here for a few more days, and if all seems quiet then we'll go to the Manor on Monday," Hermione suggested.
Minerva was touched. Hermione knew her so well. Smiling, Minerva said, "Very well, Gràdh. Thank you." They drank their tea in companionable silence, just enjoying each other's company.
"I wonder whether Andy is aware of Miranda's abilities," Hermione said softly.
"If not, she will be soon enough, I am sure," Minerva said. Andrea had left the school grounds to have dinner with Miranda last night, and she had yet to return. Minerva smirked. Clearly, her niece was smitten. It worried her, of course, that Miranda might leave after the dragon mystery was solved, but Andrea was a grown woman. She could take care of herself.
"You think so?" Hermione asked.
"I do. You have seen them together. I dare say our famed Dragon Whisperer has as much chance of resisting Andrea's charms as I did of resisting yours," Minerva joked.
"As if you tried!" Hermione scoffed.
"Exactly my point. I did not want to, and neither does she. If they haven't had a heart-to-heart yet, it will happen very soon." Minerva rose from the sofa, smiling at her wife as she banished the tea set back to the kitchen. "I must meet with Filius before lunch. Shall I meet you back here in an hour?" At Hermione's nod, Minerva leaned in for a lingering kiss. "Until then," she whispered before striding briskly out of their rooms, her mind once again focused on the Ministry's presence and their students' safety.
