A/N This chapter is longer than what I usually post. I hope you enjoy it.

Chap 15:

MacFusty Dragon Sanctuary on Isle of Skye, Scotland, Thursday, April 17, 2014 (aka the never-ending day)

Miranda's head hurt. It more than hurt. It thrummed with pain, as if an elastic band were secured around her forehead, squeezing tightly each time she breathed. In addition, she was fairly certain that she had bruised her ribs. She cursed each breath even as she welcomed it. Her reserves had become depleted after extracting the Imperius Curse from both dragons' minds and fighting off several Death Eaters.

And what a fight it was! When she had been hit with a stun spell from behind and thrown across the field, only to watch several Death Eaters appear, Miranda had acted instinctively. It was as if she had never stopped dueling—spells had flowed through her mind quickly, and she had thrown ago at the Death Eaters every spell she had learned while a part of the wizarding world so long ago. If it weren't for the fact that there was only one of her and a seemingly endless parade of attackers, she had no doubt that this unfortunate encounter would have ended soon after it began. Unfortunately, it had dragged on, and Miranda had become weaker.

Then Andrea had appeared out of nowhere a few minutes ago, assuring her that the girls were with Minerva and Hermione at Hogwarts as she began casting spells against the Death Eaters surrounding them. Although no slouch when it came to dueling, Miranda was astounded by how proficient Andrea was with the wand. Not merely proficient with the wand, though. She had demonstrated on several occasions her aptitude with wandless magic, too. Oh, yes. To be in bed, safe and warm right now with her Andrea would be divine. Instead, they were fighting off countless Death Eaters in the frigid rain. The amount of Death Eaters intent on overtaking them worried her. Every time they made headway, more Death Eaters appeared.

In fact, if Andrea hadn't shown up a few minutes ago, she had no idea whether she would still be alive. Even with the younger witch's welcome help, Miranda had just borne the brunt of a nasty Crutiatus Curse. A dozen attackers had defeated their defensive shield, and then the curse had nearly pushed her into unconsciousness.

While Miranda slowly rose from the ground, wiping away the mud and small pebbles covering her face and clothing, she found herself staring at Minerva of all people, who held a beautiful gold and red phoenix in her arms. Before Miranda could think to voice a question about her sudden arrival or who was with her daughters, the phoenix was hit with a fireball and burst into flames. Andrea roared in anger and resurrected the protective shield to ward off more destructive spells while Minerva froze in horror, shouting out Hermione's name.

A moment later Miranda heard Minerva gasping Hermione's name again, and the normally stoic headmistress of Hogwarts knelt on the ground, searching frantically through a large pile of ash. Tears rolled down her grief-stricken face. "Where are you? You have to be here!"

Hermione?

Before Miranda could figure out what had just happened, she heard, "Mom! Mom!" Her eyes searched wildly, and she felt her heart stutter when she saw her two daughters sprinting across the ripped-up field toward them.

"Andrea, help them!" Miranda implored, afraid they would be struck down.

"I'm working on it," Andrea replied, her face screwed up in concentration as she waved her wand and muttered strings of words. Miranda watched, fascinated, as the defensive shield surrounding them extended on the side closest to her girls and enveloped them, shrinking as Cassidy and Caroline ran closer.

"Girls! Why did you come here? They are trying to use you to get to me. Stay close," Miranda directed. Looking back to Minerva, she saw the older witch lifting a small, fuzzy bird to her bosom. Its feathers were closely cropped and glowed a beautiful golden hue from its head and back. The stomach area was virtually featherless, and the skin was a light rose color. Its eyes were amber, and Miranda leaned in to stare, hardly able to believe what she was seeing. The eyes seemed so full of wisdom. As the newborn's eyes connected with Miranda, she gasped at the recognition they reflected. "Hermione?" Miranda whispered.

The bird emitted a sweet chirping noise even as it nuzzled into Minerva's body. Minerva held Hermione protectively against her chest.

"My God!" Miranda said, stunned.

Watching as Minerva transfigured her robe to add an inner breast pocket, Miranda mused that the safest place for Hermione was indeed next to Minerva's heart. She smiled grimly at Minerva when their eyes met and nodded respectfully.

"I have been unable to convince the dragon to help us or to leave, but now that you are all here, I will attempt it again," Miranda said. She turned her attention back to the dragon that circled overhead. He was not very smart, and the threat to his unborn eggs overruled any common sense he might have in that cavernous brain.

I have told you where the other dragons—those who are being controlled as you were—are being held. We will free them! It would not take much for you to slay these Death Eaters. If we get them all, none will be able to report that you helped, and your eggs will remain safe. They will blame the deaths on me and those with me, Miranda thought as she added her own strength to reinforcing the shield. She noticed that several more people had arrived, and thankfully not all of them were Death Eaters.

No, Dragon Whisperer. You cannot guarantee the safety of my dragonets without knowing where they are held. I cannot do as you ask, the Ironbelly insisted. The dragon let loose a high-pitched screech that made Miranda's hair stand on end. She felt rain hitting her and looked up in confusion. The defensive shield should be protecting them from the elements as well as the various spells cast their way.

"I can't hold on for much longer," Andrea panted out. Miranda blanched when she saw just how exhausted Andrea looked. "We need to get out of here. The Aurors are here. I'm sure they'll secure the area," she huffed.

"We can't disapparate without becoming vulnerable during that moment. It would be best to move to a sheltered area and leave simultaneously," Minerva suggested. She shot spells furiously at their attackers as they began to edge toward a destroyed building to their west. Caroline and Cassidy followed her, and Miranda kept close to Andrea as they took the rear in case the fatigued witch needed physical support. They moved slowly so that they could maintain their defense and prevent being hemmed in.

"Trying to slink away like beaten dogs, are you? You don't truly believe you can escape, do you?" a female voice mocked.

"And yet it is you who hide behind masks! Too ashamed to reveal yourselves?" Andrea scoffed.

A shrill laugh filled the air. "I wasn't the one hiding half way around the world to avoid Voldemort's might. What kind of woman trembles under her blankets while her parents lie dying? Coward!" The speaker ripped off her mask and cackled. "And look at you fighting by the side of the fabled Dragon Whisperer. Another deserter." She directed a faux-concerned look at Miranda, making her shake with rage. "Did you stay away so you would not be forced to use your powers on behalf of Voldemort? You are so pathetic!"

Minerva cut into the dialogue, her voice strong and condescending. "That is quite enough, Miss Bulstrode. It would be best for everyone if you let us go. As it is, you shall face a very unpleasant life in Azkaban, provided you survive this day."

Millicent Bulstrode, a nasty piece of work, Miranda thought. Most of the Blacks were irredeemable, worthless additions to the wizarding world.

"Aw, Headmistress, no need to be a wet blanket," another Death Eater who had joined Bulstrode purred. She pulled off her mask with a flourish and grinned evilly. "No one will be vacationing in Azkaban today, but if you hand over the Dragon Whisperer, we'll spare you and the others."

"Don't be absurd, Miss Parkinson," Minerva responded, her voice full of scorn. She shook her head wearily. "I had hoped that you and the other Slytherins from your graduating class would have taken Malfoy's lead and turned away from this ridiculous fantasy of ruling the world."

Not recognizing the woman, Miranda looked askance at Andrea. She said in a low voice, "That's Pansy Parkinson. She graduated the same year as Hermione." Miranda nodded her understanding.

Redirecting her focus she saw three more Death Eaters joining the two women as six others ran toward the northern section of the sanctuary. She saw several Aurors pursue them, spells lighting up the stormy sky. A large concussion immediately behind them sent them sprawling to the ground. Miranda felt her cheekbone burn, and a moment later blood mingled with rain. She looked up in horror and raised her wand to reestablish their protective shield.

"Stop or we'll kill your precious daughters!" Parkinson ordered. She held her wand against Caroline's neck while Cassidy was held flush against Bulstrode's body, who had a sneer fixed on her face.

Miranda rose slowly. "Do you really think I will help you if you kill them?" she asked in a mild voice. "Surely not."

"Then promise through a blood oath to join us, and we will release them," a tinny, high-pitched male voice demanded.

"Miranda, don't!" Andrea pleaded. "If you break the oath you will die. And how could we live with the knowledge that you had agreed to this in order to keep us safe?"

"Don't do it, Mom! They'll just make you kill us later to prove your loyalty or something," Cassidy said. She grunted when Bulstrode slapped her on the side of the head.

"Quiet, you insolent pup!" Bulstrode hissed.

Searching her daughters' eyes, Miranda saw resolution and defiance shining brightly in their eyes. She knew that giving up her own freedom in exchange for theirs would be viewed as a betrayal to everything they believed in. She would not do it.

"No," she said with finality. She felt a hand grasp her arm and pull her back so that she was flanked by Andrea and Minerva.

"Very well," Parkinson sneered. She called out behind her, "Direct the dragon to kill the brats."

Caroline and Cassidy were thrown to the ground, and Bulstrode yelled, "Incarcerous!"

Miranda blanched as she watched ropes bind her daughters, preventing them from moving.

A familiar voice filled her head, making Miranda gasp. Kill the girls or your brood will die. It was her uncle. She searched the area, but only saw several masked Death Eaters in the background fighting Aurors and those who manned the dragon sanctuary.

Don't do it, a feminine voice directed firmly. Miranda turned bright eyes to Andrea. It was her voice filling her mind.

I have no choice, the dragon said.

Stop or I will stop you, Andrea challenged.

"Andrea, what are you doing?" Miranda hissed. Andrea squeezed her arm, as if to reassure her.

"Be ready to get the girls," Andrea said softly, her gaze encompassing Miranda and Minerva. Miranda didn't understand, and she became even more confused when Minerva nodded and wished Andrea good luck.

Running out of their protective shield into the driving rain, Andrea's body began to morph before their eyes. Her body became larger and larger. And larger. In a matter of seconds she transformed into a beautiful dragon—a type that Miranda had never seen before. Although not as mammoth as the Ironbelly, Andrea made up for it with a muscular body. She was breathtaking.

Shining, cerulean blue scales, long leathery wings, and razor-sharp claws reflected just how powerful she was as she reared up and jumped into the air, bulleting toward the slow Ukranian dragon. Andrea's chest, a mixture of silver and light blue scales seemed to split the rain drops apart, creating small rainbow vortices spiraling off her wingtips. Her roar, a challenge and warning to the larger dragon, caused the Death Eaters to break for cover. Minerva and Miranda ran to Caroline and Cassidy, removing the curse and pulled them up from the ground. They ran toward their original goal behind one of the destroyed buildings, even as Miranda kept eying the spectacular aerial fight occurring above them.

Andrea swooped over the Ironbelly and let loose a jet of blue fire just before she cuffed his right wing with her claws. Miranda heard a commanding voice reverberate in her mind. Leave now, or I will have no choice but to hurt you. Her mouth dropped open. Andrea—that was her Andrea!

I cannot leave without trying to defeat you. Otherwise, they will destroy my eggs, the male dragon answered and directed a stream of fire at Andrea. She easily dodged it and screeched her displeasure. She let loose another fiery attack and snapped at the Ironbelly's tail. Andrea pulled at his tail forcefully, causing him to flail across the sky before he could stop his momentum. Just as he turned, she was on him, claws cutting into the back of his neck.

This is your last warning. Save yourself. Leave. I would rather not kill you, Andrea said. The Ukrainian Ironbelly's red eyes glowed with fury, but without another word, it flew off in a jagged path as his blood burned the land below him.

You are magnificent, Miranda thought, her mind in a whirlwind of awe and arousal and respect.

All of you need to leave now. I will join you—

Andrea? Miranda heard Andrea's thoughts cut off suddenly and cocked her head, trying to see what was happening.

"They are trying to stun her," Minerva said in a horrified voice, pointing her finger at about a dozen Death Eaters who were directing their wands at Andrea. Miranda could see that Andrea was tired. She guessed that the powerful witch was attempting to defend herself against the Death Eaters while maintaining her flight path. Andrea let loose a stream of fire at her attackers, but it bounced off ineffectively. To Miranda's dismay, nothing they threw at the Death Eaters was strong enough to incapacitate them, although they were able to land a few spells.

Come down! We can't protect you from here, Miranda pleaded with Andrea.

A sharp, pain-filled cry pierced the air, and to Miranda's horror she saw Andrea's animagus body, twisted in pain, spiraling quickly toward the earth. She pointed her wand and uttered a cushioning spell. A hand around her waist prevented her from running to her lover.

"Let me go immediately!" Miranda raged.

"No! If they capture you, all of this will be for naught. She is not dead, just stunned," Minerva said.

At that moment a contingency of Aurors arrived, easily three dozen, and quickly surrounded the Death Eaters. Even though they moved expediently, several Death Eaters disapparated. Miranda ran toward Andrea, her daughters and Minerva close behind her.

"Andrea. Andrea! Speak to me!" Miranda implored, tears leaking from her eyes. She rubbed the blue-hued snout from which smoke billowed, staring at the closed eyelids, looking for some sign. Andrea. Andrea? Please, come back to me.

Ugh...Damn...that hurt! The voice was weak, but it was undeniably Andrea's thoughts.

Miranda laughed with relief and hugged the dragon's head closely. My God! Don't you ever scare me like that again! I could have lost you!

Miranda... I know where...the rogue dragons are...the high moors...Bleaklow...England...Dark Peak. Please...Tell my aunt...I' m going...change back...might pass out...Promise...won't leave me. I was...looking forward to...seeing you...tonight, Andrea's thoughts, filled with pauses, continued to weaken, and Miranda feared Andrea might pass out before changing back.

I won't leave you. And you are right about the location. I was able to gain the same information while lifting the Imperius Curse from the dragons. Now, change back, darling, so I can take care of you. Miranda loosened her hold and watched Andrea expectantly. She was not disappointed.

The air left Miranda's lungs as Andrea's body transformed back to her beautiful human form. Miranda and Minerva both reached out to catch Andrea as her legs buckled. "We have you," Miranda murmured. "I have you," she whispered as Andrea's head rested on her shoulder.

"I know you do," Andrea whispered back before falling into unconsciousness.

"Let's return to Hogwarts," Minerva suggested. She looked behind Miranda and said, "Harry, Ron, we need to get Andrea and Miranda back to Hogwarts so they can be looked after properly. Why don't you join us there, and we can tell you what happened." Although couched as a polite question, Minerva's words were clearly a directive. Miranda smirked inwardly. She had always liked Minerva's way of dealing with, well, everything. In fact, Miranda had fashioned herself after the venerable woman in many ways.

The rain stilled poured down, but Miranda hardly felt it. Nor could she feel any aches or pains other than a dull throbbing behind her eyes and around her abused ribs. It didn't matter. All she could focus on was Andrea's limp body leaning against her, her daughters' worried questions filling the air around her, and Minerva's calm leadership.

Soon they were all gathered in the Headmistress's office. They lay Andrea down on a couch before a roaring fire and dried their clothes with hot-air charms. Tea was ordered and the school nurse, Madame Pomfrey, was summoned to examine Andrea. The skilled nurse was one of the few people who had remained at Hogwarts during the school break.

As it turned out, Madame Pomfrey insisted that she examine everyone. Miranda had broken two ribs and suffered a moderate concussion, along with various cuts and abrasions. The school nurse treated her while muttering under her breath that what she really needed was to be in the hospital wing. Miranda made the effort of biting her tongue since, after a few uncomfortable moments, she felt much better. To that end, she even deigned to nod stiffly at Madame's stern directive that she rest.

All were relieved to hear that Andrea was not hurt, merely exhausted—her energy stores extremely low after both battles, the animagus transformation, and the dragon battle. Through the brief examination, Miranda watched Andrea struggle to keep her eyes open. Her body was shutting down. Everyone except Andrea adjourned to the far side of the room to allow her to rest.

Before everyone gathered around a large, round oak table to debrief, Minerva gently removed the phoenix chick from her robe and with an impressive example of wandless magic created a nest of blankets resting in a gold circular pedestal. She placed the phoenix down and said softly, "Rest, mo Gràdh. In a few hours we will return to the Manor."

"Blimey! Is that, is that Hermione?" Ronald Weasley asked in amazement.

"Aye," Minerva answered, her Scottish brogue strong. "She was hit by a fireball. By tomorrow she will be able to return to her human form."

"Oh, wow. Thank Merlin she's a phoenix animagus," Harry Potter said, his face contorted with concern. Minerva merely nodded.

"Well, let's get to it, then. I am sure you'd all like to rest after what has occurred," Harry said.

"Miranda?" a soft voice interrupted.

Rounding the sofa, Miranda had never felt more relief than in that moment, looking into unfocused, bronze eyes. Without pause, Miranda sat down and reached for the younger woman, holding her tightly. "I was worried," Miranda admitted, her words muffled against Andrea's shoulder. She pulled back to look into Andrea's face, her chest filling with warmth."You are a magnificent dragon, darling. I've never seen such a resplendent example of nobility." Miranda touched Andrea's cheek tenderly. "You need to rest."

"I will, but I need to tell them what I know. And I need to eat." A loud rumbling made them both smile. "Being a dragon animagus really saps my energy."

"Dragon animagus?" Ronald asked, his voice cracking.

"Ah, yes. Perhaps we should start with that," Minerva said drily. "But first, let me arrange for some lunch so that Andrea does not faint from hunger."

"And please give Miranda some clothes to borrow," Andrea said, her face becoming pale. With a groan, Miranda released Andrea and walked across the room to where Minerva stood.

Miranda watched as Minerva's shrewd eyes absorbed her dragon-hide outfit and lit with comprehension. They smirked at each other. "A pity," Minerva whispered conspiratorially.

"Mmm," Miranda agreed.

Over the next hour they discussed Miranda's investigation, Andrea's map project, her animagus transformation, and the attacks in front of Hogwarts and at the MacFusty Dragon Sanctuary. By the time all the information had been laid out, it was clear that the dragon attacks were merely decoys to lure Miranda into a trap.

"They will be even more dangerous now that they failed to get you today. They suffered heavy losses, and no doubt some within their ranks will be contemplating defecting. Once we return to the Ministry we will attempt to ascertain where the dragon eggs are hidden by questioning some of the Death Eaters we caught. We will be in touch with you tomorrow," Harry said. He rose. "Please don't do anything until you hear from me or Ron. You all need to rest, anyway, and we need to make sure that when we do move against them that we are able to stop them for good."

Minerva walked them to the door as Miranda, her daughters, and Andrea remained at the table.

"Are you really all right?" Caroline asked Andrea.

"Oh, sure. I just need to rest a bit more. You both were really brave today," Andrea answered, her eyes soft as she gazed at Caroline and Cassidy. Miranda felt her heart skip.

"Well," Minerva interrupted them as she approached the table. "I have a suggestion. Harry will be placing more security at Hogwarts," Minerva frowned, "but not until tomorrow morning since they have to secure the dragon sanctuary. So, how would you all feel about staying at McGonagall Manor tonight? That way we will all be protected and close to each other."

Nodding her agreement, Miranda turned to her girls. They looked a bit intimidated. She glanced at Andrea and saw a perplexed look on her face. Perhaps she felt insulted on her aunt's behalf for her daughters' hesitation. That would not do. "Girls?" she prompted with some impatience.

"Yes, that sounds wonderful," Caroline quickly acquiesced.

"Thank you, Headmistress. That is most kind of you," Cassidy said.

Much better.

"It's settled, then. Andrea, are you well enough to accompany the girls while they pack an overnight bag?" Minerva asked.

"Sure," Andrea answered as she rose from the table.

"I should return to my home to pack some clothes, too," Miranda said.

"Miranda, that is probably not a wise idea. It is possible that Death Eaters are hoping for such an opportunity to capture you. Don't forget that your uncle was with the Death Eaters. Certainly, he knows the location of your home. We will provide you with whatever you need," Minerva said.

Reluctantly, Miranda agreed. Minerva's concerns were well-founded. Andrea's sweet smile and warm fingers interlacing with hers helped, too.