A/N: Thank you for all the positive comments. It's good to know you are out there and continuing to follow the story. I only ask that if you enjoy what you read, you let me know. Feedback is the only payment fanfiction authors receive. Thanks so much and enjoy!

Chapter 16

McGonagall Manor, Scotland, Thursday, April 17, 2014 (aka the never-ending day)

Eyes closed, Hermione luxuriated in the comfortable ease a long nap afforded her. She felt so tired, exhausted really. But here she was wrapped in warmth—safe, and dry, and loved. To think that just this morning she had awakened to her wife's ardent affection, and now she was a phoenix chick.

When Hermione had first mastered her animagus form so many years ago, she and Minerva had spent several evenings in front of Albus Dumbledore's portrait, asking questions to better understand Hermione's new form. He had told them everything he had learned through his time interacting with Fawkes, a beautiful, brave phoenix that had flown into the Forbidden Forest after Dumbledore's death, never to be seen again. He had told them how a phoenix could be hit with a killing curse and survive it by bursting into flames and rising from the ashes. Although it took several days after such an occurrence for a phoenix to become fully grown, he had assured them that the process was quick and all memories and knowledge from the previous existence would be retained by the new, physical incarnation. In effect, the soul would not be lost, nor all the experiences attached to it.

Hermione was extremely glad to find that Dumbledore's words had proven accurate. Dying was awfully inconvenient, though.

At the battle, Minerva had directed her to apparate across the field to where Miranda and Andy were fighting a group of Death Eaters as the Priestly twins had dashed toward their mother. Minerva had held Hermione securely in her arms, and during those few moments that followed the apparation, Hermione had glanced around to determine what was needed to keep everyone in one piece. And then a curse had struck her with such force that she had flown out of Minerva's arms and burst into flames. If she had been in human form, she might be dead now. Minerva had hypothesized that her animagus form would protect her, but truthfully, Hermione would have preferred to not find out. Ever.

What made Hermione's heart stutter, though, what roused her from her toasty haven and caused her to release an agitated warble, was the knowledge that if the curse had landed just a bit higher or lower than it had, then Minerva would have received that hit. And a feline animagus would not have protected Minerva from the killing curse.

When Hermione had felt the force push through her body—the blast pounding through her as easily as a fist through tissue—a weightless, airy feeling had filled her. She had felt as if she were floating, no sensory input or invasion from the surrounding world had interrupted the sudden peacefulness of the moment. It had felt as if she were floating. Just floating.

And then time had sped up and she had found herself shivering, cold, wet, and vulnerable. Distantly she had heard her wife's voice, so filled with fear and grief, calling for her. And then Hermione had felt strong hands surrounding her, lifting her, holding her securely.

What a surprise it had been to open her eyes to see Minerva's vivid emerald eyes, filled with tears and relief. Hermione had found it hard to concentrate, feeling so tired and discombobulated. All she could do was lean into the body she loved so much and chirp her thanks. Minerva had promptly placed Hermione next to her heart and kept her safe from further harm.

Breathing in deeply, Hermione stretched her neck enough to poke through the comfortable blankets covering her and extended her featherless wings, indulging in a full-body shake.

"Well hello there, sleepyhead," Hermione heard, her wife's well-loved Scottish lilt caressing her ears.

Opening her eyes to the shadowed room, Hermione recognized that they were in their bedroom at the Manor. She sighed happily and snuggled into the well-known body of her wife. She saw that she was positioned once more near Minerva's heart.

"You gave me quite a fright, Hermione," Minerva said softly. "Thanks to the rain, I could not find you in the ashes after you were hit by the killing curse." A long silence settled around them. Hermione tried to find comfort from Minerva's heartbeats under her ears, but she could hear her distress through her wife's quick heartbeats and harsh breathing. "The thought of losing you..."

Hermione's heart squeezed with those last words, whispered so roughly. Wanting to change back to her human form immediately, Hermione began to struggle against the covers, shimmying up Minerva's chest and shoulder until only her feet remained entrapped. As she began to extricate them, she felt Minerva's hands help her before lifting her so they were eye to eye.

"Hermione, Love, you must rest. Your body is too weak to change back to your human form. You must not try until tomorrow. Please."

Lost in wet, vivid emerald eyes, Hermione opened her beak and let forth a warbling, mournful tune. She poured her helplessness, her frustration, her empathy, and her fear into it, allowing them to shape the song. She felt herself held against revered lips as her tears flowed, and eventually she realized that Minerva was allowing the drops to land on her tongue before swallowing them. For several minutes only Hermione's voice filled the room as shadows overtook the light, and the warmth faded to a prevalent chill.

A reassuring hand began to stroke her back, her sides, her head, and Hermione felt those feelings ebb. She was here. With Minerva. They were safe. And her body would heal and grow.

She heard Minerva mutter a word and felt the effects of a fire roaring in the fireplace as her song turned toward her gratefulness for being able to share more time with this magnificent woman, her relief that everyone was safe, her joy over the mystical workings of her animagus form on her human body, and her ever-deepening love for Minerva. When the song finally ended, Hermione felt cleansed. Pure. Whole.

"You are so precious to me, mo Gràdh," Minerva said tenderly. She continued to gently run her fingers over Hermione's body in sweeping strokes that made Hermione feel safe and loved. She preened as she was placed on Minerva's chest and a blanket was tucked around them. "We have a few hours until dinner. I suggest we rest. I want to hold you, but I fear I might shift once I fall asleep and hurt you."

Cocking her head, Hermione stared at Minerva. She wished she could talk to her. Tomorrow couldn't come fast enough. She missed Minerva's strong arms holding her, and it had only been a few hours.

"I have an idea," Minerva said. "Now, don't worry, Love. I won't allow my animagus instincts to overcome my knowledge of who and what you are."

Before Hermione could figure out what those cryptic words meant, she watched Minerva's body transform into her feline animagus. Intelligent green eyes stared at her as Minerva let out a friendly meow. She leaned in and rubbed her head against Hermione's body as loud purrs erupted. Chirping in response, Hermione stood up and watched as Minerva's silver body circled over the gap under the covers left by Minerva's human form before lying down in the warm indentation. Once positioned, Minerva cocked her head and extended her paw to point at Hermione and then at her side—a very uncatlike action which indicated to Hermione quite clearly that she was to rest against Minerva's flank.

Hermione stepped forward and settled into the warmth of her wife, feeling Minerva's body curling around her protectively. A scratchy tongue began to groom her with long strokes up the side of her featherless neck and face, and Hermione sighed, content. Infused with the comfort of Minerva's purrs and the fire's glow, Hermione once again fell asleep.


Groaning, Andy turned on to her side and cracked open an eye. Her stomach growled again as Andy placed a hand over it, as if to cover an unruly loudmouth's grumblings.

"Honestly, Andrea, is there no way to subdue that beastly hunger of yours?" a low, sleep-laden voice groused.

Smirking, Andy said, "You didn't seem to mind my hunger a little while ago, and besides, all that activity made me hungry." Silky arms slid around her waist and pulled her against a wonderfully warm body. Andy felt her body heat up at the closeness. Moist lips lightly sucked on her shoulder, as a hum of pleasure near her ear made Andy tremble.

"Mmm, no, I most certainly did not mind. I suppose you have a point. And didn't your aunt mention that your animagus transformations would also deplete your energy stores?" Miranda asked, her fingers rubbing senseless patterns over Andy's belly.

"Yes. I suppose I should try to eat while I am a dragon some time, just to see if that helps," Andy said, her voice a little breathless as those fingers widened their coverage, grazing the tops of Andy's thighs enticingly. She closed her eyes automatically as Miranda entered her with two fingers.

"And what a superb dragon you are," Miranda murmured. "So stunning. So awe-inspiring." Her fingers pumped harder and faster as Andrea sank into words whispered into her ear about how turned on Miranda had felt when Andy had transformed, and how aroused she had become when Andy's powerful animagus voice had filled her mind. You are attractive in any form. And so intelligent. So clever. So irresistible.

Hearing Miranda's thoughts clearly, Andy moaned, "Miranda," and trembled as her body readied itself for the impending orgasm. Her body burned, and perspiration made her slick as they moved against each other. She groaned as Miranda withdrew her fingers and repositioned her body from behind her so that she could move against Andy's thigh. Moaning lustily as those talented fingers thrust into her forcefully and her sex grasped at Miranda's questing fingers, Andy saw the desire burning in darkened blue eyes. Miranda's wetness coated her leg as they moved faster and faster together. Andy leaned forward to capture irresistible lips, moaning as the passionate kiss pushed her over the edge. Andy held Miranda tightly as they fell together, groaning into each other's mouths, panting when the kiss ended. Tenderness welled up in Andy's chest as Miranda rested her forehead against her collarbone and kissed her damp skin softly.

They settled into a comfortable silence as their bodies cooled down from their exertions. Andy held Miranda securely, needing to feel the solidness of her lover's body on her. I missed you this week, Andy mused silently.

I felt the same, Miranda's voice sounded in Andy's mind. When this is over...when we have recovered the dragons' eggs and freed the other rogue dragons...I will have to return to the States.

Will you come back? Andy wondered, wanting and not wanting the answer. The fact that they were not voicing this conversation aloud caused Andy to feel unsure of herself. Yet, she was afraid to state anything out loud, not wanting her voice to reveal through tone and inflection how badly she wanted Miranda to come back.

It is possible. That will depend on several factors.

Andy lay in the warm bed holding this woman who meant so much to her and refused to allow herself to ask for clarification. She was afraid to know what stood in her way. Afraid that she was not enough of a reason for Miranda to come back. And why would she be? Miranda had always placed her daughters first and Runway second. Andy had seen Miranda's last husband ignored and treated as if he should be grateful for any time he was granted with the fashion editor. Andy did not have a shot at compelling Miranda to come back, to start a life with her, to be what? Her lover? Her mate? No, Miranda was out of range, and Andy had no hope of keeping her interested. Realizing that she had allowed her thoughts to roam free and afraid Miranda had heard them, Andy refocused on her hunger, grinning when her stomach growled, seemingly on cue.

"I believe a snack is in order," Miranda pronounced with a chuckle.

"Right. Elsa," Andy said, and a moment later the house elf popped in the room, her head bowed respectfully."If it wouldn't be too much trouble, would you bring some snacks and tea for us? Just enough to keep us until dinner."

"Yes, Missus Andrea," Elsa said and disappeared.

"I am surprised to see a house elf here," Miranda said.

"She's a free elf. She wished to remain here to take care of the Manor. We pay her, and as you saw, she wears clothes," Andy answered and watched as Miranda merely nodded. "We view her as part of the family."

Squeezing Miranda's body with a tight hug, Andy turned and deposited the older witch on her back, then rose from the warmth, pulling on a robe just before Elsa reappeared with the food and tea.

"Thank you," Andy said with a smile. "Shall we eat in front of the fire?" she asked Miranda.

Miranda rose, also donning a robe, and they settled on the sofa, each claiming a corner. "As far as I can determine, the Death Eaters placed the Imperius Curse on at least six dragons. I was able to release the two that were at the MacFusty Dragon Sanctuary yesterday, but it drained me terribly. I will need help to release the other dragons' minds."

"I'll help you. I already feel much better. By tomorrow, I'll be as good as new," Andy said and was glad to see Miranda's nod of acceptance.

"Now we need only determine where their eggs are hidden," Miranda sighed.

"The Ministry will be able to get that information from the Death Eaters we captured today. It's just a matter of time," Andy said while staring into the fireplace, her eyes trained on the flames as the wood snapped. Her mind was focused on how Miranda would leave once the dragons and their eggs were rescued. Why wouldn't she leave?

"Because I intend to be sure that the danger to my daughters has passed. That means capturing those responsible," Miranda said softly.

Looking up, Andy gazed into those ice-chip blue eyes she knew so well, startled to realize that her thoughts had filtered through enough to be heard by Miranda. "I'm sorry, Miranda. I didn't mean to question you. I just, I know I am being selfish, but I like having you here." She raised a hand to stop Miranda from responding. "We can put this discussion on hold. I know we need to focus on more important matters than our spending time together."

"That is important, too, Andrea. You must know that I have also enjoyed our time together. You know I noticed when you left the States. As for what that may mean for a future together, I am conflicted. A great deal depends on my girls." Miranda paused. "They adore you," Miranda said, her near-whisper causing Andy to lean forward to catch each word.

"I adore them, too. They have matured into two intelligent, courageous, clever young women. I love watching them master new lessons. Their help with the tracking map is a great example. They picked up the intricacies very quickly," Andy said. She could see that her words meant quite a bit to Miranda, and she was glad that she had cause to praise the Priestly twins.

They spent the afternoon cuddled on the sofa before the fire, dozing. At times they would exchange words. Their conversations ranged from how Runway was doing without Miranda present to strategy for lifting the Imperius Curse from the dragons. Andy had decided that she would be able to lift the curse more quickly while in her animagus form. She had found it easier to communicate with Miranda and the Ironbelly while she was in dragon form, and that was after taking part in two dueling battles. They steered clear of talking about the future, particularly any long-term future involving the two of them, by tacit agreement. It seemed safer to focus on more immediate events.

An hour before dinner they finally roused themselves to share a long, hot shower. They had kept their gazes locked while bringing each other to orgasm, and Andy nearly cried as the physical pleasure warred with her fears that soon Miranda would walk away for good.

They walked to the dining room hand-in-hand, only separating when Andy leaned over to kiss her aunt on the cheek before she took her seat. As always, Aunt Minerva sat at the head of the table, Andy noticed, so she sat to her aunt's right and Miranda next to her. Andy's smile to Caroline and Cassidy when they entered the room morphed into amusement when she saw how uneasy they felt sitting next to their Headmistress. Since they seemed anxious, Andy set out to put them at ease.

"Hi, Caroline," Andy said with a smile at her before looking at her sister. "Hi, Cassidy. Did you both get some rest?"

"Yup," Caroline answered as she reached for her goblet of water. We had nothing else to do since neither you nor Mom came to see us.

Andy's eyebrows flew up. Before she could form a question, though, Cassidy said, "It was good to just lie around and get warm again." And wonder what the hell's going on between you and Mom. Just managing to prevent her mouth from dropping open, Andy glanced at Miranda, but did not see any type of unusual response. Obviously, Miranda had not heard the last part of that sentence.

"Oh, well, um, that's...that's good. Getting warm," Andy stuttered. She grabbed her own water goblet and took a hearty sip, nearly choking when she heard another thought.

She always had a soft spot for you. It's no wonder she was fawning all over you once you were stunned, Caroline thought. Although turning into a dragon was pretty hot.

"Girls, I would like to discuss your appearance at the MacFusty Dragon Sanctuary," Miranda said.

Oh, shit! both girls thought simultaneously. Andy captured her smirk before it bloomed on her face. She was a Hogwarts' professor, after all, and should present herself with proper decorum. Not to mention, they had gotten caught by the Death Eaters and nearly had placed Miranda in danger after disobeying the directive to remain at Hogwarts. Their disobedience had yielded serious repercussions.

"Your Headmistress plainly directed you to remain at Hogwarts, yet you willfully ignored her and nearly got me and yourselves killed," Miranda said in a low, firm voice.

"We were worried about you," Cassidy said in defense. It hadn't taken much to defeat them at Hogwarts. How were we supposed to know they were so much better at dueling there?

"We wanted to help," Caroline added. Jeez, you're welcome!

"Girls," Aunt Minerva said in full Headmistress mode, her disapproval plain, "you knew that the stakes were high. Hadn't you been helping Professor McGonagall for days on a project to help your mother?" After the twins nodded, she continued. "And hadn't you had a conversation with her about being careful? In fact, you knew we had Aurors assigned to Hogwarts to protect everyone, including you. Yet, you felt you were above the rules, that you could do as you pleased because your mother was in danger, and you nearly cost her all that she held dear: your lives and her freedom."

By the time Aunt Minerva finished her reprimand, Andy noticed that Caroline and Cassidy were sitting with heads bowed, sniffling.

"Bobbsies, I cannot afford to worry about you while we are trying to capture the people responsible for these attacks. Please, you must do as you are asked. Do I have your word?" Miranda asked as she stared sternly at her daughters.

"Yes," they both muttered.

"Good," Miranda said with a sigh.

But we're still going to help you whether you like it or not, Caroline thought, a grimace on her face.

"You will do nothing of the kind," Andy said a little too loudly. "If you do anything to endanger your mother again, well-meaning or not, you will answer to me." Everyone stared at her. Andy looked around innocently and shrugged. As soon as her aunt began asking Miranda a question about the dragons, Andy looked over at Caroline, whose brows were furrowed in confusion. I heard you loud and clear, Caroline. Don't get any more funny ideas, Andy thought forcefully to Caroline.

Holy shit! You can hear my thoughts?!

Andy nearly smiled at Caroline's thoughts and the spooked look that crossed her face.

What the hell's got Caroline all bent out of shape? Cassidy wondered silently.

Probably that I just warned her not to do anything funny, just as I am warning you. Your inexperience nearly got several people killed today, Andy thought as she stared at Cassidy.

Fuck! You know what I'm thinking?! Oh my, God! I'll never get away with anything ever again!

Andy bit down on her lower lip to keep from grinning. Noting how pale both of Miranda's daughters looked as they stared at her, Andy clapped her hands together loudly. "So, what's for dinner?" she asked brightly as she looked around. Elsa appeared as if on command and served a wonderful feast.

"Once we receive word from the Ministry that they have determined the location of the dragons' eggs, Hermione and I will travel there to retrieve them. Andrea and Miranda, you will go to Bleaklow to free the rogue dragons from the Imperius Curse. Caroline and Cassidy will return to Hogwarts," Aunt Minerva said, and Andy nodded, agreeing one hundred percent with the plan.

"But, Headmistress, we want to help!" Caroline said.

"Please, we can protect Mom and Professor McGonagall while they release the dragons' minds. They won't be able to do both at the same time," Cassidy implored.

"Haven't you been listening? It is too dangerous," Miranda hissed.

They sat back dejectedly. We are adults, Caroline thought petulantly.

Then act like it, and do not distract us from what we need to do, Andy thought sternly. "How is Hermione?" she suddenly thought to ask her aunt. She felt horrible for not asking as soon as she saw her.

"Growing by the hour. I left her upstairs at her request. By tomorrow she will be able to transform back to her human form," Aunt Minerva answered.

"I am glad to hear it," Miranda said with a nod.

"Yes. Please tell her that we missed her at dinner," Andy said.

"I shall," Aunt Minerva agreed with a small smile.

With little fanfare, all retired to their rooms shortly after dinner. Andy wondered whether Miranda's daughters were aware that she and Miranda were sharing a room. Although Andy supposed they shouldn't for propriety's sake, she desperately wanted to feel Miranda next to her. Thankfully, it seemed that Miranda felt the same way. Soon they lay, legs entangled, thoughts of what they may face tomorrow firmly locked away. Instead, they kissed leisurely until they drifted off to sleep.