Author's Notes: The second part of the final battle. Only a few more chapters left. I hope you enjoyed this part of the story.

Chapter 18b

Loch Striven, Scotland, and Bleaklow, Dark Peak District, England

Friday, April 18, 2014

"Ready?" Ron asked, his eyes landing on each member of their team as they nodded. They had just arrived at the destination they had extracted from the captured Death Eaters. Now it was time to find the eggs. When his eyes stalled on Hermione's she nodded in a very un-phoenix-like way. She watched him grin. "Okay, then. Go ahead, Hermione."

Trilling her understanding, Hermione focused on the filmy view before her and apparated across the wooded area to the edge of the treeline. It thrilled her to find that she was able to see through any spells seeking to hide an area as easily as focusing on a view through the rain. She felt everyone except Minerva let go of her once she finished their apparation, and Hermione looked into loving, emerald eyes, finding the strength she needed.

Straight ahead, the western shoreline of Loch Striven stretched out. The air was misty and cool. The smell of moist sand leading into the loch tickled her nose, and she listened to the trees creaking as they blocked the wind and cast shadows across the vibrant grass. Birds sang in defiance of the cloudy day, and their melodies tempted Hermione to join in with her distinctive voice.

"We were told that the eggs are in a man-made enclosure at the edge of the woods, but we will have to search for it," Ron said in a low voice.

"No doubt it is guarded. It is best we keep together. Homenum revelio," Minerva said, staring at the northern corps of trees. Hermione watched her turn in each direction, casting the spell that would reveal whether anyone was in close proximity. When that yielded no results, Hermione opened her mouth and asked for help from the nearby birds. Briefly, all songs ceased, and then a multitude of sounds filled the air, providing her with vital information. Turning to her wife, Hermione wiggled, her message clear.

Transforming back to her human form, Hermione said, "The eggs are in a cave north of us. They saw seven Death Eaters last count relieving five others two hours ago. This way." Hermione took the lead, walking along the edge of the forest.

"They told you all that?" Ron asked incredulously.

"Not in those words exactly. They used words like 'unborn flying lizards' and 'unwashed evil ones' to answer my questions," Hermione answered. "We should go."

They walked through two endless rows of mature trees, the natural path camouflaged by a colorful latticework of leaves. They progressed slowly, casting various spells to confirm no one was lying in wait to ambush them and no hexes were barring their way. Eventually, the trees thinned out, and they approached the side of a majestic mountain.

"I should turn back into my animagus form. No doubt they are using disillusionment and protective spells to hide themselves and the cave. As a phoenix I'll be able to see through them and locate where they are. I'll whistle the number of Death Eaters that are in front of the cave and stare at the location so you'll know where to focus," Hermione said. She waited a moment in case anyone had questions before transforming to her phoenix form.

Hermione flew to the edge of the forest and focused on the mountainside directly ahead. She could see magic pulsing through the air, and she easily recognized a series of caves, no doubt hidden from everyone else's eyes. Pausing under the cover of the trees, Hermione emitted five long whistles and circled Minerva before landing and staring at the hidden cave entrance where she knew the eggs were.

"I suggest that you and your team attack whoever is awaiting us at that cave," Minerva said to Ron in a soft voice as she pointed to their left, "while Hermione and I apparate in to find the eggs. Now, let's remove those spells so that we can see our friends," Minerva said, a sarcastic tinge lacing her voice. Everyone nodded, easily acceding to Minerva's experience and leadership. All the members of their team began chanting and pointing their wands toward the hidden cave. Magic coated Hermione's body, and she cocked her head as she caught movement at the cave to the left of their position.

Moments later the shroud of haze dissipated around the cave, and the Aurors began their attack in earnest. Hermione felt Minerva's strong grip around her torso, providing Hermione with all the incentive she needed to disapparate. After scant moments they arrived in the small den. Toward the back of the humid cave, a large nest made of branches, heather, and leaves was filled with large, irregular-shaped oval eggs. Some were black, others a chestnut-brown—light blue, ruby-red, emerald green—the eggs were varied and as shiny as glossed marble.

A red beam streamed passed Hermione's body, and Minerva whipped her wand toward the two Death Eaters bracketing the nest while holding Hermione close to her chest, firing a volley of spells. Squirming, Hermione let out a screech that momentarily stopped the Death Eaters' attacks. Minerva's grip became slack, and Hermione flew at the attacker to their left, feet extended so that she could inflict the most damage. As her claws made contact, she emitted another fearsome screech, so loud that it echoed off the walls, bouncing around their compact confines.

As the Death Eater Minerva was fighting fell to the ground, bound with several branches that no doubt Minerva had taken from the nest, Hermione pulled off the mask of the Death Eater she was attacking by using her razor-sharp claws and shrieked her fury when she recognized Pansy Parkinson. The Slytherin had escaped from the MacFusty Dragon Sanctuary yesterday just as the Aurors had arrived to round up their attackers. Renewing her attack, Hermione snapped with her beak at the dark witch's hands that covered her head and, using wandless magic, stunned the odious woman.

Flying to the nest, Hermione felt the heat of a warming spell caress her as she landed on it. She counted eleven eggs. Minerva joined her as the Aurors entered the cave, some looking a bit worse for wear but none hurt badly.

"Well, will wonders never cease. Looks like they were over-confident. Let's get these eggs over to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. From there we will join the others," Ron said.

"Those two black eggs must be brought to the MacFusty sanctuary," Minerva said.

"Right. Avery can transport those and then rejoin us at Bleaklow," Ron said. Each Auror hefted the eggs in their arms and prepared to leave. Hermione transformed back to her human form and called forth a Patronus to send to Andy, Miranda, and Harry while Minerva sent her own. As soon as she finished, she transformed back into her animagus form.

"There must be an anti-apparation spell in effect," Avery muttered.

"Hermione, we'll hold on to you. Go to MacFusty's first," Ron began but stopped as a stag Patronus appeared before them.

"We have removed the protective spells. You should be able to apparate in without problem. Hurry. Their forces are larger than we anticipated," it said in Harry's voice.

"Let's go," Ron said grimly.

Everyone stepped forward and held tightly as Hermione pictured the Hebridean dragons' sanctuary. As soon as they appeared, Avery let go, and Ron directed her to bring the rest of them to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary. In the blink of an eye, they were at the entrance to the famed dragon sanctuary. Charlie Weasley opened the gates as soon as he saw them.

"You got them, then?" Charlie said.

"What do you think?" Ron answered in a huff. "Where do you want them?"

Everyone followed as Charlie led them toward some structures on the far side of the sanctuary. Hermione rested in Minerva's arms comfortably, content to rest after expending so much energy. Although over the years her endurance had improved while exerting herself, it wasn't often that she apparated so many times while in her animagus form, and certainly not while transporting so many other people. Hermione tweeted softly, comforted by the rhythmic strokes of Minerva's hand down her back.

Leaning against her wife's chest, Hermione allowed her mind to roam. Soon, they would travel to Bleaklow and finish this fight. Hopefully, the others were faring as well as they had. Hermione feared that was not the case, though. Harry's earlier words reverberated in her mind. If the majority of Death Eaters were holed up in Bleaklow, she had no doubt that the battle would be fierce. Harry had a way of attracting trouble. Hermione just hoped that they arrived in time to counteract his unique ability to draw every nefarious wizard within the magical community to him.


Bleaklow, Dark Peak District, England

Help my mom! Andy heard, the plea breaking her concentration.

Shaking her head, she looked around, only to see Miranda pushed off the cliff by a powerful Impediment jinx. Andy ran after her and jumped off the edge head first as if she were diving into the deep end of a pool, picking up speed while she changed into her dragon animagus. Her heavier body quickly caught up to Miranda, and she was impressed to hear Miranda shout, "Aresto Momentum," and a cushioning spell as she reached her. Just before Miranda reached the jagged rocks, Andy's claws wrapped around her lover's waist and transported her through the air. Andy noticed that Miranda had fallen close enough to the land that her boots dragged through the overgrown wildflowers, and she shuddered.

I've got you, Andy declared.

Thank you, Andrea, Miranda answered, the tone of her thoughts relating her relief. Andy could feel Miranda's focus return to the Vipertooth's mind to break the Curse, and she remained silent. Instead she wheeled around the curve of the valley, looking for a place to land. She needed to make sure Miranda was not hurt before they returned to the fray.

Is the Longhorn free of the curse? Miranda asked.

Yes. Andrea wheeled onto a cliff-side and landed on her hind legs, releasing Miranda. She transformed into her human form and pulled Miranda into a tight hug. Andy broke the embrace a moment later, her eyes jumping over Miranda face and body repeatedly. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, yes. I'm fine, Andrea." Miranda said, framing Andrea's face with her hands and forcing Andy to stop her inspection. "I am not hurt."

Andy allowed the last few minutes to run through her mind, and the thought of how close she had come to losing Miranda made her tremble. Andy welcomed Miranda's lips brushing against hers. She fought against the abject fear that threatened to overwhelm her now that she had time to consider what had happened. But those sweet lips were caressing hers, cajoling hers, communicating that the love of her life was safe and present. Andy relaxed into Miranda's arms as their lips met again and again, tongues gently rubbing as they held each other closely.

When Miranda leaned back slightly, Andy opened her eyes to a soft smile. "You are amazing, darling," Miranda murmured.

Sighing contentedly in response to Miranda's thumbs softly rubbing over Andy's pronounced cheekbones, Andy smiled back before receiving another tender kiss. "We need to get back," Andy said with regret.

They were on the far side of the cliff, several hundred yards from Miranda's daughters and the Aurors. With the dragons released from the Curse, Andy knew their enemies would become desperate and even more dangerous.

As they turned, a bright-white, translucent phoenix flew to them, hovering in the air. "The eggs are safe. We are transporting all but the Hebridean Black eggs to the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary now. The Hebrides' eggs will go to the MacFusty Dragon Sanctuary," the Patronus said in Hermione's voice.

Just then a griffin Patronus flew to them and trotted to a landing as her wings folded against its lanky, equine body. "Ronald and his team will be joining you shortly. We will apparate over as soon as we can. Harry has informed us that the anti-apparation charms have been removed. Keep safe," it said in Minerva's voice. Andy watched as Miranda's eyebrows rose.

"Quite a couple—both have magical creatures as their Patronuses," Miranda remarked.

"Hmm, Aunt Minerva's Patronus used to be a cat if I recall correctly," Andy mused. "I wonder when it changed."

"And what is yours?" Miranda asked curiously.

"Last time I checked, it was a crocodile, but I have read that a Patronus can change over time, depending on one's abilities and experiences. Many times they match one's animagus, but in my aunt's case that is obviously no longer the case," Andy said. "What is your Patronus?"

Miranda shrugged elegantly. "I have no idea. I haven't cast a Patronus in nearly thirty years. Back then, it was a salamander."

Andy smiled warmly. They maintained their gaze until Andy transformed into her animagus form once again. Get on, she directed. It will be quicker, and I will be able to communicate with the dragons more easily in this form.

Miranda climbed onto Andy's back, and Andy felt a primal hunger fill her as Miranda's thighs squeezed her muscular neck. Andy leapt into the air, trumpeting her elation as they rose through the sky. A vision of soaring through the clouds, Miranda naked—arms wide, head tipped back, and bucking as an orgasm overwhelmed her—took Andy by surprise. She watched in her mind's eye as the desire expanded, developing into a vivid, erotic fantasy.

We will make that fantasy a reality, Andy promised, her mind conjuring numerous scenarios as she flew toward the rest of their group. Desire rushed through Andy's body at the possibilities.

I would not be averse, Miranda admitted.

Andy roared as passion filled her. Controlling such desires, she focused on the work they still had before them. We have retrieved your eggs. They are safe. Help us to defeat those who enslaved you and threatened your children or else join your brethren at the sanctuaries, Andy announced to all the dragons simultaneously.

To Andy's utter satisfaction, roars and screeches filled the sky as the six dragons joined ranks behind her and turned their collective might and fury toward the structures where they had been forced to remain. As one they aimed deadly streams of fire, incinerating everything within their paths within seconds. When they turned toward the various groups of people still dueling, a large number of Death Eaters dropped their wands and surrendered.

Craning her head, Andy saw several Death Eaters continuing to fight in small groups. Narrowing her eyes, she watched as a group ran out of a burning structure and aimed their wands at them. Lean forward! Miranda directed urgently, tightening her legs around Andy's neck so that she would not fall off and holding her wand in front of her.

Andy roared and shot a strong blast of blue fire at their attackers while Miranda threw spell after spell at them, using the weather, the land, the debris, anything and everything to incapacitate them. Andy weaved in and out of the clouds, and the other dragons provided interference. Andy bared her teeth, power thrumming through her, as she watched a ball of ice encased in fire pass her ear and speed toward a group huddled near the husk of a burning building. Miranda's fighting skills were as fierce as her grip on the fashion world.

A phoenix flew parallel to Andy's flight path off to Miranda's right, releasing a beautiful trill before circling under them and landing next to Minerva, who was busy disarming the remaining Death Eaters who had attempted to attack Andy and Miranda. Andy wasted no time landing next to them, feeling that her energy reserves were depleted. She turned back to her human form, and it was only then that she realized she had suffered wounds.

Feeling weakness overtake her body, Andy's knees buckled just as Miranda shouted her name and ran to her. Miranda grabbed her around the waist in time to prevent her from hitting the ground hard. Andy felt Miranda and her aunt lower her to the ground and begin examining her so they could determine how extensive her injuries were.

"Andrea," Miranda moaned in an upset voice. Andy winced, the pain throbbing behind her eyes and down her chest. Even though it was cloudy, the light present still knifed through her senses. With an agonized moan, Andy closed her eyes.

"She's strong, Miranda. She will be fine," Aunt Minerva's calm voice stated firmly.

Andy lay on the cold ground, not having enough energy to move. She needed a few moments to catch her breath. "I'm all right," Andy said weakly. "Just a little tired. I can get up." Andy tried to rise but hissed as her muscles protested.

"We need Hermione. Find her, and tell her to come here," Andy distantly heard Aunt Minerva say to Miranda.

Andy tried to track Miranda's progress, but she found she could not keep her eyes open. She could hear Aunt Minerva uttering medical diagnostic spells, and she marveled at just how knowledgeable she was. Taking some deep breaths as she felt fingers gently lifting her jumper away from a sore area, Andy heard the distinctive warbling trill of Hermione's animagus. A phoenix's tear landed on her chest, and Andy felt magic sweep through her.

A malevolent voice cut through the air, ringing unpleasantly across the moor. "Surrender, or I will kill your uncle!"

Grinding her teeth in frustration, Andy sat up slowly and searched the area. She saw the speaker's sneering countenance. Millicent Bulstrode. She held Miranda's uncle by the arm, her wand pressed against his throat. Shaking her head, Andy tried to make sense of the events unfolding. Wasn't he a Death Eater? Hadn't he been behind all the attacks?

Staring, Andy noticed a milky film covering his eyes entirely. Miranda, look at his eyes! Andy thought urgently, fighting back the pain she was experiencing so that she could concentrate on freeing him from the Curse. This was much harder in her human form, particularly since she was so tired. She felt the drain on her magic, and felt the prickle of tears borne from frustration lining up for release.

Mom, he's under the Imperius Curse! Andy heard Caroline's thoughts directed toward her mother. It seemed that the more Andy used this new ability to telepathically listen and speak her thoughts, the better she could tap into conversations not even directed toward her. It was as if she had turned on a radio and tuned into a particular station.

Andy connected with Theodorus Princhek's mind and felt the tell-tale cottony texture that signified the Curse was in effect. She pulled out of the man's mind when she heard Millicent's voice taunting Miranda.

"Did you really think he was clever enough, powerful enough to lead us?" Her laugh was tinged with cruelty. "He was just a pawn, a way for us to communicate with those stupid beasts," she derided the dragons. "Such a waste—such a rare gift, and he defected. So weak, so pitiful. Did you know he tried to find you?" she taunted.

Turning to her aunt, Andy said softly, "I am not strong enough to remove the Curse."

Aunt Minerva patted her hand as she helped Andy lie back down. "I will do it."

Miranda, keep her talking. Aunt Minerva is removing the Curse from your uncle, Andy projected into Miranda's mind.

"What do you mean, he tried to find me?" Miranda asked.

"After the second war he lost faith in our cause. He had the gall to express happiness for the murder of the greatest Dark Lord of our time by that weak upstart!" the deranged witch shouted while pointing her wand at Harry. "He looked everywhere for you. He even tried to turn me against those who remained loyal to Voldemort's objectives. Pathetic! I pretended to understand his reasons. I claimed to feel the same way. Ridiculous! I needed to know where he was, though, so that when the time came we could use his unique talents. And when we were ready to rise again, this sniveling, sorry excuse hid from us."

"But you found him," Miranda said.

"Oh, yes, I found our dear uncle. The foolish man trusted me. And do you know what he asked me? If I had found you, yet. After years of searching, he still carried hope that he would find you. It gave us the idea to lure you back with the dragon attacks. He would not help us, so we placed him under our control," Millicent boasted.

"The Curse is lifted," Minerva said softly.

We are here to free you. After I count to three, you need to pull away from your captor. I know you are confused right now, but you need to trust us. Do you see your niece, Miriam? And her daughters to her right? They are your family. Be brave for them, Andy thought to the older man.

Hearing his agreement, Andy directed her thoughts toward Miranda, Caroline, and Cassidy. The Curse is lifted. As soon as he pulls away, hit her with all you've got!

"Now. Enough chatting. Join us, and I give you my word that no harm will come to your dear uncle or to your daughters," Millicent said contemptuously.

One...

"They are the last of the Princhek line. A pity they are not dracotongues."

Two...

"But, then, why would they be, diluted with Muggle blood as they are?"

Three!

Andy saw Miranda's uncle jerk away, and Andy sat up quickly as she raised her wand. Her stun spell hit Millicent at the same time Miranda, Caroline, and Cassidy stunned her, the simultaneous deliveries propelling the Death Eater fifty yards, where she landed in an unconscious heap. Miranda's uncle fell to his knees and bowed his head, his body shaking. Andy felt her heart soften as she watched the man break into sobs. Miranda strode forward, knelt down, and embraced him as he wept.

"Miriam. My dear. I looked for you for so long. I am sorry. So sorry for not being strong enough to turn my back on the family. I knew you were right, but I was too afraid to stand against their twisted beliefs," the older wizard confessed, his voice broken, his gaze lowered.

"Uncle Teddy, we will sort this out. It is clear you were being controlled, and Millicent has admitted to it. You need to be treated at St. Mungo's, and once you are well we will talk more. After all, I want you to meet my daughters—your grand nieces. You are the last of our family line," Miranda replied in her soft voice while the remaining Death Eaters were rounded up.

Smirking at Miranda's use of her uncle's nickname, Andy wondered whether her stubbornness with uttering a person's full name no matter how many times a person stated a preference for the use of a nickname was somehow related to him, or if the two were entirely separate. A memory flash of the day she had first met the extraordinary woman made Andy smile. She had told Miranda that everyone called her Andy. Of course, when Miranda finally deigned to use her name, it was Andrea.

Stirred by the tender scene playing out before her, Andy watched while the older wizard lifted his tear-stained face, surprise and pleasure crossing his craggy visage, and Miranda helped him rise. Harry joined them to reassure Miranda that her uncle would be well taken care of but that they needed to get him to St. Mungo's for proper treatment. Feeling a wave of dizziness overtake her, Andy flopped back onto the cold ground with a groan and closed her eyes.

Distantly, she heard Miranda's voice, but she could not focus on the words. She was so, so tired. Aunt Minerva's voice floated on the wind, telling her to rest. A coat was placed under her head, and someone took hold of her hand. Pain ripped through her, making Andy curl in on herself, trying to somehow escape it.

Andrea!

Gasping through the pain, Andy heard Miranda's worried thoughts, but she couldn't think clearly enough to respond. Wetness landed across her chest, and a cooling effect eased the severe stinging sensations the gashes caused. After several more drops landed on her torso, Andy felt the pain recede. Opening her eyes, Andy stared into bright, bronze eyes, still wet with tears. Hermione. Looking down, she saw the ragged wounds she had received newly-healed. Thin streams of white steam rose into the air from the spots where the tears had landed. To her right, Aunt Minerva knelt while holding her hand.

It was hard to keep her eyes open, though. She had overextended herself while saving Miranda, and dueling, and remaining in her animagus form. The wounds had pushed her body past what it could tolerate, and she needed to recuperate. With a sigh, Andy closed her eyes and sank into that place between wakefulness and dreams.

"That was amazing," Andy heard Miranda murmur next to her.

"Indeed," Aunt Minerva agreed.

The rustling of robes and her hand being squeezed indicated that her aunt was rising. She smelled the dragon hide and knew that Miranda had taken her aunt's place by her side. Andrea. Darling. Tell me you are all right. You were so brave. So wonderful. Andy shivered as she felt Miranda gently run a finger down her cheek. Open your eyes, Love.

Not wanting Miranda to worry, Andy struggled to do as Miranda asked. Once she succeeded, Andy felt a groan ripped from her as she raised one hand to her temple.

"What's wrong?" Minerva asked, her voiced tinged with worry.

"I have a headache," Andy admitted as she rubbed the area gingerly.

"Let me," Miranda said. "Unless—" she pulled back and sat on her heels."Is my clothing contributing toward your headache?" Miranda asked in a low voice.

"No. Actually, they no longer seem to affect me negatively," Andy said, her face betraying her surprise.

Appearing relieved, Miranda gently pushed Andy's hand aside and began massaging both temples with her thumbs, her hands supporting the back of Andy's head. Andy stifled a moan as she closed her eyes and relaxed. Miranda continued with soft strokes for several minutes before stopping. "Better?" Miranda whispered.

The tenderness embodied by that one word warmed Andy's heart. She opened her eyes and pinned Miranda with a look full of affection. "Better," Andy said.

Slowly, Andy sat up. Cassidy reached down to help Miranda rise as Caroline and Aunt Minerva aided Andy off the ground. Noticing Miranda's concern, Andy beamed a wide smile at her to reassure her. Miranda was not one to normally show her feelings so plainly. Andy felt herself falling even more in love with the complex woman. She leaned in and whispered, "Thank you, Miranda. I could not have asked for a better nursemaid."

"Cheeky," Miranda murmured, undeniably relieved.

"Professor! You look older," Caroline remarked.

Looking over, Andy noticed that Hermione had returned to her human form. She agreed with Caroline's assessment. Although she still looked younger than before her rebirth, Hermione had aged significantly since this morning. At least by several years.

"It's because I have been in my animagus form for several hours. During that time, I healed more and matured in age, closer to what I was before my forced rejuvenation," Hermione explained.

"We'd best get back to the Manor. I dare say we could all use a shower, some food, and a nap. Harry has informed me that he will need statements from all of us, but not until this evening," Aunt Minerva interrupted.

As if she had just remembered, Miranda suddenly turned to Andy, a thunderous look on her face. You can communicate with my daughters telepathically?! Why didn't you tell me?

"It just started recently. I wasn't even sure at first. With the battle, well, it wasn't in the front of my mind," Andy said remorsefully, figuring Miranda had just spoken to her daughters telepathically and resented Andy not telling her that they were dracomouths like her.

Andy watched with bated breath as Miranda tilted her elegant head and considered her words. After several tense seconds, Miranda's mouth tilted up slightly, and she nodded slowly. Andy exhaled loudly in relief and chuckled as Caroline and Cassidy reacted in the same way.

"Ready?" Andy asked softly.

"Ready," Miranda affirmed, a pensive look on her face, and to Andy's delight, she slid an arm around her waist before they disapparated away.

Author's Note: Only a few more chapters left. I hope you enjoyed this part of the story.