AN: Wow. Thanks for all the kind words. I only hope my work will continue to live up to your expectations. Again, just a wee bit steamy. Rated "M" ;D

THE TIES THAT BIND

Chapter Four

BLISS

Albus Dumbledore yawned loudly; startling the dozing Poppy Pomfrey and rousing Rolanda Hooch from her thoughts. She had been unusually quiet after Dippit's tirade. The elderly wizard raised an eyebrow and asked, "What bothers you Rolanda?"

The flying instructor glanced over at the former headmaster and smiled ruefully, "That out of character am I?" She rubbed the back of her neck tiredly.

Grinning, Albus stroked his long silver white beard and remarked, "No. I think we're seeing the real you."

Poppy nodded silently grinning.

Hooch glanced at the two older people and sighed, "I've been thinking..."

"Oh no. Not that!" Dumbledore teased, causing Poppy to snicker and Hooch to blush.

The spikey haired witch made a face at the other two, then used her thumb to gesture upwards towards Minerva's office, "I've been thinking about them." She was meaning Hermione and Minerva.

Albus nodded his understanding and indicated for her to continue.

Rolanda frowned as she spoke, "The Prophecy said that the heirs of the House of Merlin shall lead, teach, challenge and heal the world as we know it..." She trailed off as she organized her thoughts.

Poppy leaned forward a bit. Not speaking, but interested. She too, had questions. Questions that only Dumbledore could answer.

Rolanda continued, "That would mean that Minerva and Hermione are going to have four children. Would it not?" She pinned her yellow, hawk-like eyes on Dumbledore. Rolanda Hooch's piercing stare was unnerving. To say the least.

Dumbledore smiled a mysterious, enigmatic smile as he said, "So it would seem."

Poppy shot the older wizard a dark look, "Must you always be so mysterious and vague?" She was shaking her graying head in exasperation.

Dumbledore snorted, "I'm not trying to be. Sybil's predictions are bleary to be sure."

Hooch chuckled saying, "Must be all that cooking sherry!" She rose and walked to the darkened window. Gazing out at the darkness, she wrapped her arms around herself as an involuntary shiver crawled up her spine. "The House of Merlin is in danger." She muttered, again locking her piercing gaze on Dumbledore.

The older man scratched his forehead as he used his magic to feel Minerva and Hermione. A wave a sexual energy passed through his soul. Startled, he blushed brightly. Looking up at the women, he noticed them looking at him oddly.

It was Keegan who figured it out. From his place in the portrait he pointed a long, boney finger at Dumbledore saying, "That's what you get for peeking in places you shouldn't."

Grinning and shaking his head, Albus stated, "It's an occupational habit that I'm still trying to break. Your granddaughter and I have a friendship that means everything to me. I will protect that to my last breath. I swear."

Keegan nodded, "Aye. Preserving the line of Merlin is important to my family. They've placed alot of pressure on Minerva over the years. She's never complained, just never got lucky when it came to matters of the heart." He smiled as he thought of Hermione. With a twinkle shining in his emerald eyes, he said, "Then Hermione came along and stole Minerva's heart.... Just like that." He snapped his fingers for emphasis.

Dumbledore nodded in agreement adding, "The bonding not withstanding, I think they may have found their way to each other anyway."

Hooch shrugged, "You think?"

Poppy finally decided to speak, "Absolutely! That girl is more than a match for Minerva. Intellectually, emotionally and..." She trailed off. After a moment, she grinned and added, "Physically too."

Hooch sat again and asked, "Tell me about this bonding? When did it start?"

Poppy rose and refilled everyone's glass. She looked up at the portrait and laughed as she watched Keegan reach into a nearby painting of a restaurant scene and grab a glass of wine from a table.

As she reseated herself, Dumbledore began to speak, "You all know how bondings came about?" He was referring to the dark times in wizardry's past when magical folk were persecuted for simply possessing magic.

Magic itself, being a self-preserving entity, evolved a unique way of sustaining itself.

The Bonding.

It occured when two similar and/or like magical signatures encountered each other. To keep that strain of magic pure, the instinct to mate bloomed between bond partners. Hence the evolution of the term "pureblood".

As the small group nodded their understanding, Dumbledore continued, "Hermione is muggle born, or at least that's what everyone was led to believe. Her mother and her sister are squibs. Her father is a muggle. However, Jean Granger's mother was gifted. Not with magic per say, but with something muggles like to call "the sight". It's similar to what the Prewitt family is known for."

He was referring to Molly Weasley's ability to read auras. This ability had apparently been inherited by Ginny. It was considered "female" magic so none of the Molly's sons had the talent.

Continuing, Dumbledore said, "The real power in Hermione's case was her great-grandmother. Sarah Griffin."

Poppy's eyes widened and Keegan let out a low whistle saying, "As in Gryfindor?"

Dumbledore nodded, "One and the same." He took a sip of his drink, then continued, "The Griffins were direct descendents of Godric Gryfindor who, in turn, was none other than Merlin's grandson." He looked up at Keegan and said, "Your ancestor married one of Merlin's daughters."

Keegan nodded proudly.

Poppy's eyes widened in comprehension, "So that's the reason for the bonding! That's Merlin's blood reuniting after nearly a thousand years!"

Dumbledore nodded a smile creasing his face, "You should've heard Minerva the day she placed the sorting hat on Hermione's head." His sky blue eyes twinkled with humor. With a chuckle, he said, "Because Hermione had so much hair..." Everyone snickered thinking about the legendary chestnut mane of the young witch.

Shaking his head, the older wizard said, "Minerva accidentally touched Hermione's hair trying to get the hat to fit! That simple touch activated the link between them." He laughed adding, "Minerva ranted for nearly an hour about Hermione's hair! It was the single most ridiculous McGonagall rant I had ever heard. Mid-way through it, she realized what she was going on about and abruptly silenced herself. It was hilarious." He sobered a bit and muttered, "She didn't think it was funny at the time."

The others smiled knowing the Headmistress as they did. Minerva would've definately NOT been amused.

Continuing, Albus said, "Once the bonding was active, there was nothing either one of them could've done to stop it. The one good thing that happened was that they developed a strong friendship first. Eventually, when Hermione came of age, that friendship blossomed into something much deeper."

Hooch grinned knowingly. Scratching her head, she stated, "So now our two witches are getting married. Naturally babies will follow." She looked up at Keegan and asked, "I'm guessing your family has a potion of some kind that Minerva will take that will enable her to give Hermione children?"

Keegan smiled, a proud expression on his ancient face, "Brewed by Merlin himself. It's been passed down through the centuries. Each time a couple uses it, a drop of blood from each partner is added. The last to use it was Fiona and Edeen when they had Angus."

Poppy chuckled. Because of her medical background, she was much more familiar with what was involved when a same sex couple wanted to have children. A female same sex couple in particular. She looked up at the portrait and asked, "Does Minerva know the details about any of this?"

Keegan shook his head, "I don't think so." He shrugged saying, "Fiona may have said something to her. I'm not sure."

Poppy's mouth fell open. She looked at Albus to see him red-faced in his laughter. Glancing at Hooch, she could see that the younger witch had no clue. Crooking her finger, she gestured Hooch over and whispered in the flying instructor's ear just what was going to happen to Minerva when she took the potion.

Gasping, Hooch's yellow eyes widened. "No way!" She exclaimed in disbelief. Like most magical folk outside the medical field, Hooch really didn't know how same sex couples reproduced. Only that with a few charms and potions, it was possible.

Now she knew.

Red faced, she quietly sat down and whispered, "Poor Minerva." Then she looked up at Poppy and Albus. After a moment of stoney silence, all three burst into hysterical laughter.

Hooch suddenly sobered, remembering the dire prediction about the danger. Eyes wide, she asked, "What about the danger?" She paused for a moment, remembering what Sybil had said. Standing once again, she walked to the window and gazed out muttering, "Sybil said that the golden heir of the house that darkness led..." She looked back over at the others, "That sounds disturbingly like the Malfoy family." She ran a tired hand through her silver spikes and sighed, "Oh kitties, what are we going to do?"

Dumbledore stood slowly. He gazed at Rolanda Hooch thoughtfully. A bushy eyebrow quirked as a thought came to him. "You, Rolanda Hooch, are going to be their watcher."

Bewilderment etched itself clearly over the handsome features of the flying instructor, "Huh?"

Dumbledore shot her a small mysterious smile saying, "Ever since I realized that it was Hermione and Minerva's blood that was going to rejuvenate the magical world, I've been working at keeping them safe."

What a bombshell to lay on two half drunken witches and a portrait!

Poppy sat up sputtering, "When did you know?"

Dumbledore cleared his throat, took a sip, then replied, "I didn't know for sure until Sybil's blather." He grinned as they smiled at his words. Continuing, he said, "I suspected from the beginning. You see, I too, can see their bond as it swirls about them." He smiled as he saw their incredulous expressions, "Yes, I know it's "female" magic. I guess I've always had a bit of female in me." He eyed Hooch as she snorted into her drink. "Not that kind of female!"

Poppy and Rolanda laughed raucously.

Dumbledore snorted at them, "Do you want me to finish or do I need to take my diva self elsewhere?"

Poppy nodded, Rolanda weakly waved her hand. She was doubled up with laughter.

Ignoring Hooch, Albus continued for Poppy's sake, "Sybil said that the magical world will perpetuate with the joining of the animagus and the witch of the light. We all know just who the animagus is..."

The others nodded with a smile.

Continuing, Albus said, "The Grand Sire himself identified Hermione as, and I quote "the young witch of the light" unquote. If Odaan recognizes that, then it must be true. That alone tells me that Minerva and Hermione will, by their joining, perpetuate the magical world by extending Merlin's blood line through their children." He took a deep breathe and added, "I believe it's those children that will change things as we know it." He pounded his fist into the palm of his other hand, " Four incredibly powerful and gifted people who would, in turn, have children..."

Poppy interupted, "And so on and so on..."

Dumbledore raised a long, thin finger and stated, "Imagine now... what if McGonagall junior became influenced by say... Lucius Malfoy?"

"Bollocks!"

The small group turned to look up at the portrait.

Keegan's emerald eyes blazed, "That will not happen!"

Dumbledore nodded at each of them and said, "Not if WE can help it."

Poppy Pomfrey had an epiphany. She focused her bright hazel eyes on Dumbledore and stated, "That's why you stepped down. You didn't want to retire! You wanted to make sure Minerva and Hermione are safe. That their children are safe. You couldn't do that with having to deal with running the school!" Tears welled up in the medi-witch's eyes, "Oh Albus..."

Caught, Dumbledore looked down at his feet. After a moment of stunned silence, he looked up and said, "I owe my friend so much. It's the least I can do. Minerva McGonagall is running this school far better than I ever did. This is where she belongs. Hermione Granger will soon graduate from college as a full healer. She plans to set up a practice in Hogsmeade and assist you, Poppy. She also is going to teach advanced Potions to the seventh years." He took a deep breath, his sky blue eyes brightened with unshed tears as he went on, "Both of these women have dedicated themselves to helping others in their own unique way. By the grace of Merlin, they've managed to fall in love with each other AND discover the bonding between them." He pulled at his beard as a frown creased his aged brow, "If I can use my power to protect them, then so be it!"

Hooch nodded solemnly and said with all certainty, "I will be their watcher."

Poppy nodded, "And whatever I can do to help, I will."

Dumbledore smiled at their loyalty, he placed a finger to his lips and said, "Not a word to either of them.. understand?"

Poppy and Rolanda nodded curtly. They both looked up to the portrait.

Keegan nodded, "Not a peep."

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Hermione gazed down at her love. Sprawled on the bed, arms out at her side, Minerva looked delicious. The young witch grinned mischieviously. She was going to find out just how tasty her lover was!

She ran her fingertips down Minerva's sides, feeling the bump of ribs, the silky softness of creamy skin. Gliding gently across her chest, down the toned, well-defined abdominals and back to the softly curved, womanly hips. She grasped the robes that were bunched around Minerva's waist and tugged them down.

The older witch opened her lust hazed eyes to find her fiance disrobing her. Outer robe and inner undershift slid off and fluttered to the floor. She felt the young witch unfastening her boots. Deftly they were removed and tossed to the side with a double thunk. All she was left wearing was her lacy white knickers and black thigh-high stockings!

Hermione gasped at the glorious beauty that lay before her. Minerva was, simply put, stunning. "You are gorgeous." The young witch whispered, a sexy sultriness lacing her voice. She leaned down and again took a pebbled nipple between her plump lips.

Minerva moaned as she felt her lover's mouth upon her breast once again. Oh, how she loved what Hermione was doing to her. "Merlin! That is so good." She whispered, pleasure lancing through her body.

Hermione didn't linger at Minerva's breast. No, she wanted to be lower. She began placing soft, butterfly kisses down her fiance's abdomen. A lick, a taste. Sweet, sweet skin. Warm and soft.

As she came to the older witch's navel, she flickered her tongue teasingly around the small, sweet circle. Hermione smiled. Minerva had the cutest belly button! Grinning, she dipped her tongue inside, snickering as her lover squirmed. "A wee bit ticklish are we?" She asked seductively. She received a groan in reply.

With a smile, she resumed her ministrations. She widened her tongue and lathed her way to the elastic waistband of Minerva's lacy white knickers. Using her teeth, she pulled at the satiny fabric causing her lover to thrust her hips a bit. "Ohhh love, we'll get there." Hermione whispered reassuring her eager partner.

Minerva was on fire. Hermione was being so deliberate in her touches. She knew what the older witch liked and was doing everything in her power to enhance every touch, every sound.

Everything.

Hermione was giving her everything.

Goosebumps lined her skin in row upon row of super sensitivity.

The young witch rubbed her cheek against Minerva's satin covered mound. She could smell her lover's arousal. Earthy, musky and sooo Minerva. Kissing through the fabric, the young witch's lips traveled down between the older witch's legs. Minerva's center was drenched with her excitement. Seeing this turned Hermione on even more. "Oh yes." She whispered, dragging her tongue against the soaked fabric. She felt strong hands tangling in her unruly mane. Minerva was so ready. "Mmmmmm." The younger witch moaned as she brought her hands to the waistband of her lover's knickers. Slowly, she began to draw them down over rounded, creamy hips. Minerva raised herself up to help her young lover remove the garment.

Slowly more skin was revealed. As Minerva's mound came into view, Hermione leaned down and gently rubbed her cheek against the wispy, soft ebony hair. She placed an open mouthed kiss there, delighting in the aroused rumble coming from her lover. She noticed the patch of hair was neatly trimmed. Grinning, she looked up at her lover, "Keeping up the maintenance I see."

"Cheeky witch." Minerva growled through lusty, half-lidded eyes. She wanted her woman!

Hermione pulled the knickers down Minerva's toned thighs, taking the black stockings with her. Tossing them aside, she realized that she was still fully dressed. She watched Minerva's darkened eyes widen as she proceeded to remove her robe. She wasn't wearing an undershift. Just a black lace bra and thong.

"Merlin!" Minerva exclaimed, thinking she just might combust right then and there. "Where did you acquire that? Might I ask?" She rose up on her elbows as her fiance grinned.

"Do you like it?" Hermione asked, spinning slowly. Showing off her magnificent backside.

Minerva growled, "Oh yes indeed... Now come here." The older witch scooted herself back on the bed a bit and motioned for her young lover to join her.

Hermione sauntered to the bed and seductively crawled back to her place between Minerva's legs. She looked like a lioness on the prowl. Her chocolate eyes had darkend to almost black. Her chestnut hair, an unruly lion-like mane tumbling over her shoulders. She ran her tongue over her delectible lips causing another groan from her lover. Her nose caught the rising scent of Minerva's arousal. Glancing down at the wonderfully naked goddess before her, she ordered, "Open your legs for me. I want to see you."

Gasping, Minerva raised her knees and spread her legs for her fiance. She watched in urgent excitement as Hermione simply stared down at her exposed sex. A hungry expression burning in those beautiful eyes.

"Oh sweetheart, please..." The older witch whimpered. She needed release! Her earlier climax had just taken the edge off. She needed her woman NOW! It had been so very long.

Two small, soft hands each carefully grasped a knee. Slowly, she drew her fingers along the insides of Minerva's sculpted, well toned thighs. Hermione marveled at the baby softness of the skin there. So much so that she leaned down and kissed the inside of the older witch's left thigh.

Another tiny kiss a little higher.

One more a bit further up.

Hermione focused her heated gaze on Minerva's sex. Glistening with her excitement. Open and erect. Ready. She nuzzled the dove soft inner thigh briefly, then moved higher. She felt the older witch trembling through the leg that was pressed against the side of her face. Kissing the skin there, she moved to within a few inches of Minerva's womanhood. "I've wanted you for so long." She whispered as she leaned in a placed a kiss on her lover's folds.

Minerva rolled her head back as she took great gasping breaths. At last her love was right where she needed her to be. "Mo bhean...*" She whispered.

Hermione knew Minerva was coiled and ready to explode. She didn't want to torture her, but at the same time, she wanted to savor every moment. Slowly, she drew her tongue down the velvety edge of her left fold, then glided up her right and back again. Several times, this action was repeated until the older witch pushed her pelvis towards Hermione urging the young witch on.

In one bold move, Hermione pierced Minerva's cleft and brought her tongue to dance with the older witch's pearl. Back and forth she flicked and flickered the tip of her tongue against Minerva's sensitive ridge. Then she drew her tongue down to her fiance's heated core. Wasting no time, the young witch plunged her tongue inside.

"M'eudail! Mo ghoal!**" Minerva moaned as waves of pleasure began to drive her into bliss. "Oh 'Mione! I love you!" She whimpered as her lover drove her onward.

Hermione brought her fingers up to replace her tongue. Drawing the soft, wet muscle back to Minerva's sensitive pearl. She gently penetrated her lover and started a slow, steady thrusting with her fingers. Trying to keep her tempo steady. Her fiance began to match her thrusts and together they set an even, flowing rhythmn.

Hermione watched the muscles in Minerva's belly tensing. She knew the older witch wasn't far from an explosive climax. Happily she circled the erect pearl, then drew it into her mouth and gently began to suckle. She could feel the coiling. The tightening of inner muscles on her fingers. The trembling of the thighs that surrounded her head.

Minerva McGonagall threw back her head and screamed.

She never screamed. Never.

There's always a first time and this was it. The Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry loudly proclaimed her bliss for the whole world to hear, "UHHHH HERMIONEEEE!!!!"

At least that's what Hermione thought she said. Her ears were ringing.

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-to be continued

AN: (* my woman) & (**M'darling! My love) See "The Boat House" for information on the Grand Sire.