AN: Thanks for all the luv y'all. It's greatly appreciated. You can blame my tardiness on getting this chapter out on Hermerva. It's all her fault! *Grin* Special thanks to my Oompa Loompa for pushing me to get this done. Please forgive any spelling/grammatical errors. I'm not a beta-read writer.

THE TIES THAT BIND

Chapter 6

DINNER AT THE BURROW

The soothing morning sound of songbirds roused Hermione from her peaceful sleep. The young witch opened her sleepy dark eyes and focused on her surroundings. The fire had reduced itself to glowing embers crackling in a feeble attempt to hang onto life. With a small, lazy smile, she decided to give the fire a helping hand. Carefully reaching for her wand on the night table next to her side of the bed, she whispered, "Incendio." Instantly the fire roared back to life.

Placing the wand back where it was, she partially rolled over and gazed down at the long arm wrapped around her middle. An arm that held her so possessively, with a strong yet elegant hand cupping her ample breast. A powerful arm connected to an incredibly powerful witch.

Her witch.

Glorious in her slumber was she, Minerva McGonagall.

In sleep, so unbothered by the day to day troubles of running the school. Unencumbered by the endless prattle of ministry business. Her countenance was peaceful. The beautiful, high boned cheeks glowed with a touch of color. A gentle reminder of last night's pleasurable interlude.

Thin, yet wonderfully kissable lips turned up in a secret "Mona Lisa" smile. Yet another reminder of their ardent efforts. Long black lashes covered stunning eyes. Eyes that, when open, were as green as the dark forest in summer. Hermione remembered those eyes darkening with the fierceness of her lover's passion. The young witch beheld the timeless beauty of her fiance in wonder. Amazed that such an incredible creature would choose her, a lowly muggle, as her mate.

She raised her eyes heavenward and said a silent "thank you" to whomever might be listening. Hermione loved this woman, with all that she was.

Slowly and ever so gently she ran reverent fingers through the silky, black tresses of her love. An amazingly soft and satiny black cape playing peek-a-boo with the lovely creamy skin beneath. Moving a bit of hair from Minerva's face, she leaned down and placed a gentle kiss against the older witch's cheek. That simple, feather-like touch was enough to rouse her partner. The arm that held the young woman so needfully, tightened a bit. The hand gently squeezed causing her coral colored nipple to peak and a ripple of arousal to tingle throughout her body.

The sound of a deep rumble could be heard from somewhere in the back of the older witch's throat.

Minerva was purring.

Hermione couldn't help the endearing grin that erupted across her lovely face. Chocolate eyes sparkled with love and utter devotion for the precious woman who held her so tightly.

"What are you smiling about?" A sleep deepened voice broke the stillness of the room.

With a gentle sigh, Hermione slowly traced an index finger over the older witch's mouth, caressing those wonderfully red lips, "I was just thinking about how sweet it is to hear you purr like that."

Minerva opened her lips and pulled the finger inside her mouth. Sucking tenderly, emerald gazed softly into chocolate brown.

"I love you." The young witch whispered, her eyes filling as the strength of her connection to the older witch overwhelmed her.

Minerva felt Hermione's emotions as surely as if they were her own. That was the nature of their bonding. The closer they became, the deeper the connection. The bonding was pulling their souls together. She felt the finger leave her mouth and travel down the side of her face.

Her belly chose that perfect moment to growl.

Amused giggling erupted from Hermione as she leaned down and placed her ear against Minerva's soft, yet toned stomach, "Would you mind repeating that?" She teased.

The older witch blushed, then growled, "You wore me out last night woman. I am hungry."

As if on cue, Izer popped into the bedroom, "Is the Mistress and the Lady ready for their breakfast?" The tiny elf smiled as he noticed the bare skin of Minerva's back and shoulders. She was lying away from him, holding Hermione.

The young witch rose up and peeked over her lover. With a cheery smile she said, "Hello Izer."

The elf beamed at the Lady. She was always so very nice to him. His Mistress, however had a dark expression on her face. She rolled over and sat up on her elbows. Izer noticed that both witches appeared to be naked under the sheets.

"You will announce yourself before just popping into our bedroom. I am quite sure Livvy would have something to say about this." Minerva frowned sternly as she spoke. She had always treated the elves with the utmost respect and courtesy. All she wanted was the same in return.

The tiny creature lowered his head, his large ears drooping. Shiny tears formed in his large green eyes. "Izer is sorry Mistress."

Hermione frowned at Minerva, "Come on Tabby... he didn't mean to pop in here like that."

Minerva raised an eyebrow, still eyeing her errant elf. She detected a tiny mischievious gleam in the creature's large eyes. "Oh yes he did." She wagged a finger at Izer, saying, "You have been perversely interested in my and Hermione's private doings since the beginning."

The tiny creature sighed deeply. The Mistress was correct, but how to explain?? He looked up into Hermione's curious chocolate eyes. Eyes so friendly and warm. Then he glanced at the Mistress. She was still waiting. Shuffling his small feet, he said, "Izer makes sure the Mistress doesn't loose the Lady like she did the others."

Minerva's eyebrows rose in shock, "What???" She glanced at her lover to see Hermione grinning madly. "What???" She repeated impatiently.

Izer really didn't want to point out the Mistress's shortcomings when it came to her love life, but he guessed he'd have to. Gulping, he replied, "Izer watches the Mistress ever since Master Ewan and Mistress Isabella was killed." The small creature sighed remembering the vibrant and lively Isabella and the brilliant and handsome Ewan.

Minerva's parents.

He drooped his ears and continued, "Master Keegan tells Izer and Livvy we's to watch over the young Mistress."

Minerva's eyes widened as she listened. She glanced at Hermione and noticed a beatific expression gracing her lovely features. Almost as if she knew what Izer was saying before he said it. Raising an eyebrow, she glanced back to the elf.

Izer swallowed nervously as he continued his story, "Master Keegan says the Mistress is terrible at love. He says she finds ways to ends things before they starts or she falls for the wrong one."

The older witch's eyes darkened as a storm began to brew inside her.

Izer knew his Mistress was getting angry, but he also knew that he must finish the story. Taking a deep, stengthening breath, the small creatured plunged on, "You's the last of the line of Merlin. Master Keegan and Mistress Fiona and Mistress Edeen say the Mistress needs the Lady to make the McGonagall line continue. The Lady is the best thing to ever happen to the Mistress." He scratched his left ear and added, "We's elves are to make sure The Mistress keeps the Lady happy so the Lady will stay and do the in-outie with the Mistress and make McGonagall babies."

Hermione grinned madly as Minerva blushed scarlett and began to sputter, "Well... uh well.. er.. um... I was doing just fine without any interference!" She glanced at her partner to see the young witch with her hand over her mouth trying to hold the laughter back. The older witch snorted her disgust and flopped back on the pillows. Izer was right and admitting that just rubbed her pride the wrong way.

The young witch couldn't hold it in any longer. She snickered quite gleefully.

The Headmistress raised a dark eyebrow and muttered dryly, "I fail to see the humor in this."

Remembering the previous night, the younger woman howled her laughter.

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Hermione Granger seated herself at the beautiful red oak table in the newly created dining room of her partner's quarters. She did not consider these quarters to be her's just yet. Soon, but not yet. Yummy breakfast smells wafted in from the kitchen. Sizzling bacon. "Mmmmmm, my favorite." She mumbled as she watched Minerva enter the dining area.

The older witch was clad in her dark green tartan robe. Her hair pulled back in a loose pony tail. Spectacles perched on the end of her nose, the Headmistress grabbed the morning edition of the Quibbler off of the counter that seperated the kitchen from the dining and living areas.

The biased reporting of the Daily Prophet had no place in Minerva's home.

Izer served tea, eyeing his mistress carefully. Her nostrils were flaring.

Not a good sign.

Seeing this, Hermione sighed softly and reached across the table for her lover's hand, "I love you."

Stunning green eyes looked up from the paper to meet the passion brewing in chocolate brown. Instantly the older witch's ire eased. She clasped her partner's smaller hand and gently squeezed. "I love you too."

With a gentle smile, Hermione whispered, "I think it's sweet that he watches over you." She grinned as she watched her partner frown darkly.

"I feel like a bloody twelve year old!" Minerva complained shooting the happily smiling elf a dirty look.

The young witch chuckled saying, "Well I, for one, am glad he's on my side."

Izer placed a heaping plate in front of his Mistress and replied, "You's the one m'Lady." He nodded in approval as Minerva attacked the food ferociously.

Hermione's dark eyes widened in alarm as she watched her fiance practically inhale her scrambled eggs. "Everything alright?" She questioned, a pretty eyebrow raising.

Minerva looked up at her partner. Her mouth full of bacon, "Mmmffh..." She chewed quickly and swallowed, then took a large gulp of tea to wash everything down. Wiping her mouth primly, she stated, "What do you expect? I worked up a bit of an appetite last night." She winked at the younger witch as she speared her kipper.

Hermione smiled and reached for the parchment that Errol had brought last night. Reading it, she asked, "What time are we going?" Molly Weasley had invited them to dinner.

Minerva looked up from the canteloupe she was currently working on and said, "I thought we would apparate out around six or so. Does that sound alright?"

Hermione nodded, watching as the older witch finished the melon and started on some porridge. She shook her head in amazement at the amount of food that Minerva was putting away. She made a mental note to have snacks by the bedside from now on, then picked up a slice of toast. She proceeded to smear strawberry jam on it while Minerva helped herself to a scone.

There was another piece of parchment on the table. It was folded. Reaching for it, the young witch was startled a bit when Minerva's hand shot out and grasped her wrist. Looking up in surprise, she watched as her fiance picked up the folded item and placed it in the pocket of her robe.

"That's something that I wish to discuss at dinner tonight." Minerva's emerald eyes gleamed with a bit of mischief.

Izer watched his charges enjoy their meal with a satisfied smirk. He was going to make sure that the Mistress was good and strong when it came time for she and the Lady to make the babies. He folded his arms, a determined expression on his small face. The letter that the Mistress just placed in her pocket would make the Lady and her friends and family very happy too!

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Molly Weasley glanced at the kitchen clock. "They'll be here soon. Is everything ready?" The Weasley matriarch fixed her clear blue eyes on the various faces in the kitchen....

Ron, Dawn, Harry, Ginny, George and Arthur.

"All we need to do is put the food on the table." Ron muttered, eyeing the delicious dishes his mother had sitting under a stasis spell."

Dawn Granger poked her boyfriend in the ribs, an ornery expression in her mocha colored eyes. Hermione's younger sibling was almost a foot taller than her magical sister and thinner. Her curves were less obvious. Grinning, she looked over to Molly and asked, "Is there anything you need me to do?"

Molly smiled. She had come to adore Dawn. In spite of the fact that the young woman had no magic, she felt Dawn was a wonderful match for her Ronald. She was a bit more reticent; intellectually speaking, than her older sister. She could now see why Minerva was so attracted to the strong personality that was Hermione. They made a much better match. Ronald would never have been able to keep up with Hermione's intelligence and wit. Not to say her son was addled or anything, just no where near the mental caliber of the young witch. She smiled to herself and rubbed her hands together. Yes, Minerva McGonagall and Hermione Granger were a perfect fit. Now, to get those two married!

The older witch peeked out the window to where the table had been set in the garden and replied, "Perhaps you might want to make sure the table is secure. We don't want the gnomes to carry anything off now, do we?"

With that, the younger Granger grabbed Ron by the collar and said, "Let's go." She motioned for Harry and Ginny to follow as well. Silently they trailed the other couple out to the garden.

A loud whining sound coming from the fireplace alerted the remaining people in the room that someone was arriving via the floo. Arthur stepped over to the fireplace to greet whomever it was. Moments later, Rolanda Hooch stepped out. Smiling at everyone, the yellow-eyed witch turned and extended her hand towards the floo.

A louder whining sound reverberated throughout the house indicating that the next person coming through was not as magically strong. Stepping out of the floo was a lovely middle aged woman with sandy brown, shoulder length hair and shining chocolate eyes.

Very familiar chocolate eyes.

The woman was dressed comfortably in a pair of muggle jeans with a white cashmere sweater. Over that, she wore a black traveling robe. She radiated charm and intelligence.

Jean Granger.

The lovely muggle woman was holding a basket with assorted wrapped items. Immediately Hooch took the parcel from the other woman, giving her a warm smile in the process, "Is it getting any better?" She was referring to traveling via floo to the muggle woman.

Jean returned the warm expression with a brilliant one of her own. Smiling with an extremely good imitation of the "Cheshire Cat Grin" of her oldest daughter, she answered, "A little better. I'll never get used to the soot though." Wiping off the traveling robe that had been a gift from Hooch, she turned to greet everyone in the room.

Molly bustled over to the two women with a huge Prewitt smile on her own face. She'd discovered quite a good friend in Hermione and Dawn's mother. 'Welcome, welcome!" She greeted, pulling Jean into a big, friendly hug. Next Hooch was pulled into an embrace as well. She accepted the wrapped parcels with a hearty smile, then eyed the two women and asked, "How have you two been fairing?" Molly's matchmaking instincts were legend.

The two women glanced at each other and blushed.

Molly threw her head back and laughed heartily.

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Dawn watched as Ron, Harry and Ginny searched for gnomes. She'd done that before too, but after being bitten by one, she'd decided to let the magical folk deal with it their way. She never really envied Hermione's magic before. Dawn wasn't that type of person. Sometimes though, she wished for just a little something special of her own. What she didn't realize was that she did possess her own form of magic. She could read people.

Extremely well.

The youngest Granger smiled as she recalled the way her mother looked at Rolanda. Both women were very tentative around each other; as if not sure what moves to make. Her mother was inexperienced in this sort of romance, but Rolanda? It was obvious that the flying instructor was quite gay. It was equally obvious that the witch was totally smitten with her mother and didn't want to push. Dawn grinned realizing that, that was just what the two women needed... a push. "I think I'll work on that." She whispered to herself just as Harry let out a yell. The younger woman snickered as she saw a gnome with it's teeth sunk into the young man's hand.

"Get it off! Get it off!" The black haired wizard yelled dancing around the garden in pain. Dawn scrunged up her face in disgust as Ginny hexed the creature off her boyfriend by blowing it to bits.

"Ewwwww!"

Ron tromped over to his girlfriend with a happy smile plastered on his face. He was soooo in love with Dawn Granger! "What's ewww?" He asked pecking her cheek with a quick kiss. He ran a large hand through his shoulder length ginger hair.

Dawn reached up. Way up. Ron was really tall! "You're messing up your hair!" She grumbled, fixing it with her fingers. At that moment, the thunder clap of apparition boomed nearby causing the young people to jump.

Standing at the edge of the garden were the beautiful figures of the most powerful witch on earth and the brightest witch of the age. The Animagus and the Witch of the Light. Or as Dawn liked to refer to them... Stick and 'Mione. "Hey Stick!" She yelled, racing over and into the open arms of her future big sister. She felt Minerva's powerful arms embrace her tightly for a moment, then release her. Dawn moved to her sister for a quick hug, grinning as she heard Minerva mutter, "Cheeky brat." The younger Granger threw back her short cropped sandy brown head and laughed with mischievious glee.

The Headmistress of Hogwarts was clad in a mix of traditional and modern. She wore a pair of tailored black slacks with a red silk blouse. Over that she wore her traditional forest green robes, but had left them unbuttoned so they had the appearance of a long overcoat. Her shining black hair was in it's traditional bun. She was glowing with her joyful love for the young woman standing next to her.

Dawn grinned knowingly and winked at the others who all grinned and winked back. Well, all except Harry who was still shaking gnome bits off his hand.

Hermione Granger stepped back from her sister. She was wearing blue capri pants with a sleeveless cream colored jumper. Her cloak was navy blue. Her long, unruly curls flowed down her back and over her shoulders like a chestnut colored wave of softness and lustre. Her eyes sparkled with lively enthusiasm and deep love for the tall woman standing beside her.

Again, Dawn grinned a "knowing" smile and said, "Looks like the weekend trip to see your girlfriend really paid off huh?" She giggled as she felt a playful cuff to the back of her head from Minerva. Laughing, the trio moved to where Ginny and Ron were standing next to Harry. The latter had his hand in his mouth, sucking on the gnome bite he'd just received.

Frowning, Hermione stepped over to him. The Healer in her kicking in. "Let me see." She ordered. Wordlessly, Harry showed his friend the wound. The young witch rolled her eyes, "Honestly. That is so unsanitary." She pulled her wand and muttered a spell under her breath. The tip of her wand glowed with a golden light for a brief moment. Touching the tip to Harry's wound she smiled saying, "This might sting a bit."

Harry Potter hated those words. Madam Pomfrey had uttered them so many times to him over the years. Now Hermione was doing it! He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth as a wave of gentle warmth flowed into his hand followed by the promised sting. "Ow! 'Mione, you said a little bit! That's a lot!"

Ginny snorted, "Such whining. You're supposed to be the "Boy Who Lived" not the "Sissy Who Cried!"

Minerva McGonagall had the good manners to cover her mouth and turn away as her laughter bubbled up. The rest of the group didn't have such cooth. Dawn giggled, burying her head into Ron's chest. The latter stood there grinning like a fool. Both from his best friend's plight and the fact that Dawn was so close to him. Ginny shot her boyfriend a withering smirk and Hermione snickered quietly. After all, it just wouldn't do to have your future healer laughing at your ailment.

Molly chose that moment to bellow, "Tea time!"

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Empty plates and chicken bones lay testament to Molly Weasley's skill as Mistress of the Kitchen. She gazed at the pleasantly food drunk guests seated at the long table. The sounds of evening's approach could be heard in the lively chirping and squeaking in the bushes and trees that surrounded the group. No one noticed though. Bellies were full. Belts were loosened. Chairs were pushed back with legs outstretched.

Rising reluctantly, Arthur blew a kiss to his wife, "Once again my dearest love you have outdone yourself." Waving his wand, Arthur levitated all the dirty dishes. With a half smile, he added, "I'll be right back." Motioning for George to follow. The two men headed to the kitchen with the dirty dishes trailing behind. The elder Weasley's had an agreement. Molly cooked, Arthur did the dishes. The patriarch wasn't above recruiting a little help though... hence George.

Jean Granger reached across the table and clasped Molly's hand, "That was absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for inviting me." She gave a small wink to the redhead indicating it was time to turn the discussion to what the two women had schemed earlier in the day. Clearing her throat, Jean raised an eyebrow and turned to face Minerva.

The older witch was resting her clasped hands over her very full belly. She was happy and well fed. A little sleepy though. Her animagus instincts kicked in as she felt someone's eyes on her. She looked up and glanced around the table...

Hermione had her hand on the older witch's thigh, tracing ever widening circles. This caused Minerva to blush.

Dawn was stretching her arms over her head as Ron looked for any remaining morsals of uneaten bounty.

Ginny was laying her head on Harry's shoulder while the latter examined the bite mark on his hand.

Rolanda was looking at her with a knowing smile. She knew what Hermione was doing. Her yellow eyes twinkled with mischief because she also knew what Molly and Jean were up to as well.

Minerva frowned as she stared at her friend, "What?"

Rolanda grinned as someone cleared their throat.

Jean Granger stared directly into emerald eyes that were suddenly fastened on her. With a quirking eyebrow she asked, "Don't you think it's time you made an honest woman out of my daughter?"

Hermione stopped her caress of her lover's upper thigh and pointedly turned her quizzical chocolate eyes on her mother.

Minerva glanced at her fiance and then back to her mother, "What are you talking about?"

A knocking sound resounded from the head of the table. Molly was impatiently wrapping her knuckles against the old oak of the table. The red head looked at both Minerva and Hermione and asked, "When are you two getting married?"

Comprehension made it's way over both witches resulting in a rather stunning tandem blush.

Jean winked at Molly and said, "We think it's time to start doing some serious planning."

Hermione looked into the lovely face of her fiance, her brown eyes softening a bit. Then she smiled and turned to her mother, "Well we wanted to wait until I graduate."

Molly nodded, "That's fine, but you graduate next month." She looked pointedly at the Headmistress and asked, "Have you made any plans at all?"

Minerva smiled knowingly and reached into her robes pocket, "As a matter of fact..." She pulled out the parchment that she wouldn't let Hermione read earlier that morning. Tossing it in Molly's direction, she watched as the red head picked up the missive and opened it.

Molly was mystified. It looked like a travel brochure. Upon further inspection, she discovered it WAS a travel brochure. "What is Sanduval Island?"

Hermione perked up, "Is that what you wouldn't let me look at this morning?"

Minerva nodded, a small smile gracing her features. "I graduated college with Ernesto Sanduval. He went into the hospitality business and has done very well for himself. He is a very dear friend and has invited me to his island on numerous occassions." She noticed that she had everyone's attention. Continuing, she said, "Some years back, he purchased an island in the Caribbean where he established a wizarding resort which he named after himself." She shook her head and added with a small disapproving frown, "His ego not withstanding, the resort is very nice and the reviews I have read are all positive." She turned to her fiance and gently grasped her hand, "I have taken the liberty of booking an oceanfront villa for two weeks after you graduate." She looked at the others, suddenly feeling a wee bit apprehensive. "I would like to invite all of you to come as well." She noticed a few protests beginning to form on the faces of Molly and Jean, so she quickly interjected, "The villa has seven bedrooms, so there is plenty of room."

Hermione couldn't believe her ears. Two weeks in the Caribbean? Merlin! She launched herself right onto Minerva's lap. Throwing her arms around her fiance, she exclaimed, "Oh Tabby I love you!" Then planted a force 10 kiss on her lover's lips.

Dawn's mouth fell open, "Wow!"

Rolanda grinned, Harry laughed, Ginny's eyes widened, and Ron blushed.

Jean looked at Molly, and Molly looked at Jean. This really wasn't in the plan but... who cares! It's the Caribbean!

Minerva tightened her grip on Hermione and tucked the wriggling young witch under her chin. With a wry smile, she looked to Molly and a beaming Jean and said, "I thought perhaps we could discuss wedding plans there."

Jean shook her head. Minerva McGonagall was something else. A rich something else, that was certain. At least Hermione would be well cared for. She frowned a bit and said, "I can't let you pay for this alone." She stopped when she saw the older witch start shaking her head.

"It is already paid for. Do not trouble yourself about it." She looked at each and every one seated at the table and stated, "You all know that I am the last living scion of Merlin's line?" Everyone nodded, including Arthur and George, who'd just rejoined the group. Continuing, Minerva took a deep breath, "Ever since Hermione came into my life. I find myself surrounded by a new family." She smiled warmly at everyone at the table. Those surrounding the two witches smiled warmly back.

Hermione squeezed her lover tightly as she felt her fiance take another deep breath.

The Headmistress normally stern facade crumbled and her voice cracked a bit as she said, "I just want to treat my family to a nice vacation."

Tears formed in blue, green, yellow and brown eyes.

-to be continued

AN: Thank you Bunny for letting me know that there are two B's in C-a-r-i-b-b-e-a-n! ;D