A/N: I feel like I haven't updated in ages - how long has it been?! Did I skip one? I have no idea. I hope you're all well, though. And still keeping on. Stay with me through this lol It just keeps going on and on!
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The next morning saw them all awake and bleary eyed, drinking tea quietly at the breakfast table. Feedle knew of their plan and flitted around the kitchen as she tried to get them to eat.
"Mistress," she finally huffed. "Eat."
Minerva smiled affectionately and acquiesced. They had developed a little friendship that Hermione, on the other hand, had no chance of reproducing. It was enough that Feedle felt like she could push them around. Amalle had dressed and pulled their hair high. It reminded Hermione of a warrior of old, while Lucia wore the dress she had arrived in and had a felt cape that Minerva had lent her on the back of the chair.
They looked an odd bunch, but Hermione couldn't help but adore it.
"Come on then," she said finally. "I know we don't know when she meant but dawn seems like a good time to figure it out."
Minerva stood and summoned her good, highland-appropriate coat and pushed one towards Hermione as well.
"What -"
"I had a spare one," she muttered. Hermione didn't immediately put it on, so Minerva did it for her. As she laid down the collar, she gripped Hermione's neck and kissed her hard.
"Min," Hermione said quietly as she pulled away. "It's okay. Everything is going to be okay."
"I hate it when you say it will be okay and you don't actually know," Minerva hissed against her lips.
"I believe it to be true," Hermione shrugged. She winced as Minerva bit down on her neck. "Ow! What was that for?"
"Just in case any other living being tries to claim you."
Hermione laughed and kissed her softly. She got a dark look for her attempt and she hugged Minerva tightly. "Maybe just trust me, instead."
Minerva grumbled but didn't continue to argue. They stepped out of the house and Hermione breathed in the cold, damp air. Despite it being summer, the fog that rolled in off the sea sometimes stayed put until the sun was high in the sky and the same was true for this morning. She turned and regarded her family.
"I'll take one and you will?"
"I hate this part," Amalle muttered.
"Would you prefer the other way?" Hermione asked.
"I do not know of another way."
Hermione smiled and beckoned them over. She held their hands and breathed quietly as Minerva and Lucia disappeared with a quiet pop. Amalle seemed to understand the need for silence and instead held onto her hands tightly. Finally feeling the power she needed, Hermione pulled Amalle in and stepped forward.
"Oh," Amalle whispered as they arrived at the top of the hill. "Much better." They looked sideways at Hermione. "Your power is great."
"It's a neat trick," Hermione shrugged.
Minerva tutted and they finally took a look around. It was dark, still, on this side of the island and the fog was dense, but as Minerva grumbled that they had no hope of finding anything in this light, Hermione froze.
"Stop," she muttered.
Everyone froze at her tone. She breathed out long and slow and immediately realised what had happened.
"They are all around us. Sit down on the floor for me."
"What? Leannan -"
"Minerva," she snapped, then breathed out slowly again. "Feel, listen. They're everywhere. Sit down for me, please mo gaol."
To her credit, Minerva paused and Hermione was just close enough to see her eyes widen and then she dropped to one knee. Lucia and Amalle followed without question and Hermione held out her hands and she turned in a circle.
"I do not mean any harm to anyone. We are here to see the dragon we met. Four suns have passed as we have returned at her request."
There was a deep rumble and a flash of fire that made Hermione wince, but not jump, and the fog cleared to reveal more dragons that Hermione had ever seen sitting in a circle at the top of the hill.
"Hello," Hermione nodded respectfully. "We mean you no harm."
She glanced around slowly but did not move otherwise as she tried to pick out the dragon they had met previously. She didn't have to wait long. A dragon as black as night got up lazily and stepped forward. Hermione bowed her head and waited for the Dragon to begin.
Greetings.
Hermione glanced at the others and saw that all of them had heard it and she smiled and dropped her shoulders.
Once again, is it better for us to talk this way?
For the time beings, I believe it would be best.
Your speech is impressive, thank you for enabling us to communicate.
It is time.
It was said in such an off-hand manor, Hermione smiled and chuckled as she nodded.
May my companions stand?
My brethren are wary.
We will not hurt you. Lucia's voice was as clear as day, even to Hermione and the Dragon considered them for a long time before huffing. A small plume of smoke left her nostrils as she did.
You may stand.
Hermione wondered if the Dragons themselves had a way of communicating that they were not privy to, but she didn't ask. Sometimes it was best not to push one's luck. She heard Minerva snort a little as they all stood together, facing the dragon.
"Would it help if we put down our wands?" Hermione asked aloud.
Perhaps.
Hermione and Minerva very slowly withdrew their wands and placed them on a rock beside the dragons' face. The smell of them was rather pungent but neither of them commented out loud as they stepped back to Lucia and Amalle.
This is all my brethren on this land. We would have you speak. Some are wary of Wizarding folk. Some are willing to listen.
Thank you. Hermione replied. My name is Hermione Granger. I was recently a student of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This is Minerva McGonagall - a few of the dragons huffed and shook their heads. You have heard of her?
More than one of us recognise her from old times.
Hermione looked around at her love and gave her a look. Minerva, however, looked just as confused.
For one who stalks like a beast, the female dragon said, with a growl that to Hermione, sounded almost like a laugh, she does not often see a dragon when she stumbles into one.
Minerva's mouth dropped open and she looked around. There were quite a few Hebridean Blacks but more than a few Welsh Greens as well and as Minerva paused with her eyes on one of the Hebridean dragons, she laughed.
"I have seen this one -" She pointed to one with a distinct scar down its face. "More than once. I believe they like to tease me."
The dragon rocked it's head from side to side and once more a round of growls made Hermione grin.
"Some hunter you are, babe."
Minerva gave her a dark look and the dragons laughed again.
Minerva is my mate. These are Lucia, she touched the woman on the arm. And Amalle. They are from a different time. Many years past.
We remember the ones from the Castle. We remember the Old Ones. You said you are one.
I am. As are they.
The noises this time were a little less jovial. Hermione wondered what on earth had happened back then to make the dragons more wary of Amalle and Lucia then she and Minerva.
"We were not kind," Amalle said quietly. "But not all of us agreed and even fewer participated. I understand if that means we should go and not be a part of this."
Hermione glanced at Minerva but she shrugged, just a little and Hermione let the Dragons confer between themselves.
They may stay, if you vouch for them, Old One.
I do.
Then talk. We will listen and on the next moon, will give you an answer.
Hermione bowed her head in thanks again and started speaking. She provided a quick background of Voldemort and his ilk. Minerva added information where she thought it necessary, but otherwise, they stood beside each out and waited as Hermione finished. The dragons, though not big on expressions, seemed to take it all in before a few of them set off on flight. Hermione breathed out as she watched.
Your kind is beautiful. She said graciously. Thank you for meeting with me and listening, no matter the outcome.
Many have painful memories.
I understand.
A nearby dragon huffed and Hermione turned to it.
I stayed with a dragon while it left this life. I shared its mind and showed it the beauty of our people, though they had known nothing but pain from them. They left this life in peace and not in sorrow. I do understand.
The dragon in questions paused and looked at her. The one they had so far communicated with stepped beside them.
They request that you show us, as you did for me.
And I will. Hermione nodded.
She replayed the memory of seeing the dragon into the next life and showed them every moment of their time together. Minerva's mind butted up against hers and showed her half of the interaction as well and as they stepped back, the female dragon nudged the other and that one left without another sound.
You must forgive. Pain is long.
We know it. Minerva said quietly. We will await the new moon. At dawn?
Next time must be in darkness. More will come. Young ones. Old ones. Darkness hides.
If I could find you somewhere that would be safe for your kind, would you take it? I would offer it freely and without caveat.
Our lands get smaller and smaller. We would take it.
Then please leave it with me while I do so.
The dragon bowed and without a single sound, all of the remaining ones took flight. The sun was well above the horizon now and as they disappeared around the mountains, it crept up over the peaks and shone through the valley. Lucia made a noise of surprise and they stood watching the sunlight stream through the remaining whisps of fog.
"Well," Hermione said quietly. "That was something."
Lucia laughed and warped her arm around Hermione's shoulder. The other was tangled in Amalle's and Hermione welcomed Minerva under her arm as they stood.
"That was -" Amalle shook their head.
"Yeah," Hermione chuckled. "The last time was pretty epic as well."
Minerva blushed and pinched her side but Hermione didn't care too much. She pressed a kiss to Minerva's head and gradually, they turned and gathered each other up so that they could return home.
"Do you think they will join you?" Amalle asked as Minerva took hold of Lucia. Hermione thought about it for a while and glanced at the other two.
"I don't," Hermione sighed. "But perhaps we can keep them safe."
Lucia nodded sadly as she disappeared with Minerva, while Hermione and Amalle joined them, not seconds later.
-0-
Albus was pensive when they conveyed the information and he dropped his glasses on the table.
"You spoke, you said?"
"The female dragon we met with the first time has learned our speech. She cannot speak audibly but we speak within our minds, as Hermione and I do."
"I say." He exclaimed. "And the outcome?"
"Honestly?" Hermione winced. "I'm not sure they'll go for it. I feel as though the history between us and them is too long and too painful. But we left it with them."
"And your -" He winced. "Heritage could do nothing to persuade them?"
"Albus," Minerva huffed.
"Just asking," he teased as he smiled. "Not a bad day overall then?"
"Well we didn't die so any day that is a fact is a good one," Hermione grumbled.
"I do not disagree," he nodded. "Now. Our friend downstairs is being well taken care of, however, I do not think we should leave him too much longer, lest he really lose his mind. Would you care to see him now?"
"Yeah," Hermione sighed. "I'd have hoped the others were here as well, but they're not up for it today. We'll go and make our introductions, I think and then figure it out later." She glanced at Minerva, who nodded and offered her hand.
Their tangled fingers did nothing to dull the feelings they both had about everything. She felt Minerva's disappointment and her exhaustion and squeezed gently.
You okay?
You cannot tell?
I'm asking you to ask you.
Minerva sighed and Hermione felt her lean against her a little more.
I am tired of this stalling. I want this horrible thing to be over.
I know. Hermione picked up their joined hands and kissed the back of Minerva's. Let us commit to searching for the locket, okay? We'll do as we said and go down to Diagon Alley and see what turns up.
And the others?
They can do what they like.
Minerva made an audible noise which made Albus glanced back at them but they didn't speak. They joined Narcissa and Severus in the main room of the Chamber and stood in front of the fire for a while.
"He has not said a word, though we have checked on him every day."
"Thank you," Minerva said quietly. "For doing what we could not."
"We are indebted to you, Madam," Narcissa said softly. "Anything we can do, we will."
"We might pick your brains after we speak to him. If you have nothing else on your plate?"
"Of course," Narcissa nodded. "As I said, anything."
Hermione nodded and squared her shoulders.
"Come on, love. Maybe he's going to cooperate."
It turned out, those were not the words she should have uttered. Albus removed the wards on the door and Hermione and Minerva stepped in. A ball of blue-hot flame shot towards them and it was only Minerva's quick thinking that stopped it from engulfing them. Hermione wasn't sure what would have happened but she didn't want to test the theory. Minerva immediately waved her wand and threw him against the back wall. With an arch of her wand that made her body bend so beautifully, the wall transformed and encased his hands and feet above the floor.
"Easy," Hermione whispered as she wrapped her arms around Minerva's middle as she wound up to send another spell at him.
She huffed audibly and threw off Hermione's hands. Hermione watched as she paced back and forth at the end of the bed they'd provided for him until she had calmed. It was only then that she turned to him and pointed her finger.
"That is twice you'd sought to harm wha's mine and I'll no' be standin' fer it again."
As he opened his mouth to speak, Hermione waved hers and his voice left him. His eyes widened as he shouted and nothing came from it until she stepped up beside her love.
"You seem to be under the impression that you are in charge here. Despite the fact that you are my prisoner."
His eyes widened and somehow, despite not being remotely connected to him, Hermione knew he'd understood. She waved her hand and he grunted as Minerva pointed her want as his chest.
"I would not anger her more than you have," Hermione warned. "Now. Shall we redo our introductions?"
"Fine," he muttered.
"This is Minerva McGonagall. I am Hermione Granger." He stared. "First."
His eyes widened and the tension in him let go.
"I recalled you saying but I did not believe it."
"And now?"
"Now you are close enough to know it."
Hermione nodded and put her hand on Minerva's arm and she lowered her arm.
"How long have you known you are a Draconvir?" Hermione asked.
"Since I was twenty-five," he muttered. "My father believed me to be a squib. He set fire to our house and my family burned. I did not."
"You did not attend Hogwarts?" Minerva said quietly.
"I did not."
He didn't say more and Hermione wondered absently if there were Wizarding families who chose not to send their children to school. She tucked the question away and turned back to him.
"Your name is Blake, if I recall?"
"Yes," he sighed. "Just that. I do not carry my fathers name. It was buried with him."
He didn't say it but Hermione was quite sure it was him that had done the burying.
"Right," Hermione said finally. "I shall tell you a little of what you should know and at the end I will leave you for a while longer while you make your decision, okay? Whatever your decision it will be final."
"What decision?"
"I am one of five true Draconvir. We are here doing what we, as Draconvir, are tasked to do."
"Rule?"
"No," Hermione chuckled. "Help."
He frowned and she wondered whether his family had known the Malfoys.
"We are gods -"
"We are nothing of the sort," Minerva snapped. "If you had one ounce of intelligence, you would understand that."
"Mo goal," Hermione chastised. "Please be polite, at least."
"We are rulers!"
"No," Hermione shook her head. "We are not that, and any that think that have misunderstood the power we have. Our power is love, not lust. It is aid, not might. It is mighty," Hermione said before he could argue. "But it is not might. We do not rule. We help. Our power, Blake, is love. And until you understand that, I cannot offer you anything that you want, save a memory charm and safe passage to somewhere else."
"You would -"
"I would release you from this trauma."
"But I am -"
"You are nothing if I do not say you are," Hermione said over his complaints. All three stopped as they all, independently, realised that what she said was truth.
"An' ah would listen to 'er if I were you," Minerva warned.
"You have done nothing but hurt me!"
"We have defended ourselves against an enemy. That enemy sought to hurt our family. We did not say we were powerless, only that we are not power."
He looked so confused that Hermione took pity on him.
"Let us end here for the day and come back tomorrow. Would that be fine?"
He glared at her.
"It is not like I have any pressing engagements."
"Then I will see you tomorrow."
They stepped back towards the door and at the last moment, Minerva dropped him to the floor and they stepped out of the room. Hermione's frustration in his refusal to see their truth was matched only by Minerva's annoyance at his stubbornness.
"He was not educated," Hermione soothed as she slipped her hand into Minerva's. "He cannot help what he cannot know."
"But he can cause no end of damage with it, in the meantime."
"Then we will stop him."
"Darling, I realise that you are my First, but you have not dealt with these people before. They are impossible to argue with and believe themselves to be so correct that they cannot see reason."
"Then we will simply move him somewhere where he can do no harm."
"How."
"I do not know, yet." Hermione admitted it with a heavy heart. She glanced at Minerva and pulled her into her arms. "Sometimes," Hermione sighed. "Leading is heavy, but if we both take care to share the burden, we can wear it as best we can."
"You sounded just like Amalle then," Minerva chuckled. "What next then, if you are letting him sit for a while?"
"Diagon Alley."
"Leannan -"
"Transfigure my face and then yours and we will go to Diagon Alley as strangers."
Minerva huffed as Albus rejoined them and they told him the plan. He listened but didn't comment as they explained their reasoning.
"I did not intend to go on a wild goose-chase, but I will continue looking for the others, while you search for this one. I take it Sirius has no idea where it is?"
"I don't know, we can stop there in the meantime, if you like?"
"It would help to know exactly what they know or have found out since?"
Hermione nodded and Minerva slipped their hands back together.
"To business then," Minerva muttered.
They stopped and asked Narcissa where the best places to start would be. Severus, it turned out, was more help in this as he had often gone with Lucius to do his wheeling and dealing whereas Narcissa had not. He gave them the names of a few stores in Knockturn Alley and warned them to be careful. Minerva promised that they would and Hermione followed behind her as they weaved their way out of the castle and back out into the sunlight. Once their backs were warmed by the sun, Minerva swung her around and kissed her solidly.
"What was that for?"
"I believe you said it, not me." Hermione gave her a look. "I will kiss my mate any time I want to."
Hermione's laughter preceded the quite pop they made as they disappeared from view, just beyond the gates of their beautiful castle.
