A/N: It has been a lifetime! I'm so sorry, I arrived in Australia, my wife's bag was lost then found and then we went away, my brother is arriving on Friday and it's ALL going on. I'm also just enjoying seeing my Mummy again so, thank you all, so much, for your patience. I shouldn't need this big a gap again but I will let you know.

-0-

Michael's portraits arrived a few days later. The Master painter produced them with very little fanfare and Hermione was surprised, but then thought herself silly for being so, when she saw that they were empty.

"Cannae go in 'em if they're full, can 'ah."

She laughed and agreed. It had never occurred to her that the Portrait master's skill was in the magic and not the painting. Minerva had taken care of everything and once the man had been paid handsomely, she followed Minerva as she levitated one down to the Chamber of Secrets. Draco had come out of his mother's room at the commotion and helped them decide the best place for him to be. And so, Michael had taken pride of place above the fire in the main room.

"I'm indebted to you, young Master Malfoy," Michael had grinned. "Ah dare say I feel quite important up here."

Minerva had rolled her eyes but laughed a little when Draco's cheeks went red. After checking on all the remaining Chamber residents, they waved goodbye and went back upstairs.

"Where to now, love?" Hermione asked as they rounded the corner to her rooms.

"I thought we'd nip home for a bit and show Michael around and check on the house. There was a storm last night and I realised that despite being set back off the ocean a little, we're quite open to the elements and I just want to allay my fears. Once Michael is there I will feel less need for it, I think."

"How are we getting this to home then?" Hermione asked as they came back in and stood in front of the empty frame.

"Oh." Minerva sighed and looked at her. "Honestly, I have no idea. I have in mind it is definitely not something you can Apparate or shrink. Part of the Portraiter's job is to ensure that the magic is good indefinitely and I would not want to undermine that."

"I wonder if an elf could take it without bothering the magic too much. They must be able to be moved, right?"

"We could ask," Minerva nodded. "I meant to talk to them about the Chamber anyway and then I lost track of the time. If you are amenable, Leannan, I will go now and see what they say."

"Absolutely," Hermione chuckled. "I am going to stay here and package up the books for Narcissa. If she's as smart as you all say she is, I think it will help."

Minerva smiled at her and they kissed softly before Minerva slipped from the room and Hermione turned to the books. She tied up her hair with a wave of her hand and found she rather liked the elemental nature of the magic that had evolved for her. She wished she had more knowledge of what a group of Draconvir looked like. Were there healers and creators and potions makers in their group? Or was that confined to Wizardingkind? She wondered if this lone Draconvir knew, or whether he was really someone they needed to be wary of. She so desperately wanted someone else that they could rely on but Amalle's warning rang loud in her head.

Even so early in the break, she felt like they were wasting their time. And yet, they had achieved so much and there was still so long to go before the new term started. She packed up the last of the books and tied them together with a bit of conjured string. She placed them by the door and wondered if an elf could perhaps take them too and save her a trip.

-0-

Minerva entered the kitchens quietly, but as ever, the elves did not miss her appearance.

"Mistress!"

"Please do not let me disrupt your day," Minerva said gently as more than one stopped to attend her. "I only wondered if you have one among you that might speak for the others?"

A hush descended on them and from the back, an old, wizened creature stepped forward.

"I would speak for these."

"I apologise for I do not know how elvish society works. Do all the elves here accept your speaking for them? I would like to know that I am doing this properly."

"Mistress should not concern herself with our ways."

"And if I just want to?"

That threw the elf a little and Minerva let them think. They stepped forward and all the industry in the kitchens stopped as the little thing reached forward and stopped just before touching her. It stepped back and bowed its head.

"Mistress must forgive us, this one has not met her kind before. We has heard the tales, of course, but never in the flesh."

"My kind being -"

"Our chosen kin, before Wizards meddled." There was a few murmurs within the group but the old one stayed silent as she studied it.

"You know of the Draconvir?"

"Has heard the tales," it repeated. "But not in the flesh."

Minerva nodded and extended her hand.

"Then, it is a pleasure to meet you. I would request your help?"

It hesitated but Minerva didn't falter. She smiled as it glanced up at her and then, and only then, did the little thing extend its claw and they shook in greeting.

"Mistress does not need request -"

"This Mistress does. As will her mate," Minerva interrupted. "We would only request and need no affirmative if it is not truly given."

The old elf stared at her for a long time before it bowed its head.

"If you is true, this elf will help. If you is true, this elf needs your help also."

"I am true," Minerva shrugged. It wasn't the weirdest conversation she'd ever had but it was approaching it. "As is my mate."

"This elf has young to train. This elf needs time before younglings come here. Elflings might not be best but -"

"We would gladly have the young elves but we would like not to own them. Is that possible?"

"Not anymore. It has been an age since we were free and we do not speak it. We belong now, and we only lucky to have such free Masters."

"I would not like to be a Master."

"You is," it shrugged. "As it should be."

Minerva huffed in frustration but nodded.

"Do you know we have occupied the Chamber of Secrets."

"Elves is aware. We do not go there for fear of the monster."

"The monster is long dead. My family is there, I would like it if you could attend them at times, but I do understand if you do not want to. It is not an order, only a request."

"Mistress -"

"I told you, this Mistress will not order, only request."

"Then we will do as Mistress asks."

"I will join you there, if you wish, to make sure?"

"No need," it muttered. "If you is true then you is."

"I am."

"What is the second?"

"I have a home, in the North, on an island. I cannot always be there and there is very little there. I sometimes have things that need to go there, or people I would like to offer sanctuary to but I cannot always be the one to send. Are you elves equipped to be a go-between for me?"

"I will give one elf and three younglings."

"It is not so large," Minerva said gently. "Though whatever you think will be best, I submit to?"

"Three younglings that will change as they grows. Unless you wish to keep."

"May I meet them when they are ready?"

"Mistress must. Must take ownership so that elves can be part of your household."

"Does my mate need to be here too?"

"Yes."

"Then we will return?"

"Tomorrow."

"I will see you then. I apologise," she said quietly, making it look up sharply. "I do not know your name."

"It has no name."

"Does," she hesitated. "Has it ever wanted a name?"

"It has been so long without. Perhaps when it was an elfling, it had one but it has been many years."

"If it wants a name, I would call it by that name?"

The elf looked at her and seemed to challenge her and she chuckled as she knelt in front of him.

"Ùisdean is a good name. In my tongue it means eternal, stone. I believe that might fit but I am in no means forcing it upon you. If you are happy with no name then we will continue as you see fit. Please do not do this for me."

"You is a strange witch," he muttered as he softened a little. "You is come here to ask, not order. You agree to elflings with no care and you name this one like he is your own."

Minerva breathed out a sigh of relief that she'd guessed right and given him a name that he didn't hate. She smiled and he did a passable impression of a laugh as well.

"This one is bound to this Castle as all those before him, but this one will do what she asks, for you. In thanks. And if Mistress asks for this one by name, this one will come. This is Ùisdean's promise to you."

"Minerva is my name and I would love it if you would use it. I will bring my mate back on the morrow and we will meet the elf and three elflings. Would you like it to be here?"

"Yes."

"Then we will see you then. I have a portrait frame that needs to go to my house and last night there was a storm in that area. Would someone be able to take it and check on the house today or will we wait for tomorrow?"

"We must wait." He said it quite apologetically but she smiled nonetheless.

She was certain the house would be fine and if Hermione thought otherwise, they could always pop there and check. She would wait for the elves, however.

"I will see you on the morrow," she smiled. "Thank you Ùisdean for your help and your council."

"Mistress -" He hesitated. "Minerva is too kind."

She smiled again and got up. It was a long, meandering walk back to her room and she sighed as she entered and could not see Hermione. She wandered through into her rooms and smiled softly as she realised what had happened. Hermione had finally bought her things and had started to sort through her trunk. Minerva chuckled at the vista before her; Hermione had on a scarf with, Minerva was fairly sure, a muggle football team on and a teddy bear under her arm that had been well loved.

It should have reviled her, seeing Hermione surrounded by her childhood things but, as she leaned on the door jamb watching her nap, she realised that it did not. That worry seemed to have been quieted by the love and bond that they now shared. Hermione really was the love of her life, no matter the wrappings she came in. Regardless of her age or how this had began, Minerva could not imagine being without her. She glanced back at her desk and tutted at herself as she made a decision. She undid her robes and dropped them to the floor as she made her way to the bed. She slipped under the covers and settled down beside her love.

Hermione only stirred enough to shift closer to Minerva and the older woman chuckled a little at the sheer amount of heat she was giving off. Since their joining, and like Hermione had warned, heat seemed to be a thing they just shared now. She was soothed by it, rather than disturbed by it and she smiled at it now as Hermione continued to shuffle forward. Minerva slid her arm under Hermione's neck and chuckled as Hermione seemed to realise she was there.

Hermione mumbled something and slid her leg over Minerva's hip.

"Oh mo leannan," Minerva muttered. "How I love you."

"Love you too," Hermione mumbled. She wasn't at all awake and Minerva pulled her closer as she rolled onto her back and got comfy.

She knew Hermione often held her while she stared at the ceiling at night, but it wasn't often that Minerva herself could not find rest anymore. Hermione had soothed her soul more than anything had ever done.

It made her smile.

"You're happy," Hermione muttered.

"You make me happy," Minerva whispered. She wasn't willing to wake Hermione up herself and she chuckled when the younger woman nuzzled her neck and tightened her arms around her.

"What did the elves say?"

Minerva recounted the interaction and Hermione sighed.

"Thank you for making sure there was no other way."

"My darling," Minerva chuckled. "Our interests are not so different in that area."

"So what now?"

"I have nothing else on my agenda, what do you have on yours?"

"Wait," Hermione muttered. She shuffled a little and Minerva laughed when she ended up straddled across her middle. "Are you telling me that I have you all to myself during the day?"

"Is the daylight pertinent to your plans?"

"Maybe I want to see the sunlight dance on your skin while you breathe my name?"

Minerva's hands gripped Hermione close as they kissed and it didn't take her long to pull off her shirt. She whispered a spell and the curtains that usually remained closed in her bedroom opened and that same sunlight lit the room and danced off Hermione's skin.

"Oh," Minerva muttered as she sat up. "I see what you mean."

Hermione chuckled demurely and Minerva smiled at the sound of it.

"Don't ever stop laughing with me, mo leannan," she whispered. "Please don't ever stop."

"I'm right here," Hermione whispered. "I'm right here with you."

The sunlight and the sudden absence of anything important gave Minerva the time and space she needed to relax into loving Hermione in a way she hadn't quite been able to. Hermione had brought her things, they had more eyes in the Castle and at home, they had sorted so many things that she shifted and pulled Hermione closer and pressed a long kiss where her heart beat strongly in her chest.

"I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you," Hermione whispered as she carded her fingers through her hair. "More than anything, Min."

It did not take long for Minerva's lips to find Hermione's nipple and the way her body trembled against her made Minerva hum in delight.

"We're going to go quite slowly, love," Minerva muttered as she kissed a path to the other side. Hermione twitched as her tongue traced across the scarred skin and she squirmed when Minerva wrapped her tongue around her other nipple.

"God, Min," Hermione groaned.

Hermione was so responsive that it took her no time at all to start rocking her hips, but Minerva was not ready for that yet. Instead, she pulled away and rolled them over, settling between Hermione's hips with a sigh.

"Some days I am so overcome by your beauty and your soul that it is all I can do to breathe."

Hermione breathed out shakily as Minerva traced her tongue down Hermione's body.

"Min -" Hermione arched as Minerva sucked a bruise onto her belly. "Please."

"I am afraid I cannot give in just yet. I need you to understand that I want everything. I want all of you. All the time."

"Min," Hermione pleaded.

She pressed open her lover's thighs and breathed deeply. There was something so beautiful about Hermione's scent. It rubbed up against her and she sank between her thighs and swiped her tongue between soft, supple lips. One taste and she was lost to it. Her hands were sure on the backs of Hermione's knees and she held them open, controlling the tempo and the amount of pleasure her lover received.

By the time she was satisfied, Hermione's body was shaking and Minerva's was desperate as well.

"Min, I need you -"

"I know, leannan. I will take you there."

"I want -"

"Join me," she whispered as she knelt up and nodded to the headboard.

Hermione frowned and Minerva felt the disappointment, but she knew it would be better to take a moment to rearrange.

"Easy," Minerva soothed, kissing her softly. Hermione sighed against her lips as she tasted herself and they kissed languidly for a while longer. "Come," Minerva nodded. "With me."

Hermione followed where she led. Minerva settled against the headboard and patted her lap. Her insides were boiling with want but as she sun flashed on the golden streak in Hermione's hair, that fell by the wayside and she pulled her love closer.

"You are so beautiful, my love," she whispered. "You shine like the sun and the moon and all the stars. Am boireannach as bòidhche a chunnaic mi a-riamh." [The most beautiful woman I have ever seen.]

Hermione whispered her name with so much reverence that Minerva simply held her close. She pressed kisses against her skin and let her hands roam across her skin.

The sharp breath Hermione took when her fingers finally found her centre made Minerva moan and she did everything in her power to prolong her lover's pleasure.

"Minerva," Hermione begged. "Min -"

"You are mine," Minerva whispered softly. "Mo alainn leannan." Hermione jerked as Minerva swiped her thumb over her clit. "My beloved soul."

Hermione's body took over the rhythm and Minerva sat back and watched. She had never felt so free, not during times such as these and she simply watched in awe as Hermione took what she needed.

"I love you," Minerva whispered.

Hermione's mind was a maelstrom of confusion and pleasure and rapture. Minerva smiled and slid another finger in when she had the opportunity to.

"God," Hermione hissed. "Please let me -" She gasped and Minerva found she quite liked the power associated with that. "Please."

Minerva didn't speak. She gripped Hermione's side and felt the rolling hips and started curling her fingers at just the right moment.

Hermione screamed as her body clenched. Minerva watched her eyes flash with fire and her hair shimmer in the sun and she moaned against her lover's skin as she felt her break around her fingers. Hermione shook endlessly as she collapsed on top of Minerva, but Minerva wasn't concerned. She held Hermione gently, while she came down and it wasn't too long before the trembling stopped.

"How are you so good at that," Hermione muttered. She looked dazed but her mind was already scheming.

Minerva grinned at her.

"Practice, I suppose."

Hermione didn't often flaunt her strength but as she came to, properly, she knelt on the bed and smirked at Minerva's grin. Minerva squealed as she was yanked down the bed and moaned salaciously as Hermione flipped her and straddled her backside.

"You think you can just get away with that, though?"

"I had hoped not," Minerva managed.

"What is to stop me from eking out that same pleasure in you, now?"

"I simply will not last," Minerva replied.

She jumped when Hermione swiped her fingers through her centre and blushed when Hermione moaned. Minerva knew that she'd tasted her fingers and her legs twitched as she warred with herself just to open herself up to whatever Hermione wanted.

"Go on," Hermione said softly. "Show me."

She was so turned on and so crazy with need she almost couldn't stop herself. She almost did exactly what she wanted to while she begged for Hermione to take her. She didn't though. She bit her lip and tried to figure out the best way to ask.

"Stop censoring yourself," Hermione whispered. Her bare body came to rest on Minerva's back and the pressure, somehow, helped to ease her anxiety. "You have done so well," Minerva closed her eyes as a little spike of need flashed in her belly. "Show me what you want."

A vision; the same vision she had any time she was this turned on, came to the forefront of her mind and Hermione whispered her pleasure against Minerva's throat.

"One day we will not have to be so careful. One day we will be able to do what we like, whenever we want to and we will live with the consequences of those actions."

Minerva growled deeply as Hermione pulled her hips off the bed. Though Minerva had teased her to oblivion, Hermione seemed to understand that she was at her wits end herself. If Minerva had scoffed at the idea someone could go mad with need before, she apologised now, in her head because she was surely losing her mind.

"No," Hermione whispered. "You're right here with me."

Two, maybe three fingers slid into her and Minerva came at the touch. Hermione seemed undeterred, however, as she rested against Minerva's back until her body had stopped clenching.

"Now we shall have some fun."

Minerva gasped as she started moving again and though her orgasm had been hard, the second was so deep, she was sure she stopped breathing. Hermione's hand rubbed up and down on her stomach and Minerva collapsed onto the bed. Hermione didn't stop moving and Minerva was horrified as her magic let loose and something snapped inside of her and she screamed until everything went black.