A/N: I apologise for not having done this yesterday. If you're part of the FB group, you'll already know - I tried so hard to get this out and it just would not come. Luckily, today is a new day and here we are. I have the day off today so we're going to try and get ahead... maybe. We'll see how I go. In the meantime, this did swerve a little but I feel as though we're cresting the downtime and moving back into the action.

Maybe. Summer hols are so bloody long. (Easter Egg: which movie do you think I was watching while I was writing this? It's there in print lol)

-0-

Though the melancholy and the nervousness about Lucia and Amalle's new life stayed within her, Minerva tried her best to be pragmatic as they went through the motions of the day to day. It was only after a few days of recovery that Minerva realised they'd forgotten something.

"Bloody hell. We've forgotten our prisoner!"

Hermione looked sideways at her.

"You did," she said softly. Minerva stared at her. "I didn't, though; I've been giving them instructions through Michael."

Minerva gaped at her.

"Hermione!"

"I did warn you I was going to start sharing the load with you," she said softly. There was a little smirk on her lips that, regardless of how annoyed Minerva was with herself, was rather sexy otherwise. "I can't do much else, right now, but I can do that."

"You're quite amazing, do you know that?"

"I'm just trying to live up to you, mo gaol."

Minerva clicked her tongue and bent down to where Hermione was sitting for a kiss. Hermione giggled as they did so and then it was Minerva's turn as she was pulled down onto the sofa.

"Ack!"

"That's better," Hermione chuckled. Minerva luxuriated in her lover's arms and kissed her once more before settling. "Now, Blake, was it?" Minerva shrugged but nodded. "Blake has been fine. Hogwarts created rather an impressive jail cell that can hold him apparently. Or -" She chewed her lip and Minerva rubbed her thumb over the indentation. "Or, he's sitting there not trying to escape because he has a different plan. Honestly, I figured we'd go back pretty soon? I've pre-warned Severus." She blushed and Minerva, once more found it quite beautiful. "Michael suggested they've been having a good time."

"Don't tell me," Minerva snorted as she buried her face in Hermione's neck. "I desperately do not wish to know. What on earth is Hestia doing?" Hermione giggled again but did not elaborate. "They want to come back with us."

"That would be okay, wouldn't it?" Hermione asked gently. Minerva always appreciated the care she was shown in these moments, even though she did not always want to be challenged on her thoughts. "They can stay in the Chamber, right? Perhaps we can put them to work, doing something?"

"They don't have the same magic as we do, Leannan," Minerva muttered. "I don't even know if they will be able to see the castle yet, let alone live in it."

"Love?" Hermione said softly but with a cheeky grin. "You are borrowing trouble. It is their castle, like it is ours. No doubt they will be able to see it. We only have to decide when we want to return."

"Tomorrow," Minerva muttered. "I do not mean to be horrid but I want them settled somewhere else." Hermione smiled sadly at her. "I don't mean it quite as it sounds. This place is ours, yours and mine. I want my peace and quiet back, to be honest." Hermione chuckled. "Our next goal is to find their buried treasure." Hermione snorted. "I know it seems funny, love but I cannot continue to -"

"Yes, you can," Hermione chided. "You just do not want to. Which is okay, in and of itself. You brought me a house, Min. We're always going to be okay."

She didn't answer because Hermione was correct. She could afford to keep Amalle and Lucia in the same comfort they lived in themselves for the rest of their lives but again, Hermione was correct. It grated on her that she was simply expected to.

"No you aren't," Hermione munched as she nuzzled Minerva's chin. "Relax, will you?"

"How did they do it, have they said?"

"No," Hermione shrugged. "Though I would not doubt there was some form of time turner even back then? Our Time Turners are based off of those, aren't they?"

"Leannan," Minerva snorted. Hermione smirked at her and Minerva peered through squinting eyes. Of course Hermione was teasing her; she had been the one to tell Hermione that. "Trouble."

"Just the way you like me," Hermione teased.

"I surely sometimes wonder why," Minerva teased back.

"You're in it for the sex, obviously." Minerva squealed with laughter and Hermione tipped her off her knee and onto her back. "And," she continued as she slipped her hand under Minerva's shirt. "If you're not careful, I might show you how much I appreciate it."

Minerva lay back with a laugh and knew Hermione wouldn't push despite her teasing. Instead, she sighed as Hermione kissed her sternum and then up her neck, sucking lightly on the skin just behind her ear. It made her shudder every time and Hermione knew it. She groaned a little as Hermione settled on top of her and slid her hands into her hair.

"Soon, my love. Soon, it will always be this way."

"Will it?" Minerva whispered. "Even now?"

"Once the war is over, yes. It may be different than we envisioned it before they got here, but you must remember," Hermione soothed as she kissed Minerva's throat again. "They will have peace as well. In a time and place that comforts them. I do not know all of what they went through there but it was cloistered. Perhaps with a First that thought himself untouchable due to time. Now, they are free to enjoy themselves and their love. Perhaps, in time, they will relax into living again. I will not begrudge anyone more love, Min. Not ever; not now that we have our love."

Minerva sighed and did not reply, though she was certain Hermione could feel her agreement.

"Why don't we go back today? We can even leave them here if they like."

"We're being chased from our own house?"

"No," Hermione said carefully. "I'm trying to give you ways to overcome this melancholy."

"I am not melancholy!"

"Babe," Hermione laughed. "You're walking around like a little rain cloud. I'm just trying to help."

"I am not."

Hermione picked up her head and stared at her. She laughed at the face Hermione pulled and knew she was right. She dropped her head back, rather uncharacteristically and sighed again.

"I know," Minerva muttered. "I know."

"I have a better idea," Hermione said after a while. "Get us, get dressed. Wear a coat."

"What?"

She blinked as Hermione vaulted up from where they lay.

"Come on! Get up, slowpoke. Let's go!"

Minerva watched as she sauntered away and she wondered what on earth had got into her. Finding no answer, even across their bond, Minerva resolved to do as she was told. Perhaps her love was correct and she needed something to shake this. It kept coming back around, again and again, and she knew it would take a monumental effort to finally be clear of it.

If anyone could find that in her, it would be Hermione.

-0-

"Come on then!" Minerva chuckled as they crested the hill.

Hermione had taken her rambling all over Eilean Leodhais and despite her initial misgivings, it had done her the world of good. Her mind felt clear and though she was a little out of breath, she wasn't going to let Hermione see that. For the moment, she could forget about everything and just enjoy something she enjoyed more than anything else with the love of her life.

Who was currently grumbling that she had to climb over a few rocks in order to summit the rather small hill they'd picked to conquer.

"Oh be quiet," Hermione rolled her eyes as she pulled herself up. "I may have gained superhuman strength but nobody added the cardio element of it so just don't say a word."

Minerva laughed and felt it in her chest. A freedom that for now, seemed as peaceful as anything they had to cling to.

"Yeah, I thought this might be a good idea," Hermione smiled as she finally joined Minerva. "Oh, wow."

They looked out over the island and Minerva nodded.

"Thank you, Leannan," she whispered.

"You're welcome, mo gaol."

Hermione's hand slipped into hers and they sighed as their bond seemed to right them both. They didn't speak, there was no need to, but they did stay there, overlooking what felt a little like their kingdom. Minerva saw Hermione nod out of the corner of her eye and turned a questioning eyebrow to her.

"So," Hermione started with a grin. "I was not quite truthful in the complete reason why I wanted to come up here."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," Hermione chuckled. "I may or may not have heard a rumour that somewhere on this island is a dragon and I thought we might spend the day trying to find it."

"What!"

"I know," Hermione laughed. "Bit mental, I'll grant you, but I thought it might be good to see if we can't find it and make friends."

"Make -" Minerva blinked at her. "Are you alright?"

"As you would say, my love, I am quite well. But it occurs to me that while Albus was out on the Continent shoring up alliances that ultimately came to nothing, we might do the same at home."

"Hermione, one does not simply -"

"Ah," Hermione smiled as she interrupted. "One may not, but we might, my love."

Minerva was taken back to their time in the cave, soothing a dying dragon and admitted, if only to herself, that actually Hermione might be right. They may be able to make allies of the dragons. A dragon was a powerful ally in its own right and Wizards had been making slaves of them for years for that very reason. A free dragon, doing as it pleases? That might be the difference in a battle.

"I won't say anything at all," Hermione smirked. "And I definitely won't gloat."

"Oh shut up," Minerva laughed, nudging her with her hip. "Alright then, Leannan, where do you suppose we start?"

"Well," she said quietly. "I think we might start over there." Hermione pointed with her chin and as Minerva looked she knew, somehow, that Hermione was correct.

"Yes," Minerva nodded. "Though I do not know why."

"Me neither," Hermione shrugged. "What do you reckon, then? Apparate to that hill there? And then reassess?"

"Indeed. Meet you there?"

"Catch me if you can," Hermione teased. She popped out of existence with barely a sound and Minerva took a moment to appreciate her lover's power. Even with a dragon in tow, Minerva strongly suspected that even if Voldemort regained his full power, they would not expect Hermione's glorious form in battle. The thought filled her with glee as she Disapparated from view.

The next hill was not the right one. Nor the one that followed but as they arrived at the third, both of them paused just as they landed.

"They're close," Hermione nodded. "I think -" Minerva glanced at her but she was concentrating on the world around her. "I think," she said again. "You should not draw your wand, okay?"

"Leannan, I do not know if that is -"

"I need you to trust me on this." Minerva stared at her. "Min? Please, trust me. Whatever happens? No wands. We come in peace and all that."

"And if this dragon decides to just kill us and be done with it?"

"Well, the good news is we won't have to fight in a war?"

Minerva glared at her and swore in her head. Hermione's giggle was the first thing she heard, but it was the rumble afterwards that worried her. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end as a large, black dragon crawled over the crest of the hill. Minerva hissed as Hermione took a half step in front of her and she clenched her fist in Hermione's coat.

Calm. Hermione's soft voice washed over her mind. Be calm. We are going to offer our trust so that it feels as though it can trust us.

A fine thing that would be. Minerva huffed in her mind.

Regardless of the thoughts she had about this plan, Minerva was terrified as the Hebridean Black roared before them. She couldn't quite see it all; it wasn't quite as big as the one they ushered into the afterlife but it was still big and it looked decidedly against chatting.

"We are not here to hurt you," Hermione said aloud. "We request only a moment to speak to you."

It did pause for a moment, but then it twitched and Minerva noticed it a fraction of a second before Hermione did. She pulled Hermione with her as she yanked them both sideways as a wall of fire erupted over them.

"Bloody hell," Minerva grumbled as she landed awkwardly. Hermione landed on her leg and she groaned at the pain before realising that they had not escaped anything. This time, she pushed Hermione in the back and was gratified to see her roll away as she did the same in the opposite direction. She got up and winced as a sharp lance of pain shot up from her ankle into her knee and the dragon turned to her.

"We dinnae want to hurt you," she called. Her fingers twitched and she heard Hermione's voice call out over another roar.

"NO WANDS!"

"THEN DO SOMETHING!"

STOP

Minerva winced at the volume in her head and out loud but most importantly, so did the dragon. It took a step and then tilted its head, rather like a dog.

Stop, please. We would only like to talk to you. We mean you no harm.

Minerva did her best not to think about anything at all, but she saw Hermione's glance and did her best to ignore it. Minerva felt, rather than heard an answer. A vision of wizards attacking, and a lone dragon defending itself and its nest against a magical assault.

That was not us and we do not share their ideals. Minerva said carefully. We are not here to hurt you or any others.

A vision of an empty nest pushed itself into their minds and Minerva winced at the strength of it. She shifted on her foot and the dragon's big eyes shifted to her.

I am hurt, she explained gently. I will keep my word that I will not hurt you.

Hermione held out her hands and stepped towards her. The dragon did not move, but her eyes followed them as they came together.

"What hurts," Hermione asked gently. Her hands felt along Minerva's arms and came together as they cupped her face.

"My leg," Minerva muttered. "Ankle and knee."

"Well, we've done this before, haven't we," Hermione said softly. "Permit me, mo gaol?"

"Leannan," Minerva muttered. "Be careful."

"Always, lover," Hermione smiled.

Minerva winced as Hermione let go of her and she wobbled without the support. The dragon twitched but she held out her hands as Hermione knelt at her feet and held her hips.

We're still not doing anything. My mate has to help me with my ankle and then we would like to speak to you. Please, continue to be patient with us.

Hermione shifted her trouser leg and her hot hands encased her ankle.

"Ow," she muttered.

The heat encased her leg and she clenched her hands in Hermione's hair as the pain eased. They both winced as another vision pushed into their minds. A dragon licking its wounds and breathing fire over a wound.

"Yes," Hermione nodded as she breathed out slowly. She lit the fire in her hand and showed it. "Similar. We are both Dragonkind. We are not here to hurt you, we would like to talk to you about asking for your help."

There were no images given to them and the dragon sat in front of them staring. Hermione glanced at her and then back at the dragon and tried again.

Can you understand me when I speak? I, we are Dragonkind and would like to ask you for your help?

The dragon continued to stare and just as Minerva was about to despair, both of them winced as a pain spiked through their heads.

Dragon?

-0-

Hermione blinked as the hesitant words seemed to echo through her mind. Minerva's face showed her surprise as well but she seemed to rally first.

You can talk?

Hermione looked back at the dragon who seemed to shake something off and settle more into the hill.

I - She hesitated. Am learning.

From us? Hermione asked gently. The dragon did not have the same finesse that they had and she figured if she tried to show it some, it would learn that too.

Yes.

This was softer and Hermione smiled.

"Are you alright?" Hermione asked aloud.

"I am."

"Come with me, then."

Hermione offered her hand and Minerva clung to it as they carefully walked towards the dragon.

"Sit," Hermione whispered. "Do you -"

"I'm not completely broken yet," Minerva muttered.

Hermione caught the little thought that Minerva wished she could conjure a seat, but she squeezed Minerva's hand before she let go to warn her not to. Minerva sent back a rather rude thought that indicated she was not stupid and she would not dare jeopardise this moment.

"Thank you for being patient with us," Hermione said gently. "Can you understand us if we speak like this? Or would it be better for you to speak the other way?"

This, the dragon seemed to nod. Fine.

"As I said, my mate and I -" She realised that she had not introduced themselves. "Minerva," she said as she indicated her lover. "And Hermione," touching her chest. "Are a relation to you." She winced as a question-thought pushed into their mind. "Um, a -" She dithered.

"Family," Minerva said simply. "Clan."

I know it.

"We would like to discuss perhaps asking you, or your clan to join us in our fight."

Dragon knows no fight.

"You will, though," Minerva said gently. "I was there the last time we fought this enemy. Many dragons were used and it was not our hand that guided that. The enemy used and abused so many."

Show.

Hermione glanced at Minerva and asked without speaking whether she could. Minerva nodded and reached out for Hermione's hand before she settled.

"You will forgive me," Minerva said quietly. "It has been a long time. There are many memories and none of them are kind."

The dragon let out a long breath and stayed as still as it had. Hermione watched as Minerva closed her eyes and tightened her grip on Hermione's fingers.

"I have you," she said softly. "Just breathe."

Minerva nodded and Hermione watched her shoulders drop. There was a tiny niggle at the back of her mind and then, in a rush of colour and sound, a memory of the first war with Voldemort filled her mind. They were fighting in a location that Hermione did not recognise and she felt Minerva's despair through the memory. People lay dead or dying all around them and then, just as she thought it could not get any worse, a roar split the sky. The Minerva in the memory faltered and turned as a huge Hungarian Horntail, encased in iron chains was dragged into the field.

A roar that rocked them brought them out of Minerva's memory in a rush and the dragon was on her feet and spitting fire into the sky.

EVIL!

"They are," Minerva said. There was a wobble in her voice that made Hermione alter her hold before turning back to the dragon.

"Do you have a family?" Hermione asked. "Children? Mate?"

Alone.

Hermione nodded.

"We met another like you. He was also alone. We stayed with him when he died."

The dragon was confused and Hermione, this time, showed the memory of their encounter with the dragon in the witch's cave. It watched in horror and Hermione squeezed Minerva's hand and got up. She walked slowly towards the dragon with her hand outstretched. Her hand met hard scales and the dragon pushed into it. They stared into each other's eyes for a moment before the dragon looked away.

Thank you.

"You're welcome," Hermione whispered. "If you would like, we will leave you now and we will return?"

Yes. I will learn more in time.

"You have already learned so much," Hermione smiled. "Thank you for doing so."

We will meet again. In four suns. I will be here.

"We will be here," Hermione nodded.

Minerva joined her and tangled their hands together.

Mate is strong, the dragon said to her. Hermione smiled as Minerva chuckled.

"You would not believe it. She is the strongest I know, and she is right. We will return in four days and perhaps, in time, we will show you somewhere where you can rest without danger."

Thank you.

With great lumbering steps, the dragon stood and stretched her wings. The two of them stood there and watched in awe as she took to the sky. With a long and deep call that seemed to rumble in their lungs, it disappeared into the sun and then completely.

It left them panting, somewhat, as they blinked and looked at each other.

"I fucking love you," Hermione muttered. She grabbed Minerva's coat lapel and pulled her into her arms. The kiss they shared was messy and fierce and they pulled away breathing hard. There was so much emotion in her body she didn't know what to do except plead.

"I love you," Minerva soothed. "But now it is your turn to calm."

"I am -"

"I know," Minerva chuckled. She held out her hands and Hermione saw they were shaking too. "I can feel it."

Hermione growled low as she pushed under the shoulders of Minerva's coat.

"Want you to strip me down right here and -"

"No!" Minerva squealed as she pulled away. "Hey," she gripped Hermione's chin and forced her to still. "Breathe with me."

"Oh," Hermione muttered as her stomach clenched. "That's something else. Domina."

Minerva's grip tightened on her chin until she breathed out very slowly.

"You are too much," Minerva said. "Now. You will calm. I will take you home and we will make sure that we will be here in four days to meet our new friend."

"Can we take a shower or something?" Hermione pleaded. She felt like she was crawling out of her skin. "Anything?" She was winning, she could see it in Minerva's eyes. "Please, Domina?"

"Darling -"

"I need you."

"Leannan -"

"Min," Hermione pleaded as she kissed her again. "Fuck me, please." Minerva sucked her teeth. Hermione knew her need was broadcasting across their bond and she watched Minerva's pupils dilate. "Please," Hermione asked again. "We've done it before."

"Hermione -"

She saw the moment she gave in and moaned salaciously as Minerva's gaze hardened.

"Step back," she ordered. Hermione nearly fell but she did as she was told. "Again." Once more step. "Again."

Something pressed into her back and she moaned as she realised Minerva had her backed up against a rock that was just a little short for her liking but would do in desperate times.

And these were desperate times.

Her thoughts crashed to a halt as Minerva's hand tangled in her shirt and their lips pressed together fiercely. She moaned at the nip from sharp teeth and as Minerva pulled away she could hear her breathing harshly.

"Dè bu chòir dhomh a dhèanamh leat?" [What am I supposed to do with you?]

Hermione felt the translation before it was given and moaned as she found the edges to the rock and leaned back against it.

"I can think of one thing," Hermione pleaded.

Minerva pushed her back a little and made quick work of unbuttoning her jeans. Her hands, despite the air, were hot as she slipped them between her clothes and when they slipped over her clit, Hermione could do nothing but wail.

"You think you are so powerful when you are commanding your family, but here, I am queen."

"Yes," Hermione cried as Minerva gave herself a little more room and slipped inside. "Min!"

It was so quick, Hermione wasn't even sure what had happened. Minerva made a face and withdrew. Just as Hermione was about to plead for a little more, she felt a soft roll over her clit and looked up into fiery eyes.

"Mine."

It took longer, this time, but it was still not long until Hermione was trying to stay still enough that Minerva had no choice but to continue. Minerva, now, was making quiet mewls as she brought her to completion. As soon as Hermione could see straight again, she pulled Minerva's hand from inside her jeans and licked her hand clean.

"Leannan," Minerva muttered. "I need you."

"I know," Hermione whispered. "Hold onto me."

She stepped forward and landed at the end of their bed at home. She slammed the door shut and put up a silencing charm and pushed Minerva to the bed. They did not bother with finesse. Hermione waved her hand and her woman was bare. She dived between her legs and the wail Minerva let out made her moan against her centre. While Minerva was occupied with Hermione's tongue inside her, Hermione summoned one of their toys and moaned when she caught it and tried to fit it against her with one hand.

"Fuck," she muttered.

"Wha -" Minerva looked wild; her hair was all over the place - plastered on her forehead and her skin was glowing. When she saw what Hermione was doing, her eyes went wide and they looked at each other for a long moment.

"Only if you want to," Hermione whispered. She tried to keep the plea from her voice but she wasn't certain she was successful.

"Go slow," Minerva winced.

Hermione grinned and settled against Minerva and kissed her softly. Minerva made a noise of surprise as Hermione started shifting her hips, trying to figure out the best way.

"Wait," Minerva hissed when she pressed a little too hard in the wrong place. Hermione moaned when Minerva reached between them and shifted them. What Minerva hadn't yet realised is that this particular once was for both of them. "There," she nodded. "Slowly," she said again.

Hermione did as she was asked and pressed forward. Minerva lost her breath and Hermione looked down at them and then did as well. She was shaking with the effort it required to be slow by the time Minerva pressed on her hip. She backed out a little and then gently moved forward again.

"Fuck," Minerva hissed. Her legs trembled and Hermione lifted them over her hips as she pushed once more. "Oh, Leannan, I don't -"

"Tell me if we need to stop."

"Don't fucking stop," Minerva keened. "Please -"

Hermione couldn't stop herself as she jerked forward and started the rhythm that worked best for her. Minerva was making the most delicious noises; somewhere between a growl and a low moan and it was sending Hermione crazy. As she felt her body tightening around the intrusion, Minerva let out a little telltale gasp.

Determined not to come before her love, Hermione reached down and slipped over Minerva's clit until her eyes flashed fire and she reached up to pull Hermione down onto her. Sharp teeth sank into Hermione's shoulder and she felt her wings whip out and cool them both. She pressed once more into her lover and cried her name as she too, bit down on Minerva's neck. She could feel Minerva trembling, but could do nothing about it as her body twitched itself. A particularly hard twitch made Minerva moan again and Hermione realised that she could go again. She wasn't sure she could do it herself so she reached down between them and swiped her finger over her clit again.

"OH!"

She reached a little below and pressed the button she knew was there somewhere. Minerva arched so strongly Hermione was nearly thrown off and in trying to hang on, pressed so deep into her love that she screamed until her voice gave out and dropped back onto the bed. Hermione was shaking as she pulled away and turned everything off and pulled it free. Minerva had tears running down her face as Hermione gathered her up into her arms, curled her wings around her and held her tightly until she told her otherwise.