A/N: Apologies for last week. Life has been rather hectic lately and it was my birthday this week and my wife spoiled me so I had no time at all. Plus I kind of left you all hanging a little after the last chapter. But I'm here now. And I'm taking Wednesday off as well - just for the hell of it (if you have PTO and it will not jeopardise your job to do so, please take it - it's part of your pay structure) so I'm hoping to get a bit ahead. Enjoy, my loves. Take care, be kind to yourselves.

-0-

Minerva stayed beside her love for as long as she could but knew she was running out of time. She slowly slid out of bed, carefully moving Hermione out of her arms while she summoned the closest piece of parchment. After signing her not, she summoned her cloak and with a rueful frown, left the house. Though Hermione had expended, seemingly, all of her energy, Minerva had been spared the same and she knew now, the duty of saving the dragon fell to her. She had left the note next to Hermione's hand so that she would notice it as she woke. One could hope, at least; with any luck everything would be done and she would be back before Hermione woke.

She popped back into existence and blinked as she looked up at the Castle. Lucia was waiting at the gates with Albus.

"What has happened?"

Minerva pulled a face as she slipped inside.

"We have likely, irreparably, damaged our relationship with Gringotts," Minerva said apologetically. "They had two dragons. One had been there a long, long time and had been tortured for what seemed like every second of it. The younger one, a Hungarian Horntail, escaped with us. It is in a cave along the River Thames. I need to find some way of contacting Charlie and have him take it back with him."

"Minerva, I don't understand."

"Hermione went with me to Gringotts," she sighed. "We actually had a lovely day. We bought some new robes, had a meal and then went to place Lucia's things in my vault." Lucia reached out and held onto her hand tightly. She took a moment to squeeze it and felt some of her equilibrium return. "Hermione realised, once we were down there, that there was a dragon nearby and demanded we be taken to it. She ordered them about, embarrassed them. I am afraid we will never be allowed back there again. My vault, it has so many items that I -"

"They would not bar you from your vault," Albus soothed gently. "The one saving grace is that nobody knew it was happening. They may have lost their dragons and, Minerva my dear," he said gently as he squeezed her shoulder. "They may get more dragons. But for now, perhaps I would let them get their house back in order and we can reacquaint ourselves with them at a later date."

"I cannot stay," Minerva said quietly. "I must get to Molly. The dragon is -"

"Minerva," Albus cupped her cheek. "Breathe. There is time."

"Before you do, Minerva, Blake, the -"

"Yes, we felt him as well. I do not know what that means, nor what we were calling on, but we put the dragon out of its misery. He asked it of us and we complied."

"That is -"

Minerva hummed.

"He was massive," she said absently. "A big Ironbelly. Hermione was inconsolable. She is at home, I do not think she could remain conscious for another second, it took everything out of her."

"Probably for the best," Lucia said gently. "I wondered if Amalle and I might talk to Blake for you? Or go back to watch over Hermione?"

"I would suggest Albus accompany you if you speak to Blake. Just in case?"

"Of course," Albus nodded. "Go to Molly. Find Charlie and get that dragon to safety, Min. Once Hermione is roused we will go over all the details."

"We did not even make it down Knockturn Alley."

"It's alright, love," Albus said as he hugged her tightly. "Go. We will sort everything later."

She stepped back outside the gates and Apparated back down to London. The amount of magic she had used was slowly, but surely, beginning to make itself known but she pushed those tiny warning signs to the side. She needed to get to Charlie and then she could rest.

Molly opened the door as she walked through the wards.

"What has happened?" she asked, wringing the tea towel between her hands as Minerva drew closer.

The children joined her at the door and Harry practically leapt into her arms. She held him tightly and breathed into his hair to steady herself. She ruffled his hair and pushed him back towards the house.

"Hello Molly, I apologise for intruding but I need to get in contact with Charlie as a matter of urgency. How do I do that?"

"I usually send a letter, via Floo," Molly winced. "But sometimes he does not return to the pub where they hold it for him for days."

"Could I travel there by Floo?"

"No, it is international and requires paperwork."

"Balls," Minerva huffed. She closed her eyes and counted to ten, first in Gaelic and then, in Latin. "If there was an emergency, how would you get him here?"

"We wouldn't," Molly whispered. "We have no way of doing that."

"Um, I might -"

Minerva blinked at Ginny. She blushed under the scrutiny of her mother and sighed.

"We used to have these necklaces. If I touched it he'd feel it and if he did, I'd feel it. I stopped wearing it for a while." She blushed and glanced at her mother. "I was angry he just left us, but when he came home last time, I noticed he was still wearing it. I think I can make him understand that he needs to come home. It's worth a shot, at least?"

"Please darling, time is of the essence."

Ginny disappeared up the stairs but Harry looked at her pensively.

"What is it, love?"

"It's Hermione okay? It felt," he winced and Ron shifted as well.

"Weird."

"She is unhurt. Just tired," Minerva explained. "She'll be just fine once she rests."

"We felt you," Draco said quietly. "All of us, I mean, I -"

"I wish I had the time to explain," Minerva apologised. "Please do not think it is because I do not want to. After I have met with Charlie, we'll get it all straightened out, hmm?"

"Have you seen my mother?"

"I have," Minerva said gently. She cupped Draco's cheek and winked. "She is much better. Up and about and running that Chamber like she owns it." Draco's cheeks went pink and she chuckled as Ginny jumped down the last few steps. "I'm sure she would appreciate a letter, if you have the time?" He nodded and Minerva turned back to Ginny.

"Here," Ginny said quietly. She passed over a rather nondescript necklace with a since. "I already did what was needed, but I've had a thought. He won't know we've moved so he will probably go home."

Molly made a rather strangled noise and Minerva squeezed her hand, immediately easing the feeling.

"Not to worry, I will go and wait for him there. Thank you, darling. I will bring this right back."

"Minerva?"

She turned and regarded the Weasley matriarch expectantly.

"Tell him that he is missed."

"I will," she nodded. "Thank you Ginny."

She didn't run out of the wards, but her heels made a sharp clip as she left and Disapparated once she was outside the wards.

-0-

Ottery St Catchpole had not ever been a hive of activity but in the waning light of day, there was an energy that made Minerva's hair stand up. After nearly running into no less than two different sets of Death Eaters, she finally transformed into her Animagus and curled up under the fence outside The Burrow. She certainly did not fall asleep but after night fell and the world she could understand in this form came alive, she stretched languidly and jumped up onto the fence post. It must have been nearly midnight when she heard the crack of apparition tear open the night and she threw herself off the fence and towards the noise, changing mid-leap.

More cracks of Apparition echoed around them and she apologised to Charlie with a look as she dived into him and pushed him onto the floor.

"What the hell?"

Minerva held out her hands showing she was unarmed as she lit a little fire on her palm.

"Charlie, it's Minerva McGonagall. I apologise for the over-zealousness but this place is currently crawling with Death Eaters. Much has changed since you've been away."

"I -" He frowned. He hadn't changed too much in the time he'd been away; perhaps a new scar under his collar going onto his shoulder and his hair was as long as Bill's but she smiled when he sighed. "I suppose I need to ask you for some sort of proof?"

"You were fourteen and managed to smuggle in a Hinkypunk. It set your hair on fire and it took all year to grow back in time for you to go home and see your mother." Minerva smiled at the memory.

"Geez, McG," Charlie laughed. "Yeah, okay. Do you want to ask me?"

"I do not think there is need as I summoned you here, via Ginny."

"Oh," Charlie winced and gripped the charm around his neck. "It was you?"

"They miss you," Minerva said softly. "It would do all of you good if you spend a bit of time with them soon."

He looked a little uncomfortable until he winced and craned his neck to look over the wall.

"Are we here for a reason?"

"You would not know but they have moved for the duration of the war. They're in the suburbs of London. Death Eaters moved in up here and got a little close. Hermione and I are spread too thin to clear them out."

"Who?"

Minerva sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"To explain would take longer than I have right now. May I give you as much information as I need to right now and give you a promise to give you the rest on your return to England?"

"McG, where am I going?"

"I need you to come down to London with me and return to your home with a friend."

"McG -"

"I will tell you a short version, but not here. Come, let me take you for a drink."

Charlie's eyebrows lifted and she chuckled as she patted his hand.

"Things have changed, lad. Come on, I know just where to go."

She offered her hand and he nodded as he took it and she Disapparated them away.

-0-

The drink had been exactly what she needed and Charlie had listened intently as she'd given him the watered-down version.

"Hang on," he blinked after she explained the crux of the matter. "You're a -"

"Have you heard of them?"

"Yes! We have a little literature on them in the library at the Sanctuary. I read about them, actually quite recently. Mateo was showing me -"

Minerva's eyebrow asked the question and his Weasley heritage betrayed him.

"I haven't told anyone," he said quietly.

"And neither will I," Minerva said softly. "But," she continued as she held out her hand. He took it and sighed but she did not explain. A deep frown followed as they parted. "They love you, and they miss you. I do not think you will find an issue at home."

"You don't know Mum."

"I have come to know your mother rather well. And though there may be a difference because it is you and not me, I really think you will find her changed."

"Wait," Charlie frowned. "You?"

"Indeed," Minerva chuckled. "It has been rather an interesting year or so. I only wish we had the time to catch you up. For now, please believe me when I say that a man in your life, that you love, is not nearly as controversial as my love."

"You fall in love with a student, McG?"

Minerva, this time, was the one that blushed and his eyes betrayed his surprise.

"Wait -"

"Hermione," Minerva sighed. "Was a student but is no more. Depending on how much you know of Draconvir, you may understand when I say that she is First and I am her," she winced. "Mate."

"Whoa," Charlie whispered. "That's -" He leaned back in his chair and finished his beer. "McG, that's -"

"Please call me Minerva, Charlie. I have managed so far with your chosen name."

He chuckled and nodded. They fell into silence and he shook his head and leaned forward.

"Okay, Min," he shrugged as she chuckled. "Why am I here."

"You are here because yesterday Hermione and I were in Gringotts."

He scoffed and sat back again.

"They are foul creatures, aren't they. I have heard so many rumours."

"They were true," Minerva sighed. "They had two dragons down there." His hands tightened into a fist and she reached over to cover it with her hand. "An Ironbelly and a Horntail."

"What?"

"The ironbelly was old. He asked Hermione to help him be free."

"He -" Charlie's surprise was palpable. "What do you mean, he asked."

"I am telling you this so you will understand. You are the only one I will tell and I would ask you not to ever reveal it to anyone? Not even your love."

"Of course," Charlie said as he leaned forward. "Not a soul."

"We can talk to them. And they can talk to us. I will not elaborate on that, but that is a fact. He was in so much pain and so unhappy he asked us to release him from this world. We did so and escaped with the Horntail. It is this, which has brought you back. I need you to escort him to your Sanctuary. We have promised him freedom but he cannot stay here. He dwarfs the native dragons by a considerable amount."

"The native -" She was broadening his horizons so much and it was lovely to see. "You have seen -"

"There are far, far more than even I realised. And I believe we have seen the majority." He shook his head again and again. She let the silence lengthen until she could wait no longer. "Will you travel to your mother's house and wait for me to collect you at sunrise? Go and get some sleep, I know it is not an easy passage."

"I will. You'll have to take me, I don't know where I'm going."

"I will. Come, then. I need to sleep and so do you."

She dropped a handful of Muggle money on the table and they left carefully, dipping behind a fence to Apparate down to London. The Weasleys were elated to see him and she almost felt bad as she left them to it and Apparated home. It didn't matter, as soon as she entered, Feedle appeared at the door to take her cloak and let her know that Hermione was still sleeping. She paused as she undid her cloak and sighed.

"What am I to do, Feedle."

The little elf wrung her hands and looked up at her with big eyes.

"Mistress, I could wake her, but -"

"No," Minerva sighed. "It is alright, she need to sleep. I am only thinking out loud. I suppose I will stay and sleep here and go back down to London in the morning. Will you please do me a favour and wake me at sunrise?"

"Yes, Mistress," Feedle smiled. "Feedle will wakes you. You shoulds rest, the elflings will be cooking tomorrow dinner. Will yous be here?"

"I do not know, Feeble. I am sorry."

"Mistress should not apologise. It woulds be good for them to practice. We will has dinner if yous wants it."

"Thank you, Feedle, even if you cannot call me by my name." Minerva chuckled as Feedle pulled on her ears. "I will see you in the morning. We will know more when I return from London."

Feedle patted her hand and Minerva walked off to bed. By the time she was beside the bed, her clothes were folding themselves up on the dresser and her robe was hanging itself up in the wardrobe and she sighed as she undid her hair and slid into the bed.

"Oh, Leannan," she sighed at the heat her lover gave off. "What I would do to see your smile."

Hermione didn't stir and Minerva lifted her hair and rolled into Hermione's body where she wrapped herself around her.

"Tomorrow, I hope, we can eat dinner together." She blushed as she thought about what else they might do with a free evening with them both rested, but didn't dwell on it. "I must rest. I would love for you to meet Charlie, but it will keep. Gain your strength darling, and then we will," she sighed. "Begin once more."