[Report This]Date: 11/03/2007 03:35 pm Title: Warding
Go Wilspy & Gertie!!! & congrats on chapter 100! Keep up the great work!
Author's Response: Thanks -- yup, 100 installments on Lumos, 98 chapters uploaded -- it's a lot!!!
[Report This]Date: 11/03/2007 10:19 am Title: Warding
Congratulations on Chapter 100!!!!!!!
Author's Response: Well, if it weren't for the limitations on chapter length that can be uploaded on Lumos, it would be at chapter 98, but it is a LOT!!! Thanks!
[Report This]Date: 11/03/2007 10:18 am Title: Warding
Wilspy and Gertrude ROCK!!!!!!!! I LOVE how Wilspy looked at Minerva, and the dreams that she gave her. Whoo-whoo!
Author's Response: Thank you! very glad you liked that bit. :D
[Report This]Date: 11/02/2007 08:19 pm Title: Warding
Congratulations for reaching 100 here!
I was pleasantly surprised to see another update already. I figured you would take a little time to yourself after that last, very large chapter. *sniff*Minerva's reaction to the evening was spot on and it was so sad, I got tears in my eyes =o( And then her falling asleep with his robes, and that dream. YAY! It was soo sweet of Wilspy to leave the robes with her. Did she perhaps induce the dreams?
Poor Albus, though I know he will, eventually, overcome his delusion that Minerva could never love him the way he loves her it is good to see he thought things through before outright refusing the robes. I'm very glad about that.
I must say your attention to detail is amazing, the information about the warding was great. I loved the part about the 3D castle image and how Albus can bring out each section to examine it. Totally neat!
I wondered about old Dustern*growl* but GO Gertie! Too bad she didn't give her a jelly-legs hex or a bat bogey hex. heh...silencing her was good though, I would hate to have anyone ever do that to me.*shudder* The affect would probably be the same as grabbing someones hands who talks with their hands. LOL! I am glad Minerva asked after Gertie and they are going to her new rooms. I hope they get closer, Gertie is really growing on me.
Okay now it's tangent time, I have been wondering, you have said you are working on a sequel to AAoL...ummm...have you ever thought about doing one for RaM? I would be VERY interested. There is a lot of time between the two stories.*cough* Anyway, I'll let you go. Thanks for updating so soon. You are spoiling us, that could be dangerous...hee hee..but I love it.
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: Re: Wilspy -- check out the scene with her just before Albus goes off for his nap a couple chapters ago. ;)
Gertie is growing on Minerva too, somewhat to her surprise.
I have notes for a RaM sequel. As it's looking now, it would likely be set between 6 and 8 years from "now" and probably would be a whole lot lighter -- sort of a comedy -- but with serious bits in it. It will be a while before I write that, though, if I ever do -- RaM is just . . . I'm very fond of RaM, but I think I will just stick to short things, like one-shots and stories with just a few chapters to them. Even the sequel to AAoL is going to be relatively short, compared to both RaM and AAoL. I will do some one-shots set after RaM, though. They just won't be real "sequels," if you know what I mean.
Thanks, as always, for your great reviews -- I love knowing what scenes and such you particularly liked or thought about, or whatever!
[Report This]Date: 10/31/2007 10:48 pm Title: Happy Birthday, Albus
Oh my goodness! You have been a very busy girl. Congratulations on another magnificent chapter, and one everyone has been holding their breath for. =o)
I loved the descriptions of Minerva's rooms. Seems like Albus definitely put his heart into them and I am glad he didn't over do the tartan *grin* I also liked the sidebar in Minerva's thoughts about Grindlewald, I know she will probably, evetually, bring that up with her curious nature. heh!
Next, the bath tiles were marvelous. It conveys to Minerva how very much Albus does care for her, even if she doesn't think he loves her the way she loves him. I felt all misty myself on her behalf. *sniff* To know a Great Wizard such as he holds her in such high esteem, I can see how she might feel a bit, hmmm, overwhelmed and undeserving. It was good when he reassured her she deserves it (which she does!)YAY!
Aww, poor Albus, I can't imagine him letting himself "go to seed", but I suppose it can happen to the best of us. Now he's trying to downplay his eccentricity?LOL! Let's just say I was glad he chose different robes when he had dinner with Minerva.
The description of the song Malcolm sings is neat. It made me think of the bathroom tiles. Was it supposed to do that? Well, and it also made me think of their relationship too. Oh! Before I forget, THANK YOU for that little visit to our conspiracy of House Elves! *giggle* HOORAY! BOOYUH!
I must say that Minerva's celebration for Albus was perfect, right down to the "beans and toast." That was delightful. I was glad he loved the robes, I was anxious about that. But then, there it was...at least one one side, the predestined "MOB" *tremble* I felt for Minerva but, even though Albus didn't say he loved her back, that he was simply fond of her *grrr* I know she gave him quite the gem to study. And at least he kissed her cheek before he left. I am sooooo looking forward to the next chapter.
Cheers!
Stef =o)
P.S. I think I figured out the line break thing. Thanks so much for that. Happy Halloween!
Author's Response: Sorry I didn't respond to this immediately, but you know how things can get sometimes!
Glad you liked the tiles, Malcolm's song, and the "conspiracy of house-elves," of which we will see more. They can only do little bits, but they try! :D
Thanks much for the reviews!
[Report This]Date: 10/31/2007 07:38 pm Title: Happy Birthday, Albus
I'm so proud of Minerva!! And Albus has a LOT to process after that night. Too bad he had to say 'very fond,' Ouch......I LOVE that Albus thinks of her as a heroine, up there with the greats! That is really cool!! And what did Albus wish for that had him blush? Yay! So, is Quin's gift the start of his Muggle sweets addiction?
Author's Response: Oh, he's been addicted to Muggle sweets for some time, but this certainly fed it and introduces him to a few new ones! *grin* We'll find out in the next chapter all about what was going through Albus's mind. Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 10/31/2007 05:33 pm Title: Happy Birthday, Albus
Albus you dork...when is someone going to drum some sense into his head!?! Minerva just told him that she loved him...way to go! What's it going to take...Valerianna coming back & threatening Minerva? Well, you can't leaving me hanging...get that next chapter up pronto!
Author's Response: Gee, aren't we demanding today! Give a girl a chapter of over eleven thousand words, and what does she expect? Another one! Heehee!
We will see how they do eventually get together. Remember that "Obliging Minerva" -- over at TPP -- is set not very long after they do finally get over their mutual blindness, and it's still 1957, so you should have hope! Thanks very much for your review!
[Report This]Date: 10/30/2007 01:10 pm Title: Not to Be Tolerated
Ack!!!! Thank God one of them had a sex dream! But I'm so afraid Albus is going to lose it at his party!!! The bit about charming her tiles for her before she even moved in there was very sweet. Curses!!!!! Albus' noble streak is sweet but....ack! I hope we don't have a HUGE blow up ahead! Furthermore, I don't feel like he's giving Minerva enough credit: he thinks of her as this sweet innocent young thing -Albus, she's an adult and she's had sex (and sex thoughts about YOU)!!!
Author's Response: Yeah, well, noble, old-fashioned (but far from innocent himself), and seeing Minerva as someone so young that she must want a wizard near her own age, all contribute to his feelings. Glad you like the tiles. We will see them again in the next chapter! *grin* Thanks for reviewing! Hope you enjoy the next chapter.
[Report This]Date: 10/30/2007 11:07 am Title: Not to Be Tolerated
Oh my! Is MOB almost here!?! Gah...I can't wait for the next chapter!!! I'm just dying to see Albus' reaction to the robes, & maybe MOB? Well, keep those chapters coming! I'm 1 week away from finals...so please forgive me for the lack of recent reviews...Anyways RL, what can you do about it! Great chapter! Get that next one up pronto!
BTW: just read Obliging Minerva at TPP! It was excellent! I'm off to review it now!
Author's Response: It will be a calculated blurtette! Haha! I figure you've been reading this long and following the story, so I assumed that RL was taking lots of your time -- RL has been rather nasty for me lately, so I write as a way of relaxing, since there's not enough mindless TV on that actually manages to distract me! LOL! I'm glad you read Obliging Minerva and liked it! *grin* Thanks, as always, for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 10/30/2007 12:00 am Title: Not to Be Tolerated
They say we are our harshest critic. And I believe that is true. Because I know you are doing a superb job!
[I love your work and it gives some of us not only something to look forward to, but something to strive for in our own stories. And, perhaps, we learn a little along the way.]
Thanks~~Stef =o)
Author's Response: Thank you! :)
[Report This]Date: 10/29/2007 11:07 pm Title: Not to Be Tolerated
The only thing I don't like about posting reviews here is I think they make me look like a jabbering idiot. I like to at least look like I know where a paragraph ends. *sighs, oh well* Sorry about the last post I had a lot to say. Perhaps here as well.
2 Posts in 2 days..You are ASTOUNDING! I do good to post twice a week. =o)
Poor Albus, trying to pick apart things. Maybe what Dilys said is a woman thing...LOL I certainly understood it, those "finer feelings", but then I'm not the one disillusioning themselves in the story either. heh.
WOW! That was a very nice little fantasy. Go Albus!! *looks for the fan to cool off her ears which are red, lol*
When they had their lunch he was right back to it again. *grrr* oooohh and I just knew he put a lot of thought into Minerva's bathroom. *wicked grin* Oh my, did we almost encounter the MOB? I think that is the right ohrase you referred to before "Moment of Blurt"? right? *very giddy girl in her seat*
Poor Albus, looking forward, very much, to the next chapter. Since he is trying, and failing miserably, to control his feelings I wonder how he will react to Minerva's present? I am almost too afraid to find out. *runs and hides, then peeks* well, almost. Looking forward to lots more. Off to write a review for "Obliging Minerva." Goodie! Stef =o)
Author's Response: I have a secret for you: I put in paragraph breaks manually using the "br" tag -- you know, you enclose it in those funny brackety thingies?
Like so! *grin* Yes, the Moment of Blurt is what it has come to be called by some! LOL! We shall see! The humongous birthday chapter is coming up -- I'm not splitting it up because folk have been champing at the bit for it, so it is a megachapter. Hope it will live up to expectations -- although I have a feeling I don't usually meet them, but people are pleased anyway! LOL! Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 10/29/2007 10:44 pm Title: Home Again
*calls out to Minerva...MMADness, Of course, but no, please continue, you won't really go mad~~then pouts* drat...lol you had me going there, oh well. I can wait, I think.
I was wondering if the witch Malcolm is working for is Gertie too. *shrugs* Would be very unlike her I think though.
YIPPEE SKIPEE, Albus I'm home!!!
Awww, the flowers from Albus were so sweet. I am a sap for flowers too! And his reaction to her gratitude for the somple gesture was adorable. *blush* BTW, why is Albus wearing plain navy robes? Is it because he is tired or is he still trying to maintain a bit of distance for his "inappropriate" thoughts? *grrr*
Also, the whole time Minerva was sitting on the other side of the desk I wanted to tell her:
Oh for Pete's sake, Minerva, you are "la grande dame de la Metamorphosis" change his desk into a placemat and get a snuggle. LOL! Sometimes I am too forward. *evil grin*
Also, I still love the comment about the "beans on toast" *swoon* I simply love this story. *hugs*
Oh, oh I can see his feelings are fighting to the surface. YAY! He did kiss her. Chaste, and on the temple, but a kiss is a kiss in my book!
Okay, I'm done raving like a MMAD lunatic. Thanks for the chapter, cheers! Stef =o)
Author's Response: Remember his thoughts when he performed the Glamour just before Minerva left for home? That will give you a clue about the robes. It pops up again in the birthday chapter, with more of an explanation.
Feel free to rave like a MMAD lunatic! I love it -- and sympathize! I'm very glad that you enjoyed the chapter! You're welcome!
[Report This]Date: 10/29/2007 09:51 pm Title: Poppy and Potions
AACK! I am falling behind....how do you do it? This wonderful web you weave and I get behind. *sigh* here goes...hope you don't mind several reviews at once. First,“Well, that was an unusual situation, Minerva. All those guests, many of whom were unpleasant, from what you say. She was bound to be somewhat stiff. Surely she must relax sometimes; everyone has to.” YAY, POPPY! I think she summed up Gertrudes demeanor very well and I couldn't have agreed more when Minerva said, "And aren’t we all a bit different depending on who we’re with?”
Hmmm, wonder if she was thinking of herself with Albus there. Because Minerva definitely let's out her sweeter side when he's around.
In Minerva's moments with Quin I see she is missing Albus...thus her statement about feeling alone? *sniff, I know how you feel deary* And I am still wondering if Merwyn and Quin discussed Minerva and Albus at all. hmmm. Merwyn's free pouring hand does tend to loosen the tongues. lol!
Lovely chapter! Yhanks, Stef =o)
Author's Response: Did you catch the lemony one-shot set in the RaM universe shortly after the end of RaM (which hasn't arrived yet, I know!)? It's called "Obliging Minerva," and it's on TPP and the board. When you have time, and if you read that sort of thing! LOL!
I don't mind you combining reviews -- I'm glad you're still enjoying the story!
[Report This]Date: 10/29/2007 01:18 pm Title: Home Again
Aaaaawwwwww. Nervously anticipating that dinner and Minerva's gift!!! And was Gertrude the witch that Malcolm had business with?
Author's Response: The dinner is coming up chapter after next. We may or may not learn more about Malcolm's outing. Just can't say . . .
The next chapter will be up today!
[Report This]Date: 10/27/2007 12:16 pm Title: Poppy and Potions
Ha Ha! Poppy was taken by Minerva's brother! Gushy, even. I like how the McGonnagals take care of their house elves, and I'm glad Gertrude had a good time. I feel sorry for Minerva's brother-that he feels she doesn't appreciate his stories anymore because she's too serious. That hurts.
Author's Response: Yeah, Malcolm chafes at rules and structure, and Minerva basically appreciates rules and structure, so Malcolm's attitude can bother Minerva sometimes, and she has always been too serious, in his opinion.
Glad you enjoyed the chapter. The next one will be up pretty soon. Thank you for the review!
[Report This]Date: 10/24/2007 09:51 am Title: Tea Party on the Ceiling
A visit from Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. I wonder what happened? Rereading the chapter I noticed that and found I was curious. *shrugs*
I also find I TOTALLY agree with longroot, LOL! Although that would be very charming for Minerva to have both Gertie and Poppy as sisters-in-law. heh!
I was also thinking yesterday. *danger, danger Will Robinson!* I am kind of missing Albus. You are doing a great job of keeping him in it with the letters but I miss him and I can only imagine how Minerva feels. *sigh* Okay, enough with my sentimental self. Thanks for the update. Looking forward to more but right now, I need sleep. Stef =o)
Author's Response: Well, I can't have TOOOOO many tangents, now, can I? I try to limit my tangents to ones that tie-in somehow with the main story, though occasionally some don't. *grin*
In a couple chapters, we'll see just how well Minerva deals with her separation from Albus. ;)
Thanks very much for reviewing! :D
[Report This]Date: 10/23/2007 11:25 am Title: Tea Party on the Ceiling
Ok, Minerva. Stop worrying about Gertrude + Albus. Gertrude is TOTALLY running off with your brother, and Poppy might just hook up with the other one, not Quin!!! Silly little match maker.
Author's Response: Silly little matchmaker, indeed!
[Report This]Date: 10/22/2007 04:02 pm Title: Expectations and Arrivals
Oh Minerva...I'm sure everything will go just fine...just relax already! & Albus excepted!!! What an interesting night that will be! Another great chapter! Keep them coming!
Author's Response: Thanks! I will probably update early this week. Likely tomorrow -- that's Tuesday the 23rd. There are two "party" chapters, then we move on and get closer to Albus's birthday.
[Report This]Date: 10/21/2007 02:35 pm Title: Expectations and Arrivals
Oh Minerva! Relax and enjoy your party! I love the bit about Quin looking like an expetant puppy, and about the attire of the family elves!!!
Author's Response: Thanks! I'm happy you enjoyed those bits. Egeria likes things neat and well-ordered, and having sloppily-attired house-elves would offend her sensibilities! Haha!
[Report This]Date: 10/21/2007 01:44 pm Title: Expectations and Arrivals
Awww, Albus' eagerness to read Minerva's letter make him seem like a schollboy again. Ahh, love can do that to the best of us, can't it? I was very delighted to see you updated. My week consisted of a very long court case/jury duty. Not bad for my first time, million dollar lawsuit. Anyhow, now we have all the participants for the tea. Minerva has already taken a headache potion and I am VERY interested in how things are going to play out between Gertrude, Malcolm amd Johannes.
Seems Brennan has taken Minerva's view of apparition also. Unless, of course, he probably has only apparated with Melina. Poor man. lol.
I am looking forward to your next installment. I may need it while I attempt to get caught up at work from the past week. Here's hoping your week next week is much improved over the last one. Cheers!! Stef
Author's Response: Minerva hasn't a problem with Apparition, just Side-Alongs, particularly with Melina! And you're right: poor Brennan has only ever been Apparated by Melina.
I certainly hope my week isn't worse than last week was, although at least that would mean that this week wasn't as bad in comparison. ;) Thanks for the review and the good wishes! :)
[Report This]Date: 10/21/2007 01:32 pm Title: Hope, Suspect
Okay, I am trying to catch up with my reviews here. Although I have found, for some reason, I like reading your story on the Albus/Minerva Fanboard. Could be because you seem to update that one first but I am spending a bit of time there with writing as well.
I apologize in advance if I write anything I have previously, but here goes. I love the fact that Minerva has admitted to herself, and said it out loud, she loves Albus. I would love for her to shout it from the top of the Astronomy tower but I confess this may be a bit forward. =o)
I also feel her letter speaks volumes and is a step in the right direction. Admitting feelings to someone is so often so very difficult. I just hope they both keep moving forward.
Thanks for the update,
Stef
Author's Response: No problem -- I love having youreview here, but enjoy your comments on the board, too. Generally, I post to the board first, then to ffnet, then to the two archives, but I almost always do them in one sitting, so there isn't very much lag-time between postings. It's just a matter of physically formatting them and uploading to the various sites, which takes some time.
I'm glad you liked Minerva's admissions. :D She's making progress!
[Report This]Date: 10/21/2007 01:13 pm Title: Hope, Suspect
Just completed reading all of Resolving a Misunderstanding and it is one of the most well-developed pieces of fan-fiction I've read (too bad that JKR has announced Albus's sexual orientation). The use of biros during WW2 jarred a little but Lazlo Biro did patent it in 1938 so it is just possible, if unlikely. I must read your other stories.
Author's Response: Actually, the British armed forces used biros during WWI, and I believe I specified that the biro was RAF issue (but it's been a long time since I read that chapter). So it's not anachronistic. :D But even if it were, I always tell folk not to take my fics as a reliable source for info about the real world; I strive for verisimilitude, and any accuracy is just a bonus! *grin*
I'm glad you are enjoying the story so much! Since RaM isn't DH-compliant, whatever JKR says isn't really relevant, IMO. Besides, how many fanfic authors merrily write slash for characters that have been clearly heterosexual right from the start of the series? I like my Albus the way he is -- if I didn't, I'd have to abandon the story. :(
Thanks for reviewing!
Author's Response: Just did a little research, and the RAF did, indeed, commission special biros for their use during WWII, and prior to the date of the France chapters. I thought I had read that somewhere sometime, which is why I used it, but I couldn't remember the details. I have wa-ay too much trivia floating around in my brain! LOL!
[Report This]Date: 10/17/2007 10:20 pm Title: Hope, Suspect
I love Minerva's mother! That was a not too subtle hint. Was she in Gryffindor as well? & Minerva's finally taken the first step by admitting outload her feelings! Hallelujah!
Author's Response: Yup, she's the Gryffindor; Merwyn's the Ravenclaw. :D Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 10/17/2007 04:46 pm Title: Hope, Suspect
Oh yeah. Minerva's mother is NOT surprised by those robes. Snort. I love the bit about the Book of Taliesin. Will those 9 unique poems come into the story later? And Minerva is finally saying it outloud!!!!!! Yay! I really enjoyed this chapter!
Author's Response: The book may come into the story later -- I haven't quite decided. I have bits and pieces written about it, but I can't decide whether to make it part of this story or make it part of another RaM-compatible story -- a kind of parallel story, not a sequel. I have to see how it works out. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 10/13/2007 10:34 pm Title: A Confidant
yay!!!!!! she said it outloud!! And a man who can cook a bit AND willingly take a lady shopping! Quin's a rather fine man himself! Sad story about his wife. BUT I loved what Quin kept saying about those BUTS! I'm so nervous for Minerva when she gives the robes to Albus!!! How WILL he react?!? And I'm so glad Quin voiced his idea on this being harder for Albus, and about Minerva being impressive herself!!! What a friend!
Author's Response: Thanks! Glad you like the chapter. Albus's birthday is a few days off yet, and there's a bit more "story" before that, but I hope you will continue to enjoy the intervening chapters! :D