[Report This]Date: 07/10/2007 09:08 am Title: Hot, Cold, and Tepid
Wow...this chapter was a little darker than the others. Oh no...why did Albus have to be so short with Minerva? I hope Hagrid's alright...is it something to do with his dog or another one of his "pets?" & where is Minerva going? To visit her sister, brother, Quin, or somewhere else? Please hurry & get that next chapter up!
Author's Response: Albus is trying to maintain a professional distance while staying friends with Minerva . . . he's not doing a good job of it because he's uncomfortable. You'll find out in the next chapter where Minerva went. The next chapter will be up tonight -- so you haven't long to wait!
[Report This]Date: 07/10/2007 12:38 am Title: A Conspiracy of Witches
All right...let me just say...GO GERTIE & THE REST OF THE STAFF!!! Val is sooo horrible...at Albus' own cottage!?! Grr...I hope something bad happens to Val, & soon! I absolutely loved this chapter!
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked this chapter. Don't you just love conspiracies for the good? *grin* Thanks for reviewing! I'm going out of town soon, so I'll be posting a couple more chapters before I leave, then there won't be anything for at least a week. So, enjoy!
[Report This]Date: 07/09/2007 12:57 pm Title: A Conspiracy of Witches
Wow!! I LOVE Albus' staff!!! They care for him SO much!! I feel so bad about Albus being unable to tell Minerva about Val-the reason why-ouch!!! But, I think that if they ever talk about Val, Minerva MUST mention her shoe charm!!!!!! That should really make Albus feel better. I also LOVE the Knight in the painting and Wilspy. It's so cool that these magical creatures/objects are hinting at things that their human counterparts just aren't getting. It's a lovely mystery. I also wish that we knew what Poppy means by 'closer'.... Excellent, excellent chapter!!!!!
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Albus inspires a lot of love and loyalty in a lot of people. As for Poppy's use of the word, "closer," I think it means "CLOSER, Minerva! CLOSER!!!" But since Poppy's not sure exactly what, if anything, is going on with Minerva or with Albus, she's just trying to encourage Minerva as subtly as a Hufflepuff can. Thank you for your review! There'll be at least one more chapter posted before I go out of town for a week or so.
[Report This]Date: 07/08/2007 11:47 pm Title: Return to Hogwarts
Well! Albus plowed right on ahead with his plans! Both the good (paintings and photos) and the BAD (hunting for the future Mr. Minerva). Ouch!! What he said about being underfoot!! Dork! But he was so cute, walking back and forth 3 times. I loved Minerva's 'bubbling.' Aaw...
Author's Response: Yes, Albus is torn. And occasionally oblivious. But well-meaning. Glad you liked it! Hope you continue to enjoy the story. Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 07/08/2007 09:45 pm Title: Return to Hogwarts
Uh-oh...I think Albus might have caused a few problems with his sudden interest in Minerva getting out of Hogwarts to socalize...hopefully Gertie or Quin or even Val could give them a push in the right direction! Great chapter! Keep them coming!
Author's Response: Val would probably just push one of them off a pier, or something! Haha! Glad you enjoyed this chapter. In the next chapter, Minerva visits Poppy. It will be up soon, possibly tomorrow evening. Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 07/08/2007 09:34 pm Title: Breakfast al Fresco
Neat chapter! I love Quin's attitude throughout...even when Minerva's upset! What a cool little charm! On to the next chapter! I hope that Quin comes back into the story soon!
Author's Response: Quin will eventually turn up again, but not for a while. But he'll be in and out of the story a few times, so you'll see more of him! Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 07/08/2007 09:05 pm Title: Breakfast al Fresco
what a close one for Minerva!! Glad she + Quin parted on good terms. I'd love to see how Quin would react to the identity of her love. It would be interesting to see just how open minded he is! I'm betting he would nicely surprise Minerva...
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the chapter. We will eventually see more of Quin. Thanks very much for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 07/05/2007 11:25 pm Title: The End of the Party
There are some really great lines in this chapter! I wish that Minerva would confide in Quin...I think that he could really help Minerva & Albus make process in their relationship. & would Gertie ever just talk plainly? So we've got breakfast with Quin, then Albus & his designs to push Minerva & Quin together (I wouldn't be surprised if Quin shows up at Hogwarts soon on Albus's invitation), then Poppy & her worries! Sounds interesting! Get that next chapter up soon!
Author's Response: Glad you liked the lines . . . Gertie is trying to talk plainly here, without saying too much. I think you'll find Poppy much more plain spoken.
The next chapter will be up in a couple days. It will be breakfast with Quin before Minerva leaves for Hogwarts and Albus. Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 07/05/2007 04:09 pm Title: The End of the Party
Ouch!! What a last line!! I like Quin. He's been so good to Minerva. I SO wish she would completely confide in him, but.. I don't know. So breakfast with Quin, then Albus, then Poppy! Yay!! I'm really looking forward to it!!
Author's Response: Minerva did not have a restful night's sleep, that's for sure. And Quin is a good guy, essentially. We'll see if Minerva trusts him with her biggest secret.
Yup, breakfast with Quin is next -- in the very next chapter -- then she sees Albus back at Hogwarts, and then she will visit Poppy and learns more . . . . Hope you enjoy!
The next chapter should be up in a couple days. Saturday at the latest.
[Report This]Date: 07/03/2007 09:22 pm Title: Shall We Dance?
Loved it!!! Val is evil...what a bitch...poor Albus, someone better give him a good kick & soon! What a mean ending having Gertie just standing there!!! & I hope that kiss won't cause a change in Quin & Minerva's "relationship." Keep them coming! GREAT CHAPTER!
Author's Response: Glad you liked it! Gertrude in the shadows . . . what a better way to end the chapter? *grin* Thanks very much! I may have the next chapter up tomorrow or the next day at the latest. I appreciate your reviews!
[Report This]Date: 07/03/2007 09:02 pm Title: Shall We Dance?
Wow!! What a chapter!!! Evil Val IS EEE-VILLLL!!! But she did give Minerva some useful information. Albus was always talking about her EVEN when he was seeing another woman, and insisted on visiting her...and she clearly was NOT enough of a woman for him. And Albus!!!! If she was going to marry, then yes, it would be easier on that marriage if she left Hogwarts!! Poor Albus!!! At least he'll get to see her soon! But what a chapter! Dancing, brooding, kissing, cat fights!!!! I love the ominous ending with Gertie standing there in the shadows...totally awesome chapter!!!
Author's Response: That chapter was waiting impatiently to be written since page one of the story (unlike other more laidback chapters!), so it was a relief to finally get it out! LOL! I am glad you enjoyed it. :D There will be another chapter up sometime tomorrow, probably -- although perhaps I should leave you with the image of Gertrude standing in the shadows a bit longer!
[Report This]Date: 07/02/2007 06:49 pm Title: The Lovely Couple
I'm glad you liked the slum lord comment! I was going to say the Queen of Tackiness, but that was too good for Evil Val! Looking forward to an update!
Author's Response: There will be an update up tonight!
[Report This]Date: 07/01/2007 10:12 am Title: The Lovely Couple
I loved the part where Quin learned that Alory could really talk to animals! That was such a cool scene (the whole hide-and-seek!) So...Albus has been bragging...& showing off pictures of Minerva!!! Someone really needs to give them both a really hard kick in the right direction! Soon! Whoa...what is Val thinking!?! Where have her manners gone!?! Anyways, great chapter & keep them coming!
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the part with Alroy. :D Eventually one or both of them will add up the clues . . . but I won't tell you who, when, or how -- you'll just have to keep reading! ;-)
As for Val, many of those in attendance had the same questions. But she has become so obsessed with Minerva's presence that she thought only of that, and of Minerva going back and telling Albus that she (Val) was getting married to Flint, that she wasn't thinking of much else.
There will be another chapter up soon -- they will be fairly frequent for the next couple of weeks, after which, they'll go back to a more sedate pace of about one update per week, I think.
Thank you for reviewing! (I put breaks in manually -- I hope they work -- wish there were a "preview" function. If not, you'll see funny mark-up.)
[Report This]Date: 06/30/2007 04:24 pm Title: The Lovely Couple
Yay!! Update! So! Albus was the bragger (well duh)! And now she knows about that photo....and Albus knows about her dinky little photo...she needs new photos!! From Albus!!And Evil Val is also Insane Val. How was her plan supposed to work? yeesh! She's like the slum lord of tackiness, or something...I loved Minerva's interaction with Quin's son!!!!
Author's Response: The slumlord of tackiness! I love it! LOL!
Gee, do ya think Albus just may "happen" to find a photo and give it to her? ;p
Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 06/28/2007 11:36 pm Title: Curious Conversation
Could Gertrude have been any less evasive in her replies!?! Come on...you're killing me here!!! I loved the flashback to Minerva's tutoring sessions! Albus couldn't stay away even then...great filler chapter! Keep them coming!
Author's Response: Glad you liked it! Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 06/28/2007 06:00 pm Title: Curious Conversation
Ack!!!!!! Gertie's non-answers were SOOOOO frustrating!!! I love that bit about Minerva being sensitive to Albus' presence. He has NO idea........
Author's Response: Nope, he has no idea whatsoever! Poor young Minerva! And Gertie is very frustraitng!
Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 06/26/2007 08:02 pm Title: Games at the Gamps
What a nasty little game of Quidditch...poor Gertrude! Go Quin!!! I'm hoping that he's a part of the BIG clue Minerva or Albus gets! I'm glad that Quin is relentless in his questioning! I hope that there isn't anything bad in the works for Minerva at the dinner party...great chapter! Keep them coming!
Author's Response: Thank you! I think you'll enjoy the party -- even the nastier aspects of it! It should be up in a couple days. :D
[Report This]Date: 06/26/2007 05:38 pm Title: Games at the Gamps
Me again! I'm excited by some of the implications in what Quin said. If Minerva would examine Albus' actions-his compliments and courtly kisses-would they line up with her *assumption* that he views her as only a friend/niece figure? After all, Albus has been afraid for some time that she will figure just that out from his words and actions...I am looking forward to these two figuring their relationship out! I have to admit, I got a funny image in my head of wily Quin and Wilspy playing matchmaker..but that would be a much foofier story than this wonderful one has been! Though I must admit that I do suspect Wilspy....has she always called Minerva 'Professor Dumbledore's Minerva'?
Author's Response: Wait till you hear what a couple of the very old Gamp house-elves call Quin -- it's coming up in a few chapters. But Minerva won't draw the parallel at all . . . she's done a very good job of convincing herself over the years that she can't be anything special to Albus -- all those mantras of hers. Thanks very much for your reviews!!! I really appreciate them. :D
[Report This]Date: 06/26/2007 05:26 pm Title: Games at the Gamps
yay!!Update!! Quiditch is a violent game...unpredictable...why couldn't evil Val have gotten whacked just once? Ah well....Thank goodness Albus wrote back (not that I had any doubts) but I bet he was as wistful writing that letter as Minerva was reading it!! And go Quin!!!!! Yeah, Minerva what exactly is wrong with this situation? He's single, not a lady killer, not in prison....maybe Quin just made things seem a little less improbable/impossible for Minerva....looking forward to Minerva getting a BIG clue soon!
Author's Response: Glad you liked Quin's thoughts on the matter -- BTW, "confirmed bachelor" used to be used as a euphemism for gay, way back in the day -- Liberace, Rock Hudson, all those "confirmed bachelors." Of course, it was also used more "innocently" to mean a man who wouldn't settle down. But it may be a while before Minerva gets the hugest clue she needs. Or that Albus gets it. . . . There are some rocky times ahead for them, but they'll nonetheless be getting closer all the time. Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 06/25/2007 01:22 am Title: Lessons in Letter-Writing
Hehe...poor Minerva...she should have know better than to leave that letter just lying around...Oh Albus, what are you thinking!?! I had hoped that Minerva's letter would enlighten him a bit more. I hope Minerva sets the record straight very soon...another great chapter (no surprise there!). & thanks for the e-mails on the up-dates! I really like them because I don't have to keep checking to see if this story's been up-dated or not! Keep this story rolling!
Author's Response: Albus thinks he's thinking of Minerva's best interests, of course. But he's also a tad insecure in that respect vis-a-vis Minerva because of the whole age difference, and a few other things. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your reviews!
[Report This]Date: 06/25/2007 01:19 am Title: Dinner and Divination
Go Quin...inner eye...subtle matchmaking! What a cute letter...I hope Albus gets to see it! Great chapter...keep them coming!
Author's Response: Yeah, Quin could be quite handy to have around in this story! Glad you liked Minerva's midnight letter!
[Report This]Date: 06/24/2007 04:33 pm Title: Lessons in Letter-Writing
ha! The letter DID get posted! But drat!! Albus has match-making in mind, though, given how sad and ill the thought makes him, maybe he won't put too much effort into it!! I really get wrapped up in this story! I don't want Minerva's joy to die! Poor girl! She's REALLY going to need her Gryffindor courage! And I could kick evil Val for probably killing the last of Albus' confidence around the ladies. 'old and ugly'. oh please....
great chappy!
Author's Response: Yup, Val is certainly responsible for doing some damage there . . . . There will be a new chapter up probably on Tuesday. Glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 06/24/2007 03:57 pm Title: Dinner and Divination
oh-oh. Quin has the inner eye! Though, Minerva could *really* use someone to confide in. Is that letter of hers going to get accidentally mailed :) ? Albus *does* need to know that he doesn't need an excuse, after all...
Author's Response: Yes, Minerva needs a confidant. It would be nice if Albus knew that, wouldn't it? :D
Thanks for reviewing!
[Report This]Date: 06/23/2007 12:04 pm Title: 3. Albus Reflects
This seems so absolutely just like Dumbledore! You've really caught the essence of the character with all of his very peculiar parts that make up the sum of him. In reality you'd probably just want to give him a good smack for being so self-involved, while also wanting to laugh with him at those same habits.
I know someone addicted to lists and can well understand their fascination. I really enjoyed reading this chapter.
Author's Response: Thanks! Glad you liked it!
[Report This]Date: 06/23/2007 09:51 am Title: 2. Minerva’s Mortification
I don't think Minerva could have a better friend than Poppy.
I love Poppy's words; they are really very thoughtful and insightful, too. Poppy knows that Albus has a fascination for her friend. Sweet!
Author's Response: Yep, Poppy knows a few things! Thanks very much for reviewing!