[Report This]Date: 12/13/2007 06:01 pm Title: Headmaster’s Holiday
So good to get inside Albus' head. Ouchie. Can we go beat the tar out of Val?
Author's Response: She will be the author of her own misery. But if, in the meantime, you would like to beat the tar out of her . . . haha!
[Report This]Date: 12/13/2007 05:28 pm Title: Seduction
Whoa. We entered the mind of Malcolm there for a minute. And all I can say is Go Trudie! Mrow!! I lol when I read : That’s not my sporran, Trude!
Author's Response: The Mind of Malcolm! lol! Yep, I rarely switch to the perspective of someone other than Albus or Minerva, but sometimes, I just gotta, and Malcolm's been begging! LOL! Glad you liked the sporran line -- I couldn't wait to finally use it! haha! Thanks much for the review! (One nice thing about time away is that there are lots of chapters to read when you return! :D)
[Report This]Date: 12/13/2007 04:24 pm Title: Holiday from Hogwarts
Sorry I haven't been reading lately! RL. Bah! Anyway, hmmmm....interesting poem. And glad we all got straightened out about Minerva's brother's orientation. He is a funny one! Also glad that Poppy + Murdoch are REALLY clicking!! I also like how you ended the chapter with a ne armed hug!
Author's Response: Aw! Sorry RL has been complicated lately! I was a little worried you might be sick or something.
Yup, we got mostly straightened out about his orientation. There will be more on Malcolm in a later chapter. He IS a funny one, and rather complicated. Hope you enjoy the next chapters! :)
[Report This]Date: 12/13/2007 12:26 am Title: Questionable Intentions
Just so you know, no matter what happens I won't want to kill you. LOL! Although I am not fond of tragedies either but thanks for clearing up the angst thing. I never even heard that term until I started reading fanfic. =oP
Drat, I was really hoping that was the right answer. You know, I am such a goofball. I love trying to figure out where you might go next. Seems like I am almost treating this like a mystery. =o) Oh well, I can wait to find out...unfortunately for now I have run out of speculation. =o( But I am sure if I read it again I can come up with more.
I see you were able to post on ff. Congrats on that. Oh yeah, BTW, I do miss Wilspy and our little house elf conspiracy. (Just thought I would throw that in there.=o) )
Goodnight!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: Oh, Wilspy will return and do her little bit, don't worry! haha! And I love the speculation! ;D
Yeah, "angst" comes from the music scene, I think. Other than, of course, its normal usage -- but as a "genre," it is a fanfic thing. And lots of folks are really into it, obviously.
[Report This]Date: 12/12/2007 01:54 pm Title: Questionable Intentions
Ahhh..I really need to go to work now but I like this chapter so much I wanted to read it again before I left. Therefore, I noticed something and something else occurred to me. =o)(And no, I don't like it because it is angsty although I have nothing against that...I just like the tender moment they share before Albus jumps off the crazy wagon...lol)
As I reread it occurred to me, Isn't the room of requirement on the 7th floor? Perhaps Albus went there. That would definitely explain how she couldn't find him because he needed a place to hide, and it would also explain how he could write her a letter in such a short span of time. I wonder. tee hee.
The other thing I noticed was the Knight. When Minerva was running away the Knight called out to her. Was it perhaps to inform her of where Albus had gone? Or was it his attempt to save her from her woes? Hmmm...I wonder.
Okay, I';m done! I gotta go to work now. training new recruits...can my life get any better??*!@#$%*lol But I will talk to you later. Have a good one and I hope ffnet cooperates for you soon. Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: Yeah, well -- you can imagine what one of those Fs in "ffnet" stands for in my mind right now! Bleedin' eejits!
Nope, not the RofR. I like that guess, too. *grin*
The Knight does wish to serve his lady! But he can't run out of the painting and see precisely where Albus went to when he left.
BTW, just a matter of personal taste, but I've gotten mightily sick of the term "angst" and "angsty" (even though I use it myself from time to time -- lol). To me, an "angst fic" is one that has unrelenting torment of the characters (and the readers' emotions, of course), with no happy ending, and the characters are tormented simply for the sake of the torment. There's no irony or real drama (generally speaking). I am not sure why, but most fanfic sites don't have a "tragedy" category/genre, and I prefer tragedy to "angst." And drama to angst.
Angst should be a tool used by the writer, not an end-in-itself, IMHO. But that's just because I'm sick of it. And I'm in a grumpy, grouchy mood today! lol. RaM could be a tragedy, of course. If the next few chapters didn't play out the way they will, it would be a tragedy rather than a romance. Not necessarily a *good* tragedy, but . . . keep that in mind if you feel like killing the author at some point! It is a romance, not a tragedy! That, to me, means "Happy Ending"! *grin*
Thanks for your additional speculations! I love 'em! (And it helps alleviate some of my grumpiness, too, for which the public-at-large thanks you, too! LOL!)
[Report This]Date: 12/12/2007 10:11 am Title: Questionable Intentions
OH MY GOODNESS!!! Things are definitely developing. Poor Albus and Minerva...perhaps they will eventually catch on to the fact they are miserable without each other. The poor dears. I am glad Albus took the initiative and decided to try to get to see Minerva again. I was very surprised he didn't have to fight with the Knight to get to see her though. Although I can tell the Knight is still angry with him since he wouldn't announce Albus like he always does.
LOL..."Albus nodded. He didn’t want to tell her that the Knight had drawn his sword against him, that he had been chased off by a mere portrait; it seemed ridiculous now." I could see how that would be a bit of an ego battering to a male or a pride wounder to say the least. But I am glad Albus apologized to Minerva for his behavior. I do love a man who knows how to say I'm sorry. *swoon* It was good for them to talk it out and discuss how they felt about their reactions to the situation and OH they were SO CLOSE!!! AACK! Of course, Minerva has practically told Albus she is in love with him. However, perhaps she should hold up a sign or paint him a picture. Damn, give the man a map or something The kiss was so..so beautiful. *sigh* You know, if Albus, at his age, can get around as fast as he can he should realize what Valerianna said was TOTALLY INACCURATE! Unfortunately Albus is his own worst enemy without realizing it. But I know Minerva will help him to see this. Somehow I think she is gonna have to tell him she is in love with him and that she desires him in that way for him to finally see himself as truly desirable.
I have an idea on how he disappeared like that. He probably changed into his animagus form and apparated away because we know Fawkes can do that. And if Albus is a phoenix he should be able to do that too. Right?
I feel really bad for Albus right now. Blaming himself and causing Minerva to run off like that. I was worried she was going to get hurt. eeek! And I know he was distraught but that letter was dreadful. I can understand why Minerva would be heartbroken. I mean, here she is trying to convey to him he is desirable and loved and he refuses to see the forest for the trees. If she had been able to find him they probably could have straightened this out. DRAT!
When she changed her mind about going back to the castle I wondered where she would head. Honestly, I thought she was going to go to the cliff where they had lunch that day. Now she decided to go to Quin's and I wonder what will happen. Of course, I think Quin's feelings for Minerva are deeper than he lets on and if he sees her distressed I wonder if he doesn't just go have a talk with Albus himself. Albus needs a little Devine intervention to point him in the right direction. I am beginning to wonder what will be able to penetrate that thick, deluded skull of his. I think an honest to goodness swift kick in the seat by another wizard ought to do the trick. Selfishness...PAH!
Okay, I am done ranting now. Although I wonder if I got anything right. *grin*
Have a great day...and happy writing! I am hangin' on the edge of my seat here. Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: "I have an idea on how he disappeared like that. He probably changed into his animagus form and apparated away because we know Fawkes can do that. And if Albus is a phoenix he should be able to do that too. Right?"
Very good guess, but incorrect. Not about the ability, but about what he did when he left Minerva's. He wasn't thinking at all, and he wouldn't have thought of that.
As to what will happen, you'll just have to wait -- I'm not giving any advance hints for these chapters. Except to say that the next 30,000 words or so have been written, so the next updates should come at a nice, regular pace!
[Report This]Date: 12/11/2007 11:50 am Title: His Lady’s Servant
This chapter was practically begging to be reread before I could review. Now I just hope I can remember everything that came to mind as I was reading. I have more speculation but I do wonder if I am right.=o) Hmmm...
I do believe our dear Gertie is a very intuitive witch. Because I do believe Quin is growing rather attached to Minerva. I don't believe he would put her on the spot, but he almost did and it looks like he caught himself there. Minerva's a bright witch, I think she will begin to figure it out. Poor man! I really love Quin and I don't want him heartbroken =o(. He is a very strong man if he can deny his heart to give her happiness. I just want to give him a BIG HUG!!
I just knew there would be a showdown back at the castle! Although I do think Minerva kept good control of both her temper and her emotions. I admit the first read through found tears streaming down my face when she crumbled like that. And who could blame her when Albus treated her the way he did. "Professor McGonagall" indeed. If I was Snape I would have looked down my nose at him and sniffed. lol Needless to say, I fear if he kept it up he may have found himself on the wrong end of her wand. *evil grin* Let me just tell you I really LOVE the Silent Knight. =o) It was very touching, even though Minerva thought it was pathetic, that he wished to aid her in her hour of need. So she tells him: “I just want to be alone and undisturbed right now.” Talk about taking it up a notch. tee hee!!
I am glad Albus is finally seeing how he has been treating Minerva of late. I guess it really had to take her throwing it back at him to make him realize he needs to chill. I could practically see his shade of green when he tiraded her for being away from the castle like that. Now I wonder if it will dawn on Minerva that he was jealous or will she stay oblivious and what about Quin? Sounds like Minerva is nursing a hangover which wasn't helped when she got into an argument that broke her heart. But perhaps in a little bit the letters will help her see how he does feel about her and she could think about what Quin meant at the Ministry.
Somehow I don't think it is a very good idea for Malcolm to take the DADA position. Isn't the curse in affect already?? I mean, look what happened to Pretnick. I don't want anything to happen to Malcolm now that he is involved with Gertie. And I am wondering what he needed to talk to her about? Here is my speculation on that notion....since he seems to do things on a whim I wonder if he asked her to marry him? Since Gertie told Albus it would be hard to reach her by owl I have to admit that Las Vegas suddenly popped in my head. lol =o) But that doesn't sound like something our level-headed Gertie would do. Hmmm...such speculation. I love it.
From previous comments you have me wondering what Fawkes is up to as well. I also wonder when Minerva will emerge from her rooms. As she is unaware that the Knight is blocking out Albus and she has Blampa to bring her food she could stay there for days. *sigh* Although I think it would have been interesting if Albus had used his password and caught Minerva there as she changed back to her human form with nothing on but her night dress. Ohh la, la!!
Maybe the nazar will help Albus overcome his feelings of jealousy even though he doesn't believe in it. But I love the Knight for telling Albus he has been churlish to her and toying with Minerva. I wonder if he will realize this after a bit of contemplation? The Knight makes me think of Sir Cadigan from PoA. lol. It would be interesting to see how Albus will handle him if Minerva doesn't emerge soon. Although I think the fact that he believes she sent back his letter (which was so very sweet, BTW)as an indication that he has gone VERY astray may lead him in the direction he needs to go to claim her love for himself. I do see a little progress in him but I want to know more. I am afraid that although he seems to be seeing his errs I wonder how things are going to pan out with Minerva in the near future. While I don't think she will harbor ill feelings at him for long, she may do something rash, that is what I worry about.
Ok, sorry this is so long and I am sure I probably forgot something but I need to get something to eat. Looking forward to more!! Hope you have a Great Day!!
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: "Here is my speculation on that notion....since he seems to do things on a whim I wonder if he asked her to marry him? Since Gertie told Albus it would be hard to reach her by owl I have to admit that Las Vegas suddenly popped in my head. lol =o) But that doesn't sound like something our level-headed Gertie would do. Hmmm...such speculation. I love it."
OMG! ROTFLMAO! That's all I have to say to that! I had to wipe the tears of laughter from my eyes before I could finish reading your review. Hope you don't mind, but I REALLY needed a laugh just then!
Can't answer much of your speculation except to say that Fawkes will be around a little bit more in the upcoming chapters. He's just been off enjoying the height of his life-cycle, flying around, visiting buddies in far-off lands, that sort of thing! haha!
I'm glad that you like the Silent Knight. I actually "stole" -- no, was inspired by, the story of the "Dumb Knight," which is one of the Arthurian legends. His geas, etc., isn't the same, and he is not supposed to be the same character, but he does have his own story, and because of his "unique" properties, he spoke up and asked to be Minerva's door portrait, and that all led to this! (You see, this story has been planned out -- I think the Jarvey was one of the few surprises for me! haha! Of course, how the story unfolds is determined as I write, but the main events were all there from the first few chapters, just waiting! Malcolm and Caesar have been rather impatient, I must say! haha!)
I'm glad that the part where Albus is so unfair to Minerva was effective for you.
Loved the review! Thanks!
Author's Response: BTW, did you forget that both are Scottish residents? They wouldn't have to mess with such a long trip to a rather seedy town (this is 57) if they wanted to run off and get married. (Although I suppose that it might be difficult for Gertie to prove the residency bit --"Yes, I'm a teacher at a private school. It's invisible to Muggles . . ." haha!)
[Report This]Date: 12/10/2007 02:57 pm Title: His Lady’s Servant
Oh Albus...you jerk...where's that frying pan that Valerianna's been threatened with...no, but seriously, of all the things he could have done...way to go Minerva! & the knight! Protecting his lady indeed. Well, you can't leave me hanging...I hope Minerva let's loose a little more...once she actually talks to him that is! Hurry hurry hurry! I'm dying of suspence here!
Author's Response: Yes, he wasn't at his best. But he realised it immediately! There will be another update in a couple days! I have a few chapters written and in the larder, so to speak, so there will only be two or three days between updates for a while. Don't know how long that pace will keep up, but I was able to get a good deal of writing done over the weekend, so you're in luck! *wink* Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 12/09/2007 12:32 pm Title: Seeking Counsel
Haha! I can't wait to see Albus' reaction when he realizes that Minerva didn't come back to the castle! This could make things very interesting! God I love Quin! Where would Minerva be without him? Anyways...love this chapter...but I really really really want to know what happens the "morning after!"
Author's Response: You will find out!
[Report This]Date: 12/09/2007 09:15 am Title: Seeking Counsel
Howdy! Well I am going to start at the end this time. OH MY GOSH! Something tells me things are about to get very interesting. I wonder what Albus will do when he realizes Minerva didn't return that evening? Goodness. Although I am glad that Quin persuaded her to stay. No drunk apparating. =o) But somehow I think our poor Headmaster is not going to believe her if she tells him nothing happened and then he probably will tell her it is none of his business because he thinks he is too old for her and has already tried to push her in the direction of Quin and Filius. I'm afraid he might be heartbroken at the thought of her with Quin. =o(
Going back to the beginning, somehow I wish Minerva would get a little more straightforward with Albus. She seems to do it with everyone else except him. Poor girl. But, she is starting to head that way. She had started going to see him for no particular reason and now she keeps using school business to see him and then he does the same thing and she is annoyed. lol He was irritated with her for suggesting he get away from the castle probably because he wanted to be there to be close to her but he didn't tell her she was the reason he returned early. With all his mixed signals I have a feeling things are about to heat up. Because somehow I think Minerva's temper might come into the fray. Oh my! That would be unpleasant for Albus, the poor man.
I am glad Quin encouraged her to be more straightforward with Albus. And he is right, if she never realizes whether Albus loves her or not she won't ever have peace with another lover in her life because she will always think of him. I am very glad she has his friendship and that she goes to him when she needs to talk about her feelings. I only wish Albus had someone like that. If he did they probably wouldn't be where they are still. *looks back at review* Sooo much speculation. To say the least, I want to know more. Please, please. This was a very lovely chapter and now I am dying to find out what happens when Minerva returns to the castle in the morning.*slaps hands on her cheeks*
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: Well, I won't keep you in suspense too long, but all your speculations are very interesting! ;) Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 12/07/2007 08:07 pm Title: Unexpected Arrivals
Well, I did reread this so I will post a review over here now. Sorry my last one wasn't up to scratch but rl was rather bad a few days ago. But things are much better now. =o)
I love how even though Minerva's brother tends to get on her nerves she is quick with her wand like Gertie when she thinks he may be in danger. I also have to admit I felt a little pang when she saw Malcolm and Gertie in their embrace. It's rather sad that everyone is able to give love and have it returned but our lovely couple can't seem to get over that hiccup. Poor Minerva. My heart feels for her so. I suppose you be as good as you are if it didn't. heh!
I almost thought of getting out my frying pan again but then I remembered our ol' friend Valerianna and what she said to Albus. I still think a good amortensia potion would do the trick for her. *wink* Or maybe something a bit stronger, oh,oh I know better yet, we could use the Actus Adfectus Amor Verissimus! tee hee! NOW! I wonder how she would take that?? Ok, ok..I shall move on *throws arms over her eyes and exits stage left* (or is that right) *shrugs* But I was rather sad to see that Albus didn't have her up to his rooms, yet maybe he just needed a little time to gather himself. (And eradicate his glee at finding Minerva back at the Castle...yippee skippee..I can just see him doing the Happy Headmaster dance)lol.
I did find it heart warming that Malcolm got Hagrid a puppy. I just adore puppies. *sigh* And I am still very happy about Malcolm and Gerties relationship. Hmm...I wonder what she and Johannes had to talk about. Malcolm did take that bit of info pretty well too. I am also glad Minerva looks like she would be okay with a past relationship between Gertie and Albus.
The banter between the two of them at lunch was great...but my mouth dropped open when Minerva didn't go with them (and the Headmaster) down to Hagrid's. I feel she is perhaps being a bit stubborn, of course I can't blame her but I think if it were me I would have gone just to be near him. Even if there were quite a few other people. Maybe he will go to find her. That gives me a little hope.
Now that I have thought about it a bit I think he did come to that decision to see if she would return his love without physical touches...but somehow I know Minerva won't let him get away with that. Alright, I'm done. Hope you are having a great night and I am looking forward to more.
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: More is coming tomorrow!
As for your thoughts on Val, I don't think she has enough love in her shrivelled little heart to be affected by that spell! Haha! That's very mean of me!
Malcolm is a pretty confident wizard, for the most part. To the extent that he worries about "losing" his Trudie, he doesn't worry that he will lose her to someone else, and he isn't particularly fussed by past relationships or non-relationships, in the case of Johannes, he is more concerned that she will simply grow bored of him, or suddenly realise that he is not at all the kind of wizard that she should be with, and so dump him, or that kind of thing.
As for Albus, he's having all kinds of problems now that he's never encountered before, so you'll need to cut him a wee bit of slack. Okay? Remember that. And then be as forgiving of Minerva. And then of them both. Until they finally get their acts together!
[Report This]Date: 12/05/2007 11:21 pm Title: Unexpected Arrivals
Ok, I lied! There's 5 new chapters for me to review! Yes! Another fav! I love that Malcom got Hagrid a new puppy!!! How sweet & sensitive! & he tamed the thestral! He's like the wizard equivalent of the ultimate handy man! OMG...is Albus finally starting to accept his feelings for Minerva!?! I was a little worried when he blew hot then cold...but the scene at lunch...lovely! Hopefully something will happen for the better soon *hint hint*? Alright...my marathon of reviews has ended for the time being! Can't wait for the next chapter! BTW: I hope your vacation was wonderful!
Author's Response: My vacation was very nice, thanks! Things will be coming to a head very soon. Hopefully the next chapter will be up at the end of the week -- Friday maybe? Or Saturday. We'll see! Thanks for the marathon of reviews! I enjoyed them!
[Report This]Date: 12/05/2007 11:18 pm Title: Headmaster’s Holiday
Alright...let's do this...I really liked the background about Albus' & Gertie's relationship from friends to lovers & back to friends again. I think that this helped explain exactly why Gertie's been pushing Minerva & Albus together. She really understands what he needs. Damn Valerianna...no wonder Albus is so sure that no one could ever want him, let alone love him. I hope that someone makes her eat her words & then some...preferably Minerva! Love this chapter!
Author's Response: I'm really glad you loved the chapter and that you liked the background about Albus & Gertie's relationship. I was hoping that chapter would work for folks! And Valerianna is her own worst enemy, really, and things do have a way of coming home to roost!
[Report This]Date: 12/05/2007 11:10 pm Title: Seduction
Alright, I'm back...again...Yea! Gertie found someone! I'm really excited that she got together with Malcom! I think that they'll be good for each other! I also really liked the way (in true Gryffindor fashion) Minerva was so blunt about Malcom not hurting Gertie. Fabulous! Review #4 to come!
Author's Response: I'm glad you like Malcolm and Gertie together. I like that pairing especially, myself. :) Thanks for review #3!
[Report This]Date: 12/05/2007 11:07 pm Title: Holiday from Hogwarts
Alrighty...here's #2...I'm so happy for Murdoch & Poppy! I wonder how the rest of the family will respond! Poppy must really like potion masters! I really love Quin! He is just what Minerva needs right now to help her get through the whole Project Albus! Another great chapter...review #3 coming soon!
Author's Response: Potions Masters are really hot, you know! *grin*
[Report This]Date: 12/05/2007 11:01 pm Title: In Memoriam
Wow...I've been having internet problems, & I come back & there's what...4 chapters waiting!?! Ok...let's catch up! I love the scene with the walk behind Greenhouse 3 & how both Albus & Minerva both thought the same thing! Come on Albus, her heart was beating faster, what do you think that means? Are we getting close, because I think Albus is getting closer! On to the next chapter!
Author's Response: Wow, internet problems -- how annoying for you! And here I was hoping you were taking a holiday someplace exciting and internet-free! (And hoping you weren't sick!) Glad you're back! We're getting closer, but remember, they will be farther apart before they are REALLY closer. Don't let it rattle you! lol Thanks for the review!
[Report This]Date: 12/02/2007 10:25 pm Title: Headmaster’s Holiday
Okay, I am back. *takes soothing breath and is greatfully enjoying nice glass of wine...so be forwarned if I go silly*First of all...I loved the banter between Minerva and Gertie. Was I the only one who knew Minerva was more worried about Gertie's feelings than her brothers? I wonder did Gertie ever catch on to that? Or will she? Hmmm...It is good to see how much Minerva's perspective of Gertie has changed during your story. And how Gertie has not only gotten closer to Minerva but to my own heart as well. I know Gertie and Malcolm have an "understanding" but I can't help hoping they have a future with one another.
Next,...I knew it, I KNEW it!! I knew the Wizard Gertie was referring to had been Albus. And thank you for easing into it and not making it a surprising or startling discovery. That was very witty on your part. Bravo!! It does give us a good bit of background into why Albus and Gertie are so close, other than the fact they were friends and her husband was Albus' friend.
I felt bad for Albus in this scenario, especially when she turned him away without explaining it to him. It reminded me of Minerva's time with Carson...and I know that was a bit different on the perspective and Minerva didn't love him even though she cared for him. But he turned her away practically like Gertie did with Albus. God bless them, *sniff* now that is true love and affection.
Last...okay...perhaps I was a bit hard on Albus...the poor Wizard is having a hard go of it. I think perhaps Valerianna deserves to be chased with my frying pan...the rather large, cast iron one. How dare she say those things to Albus? No wonder the man is having doubts about Minerva longing or wanting his touch or love. *grrr* Somehow I think she realized she would never have his affection or love and decided to cover her own insecurities. I mean, who could ever love a witch like her. However, I sort of get the impression she wouldn't be one to ever look for love. I do have an idea to put her in her place though. One of my favorite authors is Jude Devereaux~~back before some of her stories got a bit...well...we won't go there. Anyway, she wrote a story called "Wishes", it is one of my all time favorites. In the story the main character(Nellie) has a very wicked little sister(Terel) who is always doing underhanded things to her. Well, Nellie's 'guardian angel' we will call her for lack of a better word, wants to give Terel a lesson in humility and causes her to fall in love with a pig farmer with a very large family. Perhaps we should find a nice love potion for Valerianna, hmmm? Nah, that would probably be too nice, somehow I feel even a bat bogey hex would be too nice at this point.
I digress, sorry for the awful tangent there dear. Anyhow, I loved the chapter and hope I haven't run too far amuck. I hope you have a wonderful night and I look forward to the next update.
You are da bomb! Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: Thanks very much! You had me chuckling a lot! I wish I could respond to the review properly, but I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open, let alone type. But I like your ideas for Valerianna.
It would have been difficult for Gertie to explain it any better at that point, since she only had a sense that Albus was falling for Minerva, but had not seen them together in years, and she knew that even if he were, he was unaware of it. (Actually, just a background detail that may or may not come out: to the extent that Albus was aware of his changing and growing feelings for Minerva, he was vaguely uncomfortable with them, and that was part of his inspiration to look around for a suitable witch to woo, so to speak.)
I am really glad that you enjoyed the chapter so much! Loved the review!
[Report This]Date: 12/02/2007 12:11 pm Title: Headmaster’s Holiday
Oh my goodnee! I have so much to say but, unfortunately I don't have much time right now. Hubby is in a terrible mood. *sigh* I will be back later to review, either here or on the board. Thanks for the awesome update.
Cheers!
Stef=o0
Author's Response: That's okay. Glad you thought the update was "awesome"! Go take care of RL! Thanks!
[Report This]Date: 11/30/2007 10:16 pm Title: Seduction
Oh my, that was lovely. I knew Malcolm and Gertie got together. YAY! I may have to go back and read this again. It took me forever to read it because my family kept interrupting. Oh well.
I was a bit sad that Albus wasn't at the castle but I see you are going to visit him on his holiday as well. I can't wait to see what Albus does on a holiday.
And I am wondering who the other wizard was whom Gertie was referring. It could have been Albus. Too much to think about. Oh, I liked the fact that Minerva was so blunt with her brother about not hurting Gertie...but I was surprised she actually let him know she saw the two of them *blush*
Thanks so much for the update. Have a great night!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: Thanks! I'm very glad you liked Malcolm and Gertie together.
Minerva was blunt with her brother, but she can be blunt when she needs to be, and Malcolm was unfazed by the fact that she saw them -- surprised, and it meant the cat was out of the bag, so to speak, and he'd likely have preferred she hadn't seen his private moment with Gertie, but . . . he's Malcolm. And it did give him someone to confide in.
[Report This]Date: 11/29/2007 01:29 pm Title: Holiday from Hogwarts
Well, hello there and welcome back from your vacation. I hope it was restful. It seems to have been and you posted a whole day early. YAY!
I must say I am so happy you put Murdoch and Poppy together. I would imagine Poppy would get lonely in the hospital wing when there were no spell damage or other maladies to heal. But then, do I see a pattern with Poppy and Potions Masters? LOL!
I am glad Quin wrote her back with sympathy but I must confess, if I was Minerva I would be missing Albus terribly too. =o( And it was very interesting that she remembered the day (we all know) Albus first looked at her as a full grown independent Witch, as a witch he desired on an adult level even though he didn't know it was her at the time he had those feelings. Minerva is smart, I have a feeling she will put 2 and 2 together in the near future. Especially if she thinks about when he bristles about her concern over his health. =o)
One phrase that caught my eye: "My croque monsieur is quite tasty, I have recently been informed,” Malcolm said with a grin." Hmmm, I am wondering if this was the illustrious Ms. Gamp who informed him of this. And I didn't miss the way Malcolm got offended at Minerva's low blow remark about Slytherin's. Very interesting.
I liked the poem by the way, it suits the story very well, cheers to Merwyn for helping her and Egeria for cheerful advice on how to play chess. Since I do not know how to play chess, I think I can use that advise too. lol.
I am looking forward to the next installment. O happy day!
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: My vacation was very nice, thanks!
Albus's feelings toward Minerva actually didn't change on that particular day, although he certainly did see her differently, if only for a moment! And his bristling was definitely very similar to what is going on now! *grin*
Malcolm was rather vociferous, after all!
The next installment is mammoth, so I hope it will please you!
[Report This]Date: 11/20/2007 04:28 pm Title: In Memoriam
Oh my...when they were going to Greenhouse 3 I thought...this might be it...one of them is going to finally trip up and snogging! But I kinda knew that wasn't going to happen. And Albus, her heart was beating faster, you fool. So, who or what is Gertrude's source of information? The pictures of Minerva in his quarters, or Albus himself...over the years...not confiding, but unintentionally betraying those feelings...anyway, great chapter! Have a lovely Thanksgiving!
Author's Response: The latter. ;) Happy Thanksgiving!
[Report This]Date: 11/19/2007 07:56 pm Title: In Memoriam
Ahhh, you are building it up aren't you? =o) This was a lovely chapter. From the Apparating, to the discussion of how Albus felt the night before, to the hand holding, to the letter to Quin and last, the talk with Gertie. YAY! Very heartwarming.
I loved the last part from Albus' POV. He is almost there. MMMmmm. Something tells me Minerva's next Holiday is going to be hard on Albus. I can't wait to see what Quin has to say to Minerva's letter.
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: We're getting there! Closer and closer . . .
I'm glad you liked the chapter.
I'll be gone for a while, but I'll have another chapter for you all shortly after I get back, I'm sure.
TTFN!
[Report This]Date: 11/18/2007 11:28 am Title: Unsolicited Advice
Oh dear...would Albus just be impulsive for once & maybe listen? Once again (as much as I hate being repetitive)...GO GERTIE!!! & even the portraits have joined in! The make-up notes were so cute...& how funny is it that the notes crossed! I can't wait for breakfast!
Author's Response: Well, it took both Gertrude & Dilys, but he did listen -- he sent the note to let her know that he appreciate her and her concern. Without that, he would have just gone to bed feeling unhappy about everything.
The fact that their notes crossed certainly made both of them feel better about everything! :)
Dilys has been doing her best, within her limits, to be supportive of both Albus & Minerva. Remember the scene with Minerva way back when the parchments just happened to get caught in that "draft"? And how she waited to tell Minerva about that -- she let Wilspy's little plan play out before she said anything. ;)
I'll be away for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, but I will post one more chapter before I leave, then it will be at least a week before there's another update. (Hope you can last! LOL!)
[Report This]Date: 11/17/2007 10:29 pm Title: Unsolicited Advice
I would like to say I have recovered from the previous chapter. Thank you for sharing Minerva's thoughts on the whole situation....it gave ease to my frustration. =o)
I simply feel like doing the wave for Gertie...but I need a few other AD/MM fans to complete it. =o) *looks around and shrugs--but stands up, raising her hands and sits down anyway* lol. I am thinking Gertie knows more about them and their feelings than they do and I giggled at the banter of the portraits netween each other and Albus.
Poor man...but I am glad he took their advice and hope he will in the future as well. That was also neat having their notes cross...can't wait to see what happens next.
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: Doing the wave by oneself has a drama all its own! LOL! Thanks! Glad you liked the portraits. (And hadn't you been thinking that about Gertie for a very long time now?) BTW, I am leaving for Thanksgiving in a couple days, so I will post one more update, then it will be at least a week before there's another one. Hope your withdrawal is eased by your own holiday celebrations!
[Report This]Date: 11/17/2007 09:55 pm Title: Reverberations
Okay, I missed my opportunity to review on the board so here I am. RL, what can you do?
When Minerva read Hogwarts, a History, I was surprised by that little tidbit. Perhaps they got O on their N.E.W.T.S in Divination? heh! And the giving and taking of the Wards was GREAT! LOL...I agree with Hogwarts Duo, I think our couple should just pass them back and forth during a lemon and see where they end up. tee hee!
I must say I feel like the proverbial child in the back seat: *are we there yet? are we there yet? are we there yet?* (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Here we go again, Albus is pushing Minerva away when he needs her most and she is letting him....*grrr* this bit made me quite sad. =o( *throws frying pan out the window, closes eyes when it breaks said unopen window and makes for Albus' robes to shake him senseFULL!* gAH! lol....alright my fit is over now. I know the closer we get to the moment, the closer we get to the end...and I will be sad to see that come, but...well...sheesh.
Great chapter!
Cheers!
Stef =o)
Author's Response: They say they have it on good authority, or some such wording, which means they have a source for it, they didn't just make it up.
You are right -- the closer we get to the moment of complete breakdown, the closer we get to the moment that they finally do manage to get together, then there will be a few nice lemony chapters, and then (Thank God!) we will have the end! And I can start doing one-shots and three- and four-chapter short stories for a while! Phew!