This is nicely written and explores the subject of love in a mature and refreshing way. Truly a pleasure to read!

Author's Response: Thank you very much! :)

From stefdarlin: Oops, I forgot. What Minerva tells Quin about ALroy is great advice. He seems so obsessed in making sure his kids have everything he didn't, he almost seems to go overboard. I am glad Minerva reminds him of this and tells him not to overdo it. I am also glad he knows she is sincere and he doesn't feel she is trying to tell him how to raise his children. Some parents get so offended when a little constructive observations are made. But I am glad he took it well and that he wants to purchase another set of books for himself. giggle. If only all parents were like that. Even I admit to fearing my 5 year old coming home with homework, yes they give homework in Kindergarten now, with something we won't be able to figure out. lol (Which has happened already, I am ashamed to say *bright red blush*) okay, I am really done this time. Have a good one. Stef =o) Author's Response: Yes, Minerva has noticed Quin's worries about Alroy, and she also remembers what other students were like when she was in school -- as well as having a little experience as a teacher, too -- so she is concerned that Alroy start off on the right foot and that Quin doesn't overcompensate for his perceived deficits. Homework in kindergarten? Isn't it bad enough that they now have all day kindergarten? Where is childhood going? Not having homework in kindergarten and going only in the morning certainly didn't interfere with my education! LOL! As for the homework you didn't figure out, the instructions were probably bad! ;) Thanks!

From longroot:Quin is like Dear Abby on steroids! Woot!! Great chapter!! And I love that Albus has planned a night on the town, and that he remembers her dress + hair thingies (big points!!!!!) Author's Response: Minerva was pleased he remembered her dress and hair thingies, too! lol! Now that Albus is free to court her, he is going to do it the best he knows how! :D Thanks for reviewing!

From longroot: "soon, perhaps, she would know." mwa-ha-ha-ha!!!!! get him, Minerva! Hah!!!! So Gertrude really rules!!! She DID know! The Slytherin! And I love that they ran into the gypsy again! Excellent chapter.....but, again, the suspense is killing me.....all this sweetness + restraint!!! I can't wait for Albus to get over evil Val's insults + show Minerva his passion for her (+ vice versa)!! Author's Response: It will happen -- and sooner rather than later. Although I suppose that depends on your perspective! I'm glad it's still got a bit of suspense to it -- I am afraid that some interest in RaM may have waned now that they have gotten together, more or less, so I'm happy to hear you're still enjoying it, even if the suspense is killing you!

From flaming_phoenix: Ha...they ran into Melina! What a great concert for them to attend as a couple! All extremely good pieces! I'm so jealous! & they ran into the same gypsy again...& Albus got Minerva another red rose! & another side-along! That was soooo cute! What an all around great chapter! Author's Response: I can't take credit for the selection of pieces. That credit goes, I presume, to Swarowsky. I don't know the real reason that Swarowsky chose the Nutcracker Suite in August, but I had Albus voice my opinion on that -- easy for a new conductor to get together with an orchestra. Very happy you enjoyed the chapter! :D

From stefdarlin: What a wonderful date! Where is the sign up list?? Thank you for letting us all in on Albus' surprises for MInerva. I agree with Minerva(don't I always?) about the Nutcracker seeming a little odd in August but it fit nicely and I loved their meal. I was getting full just reading about it. I knew that Gretrude knew about them or had a good feel for their feelings for each other. She was just a little too sly for them. After all, it did take Quin threatening Albus to make him do anything. If he hadn't they might still be in pain and dallying(sp?) around each other. I was glad Gertie told Albus about Val, the evil....*clears throat* and that he discussed this with Minerva. I loved that they ran into the same Gypsy and Minerva thanked him for the nazar, you clever thing you, it seems EVERYONE was in on getting them together in their own way and it is GRAND! =o) This part brought to mind Minerva's shrine to Albus...I wonder, will she tell him about it? Or will he see it? And if he does, what will he say. I am seeing quite a bit more we may address before our lovebirds make their nest. Goodie! I must say the side along apparition was great. I love how she described their getting together to him...*sigh* And then that statement about the wards and his wand, LMAO! I'll bet she was a pretty shade of red. Oh, and then he wanted to experiment...double goodie! Awww...I know, I know, we too, like Minerva, must be patient. She is doing a very admiral job of it too, not wanting to cause him to get upset. But I will admit, while she seems to be the picture of decorum I am fairly bursting inside. Oh well, thank you very much for the update, I enjoyed it tremendously. Cheers! Stef =o) Author's Response: I could never find out why Swarowsky chose the Nutcracker for that concert, but my guess is the same as Albus's. He was new to the orchestra, so it makes sense he might choose something that they all knew well. Glad you enjoyed their meal! It did make me salivate, even though I am a vegetarian. (I do cheat occasionally, though, and eat sushi and other fish -- a few times a year -- but, contrary to some peculiar opinion out there, fish isn't part of a vegetarian diet! haha!) I'm very glad you enjoyed all the little details in the chapter! Thanks very much!

From imi: Ah, splendid chapter, as always!!!^^)) Heh, being the most powerful wizard doesn't prevent your self-esteem from being thoroughly wrecked by a woman, I see! Poor Albus!! But Minerva is doing a good job in following her decision of not pressing him! It is working all right already:))))) Don't remember if I'd said it already but - you are great with characters and reletionship psychology!! Everything you wrote is so natural and nontheless interesting and captivating! I like very much the kiss on the stares and what followed next! Albus is coming around:))))) I hope, Minerva would success in overcoming his worries! (sorry if that phrase just now have sounded strange - I forgot the wright words^~^) Can't wait to know what kind of surprise Albus prepared for Minerva!!))) y the way, thank you for having pity on our curiosity and updating so fast! You are the best! have I told you?:)))) Keep on the good job! We'll be supporting you;) Author's Response: Thanks very much! (And your English is fine -- I always understand what you're saying.) I'm very glad you liked the chapter! :D I appreciate your reviews!

From stefdarlin: You are the Queen of updates and this one was truly splendid. Minerva gets ou tof bed easier than I do, that is for sure. Then, after all Albus had worried about before her went to Minerva's rooms he was still early. I was a little surprised at that, I kept thinking all during his tiread he had better hurry up or he was going to be late, we know how Minerva dislikes that. And while I am sure she probably would have made an exception...it would have been terrible for her because she may have thought the doopleganger had ocme back. Speaking of Albus' tirade, I found part of it irritating(because he was beating himself up not the writing, hee hee) and the other part delightful. Also, for some reason, when he was examining himself in the shower I got this image of him sticking his belly out then sucking it in as far as it would go. LOL! I wonder if all men in love do that? I was glad that he let himself think of Minerva while he washed. It was sad that he still found it mildly disgusting but at least he wasn't sickened, that is a step in the right direction. YAY! Oh, when he went to her room, the chocolates were sweet. I also love that she is working his ego. That is a sure way to get him where she wants him. It was so sweet the way she blushed and then he did, major FLUFF going on there. It put a bit sappy smile on my face. Thanks for that! I am also glad he didn't wear those grey robes lol. I think it did his ego good to hear Minerva compliment his form...if she keeps that up I wonder how long he will last. Probably not long, at least I hope not. LOL, Poor Minerva, when they moved toward the bedroom I can only imagine where her thoughts were going, because I knew where mine were. Although I knew it was too early for that. That was an evil little teaser on your part dearie. And then to follow a cliffie? *sigh* Methinks you are enjoying the torment of your fans too much. (jk) Alas, I am SOOOOOOOOO looking forward to more and what romantic treat you have in store for us, because, although I know it is supposed to be what Albus is doing, I know it is your(italics here) imagination. =o) Have a good one. Cheer! Stef =o) Author's Response: Minerva is more of a morning person than I am, too, although some mornings, just forcing oneself up and into the shower without thinking is the way to go! Albus, on the other hand, isn't much of a morning person normally. The chapter was originally going to end either right at the walk/lunch transition or at the point where Albus leaves Minerva at her door after lunch. But I thought having it end here was better. And it does make for a very satisfying little cliffie, doesn't it? And what's the point to a serialized story if you don't have the occasional cliffie? *grin* Yup, Minerva is trying to build up Albus's self-confidence in that particular area without seeming to put any pressure on him, either. After her talk with Quin, she's much more clear on what sorts of things might be bothering him. Glad the fluff put a sappy smile on your face! Hopefully, the next chapter will do the same! Thanks much for the review!

From flaming_phoenix: Alright...mini-review marathon time...sorry RL & midterm week...anyways...love Malcom's letter! & I can't wait for their little duel...I think that could be quite interesting. Albus & Minerva shouldn't underestimate Malcom I don't think :D! & the romantic interlude...too cute! I'm so glad they talked about Val's vicious comments...I'm still hoping that Minerva will go hit Val over the head with a frying pan or something equally as humiliating in public! Author's Response: Minerva wouldn't want to do anything that would humiliate herself. I think she's a bit more clever and a bit more dignified than that, even when she's angry, so no frying-pan-hitting in public. Haha! I'm glad you enjoyed Malcolm's letter! I am quite certain that Albus doesn't underestimate Malcolm. I think youll enjoy their little duel. Thanks for the review!

From longroot: yay!!! I'm totally psychic. I re-read some of RaM earlier today..checked it later....and, voila! An update!!!!!! I totally love Malcolm's letter!!!!!!! And I am SO glad that they are getting over Val!!! I'm also glad that Minerva told him about her letters...and that was a nice little lemon!!!! Any lemon in the tea being served next chappy? And do we get a chess game? Author's Response: A squeeze of lemon in the next chapter, and a chess game, both! Not together, though. If that makes sense. Glad you liked the little lemon! I'm especially happy that you liked Malcolm's letter. ;D There will be more "getting over Val" in the coming chapters -- though she likely won't be named much. "She-who-must-not-be-named"? Thanks for the review!

From stefdarlin: Hi there, Lady! I hope you are feeling better. I really loved this chapter. It was good that Minerva read his letter and realized that even if it would have made thiings better then, they probably wouldn't be where they are now. So it was, in a way, a good thing she didn't receive it. I also look forward to when she shows all of her letters to Albus. WOW!!! I am wondering if Albus is a mind reader. I was about to fall out of my seat when he took her in her classroom and locked the door. I realize it was too soon, but my mouth fell open when I thought they were going to be adventurous in there. But those kisses and caresses....ohhhhh la la! LOL! You go Albus! The bit where she massages his feet was cute. I love his socks. I admit, I looked back for a clue as to who gave him the socks, but couldn't find one. I thought it may be Gertie, for his birthday, but she said she gave him socks in 6 different colors. The only other thing I could think of would be maybe Aberforth or the gypsies he traveled with. (I even reread The Unsentimental Arithmancer, *sigh*) And he named the snake (the snakes name made me think of Gypsies because of The Hunchback of Notre Dame)...lol, only Albus. Goodie...they are going on a holiday??? Yay! That promises to be totally awesome. I also thought that it showed promise for their future when Albus said something about connecting the floo in her office to his. That truly made me giddy. It is also great they are talking openly with each other now, given how prudent they were in the past. Also, the fact that he gave her suggestion so much thought showed his progress in leaps and bounds.....hoooray! Then, of course, there was the fact he was thinking of contraception....ahhh what a sweet man. Although, I have to admit, I didn't quite understand the fact that he thinks or thought to himself that he could never give Minerva that...but then, he never asked her what she wanted yet and that angle is interesting. I know they will get through it but I wonder how she feels...and what he meant. hhhmmmmm. Drat, he beat her again. Perhaps later they can play strip chess??? LOL! I'll bet Minerva would win that game. Well, I am looking forward to their dinner with her parents. I hope it will put that part of his unease to rest. Thank you for updating, even when I know you were under the weather. You are DA BOMBE dear!!!!! Cheers! Stef =o) Author's Response: I'm still getting over the flu. But I no longer have a fever, which is a definite plus. Well, not much of one. Gertrude didn't go into great detail about the socks, but she got him four pair that were plain and in four colours that would match his robes, but she bought two pair that were more frivolous. She hadn't been with Malcolm long, but he was already having a frivolous effect on her! haha! Hence there being a little snake on the socks. She moves from sock to sock, trying to avoid the dancing ducklings and the other cavorting critters! haha! I wonder who would WANT to win that game of strip chess . . . hmm, that might make things complicated! And whoever won, would REALLY win! heehee! He does wear fewer clothes than she does, though, so the game could be over very quickly! Albus is being able to tune into Minerva's moods more now that he actually understands that she loves him, is in love with him, and all that jazz, so he figured she might have a coronary waiting till they reached his suite. haha! Thanks for reviewing! It makes my day! :)

From stefdarlin: Yay! Very, very glad you are feeling better dear. This was a great...fluffy chapter. I loved how he caught her staring at him, ahh, so sweet when you love someone so much you just stare. I was also glad he was able to share his courtship of Dervilia with Minerva when she asked about it. I was afraid he wouldn't. I think that particularly shows his progress. Yay! The loosening of the lacing was titilating (pun intended, HA HA!) and I loved the flirtatiousness(sp?) of it all. The conversation flowed so well, you can see them getting closer and closer with one another. And then there was Malcolm. That plant did sound very interesting. I think when he saw the two of them together something dawned on him. Glad he wasn't too peculiar about it though. I have a feeling he has an inkling. Wonder how Minerva is going to explain it to him though....and if it will be before the duel or after?? That could be interesting. While Malcolm hasn't shown the whole big brother, I have to protect my baby sister complex, I would be surprised if he didn't feel like that, at least a little bit. Hmmmm....wonder, wonder. Next, when Minerva tells Albus to feel free to come and go was sweet and should help him with his progress. As it will show him that she truly won't tire of him like he thinks. Oh yeah, I loved the whole descending stair thing. I am with Minerva, you have my vote for Albus to take her against the door...before they leave the stair. tee hee. Oh my, I think my mind is in high gear, watch out. Truthfully, I was hoping he would stay and just hold her all night like they did before but...perhaps he feels that would definitely lead to other ventures and he isn't quite ready yet. Hopefully, he will be soon though. I feel Minerva's pain, that has to be so sexually frustrating. Yipes, GO MINERVA!! This was a truly lovely chapter and I thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you very much! =o) Cheers! Stef =o) Author's Response: Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed the fluffiness of it all! And that you appreciated the Nocturnal Dancing Umbratrope! ;P I'd address more of your review, but I'm feeling not so hot at the moment, and very sleepy, so I'm off to bed. Thank you for the review!

From longroot: Oh: and how did Minerva happen to be wearing her prettiest camisole? Lucky, lucky girl. No Bridget Jones giant granny knickers for her!!!!!!! Author's Response: Well, it is the 50s, so no thongs, either -- haha! She likes to wear her pretty camisoles -- she probably doesn't own an ugly one, though some might be more practical than others! hee!