Yes, he was feeling rather maudlin about things when he put it in her journal, what with the wars and all.It's one of the seminal works of 20th-century poetry thought, so he was just trying to expand her education. :-)

Glad you enjoyed it.

Does it?

Yes, you tease! *chuckles* Terrible, terrible tease you!

*snip*He had beaten her within half an hour, so they played again, and this time, she lasted forty-five minutes before surrendering her Queen to him.I can't help but think this is a foreshadowing of events to come. *grins* Well worded!

Oh boy! What a chapter! So much going on, and the intensity didn't let up accept for the brief conversation between Julian, Albus, Filius and Minerva - but only for a moment - so let me begin properly.The duel was riveting. You have the ability to keep me glued to my screen, to cause me to chew my fingernails and worry over every next line I'm about to read. The duel was spectacular, just enough detail to make it real and so very close in talent - very gripping those two.Then the four way conversation - and Flitwick's obvious perception as to the relationship, past or preset, between the Headmaster and Transfiguration instructor - and I am impressed with Albus here, begining to open up, to peel back layers, and to allow Minerva to see inside - just a peek.*snip*When the door had shut behind the Charms master, Albus had a moment of irrational panic, thinking Minerva was about to go, too."More tea, my dear?" he asked quickly.He's stepping forward, conciously or not, in his desire for her company.The scene where Albus melts Minerva's arm - that was quite telling and impressive, but he's always impressive, but in front of the whole student body - *chuckles* - he's slipping - despite what he tells himself, he's so drawn to Minerva its, well, I can't help but think its obvious to more than just myself.I love that Minerva countered him - telling him she hated the way she felt in regard to what she could or couldn't tell him - I'm glad she was open and honest about that.I'm also glad that Albus, conciously or not, is coming to grips that he's still, after all these years, in love with her - but I don't think he realizes that its actual love... but I can see that he's begining to understand its far more than what he had originally thought - or at least, its stronger than he can control.I'm also glad that he's stepping outside of his comfort zone and trying to extend visits with Minerva - finding activities they can enjoy - Chess, or just tea, and he's pushing himself, comfortable or not, to just BE with her.I'm also glad that he's allowing himself to see that Minerva may truly feel the same way - glad he's not intentionally blinding himself. And if he had any doubt to how she felt about him... this gives it away entirely - let me find the quote.

*snip*"When I accepted the post—when I applied—I thought I was over . . . what happened between us. That I could become comfortable seeing you, working with you, as friends. But I've come to recognise that it isn't that simple," she said.That right there tells a great deal about what is in her heart, and I would think he could see that - its clear as day to me.And, much as I don't care to admit it, I'm glad he's having trouble sleeping, I'm glad he's somewhat tormented by his feelings - serves him right for breaking her heart - but I'm also glad of this because it means there is a chance for him to embrace the love he has for her - because I do feel if he'd just open himself up to that possibility, she'd embrace him fully and they could find some real happiness.

OH! I almost forgot.I'm thrilled at the idea that he may begin to write new entries in the private journal he created for her. I'd have thought he'd have figured she would have gotten rid of it, but the idea that he'd begin writing to her in the journal again, before they actually embrace their feelings, is utterly romantic - the whole poetic journal notion was such a beautiful gesture - I loved it then, and I'm thrilled it might again be utilized and enjoyed!

Glad you enjoyed.It's funny how the chapter just started to come once I got a bead on it (and thank you for your suggestions on that score!)Yes, he's beginning to admit to himself what is obvious to us (and, possibly, to Filius). Things should move along apace now, I think.

 Looking forward to it - so very much! And, I think things have been moving forward quite well, was just hoping that Albus wouldn't wait too many decades to face what was there all along, and glad to hear he isn't closing himself off.

Yes, it should give some opportunity for sparks now that she's at Hogwarts.The interview was kind of awkward, I'd say!

Yes, they are both being rather dunderheaded, aren't they?Thanks for reading!

Thanks for thinking of us!

*snip*A voice from behind Minerva said, "An ambitious young lady, Miss Baddock. She reminds me a bit of you."Minerva turned to see Albus smiling at her with the look of a satisfied teacher."You're thinking of the time I Transfigured the entire 'Medieval Potions' section of the library into blank sheets of parchment, aren't you?" she asked."Have you added Legilimency to your roster of accomplishments?" he asked, and she thought momentarily of their long-ago conversation on the topic. She wondered if he remembered it, too.She said, "No. But it is hard to forget how long it took me to change all those books back.""It was a long four hours," Albus agreed. "But instructive for you, I think. By the end of it, you had both mastered the spell and learned something about controlling your magic.""Indeed. Although at the time I was furious with you for making me do it all when you could have accomplished it in a few minutes.""Not as furious as Madam Phalereus. She gave me the gimlet eye for weeks afterwards," he said.I especially loved that exchange!

Glad you enjoyed it. I rather liked the exchange between Minerva and the student, myself.I see Aberforth as the truth-teller in this story. He's just not very nice about it because his intentions are not entirely benign. He has a huge chip on his shoulder, doesn't he?

Oye - the size of the World Trade Center - yeah.

*snip*"Yes. Nobody else I've seen is nearly as qualified," Albus said, which wasn't entirely accurate. He hadn't actually interviewed anyone else. In truth, he hadn't quite intended to offer her the post then and there, but the offer seemed to have slipped out nevertheless. But she was eminently qualified, and he had little doubt that she would fit in well with the current staff, himself included.Oh I bet he can see her fitting in quite cozy with himself. *smirks* I missed that wee detail the first time through. *grins*

Perhaps he thins out as he gets older, but I always see a younger Albus as fit enough, but a large man. He's also been stuck doing a lot of desk work since returning from the war.Yes, Minerva should fit in quite well with Albus, I think.

*snip*When they reached the front gate, Minerva held out her hand, expecting him to shake it, but he took it and brushed his lips across it. "I look forward to hearing from you on Monday, Madam McGonagall."When she was back on her doorstep in Oxford, Minerva was surprised she hadn't Splinched herself.I love that!I also love how, despite his poise and control, Albus offered her the job, then and there and I do wish he'd get over his hesitation and just TALK to her, but I suppose we've got time for him to grow another set, now that he's had 12 years to brood.

She's got stones, no question.I think Albus doesn't quite know what he's about when it comes to Minerva. He wants to do what he believes is "right," as always, but sometimes "right" isn't so easy to determine.Now that they're back in the same place, I think they'll have to talk.

Most definatly - I can't see ... NOT talking, at least, not with Minerva - I could see Albus avoiding the elephant in the room for the next century, but not Minerva.

Ok - so in this chapter - you cover so much in such short words - its fairly intense, as is all your work.So sorry for Thorfinn and Amelia - so very sorry... and really liking Amelia here, her "take life by the horns" attitude... she's got nothing to lose and she knows it - her mother just passing - taking the example from her mother and step-father - and poor, poor sweet Thorfinn...Really glad Amelia confronted Minerva about Albus and got her to admit some things... even if Minerva chose not to think about it - sorry Minerva is finding her 'love-life' unsatisfactory - but that is to be expected if she longs for someone she doesn't have - because and only because he's being a complete git!Found it interesting that Alastor and Minerva hook up, even if its part of Minerva's unkind motives - some Slytherin in her there and its showing - and glad Albus shows us how it affects him... and his reflection in the pensieve really hurt me, I hate to see him viewing himself like that - but I do understand it and its very Dumbledore, very much.I just was so pained about the elevator scene... *shakes head* He could have changed everything, right there...

Minerva and Amelia are both tough cookies, aren't they?We'll just have to see what Albus is up to.

Yes, the poor Frenchwoman narrowly averted disaster by virtue of Minerva's incapacity.Love the emoticon!

Where ever do you find these things?

LOL in the response box - seee *points to the smiley down there*ENJOY! *prays she updates sooon*

I had forgotten how spell binding this chapter was - the way you describe the pain Minerva is in is SO consuming - and so, very, very vivid in my mind - and then the way she's rescued and taken to hospital was astoundingly realistic - similar to what I'd expect from a car crash where the victim wakes confused - I'd never lost conciousness in any of my crashes or disasters - lucky me I stay awake - but the way you've described this reminds me of coming out of anastesia after surgery - and the whole after-battle scene is just amazing... and you say you can't do action - well you do reaction amazingly well!

Amelia Bones is the great-aunt (in my universe) of Susan Bones, the Hufflepuff we meet in SS.Great minds think alike, I suppose...Cheers!

Perhaps... perhaps... looking forward to getting to know Thorfinn better and everything else you've got weaved into your yarn - *anxiously waits for another update* Love it, as I'd expect - awesome stuff Lady Squibby!

I kind of left the Smythe thing open. I had a plan for him originally, but it ended up opening up a thread that was going to be too long and ultimately tangential to the story, so I had to bid adieu to Mr Smythe.Yes, I imagine the whole Grindelwald confrontation would be pretty tough for him, given the history between the two of them, both canon and extra-canon.

You may be right--I speak no German. (A German friend translated for me.)Thanks for reading and commenting!

Merci!It's been more than a decade since I've spoken any French, so I won't vouch for its accuracy.Glad you're enjoying the story.

Coming very soon. I have ten more chapters written already!Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Thanks. I hope you keep reading and enjoying; there's quite a bit more to come!

Glad to hear it. I know Albus and Minerva enjoyed it almost as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Glad you enjoyed it!Cheers,Squibstress

Thanks. I've tried to keep them IC, at least within the boundaries I have in my own imagination.Thanks for the comments!

Yes, rather uncomfortable, I should think!

Oh, I think you can pretty much count on it ;-)