*snip*She popped back into her human form and, ignoring the applause, said, "We've got mice again," at which her delighted father threw back his head and roared with laughter.OMG I LOVE THAT!

*snip*She heard the lock turn, and Amelia bustled through the door, red-cheeked and annoyed. "It's madness out there! Couldn't find a safe place to Apparate from, so I took shank's mare. All the way from the Ministry! If you're pouring, I'll have one of those," she said, nodding at Minerva's drink.OMG, I've NEVER seen that phrase used in literature ANYWHERE - I learned Shanksmare or Shank's mare - from my dad.... I was actually starting to wonder if it was real - and it IS!

Woah.... that was painful to read.... it was good, don't misunderstand... too good, and I could feel just how miserable and eaten alive with jealousy that Minerva was... painful.*smacks Albus*

Oh.... wow.... *sobs* after wiping my face of tears... and blowing my nose.... its just one intense party after another with you, Squibby! Sheesh, this is wrenching!Brilliant, as usual... I even liked Amelia... SEE! I'm not TOO rigid!

This is such a wonderful story! It's so well-written and the characters are really unique...I love how you put in ancestors of more recent HP people. Also, love the German! :-)

HOLY......... *many large words of miraculous grandeure* what a brilliant chapter! *sits with mouth on floor* Errrrr..... let me collect myself off the floor so I can begin...*snip*Ropes of fire, whirlwinds of malevolent gas, hissing snakes made of acid—it was all the remaining fighters could do to protect themselves from the onslaught of spells coming from both men's wands. It seemed to go on and on, with neither wizard gaining the advantage. When the ground began to shake under their feet, they assumed it was a spell, or a series of them.After a seeming eternity of casting, dodging and helpless Protego-ing, Shacklebolt and Ježek heard the ceiling above them begin to collapse, bringing burning beams and other material down into their midst, and they realised that something else was at work here. Grindelwald apparently realised it too, as he was struck by one of the beams and had to take a moment to extinguish the fire that had caught on his sleeve, crying, "Was ist das Teufelei?"The momentary distraction was enough. Albus gathered his strength and magic and cast a Petrification hex that exploded through Gellert's powerful shields, which came apart in shimmering bands of multicoloured light and floated to the ground among the cinders. Gellert's wand flew from his hand to Albus' as the Swiss wizard's face fixed itself in the grimace of outrage and disbelief that all despots surely wear when they finally fall.*gapes in awe* That is.... well words fail me...And...*snip*As he felt the searing heat of the flames closing in, Albus grasped Gellert's wand and cast a shield charm. It would protect him from the flames, but he knew his air would eventually run out, and with the fire consuming the atmospheric oxygen, he would be unable to draw any from the air around him into the bubble created by the shield. When his oxygen ran out, he would lose consciousness, then the charm would fail, and he would be consumed by the flames.So he waited to die.He turned his head and saw Aegeus Shacklebolt lying dead a few feet away. Albus was glad he would not be the one to deliver the news to the Auror's young wife—new to England, Albus knew, and now with no family save for her infant son.Tears.... yes, short chapter but intense emotion... and I've got tears... sheesh woman, you pack a lot of punch with a few words! *snip*For a time, the pain in his leg kept him alert, but eventually he began to drift—whether from pain or blood loss or lack of oxygen, he didn't know. As he drifted along at the very edge of consciousness, he thought of the people he loved: his mother and father, Ariana, Aberforth—even Aberforth—and Minerva. Their faces danced and blended in his mind's eye as he faded out of being.*wipes eyes* lots more tears here... and scarcely believable... short as the chapter was, I don't think I could have survived a long one as intense as this was...*snip*Men and women were using shovels to stack burned corpses in grisly piles near the side of what once must have been Schandauer Strasse, and the porcine odour of scorched flesh hung thickly in the sooty air.Albus squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself not to believe what he had seen.What in the name of heaven and hell had happened here?Later, in the makeshift hospital outside the ruined city, he would scarcely believe what he heard. A series of British and American bombing raids had dropped more than 3,500 tonnes of incendiary bombs on the city over two days.Madre de Dios....*snip*As the days wore on, he became a minor celebrity among the hospital's inhabitants thanks to his mysterious and miraculous survival and the surprising speed with which his mangled leg seemed to heal. When he had first arrived, the kind but harried physician who had examined him had told him gravely that it was likely the leg would be lost, but when two days later the bones appeared to be falling back into place of their own accord, the doctor was baffled, but ultimately too busy to worry about it. In the end, Doktor Friedmann was forced to chalk it up as a mystery never to be solved, although in later years he would often think back on his strange English patient and wish he had been able to investigate the matter fully. It would have made an interesting case report at the very least.Despite the oddities of his survival and recovery, in a city with tens of thousands dead and injured, and innumerable missing, it was easy for Albus to lie low. The people who cared for him accepted him as "Llewellyn Morgan", Welsh-English businessman, discovered among the ruins of the Zeiss Optical factory and without family or friends back home to worry about his whereabouts. Most were kind and caring, despite his nationality and the horrors his countrymen had visited upon them. For his part, Albus was courteous and grateful, and he amused the staff and other patients with his earnest attempts not to manhandle their language.As if it couldn't get more intense... or I couldn't appreciate just how utterly saint-like this man already was... you made him more so... I am... truly... stunned, I mean your work has always been remarkable, but this.... this... well... you've outdone yourself... and me!  I'm exhausted already and want so desperately to have him safe and warm with Minerva.*snip*With that, Albus hobbled his way through what remained of Dresden's streets and disappeared into the shell of a burnt-out house to begin the journey home.And this is utterly surreal.... the greatest hero the wizarding world will ever know, lost in obscurity... *sniff*Thank you Squibstress...

Yeah, this is what I've been worried about... *sighs*Though, she will be graduating soon? I hope that can offer some hope? *begs* please, please, please

That was.... intense and.... unexpected.... sheesh. Love the lion in full roar! No wonder Dumbledore was the only wizard Voldemort ever feared. Holy cow!

I've said it once, twice or more, likely, but I just can't say it enough - I love the way you make magic a logical element of the world. I love the way you explain things in a scientific manner.The chapter moves things forward - not terribly exciting, but very informative. I enjoyed Albus' thoughts on Riddle's departure - and glad he can have a bit of a reprieve - as well as how you display Albus' constant worry for Minerva, and everyone else, and how he ultimately feels its all on his shoulders.The character I truly feel for, however, in this chapter, is Alastor.

"Oh, very important for a duellist," agreed Filius. "And of course, in life. And what of that intense-looking, dark-haired girl who won the last year I was here? What was her name again?"*snip*That's awesome.

Re-reading this... so delicious... mmmmmm. I do love how Albus has made a decision, and stuck to it - I expected him to be a bit wishy washy in the morality of it - I like that he has given her the security that he's in this fully and has no intentions of backing out - and that they discussed the possibilities of what may happen - and both agreed, what they wanted from eachother was worth the risk.

Reading through this again, while listening to some old Irish lullabies, its so beautiful - both love each other so much that they second guess themselves so much because they each are so worried about hurting the other - its so beautiful. *sobs* I'm a softy, but you knew that.

OMG how embarassing for all 3 of them - although Aberforth just seemed disgusted.  This should be a wake-up call for Albus and Minerva to maybe cool things down until she graduates, but I doubt they will see it that way.  And of course your wonderful story wouldn't be nearly as interesting without a monkey wrench or two thrown in.   

Ahhhh... such tension! *grinds teeth* This one is going to be hard to wait for!I love how you wrote Alastor - and that you included him in your amazing yarn.I also love how Moody isn't fooled by Tom. *nods* I wouldn't expect him to be, and I like how you write the duelling system. Very well done.

Wow great scene between Aberforth and Minerva. I agree with Minerva about Aberforth's life. It seems solely focused on making Albus pay over and over. How sad. I am looking forward to the wedding. Thanks.

I thought this was a simply good beginning to your story, Squibstress! You write wonderfully, and I like that you made a story for Minerva McGonagall. Good job, and keep it up!
Keep writing and have a nice day!
~Madeleine Katniss Campbell (you can just call me Maddie or Katniss)

I enjoyed to read about how the rest of the family reacted of the fact that Minerva and Albus are getting married and Morna simply never seem to cease to amaze me! It was also lots of fun to meet Amelia again, I've missed her and her brutal comments. I wonder how the first meeting between Amelia and Albus would look like..

Hokay~! Let me try to find all my notes on this chappie - because I want to credit you properly - not just from the sidelines. Here is my overall review - then we'll get into the specifics.Ok - the chapter is done and its bleeping awesome! That lemon is very different, the mood has really changed in the relationship - Minerva is so much bolder and more confident with Albus now - you can see the power stabilizing - equalizing between them - not because Albus was holding all the power before, but because of Minerva's insecurity/inexperience - what ever you want to call it - this chapter shows a much more confident Minerva - and the lemon was VERY nice - and I enjoyed how you tied this chapter into Familiar Rituals as well as tieing it in with their first affair - you really did a lot of weaving with the plot with just a few scenes - that's the kind of stuff that always impresses me - the more an author can weave plots together and back and forth, the more I love the work.OK - specifics...I love the Snarky and Evasive Albus (when he won't explain where they're heading as well as his alteration of her clothing - tee hee) - and you say he's not really romantic... tisk tisk. *smirks* And I love that Minerva gives it right back to him by showing up - in the begining, with an altered Granny dress.... *smirks*

Monsieur Malkin - nice touch - and I love how you always utilize your French. (cheeky woman, you)  *snip*

Albus had changed his ordinary robes into a Muggle tuxedo jacket with a notched collar and striped trousers complete with pleated shirt, black tie, and cummerbund. His greying hair was short and slicked back, and his beard and moustache had been Transfigured into a Van Dyke style.

She was not accustomed to seeing him in such form-fitting attire, and she felt a wave of desire sweep through her as she regarded him. It was easy to forget how well-made he was...*snip*Just drools.... ohhh... Sexy Albus!

*snip*

"Then I'd better go back up and see to some different underthings. I don't think what I have on under this works any longer."

*snip*LOLOLOLzzzzz  Nobody writes their banter - (aside from MMADfan) - better than you - and I dare anyone try to prove me wrong!Loved the twinkling Albus in the alley after they interupt a pair of lovers - even in the dark Albus twinkles..... SQUEEEEELoved Minerva's reaction to riding in the cab - HAW! I can relate - after riding the double deckers in London - SCARY!Oh I must gush on the research you did on the opera that was (in the real world - during 1957) - that was actually playing THAT night and that you tied it into, not only Epith - but some of your other stories involving my favorite HP pair - another hint of your utter brilliance. (stop blushing and don't shush me!)*snip* "You were so passionate . . . I thought you were going to take me right there," she told him. "The thought excited me."

"Did it?" he murmured into her neck.

"Yes," she said. "Do it now, Albus."

He lifted his head in surprise and asked, "Here?"

"Yes."

"My dear, I—"

*snip*(coughs) Oh bloody hell.... YUM! *snip*

"Then do it. Nobody will see us. And if they do, we can just . . . disappear."

*snip*Ahhhh - the privilages of magic! And the whole rest of the alley scene - AND Minerva's boldness in demanding more after they return home... *squirms* *snip* ...filthy things she'd never heard from his mouth but that sent her into whirlwind of renewed excitement. She wasn't sure what she herself was saying—probably nonsense...*snip*Ahem.... I don't think I've ever regretted not having a man in the house more than I did when I read that... *coughs*... you're killing me, woman!*snip* A few moments later, she felt his lips tracing a line of kisses down the length of her spine, making her shiver. Then his hands went to her waist and he helped her stand.

"Was that what you had in mind, Minerva?" he asked softly as he turned her back around to face him.*snip**melts into a puddle* And you were cheeky enough to warn me when I went to beta this - as if I'd want to miss something this delicious? *groans* You are sadistic sometimes, Madam Squibby...*snip* Minerva moved up next to Albus and was amazed to see a tiny, wizened elf step reluctantly out from under the small table on which Minerva usually kept papers and other things she meant to take with her when she left each morning.*snip*This is where my eyeballs literally popped out of my head... you just can't be satisfied with turning us into mush, you must knock us readers off our feet as well... *snorts**snip*

Minerva looked at Albus, who appeared as if he was trying not to laugh, which annoyed her. How could he find this funny? They had just . . . just . . . in front of Glynnie!

She said pointedly, "Albus, do you think you could find our clothes, please? Just Summon them."*snip*Only Albus Dumbledore would find this situation amuzing... see, this chapter should really be titled - Snarky AlbusI think I've hogged up enough review space here - though I hope it makes up for all the Slant chappies I didn't review on TPP - still, probably would have just been easier to simply state - Sheer Utter Brilliance once again, Madam Squibby, Saint to all Dumbledore groupies (such as myself)Bloody awesome chapter, my dear!

Good thing she didn't tell him, Albus can be so fussy sometimes.

Intresting to get to know more about Riddle, I wonder what he will be up to next.

I will wait for next chapter!

I find it interesting that, without fail, after sex, Minerva or Albus ALWAYS talk shop! *laughs and laughs*

After browsing some stories on ff.net, I just had to revisit this chapter in Epith and comment - as you already know, at the brilliant job you do here - so much in here that is so awesome, its hard to remember every detail.So I'll summarize - I adore the way you've written Alastor, and as you know, I love your Amelia - she is my absolute favorite OC of yours (and most everyone else's for that matter) and I love how you've shown the respect and bond shared between the two Aurors - even if they were never really close - just shows what kind of people they are.Second - your Alastor is wonderful - he's perfectly sarcastic and optimistic without being overly positive - almost nothing gets him down - well - he won't show it at any rate - and I love his introspection into Minerva's relationship with Albus, and the way you've described their relationship and how he accidentally fell in love with her.Albus annoys me a bit here, when he visits Alastor - no concern for him or warm wishes or anything - he seems more like he's chastising a child - which is disheartening - but as you've said repeatedly - Albus doesn't know how to care and he has to learn that from Minerva - and charismatic as he may be, he may have difficulty showing appreciation for the few friends he has - and perhaps Alastor isn't his friend at all - even though they are close in canon and Albus trusts him to a fault - as we later find out... but great introspection into Albus - he's right cold here.And I love that Minerva and Albus stole away some quiet moments together - found it yummy that Minerva besieged him as soon as the door closed - *grins*