A Slant-Told Tale Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen

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Chapter Fifteen

Chapter 15 of 48

Before she was Professor McGonagall, she was Minerva Macnair. After an arranged marriage forces her into an impossible situation, Minerva does what she must to survive. When she makes a new life for herself, her secrets follow and threaten everything, including the only love she has ever found. The tale of a woman, her secrets, and how she keeps them.

Winner - 3rd Place, Best Drama-Angst WIP - Fall/Winter 2012 HP Fanfic Fanpoll Awards

Mystery/Suspense Drama Angst Romance Psychological Friendship Hogwarts Castle 171,469 Words 48 Chapters Complete

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28 August 1960

"Professor Dumbledore, please meet my son, Malcolm."

Minerva felt her hands itching to clutch at the folds of her robes and stilled them by force of will.

She half expected Albus to cry out in shock, but he simply said, "Malcolm, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"It's an honour to meet you, sir," Malcolm replied. "Thank you for allowing me to come to Hogwarts."

"I was happy to do it. I used to chide your mother for keeping you hidden from us all this time. Some of us had begun to suspect you had two heads," said Albus, smiling at Malcolm beneficently as Minerva felt the trickle of perspiration that had beaded between her breasts.

Malcolm's shy smile widened into a grin. "No, sir. Just the one, I'm afraid."

"And a good one it is, too, if what I hear from Headmistress Charpentier is accurate." Albus looked over at Minerva with a wink.

"Oh, Albus," she interjected to cover the way her heart was pounding. "Don't flatter him, or his one head will grow as big as one of Hagrid's pumpkins."

"I hope you're settling in well, Malcolm," Albus said, ignoring his new Deputy's jibe.

"Quite well, sir, thank you," Malcolm replied. "Hogwarts is truly spectacular."

"Indeed, it is lovely. Although I expect you'll find the climate somewhat different from that of Provence. I'm afraid sunshine can be in rather short supply during the winter," said Albus.

"I'll look forward to the change, then, sir."

"Good lad," said Albus. "Now, we do need to get one piece of business out of the way before I let you go off to explore the wonders of Honeydukes Sweet Shop."

He crossed his office to a high bookshelf and removed the Sorting Hat from its perch. "We need to get you properly sorted into a House."

Malcolm looked nervous. "Mum's told me about that," he said. "The hat looks into you and decides which House you're best suited to, is that right?"

"Yes and no," Albus replied. "The Sorting Hat will also take into account your personal preference."

Malcolm hesitated. "So . . . if I tell it I'd rather not be in Slytherin, it won't put me there?"

"I daresay it will not put you where you don't want to be, but you should be assured that there is nothing at all wrong with Slytherin House. Many fine witches and wizards...like Professor Slughorn...have come through Slytherin. I believe it was your father's House as well."

"Yes, sir. And I meant no disrespect. It's just that . . . well, I've done a bit of reading . . . and it doesn't seem it would be a good fit for me," said Malcolm.

"I see. Well, you may be correct, although I advise you not to believe everything you read about Slytherin. Books and articles tend only to report the bad and none of the good of that noble House. In any event, it is just as likely you will be sorted into your mother's House. The sorting tends to fall along family lines, although there are, of course, many exceptions. Shall we find out?" Albus asked holding the hat aloft.

"Yes, sir," replied Malcolm.

Minerva closed her eyes along with Malcolm as Albus lowered the hat onto his head. In the brief silence that followed, she opened them and saw the hat scrunch up its already-wrinkled face before crying, "Gryffindor!"

Malcolm opened his eyes, obviously relieved, and grinned at his mother, who smiled back.

"Congratulations, my boy!" said Albus, removing the hat and placing it back on its shelf. "Are you pleased?"

"Oh, yes, sir," Malcolm replied.

Albus added, "I must warn you, you have a very strict Head of House." He glanced at Minerva.

"Yes, I've heard as much," said Malcolm.

"I should let you two get on with your afternoon, then," Albus said. "Minerva, would you mind coming by later? I have one or two questions about the timetables."

"Certainly, Albus," she replied. I'll come by here when we're back from Hogsmeade, if that's all right?"

"Fine, fine. Enjoy your day," he replied, extending his hand to Malcolm. "Again, Welcome to Hogwarts, Mr Macnair."

Malcolm took the offered hand and shook it, saying, "Thank you, sir."

Minerva's belly clenched as their hands made contact, and she had to remind herself to breathe.

/***/

As Malcolm browsed the stacks at Tomes and Scrolls, Minerva took surreptitious inventory of her son. Malcolm was tall...easily two or more inches taller than the fifth-year boys in her classes...and thin without being bony. The hair on his head was medium-brown and wavy, while his incipient beard had a reddish tint. His eyes were the blue of sea-polished glass, and he moved with a lanky grace that Minerva recognised. His high cheekbones and thin lips were hers, but that was all. There was nothing of Gerald in him.

Did he notice?

Albus had certainly not reacted as if he suspected anything about Malcolm's paternity. The fifteen-year-old's height alone should have been enough to suggest to a careful observer that Gerald Macnair was not involved in his siring. Though it was likely, Minerva thought, that Albus didn't recall what Gerald had looked like...medium height, golden blonde, with grey-blue eyes and a square jaw...but she wondered if Albus could see how much Malcolm was growing into a man that resembled himself.

Of course he doesn't. He isn't looking for it. As long as I don't give anything away, he won't be looking for it, either, she told herself firmly.

Do I want him to look? The thought flashed through her mind like the light of a sudden spell, and she deflected it as sharply as if it were a curse.

"Mum?" Malcolm said, loping over to where Minerva was pretending to peruse the shop's selection of self-correcting quills. "Do you think I could get this? I could use something new to read."

She read the title of the book he was holding out.

"You really want A History of Muggle-Wizard Relations in England, Scotland, and Wales?"

"Yes. Why not?" he answered a little defensively. "I like to read history, and I got a bit tired of French authors on the topic."

"Then you may have it," she replied with a smile. "And I think I can get it inscribed for you, if you like."

"Inscribed?"

"Yes. I know the author."

"How do you know Bathilda Bagshot?" Malcolm asked.

"I did my Transfiguration apprenticeship with her partner."

"Madam Marchbanks."

"Yes" she said. "And I have tea with them every so often. As a matter of fact, next time I go, why don't you come along and have the book inscribed yourself. I'm sure Bathilda and Griselda would love to see you. They haven't seen you since you were not quite two years old."

"I've met Bathilda Bagshot and Griselda Marchbanks?" he asked, star-struck as if he were an ordinary boy talking about a favourite Quidditch player.

"Oh, yes. You came to see me receive my mastery. You mean you don't remember?" she asked with mock outrage.

"Sorry, Mum," he said. "I'm afraid I don't recall the occasion. So when can I meet Bagshot and Marchbanks?"

"That's 'Madam Bagshot' and 'Madam Marchbanks', Malcolm," she corrected.

"Yes, sorry. So when can I meet them?"

"Well, I'm usually invited to celebrate Bathilda's birthday with them, so I imagine it will be sometime in late September."

"That's brilliant, Mum!"

"I'm glad you think so. Now, is there anything else you can think of that you need before term starts? Or did we manage to get it all in Diagon Alley?"

"No, I think that's all."

As they walked the path back to the school, Malcolm said, "Professor Dumbledore seems very nice."

"Indeed, he is."

"He isn't quite what I expected."

"Oh? What did you expect?"

"I suppose I just expected him to be more . . . serious. You know . . . great hero and scholar and all."

"He is those things, certainly," Minerva replied. "But they don't preclude the possession of a sense of humour."

"I guess I'm just used to scholars being very serious and stern," he said, giving her an impish grin.

"If it's me you mean, I'll have you know that I have a sense of humour, just like everyone else. However, my standards are very high; I don't laugh at just any bit of a joke. Anyway, I'm hardly a scholar."

"See, now I can't tell if you're joking or not," Malcolm replied. "And you are a scholar. Didn't you publish an article on the molecular properties of Transfigured metals just a few months ago?"

Minerva stopped. "How did you know that?"

Malcolm shrugged. "I read it."

"You read my article?"

"Of course. It was good, too. What I understood of it, anyway. You should do more research."

"I'm trying," she said faintly.

An hour later, Minerva was sitting in front of Albus' desk as they revised the autumn timetables to ensure the new Herbology professor had at least an hour before the winter sunset to ensure the rare tropical plants she had brought with her were tucked in for the long Scottish night.

"Thank you, my dear. Pomona will be most grateful," he said as she closed her notebook. "I was just about to order some tea, would you join me?"

"It would be my pleasure, Albus, thank you," Minerva said. "Oh, I almost forgot! Here . . ." She withdrew a small tin from her pocket and handed it to him. "Mr Honeyduke asked me to give these to you. He'd like you to try them out; he's considering bringing them out for Halloween."

Albus took the tin with a smile and opened it. Minerva smirked when he jumped as the enchanted liquorice spiders scuttled out and up his arm, then she smiled indulgently as Albus plucked several up and popped them in his mouth.

"Very tasty," he remarked as he chewed. "Unorthodox texture, of course, but it adds to its charm, in my opinion. I'll owl Honorius in the morning." He scooped the rest of the sweets, whose crawling had lumbered to a stop, back into the tin.

"So, how did Malcolm enjoy Hogsmeade?" Albus enquired.

"He was enchanted, as you would expect," she answered. "He's holed up in my quarters with a new book. He's already been through most of the textbooks we got last week."

"Like mother, like son."

"Evidently. Do you know, he actually read my paper on Transfigured metals? How he got hold of that obscure journal, I will never know," she said.

"I sent it to him."

She was dumbstruck for a moment. "When?"

"Two or three months ago," Albus told her. "He wrote me, and when I responded, I enclosed a copy of your article. I thought it might interest him to know that his mother is making a name for herself in Transfiguration research."

Minerva's mouth felt like sandpaper suddenly. "Why . . . why did he write you?"

Albus peered at her with a queer look on his face. "The good manners you instilled in him, I expect. He wrote to thank me for finding a place for him at Hogwarts."

"Oh."

"Is there something wrong, Minerva?" Albus asked.

"No, no. I was just surprised, is all. I didn't realise you two had corresponded."

"Well, two letters barely counts as a correspondence, but yes. I'm pleased he actually read the article. He seems to have his mother's aptitude for Transfiguration."

"Yes, I think he does."

"Do you think he'll be happy here? It must be quite a change from everything he's accustomed to," Albus said.

"I hope he will be, but I suppose it remains to be seen. He's certainly chuffed at being here right now. I do thank you for allowing him to come."

"It is my pleasure, Minerva. Are you pleased he's here?"

"Yes. I have missed him."

Albus said, "There's something about him . . . I can't quite put my finger on it . . . but there's something familiar about him. As if I've met him before. Ah, well . . . I suppose he simply reminds me of you as a girl."

"Yes, that must be it."

After a moment, Albus asked, "Minerva, are you all right?"

She felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she said, "Yes, fine. Why?"

"You just haven't seemed yourself the past few days. You seem . . . preoccupied."

"Do I? It must be the excitement of having Malcolm here. I'm sure I'll settle in a few days."

"I'm sure." Albus put his hand across the table to rest it on hers. "Try not to worry about him, Minerva. He's a fine young man, and I'm sure he'll acclimate just fine."

"I'm sure," she repeated. "Thank you, Albus."

"And I do believe it will be easier for him to avoid the attention that would come from being your son, as you no longer share a surname," said Albus. "Not that it will be a secret for long, of course, but it's just as well not to remind the other students of it unnecessarily."

"No. Being a Macnair is likely to be hard enough," she said. "The family's sordid past was dragged through the papers often enough after Kenneth was sent to Azkaban."

"Indeed," Albus replied. "I believe you were wise to assume your maiden name once you began teaching. That sort of thing can be a distraction to the students, as I'm sure you realise."

"Yes."

When she rose to go, he said, "Do bring Malcolm to dinner in the Great Hall. It would be a good chance for him to meet the other staff...most of them have arrived by now. He'll relax more the first day if he's already met his teachers."

"That's an excellent idea, Albus. I'll do that."

"I'll look forward to seeing both of you then."

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Latest 25 Reviews for A Slant-Told Tale

162 Reviews | 4.64/10 Average

0/10

persefone

Oooooh, crap. Minerva has gone through far too many things, which it would really turn her into the strong woman she is. I am really enjoying how the story keeps surprising me. Thanks for this fic! :)

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

I love doing backstory for interesting characters we only really glimpse in the books!Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

0/10

persefone

I wasn't expecting the true Bathilda Bagshot too! Such a treat! :)

0/10

persefone

oooh! Nice start!I love Minerva's character and I am really looking forward reading a whole story centered on her :)

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Thanks. I love Minerva, as you can see by the number of stories I've written about her!

10/10

dsky

Ah! The Kids' POV. It would have to be Hermoine--none of the others are observant or discreet enough. Yes, Hermione, even old fogeys can be in love, and real love doesn't mind flaws... It would be interesting for Molly and Hermoine to discuss Alastor and Minerva during cooking lessons sometime. What would the kids say if they knew that Miinerva's married name was MacNair?Speaking of that, will we get to see Malcom, or Minerva's grandkids? Malcolm is still one of my all-time favorite OC's.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Yes, Hermione, of course. And I'm glad you picked up on the parallel between Molly and Hermione, and their observations of McGonagall/Moody. It would be an interesting conversation, all right!We may get a glimpse of Malcolm and his brood soon.Stay tuned. It won't be such a long wait as last time!

10/10

dsky

Oh my!!! <Happy dance!>. I am so thrilled to see this! I'll have to go back and re-read it all. I cheated and just re-read the end of the last chapter to remind myself where we are. It was interesting to see the meeting of the reconstituted OOtP, and to see the discussion about using Sirius' house as headquarters. I also liked the discussion re:Umbridge. I never thought Dumbledore or Minerva were completely oblivious to what Fudge was up to there, but Harry's POV always seemed to suggest that. I was glad to see that Alastor is still with Minerva, too.Now to chapter 42!

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Thanks for your patience, LOL!I had to go back and reread myself before I finished the chapter.No,I don't think the grownups are nearly as gormless as the kids seem to think they are. You know how teenagers are.

10/10

Fishy

I had to look twice in my inbox when the notice came in that this piece had been updated. To say I was excited would be an understatement. I thought to go back and reread before reading this update, but didn't have the time, and it was interesting to see all the order members, as well as the kids, in this chapter. My favorite bit was when Alastor was gruffing about Tonks refusal to fly into the clouds, and the assumption that Moody would have them fly to Wales and back to throw off a tail.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Updated at last.Glad you enjoyed Alastor being Alastor!More soon, I hope.

10/10

Fishy

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Yes, believe it or not, I'm trying to finish this sucker. I had to go back and read before I wrote it!It was fun to write a bit of Tonks--someone I never wrote before.Hopefully, there will be more before too long.

Response from Fishy (Reviewer)

I'm excited! I might go back and reread everything now that you're active again.

10/10

Yolande

......worshipping every inch of her...Oh God, you made me cry. Love's plaint- keening softly after that break-up that hurts. god, haven't we tried it sometimes.. how well written, like a straight needle you don't see in the text, Oh why isn't forgiveness easier to get and give. Those two proud people. Why did Minervagive up on him.? Doesn't she know he loves her?

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Sorry to have made you cry ;-) I think Minerva's earlier experiences have made her leery of difficult relationships. We'll have to see how they end up!

0/10

Yolande

This is gripping, fabulous. I agree, there shouild be many more reviews, I adored the quick knowledgeable vistas into student life in Paris - more of these, if possible.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Again, sorry to be so late in responding (am just catching up after a crushing work season!)Thanks for reading, and I'm glad you enjoyed the Paris scenes!

10/10

dsky

First off, thanks so much for the update! I've been in the mood for HP fanfiction lately, but if I (start to) read one more story that turns out to be focused on evil!Dumbledore I may swear off forever. It's quite depressing.This was up to your usual high standards. The look inside Alastor's head when he was trying to convince himself that it was really Minerva outside his door (and even after he let her in) was both believable and heart-breaking. If Minerva is determined to salvage their relationship she has some hard work ahead of her.I liked how Minerva didn't let Alastor chase her away, and how she subjected Albus to the same spells Alastor used on her -- and that Albus let her. I also liked that they convinced him to stay. He will be needed. I really liked Minerva's POV, how she tried to think only of helping Alastor, and making him comfortable. The last bit was good too.

“I don’t think there’s much I’d mind tonight.”It was perhaps a terrible thing to say, given everything that had transpired, but it was the truth. She’d think about the Dark Lord and Cedric Diggory and everything else tomorrow. Tonight, there was only the fact that Alastor still lived.

Sometimes when things are bad, you have to focus only on the good things, or you just can't handle it. We know she's going to do her part (and if you continue this through DH she has a very rough patch coming) so it's good to see her at least get a good nights sleep.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Thanks.It was time to give Minerva and Alastor a bit of a break from the angst. They've been through a lot!Glad you enjoyed it.

0/10

dsky

You have outdone yourself. Again. I always enjoy seeing canon events from another POV, and I always enjoy Minerva's, but this is special, even so.First though, I loved seeing that Alastor still had some fight left, even after everything he's been through, and the glimpse we get here is just horrifying. But I was also very glad to learn that he's realized how much he screwed up with Minerva, and is even willing to admit it. I hope he stays willing...Minerva's thoughts about Harry were great. No, she probably wouldn't admit she favored him, and no, logical thinking really isn't his strong suite. I thought your description of Dumbledore in shock was probably quite accurate too. He had to have taken some time to assimilate everything, he's only human, after all. I was a little surprised to see how quick Severus was on the uptake, but then I realized that he knew something was up even before Harry returned -- he felt the mark burn when Voldemort called the Deatheaters from the graveyard, after all.I loved seeing Minerva's version of the Kiss, and her rant at Fudge was absolutely awesome.Then there's this:

"Alastor, it's Minerva.""Minerva?"His voice was thin and creaky, and the most beautiful sound she'd ever heard."Here I am, love," she said...."Alastor?""Hmm?""Are you-- are you all right?"It was a stupid question, but he didn't seem to mind. He grinned like a man drunk."Never better." He lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the light and looked up at her. "Jaysus, but you're beautiful."She let out a sound that was half laugh, half sob.

Awwwww.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Thanks for the lovely comments.Glad you caught the bit about Severus. I think some people were confused by that!Best,Squibstress

10/10

Fishy

So tickled to see this updated! I'm also quite thankful that Barty hasn't caught on that Minerva and Alastor had a thing together. Thank goodness for small favors, eh? He could really destroy her if he did. Oh dear, I hope I haven't given you any ideas ...

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

I'm really trying to get moving on this story.Ideas... ideas...

Response from Fishy (Reviewer)

I also like how you contrasted real Alastor with impostor Alastor - aka Barty ... its quite a difference but similar enough to fool even some of his closest friends.I think I would like to see some of what our dear Alastor is thinking down in that trunk, but of course I am not trying to persuade you or anything.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

I'm so glad that worked for you, because it was a connundrum. In canon, JKR made Crouch sound so much like Moody that of course, no one twigged to the difference. I didn't want to do that, but there was a fine line between making him too much and too little like the real Alastor.Have you read Selmak's "The Steadfast Tin Soldier"? (It's on FFN.) She did a fabulous (and disturbing) job of imaginging what it would have been like for him in that trunk.(And it's a lovely bit of AM/MM.)

Response from Fishy (Reviewer)

Well then ... I suppose I'll just have to do that. In addition, as you probably already know, White Eyebrow also did a great job with his Moody in the trunk bit ... Alastor has been on my mind quite a lot these past few weeks ... with the new knowledge that I have of the surname ... who would have ever thought. All the more reason to love Alastor.

10/10

Fishy

*groans* And again ... I forgot ... Well ... misclicked.

10/10

Fishy

Oh ... forgot to hit the button for notification if you respond ...

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

I do that all the time.I also forget where I've left my car keys, my car, my glasses...

10/10

Fishy

Well ... the last line surely took me by surprise ... way to advance time by leaps and bounds!Its been awhile since I've delved into your work, and Slant in particular ... I had to reread a few things and still others have me scratching my head .... "Frogs?" ... but anyway ... Alastor's stubborn idiocy is quite perfect really ... well parallelled to Albus' inability to allow himself to be loved ... seems they have both fallen - or dove - into that fortress of solitude.Your work is amazing, as always.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Tee, hee.Yeah, now that the business between Albus and Malcolm has been dealt with, I thought I should get start getting on with Minerva and Alastor."Frog" is a somewhat pejorative term for French person. (Alastor is not overly fond of the French.)Poor Minerva. The men in her life are somewhat foolish about love, aren't they?Thanks for sticking with the story, despite my eratic updates.

0/10

dsky

Woohoo! An update!I was happy to see Malcom and Eliane's marriage, and that the revelations about the past haven't hurt his relationship with his mother -- or his fathers. Minerva certainly seemed more relaxed than we've seen her in a while. The last sentence was a bit startling. It was good to see that Malcom will make her a grandmother, but I do hope that we see her again before then!I was sorry, but not surprised, to see Alastor continue his downward slide into paranoia. Since this is adhering to book canon (my least favorite thing about the story), his relationship with Minerva has to be distant enough for her to not suspect Crouch when the time comes, and any reconciliation between them would negate that.I'm not sure what to think about Albus. If he is unable to love, it appears to me to be because he has chosen to harden himself (with his 'iron will'), rather than it being his natural state. It's as though he fears love, or maybe what he might be capable of doing for love? In his thoughts he seemed almost relieved that he didn't feel like a father to Malcom. His reaction to the wedding was surprising, to say the least. It certainly didn't seem as though there was any happiness or joy in his tryst with Malquin, nor did it seem as though either of them expected there to be, so I have to wonder exactly what he was seeking -- a form of oblivion or denial, perhaps? I do wonder what might break through his facade (and I do think it is a facade, but then I've always liked Dumbledore, flaws and all). Anyway, it was great to be able to read this, and I hope you will be able to update again soon!

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Thanks for reading and reviewing.Sorry about the canon-compliance--it's just ingrained in me, I think--but there may be some more surprises.Whenever I write Albus I always have to confront what I see as the complications canon throws in my way. I love him, but he does some really awful things to people he supposedly cares for, so I suppose these fics are my way of trying to work that out. In this fic, whether or not he's actually capable of love is up to the reader.Sorry too about the long interval. RL has thrown me a few curves, but I hope to get back to a more regular pattern of updates.Thanks for sticking with the story.

Response from dsky (Reviewer)

RL has a way of doing that.I am usually fairly rigid about canon myself. No matter how much I like a story, there's a little voice in the back of my head whispering 'but, but, but... that's not what/how it happened'. With HP though, there are so many conflicts, between the books, and interviews, and quasi-official websites, and Pottermore, that the only way to shut the voice up was to decide that only what's printed in PS/SS thru DH is canon. But it is all out there, and I can't un-know it, so I eventually decided, OK, if there are that many versions of the truth, I'll just pick the one(s!) I like best! (Everyone else does.) It lets me enjoy the RAMverse too, so that's all good.As far as Dumbledore is concerned, a lot of the negative things we learned were slanted through Rita Skeeter's pen, or his brother, or other people who didn't like him. He asked people to do a lot, but we're only privy to a miniscule part of whatever conversations went on, and he was the only general in a war with the future of the entire world at stake. He willingly died for it. People seem willing to give Snape a lot bigger break than they give Dumbledore, maybe because Snape turned out to be better than they thought (or maybe because Alan Rickman is so fantastic).I admit to only having read DH twice, and both of those a long time ago, so there may be some details I've forgotten, but I'm quite happy without them. I do love the universe though, especially the adults, and especially as expanded upon by FF writers. I can only take the kids in small doses, though. I do thank you for hours of entertainment, and your take on the characters and the universe is always entertaining.

10/10

Fishy

*snip*

The door to Minerva's quarters banged open, and she swept through, dropping her bag on the table as she made a beeline for the liquor cabinet to pour herself two fingers of Cardhu. But she couldn't enjoy it; she was still too angry. She'd kept her temper in check all afternoon, but now it threatened to erupt full force and needed an outlet. She yanked her wand out of its pocket to point it at one of the cushions on her settee. It exploded in a riot of feathers, their indolent fluttering only stoking Minerva's ire. She Transfigured them into needles that hovered in the air, and imagined them pricking Sirius bloody Black until he screamed. Her fury was stemmed by the image but not scotched.I can go one better. She Transfigured the crimson velvet of the other cushion into a reasonable approximation of Black's too-handsome face, then sent the needles hurtling through the air to embed themselves in the cushion-cum-portrait. Black's fuzzy smirk changed to a silent scream of horror. The effort involved in the magic she'd just performed served its purpose, and she felt calm enough to have her drink.

*snip*

Holy CRAP! *dashes out of the room to avoid Minerva Wrath!*

Response from Fishy (Reviewer)

I think you have painted Black and Potter EXACTLY how I saw them from the books ... EXACTLY! I can so relate to Minerva's anger now .... those MORONS!

OH and ...

*snip*

"Everything all right, lamb?" He looked up from contemplating his dish. "Sure. Why?" "You didn't eat much dinner, and now you've barely touched your cream-crowdie. When you've lost your sweet tooth, I know something's wrong."

*snip*

*grins* Daddy's boy, eh? I love eeet!

Response from Fishy (Reviewer)

*snip*

"Oh, Malcolm—" "How could he have no idea that you might end up pregnant if he slept with you? Was he a complete fool, or just a randy bastard?" "Don't you dare!" she shouted, and Malcolm recoiled as if he'd been slapped. "Mum—" "No, you have no right to judge him! I lied to him, and I used him, used our friendship. And he forgave me, even though I believe it nearly killed him to find that he had a son he couldn't raise. He wasn't— Malcolm?" He had taken two staggering steps backward and clapped a hand over his mouth.

*snip*

See there - see that right there? See this is why you are brilliant. You showed us HOW Malcolm figured it out ... you show us how brilliant Malcolm is ... see, you could have just said it, but how dull that would be, but you SHOW us ... Malcolm figures out who his father is BY his mother's reaction! Who is she loyal to a fault to ... who is she absolutely devoted to, without being in a romantic relationship? Yeah ... brilliant.

Response from Fishy (Reviewer)

*snip*

"Malcolm, wait, please." Her tone stopped him. "What?" "Come sit down. I have something else to tell you."

*snip*

ARG! The only thing I can think of is ... um the rat incident ... but ARG! Cliffhangers are not KIND!

Response from Fishy (Reviewer)

*taps foot* If I am going to submit these silly reviews, I bloody well expect you to at least read them! *snort*

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

My first response was "????" But then I saw that you submitted the review in July. Don't know why I didn't see them then, but a million apologies!I can't take total credit for the Marauders; the incident I alluded to was something JKR wrote as a fundraiser. (But Minerva's reaction is all my own, LOL!)Yes, I think Malcolm is pretty clever, like his parents.Thanks for the kind words!

10/10

Fishy

*snip*

Malcolm didn't say anything, and Alastor prodded him. "Answer my question. Do you want kids?"

"What I want or don't want doesn't come into it. I can't have children."

*snip*

Now that sounds just like someone else we both know ... perfect really, Malcolm does seem to resemble his father more than his mother, the way you wrote him, and ironically, he doesn't even know his father yet.

10/10

Fishy

*snip*

He didn't see. He didn't see at all, and that was fine by Alastor. It was better that way. Better Malcolm should think it was animosity rather than fear. He and Minerva didn't need to be lumbered with a useless old cripple who was prone to hearing things that weren't there. They both had better things to do.

Malcolm said, "She only wants to help. She cares about you."

"Don't need her help."

It sounded harsh and ungrateful, and it was. He was suddenly angry, and he couldn't be grateful that a woman who once loved him now felt sorry enough for him to spend her precious summer days caring for the gimp he'd become.

*snip*

Pride is a terrible emotion that does nothing but isolate us from those that care about us as well as cause us to put ourselves on pedestals, and we all know there is only one way down from a pedestal.

10/10

Fishy

*snip*

She had a word—several words—and by the time she finished, all traces of Spleen's smile had evaporated, and he was stammering apologies and nodding his head in vigorous agreement when she told him that she expected to hear that Senior Auror Alastor Moody had received nothing but the most respectful and compassionate treatment, lest Spleen find himself answering to her, to Malcolm, and to Albus Dumbledore, Auror Moody's dear friend.

*snip*

I like this bit ... Minerva couldn't just say 'my family' but that's what she means ... which again causes me to wonder ... now that Malcolm knows - well in the next chappie anyway ... will he change his name ... I wouldn't think to Dumbledore or Albus would probably have a cow, but to McGonagall, I'd think that would be appropriate.

Spleen reminds me of a nurse I had when I busted my head open as a kid. He was so nasty to me. You do a very good job of making him absolutely awful. I so hate false concern and congeniality.

And I can see Alastor being a royal pain of a patient. *nods* I think that fits. No cooperation on his part what so ever. Much as I love him, I think I'd have to smack him here.

Did I mention that your work was brilliant? OH I did? OK well never mind then *whistles*

10/10

dsky

Shit. You are an evil, evil woman. I hate cliffhangers.

Malcolm took it much better than I thought he would, but then, in a way, he's been facing the same choice, so he should understand. And he's thoughtful, and intelligent, and... did I mention that I like Malcolm? I hope he takes the next bit half as well.

When she didn't respond, he continued. "How many mad Macnairs do you think I'd father? One? Two? How many is too many?"

There was a roaring in her ears, and her belly attempted to turn over.

Not now.

Somehow, she'd convinced herself that Malcolm wouldn't see things the way she had done as a young woman faced with the same dilemma. That worry had been packed away with the last of her wedding silver and Gerald's clothes when she'd fled the horrors of her marriage for the promise of new freedom in her native land. She realised now that her unwillingness to admit the seriousness of Malcolm's feelings for Eliane Giroux had perhaps been another way of avoiding the issue.

Well said. It's frightening sometimes, how easy it can be to convince ourselves that what we want to be true, is true, and it takes a major setback for us to re-examine our beliefs.

A familiar anger gripped her, and she crossed her arms tightly around her body. What did her son--or any of her students--know of difficult choices? They, who had been born into a post-Grindelwald world, with freedoms they enjoyed without understanding how much it had cost. And now there was another war because of it, because so many people failed to understand that, yes, constant vigilance was required to keep those hard-won freedoms for everyone, witch and wizard, pure-blood and Muggle-born.

Well said again, and true about so many things.

"How could he have no idea that you might end up pregnant if he slept with you? Was he a complete fool, or just a randy bastard?"

"Don't you dare!" she shouted, and Malcolm recoiled as if he'd been slapped.

"Mum--

"No, you have no right to judge him! I lied to him, and I used him, used our friendship. And he forgave me, even though I believe it nearly killed him to find that he had a son he couldn't raise. He wasn't-- Malcolm?"

He had taken two staggering steps backward and clapped a hand over his mouth.

I loved this. How quickly she rose to Albus' defense, and how quickly Malcolm figured out who it was when she did.

I liked the bit at the beginning too -- about how immature James and Sirius were, and how she channeled her anger. I always thought the Marauders went from prats to saints a little too quickly. At least here you show that it took a little time.

Well done once again. I've been anticipating this chapter since almost the beginning of the story, and I was not disappointed. I think I could have quoted the whole thing. I love Minerva and Malcolm together, and I liked seeing things from Minerva's POV. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

I truly didn't intend for this to be a cliffie, but the chapter was getting long.I think it helped that Minerva's news meant Malcolm could follow his heart. I'm glad this chapter met expectations. I've been thinking about it since I first conceived this story (pun intended), although I didn't think it would take me quite so long to get here!The opening bit about James and Sirius was inspired by a 500-word story JKR wrote to benefit EnglishPEN, so I used it for my nefarious purposes. I think they were abominably immature and cocky, which I can only imagine drove Minerva to drink, LOL!

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

10/10

dsky

Whew! Alastor just can't catch a break, can he? This section:

There was no such diffidence with this one. Alastor was being pulled forcefully in a direction he was sure he didn't care to go.

There was no air, and it was fast becoming a question of who'd pass out first.

I'm god damned if it'll be me.

His consciousness was funnelling away. Alastor marshalled his last bit of magical energy and concentrated on a single stone in the floor of the Ministry cell--the one with the scorch mark where a supposedly Petrified collar had surprised him by firing a wordless curse--just that stone and nothing else.

There was a burst of light, and his chest expanded. At the same moment, his back hit something hard enough that if he'd had any air left in his lungs, it would have been knocked out of him. Something warm and wet was on top of him, and when he opened his eyes, he saw the Death Eater's eyes only millimetres from his. They were lifeless and staring.

is just outstanding. I really feel and see the whole sequence.

I loved seeing Malcolm again, all grown up and still with Eliane. I loved that he stepped up and became the 'adult' to comfort Minerva when she needed it. I had wondered about his reaction to the breakup, Alastor really was more a father to him than anyone else. (She obviously hasn't told him Albus is his father. Not that I'm surprised by that.) I'd guess Minerva told Malcolm about the break-up the way she did because she didn't know what else to say -- they broke up in September, and she just wrote a short note at the end of a letter in October? It was probably as hard for her to write it as it was for him to read it. And three years on, clearly she still loves Alastor, but I don't think either of them could change enough to make it work between them long-term.

As much as I love Malcolm, I always get a sense of foreboding when he is around, probably because I'm afraid you're going to up the ante on the angst, and he's Minerva's real weakness. He's also probably my favorite OC in any story I've read. He's just so real, and you've done a wonderful job of getting inside his head as he's grown-up, giving him age-appropriate reactions and thoughts. That and he seems like a thoroughly decent guy.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Yeah, this is sort of the "abuse Alastor" section of the story.I'm so glad you enjoy Malcolm! He is Minerva's greatest weakness, as you say, and they do have some unfinished business, so there will be a bit more of him.

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

0/10

anoesis

I adore this version of Alastor so much that it really hurts to see him becoming a lonely, suspicious drunk. Which is probably a compliment to your writing, but it still makes me sad!

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Thanks. I love Alastor too. We always hurt the one we love. At least, writers do. I strongly suspect we're all secret sadists.Thanks for reading and commenting!

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Thanks. I love Alastor too. We always hurt the one we love. At least, writers do. I strongly suspect we're all secret sadists.Thanks for reading and commenting!

10/10

dsky

An update! An update! [Happy Dance]

Oh, how sad! She's keeping things from him to avoid the arguments, and he's setting tests for her to make her prove she cares, and lashing out to get some reaction, and after Gerald she doesn't have it in her to sustain that kind of relationship, and it's all going downhill, and they're just making each other unhappy -- and it's just too, too, sad.

She found she didn't really want to know, and it shamed her.

And

Despite the water she'd just had, her mouth was dry again, and the creeping sensation of guilt picked at her chest.

And

She said, "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to worry. I was--

And

"And you didn't trust me?"

"Should I?"

Minerva has enough guilt over Malcom's conception and what she did to Gerald. She doesn't need manufactured guilt because she's trying to avoid conflict with Alastor because he can't accept her choices. He's right too, about how very, very dangerous it is, but he's handling it all wrong, and he's so close to the edge psychologically that after dealing with Gerald and his father, she can't handle it in Alastor too, but she's the only thing keeping him grounded, tenuous as it is... It's hard to see him spiraling out of control. Thank goodness for Kingsley.

As always, you make me empathize with everyone. I wonder how well Minerva is handling it?

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Yes, finally an update! I was sorry to do it with such a morose chapter, but them's the breaks.Yes, it's a guilt-and-misunderstanding fest all around.Thanks for reviewing!

Response from Squibstress (Author of A Slant-Told Tale)

Yes, finally an update! I was sorry to do it with such a morose chapter, but them's the breaks.Yes, it's a guilt-and-misunderstanding fest all around.Thanks for reviewing!

10/10

Anonymous

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