Really enjoying the story. Not sure what to expect, but Minerva at least has good people in her corner. I wonder when or if she'll come out of her shell some. 

I almost feel sorry for Gerald. Between his upbringing and his genetics, he never has a chance. As Minerva notes, he's almost sweet sometimes. Of course, the kicker is the 'almost', because whatever his thoughts and impulses, when it comes down to it, he's pretty brutal to her without even realizing it. If that's the way he treats his wife when he's being good to her, I shudder to think what he does to the hookers in Knockturn Alley. His father is simply frightening, and Minerva has it easy compared to Gerald's mother. "This exercise would prove quite useful over the nights and years to come."I don't know if there is a name for the future-flashback technique you use to reveal the future without revealing much of anything (I didn't take creative writing, and lit appreciation was a looong time ago), but it's very effective in amping up the suspense.

I need to check in more often -- two updates!

This chapter is really interesting. Albus is so caring here, but he also seems pretty ambivalent. When I first read this I assumed that he was uncomfortable with the situation because she was his student, and didn't really pay attention to the other clues, especially since he seemed pretty knowledgeable about how to bring her pleasure, and also apparently enjoyed the encounter himself -- but then I'm pretty die-hard ADMM. I also could't really imagine that he would agree to have sex with her if her wasn't at least subconsciously attracted to her.

On the other hand, if I interpret his thoughts correctly, Minerva is marrying the grandson of Jack the Ripper, so there's good reason to think that the lack of a satisfying sex life in her marriage might be the least of her problems.

*scourgifies her brain after reading**shudders*Minerva.... deserves... so... much... better... tongue is threatening to get me in trouble so I'll just hush now.

 Poor Minerva having to endure such a marriage. the Mcnair patriach sounds a right bounder. great chapter.

I've read it twice, and honestly... I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it... its familiar enough but... much, much different this time... no emotion, or rather, far less... and it seems... well, far more mechanical - but perhaps that is what you were trying to show.Regardless, Albus is still amazing, as usual, and selfless... though it seems in this tale, he's playing for the other team... *sighs*

 that was very good. I hope it all goes well for her.

I'm really enjoying this look back at Prof. McGonagall's life. Is she trying to maintain the illusion of chastity with the chasteberries? If so, this chapter could be titled "The Repair and Maintenance of your Virginity." lol!  Keep up the good work!

It's sad to see how isolated and desperate Minerva feels here. She can't confide in or relate to anyone, even (or maybe especially) her own mother, and she is increasingly uneasy about her upcoming marriage. I hate to see how she is using Albus, but I understand why she does it. Since we have seen that he shares her concerns about the MacNairs, I do wonder if she might have been able to confide in him completely.

It's also interesting to see her mother's thoughts on her education, and to see that, despite his insistence on her marriage, perhaps her father really does have her best interests at heart. After all, he let her continue at Hogwarts against her mother's wishes, and we can probably assume that he supported (or at least didn't object to) her insistence on including her apprenticeship in her contract. Mistaken though he is, he is trying to provide for her future.

I also enjoyed seeing her thoughts on Tom Riddle, Moaning Myrtle, and that Minerva is every bit as enterprising as Hermione when it comes to finding a place to brew a potion.

ooo... i'm guessing Minerva has just given up her chances to be a mother...  or prehaps she's trying to have Dumbledore's baby (a son at that, guarenteeing her fulfilling her marriage contract) thus not Macnair's.  And making it her only pregnancy...But how will she get out of the marriage and end up as McGonagall we all know and love as in canon?  I'm going to have to keep thinking on this...

*coughs and sputters* Uhhhh.... not sure who is more shocked, myself or Dumbledore.... good lord! Is nothing sacred to your BOLD Minerva? I mean.... what a thing to ask of someone like her professor! SHEESH! Poor Albus! My lord, I've never felt worse for him - being put in a position like that - she knows he adores her - she's manipulating him and that bugs me... a lot! *growls at Minerva*Well you wrote Dumbledore's reaction beautifully - I loved how he called her out on her persuasion and tactics.Very interesting chapter - I loved how you wrote and used Myrtle - she was always pretty special, as far as ghosts go - very personable and its cute that Myrtle likes Minerva - it really shows how bullied kids can over-estimate the feelings of others when they are simply decent to them - causing them to think the other kid is a true friend - I like how you represent that.And third - WHAT is this potion? I've gathered it has something to do with keeping her from getting pregnant by Gerald - or only allowing her to become pregnant by her first partner - or perhaps never becoming pregnant at all - not sure but I'm going to enjoy learning more about that.You're right, its an interesting tale - but I really need to flog Minerva for the way she's manipulating Albus..... flog her repeatedly!

Wow! I am so excited to see this posted here. I remember reading it (unfinished) a few months ago on ffnet, so I am anxious to see how it all plays out. Anyone who hasn't read it is in for a great ride. I love how you contrast Minerva's stoic appearance with her inner vulnerability to create a very believable, yet unexpected history for her.

This is a fascinating beginning! We have already learned so much about Minerva's situation, and I love that you included the marriage contract. It set the tone brilliantly. 

I'm still trying to figure out my feelings over all here.... when I get them sorted, I'll let you know... *sniffs* is missing Epith....

Looking forward to next chapter.  Very interesting premise and one I haven't seen done before.

I immediately thought Minerva was brewing a contraceptive but now think it is quite the opposite. I like this take control Minerva and am loving this story! Can't wait for the next update.

Hi, found this story by accident, love it I love your Minerva and Moody cant wait for the next chapter, I think he is not dead, Severus saved him I think. I love their talks, love everything about it

Author's Response: Glad you're enjoying it. New chapter coming up, so you'll find out what happened soon. Thanks for reading~

Well well well ... look who has come out of the wood work to throw ink at parchment again! Reading these last two chapters reminded me of your absolute brilliant creativity and brought me back to why I started reading your work in the first place, all those years ago. Thus, I am going to start this fic all over again, from the beginning - so much I have forgotten and I want to relish each word. I've missed you, Squibby ... so much! *big hugs*

Author's Response: Yeah, I found some free time for once, LOL!
Thanks for sticking with this and being such a loyal reader and reviewer. I've missed you too!

I have fallen into this story, reading nearly non stop for hours after it was recommended randomly. Your writing, characterization, and world building is fantastic. It is such a different and pleasant take on McGonagall, Moody, Dumbledore, Molly, and others. It's a breath of fresh air given the many harsh interpretations I've encountered over the years of reading fanfic. I love the way that you captured the characters as they grew older, the many ways ones thoughts, bodies, and ways of showing feelings change from youth. I'm sorry, this is just amazing and I really hope that you continue it although I am worried about what will happen as it approaches DH events. Again, amazing and fantastic tale.

Oh my. I have been wondering what would trigger Malcolm finding out, and also how he felt about being a Macnair.

And somewhere, buried in a secret, shameful place in Alastor's heart, dwelt the fear that, learning the truth, Malcolm would pull away from him, too. Learning that his father, his real father, wasn't a drunken buffoon, but the greatest wizard of the age. A wizard who'd been there throughout his growing-up, guiding and teaching, doing all the things Alastor tried to do, but doing them effortlessly and much better than a man who only had occasional weekends and a week in summer to give to a boy who needed so much more.

Here it comes -- and I have a feeling it isn't Alastor that Malcolm will be pulling away from. Although he probably will be a little angry with Alastor, I worry more about how understanding he will be with Minerva, and also with Albus. After all ... well, perhaps I should just wait and review it after you write it.


I do love this bit:

A fierce, almost angry love for Malcolm took Alastor by surprise, and he turned away, pretending to get a sip of water, so Malcolm wouldn't see.

Too bad he turned away. It would be good for both of them to openly acknowledge how important they are to each other.


The scene in the hospital when Alastor came to was wonderful on many levels. I must say I cheered here:

"Lemme up!"


"Not while there is a danger you will harm yourself."


"Isn't me I'm going to harm, you bastard."

Then you immediately follow it with this:

"How do I know he's a Healer?"


"You're in St Mungo's. He's been caring for you for almost a week."


"And how do I know yer tellin' the truth?"


How could she answer?

That had to have been a real roller coaster for Minerva. He regained consciousness, but nothing has really changed between them. I did love how Malcolm took care of him, though, and also how he handled Healer Spleen (great name, BTW).

"Just get me some pain potion," Alastor said.


Spleen was scratching notes. "Mmm, hmm. As soon as I've--


Minerva said, "Now, Healer Spleen."


Spleen's head snapped up in surprise at her sharp tone. He looked at Malcolm, whose gaze was blue steel. A shiver of primal fear ran through Minerva and blended into a great rush of love for her son.


"Get it." Malcolm said. "Run, in fact."

I don't think I had ever thought just how intimidating that combination of Albus and Minerva could be when roused. And he's even more intimidating with his wand. No doubt without it too, now that I think about it. And then this:

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.

If I hadn't been too busy cheering, I would have almost felt sorry for him. Nah.


Wonderful job, as always, and I'll be anxiously awaiting the next installment. (As always.)

Oh crap. I thought things were going to get Minerva-and-Moody sad, not career ending mistaken identity sad! This story is amazing - I can't believe that it hasn't garnered a bigger following! Then again, it's not a pairing that I would usually read, but I'm so glad I decided to give it a go. You write wonderfully and the plot here is just unbelievable tight and believable. Favourited!

This story is about to get sad again, isn't it?

I loved the scenes with Molly - I'm not sure how you've managed to get such a big picture of the canon story in here, but I'm enjoying it hugely.

I can't believe you've been able to hold back all this information all this time - how far in advance was this plotted? I really really do hope that Gerald is dead, awful as that sounds. And I just hope Moody can forgive her.

*picks up jaw*

*moves to next chapter*

I'm almost afraid to read on...