Okay - I loved this chapter - you've displayed quite passionately, how very dangerous Gellert was simply by Griselda's reaction to Bathilda's news - and I love how Minerva is again reminded of her feelings for Albus - in a roundabout way - also, love the description of Malcolm and the relief-regret of Minerva when his red hair fell out - that is perfect.Love her contemplation about how nobody had ever touched her in love or affection - accept once... something I can very well relate to.An emotional chapter and my apologies that this review is so short.

I am so glad that Walden is Minerva's brother-in-law and not her son.... relieved would be better apt.  thanks for the time and effort - keep up the good work!

clearly i guess right as to the baby's paternity.  But...hmm.... what name was he given?

In retrospect, Minerva's desire to lose her virginity to Albus was about a lot more than sex. I still think she could have confided in him, but I understand why she didn't. I wonder what his initial reaction is going to be when he finds out (shock, anger, disappointment, understanding?).

So Minerva was really determined not to bring any Macnairs into the world; considering the lengths she went to, maybe desperate is a better word than determined. But maybe having Albus' son made it easier for her to decide to make sure she could never have Gerald's, and not only to avoid other people comparing them.

I really liked Bridie -- competent, professional, discreet, and observant. No, Gerald is not the conclusion-drawing type!

I wondered how you were going to handle this scene. (Besides 'very well', of course.  That, I expected.)  It's so sad that her relationship with Alastor has become so strained that she assumes he's taunting her with Malfoy's transformation, and things just deteriorate from there.  Then Barty accidentally says exactly the right thing to hurt her and put her off in a way that she won't talk about to Albus.  I love seeing things from Minerva's POV, but there's just enough Barty to see how he is just stumbling into insulting her enough that she's too hurt to examine the conversation and realize something is off.  And of course he has no idea that he's really hurt her -- no doubt that's good, given how much he enjoys giving pain.But when Harry uses gillyweed, she still loves him enough to attribute good motives to him.Brilliant, really.  Again.

Wow, I knew RL was crazy, but how did I miss an update of this story...?I always thought Minerva wouldn't miss the World Cup for anything, but no one ever mentioned that she was there.  I'm glad to see that this Minerva got to go!  I liked seeing her reaction to Albus giving Alastor the job, and it was interesting to see that after all these years, she still worries about Malcolm's relationship with Albus.  But I guess worrying is one of the things mothers do best (or at least most, especially after the children have grown).  I'm glad to see that Malcolm is still stubbornly keeping in touch with Alastor too.  I also found Minerva's thoughts about making mistakes and being too old for this war a bit wrenching, because really, there was no one else to lead; the ones who should have led were all killed or too damaged (or too incompetent) to lead.I loved the fight scene between Crouch and Alastor.  Another thing I've always wondered about is how Crouch could have ever overpowered and captured Moody.  I love the irony here, that Alastor actually wasn't quite paranoid enough.  And I like that he keeps fighting mentally, and tries to protect Minerva, even after he is beaten physically.Lovely chapter, as always.

Tee hee, I love that she called for Albus and that the little guy's hair was auburn.... *grins*Still hate the McNairs, but then I guess that's expected. Hate the situation Minerva is in, but love that she and Albus have a son. Makes it all worth while.

This is marvellous.

I love your Griselda, and I enjoyed the peek into Minerva's apprenticeship and Griselda and Bathilda's relationship.

Minerva is as determined and stubborn as expected. Why did she blanch when she found out late it was? Are the Macnairs difficult if she comes home a little late?

She certainly showed signs of her pregnancy quickly didn't she?

:( hope the baby isnt Walden McNair the Ministry excutioner...

*snip*Griselda gave a gruff chuckle. "Come now, my girl. I may be a wizened old dyke, but I think I can put two and two together as well as any school matron."Tee hee...*snip*"Well, I have given some thought to Animagus transformation," Minerva said.Not too ambitious now, are we, Madam Macnair?*grins**snip*Griselda smiled at her companion. How typical of Bathilda to start in mothering the girl before they had even been introduced. Where are your manners, Zel?"Minerva Macnair, meet Bathilda Bagshot."Minerva looked dumbfounded for a moment, then she recovered her wits and her own manners simultaneously. When she started to stand—a procedure that was easier said than done, apparently—Griselda waved her down again. "Oh, we don't stand on ceremony here, Minerva, as you'll see if you take tea with us often enough.""It's a pleasure to meet you, Madam Bagshot," said Minerva. "I very much enjoyed your book on the Goblin rebellions, and of course, the one on the Inquisition and the wizarding world.""Thank you, my dear. Are you much interested in history?" Bathilda enquired."Oh, yes. Both Muggle and wizarding history are fascinating.""Hmpf. I'm surprised you still feel that way after seven years of Binns boring you all to death," remarked Griselda."Come now, Zel," remonstrated Bathilda, "Cuthbert isn't that bad.""You only say that because he's contracted to use your next edition as his textbook," said Griselda."Just shows the man has good taste," remarked Bathilda."No, Bathilda, he has no taste. He's a bloody ghost. The students would get much more out of the class with a good teacher to go with the good text. If only you would consider teaching . . ."*chuckles and grins* I just love that scene... and the three of them. Griselda reminds me of Minerva in so many ways - much older and a bit more drill sargentish, but still quite obviously benevolent, no matter how stern she tries to be.*snip*Bathilda gave a grimace and shook her head. "It's high time high society stopped treating girls as financial assets rather than human beings."Amen on that... and sadly, its still rampant over much of the world.Very interesting chapter - and I very much enjoy Griselda.

Wow ... Alastor has been on my mind a lot lately so this chapter really rings with me. I've missed your work and I know you're busy busy, but never the less, its wonderful to find it anew again.*hugs Squibby*I really loved the bit about how Alastor decided what to take for his new gig ... loved how he justified being a teacher and how serious he took the position. I also love the bit about him biting the snot out of Petigrew even being bound hand and foot.