*snip*

 When Minerva had gone, Albus sat down heavily in an old wooden armchair and sighed. Phineas had spoken the truth that morning. It was not to be tolerated. Disgusting, in fact. He had to get control of himself. He had to treat Minerva with the respect to which she was entitled, at all times . . . at all times.

*snip*

*slaps Albus upside the head*

Malcolm is such a ham.

Me thinks Minerva has a touch of OCD! *grins* Nobody is doing what they are supposed to be doing! Everything is going pear shaped! Don't you know you're supposed to be talking to this person, and you, you are supposed to be sitting HERE!

I really like this chapter, especially Gertrude's arrival, and Malcolm embarrassing Minerva. *grins*

*snip*

“Nice letter?” “Hmm?” Minerva asked, looking up at Melina.“I asked, was it a nice letter, then? You looked almost like it was a letter from a lover, not from your boss, the expression on your face –” “Melina McGonagall! What a thing to say!” Minerva could feel her face flushing.“Well, I just meant that you looked quite pleased, that’s all,” Melina said, blushing at her faux pas. “I’m sorry . . . of course, it was from Professor Dumbledore. Um, that was an inappropriate remark. But it was a good letter?” “Yes,” Minerva said briskly, folding the parchment and replacing it in her pocket. “We are having lunch on Wednesday to discuss the Head of Gryffindor position, and he also told me that I was doing well in the assistance I am giving in the search for a new Care of Magical Creatures instructor. He is an extremely busy wizard, Melina, and he values my assistance.”

*snip*

HAHAHA

*snip*

When she saw Albus informally, she wanted to have him to herself, as foolish and immature as that seemed to her.

*snip*

That's exactly the reason I was thinking she didn't want to invite Albus. *grins* And I can very much relate.

*snip*

When the vision of himself pressing Minerva against the door and raising her skirts flashed through his mind, his quill tip skidded across the page, ending in a dark blot.

*snip*

That makes me grin, for more than one reason.

*snip*

 “And may I guess as to the identity of the owner of the other wand? Albus Dumbledore?”Minerva’s mouth almost dropped open. “Did you know about this already and not tell me?” “No, but it makes sense. So I am right, then. You and Albus possess mated wands.” Her father grinned. “Well, isn’t that . . . interesting. I presume he told you?” At Minerva’s nod, he continued, “I am sure we can find some information for you, although I don’t know as it will go much beyond what Albus was able to tell you. Your wand is of ivy, so what is his? Oak?” “No, that was something else I learned. My wand is of magical ivy, not common ivy – ” “So his is of yew, I presume . . . he never struck me as an oak wizard. Yew . . . how interesting.” Merwyn smiled again. “And Hedera pythonica; quite an intriguing combination. Very appropriate, wouldn’t you say?” “I don’t know. I’m not sure what you mean.”Merwyn shrugged. “Let’s go into the library, see if we can find you that book.”

*snip*

Hahahaha! I love Merwyn here ... wise Papa that he is. And saying something plain but still creative enough that Minerva STILL doesn't get what he's saying ... or maybe, that its still not plain enough that she can fool herself into thinking he's not saying what she thinks he's saying.

Lets go get that book, indeed. *grins*

*snip*

Albus smiled. “Since the two females in my life, you and Wilspy, don’t seem to approve, I think I will cut this trial short.” He pulled out his wand and, with a few quick swishes, returned his hair and beard to their normal states.

*snip*

There, he just told her that he does not have a romantic relationship with Gertrude, and does not include her in his idea of "family" like he does Wilspy and Minerva. If Minerva were paying attention ...

*snip*

“Shave your head and go naked then! No robes for Master Albus! That is what is under all those clothes!” Wilspy threw up her hands and rolled her eyes, then Disapparated, leaving Albus to chuckle.

*snip*

Probably the best line in RaM ... and always makes me laugh. Gotta love Wilspy.

*snip*

“Good mouser?” asked the minister.“Eh?” “A mouser – is she good for anything? Or does she just hang about? My sister’s cats all just hang about.” “I can’t say I’ve seen her catching mice – ” “Hmph. Sounds as useless as my sister’s moggies. She have a name?” “Er, I sometimes call her ‘little one,’ but – ”

*snip*

Again, another LOUD TRUMPET blasting that Albus adores her ... (end of the chapter I mean) she should have just raised up and kissed him. *mumbles*

The green-eyed monster causes such a ruckus sometimes ... shame we give in to it, isn't it?

I often wonder why jealousy is called the "green" eyed monster ... what is wrong with green eyes?

*snip*

“Richtig. These are, of course, folk meanings, but they are not without their own truth. In this country, I teach more concretely that the ivy vine spirals about a plant, climbing it, being supported by it, embracing it. The ivy vine may appear delicate, but it is powerful; in the absence of trees, it may climb a brick wall and, in time, cause it to crumble. Ivy can reach great heights when it has a support, to the top of the tallest oak it can climb. And yet, without the tree, the ivy can content itself to creep along the earth, spreading widely and vigorously.“Ivy is not a parasite, you know. It coexists quite peacefully with its tree. But just as ivy can crumble masonry, it can also bring destruction to the tree through its mere existence. Magical ivy, however, is different in this regard. It, too, will grow to the top-most branches of a tree. It, too, may blanket the tree entirely, its own leaves obscuring those of the tree. But magical ivy, rather than inadvertently starving its friendly host of sunlight, provides extra nutrition to the tree the more thickly it covers it. And where a mighty oak will fall when the common ivy permits strong winds to knock over the tree by growing so densely that the air can no longer move freely through the tree’s branches, magical ivy, through an as-yet unstudied mechanism, absorbs the power of the winds, allowing the tree to be buffeted, but not to fall.“Hedera pythonica, the magical ivy, also provides a very positive protection for the tree that plays host, not merely off-setting its own potentially deleterious effects, by repelling harmful insects, beetles, and parasites that might otherwise infest the tree. And where common ivy ordinarily confines itself to deciduous trees such as the oak, the magical variety is found most often on the yew tree, which is also an evergreen, like the ivy itself.

*snip*

Yay! Biology!

And I knew I wasn't crazy ... when reading the last chapter, I could have sworn Albus' wand was made of oak ... not yew ... and I couldn't understand why I thought that ... until I read this bit in this chapter ... from Birn's description of ivy climbing the tallest oak ... glad I'm not nuts.

*snip*

 “It’s a better picture of Poppy than it is of me, I’m afraid – which may be one reason I never did anything with it. I look like a braying donkey.”

*snip*

Ok that makes me cackle.

I know we have discussed wand lore in these past few years ... I had assumed, wrongly, that I had written a review for this chapter ... alas, I did not. Shame on me! So I will remedy that.

While I loved the wand lore in this chappie, I am saddened that I didn't think of it first, mainly because I have outlined my wand lore bit for my yarn ... and it is similar ... I shall have to change some things around, I think ... as I can't help but feel I've stolen your idea!

I especially like the aspect that the two woods are symbiotic of each other, rather than of the same plant. That's pretty groovy!

*snip*

“I do believe she would have enjoyed your company there, sir. You were missed by many. I know that Robert and Gertrude both would have been pleased if you had been able t’ come this year. And,” Quin added with a barely perceptible glance at Minerva, “you could have taken care o’ Minerva yourself.” 

*snip*

Gertrude prods Albus, Poppy prods Albus, now Quin prods Albus ... and of course they all prod Minerva and STILL ... he's ... *resumes banging head against wall*

*snip*

 Ah-ha! Flitwick! Oh, Filius might be just perfect for her. Of course, he was a tad shorter than Minerva . . . well, more than a tad, but Minerva probably wouldn’t mind that. Filius was certainly intellectual, as well as out-going and cheerful. And he liked music and could escort Minerva to concerts. He could be quite a bit of fun for Minerva. He was older than she . . . by more than a few years. But he was younger than Minerva’s father by at least a little, Albus thought, so that was all right. And Filius couldn’t be luckier than to have a witch such as Minerva by his side. Now . . . how to get the two of them together, just to get things off to a start . . . .

*snip*

*flogs Albus out of sheer aggravation! How about some logic? If Filius is not too old for her .... ARG 

*sniiiiiiiip*

“Albus! It’s Minerva. Time to wake up!” Minerva cringed to herself. She’d begin to sound like Gluffy soon. “Albus, would you like to sleep a bit longer?” she asked softly as Albus’s eyes fluttered open; she could call Wilspy and ask her to bring him his dinner in his suite. Albus blinked and looked up at her sleepily. “Mmm. Minerva,” he said with a deep sigh. He closed his eyes again. His hand released its grip on the sheet and inched toward her. Minerva gingerly perched on the edge of the bed beside him. “Are you all right, Albus?” She touched his brow. He was a little warm, but the room was too warm for her liking.“Hmm?” Albus opened his eyes and blinked again. Minerva quickly removed her hand. “Oh, Minerva, I’m sorry . . . I didn’t mean to sleep this long.” His voice was hoarse. “What time is it?” “About forty-five minutes till dinner. It’s all right; you have time. But are you feeling well?” “Perfectly.” He pulled the coverlet toward him. “Just fine. But, umm,” he said, suppressing a yawn, “a little warm.” “I’m concerned about you, Albus.” Minerva examined his face. Other than a slight flush, however, he seemed fine, wide-awake and fine.“Could you open the draperies, my dear? And perhaps a window?” He covered himself with the light blanket.“Certainly – and may I suggest that you get rid of that blanket? You’ll make yourself ill sleeping in such a warm room, all covered up like that,” Minerva said, trying to speak as briskly as her mother did to her patients, as she walked over to one of the windows and pulled back the curtains. “And you should have something to drink. Something cool, but not cold.” “Yes, ma’am, Mother McGonagall!” Albus quipped. Minerva laughed. If he was calling her “Mother McGonagall,” he was fine. A fresh breeze came through the window, and Minerva turned to open another one. When she finished, she saw that Albus was sitting up, but still hadn’t moved from the bed and was still clutching the blanket in front of him. Well, Gertie interrupting his half-nude beard-bucket time had apparently not prepared him to have his Transfiguration mistress wake him from a sound sleep in his bedroom, Minerva thought wryly.

*sniiiiiiiip*

That's because he's got an erection, you dip! *shakes head* What is wrong with her? DUH! Its a man in the morning thing! Poor guy!

Minerva the voyeur!  The nerve! The scandal!

*snip*

Dustern snorted. “Well, it should be none of my concern, as I will soon be leaving, but I do not believe that there is any way to have a werewolf on staff in any capacity. But given this Headmaster’s predilection for hiring criminals, rogues, half-breeds, and Squibs, it can hardly come as a surprise to anyone that the next step is hiring beasts. In a few years, we’ll have a house-elf teaching Charms, a garden gnome teaching Herbology, a Muggle teaching the History of Magic, and a centaur teaching Divination.”

*snip*

You see, this is where I would faily miserably if Hogwarts were to employ someone like me ... I am fairly sure that Dustern would not have been able to finish that statement as I would have completely lost my temper, stood, thrown my chair out and thrust my finger in her face, most likely loudly voicing my distaste for her unkind words ... what a .... well I can't say it here.

Hear hear for our German Herbology instructor! Goodness! surprised Gertrude didn't rip that woman's ear rings out. Insult MY Hagrid ... the witch ...

*snip*

Merwyn smiled and took his pipe from its place on the mantle. “That I do, Albus, that I do. Egeria is a remarkable woman – intelligent, efficient, energetic, a very talented midwife, but also one of the warmest, most loving women to walk this earth – at least, I think she is. Not that we haven’t had our ups and downs, but they have been minor ones. It was hardest once all of the children were gone, of course, but then Melina was born, and she had her first grandchild to dote on.” Merwyn laughed. “Not that I haven’t done my share of doting, naturally. But Egeria, my wonderful and most constant companion through life, she adds more to my days than I can properly express . . . You know, Minerva takes after her mother in many ways. And once she has decided to settle down with her wizard, I am sure they will both be very happy.” “So Minerva is seeing someone?” “Hmm?” Merwyn puffed a few times to get the tobacco glowing. “No, not really. You know Minerva, after all . . . by the way, did you read the letter she wrote?”

*snip*

*Slaps Albus upside the head with a box of frozen squid* What is WRONG with the man? I think, even I would get it after this much nudging from so many people.

*snip*

Yes, please, Albus. That would be nice. Although, after the ice cream . . . .” She was shameless, she thought. Utterly shameless.“Ah, well, we can compensate for that, I am sure.” Albus blushed despite himself. “You are a bit taller than you were . . . but come closer, my dear.”

*snip*

Ahahahahahaha, that cat!

*snip*

Young Minerva’s devotion and concern for him were touching, even now. More so were the final words meant specifically for him. Happy memories of time spent with him – her happiest memories. She had been a beautiful child and had grown to become a beautiful young woman. And when Albus thought back on Minerva’s days as a student, he knew that many of his happiest memories from that time also included her. He shuddered and dropped the letter on the desk. He disgusted himself, thinking of his love for Minerva and reflecting on his memories of her as a student. He was old enough to be her grandfather – her great-grandfather, in fact. Perhaps that was why Merwyn had given him the letter to read, to remind him of his correct place in Minerva’s life, as teacher, mentor, Headmaster. Merwyn had seemed friendly enough. A man doesn’t generally play chess and share drinks with someone he suspects of having an inappropriate relationship with his daughter. Why had he shown him that letter? What could be the purpose now, so many years after it had been written? Hands on the armrests, Albus stood stiffly and blinked. He shouldn’t have had that last drink. One thing was certain, whatever Merwyn’s purpose had been in showing it to him, the effect of the letter was to make him feel worse for not having been a better friend to Minerva after Carson’s death and for having turned away her offer of help. Perhaps that was why Minerva had left the castle with scarcely a word. He had again rejected her gestures of friendship, although that was not what he had intended to do. But it could have seemed that way to her. He simply wished to avoid being alone with her for very long at one time, as well as to encourage her to make time for other friends. Albus didn’t want Minerva to become so accustomed to spending her time with him that she neglected opportunities for happiness in her life, not to mention he wanted to avoid inappropriate gestures of affection on his part. Yet if it made her so unhappy . . . he would simply have to find another way to control his feelings for her.

*snip*

Albus' denial is really starting to grate on my nerves ... like on my LAST nerve!

*snip*

“I’m sure she could find a more congenial chess partner.” “I doubt it,” Merwyn said, taking a pawn en passant. “She likes a challenge. I am sure you could provide her with a challenge.” He grinned. “Of course, with Minerva, sometimes you have to be a little ruthless and a bit obvious – make sure she understands what you are offering. Then she’ll engage you with everything in her.”Albus looked up from the chessboard. Merwyn was examining the pieces, trying to decide his next move. “She can be determined,” Albus answered, wondering what Merwyn was on about.“Quite. But sometimes she needs a prod or two to start her in the right direction. Not in chess, of course . . .”They played in silence for a bit longer, Merwyn winning, though not easily. “You really do present a challenge, Albus. You should play with Minerva. I’m sure she would enjoy it. Best three out of five?”

*snip*

I didn't catch this the first few times around, did I? No ... I don't think I did ... Merwyn is not talking about chess ... he's throwing out major hints to Albus ... daft me, didn't see it for what it was, I thought it was just a father bragging on his daughter.