I still get all warm inside thinking of Minerva being included in something so immense and important - let alone working so closely with Dumbledore - so awesome!

*snip*“No, my dear. Well, I did catch a spell or two – now don’t fret, child – but they were glancing blows, nothing to signify. I am only a little tired. I shall be fine once I have some dinner.”Minerva called the house-elf whom she had seen bring Dumbledore dinner on other occasions. “Wilspy!” She only wondered for a second when the house-elf actually responded to her call – she had thought she’d have to call several times since she was a student, and house-elves rarely answered to students.“Yes, Miss Minerva? Can Wilspy serve?”Without thinking, Minerva said, businesslike, “Yes, please bring the professor some dinner. He will have vegetable soup, roast beef, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin juice; for dessert, you will bring him hot peppermint tea and custard.”At that point, a somewhat bemused Albus interrupted. “Bring two dinners, Wilspy. I don’t like to eat alone,” he added with a smile to Minerva.*snip*Tee hee!

*snip*“You’ve only been gone from school a few years, Melina, what did you expect? That he’d grown an extra head and begun spitting in the streets or something?” asked Minerva irritably.*snip*That line never fails to make me giggle and grin no matter how often I read it.

*snip*“There is danger all around us, Minerva. And it will only grow if those of us who are able do not do what we must in order to stop it. Come now, it is past time for you to be asleep. I think you should try to sleep late in the morning and skip your first class. I shall inform your professor.”Minerva giggled at that as they walked toward the kitchen exit. “You are that professor, Professor!”“Ah, am I? I shall have to have a word with myself, then,” Albus said with a mild twinkle.*snip*That is absolutely adorable...

"Minerva was almost dumbstruck."  oh yes, how could she not be! I don't know, but I find Albus almost cute here - and that's a word I hardly ever use, not even for kittens, but I mean it respectfully, like that it touches my heart - in his attempts to load all the blame on himself and preventing Minerva from saying sorry to him (and then feeling sorry for such almost rude behaviour too). I love Albus, what a loving and courageous man he is: not many people dare to analyze themselves as penetrating and honest and draw the conclusion of what they find as conscientiously as Albus did here.Minerva I love always, of course, here too! Lovely, wonderful, chapter, very nice to read!

I went back to reread this with new perspective. The first time I read it I found it enjoyable, but that the situation was unrealistic and overly complicated. "No one would go this long in love with someone without letting them know" it wasn't until a year after this story ended, when I realized I was in love with my best friend that I understood the situation in the story better, and it took me a further two years to tell him. I finally confessed my feelings to him a few months ago. He did not reject me, though I know he doesn't feel the same. He let's me love him, by my request, and I know he cares for me in his own way.

Ohhh...sigh!!! It was so wonderful to reread - for the umptieth time - all those chapters in which they've found their love and live it so warmly, so lovingly, so intensely and so...well...as real people. When I'm a bit down or sidelined due to health-reasons, reading any story of your RaM-verse, but most of all RaM itself, is just the perfect way to cheer me up and to make me feel alive and breathing, sort of. Having read nearly all of your RaM-verse stories, or being in the proces of reading, like with LVS and CSG, makes me marvel at the richness and insightfulness of your writing. Thinking of RaM and then of LVS, for instance, clearly shows how you have let Minerva develop from this fresh, enthousiastic young woman in undeniably the same, but so much more mature woman. It is utterly believable and I can only imagine that possible if you, the author, have a tremendous insight in personality, psychology, relationships and what more is needed to write such full and 'breathing' characters, your original characters included! And of course, it is not only Minerva who develops, Albus too develops - in their relation most of all. And the dynamics in their relation develops (so awesomly demonstrated in Death's Dominion, when Minerva takes matters in her hands). Not to mention all the other characters, in which Snape's 'growth' is most striking of course. I can only be very very happy and thankful that one faithful day I came across you and your writings and you've coloured and fulfilled (being a so much more fitting word here than 'filled') so many an hour of my life since! Thanks!!!!!

'Wilspy popped in immediately. "May Wilspy serve Professor Dumbledore and his Miss?"'While I'm sure Wilspy can't foretell the future, it's interesting that Minerva is already 'his' Miss. I suppose she senses Minerva's devotion to him, whatever it's current form (and his for her). And I just want to say that I adore Wilspy!And I love picnics. I want Wilspy to pack my next picnic. Even if I can't levitate the basket, or unpack with a wave of my hand (and here we are reminded just how powerful and talented Albus is!), being able to put everything in one basket, without any of it spilling, would be great.I really enjoy the background information on 'how stuff works' with the foundational wards and the ward lattice, etc. (must be the engineer in me!), as well as seeing arithmancy being useful. You give such a nice explanation for how the Marauders Map works, without beating us over the head with it. (I have to admit the Map always bugged me a little -- how could students, even as talented as James and Sirius, create something like that without Dumbledore being aware of it? And I still don't buy that someone as dim as Pettigrew could become and animagus. But I digress.). Back to RaM, did Dumbledore ever finish working on the wards?'Albus interrupted her. "You will tell me of your decision after dinner, right?" he asked with a smile."Right. That’s what I was about to say," Minerva said with a grin.'Because we all know this is going to be a difficult decision for her!

*snip*Albus opened his eyes and turned his head toward her. “Ah, a visitor. But you should go, little one. It isn’t safe for either of us here. Of course, you are a French cat. I should speak French, no doubt.” Albus reached out to stroke the small animal. “I know a cat a bit like you at home, she’s a sweet . . . Minerva?” he said as he touched the cat. “Minerva, am I going mad, or is that you?”“Mrr-rrrow-ow!” Minerva butted his side affectionately with her head.“What are you doing here?”Did I mention how much I love that scene??????

It would be easier to forgive the title if that dang song wasn't running through my head now... but I can see how it would be nearly impossible to resist!It's interesting to see teen-age Minerva.  Still Minerva, but with all the typical teen-age mannerisms and attitudes (parents can be such a pain, and so embarrassing, even when they're helping). I like how unself-consciously she interacts with Albus here. He treats her with respect, almost as an equal. It's just slightly different from the way her parents treat her -- they love and respect her, but she is still their little girl (as she should be!) while he sees her as a young adult.

*snip*Gertie chose to get up from the table at that moment and come around to stand behind Minerva. “Albus, I must be going now. Thank you for taking the time to see me this morning. I am aware that it was not the most convenient time for you. And I will think about your request while I am on holiday, as I promised you; however, I do not believe that I will change my mind.”and...“Well, Albus, it seems the house-elves have already cleared my place; since I’m leaving, why don’t you take my seat?”Ah HA! Even HERE, Gertie is trying to get these two together... i didn't SEE this before! I didn't SEE THIS before! *grins*  More reason to love that sweet Gertie!

Oops, forgot to rate the chappie! BAD ME!

*snip*Minerva glanced at the cover, then flipped to the front of the book. She giggled, then put her hand over her mouth.“Something amusing, Miss McGonagall?” asked Albus, quirking an eyebrow.“Um, sir, would you happen to be acquainted with the author?” Minerva asked, trying to keep a straight face.“Well, as a matter of fact, yes, we are acquaintances of a sort. Although that is not why I believe you will find the book valuable.” Albus grinned. “Why do you ask?”“Hmm, the name is just a bit familiar, that’s all, sir. ‘Apiarus B. White,’ sir?”“Yes, well, I suppose it is a bit transparent, but at the time I thought it clever. I was young.” Albus said with a shrug and a smile.*chuckles* I had completely forgotten that wee bit of information, and how adorable it is - more adorable that Minerva picked up on it immediatly, but adorable of Albus either way.

*snip*Minerva could still remember how her breath caught in her throat as she saw her professor sway wearily before he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him.“Ah, Minerva! I had not expected to see you here this evening.” Albus’s voice sounded strong, but Minerva could see that he was still leaning heavily on the door handle, and he had let his bag drop to the floor with a thump.“Professor! Are you all right?” Minerva stood, unsure of whether to hurry to his side or to remain where she was.“I’m fine, my dear. Merely tired and a little worse for wear.” Dumbledore bent and retrieved his bag, then straightened and walked towards her, coming into the light shed by her single candle.Minerva thought she’d never seen anyone she knew look so awful without being ill. “Professor, what are you doing here? You should be in bed – or in the infirmary!” Her alarm at his appearance overcame her natural reticence to tell an adult what he should do.“As this is my classroom, and my office is beyond it, it should not be a surprise that I am here. As to why, I believe that I have forty essays to read before tomorrow, as I promised them to the second-year class last week.” Albus ignored Minerva’s suggestion that he should be in bed.Minerva went to his desk and pulled his chair out for him. Albus gave her a little smile. “Thank you, Miss McGonagall. I do believe we need more light, however.” He waved a hand, and the sconces closest to them lit up.“I’m sorry, Professor, but you look awful. I know it’s not polite to say it, but you do. Are you hurt anywhere?” Minerva was determined that, if he were, she would fetch the matron, regardless of her professor’s instructions.“No, my dear. Well, I did catch a spell or two – now don’t fret, child – but they were glancing blows, nothing to signify. I am only a little tired. I shall be fine once I have some dinner.”Minerva called the house-elf whom she had seen bring Dumbledore dinner on other occasions. “Wilspy!” She only wondered for a second when the house-elf actually responded to her call – she had thought she’d have to call several times since she was a student, and house-elves rarely answered to students.“Yes, Miss Minerva? Can Wilspy serve?”Without thinking, Minerva said, businesslike, “Yes, please bring the professor some dinner. He will have vegetable soup, roast beef, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin juice; for dessert, you will bring him hot peppermint tea and custard.”At that point, a somewhat bemused Albus interrupted. “Bring two dinners, Wilspy. I don’t like to eat alone,” he added with a smile to Minerva.After the house-elf had Apparated away, Albus grinned at Minerva. “So, Mother McGonagall, what determined tonight’s menu? All your favourites?”Minerva rolled her eyes, suddenly becoming a little girl again. “Of course not! I don’t even really like roast beef much. I just thought it would be good for you, and,” she finished seriously, “bring your strength back. And I have noticed you eat creamed spinach, but never eat it when we have it plain, and my mother always says spinach is revitalising. After a heavy meal, you shouldn’t have a heavy dessert; custard also has eggs in it, so it’s good for you.”I had forgotten all about this tender scene - Minerva and her no-nonsense leadership qualities - ready to step in at a moment's notice - and just how much she cares for her professor, and his trust in her to allow her to see him in such a state.*snip*Without further conversation, the two set to work. Minerva actually enjoyed writing comments on each essay. She finished the third student essay, then looked up at Albus, ready to share an amusing error she’d just read. Instead, she stopped as she drew her breath, unsettled by what she saw. Her professor was simply sitting, gazing into space, eyes unfocused and clouded over, quill held loose and idle in his right hand. Minerva stood, went to him, and removed the quill from his hand.“Professor, Professor. You should go to bed. Really. I will finish these and leave them for you in your office. It won’t take long, and it will be fun.” She saw that there were bright tears gathered in his eyes, unshed. Tentative, she placed a hand on his shoulder and said even more softly, “You need some sleep if you are to teach tomorrow, sir.” Minerva wished she could say something comforting, but she had no idea what that might be. Any circumstances under which he would have been grazed by multiple curses could not have been good.Albus turned toward her slightly. “Thank you, Minerva. I believe you are right.” He stood then, and she let her hand drop. “I am sorry, my dear,” he said.“Sorry? Please don’t be, Professor. After all you have done for me, the least I can do is read a few essays for you,” she said briskly, trying to behave as though she hadn’t just seen tears in the eyes of her favourite professor. She didn’t want him embarrassed. “Besides which, by helping you, I’ll feel as though I’m doing what I can for the war effort.”And that... the fact that Dumbledore lets her take over, lets her see him in such a state, shows just how much trust he has in her, and how fond he is of her, and she of him, of course.

*snip*Albus sighed at that, but then looked up at her and smiled. “Miss McGonagall! You have a lovely white mustache! You should add a beard, however, to complete the effect.” With that, he dipped his finger into the whipped cream melting on his hot chocolate and swiftly reached across the table and deposited a dollop of it on her chin.Minerva laughed then and wiped her face clean with her napkin. “Although I would like to emulate you in every way, Professor Dumbledore, I fear that a beard and mustache will never suit me as they do you!”Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! So bleeding cute!

*snip*The three set off down the main street, Melina saying that she’d walk with them as far as the Three Broomsticks since she planned to Floo home from there, rather than Apparate for the third time that day. The three women walked through the new snow that had fallen while they had been in Madam Puddifoot’s and chatted, Melina saying she’d take Minerva’s and Poppy’s advice and Owl them both soon. As they neared the Three Broomsticks, they could see two people emerging from it and the warmly lit room beyond. One of the two figures was clearly that of Dumbledore; the other was a witch. As the two turned to head toward the castle, the witch seemed to slip a bit in the snow. The Headmaster’s hand reached out and caught her before she fell, then he crooked his elbow, offering an arm, which she took.“He’s still the same, sweet, gallant Professor Dumbledore, then,” said Melina with a smile, her cheeks rosy from the cold.“You’ve only been gone from school a few years, Melina, what did you expect? That he’d grown an extra head and begun spitting in the streets or something?” asked Minerva irritably.*bursts out laughing* Oh I had forgotten how fun the begining of RaM was.... tee hee! I just love Wrathful Minerva, especially the young one!

*snip*As she trudged up the stairs and on to her rooms, she had to tamp down the thought that she should have known when he assigned her to quarters on the fourth floor that she had been sent to Siberia.Oh really, Minerva... Siberia? *rolls eyes*

*snip*Albus chuckled remembering the serious little second-year whose book he had to take away during the first Tea in September. Minerva protested that she had Charms homework, but when he pointed out that the Charms textbook she was reading was for the third-year class, and he doubted that Professor Dustern expected her to hand in her homework a year early, she at first looked slightly sullen, but then suddenly flashed him a brilliant smile and said, “A year and a half, actually!”*snicker* I just LOVE that!

*snip*" ... in which daily ingestion of a certain potion made with goat horn powder was supposed to renew a man’s vigour, hmm. It had certain rather unfortunate side effects that limited its marketability. Yes, well. Hmm.”Now now, my dear Madam Raven, you simply MUST tell me about this particular potion! *grins wide*

Oh ho ho ho, how Minerva has changed in the RaMverse... I had forgotten all about the 'young' Wrathful Minerva as opposed to the careful and calculating, and educated - not to mention older - Wrathful Minerva  - getting such a chuckle reading over this again. Minerva HAS changed so much in RaMverse... so very much. 

Great look at Minerva's background. She has wonderful parents and great support and love, but you can also see that she has always been looking forward and wanting to be older, spending her childhood with adults. No doubt that contributed to her being able to relate to Albus (perhaps even subconsciously) as a peer, even while looking up to him as a teacher and mentor, and not 'feeling' the age difference even while being very aware of it because of it's drawbacks.

I hope this makes sense!  I know what I mean, anyway...

I adore the story of how Albus first got to know Minerva, and the way she transfigured the textbook to look like a novel. I can think of a few times that would have come in handy for me when I was in school, but I would probably have been transfiguring a novel to look like a textbook!I also love getting the story behind someone as powerful and celebrated as Dumbledore taking a job at Hogwarts in the first place. Your explanation gives solid reasons both for Armando offering the job and him taking it and retaining it for all these years. It's nice to get some foundation for how magic works, and how and why Hogwarts is so secure. There has to be some reason (other than 'Dumbledore's there') Riddle didn't just come in and take over. After all, if you don't care about casualties (and Riddle doesn't), a multi-pronged attack should be able to overwhelm a few teachers easily, no matter how talented they are, unless there is solid underlying security in-place.Interesting take on the deputyship too -- scut work! It always seemed like more trouble than it was worth to me.  Simply teaching that many students that many subjects is more than a full-time job. I'm not a teacher, but I know several very well, and just keeping up with grading would take several hours a day if done properly (I suppose they know a few spells). There would have to be a compelling reason to take on additional duties; that's one reason I always thought Albus and Minerva were together. I like Albus's POV on the events of the morning. You show both his passion and insecurity, and how he is able to pull back and use his intelligence to assess the situation objectively and to reassure himself and plot a course of action to correct the misunderstanding with Minerva--at least for now! It's amusing to see how in-denial he is about his feelings, and how he has distanced himself from her to protect himself, but doesn't realize that she can sense him pulling away and that it will hurt her, even if she only cares for him as a friend. (He was going to offer her a peppermint pillow? Really? After calling her a 'good girl'? It's a very good thing he didn't, but if he had, at least he would have been in the hospital wing, with immediate medical assistance available.)All in all a great introduction to Albus, showing his strengths and weaknesses.

I don't blame Minerva "good girl" -- arrrgh! Especially when added to the rest. Still, I'd want to crawl into a hole when I found out I'd been overheard.I read this a few months back (and AAoL and DD), and planned to review then, but your writing sucked me in so I didn't want to take the time as I read. Then RL  intervened, so I never got around to it. I've decided to re-read, and I will try to be good this time and post some reviews as I go.I loved Poppy's charm to freeze the witch on her broomstick in-place. I sometimes forget that Poppy is a talented witch too. And poor Albus, having to put up with all the groupies.I like how you set the stage here, mentioning Albus's eccentricities, the Gryffindor stairs to the girl's dorm, "Hogwarts a History", (how like Minerva to remember an obscure fact off the top of her head) and other details to put us into familiar territory, then slide in mention of security wards, Gertrude, etc., so that it doesn't even register that they are original.

Lovely, this little piece of insight in the  waking-up habits of Merwyn and Egeria...makes me smile as it is so recognizable! And the owl getting toast with plumbutter...reminds me of the peachbutter recently tastefully explained to me. But that on the side. How frightening it must have been for them to receive such a letter from Minerva. Good that Merwyn kept his senses and came to the right conclusion.

This chapter was so much interesting and full of suspense that I read it breathlessly and way faster than I normally would, urged on by the need to know of the events and wheather Albus and Minerva would be able to escape. Wonderful!

I loved the description of Minerva's search while a cat. It was so real, her seemingly playing while actually scanning the area, her mouth a bit open to catch the scents better...just like a real cat and she did so well in evoking that impression and equally did you in writing about it. Adding convincing details about the magical world, making me part of the wizarding universe that way and I enjoy that immensely as it is so life-like and with such a well-painted magical 'scenery' that I never doubt any of it. *smile*.

The end, with the arrival of Grindelwalds wizards and with Minerva needing to remove all blood and urine traces to prevent them being used for Dark Magic - such a convincing detail I was aiming at- was really scary and it was such a relieve to hear Albus say 'Spero' to Portkey both of them, as well as Carson, away to safety!

Thanks so much for yet another magical chapter!!!