Oh, very good! At least Dumbledore didn't blame him for the situation to his face; he should know Severus has been doing that for quite some time already. Albus is still massively naive about the danger Snape is in from others who could hear what they should not. And it's clear that both of them know the Astronomy Tower is quite likely in their future, and neither one will survive the aftermath.

It's easy for Albus to say Snape should have stopped the fight sooner between the students--given how many times Snape was made a dishrag by the Marauders with nobody stopping _them_, I can't say I'm impressed. Of course he has to blame Snape for everything, though, now doesn't he? Now it's over and Severus will live, he can let his anger and frustration out. But as usual, it's not fair to Snape. What else is new?Minerva clearly loves and has a great deal of patience with Dumbledore, but at some point she's absolutely right to bring out the Big Clue Brick and whack her husband one with it. I don't blame Albus for keeping it quiet that Minerva is his wife--no one would even expect him to be fair to any of the other houses if that got out (though I suspect nobody does anyway by now). Good chapter!

I like the way you softened Snape, just a little.  He's got so many knee-jerk reactions that are purely defensive.  It's nice to think that what he's been through and all he felt might actually have a lasting impact on him.Being just a little bit nice to Granger.Considering having a drink with Lupin.Teeny tiny, itty bitty, but believable baby steps from The Curmudgeon of the Dungeon.Delightful!

Nice interaction with Severus and Hermione. I'm really looking forward to more.Truly

This was a fun chapter to read! Having Snape interact so much with Remus and then Hermione and then Albus as well....tee hee. That's like throwing him several curve balls all at once!It was nice to see a little softer side of Snape come out of all of this. And it's like he told Albus...he can't totally let down his guard because there are always people lurking around the corners and in hallways waiting on something to report back to the Dark Lord or a Death Eater.  Still, at least he and Hermione have an understanding between them and if the drink goes well with Remus, it might actually heal a little bit of his old wounds there too.As always, looking forward to more...more...more!!!GLM

Whoo hoo, a AoL update.  Rock on!  Minerva and Albus clearly had a huge amount to cover.  I can't help but wonder what Albus has in mind for his beloved.  You really do have the male psyche down as obviously Albus did want to lay claim to Minerva by telling Severus that she was his wife.  Although I don't want to keep you away from reading an fic I can't help but hope there is just a bit more of this. 

Aww, how sweet. At least they've cleared the air between them. Wife?! Poor Severus getting a shock like that, but it does seem right that Albus would keep it quiet. Good work. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Excellent. I glad to decided to expand the story. Looking forward to more.Truly

As difficult as the ordeal has been for both of them, it gave them the chance to come to a new awareness of what they have.  After being together for so long, it is easy to take each other for granted.  Because of what they both had to do in the name of mercy, they have had the chance to really think about their own relationship and what they appreciate about each other.That will surely be a strength for both of them in the dark times to come.

Good gracious...I don't know who to have more sympathy for in this chapter...Albus or Minerva. I couldn't help but smile a bit when Albus let it "slip" that Minerva is his wife. I know it was unintentional but there was a motive behind his words...namely jealousy and no doubt a bit of nervousness. I think after everything that's happened Snape should be darn grateful that's the least Albus did during that little chat. It couldn't have been an easy talk to begin with especially after Snape was so rude to Minerva upon waking.I felt really sorry for Minerva when Albus left the first time without really acknowledging her question or even acting as if he wanted to spend time with her. I have to say she handled it much better than I ever could and then when he returned to apologize...awwwww. That was just what Minerva (and even I) needed!Albus has been so strong in all of this and it was wonderful to see him finally opening up to Minerva and letting her know what's been on his mind. I can see where he would feel all those emotions, though if he'd only talked to Minerva before things wouldn't have been as bad as they were. But no matter....life is good again and Snape is back in his own little dungoens and leaving Min and Albus alone...wooo hooo!!!Can't wait to see what Albus has planned....hope it's something spectacular!!!

Excellent!  Very good portrayal.  I was ready to slap Albus when he was leaving, though.  How dense can he BE?

I must say that reading this alongside RaM is very comforting, b/c it reassures me that they *will* get out of their own way in RaM, eventually!   Though obviously their communication patterns can still break down under great stress....

 I hope that in the rest of the epilogue you treat how the conclusion of HBP, and its immediate aftermath, play out given the experiences MM and SS now share.   I know that's asking A LOT but this storyline just begs for it, IMgreedyO!

It fabulous! An exellent aftermath. Insecurity is to be expected from both sides, and I think you did a fantastic job portraying that insecurity and the resolution of that insecurity. Well written and emotional.

Another great chapter and a very difficult one as well. I don't honestly know how you write this situation so effectively. I'd be a mess if I tried anything like this so GO YOU!!The chat with Snape about what was to happen eventually sounded very believable and you handled that very well. Those paragraphs crackled of unease on both parties and was very believable. Now to the uncomfy part....and you know which one I mean. I felt HORRIBLE for Albus as he had to lay there and let Snape fondle and kiss his wife's nipple. That gave me shudders and deep sorrow at the same time. I can't believe Minerva didn't get out of bed or stop him before it got that far. I'm not saying she's brazen but POOOOOR ALBUS!!! Then for him to have sex with her afterwards...that broke my heart. He must feel in some ways that he's losing her to a man who's younger and has two good hands to do more with, especially since he seems to bring that up frequently. That sex scene was very well written but so incredibly sad at the same time.Their discussion afterwards about it being a long time since he'd done anything like that was sad too. I know they have a healthy relationship but it's always heartbreaking to think that they're losing touch with one another. By that I mean that maybe Albus wanted to wake her more but felt she wouldn't like it...or vice versa. So, they just simply stopped...until now...when it wasn't exactly a "fun" thing to do but a "need" thing. sigh.Anyway, off to read the next bit...nervously!!!The Greedy Mouse...who's back from vacation....sobs

I've re-read this story about a dozen times, and all I can think of to say is thank you.  This, and your other piece are amazing, and it always gave me a little thrill to see the next update.  Now I just need to wait for  the epilogue.

Sweet Merlin!I knew it was coming but it still took me by surprise! I mean SNAPE! *scrunches up face in disgust* But you pulled it off brilliantly!I have said this before but I will say it again, it is the little attention to detail that makes your writing so great. Melina is a brilliant example, I mean of course her family are going to worry!I love Wilspy! The looks she sported are just classic!My heart goes out to Albus and I am very much looking forward to this epilogue!Congratulations this was feckin' marvelous! (Pardon my language.)Thanks

Interesting ending. Very interesting to have Snape react in such a manner. But then I have to say even though he was a mean bastard when he did it was kind of a relief to have him back to being his mean, old Snape again. It' s been fantastic reading and I'm looking forward to your epilogue .

If I had more than two thumbs they'd be up too A fantastic chapter.  The situation with Albus wakeing up while Snape was touching Minerva was very interesting. and steamy.

:-) that was lovely. I would really love a sequel to this universe. How might this affect severus in the long run. <3 Excellent Excellent story. I do belive this is my favorite non-granger/Snape story.

things are heating up so to speak. Excellent.Truly

Oh man, that was  . . . clinical, I suppose is a good word. Very apropos. Well done.I look forward to the Epilogue.Truly

What an interesting ending, I am glad you had the final encounter be...well almost clinical.  I hope Minerva doesn't tell Albus about what Severus said to push her away, I am sure Albus would be pissed.  I hope the epilogue contains some of Albus's issues.  I am glad you put the bit with them in bed in the last chapter by the way. It is a completely logical insecurity of Albus's especially because of his age and the hand injury.  Course I can't image what Minerva is feeling after she finds out who kills Albus, especially after this.  Looking forward to the final wrap up.

Okay what Snape did for Hermione was quite cute.  The next conversatioin Minvera has with Severus is going to be quite different.  Of course the one he has with Albus is likely to be even more,...well interesting.  I think that Severus is going to be the one with the largest objection to this entire plan, which is of course why Minerva is worried she is going to lose a friend when it is all over.  The pace at which you are building to the inevitable is great, it is kind of like watching a planned accident, you don't want to see it or have it happen but you are too glued to watching it to turn away.  I hope you are on target to finish before the end of the month, the tenision is killing me!  :)  Great job.I also can't get the image of the what happened on the top of the tower out of my head either.  I am waiting with held breath to see how you link that in to this. 

I'm really glad Hermione can help. This is coming along very nicely. Well done.Truly

Yay, Minerva! 

Poor Severus.  Hopefully he *will* remember later that smiling and laughing and being grateful do not lead to the universe collapsing!  And Pansy-Hermione jinx fest was great!  God Save the Queen indeed.

 I too love the image of Albus curled around Minerva. I'd take one evening with a man like that then many of passion w/ someon lesser!  And Minerva gets both!  Lucky witch!

My eyes were popping out of my head when I began to read this story. SNAPE! But you make it work...really well! My mind is racing with different ways and scenarios this fic can end.I actually feel worse for Albus. He has to just sit back and...well...watch!Pansy - the great big eegit! (Sorry, just had to get that off my chest.)You had me laughing out loud during the last part when Snape was trying to adequately show his appreciation to Hermione. The cheering charm was such a simple yet blooming brilliant solution!I am looking forward to more!