Thank you! I'm glad you liked the chapter.Severus at least had some warning, and he's lying down! That should help. Yes, remembering that neither she nor Albus know whether she will be successful or whether he will really die makes that scene have a different impact, I think. I had considered having these scenes, or parts of them, anyway, come earlier in the story, before we learned for sure that Robbie was Albus, but decided against it. I don't know whether they would have had more impact, but I preferred the flow of the story to leave them for later.It is hard when people think they're "protecting" you by not telling you everyting, but they're just making it worse. Fortunately, Minerva is telling Severus as soon as she possibly could rather than waiting until the Healers think Severus is "ready." I don't know if that's the kind of news anyone is ever ready for.Thanks for the review!

Thank you! I'm glad you liked the chapter.Severus at least had some warning, and he's lying down! That should help. Yes, remembering that neither she nor Albus know whether she will be successful or whether he will really die makes that scene have a different impact, I think. I had considered having these scenes, or parts of them, anyway, come earlier in the story, before we learned for sure that Robbie was Albus, but decided against it. I don't know whether they would have had more impact, but I preferred the flow of the story to leave them for later.It is hard when people think they're "protecting" you by not telling you everyting, but they're just making it worse. Fortunately, Minerva is telling Severus as soon as she possibly could rather than waiting until the Healers think Severus is "ready." I don't know if that's the kind of news anyone is ever ready for.Thanks for the review!

Reading to him. Uh huh, sure. Interesting choice -- did page count enter into it at all? I'm sure Gareth will enjoy the attention, especially now that the immobilisation has been lifted. Yup, that's what happened when "Fawkes" (haha) snatched Harry, why Minerva was practicing on cats, and how Albus died and yet didn't.Severus is going through an awful lot of confusing emotions in these first few days he's recovering, isn't he?Severus does throw things when he's upset, doesn't he? I don't know as there is anything in his infirmary room that would be satisfying enough to throw, but if he finds something, I'm sure Albus will duck. Thanks for reviewing!

Gareth needs to be well-rested.  He's been through an heroic but difficult time.  We may skip a few chapters and go right to the parts about Eowyn.  I've always thought that Aragorn picked the wrong girl.When he's healthy enough, I'm sure we'll think of other things to do besides reading.  Long walks, philosophical discussions, knife throwing practice are just a few possibilities.  I take his recovery very personally.When Albus and Severus talk, Albus should be ready for anything.  Including some things that Severus will be embarrassed about later on.  Fortunately, Albus is a deeply sensitive person and will be considerate of Severus' feelings.  Right after he ducks.

Gareth is a very . . . tactile person. And after immobilisation for so long, he may require some massage therapy. To help speed his recovery, you know.

Fortunately, I took a class on that once.  That is an excellent suggestion.  *rubs hands together to warm them up*We are only considering his best interests.  He is darn lucky to have such considerate friends."Hey, Lady Author," calls Gareth from behind the curtain.  "Give her a list of the chapters from RAM that we need to work on."Bossy, isn't he?  Hmmm.  You might have some excellent suggestions.  Gareth doesn't have a beard, though.  That leaves that one out.

Oh, he does have a beard. It's just very short. But there are potions to encourage its growth . . . and then other potions . . .I am sure he is in very capable hands.Enjoy!

Reading to him. Uh huh, sure. Interesting choice -- did page count enter into it at all? I'm sure Gareth will enjoy the attention, especially now that the immobilisation has been lifted. Yup, that's what happened when "Fawkes" (haha) snatched Harry, why Minerva was practicing on cats, and how Albus died and yet didn't.Severus is going through an awful lot of confusing emotions in these first few days he's recovering, isn't he?Severus does throw things when he's upset, doesn't he? I don't know as there is anything in his infirmary room that would be satisfying enough to throw, but if he finds something, I'm sure Albus will duck. Thanks for reviewing!

Gareth needs to be well-rested.  He's been through an heroic but difficult time.  We may skip a few chapters and go right to the parts about Eowyn.  I've always thought that Aragorn picked the wrong girl.When he's healthy enough, I'm sure we'll think of other things to do besides reading.  Long walks, philosophical discussions, knife throwing practice are just a few possibilities.  I take his recovery very personally.When Albus and Severus talk, Albus should be ready for anything.  Including some things that Severus will be embarrassed about later on.  Fortunately, Albus is a deeply sensitive person and will be considerate of Severus' feelings.  Right after he ducks.

Gareth is a very . . . tactile person. And after immobilisation for so long, he may require some massage therapy. To help speed his recovery, you know.

Fortunately, I took a class on that once.  That is an excellent suggestion.  *rubs hands together to warm them up*We are only considering his best interests.  He is darn lucky to have such considerate friends."Hey, Lady Author," calls Gareth from behind the curtain.  "Give her a list of the chapters from RAM that we need to work on."Bossy, isn't he?  Hmmm.  You might have some excellent suggestions.  Gareth doesn't have a beard, though.  That leaves that one out.

Oh, he does have a beard. It's just very short. But there are potions to encourage its growth . . . and then other potions . . .I am sure he is in very capable hands.Enjoy!

Thank you, kimjo! I'm very glad you love it! You're welcome! You'll see Albus and Severus together in the next chapter.Thanks for the review! And the love!

Thank you, kimjo! I'm very glad you love it! You're welcome! You'll see Albus and Severus together in the next chapter.Thanks for the review! And the love!

Hi,

! I'm glad you found it interesting. Yes, Severus and Minerva are both alive & well. Maybe Severus will take Minerva's advice and take a real holiday. Thanks for reviewing! Glad you liked it!

Hi,

! I'm glad you found it interesting. Yes, Severus and Minerva are both alive & well. Maybe Severus will take Minerva's advice and take a real holiday. Thanks for reviewing! Glad you liked it!

Loved the blithering. Evil cliffie? Heheheh! I'm glad you enjoyed it!I'm sure Hermione was speechless for a while and forgot all her questions! At least she had some preparation and was sitting down, unlike poor Poppy. *clunk* Well, Minerva did catch her. heh! Of course, Voldy had a bit of a surprise, too, but we can't say that was a bad thing!We'll see how Severus finds out.I am glad that you liked the battle scene. I really labored over it. I am particularly pleased you liked Blaise's group of Snape's Slytherins. Thank you very much for the review! It made my morning.

Loved the blithering. Evil cliffie? Heheheh! I'm glad you enjoyed it!I'm sure Hermione was speechless for a while and forgot all her questions! At least she had some preparation and was sitting down, unlike poor Poppy. *clunk* Well, Minerva did catch her. heh! Of course, Voldy had a bit of a surprise, too, but we can't say that was a bad thing!We'll see how Severus finds out.I am glad that you liked the battle scene. I really labored over it. I am particularly pleased you liked Blaise's group of Snape's Slytherins. Thank you very much for the review! It made my morning.

Thank you! I'm very glad you like it! :-) Glad you're hooked. I hope to have the next installment up soon. Thanks for reviewing!

Thank you! I'm very glad you like it! :-) Glad you're hooked. I hope to have the next installment up soon. Thanks for reviewing!

That was meant to be amusing. Besides, he's not a ghost, he's a poltergeist, remember! That's why he gets quiet during the summer and is thrilled when all those kids come back! LOL!Glad you liked the chapter. ;)

I'm glad I've got you bouncing in your seat there, and that you're not disappointed! It's great to get an enthusiastic review -- and that you weren't scandalized along with Rolanda! haha! Hope you catch that anticipation before it kills you! lolThanks for the review!

Now I am curious! Actually, I think I know which turn of phrase you might mean, and it's a bit of both, though I don't usually use those precise words. If it's what I think you're referring to! LOL!Yes, I do try to avoid spoilers in reviews and review responses, though I'm happy to answer questions about what has happened in a chapter or something someone has forgotten, as long as it doesn't entirely give something away that the story is building toward. (PMs and email are different.)Glad you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks for the review!

Now I am curious! Actually, I think I know which turn of phrase you might mean, and it's a bit of both, though I don't usually use those precise words. If it's what I think you're referring to! LOL!Yes, I do try to avoid spoilers in reviews and review responses, though I'm happy to answer questions about what has happened in a chapter or something someone has forgotten, as long as it doesn't entirely give something away that the story is building toward. (PMs and email are different.)Glad you enjoyed the chapter! Thanks for the review!

Thank you!

Thank you!

You're welcome for the long chapter! I'm glad you liked the various details. It will eventually all come together.I'm glad you liked that last scene. I'm sure the unconventional couple could be written squickily with great ease, but I'm happy there was no squick there, hopefully just some sweetness, and that you liked it.Thanks for reviewing!

You're welcome for the long chapter! I'm glad you liked the various details. It will eventually all come together.I'm glad you liked that last scene. I'm sure the unconventional couple could be written squickily with great ease, but I'm happy there was no squick there, hopefully just some sweetness, and that you liked it.Thanks for reviewing!

I would Squee, but I am trying to retain my dignity.Oh, yes, dignity, must be retained at all times . . . even when dancin' in the rain! lolEventually it may reach into Severus's consciousness that people do care for him -- good people whom he respects -- and they like him, Severus Snape, although they might hope for him to be the best Severus he can be (and a happier Severus), they like him for who he is.Glad you liked Gareth's gift. It may come in handy, you never know!Yeah, Rolanda got a lecture on bringing strangers into the castle during such a dangerous time -- even though Helena was perfectly all right and Minerva liked her when they had tea.Yes, I know, Firenze and Sinistra is an odd pairing. But I just had this thought of them sharing their love of the stars, even though their appreciations were different, and having someone else to turn to during a difficult time.Yes, write away! Have fun with it!Hope the waiting won't be too much torture for you!Thanks for reviewing!

Btw, will you tell me what the Timere magia spell does?  You mentioned in a previous reply a spell Melina casts on another brave wizard and I think this is the one you were talking about.  I am afraid I do not know what it does.  Other than the fact that I am ecstatic that it helped Quin.Oh, and I am wondering who that other brave wizard is now... Cheers,Stef =o)

Hi, Stef!From way back in chapter fourteen:Minerva sat up straighter. “What? Cured? How?”“There was a curse that the Dark Lord himself created. He thought it was quite amusing. It was only used a few times, though, as almost no one but he could ever master the spell. Something about forming the intent was difficult for most of the Death Eaters. I have a theory about why that was, but I’ll write it all down for you.”“What curse?” Minerva asked impatiently.“It was to create an extreme phobia of all things magic. He named the curse Timor magicus and the incantation was Timere magia, and I know for a fact that it was cast on your friend Quin. They were quite . . . descriptive in their retelling of the attack on him. He was very brave, Minerva. That much was clear to me despite the way they boasted. The Dark Lord came himself and cast that final curse.”Did that help? The other brave wizard was an old friend of Quin's.TTFN!

Yes, very much!  Thank you!  Sorry I didn't remember that from in that chappie, I thought it might have been what Severus described before but, with the way this story is set up I would probably have been looking a while.  You are awesome!!!!!Btw, I was also sad to see that Merwyn had passed away in this chapter.  What about Egeria?  I think I saw mention of her in this story too, while I wait... patiently... I will probably go back and reread some.  Hope you are having a great day. 

Egeria's fine -- she was mentioned in AAoL, and I think that it was in the chapter just before this that Melina was going to visit her and Minerva wished she could go, too. Merwyn died while poring over some ancient wizarding manuscripts, so he was happy, though it was quite unexpected.

I would Squee, but I am trying to retain my dignity.Oh, yes, dignity, must be retained at all times . . . even when dancin' in the rain! lolEventually it may reach into Severus's consciousness that people do care for him -- good people whom he respects -- and they like him, Severus Snape, although they might hope for him to be the best Severus he can be (and a happier Severus), they like him for who he is.Glad you liked Gareth's gift. It may come in handy, you never know!Yeah, Rolanda got a lecture on bringing strangers into the castle during such a dangerous time -- even though Helena was perfectly all right and Minerva liked her when they had tea.Yes, I know, Firenze and Sinistra is an odd pairing. But I just had this thought of them sharing their love of the stars, even though their appreciations were different, and having someone else to turn to during a difficult time.Yes, write away! Have fun with it!Hope the waiting won't be too much torture for you!Thanks for reviewing!

Btw, will you tell me what the Timere magia spell does?  You mentioned in a previous reply a spell Melina casts on another brave wizard and I think this is the one you were talking about.  I am afraid I do not know what it does.  Other than the fact that I am ecstatic that it helped Quin.Oh, and I am wondering who that other brave wizard is now... Cheers,Stef =o)

Hi, Stef!From way back in chapter fourteen:Minerva sat up straighter. “What? Cured? How?”“There was a curse that the Dark Lord himself created. He thought it was quite amusing. It was only used a few times, though, as almost no one but he could ever master the spell. Something about forming the intent was difficult for most of the Death Eaters. I have a theory about why that was, but I’ll write it all down for you.”“What curse?” Minerva asked impatiently.“It was to create an extreme phobia of all things magic. He named the curse Timor magicus and the incantation was Timere magia, and I know for a fact that it was cast on your friend Quin. They were quite . . . descriptive in their retelling of the attack on him. He was very brave, Minerva. That much was clear to me despite the way they boasted. The Dark Lord came himself and cast that final curse.”Did that help? The other brave wizard was an old friend of Quin's.TTFN!

Yes, very much!  Thank you!  Sorry I didn't remember that from in that chappie, I thought it might have been what Severus described before but, with the way this story is set up I would probably have been looking a while.  You are awesome!!!!!Btw, I was also sad to see that Merwyn had passed away in this chapter.  What about Egeria?  I think I saw mention of her in this story too, while I wait... patiently... I will probably go back and reread some.  Hope you are having a great day. 

Egeria's fine -- she was mentioned in AAoL, and I think that it was in the chapter just before this that Melina was going to visit her and Minerva wished she could go, too. Merwyn died while poring over some ancient wizarding manuscripts, so he was happy, though it was quite unexpected.

I'm so glad you're still enjoying it, even if you did get a little side-tracked by RaM! LOL! But that's not a bad thing.Neville really did take Snape's remarks to heart, and the longer he thought about them, the more impressed he was that Snape had said anything at all to him.Yes, poor Gareth the guinea pig! But that's nothing compared to the spell Melina reports casting on a brave & willing wizard in the next chapter -- and no, it wasn't Gareth!I'm glad you're enjoying all these bits and pieces, and that you liked Robbie entering at just that moment and picking up on the conversation.I do love to have Snape end a chapter with an evilly sarcastic comment, but there hasn't been much opportunity, so I'm glad you appreciated this one! However, you did not have to suffer with the earlier readers and wait for the cliffie to be resolved! LOLThanks for the review!

I'm so glad you're still enjoying it, even if you did get a little side-tracked by RaM! LOL! But that's not a bad thing.Neville really did take Snape's remarks to heart, and the longer he thought about them, the more impressed he was that Snape had said anything at all to him.Yes, poor Gareth the guinea pig! But that's nothing compared to the spell Melina reports casting on a brave & willing wizard in the next chapter -- and no, it wasn't Gareth!I'm glad you're enjoying all these bits and pieces, and that you liked Robbie entering at just that moment and picking up on the conversation.I do love to have Snape end a chapter with an evilly sarcastic comment, but there hasn't been much opportunity, so I'm glad you appreciated this one! However, you did not have to suffer with the earlier readers and wait for the cliffie to be resolved! LOLThanks for the review!

Wow! You really are an observant reader! Glad you noticed the brooch. That is something that Malcolm had for years before he met Gertrude, a gift from someone he had helped out of a tight spot (no, not one of his many lady friends! LOL), and it was something that he wore a lot, then after he died, Gertrude wore it, then Gertrude gave it to Gareth. So it is mere coincidence that Gertrude is a Slytherin, though it is interesting that a Gryffindor would have no prejudices about wearing a snake.Estelle is Murdoch's wife. Yup, he and Poppy never quite managed the relationship thing, though they tried for more years than was probably good for either of them. (If you read "Now is Perfect," you'll get a hint of what the trouble was.)Merwyn died one day over some ancient manuscripts, so he died peacefully and happily doing what he enjoyed.I'm glad you like Minerva! She gets her chance to rise to the occasion.I hope you continue to enjoy the story! I hope to have the next chapter up in about 2 weeks, but I can't make guarantees . . .Thanks for the review!

Wow! You really are an observant reader! Glad you noticed the brooch. That is something that Malcolm had for years before he met Gertrude, a gift from someone he had helped out of a tight spot (no, not one of his many lady friends! LOL), and it was something that he wore a lot, then after he died, Gertrude wore it, then Gertrude gave it to Gareth. So it is mere coincidence that Gertrude is a Slytherin, though it is interesting that a Gryffindor would have no prejudices about wearing a snake.Estelle is Murdoch's wife. Yup, he and Poppy never quite managed the relationship thing, though they tried for more years than was probably good for either of them. (If you read "Now is Perfect," you'll get a hint of what the trouble was.)Merwyn died one day over some ancient manuscripts, so he died peacefully and happily doing what he enjoyed.I'm glad you like Minerva! She gets her chance to rise to the occasion.I hope you continue to enjoy the story! I hope to have the next chapter up in about 2 weeks, but I can't make guarantees . . .Thanks for the review!

Robbie says to Minerva, re Buckbeak: "We should have moved him after Sirius died. Keeping him in the attic for two years . . . even for one, it may have seemed the right thing at the time, but I think it was cruelty. We should have relocated him somewhere else."*We* should have, eh?  But, dearest quiet Robbie, weren't you just a happily married apothecary in Amsterdam at the end of OotP?  What would you have had to do w/ Buckbeak/Witherwings' fate at that point?    Wouldn't that have been Albus's decision? Hmm?!?!!??Well, maybe it's a "we" as in "we, The Order," the way people talk about their company or their country or what have you . . . not "we" as in "you and I specifically," or "I and the Order." Hmm? Does that work for ya?Glad you like Minerva here. And the combined efforts of various people have managed to get Severus to agree to struggle to the end and not give up, even if they haven't managed to get him to feel hopeful. But it would be probably too hard to be hopeful in that situation, and if you "knew" you were going to die, that you had to die, feeling hopeful would probably be either impossible or painful.Yes, Robbie is pretty good at teaching DADA, isn't he? I'm glad that you liked that line. Yes, very pretty -- and luckily also very effective! Thanks for the review! Hopefully, the next chapter will be up in about 2 weeks.

Robbie says to Minerva, re Buckbeak: "We should have moved him after Sirius died. Keeping him in the attic for two years . . . even for one, it may have seemed the right thing at the time, but I think it was cruelty. We should have relocated him somewhere else."*We* should have, eh?  But, dearest quiet Robbie, weren't you just a happily married apothecary in Amsterdam at the end of OotP?  What would you have had to do w/ Buckbeak/Witherwings' fate at that point?    Wouldn't that have been Albus's decision? Hmm?!?!!??Well, maybe it's a "we" as in "we, The Order," the way people talk about their company or their country or what have you . . . not "we" as in "you and I specifically," or "I and the Order." Hmm? Does that work for ya?Glad you like Minerva here. And the combined efforts of various people have managed to get Severus to agree to struggle to the end and not give up, even if they haven't managed to get him to feel hopeful. But it would be probably too hard to be hopeful in that situation, and if you "knew" you were going to die, that you had to die, feeling hopeful would probably be either impossible or painful.Yes, Robbie is pretty good at teaching DADA, isn't he? I'm glad that you liked that line. Yes, very pretty -- and luckily also very effective! Thanks for the review! Hopefully, the next chapter will be up in about 2 weeks.

Yes, they were scraping the bottom of the barrel for DADA teachers by the HP years, weren't they! Yes, Professor Crouch is good. Actually, the other Crouch/fake Moody probably taught some effective lessons, but he was pretty terrible, at the same time. Interesting gift, huh?I'm glad that you like the various preparations.I think everyone's getting nervous about what's to come!

Yes, they were scraping the bottom of the barrel for DADA teachers by the HP years, weren't they! Yes, Professor Crouch is good. Actually, the other Crouch/fake Moody probably taught some effective lessons, but he was pretty terrible, at the same time. Interesting gift, huh?I'm glad that you like the various preparations.I think everyone's getting nervous about what's to come!

You're welcome! Thanks for reviewing!

You're welcome! Thanks for reviewing!

And, Hurrah! about Quinn as well!  Forgot to add that earlier....

Yes, even as zero hour approaches, there are glimmers of joy and human warmth. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and appreciated the lighter spots. Melina is an exuberant one -- it's hard to get her down for long.And yes, already one saved who had been lost, and Quin will be able to enjoy life fully again, though that quarter century spent with the curse on him can never be regained and will always have an effect on him. But he's got energy and a love of life, so he'll be fine.Thanks for the review! I'm glad that you liked it!

And, Hurrah! about Quinn as well!  Forgot to add that earlier....

Yes, even as zero hour approaches, there are glimmers of joy and human warmth. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and appreciated the lighter spots. Melina is an exuberant one -- it's hard to get her down for long.And yes, already one saved who had been lost, and Quin will be able to enjoy life fully again, though that quarter century spent with the curse on him can never be regained and will always have an effect on him. But he's got energy and a love of life, so he'll be fine.Thanks for the review! I'm glad that you liked it!