What happened?

[QuillofMinerva]

Me thinks I know what is going on but not going to say anything.

Great chapter! Loved the emotions Poppy and Minerva experienced and can't wait for more!

Clayre

[Jessabelle]

I think I know what is going on! Very very good. I am "patiently" awaiting more. Please post again very soon!

[Dianna B]

this is a great story, cannot wait for the nest update!

[TartanPhoenix]

AN: I'm not actually all that happy with this post. Let me know what you guys think.

Chapter 9

Minerva made her way out of the infirmary and into the still empty corridor, but she didn’t notice where her feet took her. Thoughts were swirling relentlessly through her mind, each more upsetting then the one before. ‘He didn’t come back. If it wasn’t Albus, than who was it? Who would want to do that?’ There was one thought though that kept pounding in her head, no matter how much she tried to push it aside. ‘He didn’t leave me.’

It had taken Poppy an hour, and several trips into her pensive before Minerva was willing to believe what she was being told. She saw first Albus returning late from his meeting, and she watched as he grilled every member of the staff about her whereabouts. From there they went six months later, and Minerva couldn’t hold back the gasp when she first saw him. He was a different man. Dark circles had taken up residence beneath his cold, emotionless eyes. She watched as Albus taught the last Transfiguration lesson for the term, he had taken over her classes, not willing to hire a replacement.

The memories continued, each showing the man she cared for growing older and more distant from everything he cared about. The final memory was one that Poppy, at first, didn’t want to share with her, but Minerva had insisted. Minerva watched as Poppy came bursting though his chamber doors to find Albus passed out on his couch. Minerva took in the room that had become his prison, and she couldn’t help but notice the sheet number of empty bottles strewn about. Minerva knew she would never forget the sight of Poppy crouched over him with a look bordering on sheer panic written on her face. Minerva hadn’t been able to watch anymore, and they returned to the present.

Even with Minerva’s vivid memories of the day and their combined efforts, they couldn’t come up with a theory as to just what had happened. Nothing made sense, each theory more implausible then the one before. Dejected, Minerva had made her excuses and left, promising to return later that afternoon. It was time to talk to Albus, only now with a slightly different purpose. She still had no idea how she was going to manage, but there was one thing that was certain. Minerva wasn’t leaving the castle again until she had his forgiveness. She knew that after everything that had happened, she couldn’t dare ask for his love, not after all the time that had passed, but perhaps they could again be on good terms. Perhaps, just perhaps, it could bring back some semblance of the man she remembered, the one with an easy laugh and kind smile.

Minerva continued to walk, watching students laugh and move around her before fading out of existence again. Hundreds of faces and situations played out in her imagination as she moved. The happiest days of her life were lived in these very walls, and that only made her current situation all the more painful. She knew she shouldn’t have been surprised when her feet carried her toward her old classroom.

She stood staring at the open door in front of her before quietly moving beside it, listening in on the lesson. She hadn’t kept up on appointments within the castle, and so she had no idea who had taken her place. It was unusually quiet inside, there were no student voices or that of the professor. Even the rapid scratching of quills, signaling an exam, was absent. There was only silence before.. “That’s it If you brats can’t be bothered to listen, then you can sort yourselves out. I’ve had enough!”

Minerva stood back, shocked, as a tall, burley man with silver hair and no chin, came barreling out of the classroom, oblivious to her presence. “Bloody brats only taking up space, don’t know why I should bother.” He continued to mutter to himself. Minerva watched the stranger, her irritation growing. Teaching the children was trying on the worst of days yes, but you just can’t leave them on their own. They were only children after all.

“Excuse me,” Minerva snapped. For the first time, Professor Travers turned, his sneer gone and replaced with a polite smile. Minerva watched with disgust as his eyes traveled the length of her, coming to rest slightly below her eyes. “I’m up here,” she said dryly.

His eyes finally finished the journey upward. “And who would you be beautiful?”

‘Could this man be anymore of an idiot?’ she wondered before replying. “My name is Minerva McGonagall. Is there was something wrong with the students?”

“ Well Minerva, I’m Jeffery Travers, the Transfiguration professor, and as for those brats, I say leave them as they are. If they can’t be bothered to follow basic instructions, then they deserve what they get.” He looked rather smug at his deceleration.

Unfortunately for him, he missed the subtle clenching of Minerva’s hands. “I see,” she managed between clenched teeth. “Well, Mr. Travers, just how do you expect the students to learn if after every mistake, you walk out on them? They are only children; mistakes do happen.”

The smug smile had quickly disappeared as Jeffery stared down at the smaller witch, his beady eyes narrowing. “Well, thanks for the lecture miss, but I don’t really see how this is any of your concern.”

“Oh, I’m making it my concern. I will not stand idly by and watch you abuse the students. I suggest you rethink your teaching strategy before the other professor rethink it for you.”

“Well,” he said, puffing himself up. “Since I’m so substandard, would you be so kind as to deliver a message to the headmaster?” he sneered, turning and walking up the corridor. “I quit,” could be heard reverberating all the way up in the astronomy tower. Minerva wasn’t sure they hadn’t heard it in the Three Broomsticks.

She stood stock still for a moment outside the classroom. ‘I cannot believe it! He actually left; that prat! How could he..That little..’ Minerva took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. There was only one thing left to do. With not small amount of trepidation, Minerva took the two steps forward and peered around the corner and into the room. She had never seen such chaos in a single room before.

It looked like the fifth year Gryffindor-Ravenclaw class, but that only added to the surprise. Ravenclaws, at least, shouldn’t have had that sort of trouble. Half of the students seemed to be a cross of a barn animal and some sort of furniture, while the other half seemed to be sprouting various garden tools for appendages. They were all simply staring toward the door, not quite believing they had been left alone. The one’s who still had their original head looked on the verge of tears. It had always been well known among the staff that Transfiguration was never one of Poppy’s strongest suits, and Albus was rather indisposed at the moment, so, with a sigh, Minerva stepped around the corner. It was up to her to straighten everything out, and, for his sake, Minerva hoped that man had enough sense to get out of the castle before she could find him. There would be hell to pay for leaving her cubs in such a state.

“Can anyone tell me what happened here?” She kept her voice stern, but gentle; she didn’t want to scare the students anymore then they already were. That would only lead to more trouble. One of the Ravenclaws stepped forward, gesturing with the small hand shovel that was hanging from her arm.

“Professor Travers was trying to show us a transformation, but something went wrong. There was a bright blue light, and when it faded, we all looked like this. Her voice was starting to crack and tears were beginning to prick her eyes. “No one knows how to reverse the transformation, and the professor just left.”

‘Oh yes, definitely hell,’ she thought. “I see, and what’s your name?”

“Emily Mickelson,” she said, desperately trying to wipe away the tear sliding down her cheek, but she only managed to smack herself in the face with the blunt end of the shovel. Reaching into her robes, Minerva pulled out an oversized handkerchief, the one thing of Albus’ she had taken with her, and dabbed the tear away.

“Well Miss Mickelson,” she said returning the handkerchief and bringing out her wand. “Why don’t we see what we can do about this, shall we?” With a flick of her wand, and a few muttered words, Emily looked down and found her hand again in its rightful place. She looked up in awe at the witch now moving to stand behind her, addressing the entire class. “Well,” she said, almost impatiently, “Who’s next?”

Within twenty minutes, it was all over. The students were put to rights again as if nothing had ever happened. “Well, now that’s settled, I suggest you all return to your common rooms until the start of your next class. It doesn’t seem as if your professor will be returning anytime soon.” Minerva almost made it to the door before a brave student from the back of the room called out. “What’s your name?”

Turning, Minerva looked over the group as if trying to weigh something. “You may call me Professor McGonagall.” With that, Minerva stepped out into the corridor and headed back toward the infirmary. Taking the shortest route possible, it only took Minerva a few minutes to find her way back to the infirmary. Without bothering to knock, she flung the door open and came striding into the room. “Poppy, has this place gone insane?! You won’t believe what just happened in the Transfiguration class. I swear that man was a complete idiot. How he managed to get the post is beyond me, but..”

She never finished her thought as she came around the screens. Sitting up in bed, staring at her with a mix of shock and disbelief was none other than Albus. He had woken up, and she had run out of time. Unable to take her eyes off his, she said the only thing that came to mind. “Hello Albus.”

[Alesia]

I liked the chapter. You had Minerva make her decision about what she is going to do next with her life without her even realizing it. She is staying, although she doesn't know it yet. I also liked the way you didn't give her time to contemplate what she is going to say to Albus.

[Jaya]

I agree with Alesia... I thought the chapter was wonderful... Rather than have Minerva drown in her sorrow after finding out what really happened she was force to deal with the students problems thereby reinforcing (at least subconsciously) that she is a teacher. She didn't have time to feel sorry for herself or Albus long and now she has no choice but to confront him.

Can't wait for more!!!!

Jaya ;D

[Dianna B]

OMG totally LOVE this story plzzzz update sooooon!

[Miss Q]

Oh, an update!

I hope she didn't give Albus a heart attack! Because if she did there might be troublesome to work everything out.... and I do hope that they will work everything out!

This story is really, really great so I hope you'll update again, soon.

M

[Mellypoo622]

Hahaha! Poor Min. She must have been surprised! Great update!!

[Jessabelle]

Oh this was great! What didn't you like about it? I have to agree with Jaya and Alesia about how well this chapter played out! Absolutely wonderful! Don't wait long to update, especially after leaving it off at that spot. Now I know that they are going to have to have some kind of interaction I am going to be on the edge of my chair waiting for it. Please update SOON!

[JKMcGonagall]

Well, well, now comes the time to face what happened. Min and Albus will need all of their Gryffindor courage to face each other and discuss what happened.

Update soon, please. I will be waiting on the edge of my chair.

Kay

[rogueinker]

Good. Cut off her options and force Minerva to deal with the issues instead of escaping. She has to stay at the school no matter what Albus says or feels. Looking forward to the next update. Somehow, fixing her issues with Albus can't be as easy as transfigurating the students back to normal.

[TartanPhoenix]

AN: Sorry this is so short, but I've spent the last three days trying to figure out just how it should go, and this is all I came up with. I also just want to say thanks to everyone who's reviewed. You've made my day several times over. Enjoy!

She waited, watching as he continued to stare at her. After what seemed like an eternity, but what was truly only a few seconds, Minerva took another step forward. “Albus?” The sound of his name seemed to jolt him out of his thoughts as the glazed look left his eyes. Shaking his head, Albus leaned forward in bed and looked at the opening in the screen just behind Minerva’s shoulder. “Poppy! I think I you should get in here. Those hallucinations you were telling me about, they’ve started.”

Minerva’s eyes grew as he continued to stare at her, a loving expression plain in his expression. “But what an image,” he murmured to himself. She remembered that look well, and it still made her stomach flutter. Within seconds, Minerva heard the usual bustle as Poppy swept into the room, a tray of various potions in her hands. Minerva couldn’t help but wrinkle up her nose as a particularly vile smelling concoction passed under her nose.

“Ah Minerva, you’re back,” Poppy said in the way of greeting as she set the tray down next to Albus’ bed. “Now Albus, what exactly are you seeing?” Albus didn’t say a word; his eyes just darted between the nurse and the woman still standing beside his bed, shifting her weight back and forth on the balls of her feet. She looked every bit the small child who was caught with her fingers in the cookie jar.

“I believe that would be me Poppy,” Minerva supplied when no answer was forthcoming. Poppy tried, but failed, to suppress the amused smirk that found its way to her face. “Ah, I see. Well,” she said, straightening up and heading back toward the main ward, “I’ll leave you two alone for a bit. There are some things to be discussed, no? If either of you need anything, just shout.” With that she wandered back into the other room, leaving the couple alone once again.

Silence again reigned over the small space, Albus staring at Minerva was unabashed wonder, and Minerva intent on memorizing the cracks in the flagstones. A dull headache had taken up residence behind his eyes, and his mouth felt as it were full of cotton, but despite the desire to simply ignore everything and sleep, he couldn’t help but stare. She was older then he remembered. The silver in her hair caught the bright afternoon light, giving the appearance of a halo, but the dark circles under her eyes made her look sick and frail. She had also lost weight, the always loose robes had become a tent on her small frame. Despite it, she was beautiful. After the initial shock and joy had worn away, the reality of the situation set in, and so did the anger.

He was the first to break the silence. “What are you doing here?”

She visibly flinched at his rough tone. The accusation and hurt was quite evident, but there was also a touch of hope buried underneath it all. That was what she clung on to. “Poppy owled me when you were brought to the infirmary. She said you were hurt badly, so I came.” She felt it was best to not mention she had come to tell him off within an inch of whatever life he had left.

“So that’s all it took, a near death experience and a letter from the nurse. Perhaps I should have almost died years ago. It could have saved us both some time.” The sarcasm dripping from his every word cut a new wound into her already scarred heart, and she struggled to hold back the tears that were threatening to escape. He had every right to be unhappy; in his eyes, she had abandoned him. If they were going to come to any form of understanding, she would have to explain everything, but how do you explain something that you don’t understand?

Albus simply watched her. Even after the years of separation, he could still read her perfectly. He didn’t miss the sheen of tears in her eyes or the small clenching of her hands as they wrapped around her still trim waist protectively. He had struck a nerve, and despite the small pain this brought him, it also caused the tiniest feeling of triumph to flood his senses. She had gotten a taste of the pain he’d lived with for six long years.

“Don’t say things like that Albus,” she whispered quietly, “that’s not even remotely funny.”

“It wasn’t meant to be,” he replied before clearing his throat and turning to look out the window. “Who were you raving about when you came in?” The light tone and the change of topic was unexpected and threw Minerva off balance. “You transfiguration professor, Travers I believe. He botched an incantation and then left the students to fend for themselves. I was walking by when it happened, and there was a slight altercation. He quit.”

Albus grunted before it turned into a cough. “Yes, well, Jeffery was an idiot, but I couldn’t find anyone else to fill the position. It took me almost a year to find him. I suppose I’ll have to place another add in the paper, hmm?”

Minerva’s cheeks reddened at the implication, but she continued to look at him, determined to see this through. “Perhaps not,” was all she said, but it certainly caught his attention.

His head snapped back in her direction, fire burning behind his blue eyes, hot and unyielding. “So, that’s why you’re here. You want your job back, is that it? You think you can just leave, not a word as to why, and then show up six years later and pick it all up again. I’m sorry Minerva, but life doesn’t work that way!”

His words had left their mark, and Minerva was seething. In the instant, she was positive she could throttle him with her bare hands. Before she could think it through, the words were already out. “How dare you..you..arrogant, self-pitying..bastard!! You think that I would come crawling back to you like some dog just for a job. I have a job; I came back for you!! That’s right,” she screamed as he looked at her shocked. “I was coming to let you know exactly what I thought of you. It’s waited six years, but after Poppy’s note, it was enough. You had hurt me Albus!! The one man I’ve loved above all else hurt me like no one else could. And what made it worse, you enjoyed it! The supposed champion of goodness in our world, enjoyed my suffering.”

Minerva let out a mirthless laugh. “By all that is good in this world, I was going to make you hurt, even if was only the minutest part of my own. So, no Albus, in answer to your question, I did not come back for my job. I came back to finally let you go, hoping the pain would stop. Imagine my surprise then when I arrive.”

She began pacing back and forth, her hands waving out in front of her as if swiping at an invisible pest. “I find out that, nooo, it wasn’t my husband who ruined my life, it was me!! I was fooled, and let someone take everything away. Is that what you want to hear Albus? I ruined it all? Well, I did. In one afternoon, I destroyed everything we had worked for. Everything,” she choked out. She reached into her robes and desperately tried to wipe away the tears with his old handkerchief. It was the same one he had spent a week looking for not long after she had left.

Her eyes dried and her voice hoarse, she continued before he could form any response. “It was nothing you did Albus,” she said quietly. “Please, don’t think it was. The students and staff need you, not the man you’ve become. Get well soon; I am so sorry.”

Albus watched, dumbstruck as, for the second time, his wife turned and walked out of his life. His head was pounding, his limbs throbbed, but Albus swung his legs over the edge of the bed, fighting the wave of nausea that washed over him. “Poppy, I need my pants, now!!” he yelled, reaching for his spectacles.

[Alesia]

Excellent! I think you did this very well. Emotional confrontations are hard to write (at least for me) and you handled this wonderfully. Minerva breaking down and spilling everything all out as once made it believable. The rough tone from Albus is expected and honest. The bit about the hallucinations and his pants were just little enough for comic relief but not break the tension of the chapter.

BTW the parts about the handkerchief are just sweet. Very enriching.

[Jessabelle]

I agree with eveything Alesia had to say about this chapter and am sorry I didn't get to say it first! It was truly magnificent! The best thing about it being that even after all these years they can still read eachother as well as they can. Please post again soon! Very soon .. .. Keep up the great work!

[Jaya]

I think you did a wonderful job as well. Both of them had the right to be emotional, angry, bitter... you kept the balance very well... and then... in the end... it appears Albus is going to go after Minerva instead of resting on stubborn pride...

Can't wait to read more!

Jana

[tayryn]

i've been bad about feedbacking... and i aplogize, as this has been a wonderful story.

i loved the interaction between Minerva and Poppy in the earlier chapters... and i especially loved the last two. i like that you had Minerva jump right in and take care of the kids... and i really love that you had her go off on Albus the way you did! i like that she didn't hold back!!

i'm looking forward to the next part...

[Miss Q]

Oh, dear.... Oh, dear.... wonderfully written chapter, but I couldn't help but cry in the end! So please update soon!!!!!

M

[JKMcGonagall]

Ohhhhh, this is soooo well written. You handle their anger and other emotions so well. It is amazing how well they can still read each other even after all the years apart. I really laughed when Albus thought he was hallucinating that Min was there, and when he wanted his pants. Go Albus, get your wife back before she walks out again. I hope Poppy lets him go after her. The handkerchief was a sweet touch.

Update really soon, I will be waiting to read it.

Kay

[QuillofMinerva]

A very well written chapter, full of emotion. I feel felt for both of them.

Great chapter and cant wait for more

Clayre x

[Lady Lavendar]

Great update hope to see more soon!

LL

[TartanPhoenix]

On we go...

Albus crashed through he infirmary door, still trying to button his pants. The flagstones were cold and unforgiving under his bare feet, and the chill they produced traveled up his spine. His eyes were wide as he frantically scanned the empty corridor, trying to decide which direction she could have gone. Even the short distance to the door had drained him of much of his energy as he leaned heavily against the cold stones. The pounding in his head had returned in full force, and his chest was heaving painfully in an effort to supply the much needed oxygen. “Minerva,” he called out, but there was no reply. Shaking off the sudden wave of dizziness, Albus lurched off the wall and began stumbling in the direction of the stairs.

She would try to get away, but he wouldn’t let it happen, not again. There were some days, well most days really, that Albus just didn’t understand women. She disappears, comes back, crying, and then runs out again. He just couldn’t get it. Did she want to come back, or was she simply looking to see if he had kicked the bucket? It didn’t make any sense. He easily read the pain and confusion in her eyes. There was something he was missing, and it was driving him insane.

Albus stepped off the stairway and into another corridor just as the bells overhead rang, ending the last class of the day. Students began bursting out of the various doors, but came to a standstill as they saw their headmaster making his way toward them. News had spread quickly of the headmaster’s stay in the hospital wing, although no one quite knew why, but no one could believe what they saw. After all, how often is it that the headmaster all but runs through the corridors in nothing but a pair of trousers. “Out of the way ” he yelled, and ran on as the students hurried to clear a path.

Albus was only vaguely aware as he ran past a group of seventh year girls. “Did you see those abs,” one whispered, “I didn’t know that was possible at his age.” Professor Flitwick managed to push his way though the students and nearly fell over as Albus passed by. “Albus, what on..” “She’s back Filius,” Albus called over his shoulder, never losing stride.

By the time Albus reached the transfiguration wing, he could feel himself slowing down. His head felt as if it were about to split in half, and his stomach was rolling despite his best efforts. Putting out a hand, he continued, leaning on the wall for support. The thrum of magic that filled the castle seemed to calm him somewhat, just a it always had. “I swear woman, when I get my hands on you,” he grumbled, turning the corner.

He didn’t get a step further before crashing into something warm and solid. Reacting on instinct, he rolled his body, bringing the other on top of him before they hit the ground. They landed with a thud as the wind was knocked out of his lungs and stars began to shine in his eyes. When he managed to get back to the hospital wing, Poppy was not going to be happy.

When his vision finally cleared, he gazed directly up into a pair of emerald eyes. Their faces were only millimeters apart, and Albus’ arms were wrapped protectively around her waist, holding her flush against his body. He could feel her body heat as it seeped through her robes and warmed his chest. Her soft breath against his neck and the smell of her drove him to distraction. The air around them seemed to thicken instantly, and neither dared to say a word. It wasn’t until Albus shivered that Minerva broke the moment and hastily got to her feet.

She reached down and helped him stand up. “Albus are you alright?” she asked looking him over. She had immediately noticed his lack of clothing, and couldn’t help but see he hadn’t changed much since she had seen him last. He was, perhaps, a little paler and leaner through the middle, but looked as strong as ever.

“I’m fine, just give me a minute to catch my breath.”

She just stared at him before realization dawned. “Albus, what are you doing out of bed? Better yet, what are you doing out of bed, with nothing on?”

“I managed to grab my pants,” he quipped before growing serious again. “You didn’t expect me to just let you leave like that did you? The better question is, why are you standing outside the abandoned storage room?” His words were steady, but his entire body was shaking, and a light sheen of sweat had broken out along his hairline.

She stepped forward, putting a hand on his arm, feeling the familiar spark as they touched. “Comeback to the hospital wing Albus. I’ll tell you when you’re settled.”

“No,” he said vehemently, pulling his arm away. “Tell me now!”

Minerva huffed. Sometimes he acted too much like the students for his own good. “Fine, but at least,” she waved wand and her cloak had grown in size and she wrapped it around his shoulders. “The last thing I need is for Poppy to have both our heads.” She looked back to the wooden door that seemed to be taunting her. “I was remembering.”

The comment caught Albus by surprise, but he tried not to show it. “Remembering?”

“Umm,” she responded, “This is where it started.” He was even more confused at this point, but she didn’t seem to notice. Her mind was drifting back to another time. “I was going to use this room for my afternoon classes. Peeves had made a mess in mine. When I came though the door, you were there, or someone I thought was you,” she added quickly when he began to open his mouth. “In the span of ten minutes, you told me about, not only, your other woman, but that she was coming to the school. Of course I said I wouldn’t allow it, and was promptly told to vacate the premises. You know the rest,” she trailed off.

She turned away from him, desperately trying to hide the pain. It felt like an eternity as she waited for him to say something, anything. And, with each passing second, her heart broke just that much more.

Albus’ mind was reeling with this new information. Things were beginning to add up, but certainly she wouldn’t have gotten so worked up over something so trivial. “Minerva, why would you use this room? Were you planning a joint lesson with the D.A. class that term?”

It was Minerva’s turn to be confused. “Of course not. This was just the nearest empty classroom. Why? What difference does it make?”

It finally dawned on him as the last piece of the puzzle slid into place. She didn’t know. How could she not know? Everyone knew, or he thought they did. The sheer stupidity of the situation crashed down around him, and Albus did the only thing he could think of. He laughed for the first time in six years, and it felt wonderful.

This was not the reaction that Minerva had expected, and she could feel her anger rising. How could he laugh at her, at what she had gone through? Maybe she hadn’t been wrong after all. “And what, headmaster, is so funny?”

The look of outrage on her face and her tone only made him laugh harder. “The boggart Minerva,” He gasped out. “The room..has been empty..for 130 years..because of a boggart! No one has been able to get rid of the blasted thing. You walked in on a boggart!!”

She watched in horror as Albus tried to regain control of his breathing, but, by the blue tinge that was starting to cover his lips, she knew he wasn’t succeeding. The laughter had done it.

“Albus,” Minerva cried as he collapsed in a heap at her feet. “Just a boggart,” he whispered before falling unconscious again.

Hope everyone enjoyed it. Only one more chapter left.

[tayryn]

oh geeez...

all of that... because of... LOL!!

loved the collision between them!

[JKMcGonagall]

Great chapter. Loved the comment about Albus' abs. He must look pretty good. At least he found his pants.

I also loved the collision between Albus and Minerva. Oh, to think that a boggart could cause all that trouble.

I hope Albus is going to be ok, Poppy is not going to be a happy camper. Albus is really going to get it from her.

Update very soon, please, please, please.

Kay

[Lady Lavendar]

Great update! I thought it was funny that she ran into a boggart that day, and not someone else! ;D Update soon, please?

LL

[Sensiblyquirky]

stupid boggart! I imagine things like that could happen though, quite a wretched feeling. At least they all know the truth now. Well done.

Christy

[Miss Q]

A boggart... and Peeves.... not the best combination obviously.

This was a great chapter in an over all wonderful story! I am looking forward to the next installment.

And I have to say that no, I don't think you're to transparent, even if one have had suspicions about it being a boggart one needed to read the whole story around to get it confirmed (one could be wrong) and with you writing this story so well, it doesn't matter if I suspect things.

So I want to thank you for sharing this story and for the good time I've had when I've read it.

M

[QuillofMinerva]

A boggart! Stupid thing!

Well at least the truth is out in the open now and I can't wait to see what happens in the next and *sob* final chapter!

Clayre x

[Jaya]

Okay... I missed it, darn it... now I have to go back and start from the beginning... oh the pain at having to reread the entire story...

Such a simple explanataion...

Can't wait for the final chapter

[Jessabelle]

Ya I was right! Good chapter. I am surprised that Minerva isn't more pissed off at him laughing than she is though. Post soon .. I cannot wait to see what happens at the end.