How Will He Know?

[amandahleigh]

That third one was my favorite by far!
I loved loved loved it!

I have an idea for another vignette! Take the part from the third one about in the tent, and make that one...somehow.

iIt wouldn't be anything like the others, and of course Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny wouldn't be there, but I just liked that a lot and I wish there was more to that part of the story, though it was the perfect amount for this story, you know what I mean?


Anyway, wonderful little fics!



AL

[tanja]

I can´t say which one I like most...they are all very lovely, but really sad especially the 2nd one.
Post more soon please

[Alesia]

AN: This is for you Kay, because your commentary is always so encouraging and constructive. I hope this is what you were looking for. It has its own little surprise at the end, which I am sure KayleeTonks will enjoy if no one else does.
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Emotions and Revelations (part 2 of the Hope and Chances vignette)

Harry Potter and Remus Lupin walked slowly through the empty halls of Hogwarts. The Board of Governors had yet to decide whether the school would reopen. It would be the first week of August before the Board of Governors announced their decision. Hagrid had gone to Beauxbatons to brief Madame Maxime on the Order’s plans. The castle was extremely still and dreary.

“Is the castle always this depressing in the summer?”

“No, Harry, not normally. The Founders were very in tune to their surroundings. They wanted the Hogwarts to reflect the timbre of its leaders. The Founders cast many complex spells - ancient even in their time - binding Hogwarts to themselves and all who would come after. Those spells still subjoin Hogwarts to its Headmaster or Headmistress. The castle and grounds reflect the mood of the school’s leader.” By now, Remus had stopped walking and was looking down at Harry. “At the moment of…” he paused, swallowing back his emotions, “of Dumbledore’s death, the magical binding transferred itself to the rightful Head of the school.”

“Professor McGonagall.” Harry suddenly found his shoes very interesting as he slowly tied the pieces together concerning what he learned from the memories, with what Remus had just told him, and the dreadful mood of the castle.

“Yes, and Harry…” he paused. Peering up and down the hallway and stepping closer to Harry, Remus whispered. “Harry, I don’t want to prejudice you against what you might see this afternoon but don’t be alarmed at her appearance. It has only been three weeks, Harry. She tells everyone she is coping fine.”

A note of bitterness entered his voice. “She was closer to him then most people even imagined…will ever imagine, I’d expect. The strain of becoming Headmistress and head of the Order is weighting heavily on her.” Harry realized her pain was manifesting itself in the school. He prayed he could help her. Noticing Remus couldn’t bring himself to speak Professor McGonagall’s name referring to her only as she, Harry wondered how bad the situation really was. “We are keeping an eye on her as best we can but…well; you will understand when you see her.”

Harry swallowed and wondered whether he should tell Remus why Professor McGonagall was under so much emotional pressure. No, I won’t tell their secret. Only she can do that now. “I understand, Remus. Hopefully what I have to say will help.”

When Remus arrived at Privet Drive, he’d grilled Harry hard on why he needed to go to Hogwarts to see Minerva. Harry refused to elaborate only saying it was concerning something he’d received from Dumbledore and he needed to speak with the Headmistress. The frustrated stare Harry received at Privet Drive was returning Remus’ face. Hoping to avoid the return of the older man’s questions, Harry skived off any pending queries by walking towards the office of the Headmistress.



“My grief lies onward, and my joy behind.” Harry sent Remus a questioning glace. “The last line from a Shakespeare sonnet, number fifty, I believe.” The familiar gargoyle moved aside as the new password was spoken. The listlessness Harry experienced in the halls increased exponentially as the spiral staircase moved upward. Remus nodded and knocked on the heavy door. Minerva McGonagall’s voice inviting them in permeated through the door.

Following Remus into the large circular room, Harry realized it was absolutely unchanged. He wasn’t sure what he had expected, maybe to see his Transfiguration professor’s office transported here with its straight-backed Queen Anne chairs and sturdy dark wood furniture. Instead the chintz chairs and soft couch of the previous occupant remained. Harry’s eyes settled on the figure seated behind the huge claw-footed desk. The desk, with its mountains of parchment and scrolls nearly swallowed the black clad witch.

Contrary to the lack of change in the surroundings, the change in his Professor was salient. Her trademark hair, still in its customary bun, was dull, the grey streaks more pronounced. The dark circles under her eyes rivaled the pitch black of her stately robes. Her general person - her aura Professor Trelawney would call it - appeared diminished. The sternness and control so characteristic of his former Head of House was gone, replaced with a shroud of vulnerability and weariness.

At that very moment, Harry realized all of the pain and anguish he’d experienced from all the losses in his short life combined together couldn’t and wouldn’t hold a candle to the bleeding emotional wound the stalwart woman before him was suffering from. The love of her life was gone, stolen, betrayed, ripped away without a chance to say goodbye. Harry knew in some way he had to help her heal. “Thank you for agreeing to see me, Headmistress.”

She visibly winced at his use of her new title. “You are welcome, Mr. Potter. How may I help you?” Nodding to Remus, who slipped quietly out of the office, Professor McGonagall continued before Harry could respond. She motioned for Harry to sit. “I gather your visit is a direct result of the package I sent you? Everything arrived intact, I trust?”

Answering her last question in the affirmative, he gingerly removed the larger bottle of memories from his pocket, and placed it reverently on the corner of her desk. Professor McGonagall recognized the bottle and started to speak, but Harry interrupted her.

“Professor, you told me to return these memories if they didn’t have anything to do with my lessons.” She nodded, never removing her eyes from the bottle. “Well, they don’t…directly but I watched it anyway.” Her eyebrow arched and her eyes flicked to him as her face morphed into the stern façade Harry knew so well. “I am sorry, I probably shouldn’t have.”

Harry lowered his eyes to the bottle. “But I am glad I did. The memories are probably the greatest lesson Professor Dumbledore ever taught me.” Her green eyes blinked furiously at the mention of her husband. Harry returned to her gaze. “Professor, you should watch these. I think…well, I think he left them for us both.” She rose, moving toward the black cabinet Harry knew had housed the former Headmaster’s Pensieve.

With her back to him, the anger and sarcasm in her voice reverberated against the walls of the circular room. “There seems to have been a great many things the Headmaster taught you and chose to tell you that in his infinite wisdom,” her voice dripping with pent up fury, “he chose not to tell me, Mr. Potter. Are you sure I am the right person to share these memories with?” Professor McGonagall turned. Harry paled under her austere gaze.

“Professor…please you must understand…he didn’t tell…he didn’t want to…he wished to keep you…” Harry’s words and emotions warred with each other, leaving him unable to articulate as he started to doubt his conclusions. Hadn’t he thought and done the same thing with Ginny? Doing what he thought was best for her by breaking up with her and leaving her in the dark?

No, he was sure or at least pretty sure so he forged ahead. “Please, Professor McGonagall, Professor Dumbledore was only doing what he felt was best for yo…” As his doubts crystallized, Harry’s voice trailed off, leaving him unable to complete the sentence. Maybe the memories weren’t really a message, weren’t really trying to tell him something. I must have misunderstood. Harry thought. “Professor, I was just hoping…” Just as doubt started to completely overtake Harry’s thinking, a damn broke in the heart of the rooms’ other occupant.

“SPARE ME THE PLATITUDES, POTTER!” She lunged around the side of the desk towards him, her eyes blazing. Her fist landed against the top of her desk with a hard thump. Harry jumped at the volume of her voice and her expression of violence. Several of the portraits startled, but the newest one slept on. Remus stormed into the office at the sound of the Headmistress’s raised voice. Mere seconds after Harry’s last name left her lips, Minerva felt all the blood leave her face. She had lost control in front of a student, sacred him; she was no better then the bastard Snape!

Turning away from the boy and the man now occupying her office and bracing herself against her desk, Minerva closed her eyes and attempted to bring her emotions under control. Her anger toward Albus had been bubbling steadily since the night of his death. She knew very well her husband’s reasons for what he did. As always they were logical and methodical, but damn it, damn HIM, it still hurt.

Unable to face them just yet and unwilling to allow the cold silence in the room time to settle, Minerva spoke. Her voice betrayed the extreme of her emotions. “I know very well what Alb…what Dumbledore’s intentions were. He was trying to protect me…protect us and end the war the best way he knew how.”

Thinking she managed to effectively control her feelings, she turned to face Harry and Remus. “I have never been particularly good at Occlumency.” A small smile graced her face. “Albus always said my Scottish temper prevented it.” She shook her head in an attempt to chase the memories away. “As his Deputy and friend, I have always been exposed, a risk to him and the cause. The hunt for the key to defeating Voldemort began during his exile last year. He would never give me the details but just said he was making progress.”

Feeling safe to speak for the first time since her uncharacteristic outburst, Harry stood and came towards her. “Professor, he did find the way. I know what must be done. I believe I can do it. But…but I thought I had to give up the most precious thing in my life first.” He looked in her eyes and thought he saw a small flicker of understanding.

“You broke up with Miss Weasley didn’t you, Harry?” Harry noted her use of his first name. “You broke up with her in an attempt to shield her, keep her from being a target, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I did. However, these memories you sent me, showed me how wrong I was to have done that. They showed me love is something too strong to deny and not give it a chance. Please, Professor, just watch them, please. I believe they are for you as much as they are for me.”

Turning back to the cabinet, she retrieved the Pensieve, placed the large bottle of memories inside, and swirled them with her wand. Just as she was about to enter, Remus spoke for the first time. “Wait!”

Taking a step towards them, Remus’ eyes pleaded with her. “Minerva, are you sure you want to do this alone?” He looked from her to Harry, he eyes ablaze with flurry. “Harry, I don’t want her upset unnecessarily. She is under a lot of strain at the moment. I told you that.” Remus’ voice reflected the tone he had used in his classes three years ago when he was showing them something dangerous.

Harry was about to speak, when McGonagall spoke. Her voice was soft but confident. “Remus, memories can’t hurt me and if Harry is right this is something I need to see.” She looked down confidently at the Chosen One beaming at him. “I will be right back, Harry, and then we can talk. Alright?” Harry returned her smile with one of his own.

Remus turned away and began to pace. Harry likened his movements to an enraged animal trapped in a cage. Suddenly a picture of Sirius at Grimmauld Place flooded his vision. Harry stiffened and spoke, hoping to allay his friend’s anxiety. “Remus, she will fine. They are beautiful memories, they…”

“Beautiful or not, they are of him aren’t they?”

Harry only nodded. He recognized for the first time Remus was so scared for McGonagall’s wellbeing that he was furious at Harry for forcing the issue.

“Don’t you see Harry? He was…they were…I cannot lose…uuuurrrggghhh. I knew I should have never allowed this meeting, not yet, not now.”

Harry stepped away from the desk, toward his pacing friend and reached for his shoulder in an attempt to calm the frightened man. At Harry’s touch Remus stopped pacing, his eyes meeting Harry’s with a piercing gaze.

Harry’s jaw dropped as he looked into Remus’ eyes, he took a step back in surprise, dropping his hand from Remus’ shoulder. “You know don’t you? About them? You know!”

Remus ran a hand through his graying hair. His shoulders slumping and letting out a large sigh, he turned away from Harry and faced the windows. “Yes, Harry, I know.”

“Since when?”

Time passed, morphing into a pregnant silence and quietly Remus started to chortle. He turned and looked over his shoulder toward Harry, a huge grin on his face. “Well, Harry, you must not know everything if you have to ask me that.”

Just as Harry was about to speak, Minerva McGonagall returned from the Pensieve. Her green eyes glittered and her face was wet, but a smile wider then any Harry had ever seen graced her face. Harry was even more shocked with she started to giggle as she sat down in her chair.

Both Remus and Harry moved towards her - Remus concerned for her mental stability and Harry dumbfounded again by the display of emotions uncharacteristic of his collected professor. Reaching her first, Remus crouched down in front of her and took her hands in his. “Mo…” he stuttered with a quick glace to Harry and back to her. “Minerva, are you alright? What did you see?”

Minerva smiled tenderly at Remus, bringing a hand up to stroke his cheek. “It’s alright, my son.” Her eyes drifted towards Harry, whose eyes were now the size of saucers. She smiled. “We can trust, Harry.” Leaning forward, she kissed Remus’ forehead.

“Go, go look at the message your father left us. And,” her tone changing to that of a parent or a teacher expecting to be obeyed, “I think the message is just as apropos for you, as Harry.”

With one last smirk towards her son as he drove into the Pensieve, Minerva McGonagall stood, straightened her robes, and moved closer to face Harry. “So in light of what you’ve seen and learned, Harry, what do you intend to do about our young Miss Ginny Weasley?”

Harry smiled; her tone was one of a concerned parent. “I want to be with her and be happy, Professor. I need you to show me how. The precautions, the spells, everything you and Professor Dumbledore did to stay safe and have a life together.” Gesturing towards Remus, who was still in the Pensieve, he continued, “And a family. All of it! I want and need to know everything.”

Minerva smiled and was consumed with pride at the young man before her. He was choosing to love regardless of the risks. The same choice she and Albus had made so, so long ago. The choice she had been trying to get her son to make for over a year now.

“Well, Harry that is an awfully tall order but one I will happily fulfill as best as I can. You understand the need for continued secrecy about what you have learned?” She waited for a nod from Harry before she continued. “Why don’t I call for some snacks? This could be a very long discussion. One I think my son would do well to hear, if you don’t mind?” Harry nodded as he thought of the joy on Remus’ face when he was with Tonks. “Come into the sitting room where it is comfortable, it is going to be an interesting night.” She said with a loving smile.

End of Vignette # 3 (part two)

AN2: I am glad you all asked for a second piece to this. I like this vignette much better now with the extra scene with Minerva.

[Jessabelle]

Very very good! I am so glad that you did a second part to the story! Adding Remus as their son was a good twist and I quite liked the lesson involved for Harry! Please post another story soon!
- Jess

[Sensiblyquirky]

I'm glad to see you continued this one, and I liked how you took it. Minerva's outburst was fitting for the situation, and I liked the twist.

I just wish Harry could have found out before the end of HBP, or that the end of HBP never happened...ok I want both those things.

Christy

[JKMcGonagall]

You continued it! Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!!! Thank you.

Oh. this is so cool. Just the way I imagined it would go. I knew Min would get mad at Harry before she could go view the memories and accept them. I almost jumped when she swung around and yelled at Harry and slammed her fist on the desk. Her reaction to what she had done was perfect. Naturally she would be aghast at what she had done.

I loved the way that Remus was all protective of her. Your twist at the end was somewhat of a surprise, but there were enough small clues on the way that I was already suspecting something like that. I agree with Min that Remus was another one who needed to see Albus' message. He, too, can find love and be safe. I am glad she is going to share her knowledge of how to stay safe with both Harry and Remus. I have a feeling that life will be better from now on for all three of them, and Ginny and Tonks too. And, now Minerva has two people she can confide in and seek consolation from. Everyone needs someone.

I'm glad you find my commentary to be encouraging and constructive. I try hard to say what I like about the stories I read and to encourage other writers. I know I like that when I post stories. I am looking forward to your next vignette. I can't imagine how you will have them find out next. Something to look forward too.

Kay

PS. I want to know which memory had her giggling.

[tanja]

that was soooo beautiful. On the one hand really sad, but at the same time also lovely.
And Remus being their son...just great.
Hoping for another one soon

[gingerkitten]

Most excellent!

[TartanPhoenix]

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet! This is about the fifth time I've read it, and it just gets better each time. The way you worked Remus into the story was brillant, never something I would have expected.

[JKMcGonagall]

I keep checking for updates, but you haven't updated in a while. I love reading about how they can find out Min and Albus are/were married in various ways. I hope you haven't given up on writing more of them.

You said if we had ideas for you to let you know. I don't really have an idea, just a suggestion. You have had Harry discover their secret twice now, and Ginny once. I think that Hermione or Ron need to discover it...maybe at Grimauld Place. Maybe one of them walks in on them there, or they could find a letter/journal there and be snoopy (just think how conflicted Hermione would feel about reading it, and how squicked Ron would feel when he finds out). The letter/journal might be better because they could find it after Albus is gone. There could be a hint of danger there too, because Grimauld Place might not be safe anymore, after all, Albus was the secret keeper for the order.

Thanks for reading my ramblings. I miss your updates.

Kay

[Alesia]

Two into One

As the last words of the Hogwarts school song echoed throughout the Great Hall, the Gryffindor table erupted with applause and cheers. The last two students to finish the song, a set of gingered haired twins, took an elaborate bow, mischievous looks of triumph etched across their faces. The Minster of Magic and the Headmaster exchanged knowing glances as they clapped at the display put on by the twins.

“Remind you of anything, Minister?”

“Yes, Headmaster, it sure does. I hear they were worse then their uncles.” The Minister smiled knowingly.

“Minister, you did indeed hear correctly. I think because they are girls, it took the staff and I longer to figure out they were our currently reigning pranksters.”

The Minister of Magic chuckled. “I am surprised, Headmaster, you know it runs in the genes. And it isn’t like they didn’t have a small army of siblings and cousins to back them up.”

“Not to mention all of the unofficial family allies they had. My own children covered for them more then I care to think about. That’s why I think it took us so long; we had to eliminate everyone else first.” The men began to laugh again as they both looked on to the four House tables. The school song was the official end of the Leaving Feast, so many of the students were getting up and moving from table to table, exchanging goodbyes and contact information. The Minister caught the brown eyes of his youngest son and smiled the smile of a very contented father.

Yes, Brian had indeed done him proud. As the youngest of twelve, separated from his five older brothers by his six sisters, and further separated from his nearest sister by five years, the Minister knew the challenges his son had faced. Born to his parents late in life, Brian had always been a bit smothered by his mother, grandmother, his many aunts, and his sisters from the moment of his birth. There had been much to do after the war and majority of the young couples had put off having children until the rebuilding had been complete but Brian, as the last of the Minister’s many children, had parents older then most of his friends’ parents.

Of course Brian wasn’t the only one to come late; his twin cousins– Minerva and Athena – garnered a majority of the extended family’s attention as well. Their mischief making caused numerous up roars while they were growing up. They too had been a surprise to their parents, who had just packed their oldest child off to Hogwarts, when they discovered they were to be blessed with twins. The Minister laughed to himself. The four of us should have never gone to the Quidditch World Cup in Fiji and spent that extra week relaxing in seclusion on the beach.

For the twins, life growing up had been one surrounded by a loving family. Brian had benefited from the same loving extended family but there had always been outside forces at play. Being the youngest son of the longest sitting Minister of Magic, meant he was constantly in the spotlight and scrutinized for every thing he did. The Minister had been in office twenty-four years – seven years longer then his son had been alive. His last child was grown now. He was glad he and his wife had chosen this year for him to retire.

Brian could begin his life as an adult without the ever-present shadow of his father’s life. His other children had managed well enough. They were all happy, reasonably well adjusted and with growing families of their own. Nevertheless, for some reason the Minister had always worried about Brian. His siblings at least had the luxury of growing up in relative obscurity before their already famous father entered the world of Ministry politics. Of course, relative obscurity for the Minister and his family meant they weren’t pestered by pushy reporters everyday, just once a month, or so. Brian, on the other hand, had had his picture in The Daily Prophet the day he was born and numerous times there after.

“Minister,” the Headmaster’s voice pulled the Minister out of his musings. “Minister, would you care to join me in my office for a Scotch? Minerva left me some wonderful thirty year old single malt.”

As the two middle-aged men rode the stairs to the Headmaster’s office, they discussed how quickly time passed. It had been over sixty years since either one of them had been a student at Hogwarts; and over seventy years since they had witnessed a set of Weasley twins finish the school song with such gusto.

Making their way into the Headmaster’s office, the Minister’s eyes automatically drew to the portrait over the grand claw footed desk. Surprisingly, the portrait was empty as was the one next to it, which should have housed the first portrait’s predecessor. The other portraits slept quietly in their frames. The Headmaster handed the Minister a glass of Scotch and followed the Minister’s eyes with his own.

Gesturing for his guest to sit, the Headmaster broke the silence. “They are never there, you know. She has been gone over a year and I have only seen them once since she woke up.”

The Minister looked forlorn. At almost eighty years of age, he was still in the prime of life for a wizard. Yet, the Headmaster could see the responsibilities the Minister long carried heavily weighting him down.

The Headmaster took a quick swig of Scotch to bolster his courage and broached the subject with his long time friend. “Harry, have you thought about what you want to do now? I know they have offered you a spot on the Board of Governors once you step down as Minister. Hogwarts could certainly use someone with a level head on the Board. The Governors tend to sway easily with the prevailing political winds. It would be nice to have someone like you who has nothing to lose and is only interested in doing what is right and just.”

Harry took a sip of the Scotch, the smoky favor leaving a hot trail down his throat. “I don’t know, Neville. Ginny really wants to do some traveling. She hasn’t felt she should with her parents having been so sick lately. But both Arthur and Molly are on the mend now and with Brian graduating, I think it’s time for us to do something for us not because the wizarding world needs us to do it.”

Neville signed. He had been afraid of this. Harry’s entire life had been about service to their world. After his defeat of Voldemort before he entered Ministry politics, when his children were small, he leant his name to the cause of bringing the magical world together – across geographic, blood, and human vs non-human boundaries. His work with the European and Asian Ministries along with the Departments in the Americas had established a network of alliances designed to identify and root out burgeoning dark wizards before their power grew too great. So far, it has worked and the magical world was living in a time of peace, prosperity, and growing species equality.

Unfortunately, Neville too felt the weight of the world on his shoulders these last months. Hogwarts was in his blood, no doubt about it. Neville had returned to teach DADA just five short years after graduating at the behest of the Headmistress. Neville had always found it ironic that he, the boy who believed himself to be “just above a squib” at age eleven, found himself being recruited to return as a professor in charge of a core piece of curriculum at age twenty two.

Nevertheless, Minerva McGonagall had had faith in him and convinced him he was the perfect professor for the subject. Neville taught Defense against the Dark Arts for thirty years. Watching numerous classes come and go, remaining ever watchful for any signs of the next great evil in their midst. When the aged Pomona Sprout finally retired, Neville gave his vigil over to a younger man and the Herbology professorship finally became his. During his long career, he had married, become the Head of Gryffindor House, had five children of his own, become Deputy Headmaster, watched his own children as well as the many children of his friends pass through school and finally a year ago, he became Headmaster of Hogwarts.

“Harry, I am sorry, but I am only asking because Daphne and I are feeling the same way. She has been the head of St. Mungo’s for almost thirty five years now and I have been at Hogwarts longer then my children have been alive.” Neville’s statement completely shocked Harry. Neville loved Hogwarts even more then he did. “It isn’t like I am thinking of retiring.” Harry sighed with relief.

Marrying the truly Slytherin, but nonetheless pleasant and beautiful, Daphne Greengrass, supplied Neville with an underlying confidence to match his latent courage. Neville was a perfect Headmaster – compassionate, yet stern, efficient, yet flexible.

Hogwarts’ Headmaster stood and started to pace in front of the fire. “Daphne and I just want to take an extended vacation is all. We would really like to go to Brazil and doing some research on the new plant varieties being discovered there. It wouldn’t be more then a year. I am confident enough in my Deputy, Kegain Creevey, Colin’s oldest son, to leave the school in his hands.”

“My only worry is the Governors getting out of hand while I am gone. With you on the Board, I know everything would be fine until we got back. It isn’t as if the Board meets more then once a month during the school year anyway. Daphne and I wouldn’t leave until the annual bickering over the budget was complete. Kegain isn’t ready for that fiasco yet.”

Harry still wasn’t sure what to say. Could he convince Ginny to wait a year on their travel plans? Could they just schedule their travels around the Board’s meetings? “I have to ask you, Neville, what brought this on? This would have been much easier when you were Deputy. I don’t think a Headmaster has ever been gone an entire year before, especially so early in one’s tenure. There has to be a reason you want to do this now.”

The eyes of Harry’s longtime friend flicked up to the abandoned portraits. “It’s them.” Neville gestured towards the empty frames where the portraits of Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore should have been. “The thought of them just makes me so sad. They make me want to be selfish. To hold up in a room with my wife, never letting her go and locking the world out for all time. To hug my children with reckless abandonment and shout from the roof tops they are mine and no one had better even conceive of hurting them.”

Neville paused his rant long enough to take a gulp of Scotch. “All they did their whole lives was give to others and never take for themselves. Fifty years of keeping a secret. And another fifty-five separated. How could they stand it? If I am without Daphne for more then two weeks I nearly lose my mind. I can’t image having to pretend she isn’t my wife in public and doing it for years!”

Few things hit the nearly eighty-year-old Harry Potter like the shock of seeing Hagrid come through the door of the hut by the sea when he was eleven, but what Neville had just told him did. Harry sprang to his feet, crossing the floor to stand in front of his pacing friend. “Neville, what are you saying? They were a couple? They couldn’t have been. Someone would have found out. How do you know for sure?”

Neville handed Harry what looked to be two well-worn diaries from off the mantle. Neville went on to explain he had found them in a compartment under the bed in his rooms last month. Daphne had lost an earring and the two of them had moved the bed to retrieve it. When the bed moved, a compartment in the floor popped open. “Minerva must have forgotten about them. Either that or the castle had prevented her from opening the hiding place.”

Harry nodded. He knew several days before her death in July of last year, Minerva McGonagall had returned to the castle. According to the House elves, she didn’t leave her office once she arrived, spending her time there going through papers and correspondence. The caretaker reported a fire burned in her fireplace non-stop from the moment she arrived to the moment of her passing. Minerva, ever the private person, had destroyed almost every personal letter, note, or doodle she had ever written. All of her official records were intact and impeccably organized, but everything related to her personally was gone.

Shortly after her death, it was discovered all of Albus Dumbledore’s personal letters and such, sealed and stored at the Ministry until one hundred years after his death, had been lost as well. The prevailing rumor was Minerva had somehow procured and destroyed Albus’ private paperwork along with her own but no one could ever come up with any evidence or a concrete reason as to why. The contents of the two diaries in his hands seemed to validate the rumor and provide the reason.

“Neville, have you read these?”

Neville nodded his head. “Partly, the dairies will only allow me to read certain entries. They are charmed to never run out of pages and only reveal specified sections without the full unlocking spell. They appear to have been Christmas gifts from Aberforth to each of them in 1943. Dumbledore’s looks like he steady added entries right up until June of 1997. Minerva’s is more sporadic. She appears to have turned to it only in times of angst.” A small smile graced Neville’s face. “It looks as if she wrote in it almost daily from our third year through our seventh.”

Harry looked up at Neville and smiled. “I can understand why.”

As Harry began to flip through what pages he could of his former Professors’ diaries, a crisp Scottish voice broke the silence of the room. “Mr. Potter! Mr. Longbottom! What in the name of Merlin do you think you are doing?”

Completely startled, both men’s heads snapped up to the now filled frame belonging to a rather irate Minerva McGonagall staring down on them, hands on her hips and full professor ‘I just caught you out after curfew’ mode.

A soft chuckled rang through the room as Albus Dumbledore settled himself in his portrait. “You know, my dear, if I didn’t know better I would say they look remarkably like they did the night you caught them out of bed their first year and took fifty points each.”

Minerva cut her eyes at her husband and down to the now very grown men, who were both a shade of blistering pink, her lips started to curl in a smile. “Albus, that was seven decades ago! Besides they have grown up now.”

“Exactly my point, dear.”

Her voice lowered to a whisper, “But, love, they have our diaries. Everything is in those. Everything.”

“Yes, Minerva, I know. Who do you think it was that convinced the castle to prevent you from opening the compartment? I know you well enough to know what you would do before coming to join me. I am also vain enough to believe the story of our lives has value to those who come after us. I could not let us both pass on and not have anyone know how much I loved you.”

“But, Albus, what about our daughter? We agreed to keep her and her family safe.”

“Minerva, my love, our daughter is over a hundred ten years old. Besides, I spoke to Hestia shortly before you came to join me. She agreed with my plan.”

The former Headmaster turned toward Hogwarts current Headmaster. “You see, Mr. Longbottom, your assessment of our lives is slightly incorrect. Yes, we did love each other very much and we did spend our lives serving the wizarding world. But your conclusion that we didn’t have everything we ever wanted – that we didn’t have a wonderful life together and didn’t have time to ourselves and a family of our own is wrong.”

Albus paused and his wife took up their tale. “Neville, Harry, we chose to keep our lives private for reasons which I am sure you can well guess but that doesn’t mean we somehow felt cheated by life or that our time together was somehow cheapened in any way. We have a beautiful daughter, Hestia Jones, whom you know, and many delightful grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

Harry took a step towards them. “But, sir, if your lives were so happy together, why is it you are never in any of your portraits? Surely that is a way for you two to be together openly now.”

No one had yet been able to discern why Albus Dumbledore had abandoned his many portraits last summer. Harry assumed Dumbledore had come here to advise Neville. The Ministry’s portrait of Minerva McGonagall, which hung in the Head of the Transfiguration Sciences office, was also empty. Hermione had reported the rogue Headmistress had gone missing from her office months ago but Harry had been in deep negotiations with the Chinese Minister of Magic about an exchange of scrolls from the Ming Dynasty when the pink flying memo arrived and he had never followed up. He clearly failed to make the connection between who went missing and when.

“Alas, Harry, you see that is the problem, none of our portraits, save one, is of us together. Hence we spend all of our time there.”

Neville took a step towards them now, coming to stand shoulder to shoulder with Harry. “Let me guess, the portrait in which you are together hangs in Hestia’s house?” The two former Heads of Hogwarts nodded. Neville turned to look at Harry. “Well, Harry, what do you say we give Hestia a little relief? Even I don’t think I would want my parents in my house all of the time.”

Harry grinned at Neville like a child who had just heard a grand joke. “Can you image Hestia’s poor husband? Imagine having your in-laws in the house all of the time?”

With that thought, the two wizards shook their heads while they chuckled. They removed their wands and pointed them at the portraits. “Merguiportraitus!” Two purple streams stretched across the room towards the portraits. The sound of a loud 'crack' and an explosion of dust blanketed the room. A fit of coughing echoed through the room as the dust started to dissipate. The other former Heads of Hogwarts stopped fanning sleep and watched with interest for the spell’s outcome.

Where there once were two portraits, one with a straight-backed hard wood chair and the other with a soft purple chintz chair, there was now only one portrait. Both chairs were gone, replaced by a comfortable red velvet couch just big enough for two. Quicker then one would have thought was possible the now expanded surviving portrait was occupied by the happy couple. Neville and Harry watched with great amusement as two icons of the wizarding world snuggled together on the sofa.

“Thank you, gentlemen, this new arrangement is most agreeable.”

“If the same arrangements are made for your other portraits, would you be willing to return to them? I miss seeing you in my office everyday, Headmaster. And I know Hermione would really like to see you in her office again, Headmistress.”

The snuggling couple looked into each other’s eyes for a moment and began to giggle. “Yes, Minister, I do believe that can be arranged. By the way the password for the diaries is ‘phoenix loves tabby’.” With that, Albus leaned down to kiss his wife.

“I can’t believe they talked you into it!” The incredulous tone of Phineas Nigellus Black rang throughout the office. “They were insufferable enough when they were alive. It’s going to be one hundred times worse now, since they don’t have any responsibilities to keep them away from each other!”

As Albus and Minerva embraced for another searing kiss, the two men and the other portraits in the room couldn’t do anything but laugh at the outraged Slytherin Headmaster.

End of Vignette #4

AN: Okay so this one went someplace I totally didn’t plan or expect. I have had Kay’s comment about others who knew in my mind for a week now. This one just jumped in this afternoon and wouldn’t leave until I was done. I will go back through it again and clean it up a bit but I wanted to see what everyone thought of it. I have finally broken through the block I was having on the other one so if we are lucky I might have another one finished tonight. BTW I invented the spell. I imagine it working similar to the Mobili spells. I got the idea about the personal papers from Eleanor Roosevelt. She did burn a good portion of her personal papers several days before she died. Daphne Greengrass is canon, she took her OWLS with Hermione, and the Lexicon says she was a Slytherin. I thought Neville might need a partner with a natural sense of self-preservation to balance out his natural sense of self-sacrifice. Hestia Jones is, of course, a member of the Order of the Phoenix

[Sensiblyquirky]

I'm so glad you updated, and I liked this one. It didn't seem as sad, I suppose. I cannot wait for the next one, and if it is tonight that is even better!

Christy

[LinZE]

That was totally incredable
they all are.
Thank you so much for sharing
post again soon
xLx

[Jessabelle]

This was really good, although it isn't my favourite one. I quite liked how Neville was of great importance and had obviously done very well for himself!

[JKMcGonagall]

This one was really nice. I figured out who the Minister of Magic was before he was named, but never could figure out who the Headmaster was. The fact that it was Neville was a pleasant surprise.

I liked the way you used the diaries. Yes, Minerva strikes me as the type of very private person who would destroy all of her private papers before she dies. I did not think she would destroy Albus' private papers too. She is even more private than I thought. I am glad that Albus had the foresight to hide the diaries so she couldn't destroy them too.

I really loved it when Harry and Neville fixed it so that Albus and Minerva could be together again in other places than Hestia's house. I laughed when Phineas Nigelus complained about how much Albus and Minerva will get together now. Heh heh heh heh!

I have missed your updates, and now (maybe) two in one evening...what can I say but...Wow! I am glad my suggestions might have helped a little bit.

Kay

[tanja]

great idea!! Neville as Headmaster: quite a different kind of idea, but very well written
hope you´ll update soon

[Alesia]

Sorry for the delay see the Author's Notes at the bottom.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In Defense of a Cat

The hard whipping sounds of the bitter November wind hid the signature pops of three Appariting wizards. Harry Potter stared across the street at number twelve, Grimmauld Place. He didn’t want to be here, he hated this house and everything it had come to represent to him – suffering, the Dark Arts, and death. Yet, they had no choice. They had to stay hidden. Where else could they go? The Burrow? That had been the original plan but after what happened today...no, they decided it was best not to return to The Burrow, yet. The wrath of Mrs. Weasley wasn’t something any of the three of them wanted to endure at the moment. Hogwarts wasn’t an option either. The school, safe as it was, was too public. Someone would see them and report back to Voldemort. No, here, one of the places Harry hated most was their only recourse. Ron’s voice penetrated Harry’s thoughts.

“Come on Harry, we can’t stay out here long. We need to get Hermione inside!” Ron’s voice was anxious. Ron moved toward the gloomy house, Hermione’s head burrowed into his shoulder as he carried her. She could barely walk on her own, not that Ron would have let her. The Healer who treated her at St. Mungo’s said she should limit her activity while recovering. Ron’s definition of activity included very little currently and walking wasn’t part of that definition.

Harry berated himself for having been so optimistic earlier this morning. In an abandon Muggle orphanage, they had unearthed the Cup of Helga Hufflepuff. It had been a foolhardy decision to attempt to destroy the Horcrux housed in the Cup while still in the decrepit building. Harry let his need to succeed get the better of him and Hermione was suffering the consequences of his hasty decision. Hermione was sure she knew the correct process to destroy the Horcrux.

None of them had been prepared for the power stored in the Cup. The magical energy released at the destruction of Horcrux almost incinerated the building. The explosion compromised the dwelling’s structure. They were attempting to escape when the walls started to collapse. The worst of the magical onslaught singed Hermione’s hair and face, burning her arms and legs. Hermione had been too weak to Apparate out by herself. A second before Ron reached for her so they could Apparate out together, a piece of falling debris pinned Hermione. Harry and Ron worked furiously to extricate Hermione from the rubble. The moment she was free, Ron Apparated with her straight to St Mungo’s.

The look of utter horror on his best friend’s face when they finally freed Hermione was a sight Harry knew he would never forget. Ron hadn’t been able to do anything but pace; his fists clenched and forced into his pants pockets while the Healers worked to stabilize Hermione. Harry’s feelings for Hermione ran deep but seeing Ron at his whit’s end drove home to Harry, what he had long suspected – Ron loved Hermione.

Ron’s call from the stoop of the house forced Harry out of his musings. When they last left Grimmauld Place, after finding the locket of Salazar Slytherin in Kreacher’s den under the water tank, they had warded the house to warn them if anyone was inside before they entered. The Order believed the house secure but after the betrayal of Snape, the Trio had decided they wanted this extra protection. The new specialized wards worked for only the three of them and Ginny.

“Harry, it looks like the entire bloody Order’s in there tonight. Along with half of the Hogwarts professors!” Harry looked at the wards. It really did seem just about all of the Order and half of the staff of Hogwarts was currently inside the house. “We can’t stay out here long. We might be seen, besides Hermione won’t stop shivering.” Harry peered over the young witch’s tussled hair and realized Ron was correct. Hermione had either passed out or fallen asleep since they had left St. Mungo’s. She was shivering uncontrollably and still very pale, too pale for Ron’s comfort.

“Okay, look, we go inside and you take Hermione straight upstairs to her old room. Try to make her as comfortable as possible. I will go directly to the sitting room, see if I can find out what is going on, and why everyone is here. Ron, you stay with Hermione. She needs you. Ready?”

Ron felt like they were going through the trapdoor in the third floor corridor all over again. The Order, much to the irritation of its members, hadn’t known where the Trio was or what they were doing since they had left Godric’s Hollow in August. Ginny had been the liaison between the Order and the Trio. Thus far, the communication had been only one way. Ginny had only told the Order that the Trio was okay and would contact them if they got into trouble. Ron knew he and Harry were in for one hell of a grilling this evening.

The inner wards of Grimmauld Place signaled someone was on the stoop. For Alastor Moody, the list of people he would be happy to see coming through that door was very, very small. Excusing himself to the room’s many occupants, he removed his wand. Kingsley, who’d also seen the wards go off, met him at the sitting room door. As Harry and Ron opened the front door of Grimmauld Place, they met two stern looking Aurors with wands drawn.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the long lost Chosen One.” Kingsley Shacklebolt folded his arms across his chest, his tone leaving little doubt as to whether or not the men standing before them approved of his recent decisions. Moody’s magical eye traveled over the crumpled figure of Hermione protectively held in Ron’s arms. Harry stepped forward into the house, causing Moody and Kingsley to step back a half step. Harry’s movement allowed Ron to slip inside and start up the stairs with Hermione.

“What did St. Mungo’s say?” Ron froze and Harry stared at Shacklebolt.

“How did…”

“Potter, you don’t honestly believe any of you three could suddenly appear at St. Mungo’s in need of treatment and not have the Order, and probably the Death Eaters, find out about it? Constant vigilance, boy! I thought we’d taught you better then that!”

“Who else knows about Hermione?”

“We haven’t told your mother, if that is what you mean, Ron. Get her upstairs, she looks like she needs to be in bed.” Harry smiled at Kingsley’s comment. It only proved to him that the older men avoided upsetting Molly Weasley as much as he, Ron, and the twins did.

“Poppy is in the sitting room, if you think she is needed.” Harry considered Moody’s statement as he watched Ron’s retreating back disappear up the stairs with Hermione. He didn’t want to disclose more then he had to just yet. Of course, Harry hadn’t considered the possibility Hermione might have been recognized. What if the Healer hadn’t done everything he should have in hopes of garnering some favor from Voldemort?

Hoping to error on the side of caution at least once today and acknowledging the fact Madam Pomfrey was liable to be one of their strongest inquisitors, Harry acquiesced to the old Auror’s suggestion. “Yea, that’s probably a good idea. I know Ron would probably appreciate Madam Pomfrey taking a look at her.” As Moody moved towards the closed door that led to the sitting room, Harry posed a question to Kingsley. “How did you know we would come here?”

“We didn’t.”

“Then why are so many people here?”

“It’s a planning session, Potter!” Moody was returning to the hallway followed by Poppy Pomfrey. He gripped her medical bag in his left hand and tenderly clutched her smaller hand in his right. “What did you think the Order was doing while you were gone? Just sitting around on our bums waiting for you and your two compatriots up there to grace us with your presence!” The frustration rolled off the older man standing before Harry. “In your absence we have continued to gather information, thwart attacks when we can, and be a general pain in the arse to Voldemort and his slimy Death Eaters whenever possible.” As expected, their choice to leave the Order out of their plans obviously didn’t sit well with Mad-Eye Moody.

Poppy Pomfrey placed her free hand on Moody’s shoulder in an effort to calm his rant. She whispered quietly in Moody’s ear, her soft face displaying her concern. “That’s enough, mon choeur,” her voice caressed the room in a soft melodious tone.

Turning towards Harry, her voice took on the gritty edge Harry was much more familiar with, that of the no nonsense Medi-witch. “Now, Mr. Potter, what has happened that’s gotten one of you three injured now?”

Quickly Harry explained they had been caught in an unstable building during a release of magical energy that injured Hermione. Harry said nothing about what caused the explosion. Kingsley and Moody both exchanged glances. Harry knew they were adding it to the list of questions they had for he and Ron later on.

Taking her medical bag, Madam Pomfrey headed up stairs. “Oh, and Mr. Potter, don’t worry, you won’t have to face all of them alone, I will be sending young Mr. Weasley down in just a few minutes.” Harry returned her smile and nodded, silently thanking the woman for her wisdom.

“Come on, Potter, its time to face the music. Oh, we won’t start on you too bad until you have backup though.” Moody chuckled. The gleam in his natural eye reminded Harry of a starving man who just been presented with a huge helping of his favorite food.

As the door to the sitting room opened, Harry’s eyes exploded to the size of saucers. The destruction before him resembled the Gryffindor common room after a Quidditch match victory celebration. There were butterbeer bottles, tea cups, saucers, mugs, empty plates and half eaten trays of sandwiches scattered all over the room. Harry was sure he spied one or two empty firewhiskey bottles hidden under the sofa as well. What space in the small room that not covered with food, beverage containers, or people for that matter, was enshrouded in paper. Hundreds of scrolls, books, large pieces of parchment, and copies of The Daily Prophet and The Quibbler littered the walls, coffee table, and floor.

Hunched over an overly large parchment marked with a series of multi-colored lines and complex grid of names and numbers was Professors Pomona Sprout, Sapphira Sinistra, and Elise Vector. Rolanda Hooch sat cross-legged on the floor, an abacus prompted in her lap, adding together several sets of rather large numbers on a piece of parchment. Huddled in the corner of the room, referring to two parchments long enough to run the length of the wall were Arthur and Bill Weasley, Filius Flitwick, Remus Lupin, and Nymphadora Tonks.

Professor Flitwick was levitating himself from the top to the bottom of the parchment making notes as Tonks and Remus read information out from two old leather bound tomes. Arthur and Bill were doing the same but Bill edited the lower half and his father the top half of the parchment they worked on. Just as Harry was about to question what he was seeing, Fleur, Fred and George came through the fireplace carrying three heavy bags that jingled as they set them by the fireplace with several other bags already stacked there.

“Did you get enough?” Alastor asked the threesome.

“Yep, every Gryffindor since 1956 gave at least a sickle to the ‘Tabby Defense Fund’. We have more then enough.” Fred replied.

“Bloody Hell, what happened in here?” Ron’s voice rang out as he entered the room. He appeared as dumbfounded at the scene as Harry did. The sitting room’s occupants all looked up at Ron’s outburst. Filius Flitwick giggled. Arthur Weasley blustered at the sight of his youngest son.

“Ronald Bilius Weasley and Harry James Potter, where have you been! Your mother has gone to St. Mungo’s worried out of her mind at the news of Hermione,” his voice held a harsher ring than Harry could ever remember hearing come from the kindhearted man. The red flush on his cheeks rivaled the bright ginger of his hair.

Ron and Harry both shot incredulous looks at Kingsley and Alastor. “I thought you said you hadn’t told her.” Ron’s eyes narrowed even more as he confronted Shacklebolt.

“They didn’t.” Ron’s father interjected his voice still hard with parental disapproval. “Hestia flooed over moments ago. The Ministry is aware the three of you were at St. Mungo’s tonight and is looking for you. Hestia came by hoping she and Molly could find you before the Ministry did. They must have just missed you.”

Arthur moved towards the two young men dropping a bit of his stern persona and looking Ron directly in the eye. “How’s Hermione, son?” Ron told his father Madam Pomfrey had agreed with the Healer’s assessment of Hermione’s condition. Mr. Weasley nodded and placed a hand on the shoulder of each young man. “I am glad to hear she will recover. Now, we must alert your mother.”

“It’s already done.” Molly Weasley along with Hestia Jones stepped out of the fireplace. The rest of the room tensed and waited for the characteristic explosion of an irate Molly Weasley. Mrs. Weasley broke the tension of the room by placing a kiss on both Harry and Ron’s cheeks and welcoming them home. Sniffling a little, Molly Weasley moved back towards her husband. “Well enough sentimentality back to work. We have a deadline you know. Boys, you come here and I will sho…”

Rolanda Hooch triumphant shouted interrupted Molly. “Ha! I am done, that is the last one!” Professors Sprout and Vector looked over the Quidditch Mistress’s shoulder and nodded.

“Did I just hear Rolanda say she was done?” Poppy Pomfrey piped up from behind Alastor Moody as she entered the room. “What’s the verdict then?”

Pomona Sprout squinted down at the parchment on the table in front of Rolanda. “All four are just about equal with Gryffindor leading the pack by five percent, followed by Slytherin, Ravenclaw and then Hufflepuff.”

“Well that ends that argument doesn’t it?” George paying his brother what looked to be five galleons.

“I told you. I knew she was harder on her own then the rest. Remember that time our second year, George, when…” Fred received a quick jab to the ribs from his twin cutting off his speech as their mother eyed them suspiciously.

Ron was staring at the complex chart the three female professors had been poring over earlier. “What’s this professor?”

“Hogwarts automatically keeps a record every time points are taken from a student. It records who took them, what student they were taken from, and for what reason.” Rolanda Hooch pointed to a spot on the chart. “See this is when I took points from you for being on the Quidditch pitch practicing alone last year.” Ron turned red as he met Harry’s gaze. “That is what I was tallying up. Over the course of her time at Hogwarts, professor and perfect alike, Professor McGonagall took more points from Gryffindor then any other house.”

Harry signed, knowing if he asked the questions flying through his head the attention of the room would probably turn to what he, Ron and Hermione had been doing these last months, but his curiosity was in high gear. “I hate to ask but what are you all talking about?” Everyone in the room turned to look at Harry. Several of them signed and shook their heads. “Well? Tell us what is going on!”

Bill Weasley took pity on the very befuddled Ron and Harry by handing them a large stock of newspapers. “Here, you had better get familiar with what has happened since you have been gone. Then we will brief you.”

Harry and Ron stared down at the paper at the top of the stack dated three days ago.

The Daily Prophet
50 Years Worth of Illicit Affairs and Moral Debauchery at Hogwarts!
By Rita Skeeter

Have you ever wondered how certain decisions are made about who will be allowed to educate the young of the Wizarding World? Who are the people who safeguard our children and how were they put in those positions?

For years, the parents of wizarding England have put our faith in the Ministry, the Board of Governors, and the leadership of Hogwarts. Little did we know of the ‘favors’ being traded to secure positions, promotions, and pay-raises. Why would a wizard such as Albus Dumbledore play favorites you may ask? This reporter has gathered indisputable evidence the former Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, recently murder by former professor Snape, (see the story on the most recent sightings of the Death Eater Severus Snape on page 6) performed dastardly acts of injustice in exchange for perverse sexual favors provided by his Deputy Headmistress, Minerva McGonagall.

Besides the obvious questions concerning why would a supposedly wise and worldly wizard employ a minion of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named other more dark and unseemly events seem to have occurring at Hogwarts.

Harry and Ron’s eyes bulged with outrage as they read Rita Skeeter’s accusations against Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, the other staff and facility she supposedly fancied. Skeeter claimed to have evidence proving Dumbledore removed any professor whom McGonagall disliked. The article went on to accuse Dumbledore of abusing his power as Headmaster by removing any male professor who showed any kind of romantic interest in his Deputy. The list of professors removed because of their amorist interest in McGonagall included Quirrel and Lockhart. The list of professors supposedly removed because the former Transfiguration professor disliked them included Lupin and Moody. The names of just about every DADA teacher for the last thirty years occupied in one or both of the lists. The wrongdoings by the Headmaster included fixed Quidditch matches, altering of House Cup points, Quidditch pitch use, class scheduling, special requests to the Ministry and other acts of general favoritism to Gryffindors over the other Houses all to please McGonagall. Skeeter saved the juiciest bits for last.

Moreover, how would the uptight and rather homely spinster Minerva McGonagall hold such sway other the then Greatest Wizard of the Age! This reporter has obtained proof of the long-term administration of Lust potions on the elderly wizard by the unscrupulous witch.

Skeeter described how the ingredients in Professor Dumbledore’s favorite sweets – Bertie Botts Every Flavored Beans – combined with the ingredients in black tea, which Skeeter noted was Professor’s McGonagall favorite, could be used to create one of the most powerful lust potions in the Wizarding world. The article went on to request the Board of Governors review the actions and decisions of both Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, since no other staff members had ever been in a relationship in the history of Hogwarts.

Ron couldn’t take it anymore. Throwing the stack of papers in his hand on the floor, he stood up and waved his arms as he expressed his outrage. “This is absolutely ludicrous! First, Professor McGonagall doesn’t drink black tea. In fact, she HATES IT. I found that out during one of my detentions when the House Elf brought her Professor Sprout’s tea blend by accident. Second, Dumbledore never ate Bertie Bott’s, Harry told me so our first year…and…and…and,” Ron trailed off. His face was redder then his hair, his fists clenched in rage, and a glass on the nearby table buzzing.

The buzzing glass caught Harry’s attention and he stood. “It says here there is a Board of Governors meeting set for this Friday to appraise ‘her worthiness’ as not only Headmistress but as a professor?” Incensed, Harry was speaking to no one in particular but to everyone at the same time. “What are you planning on doing about this…this…load of rubbish?”

Ron wheeled on his father. “Dad, we have to do something about this! We cannot let them attack Professor McGonagall like this. You know how the Ministry and the Governors are. They will believe this horrid woman and will probably send someone like Umbridge to Hogwarts. We cannot let that happen. This is all CRAP,” Ron leveled his eyes to his mother, “Yes, mum, I said crap, and I meant it. These are nothing but a bunch of lies to sell more papers and turn everyone’s focus away from Who-Know…Voldemort.” All of the adults in the room now had huge grins on their faces. “Bloody hell! Why in Merlin’s name are you all grinning like that? And what are we going to do?”

Professor Sprout moved forward, picked up one of the papers off the floor, and handed it back to Ron. “Calm down, Mr. Weasley. We have a plan. What you see on the walls is phase two and you have phase one in your hand.”

“It took us a better part of two days to come up with a plan with just the right amount of vim and vengeance.” Elise Vector had a grimace on her face Harry thought would scare the wits out of just about any Death Eater he had run across.

“Yea, of course the case of firewhiskey Rolanda brought along helped us come up with the appropriate retribution tacit for the Governors. Those bastards, why we should...”

“Now Sapphira, that’s enough. We will stick to the plan.” Pomona Sprout cut off Sinistra’s tirade. “Boys, what I have here is an advanced copy of the Thursday evening edition of The Quibbler.” Pomona Sprout leveled her hazel eyes to Harry’s. “Our Headmistress followed your example, Mr. Potter. Minerva has done what we would have all expected her to do. She has safe guarded the school’s reputation and the students’ wellbeing by providing the truth.”

“And we had to get her rip roaring drunk to even agree to do it. She was just going to fall on her sword with no defense rather then put the school in jeopardy.” Rolanda Hooch interjected from across the room. “It was only Poppy’s persuasion that she needed to save Albus’ reputation to help Hogwarts that even got her to commit to it.”

Pomona shot a reproachful look at the Quidditch Mistress and continued. “Unfortunately by doing so she is sacrificing one of the things she treasures most – her privacy. We are going to prevent her sacrifice from being in vain. Now read.”

Ron and Harry looked down at the paper in the hands of the Herbology professor. Professor McGonagall had given an exclusive interview to Mr. Lovegood in which she had detailed her life, starting with her education at Hogwarts, her studies to be an Animagi, her work in the war against Grindelwald, how she came to work at Hogwarts, her career, and how she became Head of Gryffindor and then Deputy Headmistress. She spoke about how often she would take points from her own House and her various attempts to be fair. She spoke of her love for her students and how much she missed the daily grid of the classroom now that she was Headmistress. The article, written in first person with some additional questions from Mr. Lovegood, went on for seven full pages and included a list of the numerous wartime medals and academic awards she had received over her lifetime. The last bit of the article was what dropped the floor out from under Ron and Harry.

In January of 1944, at the age of twenty-four, the Ministry assigned me to an advance-scouting unit, which was the first time I had encountered Albus Dumbledore since graduating from Hogwarts in 1937. As of often happens in wartime, our emotions ran high and we soon discovered our feelings for each other ran deeper then mere friendship. A war zone is not the place for a romance and we both agreed to put our feelings for each other aside. After the war ended, we started to court properly. We married in 1950 with the blessing of our families and our close friends, including Headmaster Dippet. We chose to keep our private lives private, not only because of the danger of a Dark Wizard, but also neither of us ever sought the limelight or fame. When I joined the Hogwarts staff in 1956, it was with the blessing of Headmaster Dippet, Deputy Headmaster Binns, and the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Anton Bagnold. With the birth of our daughter in 1968, we considered making our relationship public but Albus had already begun to suspect another Dark wizard was on the rise and we dared not risk the life of our only child. Together, along with those we trusted most, we raised our daughter in the halls of Hogwarts. She has grown into a beautiful and fine woman, a vision to behold and we are both extremely proud of her.

A summary of Hogwarts policies, which followed the interview with Headmistress McGonagall, outlined the process the Board of Governors underwent every year reviewing the awarding of House points and detention offenses along with numerous pieces of administrivia including hiring, firings, raises etc. The paper also printed a copy of a dispensation issued in 1966 to Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall by the Chairman of the Board of Governors. The dispensation acknowledged the professor's marriage and stated the Chairman supported their appointments as Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress despite their marriage.

[Alesia]

“Wow,” stammered Harry. The faces of the many people in the room varied from sadness to mirth. “Okay let me make sure I understand this. McGonagall and Dumbledore were married, have a daughter, the Board of Governors’ Chairman knew, and gave them some sort of dispensation?” His statement met with a number of nods from the adults in the room. “Did any of you know?”

Hestia turned to face Harry. “I don’t think anyone by me knew everything but various people suspected bits and pieces.” She stepped forward to eye the parchment Remus and Tonks had been working on with Professor Flitwick. “Filius, I think you missed one. Dilys was married to her History of Magic professor during her time as Headmistress.”

Ron flopped himself on the floor in disbelief. “Why are the Governors having this review then? Why not just announce the dispensation? Doesn’t the current Chairman know? I don’t get what phase two is for. Those parchments what are they? They look like timelines.”

“You have identified them correctly, Mr. Weasley.” Professor Flitwick levitated himself a little higher to make a note on top section of the parchment. “This parchment denotes all of the recorded dispensations issued for staff members who were married or wanted to marry other faculty or staff. Once issued by the Chairman, the dispensations are magically recorded in these books.” The ancient professor gestured to the leather books in the hands of Remus and Tonks. “The current Chairman of the Board of Governors is only one who can access the books. It works similarly to the book of student names.”

Ron’s face scrunched up in confusion. “Then how did you get them, Professor?” Flitwick seemed to pale at the question.

Elise Vector cleared her throat, “Well, let’s just say the castle and its indigenous occupants are very found of Minerva and Albus.”

“That and a little help from us and it was a piece of cake.” A glare immediately took hold on Molly’s face at Fred’s statement.

George stepped forward to defend his twin. “Come on mum, someone had to negotiate with Peeves.”

Molly Weasley stepped face to chest with George. “That is precisely my worry, George Weasley. Your sister is still there and I don’t want that poltergeist giving her any trouble because of something you two did.”

“Don’t worry mum, we told Ginny not to eat anything.”

“Or take a shower.”

“Or use a quill.”

Arthur Weasley could see his wife’s ire rise as the twins baited her. “Now, now, boys, that’s enough. Molly, I am sure it isn’t that bad.” Shooting a look at his sons over his shoulder, he continued more quietly. “It had better not be.”

Remus moved in between the twins and their parents. “You see, Harry and Ron, we are doing this on our own. Minerva only knows about her interview. She thinks it won’t be published until after the hearing. She is expecting to be removed by the Board of Governors. We are hoping to thwart Rita Skeeter’s muckraking with a preemptive strike.”

Poppy shook her head. “For what ever reason, Harry, the Ministry and the Governors have decided to ignore what they know to be the truth about Minerva and Albus’ relationship. They are willing to let the public believe the Skeeter woman’s slander. Minerva is current her target and as long as the ‘established’ authorities aren’t going to do anything to shield her from these lies, we will.” Harry could see the insult done to Minerva McGonagall had galvanized all the occupants of the room and provided them with a renewed sense of purpose. He was glad they were on his side and not Voldemort’s.

“Look at the second parchment. The one Arthur and Bill are working. It is dispensations issued for Ministry employees, but just in the last five years. It is not like this type of dispensation is uncommon. It isn’t the Headmistress’ fault the Head of Portkey authorization department is married to the Chief Floo network fee collector.” Tonks gestured to a junction of the parchment. “There are so called ‘conflicts of interest’ all over the Ministry like that one.”

“The Ministry and the Governors don’t want this information to become common knowledge. I think they believe it will call into question too many of the Ministry’s polices and decisions which is why they are pressuring the Board of Governors into having this so called ‘review’. They will fire Minerva for cause and try to push everything under the rug.” Arthur Weasley paced as he walked, clearly going over the details of the plan in his head while explaining it to the boys. “Phase two of the plan involves using The Daily Prophet ‘s own weapons against them. Fred and George will take out six full page ads in the Thursday evening addition.”

The gleam in the eyes of Fred and George rivaled any Harry had ever seen before. Puffing his chest out with pride, Fred spoke. “You see, mate, as regular advertisers in the paper Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes enjoys the ability to add text to the paper directly without it first being proofed by the editorial staff.” Fred shot an evil glance to his brother and George took up the explanation.

“Just as the owls take off with the evening edition we will change the six pages from our latest ‘YOU NO POO’ ad to all of the evidence you see in this room of married Hogwarts staff and Ministry officials, along with the records of all of the points taken by both Dumbledore and Minerva during their tenures at Hogwarts. We are especially proud of the information ”

“The editors won’t be able to change it.” Bill Weasley’s new scars couldn’t hide the look of pure joy on his face when he mentioned how the Governors would find out what was contained in the paper. “Each member of the Board of Governors and all the leading Ministry officials will get it just as they sit down at the Ministry Foreign Dignitary reception held that evening.”

“Okay,” Moody broke in to take control of the discussion. “Now that we seem to have our wayward heroes here up to speed, I want a status check on operation ‘Save Tartan’. What else do we have to finish tonight? Hestia meets with Pullo Lovegood tomorrow at eight and the boys have to pay for the ad space tomorrow. What else is there that needs to be done?”

The clusters of professors and Order members working together raddled off the status of their various assignments. Harry and Ron were still recovering from everything they had learned in the last half hour.

Ron spoke quietly as he moved closer to Harry. “Wow, mate, I thought what we had to tell them was going to be a shock, but I don’t know, after all of this looking for the relics of the Founders seems kind of bland.”

Harry laughed. “Do you think they know about Skeeter’s little bug problem?”

“No, probably not. I suggest we enlighten them. Hermione skin us alive if we didn’t.” Harry and Ron laughed at the image of an outraged Hermione. “Hey, Dad, Harry and I have some information which may help squash Rita Skeeter’s ability to ever do anything like this again.”

“Oh really Ron? Do tell, do tell.”

Ron explained how Hermione caught a beetle in a jar at the end of their fourth year and phase three of ‘Save Tartan’ was born.

End of Vignette #5

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AN: The first name of Professor Sinistra’s name, Sapphira, came from aramintasnape’s Kingsley/Sinistra fics on Lumos. I just picked a name I like for Professor Vector and Mr. Lovegood’s first names.

On the whole I feel like this is vignette is kind of flat. I think I need to punch up the outrage of the professors and Order members some more. What do you all think?

Also I wanted to find out from some of the more experienced authors out there, what do you do with whole pieces or plotlines that don’t work well? I had originally tried to make this one funny but the funny pieces didn’t hold up well with the venom in Skeeter’s pieces so I took the funny out and attempted to replace it with angst and anger. I would like to know what others have done in the past in these situations. I keep save the funny bits and can hopefully fit them into another vignette.

Someone asked me why I put some of the extraneous back-story in these, I am trying to mimic what JK does when she gives us information without coming out and saying ‘here is information’. Does that make sense and am I doing it effectively?

As always I will continue to revise until I get where I want to be so all feedback is appreciated.

[Jessabelle]

This was good, not my favourite, but still good! I think that there seemed to be a lack of real emotion. Maybe it would have helped to see Minerva in it. Maybe your idea to "punch up the rage of the professors and the Order members" is a good idea! I don't know. I think that you are a great writer and that you have done an excellent job with these vignettes. Please write another on soon!
- Jess

[Alesia]

AN: Apparently these are going to be feast or famine. Here is another one I knocked out in aq few hours. I will come back and clean it up some more tomorrow. I plan to work on the emotions in #5 as well.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
What the House-Elves Know

Harry took one more look at Dumbledore’s tomb and headed back towards the castle. His emotions were in overload the funeral, his conversation with Ginny, and his friends’ decision to stand by him all piled on Harry like a mountain, the tears threaten break out. The tenuous grasp Harry had maintained on his emotions slipped and he knew he had to keep moving. He wasn’t sure why he was heading back to the castle he had already packed his trunk before the funeral because the Hogwarts Express would be leaving in just about an hour. Harry knew he needed to get his mind and emotions reigned in before getting on the train. The train trip meant lots of people and their questions. Harry couldn’t handle either one of those unless he was under control. He could hear Ron, Hermione, and Ginny following him at a distance but he wasn’t prepared to talk to them either.

In an effort to push all of the turmoil in his head away, Harry started going over everything in his trunk. With the mental repacking complete, Harry realized he had never retrieved his Invisibility Cloak from the Astronomy tower. He had to locate a professor. Bryce Masterson, professor of Muggle Studies, was in the Entrance Hall as Harry arrived. Directing students and funeral guests to the thestral drawn carriages, Masterson endeavored to keep everyone headed out, as the time when the train would leave grew closer. “Potter, Granger, you four, you’re headed the wrong way. The House-Elves have moved all of your trunks and belongings down to the station. Please get yourselves to a carriage.”

“Professor, I believe I have forgotten something. I had it the night of Profess…” Harry’s voice failed him. “I had the night on the Astronomy tower.”

Masterson nodded and Harry’s assumption the Hogwarts’ staff either had been told or had guessed Harry had witnessed Snape’s treachery was confirmed. “If it was left up there, the House-Elves would have moved it to Professor Dumbledore’s quarters. I will call for a House-Elf. They can get whatever you left behind.” Masterson pulled the cord hanging in the corner by the wall. Moments later Dobby answered the professor’s call.

“Harry Potter, sir, Professor Masterson says Harry Potter is missing something left on the Astronomy tower. Dobby was the one trusted to move all of the items belonging to the Headmaster from the tower to his rooms. Dobby will get what ever Harry Potter is needing.” Harry explained to Dobby he was missing his invisibility cloak as Masterson persuaded Ron, Hermione, and Ginny to find an empty carriage and hold a space for Harry. Dobby disappeared and reappeared almost immediately empty handed.

Harry was a little dumbfounded by the House-Elf’s quick return. “Dobby, did you not find it? ”

Dobby blanched at Harry’s question and started to twist his long ears. “Dobby knows where Harry Potter’s cloak is. The Headmaster’s quarters is where it is. Dobby remembers folding the cloak and putting it with the Headmaster’s wand in his rooms. The Headmaster’s room is currently occupied by...” The House-Elf bit is fingers to keep from speaking.

“Dobby, stop hurting yourself.” Harry bent down to bring himself level with the little elf. “And explain what you are saying.”

“Harry Potter must be patient. The rooms is shut to everyone outside even the House-Elves. Dobby is unable to get Harry Potter’s cloak for Harry Potter right now. Only Headmistress McGonagall may allow Dobby to enter. The time is too private for Dobby to disturb the Headmistress right now.”

Harry didn’t quite understand everything Dobby was saying expect that the House-Elf needed some kind of permission from McGonagall to get the cloak. “Professor Masterson, sir?” Standing, Harry walked towards the professor. “Do you know where Headmistress McGonagall is?”

Masterson turned toward Dobby at Harry’s question. “Dobby, didn’t you check on the Headmistress after the Ministry officials left? She is in her quarter’s isn’t she?”

“Yes, Professor Masterson, sir. Headmistress McGonagall is in her quarters. Dobby took the Headmistress Madam tea and the potion given to Dobby by Madam Pomfrey to help the Headmistress Madam sleep and relax. Dobby doesn’t think the Headmistress is taking the potion though.”

“Don’t worry, Dobby, I saw Madam Pomfrey headed that way a few minutes ago. She will get Minerva to take the potion. Mr. Potter, the Headmistress hasn’t moved her rooms yet. But I don’t know if you have time to get there and back before the carriages leave and if Madam Pomfrey has her way the Headmistress won’t be awake to see you. You may have wait to get your property back.”

“But, Professor, you don’t understand. I can’t…” Harry stopped as Dobby started to tug on the sleeve of his robe motioning Harry away from Masterson. Harry took several steps to put some distance between he, Dobby and the Professor.

“Dobby, what is it? I have to get into Professor Dumbledore’s quarters and get my cloak before the Hogwarts Express leaves Hogsmeade.” Dobby started to bang his head against the hard stonewall. Harry put his body in between Dobby and the wall to prevent the elf from continuing to injure himself. “Dobby, I don’t understand what the problem is. Please tell me.”

“Dobby told Harry Potter, sir. The Headmaster’s rooms is occupied…occupied by the Headmistress.”

“But Dobby, Professor Masterson said McGonagall hasn’t moved her rooms yet. You said she is in her rooms off Gryffindor tower.”

Dobby looked very uncomfortable and moved closer to Harry to whisper in his ear. “Harry Potter, sir, Professor McGonagall is in her rooms.” Dobby paused checking to see no one else was close enough to hear what he was saying. “Headmistress Madam McGonagall is in her rooms and the Headmaster’s rooms is occupied by the Headmistress. The Headmistress does not require the moving of rooms. The moving was done long ago with help from the castle.” Dobby started to twist his ears again. The elf’s eyes were wide as if he was trying to tell Harry something with his look.

Harry finally understood what Dobby had been trying to tell him. Professor Dumbledore’s rooms were currently occupied by their other occupant, his wife and the current Headmistress of Hogwarts.

“Dobby, who else knows?”

“Just the House-Elves and the castle be knowing the Professor’s secret.”

Harry surveyed the Entrance Hall and realized the flow of students and guests had dwindled to a trickle. He looked at his watch. The carriages would be leaving soon. The cloak would have to wait. “Dobby, do you think you can met me at King’s Cross when the train arrives? I don’t want to be without the cloak too long.”

“Dobby will be getting the cloak when the Headmistress Madam is sleeping. The Headmistress Madam likes Winky very much and Winky will help Dobby. Harry Potter will have his cloak when the train gets to London.”

“Thanks Dobby, and take good care of the Headmistress while I am gone, will you?”

The elf nodded as Harry started toward the doors of the Entrance Hall. “The House-Elves will watch the Headmistress Madam. We will take care of her while Harry Potter is gone.”

End of Vignette #6

[JKMcGonagall]

I liked In Defense of a Cat. I really did. The one thing that I found to be lacking was Minerva herself. She wasn't there in person.

I understand that she can't be there if they are trying to keep what they are doing a secret from her. I loved the fact that Minerva was willing to give up her privacy to save Albus' and Hogwart's reputation. She is such a private person that I can see that being hard for her. I am glad the Order is taking such pains to see that her sacrifice is not in vain.

I really think that this one has an unfinished feel to it. Just personally, I would like to have seen it carried out to the end...when Minerva learns about it, the reactions to the twins articles in the paper, and the results of the hearing. I think you could bring a lot of different emotions into it there.

The emotions in this part of the story seem good to me. They have had time to get over their initial reaction of anger and disbelief at the Ministry and Skeeter, and are channeling it into something more productive. I think the anger is there, it is just simmering under all of the activity that is going on. If they didn't have so much going on, they would show their anger more openly...at this point they are doing something constructive with that anger. I don't find the story to be flat. To me, if you do decide to continue the story to its natural conclusion, all the high emotionality (if that is a word) would be in the final part of the story.

The only part that I didn't feel ring true was when Molly and Hestia returned to Grimmauld Place to find Harry and Ron there. I was all set for an explosive scene where Molly tells them both off, and believe me she would, and it wasn't there. To me, that was not Molly Weasley and how she reacts. I don't think she would hesitate for one moment to dress them up one side and down the other in front of everyone, and then turn around and tell everyone to get back to business.

I loved the fact that they all jumped to Minerva's defense, especially since she won't defend herself against the stupid charges against her. It shows how much they all care for her and Albus and Hogwarts. I enjoyed the scene with Poppy and Alastor. You write them so well. She was tender with him and then all business with the boys. If they can't put two and two together, and being Harry and Ron they won't. they'll never get it. Hermione would in an instant.

I really enjoyed this version of how they find out. There are a few minor spelling mistakes (whits end for wits end) none of them too distracting. Also, I never did really understand why they needed all the money the twins brought with them. Oh, and I take it that Hestia is Min and Albus' daughter since she was the only one who knew everything.

I am sorry this is so long. You did ask for help. I hope this is all constructive help for you, and that you are not offended by any of it.

Kay

[JKMcGonagall]

Two in one evening. Whoa, when it rains, it pours. Alesia, you made my evening much better. Thanks.

What the House Elves Know is so sweet. If Albus and Minerva were married, you can bet those house elves know, and we all know that they would never tell a soul that secret. I also like the fact that the castle knew. I really think that Hogwarts itself is a thinking, feeling, and knowing entity that can interact with the headmaster/headmistress.

I am really surprised that Harry did finally get Dobby to tell him. It was certainly told in a round about way. If it had been Ron instead of Harry, he never would have gotten it.

I loved Dobby's promise to Harry that he and Winky and the other house elves would look out for Minerva while he and the other students are gone.

Loved it. Write more, more, more...much more. I will be patiently awaiting your next story.

Kay

[Jessabelle]

I really liked this one! Dobby was perfect and I liked that you introduced a new professor. I absolutely love that the Invisibility cloak that Dumbledore passed onto Harry from James is what caused him to find out about Albus and Minerva. Keep up the great work!
- Jess

[tanja]

i like the update..they are cute

[Sensiblyquirky]

Ok, I had to read both of your updates again to give a proper review. I loved the house elf one, and I imagine those little creatures know way too much. For the first one I think you need to continue it to show the review, Minerva, and etc... Rather than closure it is left hanging, now if that was your intention then good job!

I don't think you need to change the emotions of the Professors, because you had Sinistra start to go off, and the details illustrated how hard they had been working. I think at that point in their planning they needed 'cool' heads rather than hot ones to operate effectively. In contrast Ron and Harry blow up, which can be used to exhibit how the others exploded when they first heard.

As to the funny parts that seem to have no place. If I cannot get something to work I employ one of a few methods. First, you have to recognize that sometimes things have to be scraped for good, but that is a last resort. Sometimes I'll use those bits as the core for another story, or vignette, or chapter and see if I can work something up from that rather than try and fit them in. Finally just step away for a bit, and rather than write things down just let your imagination run with how you would like to use them, or how a subplot might work into a larger plot. If that leads you down a road you had not anticipated you either follow it or ditch it. And sometimes when you get to writing the story just decides for you, for example in Romantic Vows I had originally written the ending first but by the time I finished the story it was not the ending I had written so there you go.

I hope that made sense, and helped a little bit.

Christy

[zoeteproet]

I loved all of your stories, it took me a while to read them all ;D
I wasn't familiar with your story so I read all the pieces in one. First I was a bit confused because I didn't realise that it where al seperate stories *blush* but now i understand it, finally and I like them all! I think the first one is the best.
Hope to read some more from you soon,
Love,
Sarah xx

[foci]

Whoa, I get a fic dedicated to me and I have no idea. Thanks for the credits and the dedication!
I really like the main idea for the vignettes but sadly enough had only time to read the first one.
Unofortunately, the first few paragraphs were plagued with typos and grammar mistakes.
compared TO - missing word;
take Effect not Affect;
>The next stop was Godric’s Hollow and in search of the remaining Horcruxes.< there is something wrong with the second part of this sentence, you should rephrase it maybe, like "(the) search for the remaining...".
Sorry for being such a grammar Nazi but the mistakes did stand out awfully.

Having survived the typos and co I read further on and liked immensely what you did with the original idea. You had fantastic ideas yourself and it was a pleasure to read the rest of the fic. Very imaginitive!
I loved the fic...up to a point. Albus' form was heartbreaking.

However, I was a lot less pleased with the end. Unless I missed out on something I find it highly unlikely that Harry would take the news of ADMM without revulsion or a bit of wonder. For me, the end was ...for lack of a better word cheesy. I sense though that a revolted Harry would fit the fic less and ruin the mood. Maybe it would be better to finish the fic when he realises that Albus and Minerva were married, period. About 6 months had passed since last October and while the current version fits the post-HBP mood, in the present it seems ...off.
Then again, I have a tendency to look for fics with literary value, which is not a mainstream thing in the fanfic world.

[EarthyGrl]

can you write a sequal? I would totally like to see the plan in action. *puppy eyes*

[JKMcGonagall]

More vignettes, please, please, please. I miss them.

Kay

[alison]

These are great vignettes. I like the way that each shows a separate aspect of the relationship and the emotions of the different people involved. The development of detail is nice as well. Please continue!