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Post by Sensiblyquirky on Sept 26, 2005 7:26:27 GMT -5
you are doing such a good job with this story. Oh I hope the good Albus can find her. The addition of the bonding spell was great.
Christy
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Post by ginger newts on Sept 26, 2005 10:29:12 GMT -5
Definitely not confusing. I'm so intrigued by the bonding spell and all that history about the Time Turners. You're really putting a lot of thought into this. I'm also starting to feel sad for future Albus, he's created a world that even he can't live in. Hurry and update again soon.
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Post by TheGryffindorSeeker on Sept 26, 2005 14:07:49 GMT -5
oh this just gets exiting by the minuet can't wait for an update  p.s the last chapter wasn't confusing |
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Post by Jessabelle on Sept 26, 2005 20:33:57 GMT -5
good chapter .. lost of new ideas and emotion it seemed.. cannot wait to see what you come up with next  |
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Post by JKMcGonagall on Sept 26, 2005 23:33:02 GMT -5
To quote Ron Weasley "Bloody Brilliant" is what this story truly is. I am enjoying your back story of the time turner, and the bonding potion is very intriguing too.
The present day Albus seems to be willing to go to all lengths to be reunited with his Minerva, not that I can blame him. It is going to be very interesting if the two Albus' meet at some point.
I, too, am looking forward to seeing Minerva's interaction with the Harry, Hermione, and Snape of this alternate world that she is in (hopefully temporarily).
Kay
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Post by TartanPhoenix on Sept 30, 2005 21:50:04 GMT -5
AN: I'm sorry this chapter is going to be so short, nbut I'm off to visit my mother this weekend, and I couldn't leave without updating for everyone. Hope you guys like it; I ended up making a few changes after reading the plethora of reviews I've gotten. I still can't believe it. You guys rock!! He had been restless all night, tossing back and forth in the silk sheets. To his relief, the sun began to blaze its trail across the sky. Dressing quickly, he moved silently through the empty corridors between his rooms and hers, his body tense with anticipation. The door opened for him without a sound and his eyes fell upon her. She was radiant, just as he remembered her to be. Her cheeks were pink from the warmth of the room, and her hair splayed out around her on the pillow, creating its own type of halo. The gowns he had provided for her were not distasteful, but he did appreciate his forethought as he watched the hint of bosom rise and fall with each of her breaths. He allowed himself to wonder, something he rarely indulged in anymore. He wondered how her skin tasted, if she would taste as sweet as she smelled. He was curious about the texture of her skin along her back; would she be as smooth as silk, as soft as a new kittens fur? But, most of all, he wondered how she would sound. Would she scream out his name for all the world to hear, or would she whisper it in his ear, a declaration for him alone? His hands clenched as another wave of desire crashed through him, and it took everything he had not to join her, awake or not. Minerva shifted in her sleep, letting out a soft sigh as the morning’s light began to filter into the room, playing against her eyelids. Coming to a stop between the light and the sleeping woman, Albus simply waited. The sigh soon morphed into a groan as consciousness began to wage an unyielding war with her. Her eyelids fluttered, her back arched, and her toes curled as sleep retreated, waiting for another evening. Her full lips smacked together a few times as she sat up, her eyes still partially closed. Easing back into the world, Minerva took in the room around her with a small frown before her eyes fell on Albus. Minerva screamed, jumping with fright, before falling unceremoniously out of the bed. She landed with a resounding thud at his feet, the sheets wrapping themselves around her limbs, restraining her. He made no move to help as she struggled with her captor, not even bothering to acknowledge her presence. “Damn it Albus,” she ground out, forgetting everything but her sore behind for a moment. “What are you doing in here? I promised to meet you for breakfast. Are you just going to stand there?” Her cheeks had flushed again, this time from a mixture of embarrassment and outrage, but she never broke eye contact. She was issuing a challenge, and he was in no mood. He had his own internal battle to wage, and so far, she wouldn’t like the result. He reached down and pulled Minerva to her feet, more roughly than absolutely necessary. “I heard something rather interesting yesterday; do you want to know what it was?” Minerva just rolled her eyes and set about braiding her hair. She already knew what this conversation would be about. “Please, do enlighten me. What could have caught the eye of the mighty Albus Dumbledore this time? Is it time for the muggle election?” She didn’t bother to hide her contempt and smirked inwardly as his eyes flashed hot. “No, those are actually next month,” he said conversationally. “A little bird told me about an interesting house call you paid yesterday. So tell me Minerva, how is Molly these days? I do so hope she’s well.” Minerva could feel her blood run cold at the irritation and spite infused with every word. Molly appeared to be just another fly buzzing in his ear, one he couldn’t be bothered to swat. “Molly’s just wonderful Albus; she sends her love.” Minerva plastered a sickeningly sweet smile on her face and settled back, waiting for the explosion. As frightening as it was, an angry Albus was preferable to the aloofness he tried so desperately to portray. But, it never came. “The next time the guards sweep the area, I’ll tell them to drop by with my regards. I know she was your friend Minerva; she was mine as well, but it’s different now. That entire family is dangerous Minerva, and you shouldn’t be going to see them. It might give people ideas.” Minerva snorted and pointed a shaking finger at him. “Heavens forbid! The world is coming to an end, someone had an actual thought! The last time I checked Albus Dumbledore, I was quite capable of deciding whom to associate with. It’s more than enough to have a former student as a babysitter Albus; I don’t need another.” By the time she was finished, they were standing toe to toe, and only scant inches separated their faces, each flushed. Minerva watched a muscle twitch just below his right eye; she assumed he was desperately trying to restrain whatever retort had sprung to his twisted mind. She hadn’t realized her nightgown had shifted during her tirade. It’s long been said that there is but a fine line that separates rage and passion; it was a line Albus had grown far too familiar with over the last two days for his own liking, so he stopped trying to navigate it. With a shocking speed, his hands shot out and wrapped themselves around her upper arms, gripping them tightly. As quickly as he grabbed her, he released her once again when she couldn’t stop the loud yelp that escaped her lips, sounding like a wounded animal. He pulled back as if burned, and Minerva’s hands clamped themselves over her mouth, her eyes wide. Her head began to shake and he looked on in confusion until his gaze landed on her arm. The sleeve had slipped farther down, and he could just make out the faintest hint of purple from beneath the fabric. “Minerva?” he asked, reaching out and taking a step backward. “It’s nothing Albus, I’m fine,” she said, doing what she could to keep the distance between them. She knew he didn’t believe her; the words were unconvincing, even to her own ears. He shook his head again, his stance softening as he wrapped his hand around her elbow, gently pulling her forward. Minerva didn’t try to pull away, but her eyes were pleading. “Albus, don’t.” Ignoring her, Albus reached up and gently lowered the fabric, exposing the blemish to his eyes. Both were so caught up in his discovery that neither noticed as more and more of the nightgown fell away. He stared at the marking, unsure of just what he was seeing. There was a large mass in the center, a deep purple bordering on black with small pockets of red dispersed through it. The odd thing though, were the five thinner bruises, almost tentacles, that seemed to creep away from the center. They were lighter in color, but one stripe had a bulge in the middle of it, and with a flash of comprehension and revulsion, he understood. He looked her in the eye, willing her to deny it, to tell him anything else, but her downcast eyes and slumped shoulders told him everything he never wanted to know. It was his turn to shake as he fought to control his stomach. His mouth worked, desperate to form the words his mind couldn’t produce, couldn’t conceal. “I..but I would never..you know I couldn’t..not you..love please!!” His eyes, the ones who had witnessed death and destruction, pain and mayhem, were pleading for absolution from a simple bruise. But, to them both, it was so much more. Minerva stared back at him, and she could feel every ounce of pain and disbelief he fought. She wanted to take him in her arms and simply kiss away the pain, hold him until all was forgiven, but both knew it couldn’t be. “You’ve changed Albus; oh why can’t you see?” Her voice was soft but firm, a current of regret tinging the edges. “I have loved you for more years than I could begin to count, and you are right. You never could, but now you certainly can. You do not love me Albus; I’m not even sure anymore if you’re capable of love. You’re drawn to the memory of me, a woman who no longer exists. Bruises fade Albus, and apparently, so did you. You have done far worse than this to thousands of people, so why do you only weep for me. Save your tears for those who deserve them, like Molly or the hundreds who can no longer see them.” He stood there silently, his face red and blotchy, his entire body sagging under the invisible weight that now resided upon his shoulders. Her words echoed in his head, taunting him again and again. “Go to Hogwarts and see Poppy. You shouldn’t leave those untreated.” His tone belied the order in his words, and both heard the request. It was the first one he had made in five years. He turned around and shuffled his way toward the door, all semblance of pride missing from his defeated form. Albus stopped before walking through the door, his hand still gripping the knob painfully. He never turned, but Minerva could hear him perfectly. “You are wrong about one thing Minerva. I fell in love all over again.” The door closed behind him, and, despite the ache in her heart and tears threatening to fall, there was a gentle smile on her face. He wasn’t dead after all. In record time, Minerva had dressed and escaped her chambers before young Mr. Daniels had arrived, fleeing on her own through the empty streets. Two flooes and a carriage ride later, Minerva found herself once again standing outside of the Hospital Wing. Pushing open the door quietly, Minerva scanned the room for the nurse, and almost groaned when she was nowhere to be seen. She was about to leave when she heard soft voices coming from the office, and for the first time, noticed shadows dancing across the stone floors. Minerva crept through the ward and eased up against the doorframe, straining to identify the sounds within. The voices were indistinct, but there were at least four of them, all highly agitated and one especially annoyed. She leaned in farther, hoping to catch a part of the conversation, trying to squash the guilt she felt for ease dropping. Before she knew what happened, she found herself on the pointy end of a wand and intense glare from two emerald eyes. “Well, didn’t your mother ever tell you listening to conversations that were not your own was impolite? Perhaps you would care to join us?” Minerva began to back away, but the wand only raised higher. "Oh no, really, I insist. Bonus points to anyone who can guess the mystery man. See everyone Monday |
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Post by LadyJolly on Sept 30, 2005 22:10:32 GMT -5
IT'S HARRY!!!!!!! Harry has green eyes!! right? anyways good chapter keep up the writing and can't wait til monday!!!!!!
Lady Jolly
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Post by Alesia on Sept 30, 2005 22:22:57 GMT -5
Yep yep, it is HARRY!!!! Whoo hoo.
I think you handled Albus's discovery of her bruises VERY VERY WELL!! I LOVED IT!
Now the question is how much is he willing to change and if he can will she stay??
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Post by JKMcGonagall on Sept 30, 2005 22:27:28 GMT -5
Who else would it be but Harry, and he is right. It is impolite to listen to other people's conversations.
This story just keeps getting better and better. Keep posting, and I will be waiting eagerly to read the next installment.
Kay
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Post by QuillofMinerva on Oct 1, 2005 2:25:23 GMT -5
Well I do believe that it might be a certain Mr Potter!
I am really enjoying this story, it gets better with each chapter and I am so looking forward to the next update which I hope will be soon.
Have a good weekend away visiting your Mum and thanks for posting this chapter before you left!
Clayre x
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Post by TheGryffindorSeeker on Oct 1, 2005 15:47:56 GMT -5
great chapter, loved it . I think it's harry like everyone else thinks lol can't wait for next chapt. |
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Post by Jessabelle on Oct 1, 2005 20:30:43 GMT -5
Yay! Great update. It's gotta be Harry! Oh I am so excited! Ahhh! Lol .. Very good chapter .. I really like the way that you are handling this new Dumbledore, it is very intriguing!
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Post by griseldalafey on Oct 2, 2005 5:20:49 GMT -5
*crosses fingers for Harry*
You're doing so great with this story. The scene with bruise was very well written and the characterizations of both Minerva and Albus are wonderful.
Especially Albus. Somehow you've managed to make him a real monster and yet still a man.
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Post by amandahleigh on Oct 2, 2005 8:59:03 GMT -5
Wow. Why have I not been reading this? I must be insane...it's incredible! I love that Albus is his own Boggart and that he fears himself, that is so in-character of him, and I cannot wait to continue reading! (I'm only done parts one and two) AL |
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Post by amandahleigh on Oct 2, 2005 9:59:20 GMT -5
okay, so now I've read everything else you have posted, and may I say, WOW. W. O. W. Awesome. So creative, so clever, so fresh and new and exciting and intriguing!
wow
AL
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Post by ginger newts on Oct 2, 2005 12:15:51 GMT -5
That was a great chapter. I loved reading about the way the sight of the bruises affected Albus. I hope Minerva will be able to get through to him somehow.
Do update again soon and I hope Minerva doesn't get in too much trouble for eavesdropping.
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Post by Jessabelle on Oct 6, 2005 20:27:27 GMT -5
Post again soon! |
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Post by Catwoman99 on Oct 9, 2005 0:59:47 GMT -5
First off, my friend, this is such a great story! I love all your fics, but this one, I think, is now my favorite. I needed something to pull me back into AD/MM land and I think I've found it.
This fic rocks! I can't wait until you post more.
- April :-)
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Post by palanfanaiel on Oct 9, 2005 10:13:21 GMT -5
[glow=red,2,300]HARRY[/glow] It has to be him..... Plz... Wow, this story just keep on astounding me, chapter after chapter... Definitely one of my fav fics now... Keep it up, chap... ;D P
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Post by TartanPhoenix on Oct 9, 2005 14:18:11 GMT -5
AN: Sorry it's been so long everybody, but this week's been wild. Mom got a new job aya, so I've been trying to keep her from doing something stupid, like turn it down. This chapter's kind of short, because I really don't know how I want to work the next couple of chapters. Hopefully it will come to me, and the next update will be a little better.
Minerva found herself pulled into the small office and surrounded on all sides. Three separate wands, all as unique as their masters, were pointed directly in her face. The door snapped shut behind her, and they were alone. “Start talking,” a voice behind her growled out. Minerva huffed, put out her rough treatment, and turned toward the voice. His raven hair was already streaked liberally with grey along the temples, and he now had two scars on his forehead, although the second wasn’t the trademark lightning bolt. He was gaunt, thin as a rail, and reminded her of a vulture, his shoulders slumped forward as he stood. He was suspicious, cautious, even a little confused. While he had obviously hardened from his experiences, he had been unable to mask his emotions, and some small part of Minerva rejoiced in his failure.
She remained silent, her raised eyebrow her own sign of her displeasure. “Are you learning impaired,” he asked, clearly becoming more agitated.
“If I were,” she said, crossing her arms in front of her and leaning back on her heels, “do you think pointing it out, Mr. Potter, would be conducive to polite conversation?”
Internally, she grinned as a snort came from her right and Harry’s eyes grew wide, not expecting the flippant reply. Minerva looked out of the corner of her eye and saw Hermione doing her best to stifle the laughter threatening to explode.
“I would appreciate it if you would remove your wands from my face and sit down. Perhaps we could try talking, just for a change of pace. Could you manage to that Mr. Potter, or would prefer to perfect your fish imitation for a bit longer? I see we have the time.”
Without another word, Minerva lowered herself gracefully and stared up at the other occupants. Never putting away their wands, each joined her, one by one. She wasn’t really surprised to see Hermione, or Severus for that matter, but the third man made her heart swell. “Ten point to Gryffindor Mr. Daniels. I see I underestimated you; it won’t happen again.” A smile ghosted over his lips and he nodded, being the first to sheath his wand.
“Alright, let’s talk.” Harry said, coming to his senses, leaning forward. His eyes were intense as his arms came to rest against his knees. His eyes raked over her, taking in every detail, making Minerva feel slightly self conscious, but she fought the urge to wrap her arms around herself. She refused to give him the satisfaction.
When he was finished, Harry leaned back in his chair, flinging one leg over the chair’s arm. “Image the surprise when you were sighted walking through that hell hole yesterday. Minerva McGonagall returned from the dead.” Severus scoffed beside him, and Harry smirked. “It must be true; here you are. No collar, no bonds of any kind, and you weren’t shuttled away immediately. The old fool is obviously still besotted with you. The only question is why.”
Minerva could see the curiosity behind his glasses, the possibilities playing out in that extraordinary mind. It was mirrored by the others, but Severus also had a look of what could be..contempt. “Why what Mr. Potter? You will need to be a little more specific than that. And there’s really no need to look at me like that Severus; you stopped being frightening a long time ago.”
Severus scowled at her and gripped his wand tightly. Minerva could see his fingers flex and she simply couldn’t help herself. “Don’t squeeze your wand too tightly Severus. They do say it’s different when the children are your own.”
There was silence as the tension mounted before it was shattered with the sound of choking. Harry’s emaciated form was shaking, trembling silently. His eyes were beginning to water and his cheeks flushed. A sound, not quite human, came out of his mouth, and he looked as astonished as everyone else. He was actually laughing. “I always liked you,” he wheezed, trying to catch his breath. The green glow of his own collar illuminating the tears streaking down his face. “Let’s try this again. How did you get here, and what do you want?”
‘Maybe I should just write this down,’ Minerva thought sarcastically. “What I want, Mr. Potter, is go home. We all know I do not belong here. As for how..I’m still working on that one.”
Minerva reached over and picked up the fresh cup of sweet smelling tea Hermione had set down for her. Just as she was bringing it to her lips, she saw the expectation in Harry’s eyes. She sighed and looked longingly at the tea, setting it back down again. “A good effort Severus, but you’ve gotten rusty. If you’re that desperate for truth, you know what you should do. I was never very good, and you know it.”
He nodded. It had always been well known that Minerva was horrible at Occlumency, a fact which had always surprised him. Most of the Order couldn’t understand why she had been allowed such access without being able to protect herself.
She had turned in her seat, staring directly at him, an invitation if he ever received one. He picked through her mind, saw and felt everything she had experienced. He tarried longer than necessary when he found the memory of that morning, the sheer look of horror on Albus’ face. His terror was a welcome sight.
He bobbed his head, putting away his own wand. “The Tin Man is beating again I see. That is..surprising.” Minerva and Daniels seemed to be the only one’s confused as Hermione frowned at Severus and Harry let out another snort.
“Tin Man,”Minerva questioned, but Harry just waved it away.
“That’s not important. The question now is what to do with you? We all know how you feel about the old crackpot. Don’t look so surprised,” he said seen her shocked face. “You two were hopeless when we were students. If I had to sit through more meal with the two of you pining away, I would have been sick.”
He stood up, scratching his stomach. “We could simply let you return, but then, how do we know Dumbledore won’t find out about me? That could throw off the entire timetable, and we’ve spent too long planning this. Or, we could just never let you leave.”
“And just what are you planning on doing?” she asked, already fearing the answer that came to mind.
“We’re going to kill Dumbledore,” Hermione said, almost casually.
“No!” Minerva yelled, jumping to her feet. “You can’t just..there has to be another way!” The other four looked at her, and she fell back into her seat, trembling. “When?” she whispered.
“Friday,” Daniels supplied. “It’s the anniversary of his swearing in; rather apt in my mind.”
A dull roar filled her thoughts as she desperately searched for an excuse, any reason. She could find nothing. “Please,” she begged, “give me time. Let me at least try to get through to him. If I could convince him to step down, would you let him live?”
Harry stepped forward and dropped to his knees in front of her. He tipped her chin up, forcing her to look at him. Her eyes were puffy and red, and he stared, searching for something. He seemed to have found it and released her. “I owe you that,” he said, handing her a tattered handkerchief. “The ceremony isn’t until Friday evening. We will not change the plan, but we will let you go back. If anyone can knock sense into him, it’s you.”
Grasping her hands, he pulled her toward the door. “Tell no one what you saw here. If you did I’ll know, and everything is off. I remember him too,” he said softly. “But, that man is dead. Don’t get your hopes up too high.”
Without a word, Minerva stepped through the door and heard it click shut behind her. She lifted the hood of her cloak up, trying to ignore the stares she received. An hour later, entering her chambers again and stripping off her traveling cloak, Minerva was met with another shock. She clutched her chest as Albus stood before her, looking every bit the nervous school boy.
Slowly he walked toward her, raising a hand containing a jar of a bluish substance. “Severus flooed,” he explained tentatively. “He told me Poppy hadn’t been in to help you, so I brought you this.”
He held out the jar, but when she didn’t take it, he dropped his gaze and set the jar on a table. It will help with the bruise; just rub it in before you go to bed.”
They stared at each other for what seemed an eternity before Albus turned and again walked toward the door. He hadn’t gotten two steps before she reached out and touched his shoulder. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice trembling.
Albus smiled weakly and simply bowed. “Am I truly that different?” he asked. She didn’t answer, simply looking back at the jar. “I thought so,” he said, walking out of the room.
Minerva delicately fingered the lid of the jar before picking it up, watching the candlelight cause it to glow. She nearly dropped it again as a feeling of warmth and contentment suddenly flooded through her, seeming to overwhelm her. Love and need flooded through every pore of her being, and Minerva closed her eyes to relish in it. “Albus,” she moaned, seeing a pair of twinkling blue eyes and soft lips.
Albus opened his eyes, sweat drenching his robes and trailing down the side of his face. His breath was coming in short gasps as he struggled to fight off unconsciousness. The spell had taken a lot out of him, but he was radiating happiness. He dropped the heavy tomb and never noticed the shards of broken glass at his feet from the dropped vial. The potion had worked. They were one, and it was time to bring her home. He only had to hope she wouldn’t kill him; they hadn't even had dinner yet.
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Post by griseldalafey on Oct 9, 2005 14:31:35 GMT -5
Huuuhhh.... whatte...how...What... HOW???
Okay, I'm lost. In a good way  don't worry, I can't wait for the next part.
I felt sorry for Harry and I really hope Minerva can find a way to change things.
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Post by Jessabelle on Oct 9, 2005 14:33:46 GMT -5
Omg .. This just keeps getting better! Please post again really soon. I like how crucial everything is in this story. And Minerva, she is being so heroic! I cannot believe that they all want to kill Dumbledore. Well, i guess after all that I can believe it. This is awesome. I can't wait for your nest post, keep up the great work! - Jess |
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Post by amandahleigh on Oct 9, 2005 15:27:26 GMT -5
oh my!
Incredible!
A little confusing, but like someone else said, in a good way. I can't wait to read more!
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Post by TheGryffindorSeeker on Oct 9, 2005 15:50:52 GMT -5
yes this just keeps getting better and better, i so cant wait for an update Great chapter |
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Post by Alesia on Oct 9, 2005 18:57:14 GMT -5
It took me a minute to figure out the last paragraph is 'our' Albus and not the other one. Minerva is going to have to choose I'd bet ~ return to 'our' Albus or save the new Albus. Can she do both? Does she have the time and the strength? And will new Albus be able stay changed even if she leaves him again?
I am really glad the bonding worked. No. Albus she won't kill you. She has loved you too long for that.
As always great chaper. Take your time this story is too good, we'll wait.
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Post by JKMcGonagall on Oct 9, 2005 20:23:25 GMT -5
Oh, this story just keeps improving and getting more and more complex. I love it. Seems like the bonding worked.
Kay
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Post by Sensiblyquirky on Oct 9, 2005 20:28:10 GMT -5
I love this story. Oh dear goodness I wonder what choices Minerva will have to make now. I'm glad the bonding worked, and I hope 'our' Albus can find her soon. Yet I, also, hope she can save the 'other' Albus too. I wonder if the other Albus dying would affect our Albus...hmm. Can't wait for the next update.
Christy
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Post by tayryn on Oct 9, 2005 22:49:01 GMT -5
oooh... very nice chapter.
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Post by QuillofMinerva on Oct 10, 2005 1:56:10 GMT -5
Oh my! Minerva now faces a dilema, does she return to her old life with the Albus she loves or stay with the Albus she can't really stand because his life is in danger? I want both! Maybe Albus and Minerva could save Albus together!
Looking forward to more as I love this story!
Clayre x
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Post by pinkie on Oct 10, 2005 5:00:01 GMT -5
This is really good and keeps getting better! I love it and I find you very creative! I have been reading this fic from the first post and I am still intruiged - that really scores points for your house!
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don't worry, I can't wait for the next part. 