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Post by Trulyamused on Jun 11, 2006 17:47:00 GMT -5
Wonderful. Powerful and sweet.
Excellent story.
Truly
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Post by avadagypsy on Jun 11, 2006 20:04:56 GMT -5
I have to say that this is likely to be one of the best ADMM fanfictions I have read, and I congratulate you on such a beautiful ending! It has been a moving, powerful story and I am looking forward to seeing more work from you in the future!
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Post by Miss Q on Jun 11, 2006 22:51:00 GMT -5
Beautiful and lovely ending to a very lovely story! Thank you for sharing your hard work with us!
I am looking forward to the epilogue!
M
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Post by Catwoman99 on Jun 12, 2006 1:00:31 GMT -5
I agree with everyone else. You have done a fabulous job with this story. Everything from the dialogue to characterizations to your writing style have been done extremely well. Thank you for sharing it with us. Give yourself a pat on the back! :-)
- April :-)
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Post by Pyewacket on Jun 12, 2006 4:33:52 GMT -5
Truly lovely and engaging story. Your characters are multi dimensional and to my view completely in character. I loved the idea and your execution. I can't wait for the epilogue and for your next story.
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Post by Nerweniel on Jun 14, 2006 14:37:36 GMT -5
Great job with this one, really one of my favourite stories . Fabulous ending too - though I'm sad it's (almost) over, of course . Hope to see more from you soon! Love, Lies
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Post by Jessabelle on Jun 15, 2006 17:48:25 GMT -5
Good ending! I am glad that they got re-married, sort of! That was a very cute idea. I look forward to the Epilogue. - Jess
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chell
Gryffindor Seeker
Whenever one door closes, another one opens
Posts: 41
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Post by chell on Jun 15, 2006 21:12:22 GMT -5
Oooh, I love the way this story has turned out. I'm sad to see it coming to an end, but I still can't wait for the epilogue....as well as any other stories you might have stored in your head!
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Post by ismaco on Jun 18, 2006 12:25:21 GMT -5
I liked a lot the Seer of Islay's part. Very funny and an excellent idea. I liked your story very, very much! I think it's one of the best of the best I've read lately, the idea is really original! I'll miss it ! Can't wait to read the epilogue. Thanks! Isabel
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Post by morgan72uk on Jun 18, 2006 14:16:13 GMT -5
A/N - thanks to everyone who has reviewed this story. It's been fun to write and I am glad that people have enjoyed reading it. The feedback I have received has made the whole thing worthwhile.
Epilogue
A moment ago the room had been full of people and the noise of their chatter, the sense of expectation they exuded, had been on the way to giving him a headache. Now, miraculously the Headmaster’s study was quiet and almost empty. The evening was drawing to a close, a soft summer breeze drifted in through the open windows and without all the people the room was becoming cooler again. He was feeling much calmer now.
He didn’t care how she had done it; it was enough that Minerva had known exactly what he needed – and made sure that he received it.
“Thank you,” she smiled at him from across the room.
“I thought a few moments of quiet would help.” She’d been right about that and she was also right in her awareness that the other thing he needed was her. He was pleased, but not surprised when she made her way across the room, slid into his arms and rested her head against his chest.
“Do I want to know what you said or did to persuade everyone to leave?” He enquired quietly.
“I used my teacher’s voice – amazing how effective it is.”
“And did they move obediently like frightened first years?”
“Some of them did, although I am afraid that most of the Board of Governors resembled sulky fifth years.”
“I suspected as much.” They laughed quietly together and then lapsed into a comfortable silence. After the last few hectic months the opportunity to spend a few moments alone together was too precious to be squandered.
It was early September, the first day of the new school year. The first start of term feast that he would preside over as Headmaster was mere hours away.
Albus couldn’t help reflecting on how much change they had both experienced in the last few months. Minerva had changed, although she probably would not want to admit it. Happiness had brought – not relaxation exactly, but she was certainly less tense, some of her sharp edges had smoothed over and the hurried briskness had left her – to be replaced by what he liked to think of as feline grace.
He wasn’t going to attribute the whole of that change to their marriage, because some of her joy came from the knowledge that she would be teaching a subject she loved and at facing the challenge of becoming Head of Gryffindor. He knew that she harboured a few nerves about stepping into his shoes, but he was certain that the role would suit her, that she would make it her own.
And they were happy – a fact that perhaps had surprised them both. Maybe struggling so hard over the last year had prepared them, so they had come to the relationship with a clearer sense of both themselves and each other.
Challenges faced them still; there would be another war – he was becoming more and more certain of that. But there was someone to fight beside him, someone to trust with his hopes and fears. It would be very different to fight when there was someone whose happiness mattered to him, whose safety was threatened by their relationship. But he knew better than to suggest that Minerva remained on the sidelines, waiting in safety. After all, when the worst happened he would need her. Her logical mind and robust common sense were a counterpoint to his own more whimsical, esoteric intelligence.
Sometimes Minerva found it very difficult to believe that they had been married for over a year. Sometimes it was difficult to remember that this had come about because the Governors were worried about having an unmarried Headmaster and she had been determined not to allow their ridiculous pronouncement deny the school the Headmaster it deserved and needed. Sometimes it was difficult to remember the woman she had been then.
She knew that she was different and that Albus was allowing her the time and the space to adjust to the change. It was one of the things she loved most about him, although it was often infuriating to be married to someone so insightful and perceptive. She suspected the difference in her would only be apparent to those who knew her well. She didn’t expect it to manifest itself in a reduction of the large amounts of homework she gave or in a lessening of the high expectations she had of her students.
The school holidays had passed quickly – too quickly. They had managed to slip away together, but not for as long as either of them would have liked. Of course not everyone got the chance to combine a honeymoon and first wedding anniversary in the same trip. Especially while at the same time pretending that their joint absence from the school was entirely coincidental.
She knew that their lives were never going to be simple, that their marriage would have to remain a secret for all the reasons it had needed to be one originally. While they no longer had to pretend that their relationship was genuine, she was very conscious of the fact that now they had to make sure they didn’t reveal their feelings for one another. Still, they had help in keeping the secret.
She smiled at the memory of waking up with Albus the morning after they had renewed their vows and discovering a new doorway in the rooms of the Head of Gryffindor; one that led to the Headmaster’s bedroom. They had been trying to decide what to do about their living arrangements and she had been concerned about his reluctance to move into his new abode – but the castle had made the decision for them.
Despite Armando's death and his fears of a coming war, Albus was happy. It was surprising how important it was to her that this was the case, and to know that she had contributed to his happiness was something that made her happy in return.
From experience she knew they could remain here, like this, for a long time; together and yet separate, changed but not lessened, stronger for their partnership and not diminished by it. But there was still a lot to do and some of it had to be done today. Gently she stepped back from him and when she looked up she could see his amusement.
“I suppose you are going to tell me that duty calls, Professor McGonagall?”
“Indeed I am Headmaster – the first years won’t sort themselves.”
“Perhaps I should try to find a way to accomplish that, then we could spend the evening here?”
“I don’t think that would be at all appropriate.”
“You’re right – unfortunately.” He glanced at the large pile of papers on his desk. “I wrote a speech you know, although at the moment I can’t seem to recall what I’ve done with it.”
“Albus, I doubt you’ll need it.”
“It was a very good speech.” He looked around as though he expected it to appear out of thin air and, of course he could summon it, although she wasn’t sure that would help. There were probably lots of bits of paper that he had written the beginnings of speeches on.
“Nevertheless. I suspect you know exactly what you need to say.”
As it turned out Minerva was right. With the Sorting over and the school assembled before him it was easy to find the words, to welcome the students, to explain the changes in the teaching staff and remind them that the aptly named Forbidden Forest was, indeed, forbidden.
Weeks later, Minerva found the speech in the pocket of one of his robes. Having read it she handed it over to him, agreeing that it was very good and suggesting that he keep it in a safe place so he could use it at next years welcome feast. Unfortunately, quite soon after that she complained of a headache, which led to her husband offering to unfasten the tight bun she wore her hair in, which led – as it frequently did - to other things. As a consequence the speech was quite forgotten, but neither of them noticed.
The End
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Post by alison on Jun 18, 2006 17:00:20 GMT -5
This is one of my all-time favourite stories. I love the characterisation and the realistic interactions between the two. So sad that it's over...but really, it's a truly lovely story. Thank you so much for sharing with us!
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Post by Trulyamused on Jun 18, 2006 17:33:15 GMT -5
Wow. Very nice.
Thank you again for a great story.
Truly
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chell
Gryffindor Seeker
Whenever one door closes, another one opens
Posts: 41
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Post by chell on Jun 18, 2006 20:54:31 GMT -5
Wow, this is definitely one of my favorite stories!! I'm sad that it's over, but I still loved this story! I love your writing style and characterizations. Excellent job
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Post by Jessabelle on Jun 18, 2006 21:03:32 GMT -5
Yes, this is also one of my favourite stories and the epilogue was very nicely done! Thank-you so much for the time you put into this story it turned out excellently! I can't wait to read more of your writings. - Jess
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Post by Sensiblyquirky on Jun 18, 2006 21:21:02 GMT -5
I'm trying to think of a really good review to leave, or how to word one specifically. I have truely loved this entire story. The way in which you wrote the characters was very believable based upon how they were presented to us in the books. You took an old story-line, but produced the best story I've read using said line.
I just love your writing style as well. I'm trying to think of how to describe it: emotional, yet mature and composed.
To make a long review...er well a middle in length review (not really short)...I hope you keep writing!!
Christy
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Post by Miss Q on Jun 18, 2006 22:49:23 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing this story with the rest of us!
Like others has said before me: this well written story is absolutely one of the best I've read. And I too is sorry that it is over, but I think it is one of those stories that I will come back to and read again!
Once again thank you!
M
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Post by EloquentPhoenix on Jun 19, 2006 13:51:17 GMT -5
I'm absolutely gutted that I missed the continuation of this story in my absence and that I didn't get the chance to follow it waiting desperately for the next chapter, and I was very impatient just scrolling down the pages and going to the next one. Part 9 brought tears to my eyes, my heart was breaking for them both, knowing it wasn't right yet, knowing she needed him and was too scared to need him. She wouldn’t allow herself to do that again, she wouldn’t risk the descent into that madness – not even for Albus. That line brought audiable distress and I hurt for her. Very very powerful. And from then, part 10, and her jealousy, his refusal, was all too perfect for words. In a desperate situation and the way you portrayed so much as themselves, which is rare, made this piece all the more enjoyable. Ahh part 11, and Minerva's realisation of how far this all went was pefectly timed. You didn't draw out their unhappiness for too logn which was good. And 12. sums up my feelings, I'm so glad they're happy and it wors well, and the epilogue tied everything together nicely. I am inclined to agree with nerva - a masterpiece. Amy
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Post by mcgonagallrules on Jun 19, 2006 14:39:41 GMT -5
This is truly beautiful. The depth of emotions and the trueness to the characters is amazing! I must side with the others who have gone before me is naming this a "masterpiece!" Please share more stories with us... you have a gift.
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Post by ismaco on Jun 22, 2006 8:44:09 GMT -5
I'm going to miss this story. It's really beautiful... full of awkwardness and bad moments but with a happy ending! I agree with you all... this is a masterpiece! And as mcgonagallrules says... please share more stories! Love, Isabel
PS. Welcome back Amy!
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colleen777
Gryffindor Seeker
...and a story of love is set.
Posts: 36
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Post by colleen777 on Jun 23, 2006 15:32:37 GMT -5
I allready read this story and it´s wonderful! I don´t know, where all of you are getting this great ideas from! someone could get very jealous!
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Post by zyx on Jun 30, 2006 3:25:21 GMT -5
YES! ^_^ How cute. XD
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tinasan
First-year Student
Posts: 10
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Post by tinasan on Sept 12, 2010 18:03:20 GMT -5
Today is the first time I came across this forum. I've always loved AA/MM. I began reading your story and i was (still am) amazed! It's great!! I loved how you portraited the charachters and the development of the story!
Thanks!!
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Post by albus1sttabby on Dec 4, 2010 8:09:35 GMT -5
It's a wonderful story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Mandy McGonagall-Dumbledore on Nov 3, 2015 17:36:08 GMT -5
Wonderful story!!!!
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