Resolving a Misunderstanding (complete)

[MMADfan]

Just an FYI: There are a lot of characters in "RaM," a lot of whom are borrowed from canon, but many of whom are my own "inventions."

The house-elf names in particular are entirely made up by me after playing with sounds, syllables, and personality characteristics. They never appeared in JKR's books and I didn't borrow them from any other stories.

Here's a list of my characters, just to help dispel any confusion about who I borrowed from canon and who I made up. (I was stunned when I realized how many characters I created, even though many of them are just names and don't actually appear.)

Major Original Characters
Professor Gertrude Gamp*
Cormac Quinlivan MacAirt
Valerianna Flint* Yaxley*
Wilspy
Carson Murphy

Other Original Characters
Melina McGonagall*
Murdoch McGonagall*
Merwyn McGonagall*
Egeria Egidius McGonagall*
Fwisky
Quimpy
Blampa
Gluffy
Krantzy
Brue
Shirfy
Francis Flint*
Robert Crouch*
Thea Crouch*
Alfred Crouch*
Dora Crouch*
Columbine Gamp*
Gropius Gamp*
Ella Gamp*
Gordon Yaxley*
Reginald Crouch*
Hepzibah Rosier*
Malcolm McGonagall*
Morgan McGonagall*
Perseus Parnovan
Perrin Egidius
Siofre Tyree
Brennan O'Donald
Madam Perlecta
Madam Valentius
Professor Dustern
Professor Hafrena MacAirt
Professor Robert Pretnick
Professor Johannes Birnbaum
Professor Herder
Professor Norman James
Professor Evandras
Auror Septimus Sprangle
Auror Philip Frankel
Minister for Magic Oliver Ouellette
Minister for Magic Clypeus
Philomena Flint* Yaxley*
Madame Feuilly
Aileen Gamp* MacAirt
Alroy MacAirt
Aine MacAirt
Violet Bowen
The Silent Knight and his dog Fidelius

*The asterisk indicates a family name that's taken from canon, although the character is original to RaM and their is no such canon character with that first name and last name, as far as I know.

Many of these characters have only been mentioned and haven't actually appeared, others may appear later on.

Anyway, I hope this has cleared up any confusion about who is a canon character and who isn't! (For example, none of the house-elves are canon characters, since, as far as I can remember, we haven't met any house-elves by name other than Dobby and Winky in HP, and I made up all their names myself for this story.)

If you are interested in any of the specific name origins for characters other than the house-elves, I wrote up a little something and posted it here a while back. You can find it on page ten, and it's post #1176587304, down toward the bottom of the page.

If anyone is interested in having a list of the canon characters who appear in RaM, PM me, and I'll be happy to send it to you. (Is anybody as geeky as I am, though? I doubt it! LOL!)

[Alesia]

What a fabulous set of chapters!! There is a tremendous amount of information flowing around while Minerva is in Cornwall. I am actually glad you have taken the time to do it this way. I can certainly see how and why the various misunderstandings either occur or are continued.

I think if you hadn't taken the time to show us her trip to Cornwall there is no way Quin would be believable as a viable suitor to Minerva. I like the character of Quin and if I hadn't read 'An Act of Love' I would might even question whether or not Minerva could one day maybe possibly be happy with Quin in her life. (I know I have spoken treason ~quick someone hide me)

My point is, giving us this time with Quin gives us a better understanding of Minerva and what she believes is and isn't possible in her life. Is Poppy single? Can we hook Quin up with her? He is too good of a wizard to waste.

I have a feeling we have one good scene with the queen Bitch before it is all over and I fear Minerva is going to end up hurt and embrassed and quite possibly in tears. You rarely ever get one over on people like Ms V.

And there is still the matter of Gertie's motives and I don't know that I really believe they have anything to do with Quin. I keep going back to it being all about Albus when it comes to the onion that is Gertie. I know think she is after him but I think she probably knows him better then almost anyone (even Minerva in this case) and so I wonder if Gertie knows what Albus feels. I also keep going back to the conversation Albus and Gertie had at breakfast before Gertie left, what was that about anyway? What was Gertie trying to decide. hmmmm, questions, questions, questions.

This story is really too good to put down.

[sevherfan]

Oh god, this was so relaxing. All week I've been in a slightly nervous funk because I can't end the day on a light note with some good old fanfiction. None of the stories I love have been updated recently. Yours was always the one I depended on when the others weren't. I realize you have been busy, and you really should take it as a compliment when people get antsy when you don't update. Rather than moan about it in comments a few days ago I tried finding a suitable filler to keep me busily reading until you did update. Sigh, unfortunately it only made me appreciate the breadth and depth of your Minvera/Albus universe even more.

Ok, enough praise. The scene with Albus in Minerva's room reminded me about her password. And I remember that I had once left a fanfiction comment about the passwords. Maybe since you are so responsive on this board you will be able to answer for me:
"To business though: the translation at the bottom of this chapter made me remember how confused I was by the entire password conversation. I've just spent an hour trying & the closest I could come was "white beehive" & "white bee" or "white beekeeper" ?? Still didn't think the original was particularly inappropriate though, or did she just mean in using many parts of Albus's name as the password to her bedroom? Then I kinda still don't understand his response back. Sigh, the man can be so dense, hehe."

By the way, you are a very thorough and subtle author. I loved the scene with Minerva writing & rewriting the letter to Albus & addressing it, only to say she'd never ever send it. Then she goes to bed (I could practically hear the "calm" music they play in the movies right before everything blows up). I actually anticipated the very first lines to the next chapter being "Gluffy! No, no, no. Where is my letter! GLUFFY!" But, as a skilled author you also know it rachets up the tension by making the user wait even a little longer for it. And it was all because you led us there so well! You set it up so much earlier with the scenes of Gertie (was it Gertie? now I'm not quite certain) not being used to going to the owlery. I happened to appreciate that little bit of finesse!

[muriel2532]

I quite enjoyed the last few installments because there was more of Albus in them. I also see now that Minerva's visit in Cornwall is more important than I might have been aware of before, in particular her "friendship" with Quin and the apparent matchmaking by Gertie and to some extent Albus.

alesia said:

Is Poppy single? Can we hook Quin up with her? He is too good of a wizard to waste.

I must admit that I had the same hunch as Alesia regarding Poppy. Don't really know where it came from but seeing that I don't believe Quin will ever be more to Minerva than a very dear friend and a source of more misunderstandings between her and Albus, I just felt that it would be a pity if he ended up alone - and when Minerva wrote to Poppy the idea of her and Quin together just crossed my mind.

I'm looking forward to the next chapters especially the ball and Minerva's return to Hogwarts ...

[FireBird]

Wow! Thank you so much for such a quick and huge update!
Quin is so wonderful to Minerva! I just hope he doesn't fall for her (his calling her 'love' is making me suspicious).
Albus' and Minerva's letters were wonderful, I'm glad they posted their 'warm' letters more or less by accident.
I'm actually a bit sad that Minerva will be leaving the Gamp family, I really like the way she and Quin are stirring up the high society. ;D That we will find out more about Valerianna is great, though, even if I have have the vague feeling there will just be more unanswered questions after that. I'm close to giving up hope that we will ever find out what Gertie's motives, are though. But now I have something new to wonder about: Valerianna's evil plan.
I'm glad that Albus isn't the angry kind of jealous of Quin, that ought to make things easier to clear up if there are misunderstandings about Minerva's relationship with him.
Are we going to get to know more about Albus' 'uncle' relationship with Robert? I'd really love to!
I'm happy about the little detail you worked in, namely where Minerva did her Transfiguration apprenticeship - I'd been wondering about that.
I've probably missed quite a few points on which I would have liked to comment, so I might review again.

[MMADfan]

sevherfan said:

Ok, enough praise.

Enough praise!? Whatchoo talkin' 'bout? I can never have enough praise! ;D Heehee! No, actually, that was all very nice, and more than generous! Thanks for the compliments! *blush*

sevherfan said:

The scene with Albus in Minerva's room reminded me about her password. And I remember that I had once left a fanfiction comment about the passwords. Maybe since you are so responsive on this board you will be able to answer for me:
"To business though: the translation at the bottom of this chapter made me remember how confused I was by the entire password conversation. I've just spent an hour trying & the closest I could come was "white beehive" & "white bee" or "white beekeeper" ?? Still didn't think the original was particularly inappropriate though, or did she just mean in using many parts of Albus's name as the password to her bedroom? Then I kinda still don't understand his response back. Sigh, the man can be so dense, hehe."

I was pretty sure I'd answered this in a reply to a review you left ages ago at ffnet, but maybe it wasn't your review! (Or maybe you aren't getting email responses to reviews from ffnet?) Anyway, if you may remember, Albus had created a nom de plume for himself when he was "young" and wrote the Animagus text -- I'll quote from it here:

“Fundamentals of Animal Transfiguration would be the one to begin with, although I know you’ve read it already, probably more than once. But now you will read it with an eye toward becoming an Animagus. You may also read Taming the Mind, Finding the Beast, but bear in mind that it is non-standard and Virgil Vortmun was rather an eccentric. I do not suggest that you try his methods! This book, however,” Albus said, pulling one from the pile that he had taken from the shelf behind him, “this book you will likely wish to read and re-read throughout your project.”

Albus handed her The Emergent Creature: Focussing the Human Mind to Evoke the Latent Animal Within.

Minerva glanced at the cover, then flipped to the front of the book. She giggled, then put her hand over her mouth.

“Something amusing, Miss McGonagall?” asked Albus, quirking an eyebrow.

“Um, sir, would you happen to be acquainted with the author?” Minerva asked, trying to keep a straight face.

“Well, as a matter of fact, yes, we are acquaintances of a sort. Although that is not why I believe you will find the book valuable.” Albus grinned. “Why do you ask?”

“Hmm, the name is just a bit familiar, that’s all, sir. ‘Apiarus B. White,’ sir?”

“Yes, well, I suppose it is a bit transparent, but at the time I thought it clever. I was young.” Albus said with a shrug and a smile.

And then later, in the Three Broomsticks, there's this conversation with Minerva's father:

“The second book is representative of the texts that she has been studying.” Albus handed him the two books.

Merwyn flipped quickly through the first one, glancing at the first pages of chapter eight, then put it down and picked up the second. He looked at the spine, then the front cover, then turned to the title page.

“Hmm, no picture. Fellow must be an ugly bugger.” Merwyn looked up and grinned at Albus. “He’s hopefully improved with age. So, what’s the ‘B’ stand for? Brian, if I remember correctly?”

Albus laughed, delighted. “My word, Minerva certainly came by her perspicacity and sense of humour honestly!”

So you see that his pseudonym used his first name, translated, for his last name, and his last name was altered, translated, and used as his first name. "Apiarus" is a variation of "apiarum," which means "beehive" or "apiary." Because it's being used as a man's name, the ending changed. "Dumbledore" is an old word for "bumblebee" (which I imagine most ADMM 'shippers know!). "Alvarium" is another Latin word that also means "beehive" or "apiary." "Album" is the neuter form of "albus," obviously, and means "white." (It ends in "um" rather than "us" in order to agree with "alvarium.") So when Minerva came up with her password, she was essentially using a variation of Albus's pen name, which, in turn, is a variation on his name. That's why he said it was "flattering." I know it is a bit of a stretch, but you can see why Minerva was embarrassed by it!

sevherfan said:

By the way, you are a very thorough and subtle author. I loved the scene with Minerva writing & rewriting the letter to Albus & addressing it, only to say she'd never ever send it. Then she goes to bed (I could practically hear the "calm" music they play in the movies right before everything blows up). I actually anticipated the very first lines to the next chapter being "Gluffy! No, no, no. Where is my letter! GLUFFY!" But, as a skilled author you also know it rachets up the tension by making the user wait even a little longer for it. And it was all because you led us there so well! You set it up so much earlier with the scenes of Gertie (was it Gertie? now I'm not quite certain) not being used to going to the owlery. I happened to appreciate that little bit of finesse!

Thanks! Yes, I do plan things! I have lots of notes, timelines, etc., in order to keep events and characters straight. It can be somewhat confusing at times! I do try to do even the more predictable things with a bit of a twist. *grin* Not always, or the story would truly be unending, instead of just feeling that way at the moment! LOL!

I recently did the characters lists -- trying to list all of the characters I've created for the story and all of the canon characters I've borrowed -- and was rather stunned when I saw the number of them. Of course, many of them are minor characters, kind of "window dressing," and other characters are only mentioned but never appear (we will meet a couple more of Minerva's relatives whom I've mentioned, but not all of them). And, of course, there are all the canon characters whom I've borrowed. Some of them haven't even really "appeared" in HP, but have only been mentioned or are listed on the Black Family Tree, and a great many are very, very minor in RaM, but I could find thirty-seven canon characters -- I included The Fat Lady, the two headmaster/mistress portraits, and Fawkes -- whom I've at least mentioned over the course of the story. Yikes!

BTW, if you go to my profile page at ffnet, there is a list of Latin incantations and passwords that I've used in the story (not the ones borrowed from canon) and their translations.

A very LONG answer, but I appreciate your reading and your on-going interest in the story!

[MMADfan]

tigerlime said:

Wow! Thank you so much for such a quick and huge update!
Quin is so wonderful to Minerva! I just hope he doesn't fall for her (his calling her 'love' is making me suspicious).
Albus' and Minerva's letters were wonderful, I'm glad they posted their 'warm' letters more or less by accident.
I'm actually a bit sad that Minerva will be leaving the Gamp family, I really like the way she and Quin are stirring up the high society. ;D That we will find out more about Valerianna is great, though, even if I have have the vague feeling there will just be more unanswered questions after that. I'm close to giving up hope that we will ever find out what Gertie's motives, are though. But now I have something new to wonder about: Valerianna's evil plan.

Oh, you'll eventually find out Gertie's motives! And even why she invited Minerva down for the week -- although it won't be spelled out, you should be able to work it out by a certain point in the story. And, of course, she does have more than one motive! And motives within motives -- she is Slytherin, after all! As far as Valerianna is concerned, her plans seem far more wonderful and impressive to her than they will to Minerva . . . and, well, I'd rather not say any more. The ball is next, more or less, so you'll see what it is fairly soon. However, those readers who are looking for a confrontation between V & Minerva will not leave the Gamp Estate disappointed! ;D

tigerlime said:

I'm glad that Albus isn't the angry kind of jealous of Quin, that ought to make things easier to clear up if there are misunderstandings about Minerva's relationship with him.
Are we going to get to know more about Albus' 'uncle' relationship with Robert? I'd really love to!
I'm happy about the little detail you worked in, namely where Minerva did her Transfiguration apprenticeship - I'd been wondering about that.
I've probably missed quite a few points on which I would have liked to comment, so I might review again.

Albus's feelings toward Quin will both make things easier and harder -- but that's the way the story goes! But it is good for all three of them, especially for Albus, that he isn't the violently jealous type. Just the sadly jealous type. At least here!

As far as Robert goes, you'll learn a bit more about that, yes.

Glad you liked the detail about Minerva's actual apprenticeship, as opposed to the joke-of-an-apprenticeship she had with Madame Feuilly!

Feel free to review again! It might feed my muse!

Thanks!

[MMADfan]

alesia said:

What a fabulous set of chapters!! There is a tremendous amount of information flowing around while Minerva is in Cornwall. I am actually glad you have taken the time to do it this way. I can certainly see how and why the various misunderstandings either occur or are continued.

Thank you! As I may have mentioned, this section has been in the works since the very first chapter was written, and is kind of pivotal. I think I may have been a bit too verbose in a couple sections (I probably could have taken more time to "clean them up" before posting them, but I wanted to get the updates out), but I also think it seems really long because I had that short hiatus while I was writing An Act of Love, so it's taking a while, real time, to get through these chapters -- not to mention that you had to wait until these past few sections to finally see Albus and his days, but I needed to be able to "settle" Minerva in at the Gamps and develop that story before I brought him back in!

alesia said:

I think if you hadn't taken the time to show us her trip to Cornwall there is no way Quin would be believable as a viable suitor to Minerva. I like the character of Quin and if I hadn't read 'An Act of Love' I would might even question whether or not Minerva could one day maybe possibly be happy with Quin in her life. (I know I have spoken treason ~quick someone hide me)

I think you're right -- and I think that Quin does appear to be a viable suitor for Minerva, someone whom she might consider, and even be happy with, if she weren't already completely and utterly in love with Albus. But he is no Albus, of course -- a comparison that Quin even laughed at, even when it was merely a superficial comparison of the two.

alesia said:

My point is, giving us this time with Quin gives us a better understanding of Minerva and what she believes is and isn't possible in her life. Is Poppy single? Can we hook Quin up with her? He is too good of a wizard to waste.

Yes, I think that's true. And yes, Poppy is single, but Quin and Poppy? I can't say it didn't cross my mind, but I decided they were not temperamentally suited to one another. Do you disagree? (They are going to meet in a future chapter, BTW, so who knows? Maybe their characters will disagree with me and write themselves into a couple! LOL!)

alesia said:

I have a feeling we have one good scene with the queen Bitch before it is all over and I fear Minerva is going to end up hurt and embrassed and quite possibly in tears. You rarely ever get one over on people like Ms V.

And there is still the matter of Gertie's motives and I don't know that I really believe they have anything to do with Quin. I keep going back to it being all about Albus when it comes to the onion that is Gertie. I know think she is after him but I think she probably knows him better then almost anyone (even Minerva in this case) and so I wonder if Gertie knows what Albus feels. I also keep going back to the conversation Albus and Gertie had at breakfast before Gertie left, what was that about anyway? What was Gertie trying to decide. hmmmm, questions, questions, questions.

This story is really too good to put down.

Thanks very much for the compliment. Valerianna is the Queen of Mean, in a way, but she is so self-involved that sometimes what she considers to be a "blow" to another person is actually nothing of the sort.

And Gertie . . . yes, she is an onion, and when you peel her . . . you do find Albus, don't you? ;D

[MMADfan]

AAaack! JKR has on her website that Moaning Myrtle was a Ravenclaw! Bah, canon-shafted. Pffrrrt! I suppose I could still have it fit in my story . . . sigh. She can still be a pureblood, after all. And, of course, I made up her last name, which we might actually learn in Book 7 and which might throw things off in RaM even more! Oh, well!

[MMADfan]

Hi! Just wanted to let folks who read the last chapter know that I have made an edit toward the end of it. It occurred to me that a particular reference was ambiguous, so I changed one of the lines so that it now reads:

"Minerva wished that she’d had that bat just once; Druella would have learned a lesson from her. Minerva would have driven that Bludger right into the miserable hag’s fat face."

I wasn't sure whether it was clear that Minerva was thinking of Druella, whose nasty and unsporting play was very dangerous, especially in a friendly pick-up game of Quidditch! (Just in case people thought that Minerva had been referring to Gertie in the earlier version and then were confused by Minerva's later solicitous attitude toward her.)

[Gemmie Lou]

aww how cute is albus this keeps getting better i need more xxx

[MMADfan]

durc09 said:

aww how cute is albus this keeps getting better i need more xxx

I'm glad you're still enjoying it! And Albus is a cutie-pie! ;D

Thanks!

[MMADfan]

Notes: Here's a little chapter for your reading pleasure. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

LXXIII: Company and Compliments

Despite her exhaustion, Minerva woke just before three o’clock to find an owl sitting on the night stand, patiently waiting to deliver its letter. Minerva wondered how long it had been there. Owls were usually quite insistent on making their deliveries and then moving on, and she was surprised the bird hadn’t awakened her.

After taking the letter from the bird and sacrificing a half a ginger newt to it, Minerva put on her glasses and opened it. She was surprised to see that it was yet another letter from Albus. He must have received her letter; hopefully, he hadn’t found it offensive in anyway. Well, he probably wouldn’t find it offensive, but he might find it silly. And she was normally so reserved, he might find it peculiar, as well. If he did, Minerva hoped he put it down to her being surrounded by strangers and missing Hogwarts, and not to an inappropriate attachment to him. She wished she had a clearer memory of what she had written.

“10 July 1957

“Dear Minerva,

“It was lovely to receive another letter from you this morning. I had to smile as I read it, since it appears we were both awake at the same time, drinking chamomile tea instead of sleeping! I am glad that my little gift has been useful and comforting.

“I was thinking of you, as well, and hoping that you were peacefully asleep after a nice day. I am sorry to hear that you were not, but I am glad that you took the opportunity to write me another letter. It was a welcome surprise this morning. I was particularly touched to read that you are missing me, although I hope that does not mean that you are not having a good time at the Gamps. If you go to the party with Quin, you should enjoy yourself this evening, at least. I am glad to hear that he is keeping you company and amusing you.

“Please give my greetings to Robert. I am sorry that I will not see him there this year, but I hope to make a trip to the Continent before the end of the summer and would enjoy visiting both him and Thea, if it is convenient, of course. I hope that his wife is well.

“I am glad you are able to spend some time with Gertie. It is often easier to get to know a colleague when you are both elsewhere, I think, and I am sure that she is enjoying the opportunity to see more of you, as well. You mentioned Ella Gamp. She is rather quiet, but I have also always found her a pleasant and friendly witch.

“I will continue to find excuses to spend time with you, Minerva, although you say I need none; without an excuse, I am afraid that you would grow quite tired of my company, though I doubt I could ever grow tired of yours, my dear. I am very glad that you are at Hogwarts and that we had our little talk the other day. I feel as though I must thank Garbhan Govannon for falling off his broom and disrupting my usual routine, or I might have remained blind for much longer and continued to have so senselessly deprived myself of your friendly companionship. It will be good to have you back at the castle, my dear, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning.

“I hope you enjoy yourself with Quin this evening. You two will certainly make a fine-looking couple, probably the most attractive there! Speaking of couples, please give my congratulations and best wishes to Walburga and Orion. It is neither an unexpected match, nor an unanticipated, although I have my reservations about it. Nonetheless, I hope that they are happy together.

“I am glad that you will be attending the party with Quin. I am sure he will take very good care of you – and if he is in need of ‘rescue,’ himself, he couldn’t be in better hands than yours, either! Do have fun tonight!

“Yours,

“Albus”

When Minerva finished reading the letter, she put it down and looked out the window, off across the gardens. It was a lovely letter . . . but it left her wistful and sad, nonetheless. She was glad that Albus enjoyed spending time with her so much, and that he had apparently appreciated her letter, which eased her mind, but it was “friendly companionship” that he found with her. Minerva knew that already, of course, and had always known that was all she could hope for from their relationship, but seeing it written on the page, in Albus’s hand, brought a lump to her throat. It was far more than she had expected from their relationship for years, and it certainly met her greatest hope when she had accepted the job at Hogwarts, that she would be able to develop a good friendship with Albus, but her desire outstripped her hopes, and she would always be aware of what it was she really wanted and could never have. What had Quin said last night? That she had to reclaim her heart and then give it to him openly . . . she didn’t know precisely when she had given Albus her heart. Was it that day in the Transfiguration classroom when, with all the melodrama a teenager could muster, she had been convinced that she would die of her love for Albus? Perhaps that was when she finally let her heart go, or it may even have been some time after that, but she had begun giving her heart to him much before that day. It hadn’t happened overnight. How could she reclaim it? It was impossible. And if she were able to reclaim her heart, she certainly wouldn’t give it to him openly . . . .

Quin had also said she should let him love her. Love her in the knowledge of her love for him. Albus surely loved her in some way, and she wasn’t stopping him from it. That would have to suffice. For what could she tell him of her feelings? She had come far too close to revealing herself fully in her letter, and that was as far as she could go. Regardless of what Quin said, her emptiness and longing would simply have to remain as they were and be satisfied by what relationship she could have with Albus; there was no point in telling him anything more, for it couldn’t change what they had, except to make it uncomfortable for them both.

Minerva looked down at the letter. He mentioned Quin again. She sighed. At least he liked her friends. She could try harder with Gertie. It wasn’t as though she were Valerianna, after all. Albus had known Gertrude for years, well enough for her son to call him “Uncle,” and had taught beside her for almost twenty years. Albus clearly had not known Valerianna more than superficially until after they had begun seeing each other. And he had made it clear that they had had “a falling out,” as he put it. And if what Gertie and Quin had said was correct, he’d been involved with Valerianna less than a year before he discovered her true colours. Gertrude clearly cared for Albus and was loyal to him. There was no denying it. That alone should make her worthy of Minerva’s respect, even if she couldn’t ever muster a strong affection for her. Although Minerva had felt some warmth for Gertie when she stopped to see how the older witch was feeling after her multiple encounters with the Bludger that morning. Foolish witch, to have played on so stubbornly. Quin should have insisted that she switch positions with him. Or she could have played Chaser whilst Minerva played Keeper and Quin switched to Beater. Minerva would have a stern word with Quin, if she could find him. Just because he and Robert “always” played Keeper didn’t mean they had to continue to do so – they were supposed to be adults, after all!

Minerva put her raspberry-and-saffron robes back on and headed downstairs. She followed the sound of voices to the conservatory, where she found several witches in conversation about the latest fashions. Deciding to be at least minimally sociable, Minerva joined them for a while. When Irma complimented her on her robes, Minerva smiled politely and told her that it was thanks to her niece’s good taste that she had them, as she normally wouldn’t have chosen either the colour or the style. She quickly grew tired of the vapid conversation, however, and excused herself to step out on the veranda, where she found Quin, Robert, a few of the other younger wizards and a couple of witches. Quin sprang up from his chair and offered it to her, but she declined.

“I think I will take a walk. I’m afraid I’ll be quite stiff if I don’t,” Minerva said.

“Mind some company?” Quin asked, a winning smile on his face.

“No, not at all – Robert, would you like to come along?”

The tall, auburn-haired wizard smiled shyly and said that he wanted to some time with his mother that afternoon, and she should be up from her nap soon. Minerva heartily approved of that idea, but, given her short acquaintance with the wizard, she forbore mentioning that she thought he might have been a little more solicitous of his mother before she’d been Bludgered by his teammate. She would not be so restrained with Quin, however, although she would wait until they were out of earshot of the rest of the company on the veranda. Minerva conveyed Albus’s message to Robert, which elicited a larger smile from him, and his soft thanks.

Quin followed Minerva down into the garden. “Why do I get the idea you’re unhappy with me, Minerva?”

“You do?” Minerva was perturbed by his cavalier treatment of Gertie’s safety, especially given that he seemed fond of the witch, but she didn’t believe she had behaved in anything other than a normal manner with him just then. “Well, I don’t know what would give you that notion, but now that you bring it up, I found your willingness to allow Gertrude to play Beater this morning most displeasing. She’s not as young as you are, Quin, and she clearly had no ability to play that position.”

“Yes, well, I did offer to have her play Chaser, but she insisted. She didn’t want either you or Alroy hurt – ”

“Well, I may not be particularly good at Quidditch, in any position, but I would have been better suited to that position than she, not to mention the fact that as the largest, strongest player on the team by far, you would have been the logical choice to be Beater.”

“I didn’t think of that immediately, honestly, Minerva. And before we started, I had no idea she would be as abysmal as she was or I would have insisted that I play Beater. But I always am Keeper, just as Robert is always Keeper for the other team, and it just didn’t occur to me to change off this year.”

“Well then, you still should have insisted she trade with one of us once it was clear she had no clue how to stop the Bludger without flying into it! I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite that . . . inept in any Quidditch game. And barring that, you or Robert should have called Druella out on her unsporting behaviour – had her either play a different position or at least not be so cutthroat about it. The witch was positively nasty. She certainly took advantage of the fact that Gertrude didn’t know what she was doing.”

“You saw Gertrude, Minerva. She wouldn’t hear of it, and as for Druella . . . she certainly won’t be asked to play again. And I would say that she and Cygnus will not find the Gamp Estate so welcoming in the future. Columbine was most displeased.”

Minerva snorted. “Lovely. The miserable toad practically kills Gertrude and she will – horrors! – be snubbed at future Gamp gatherings.” Minerva shook her head.

“Come, now, Minerva, ‘practically killed’ is an overstatement. And Gertie was not entirely innocent in the matter. She should have swallowed her pride and switched positions, but she didn’t. Don’t worry, we will make sure that our friendly game is friendlier next year. But did you see Alroy! He was fabulous!”

“Mmm. He’s eleven; he was good and showed potential. But the game would have gone faster if he or Bartie had been more experienced and one of them had managed to catch the Snitch sooner,” Minerva grumbled. Seeing Quin’s crestfallen face, Minerva added, “But he is extremely good for his age, and he had very good control of his broom. He will have to try out for his House team his second year.”

“Second?”

“Yes. As a general rule, first-year students are not allowed to try out for Quidditch. Partly to allow more students an opportunity to play, partly because they are usually not skilled enough, but mainly because the practices would distract them too much during a time when they should be settling into their studies and getting to know all of their classmates, not just other Quidditch players.”

“I’ll have to get him a new broom, then. The Cleansweep Four, perhaps.”

Changing the topic, Minerva asked, “Looking forward to this evening, Quin?”

“O’ course I am, love! I’m only escortin’ the most beautiful witch there, after all. I’ll be the envy of every wizard in attendance.”

Minerva laughed.

“It’s laughin’ she is! Sincerity oozin’ from me every pore, an’ she’s laughin’!” he huffed.

Minerva took his arm as they walked out of the garden onto the moor. “No, no, it’s just that you compliment me so much, and I’m not used to it.”

Quin turned and looked at her seriously. “You should be, Minerva. This wizard of yours, he doesn’t appreciate you, then?”

Minerva blushed, but answered him. “I’m sure he does, in his own way.”

“But not to be complimentin’ you, tellin’ you what a fine witch you are an’ how beautiful . . . .”

“No, no, he does; it’s just different,” Minerva said with a sigh.

“Different? How?” he asked.

“He doesn’t mean it the same way.”

“You mean he’s not sincere?”

“Of course he’s sincere, Quin. . . . I really don’t want to talk about this now.”

“All right . . . but it seems to me that if he’s payin’ you compliments an’ they’re sincere, well, p’raps it’s not as much a lost cause as you were tellin’ me last night.”

“It is, Quin, believe me, it is.”

“Oh . . .” Quin’s brow furrowed. “He’s married, then?”

“No! No! Of course not!”

“Um, a ‘confirmed bachelor’?” he offered tentatively.

“No, he’s not like that, either.”

“Then I must confess to bein’ confused, love. He appreciates you sincerely, he’s not married or prone to, um, other sorts of attachments, and you love him. I don’t understand why you feel so despairin’ about it all,” Quin said gently.

“It doesn’t matter, Quin, really.”

Quin paused, looking at Minerva. “I see. All right, love. Then . . . about tonight. Shall I come by your room and fetch you?”

“That would be nice, Quin, although I would prefer it if you didn’t think of it as ‘fetching,’” Minerva replied, glad he had let up on the other subject.

He smiled. “I shall arrive fifteen minutes before dinner, then, and escort you to the ballroom – I was right in my guess they’d have the dinner there.”

“That’s fine, Quin,” she answered, distracted by her thoughts of Albus and what Quin had said.

“I hope you enjoy dancing – and that you’ll save a few for me.”

“I enjoy it very much, actually, and if you can dance, you may actually have more than a few,” she smiled up at him, turning her thoughts back to her companion. “I’m genuinely looking forward to it, Quin.”

“And you mustn’t let any of these folks spoil it for you, either, Minerva,” he answered, his fingertips briefly touching her cheek.

“Do you know something, Quin?” Minerva asked, slightly alarmed.

“No, nothin’ specific. Just that a few of these folks, as you know, enjoy stirrin’ things up whilst appearin’ perfectly innocent.” Quin led her to a fallen menhir and they sat on the sun-warmed stone.

“That description sounds like it could be of you.”

He laughed. “Touché! But I only stir things up for people who started the stirrin’ first. There’s a difference.”

“It didn’t seem that Francis was ‘stirring’ when you taunted him at lunch that time.”

“His remark about not seein’ me recently was not calculated to be mere small talk, love. I just reminded him of what happens when he does see me around the Ministry.”

“Gertie told me something about that. It seems you were rubbing salt in his wounds, and a long time after the fact, too.”

“Rubbin’ salt in his wounds, eh? If he has any wounds to be rubbin’, they’re self-inflicted. I warned him off, in a friendly sort o’ way, an’ he could o’ backed off at any point, but he didn’t stop until the Ministry put an end to it after he’d run through his entire budget investigatin’ me. With nothin’ to show for it.”

“I don’t understand why he did that, Quin – if there was nothing to his suspicions, he must have realised it. Why didn’t he quit? Or was there something to it, and you were just more clever than he?”

“He believes the latter. Or has convinced himself of it. Not that I’m more clever, of course, but that I was luckier than he. As to why he didn’t quit . . . only he could answer that, but I think it was ambition. He thought that bringin’ me down would advance his career. Instead, it earned him a one-way ticket to obscurity.” He looked down at her. “I really did try to tell him, Minerva, but when he kept goin’ – it was divertin’ me resources and causin’ me no end o’ trouble. So I went ahead an’ made things a bit more interestin’ for him . . . little hints ’n’ whiffs of nothin’, but he followed ’em all to his own destruction. If he’d o’ left well enough alone, or even just done his job, I would o’ left him alone. He should o’ known there was nothin’ there after his first look-see.”

“Hmm. I see. I suppose I don’t want to get on your wrong side, Quin!”

He grinned. “Not a chance o’ that, love. Not a chance.”

Minerva stood. “I suppose we should be getting back. I’d like to see Gertie again before the party.”

“You’re warmin’ to her, then,” Quin said.

“I would be concerned about anyone who was beaten by a Bludger that way.”

“Mmm. And you are a carin’ sort. Though you have a habit o’ hidin’ it, I think. Another way that you’re like Gertie.”

Minerva just rolled her eyes and took his arm for the walk back to the house. “You really are incorrigible, you know that, don’t you?”

“’Tis part o’ me charm, though, an’ you love me for it!” He grinned impishly, blue eyes twinkling.

“Piffle!” Minerva laughed, feeling more light-hearted, her melancholy thoughts shed in the sunlight and Quin’s good company.

Notes: Next up, the party! And we get to see Valerianna in all her glory!

[Hogwarts Duo]

Oh goodie...an update!!! Just what I needed to make this day complete!!

I love the letter Albus sent her in response to the one she didn't mean to send (oops there but yay for us). However, Albus can be a big dunderhead sometimes. Why on earth did he have to mention Quin in almost every paragraph? The ruddy old goat should have just told Minerva to go ahead and shag the man or at least announce their engagement. Honestly! Sometimes he can be just as infuriating as Minerva when it comes to love and relationships.

I am warming up to Quin nicely but...and you knew there'd be a BUT in here somewhere...why does he have to call Minerva "love" all the time. That annoys me. Maybe it's just me but I swear he is just waaaaaaay too touchy feely with Minerva. If he's not putting his arm around her waist or shoulders, he's touching her arm, her hand, her hair, OR HER CHEEK with his fingertips....grrrrr. Doesn't he realize she's deeply in love with another? Of course he does. He did give her a reading and everything was spot on and yet he persists. Shakes head and sighs heavily...

I'm anxiously awaiting the ball scene and so help me if we find out that Quin knew something might happen to Minerva and he did nothing to warn her (aside from that little hint) or even stop the people responsible, I will cause quite a rant over here in the Quin Camp that will rival the days of the Crusades!

Hurry and update again soon so I'll know if I have to call in the cavalry!!!

Ang the GLM

[PiER]

Gertrude on a broom! The sheer thought makes me laugh. Throwing herself in front of the bludger! Offering herself like that! Oh Merlin, I've come over in a fit of giggles!

And their little owl mix up was very endearing. Imbeciles the both of them! Could Albus have squashed Quin's name in anymore?

What could Poppy possibly be writing to Gertie? Uncle Albus? - Just how well does he know Robert?

Brilliant updates! I loved reading every word! I must say that I am itching for the next installment. The Ball! Val in all her glory - I wouldn't miss for the world! Will claws be coming out?

Gertie on a broom! Still having trouble with that one! Haha!

PiER

[Alesia]

This whole bit made me smile. Albus is completely of two minds in that letter and it is soo obvious - well to us anyway.

Also if I haven't said this before I have certainly thought it but Gertie IS canon!Minvera. She is reserved but loyal, strict but with a wickedly dry sense of humor, stubborn to the point of getting herself hurt (OotP anyone?) Too bloodly classic!

The dance is of course going to be interesting because whatever the Queen of Mean is planning will happen there. The true question will be is it going to be Quin or Gertie who defends Minerva and stops her from making an ass out of herself. Or could good old mop of a man Francis finally get some stones and tell Miss Queen to get over herself??? No matter what happens it is going to be great.


STILL LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVIN IT STILL.

[FireBird]

I, too, am eagerly awaiting the ball scene. I can't wait to read about all the insults thrown around in high society. It should prove to be very amusing at the very least. And, of course, I'm hoping to find out why Valerianna has it in for Minerva. And if Minerva gets to know Gertie better, that's great, 'cause it might take us closer to her motives! ;D

To sum it up: No matter how fat you update, it won't be quick enough for me. (But it the joy about the update will drive away all negative feelings of being racked for too long.)

[Isabelle]

Okay, third time's the charm, I hope! My computer has been a bit temperamental lately. Anyhow, I've lurked a bit on your story and, well, I thought it might be weird to finally review after reading only half the story!

First, let me say, I think this story is AWESOME!! You have an undeniably unique and refreshing writing talent, which I think makes this story all the more intriguing and appealing. I think an individual's writing style help makes a plot ebb and flow and really create a rising action before coming to the resolution. From the way your story's going, I venture a guess to say that there is still some more ebbing and flowing to go.

In the beginning of your story when I read maybe the first 25 chapters or so, I honestly felt like I just couldn't handle it anymore. The flashbacks were a little too much. Don't get me wrong, they were very interesting and provided a lot for the development of your plot line, I just think there were too many. I don't want to say it, but I almost became somewhat disenchanted. I don't know quite how I want to word it. Of course they were good points to the story and provided a lot of background that was necessary; they just became somewhat redundant after a while.

On different note, as I said before I really like your writing style. It helps develop your characters more and keep them somewhat distinct from one another (BTW, your character list is a great help).

Can I say now how much I am enjoying Quin? I think in many ways, even as Minerva said, he reminds me of how we tend to think of Albus: easy-going, fun-loving, and always tries to keep a light head about everything. He is a wonderful companion to Minerva in this respect. I love the relationship that has developed between the two. They play off of each other very well, a perfect counter-balancing act. If this wasn't an ADMM story, I would be hard-pressed to say that I think Quin and Minerva could have been very happy together. I am almost sad that their relationship won't develop more than just being good friends.

Gertrude is another of my favorite characters. Although she is a Slytherin, her ambiguity is what makes her appealing, to me anyway. She has an ere of mysteriousness that is counter-intuitive. It just screams for attention to be brought upon her. She is a much layered character, which I think is what I like about her most. (My inner-child is sneaking out and reminding me of Shrek who describes himself as an onion! Sad I know)!

Overall, you have a great story going here, and I am looking forward to the rest. I have enjoyed reading about Minerva's adventures at the Gamp Estate. It will be a bittersweet homecoming at Hogwarts, for me. I don't know about her though.

Oh, I also like the banner at the top of the last chapter. Is the picture of Minerva, by any chance one of Katharine Hepburn? To me, it looks like it. I love Katharine Hepburn, so I was just curious...

Liz

P.S. I also read "An Act of Love" on the TPP, and I thought it was amazing! I don't read all too often on the computer, or least check everyday for updates, but that story sucked me in right away. You see, as much as I love the ADMM pairing, I also have a soft spot MMSS. I'm probably incriminating myself now, but it's the truth. Even though the story wasn't exactly focused that particular pairing, I loved the dimensions with which you wrote both pairings, especially Minerva's feelings of being caught in the middle. I have a question as well. I couldn't help but notice some connections between your two stories between some chronological events and such. Are they related in any way? Like RaM as a kind of prequel?

[MMADfan]

I'm answering everybody's reviews in one post -- hopefully it'll keep your "scrolling" to a minimum. Oh, and from now on, there will be a new "RaM" banner at the top of every new chapter so that you can easily distinguish the story posts from the reviews. I may go back and add them into the older chapters . . . if I get bored and my Muse doesn't return from her holiday soon! LOL!

hogwartsduo said:

I love the letter Albus sent her in response to the one she didn't mean to send (oops there but yay for us). However, Albus can be a big dunderhead sometimes. Why on earth did he have to mention Quin in almost every paragraph? The ruddy old goat should have just told Minerva to go ahead and shag the man or at least announce their engagement. Honestly! Sometimes he can be just as infuriating as Minerva when it comes to love and relationships.

Yup, they both are pretty blind right now. But then, it's not even been a week since Minerva had her tirade in Poppy's office, so it will take them a while to get beyond their own feelings and recognize the other's, since neither of them think the other could possibly reciprocate! But they'll eventually get beyond that!

hogwartsduo said:

I am warming up to Quin nicely but...and you knew there'd be a BUT in here somewhere...why does he have to call Minerva "love" all the time. That annoys me. Maybe it's just me but I swear he is just waaaaaaay too touchy feely with Minerva. If he's not putting his arm around her waist or shoulders, he's touching her arm, her hand, her hair, OR HER CHEEK with his fingertips....grrrrr. Doesn't he realize she's deeply in love with another? Of course he does. He did give her a reading and everything was spot on and yet he persists. Shakes head and sighs heavily...

Oh, he's just an affectionate fellow . . . and Minerva is pretty wonderful!

hogwartsduo said:

I'm anxiously awaiting the ball scene and so help me if we find out that Quin knew something might happen to Minerva and he did nothing to warn her (aside from that little hint) or even stop the people responsible, I will cause quite a rant over here in the Quin Camp that will rival the days of the Crusades!

It may be a little while -- my energy's been low lately, and I have to have my brain in full steam to write the ball scenes right. Thanks for the review!

alesia said:

This whole bit made me smile. Albus is completely of two minds in that letter and it is soo obvious - well to us anyway.

Also if I haven't said this before I have certainly thought it but Gertie IS canon!Minvera. She is reserved but loyal, strict but with a wickedly dry sense of humor, stubborn to the point of getting herself hurt (OotP anyone?) Too bloodly classic!

Yup, Albus certainly is trying to do two diametrically opposed things in that letter! And of course Minerva only picks up on the things that discourage her! And well, Gertie is all of the things you mention, isn't she? I'm glad you're still reading and enjoying!

tigerlime said:

I, too, am eagerly awaiting the ball scene. I can't wait to read about all the insults thrown around in high society. It should prove to be very amusing at the very least. And, of course, I'm hoping to find out why Valerianna has it in for Minerva. And if Minerva gets to know Gertie better, that's great, 'cause it might take us closer to her motives! ;D

To sum it up: No matter how fat you update, it won't be quick enough for me. (But it the joy about the update will drive away all negative feelings of being racked for too long.)

It will be coming, including why Valerianna has it in for Minerva in particular. It may be a little while before I post it, though! *sigh!*

isabelle said:

First, let me say, I think this story is AWESOME!! You have an undeniably unique and refreshing writing talent, which I think makes this story all the more intriguing and appealing. I think an individual's writing style help makes a plot ebb and flow and really create a rising action before coming to the resolution. From the way your story's going, I venture a guess to say that there is still some more ebbing and flowing to go.

Yup! More ebbing and flowing ahead! Glad you are enjoying the style.

isabelle said:

In the beginning of your story when I read maybe the first 25 chapters or so, I honestly felt like I just couldn't handle it anymore. The flashbacks were a little too much. Don't get me wrong, they were very interesting and provided a lot for the development of your plot line, I just think there were too many. I don't want to say it, but I almost became somewhat disenchanted. I don't know quite how I want to word it. Of course they were good points to the story and provided a lot of background that was necessary; they just became somewhat redundant after a while.

I'm sorry you found them repetitive or unnecessary; I think that the problem may have stemmed from viewing them as "flashbacks" (that term always makes me think of PTSD ), rather than as the story itself. A flashback, to me, is a paragraph or a few paragraphs long -- not multiple chapters and tens of thousands of words. This is the story of the first twenty years of Albus and Minerva's relationship, not just of the months following her first term of teaching. The parts about her time as a student, her Animagus training, and the over 30,000 words covering the rescue mission to France are as much a part of the story as the chapters describing what Minerva and Albus have been up to between July 5th and July 11th, which is just a tiny portion of the story of how they get together in the RaM universe. So viewing them as flashbacks probably interfered with enjoying them as part of the story . . . or long stories covering decades aren't your cuppa tea . . . or the way I wove them together didn't appeal to you . . . or whatever! Different strokes for different folks, as they say. ;D

isabelle said:

On different note, as I said before I really like your writing style. It helps develop your characters more and keep them somewhat distinct from one another (BTW, your character list is a great help).

Can I say now how much I am enjoying Quin? I think in many ways, even as Minerva said, he reminds me of how we tend to think of Albus: easy-going, fun-loving, and always tries to keep a light head about everything. He is a wonderful companion to Minerva in this respect. I love the relationship that has developed between the two. They play off of each other very well, a perfect counter-balancing act. If this wasn't an ADMM story, I would be hard-pressed to say that I think Quin and Minerva could have been very happy together. I am almost sad that their relationship won't develop more than just being good friends.

Gertrude is another of my favorite characters. Although she is a Slytherin, her ambiguity is what makes her appealing, to me anyway. She has an ere of mysteriousness that is counter-intuitive. It just screams for attention to be brought upon her. She is a much layered character, which I think is what I like about her most. (My inner-child is sneaking out and reminding me of Shrek who describes himself as an onion! Sad I know)!

Overall, you have a great story going here, and I am looking forward to the rest. I have enjoyed reading about Minerva's adventures at the Gamp Estate. It will be a bittersweet homecoming at Hogwarts, for me. I don't know about her though.

I'm glad you like the various characters! (Especially Quin and Gertie! ;D) And that you found the character lists helpful -- I thought they were a bit pedantic, but since various people had asked me about them, and it didn't take me long to write it up, I went ahead and posted them. I figured anyone who wasn't interested could skip them. I also have a list of Latin words and incantations up over at ffnet in my ffnet profile, in addition to the character-name-meanings list, if you feel like checking that out, too.

isabelle said:

Oh, I also like the banner at the top of the last chapter. Is the picture of Minerva, by any chance one of Katharine Hepburn? To me, it looks like it. I love Katharine Hepburn, so I was just curious...

Yup -- good eye! I tried to find a suitable picture of a young Maggie Smith, but no luck there, and I'd always pictured her as being sort of Kate-Hepburn-ish when I was first reading the books, before the movies came out. Maggie Smith is great, though!

isabelle said:

P.S. I also read "An Act of Love" on the TPP, and I thought it was amazing! I don't read all too often on the computer, or least check everyday for updates, but that story sucked me in right away. You see, as much as I love the ADMM pairing, I also have a soft spot MMSS. I'm probably incriminating myself now, but it's the truth. Even though the story wasn't exactly focused that particular pairing, I loved the dimensions with which you wrote both pairings, especially Minerva's feelings of being caught in the middle. I have a question as well. I couldn't help but notice some connections between your two stories between some chronological events and such. Are they related in any way? Like RaM as a kind of prequel?

RaM is RaM, but AAoL is set in the RaM universe, so you're right! At least one possible future RaM universe! It was the only way that I could write another fic while still working on RaM, and I also thought that readers of RaM might enjoy the little tie-ins, like Wilspy, Melina, and, as you say, certain events. (Does this give folks hope that they two of them will get together in RaM!? LOL!) I'm glad that you enjoyed AAoL -- I thought it was sort of different from RaM, simpler in a way, certainly, but also, because it was written with a deadline looming, quite a challenge. I wrote the last two chapters posted (over 25,000 words) in less than a day. Not something I want to try again! LOL! Getting too old for that sort of nonsense!

Anyhooo, loved all the thoughtful comments and reviews! Thank you! And if you want to see the new RaM banner, look at the top of the last chapter I posted. I'm not great at those things, but . . . .

Thanks again! Loads!

P.S. Check out my new set of drabbles, "Circadian Rhythm," on the "Fics-which-are-somewhat-ADMM-related" board here -- there are some ADMM moments, as well as some for several of our other favorite HP characters! ;D

[elivania]

So I finally got caught up and you've done an amazing job. I love Quin so much. He's wonderful. There's so much additional info that you've added that I can't even comment on it all. Just know that you're brilliant and you're doing an amazing job.

*Eli*

[sevherfan]

[MMADfan]

Notes: The ball chapter has grown into ball chapters, so I am posting the first part tonight. Because of length, it will be split into more than one post. I look forward to hearing your opinions!

LXXIV: The Lovely Couple

Minerva stopped by Gertie’s room before going to her own. She still hadn’t asked her about Poppy’s letter or told her about the words she’d overheard from Valerianna the day before. When she entered the room, Gertie was stretched out on a chaise longue, reading Arithmancy Today, and eating an apple. Minerva was suddenly transported back fifteen years to the evening when she had so rashly broken curfew, and when Professor Dumbledore had returned her to her dormitory, Professor Gamp was sitting in the Gryffindor common room in a very similar position, waiting to talk to Minerva.

As a result of the talk they had that night, Minerva began offering Transfiguration tutoring to anyone from any House, on a regular basis, at the beginning of her seventh year. She had gone to Professor Gamp for assistance in securing a classroom to hold the sessions in, explaining to Professor Gamp that this was her way of repaying Professor Dumbledore, and she’d prefer not to bother him for help. Professor Gamp’s lips twitched a slight smile, and she gave Minerva permission to use her classroom at set times each week. If Professor Gamp noticed that these times also overlapped with Professor Dumbledore’s usual office hours, she said nothing about it.

Approximately three weeks after beginning her tutoring sessions, Minerva was quite enjoying the parade of students, which ranged from a few nervous little first-years to several fifth-years who were afraid they’d been too lax in their studies and, now that OWLs were upon them, were suddenly very serious. There were even a few sixth-years who dropped in occasionally when they had trouble with a particularly difficult Transfiguration. Minerva only turned away students who were a distraction, or there just to cause problems, and seventh-year students, telling them that since she was in the same class as they were, she thought they’d be better off going directly to Professor Dumbledore. She often ended up tutoring them informally, however, rather than having them “bother” Professor Dumbledore.

One Wednesday evening in late September, Minerva was helping a second-year student with an organic-to-inorganic Transfiguration when she began to feel as though she were being watched, and not just by the students. She turned her head toward the door; there was no one there, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of being observed. A moment later, she looked toward one corner. No, no one there. After the events of the previous term, she was nervous about sensing a presence and seeing nothing. The third time Minerva looked up toward the corner from which she felt eyes upon her, she was prepared to dismiss the students and send for Professor Gamp. She blinked, then blinked again. Professor Dumbledore came into focus. He was standing there, smiling at her as though it was perfectly normal to be invisible one moment and visible the next. Leaving the students she’d been speaking to, she walked toward her professor, but he shook his head and raised a finger to his lips. Minerva looked about her. No one else had seemed to notice Professor Dumbledore standing there watching them, and when she looked back, he was no longer there. Or, more accurately, Minerva could no longer see him. She continued to sense his presence moving about the perimeter of the room for the next twenty minutes, until she sent the last student off to her common room.

Minerva turned toward the window, where she sensed her professor standing. “That’s the last of them, Professor. You can . . . come out now, or whatever it is you are doing.”

Professor Dumbledore shimmered then solidified. He looked slightly puzzled. “You could see me?”

“No. That was no ordinary Disillusionment Charm, Professor.” Minerva furrowed her brow. “If I know someone’s Disillusioned, I can usually make out their outline, but I couldn’t see you at all.”

“No, I wasn’t Disillusioned . . . but you seemed to know where I was, even before I showed myself to you. Was I breathing particularly loudly?” he asked with a smile.

Minerva laughed. “No, I couldn’t hear you breathing.” Still chuckling, she said, “I could just feel you there. At first, I didn’t know it was you. I could just sense that someone was watching me, and I was getting nervous about it. Once I knew it was you, I could tell where you were when you moved.”

“Hmm. I didn’t realise you were that sensitive, Minerva.” His brow knit in thought.

“I’m not, really, I’m just used to you, I suppose, from Animagus training and such,” she responded, slightly uncomfortable with her admission. “I was surprised to see you, nonetheless. And not just because I couldn’t see you!”

He smiled brightly, eyes twinkling. “I was wondering where all my students were. Performance this year has been particularly good, and yet so few students have been coming to me for extra help, I was quite puzzled. I didn’t think that my teaching methods had suddenly become that much more effective, nor did I think that the general level of talent amongst the students could have changed that drastically over the summer. I wondered if other teachers were experiencing a similar drop-off in students coming to them for help, and, among those who usually see students during office hours, none had. This puzzled me even more, until I asked Derek McKinney how it was that he had been unable to Transfigure his beetle into a button on Monday and yet he was able to do so quite easily today. He informed me that you showed him what he was doing wrong. Upon further questioning, I learned that he and others have been receiving regular tutoring from you, Miss McGonagall.”

Minerva reddened. Perhaps she should have asked him first. But he had never minded the occasional tutoring she’d done for a few students now and then over the last few years. This was much more extensive, however, and Minerva had a sudden sense of how arrogant she might seem, presuming to tutor all of these students. “I’m sorry, sir. I should have checked with you first.”

“Quite all right, my dear, quite all right. Mr McKinney informed me that your sessions take place in here, so I spoke with Professor Gamp about it. She told me that she had given you permission to use her classroom. I was slightly puzzled as to why you didn’t discuss your plans with me, but Professor Gamp said that I should speak with you about that.” He waited.

Minerva thought a moment, then said, “Truthfully, sir, I wanted to help you. I have taken a lot of your time over the last few years, and I know how hard you work and how many demands you have on your time. I thought I could . . . free you for more important things.”

“The education of my students is very important to me, Minerva,” he said quietly.

“I know that. I’m sorry sir. I should have asked your permission before doing anything,” Minerva said guiltily.

“That’s not what I’m saying at all, Minerva. Thank you for taking such good care of my students. And you may, of course, continue. I would not want to see your own studies suffer for it, however. And I sometimes do have other duties that are more . . . pressing, if they are not more important.” He smiled at her, one of his warm, gentle smiles that shot straight through her.

Blushing, Minerva said, “I always planned on sending anyone to you if they weren’t catching on, or if I couldn’t help them. And I have plenty of time this year, really, Professor. You needn’t worry about me.”

“I will always be concerned for your well-being, Minerva. In fact, after all that teaching, you must be quite famished!” he declared with a grin.

Minerva had protested, but Dumbledore had called Wilspy for biscuits and milk, and they were in the midst of a lovely conversation of the finer points of conveying the proper wand movement for multilevel organic-to-inorganic Transfigurations when Professor Gamp had arrived to lock up her classroom for the evening. It was one of the few times as a student that Minerva had seen a soft, genuine smile cross the older witch’s face; she had left the two of them to their biscuits, milk, and conversation, and Professor Dumbledore to lock up.

Minerva smiled, remembering that long ago evening when she’d found Professor Gamp waiting for her in the Gryffindor common room. It hadn’t been amusing at the time, of course, and she’d been dreadfully upset that Professor Dumbledore had been so angry with her, but she had enjoyed the tutoring sessions, and she had been very happy to be able to help Professor Dumbledore. Not to mention that he had revealed one of his unusual abilities to her that evening when he’d come and observed her tutoring the younger students. He had never explained to her precisely how he was able to become invisible, but it must have been quite a difficult feat to achieve, particularly since he was able to become visible to her whilst remaining invisible to everyone else in the room. She had never heard of anyone being able to do such a thing before, not outside a myth or legend, anyway. Prior to that evening, she would have said that it would be as impossible as flight without the aid of a Charmed object – unless one were a flying Animagus, of course.

“Good-afternoon, Gertie. Feeling better?”

Gertrude smiled slightly. “Much, thank you. Good as new for tonight. And you, Minerva? All set for the party?”

“Quin is coming by for me fifteen minutes before dinner; we’ll be going together.”

“He’d mentioned that.” Gertie looked at Minerva a moment. “I am glad to see that you two are getting along so well, and it is none of my business, but I was wondering . . . are you planning on seeing each other again after this?”

Just as Minerva was warming to the witch, she had to ask something like this. “Perhaps. We enjoy each other’s company. And he’s easy to talk to.”

“Yes, yes, he is. He seems fond of you, as well.”

Minerva began to blush, then remembered her Occlumency exercises. Calming herself, Minerva answered, “It would appear so. Friends usually are fond of each other.”

Gertrude twitched a slight smile. “Yes, they are. However, I need to tell you that I have not seen my nephew spend this much time with any one witch in years, not since Aileen died.”

Minerva’s Occlumency nearly failed. “Well, you do spend most of the year at Hogwarts, Gertrude. I doubt that I am as unusual as you seem to be suggesting.”

“Perhaps not . . . and I do I hope that you will both have a good time this evening. Have you found this holiday a nice break for you?” she asked, changing the subject.

“It has been interesting, as you said it might be. I think I would have preferred another look at the hill fort to the Quidditch game this morning, though.”

Gertie grinned. “You and I both. I hope that the other guests have treated you courteously.”

“With the exception of Valerianna, no one has been precisely discourteous. Although some of them were annoying without even trying, if that is not too impolite to say.”

Chuckling, Gertrude said, “That’s actually rather kind of you. And I do apologise for Valerianna’s behaviour, although I doubt there’s anything anyone could say to her that wouldn’t simply encourage her.”

“Speaking of Valerianna, Gertrude, I overheard her yesterday in the garden talking with Francis . . . I didn’t intentionally eavesdrop, but when I heard what she was saying, I did stop and listen.”

Gertrude’s eyebrows raised questioningly. “And?”

“She was saying something about giving me a tale to carry back to Albus – well, she didn’t use his name, but she must have been referring to him – and not wanting to wait to do something. Francis apparently agreed with whatever she was proposing. She seemed to think that I had somehow coerced you into inviting me here in order to do something to her – I couldn’t figure out what she thought my purpose here was, but in her mind, everything revolves around her.”

“I think you put your finger on it right there, Minerva. She does believe that everything revolves around her. I didn’t inform her that you would be here, and she took me to task for that, and she also implied that somehow you had cannily tricked me into inviting you for the week. It appears that my response did not convince her. You were the reason I invited you here, Minerva. I hope you do not think that I invited you this week merely to irritate Valerianna. There are many ways to irritate Valerianna, and, although your presence seems to be doing an admirable job of that, if I simply wished to irritate her, I would not involve you.”

“She presumed to imply to your face that you shouldn’t have invited me this week?” Minerva asked, appalled.

“Oh, she did presume, and she did more than just imply it. I did tell her that who was invited to the Gamp Estate was a matter for a Gamp to determine and that I required neither her permission nor her approval to invite a friend to spend a few days here. If she didn’t like it, she could leave.” Gertie grinned. “She didn’t appreciate that suggestion.”

“I would think not.” Minerva smiled back. “But aren’t you concerned about what she has planned?”

“I am concerned about you, naturally, but I think that anything that Valerianna has planned is likely to be a public spectacle, and I doubt we can avert that. As for you . . . keep an eye out for her. Don’t let her corner you, and she won’t have an opportunity to needle you.”

Gertrude’s words reminded her of Poppy’s hysterical letter. “Gertrude, the second letter that I received from Poppy was in response to a letter I had written to her. She warned me very strongly against being alone with Valerianna. She was practically hysterical. Do you know what that was about?”

“Poppy is a very loyal friend, Minerva. She was worried about you, no doubt.”

“Yes, but why? I didn’t even know who Valerianna was before you told me, let alone have any idea that I should avoid her. Why would Poppy be so vehement?”

“You will need to ask Poppy that question, Minerva. I am sure she was motivated by her concern and affection for you, however, just as was I when I told you about Valerianna that first morning you were here.”

Minerva was not entirely pleased with Gertrude’s answer, feeling that the older witch must know more than she was saying. “But why is Valerianna so obsessed with me, Gertrude? You are a friend of Albus’s, as well. If she dislikes me simply because she dislikes Albus’s friends after whatever happened between them a few years ago, shouldn’t she dislike you even more?”

“More?” Gertrude snorted. “Perhaps she does; I do not know. But we have known each other for many years, Minerva, and the dynamic is different, particularly since I am closer to her own age and my status, in her eyes, is rather different from yours.”

“Mmm. The other evening, she implied that I was some shrinking violet who had escaped the hectic life in London for the safety of Hogwarts, and she kept emphasising how young and inexperienced I am – or she believes me to be.”

Gertrude laughed out loud at that. “She was trying to get under your skin, Minerva. I am sure that she wasn’t even expressing her true opinion of you as much as she was trying to elicit a reaction from you. I assume that was the conversation that Quin interrupted before you two went upstairs together to . . . entertain yourselves.”

Minerva did blush at that. “Yes, it was. I don’t think I gave her satisfaction, however. I simply stated that, although Hogwarts is quite different from London, I had enjoyed my time in the city very much. She then started on about how much I must like old people at that point, I think. Anyway, she kept harping on my age. It was actually rather peculiar.”

“Did she,” Gertie said drily. “She must have been annoyed that Quin came along and took you away before she could find the right thing to say.”

“What do you mean, ‘the right thing’?”

“That thing which would have you lose your composure. She thinks that she knows what that would be, but she is operating with too little information. She doesn’t know you or your situation well enough. Eventually, she might have struck the right nerve – or the wrong one – just by fishing about.”

“You know, Gertie, I don’t think it’s only Valerianna who’s operating with too little information. I feel that she knows something I don’t – ”

“It is not what she knows, Minerva. It is what she presumes she knows.”

“But I still don’t understand why she feels the need to annoy me, or worse. It is clearly occupying a lot of her energy, given the conversation I overheard. Not to mention that she can’t help but stare at me during meals. What is it about me?”

Gertrude looked at her pensively. “Surely you must know, Minerva, that Albus thinks highly of you, that he values you a great deal. I have little doubt that he mentioned you to Valerianna, and very likely on several occasions, at least. Whatever it is he may have told her about you, she no doubt heard what she wanted to, or only what she believed he was saying, and fixated on something that is now driving this behaviour.”

“She called me a ‘kitten’ that first evening,” Minerva said, her brow furrowed in consternation. “I thought at the time she must have heard about my Animagus form, either from Albus or from you, and perhaps that she might know a few other details about me through her acquaintance with you, but I didn’t give it any further thought.”

“Mmm. I have told her little to nothing about you, Minerva, although she approached me more than once with poorly veiled questions about you . . . no, whatever Valerianna thinks she knows, she has made up for herself, pieced together from things Albus may have told her and perhaps from some information she was able to glean elsewhere.”

“I still don’t understand . . . .”

“Perhaps it’s best not to worry too much about it, Minerva,” Gertie said gently. “I think Poppy’s suggestion that you avoid her is well-meant, however.”

“That brings me back to my original question, though: why did Poppy warn me?”

“As I said, you will need to discuss that with her. No doubt she is concerned about you and is aware of Valerianna’s less-than-friendly demeanor.”

“Does she know that Albus and . . . that witch were seeing each other?”

“She was on the staff at that time, Minerva. Speaking of time, it is now time for me to begin dressing – and you, too, if you wish to be decently attired when Quin arrives to escort you to the party.”

As Minerva changed and began to do her hair, she thought about what Gertrude had said. The witch was terribly frustrating. She certainly could say a lot while adding no new information. It did seem as though Poppy must have some knowledge of Valerianna’s relationship with Albus. Minerva cringed at the word “relationship” used in connection with the two of them. Whatever had Albus been thinking? She supposed that only Albus could answer that question, and she wasn’t about to ask him. At least not right away. He hardly ever spoke of himself, as it was. He must have been lonely . . . so many years with no one special in his life. Valerianna took advantage of his loneliness and his good nature; that had to be it. Quin had said that she could become very interesting for whatever wizard she’d set her sights on. Gertrude had said the other day that sometimes Albus needed protecting; Minerva had scoffed at the time, but it seemed that Gertie was correct. But if Gertie knew that, and if she was so blasted loyal to him, how could she have allowed Albus to become involved with someone like that? Gertie must have known Valerianna and what she was up to. Of course, it might be difficult to go to one’s boss, no matter how good a friend he was, and tell him that he should stop seeing someone. She still should have found a way.

Minerva inspected herself in the full-length mirror, mercifully uncharmed, and despite her critical eye, she was pleased with what she saw. She had pulled her hair into an elaborate, multi-pieced chignon, and left a few tendrils to frame her face. Her gown was of a luscious, flowing emerald-green silk brocade with darker green panels in the full skirt, one large one in the front and two smaller ones on the sides, which peeked from the folds of the skirt and revealed themselves as she walked or danced. The skirt, falling from just below her natural waist, was longer in back than in the front, creating a slight train-effect, and was charmed to resist snagging and dirt. The bodice had a very deep sweetheart neckline and was tailored to fit her closely, flattering her figure, and had a deep “v” in back. Her arms were left entirely bare, though the straps nominally holding up the dress were wide across her shoulder.

Minerva wished she could wear her amber necklace, but it really didn’t look right with this robe, and she had worn it that day, anyway. Instead, she had chosen a heavy emerald necklace that her Grandmother Siofre had given her when Minerva had visited her after she had returned from her apprenticeship. Her grandmother had embraced her warmly before presenting it to her, telling her how very proud she was and how glad that she had done the apprenticeship on her own terms, rather than staying with “that dreadful French witch.” It had been Siofre’s mother’s, given to her on her wedding day by her husband’s parents. It was old-fashioned and ornate, but Minerva thought it suited the gown well. Minerva had tried to decline it, saying that it should go to Siofre’s daughter, Maisie, Merwyn’s much younger half-sister, but her grandmother had insisted, saying that she would be terribly hurt and offended if Minerva were serious about refusing it. So Minerva had accepted the jewellery happily, but had only had a few opportunities to wear it since.

Minerva added a pair of charmed emerald earrings, not as ornate as the necklace, but she thought they complemented it well. Finally, she waved her wand a few times, applying some make-up charms. She started over three times before she was satisfied with the result, just in time, as there was a decisive knock on her door. Quin must have arrived.

Continued in the next post!

[MMADfan]

LXXIV: The Lovely Couple, continued

Minerva hurried over to the door and greeted Quin and, to her surprise, Alroy, who was in navy dress robes, hair slicked back neatly, looking like a little gentleman.

“I’m sorry we’re a bit early, Minerva. I know you ladies like to have every minute to get ready – but may I say now that you are looking ravishin’! – but I mentioned your special trick to Alroy, and he’s convinced that there won’t be another opportunity to see it. I told him, though, that it was entirely up to you, and he’s not to pout if you decline.”

Minerva smiled and invited them in. She wasn’t sure of the effect her make-up charms might have on her Animagus form, if any, but she was happy to show Alroy her “special trick.”

“Now, Alroy, you have to understand that becoming an Animagus is a long, arduous process. There have been wizards and witches who have become long-term patients at St. Mungo’s Hospital because they have tried to become an Animagus without proper training or without taking the appropriate amount of time. If you seem to have the qualities required to become an Animagus, we will know that in a few years. Until then, you must make a solemn promise not to try to become an Animagus on your own. It has nothing to do with wand-use – in fact, one doesn’t use a wand in the transformation – or any differences between the magic you’re familiar with and what you’ll be learning at Hogwarts. Are we agreed?”

The boy nodded solemnly. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Hmm. And don’t mention this to your classmates. I prefer to surprise them.”

Another nod from Alroy. Minerva looked at Quin.

Quin smiled. “He’ll be good for you, Minerva – if he isn’t, he’ll catch it from me.”

“If he isn’t, he’ll have detention with Ogg – and you do not want detention with the Hogwarts groundskeeper, I assure you!”

Alroy’s eyes widened.

Minerva twitched a slight smile, then, without further preamble, transformed into a tabby cat with a loud pop. She looked up at the boy’s face; he was utterly entranced, then he dropped to his knees joyfully. “Oh, ma’am,” he said, “that is brilliant. Just brilliant!”

Minerva thought to herself, it’s nothing after you’ve been doing it since you were a teenager, but she felt pleased, nonetheless, that the boy appreciated the transformation.

“Oh, but it is somethin’! It’s . . . it’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen! An’ you’ve been doin’ it for so long!” Alroy exclaimed.

Minerva tilted her head, looking at him. It had been almost as though he had known what she had thought. How . . . peculiar. She looked into the boy’s eyes. She had discovered early on, to her great amazement and Albus’s amusement, that she could communicate rather well with some animals when she was in her Animagus form; it was easiest with magical creatures, such as hippogriffs and kneazles, but she could even have a rudimentary conversation with mundane animals, although it was usually too much work, and they had very dull and uninteresting thoughts. Minerva narrowed her eyes and thought very distinctly, “I have been transforming longer than you have been alive.” Then she waited.

“I’m only eleven . . . how old were you when you first became an Animagus?”

Quin interrupted, “Come, Alroy, she can answer your questions when she transforms; don’t pepper her with questions she can’t answer now. It’s time to stop your pretendin’. You’re a big boy, goin’ to school soon. Behave like yer ain grown self!”

Minerva, beginning to believe the boy could actually understand her, batted a paw at Alroy, who had turned to look up at his father, a sullen expression on his face. Alroy turned back to her.

She thought, as distinctly as she could, “Numbers are hard for cats.” Minerva could, of course, still count, and she retained her human rational faculties, but when communicating like this . . . she’d never had an occasion to think anything other than, “a lot,” “a little,” “one,” and “none,” when conversing with other animals, and she wasn’t quite sure how to go about it.

Alroy laughed. “Okay.”

“You may pet me if you wish,” Minerva thought at him regally.

Alroy reached out a hand and petted her. “Wish me da understood,” he whispered.

Minerva lay down and let the boy rub her behind her ears. “He’s surprised.” She looked up at Alroy mischievously. “Let’s have fun! Hide-and-seek. I hide. You find me.”

Alroy stood and turned to his father. “Da, can we go into the hall a min?”

“Excuse the rudeness o’ me offspring, Minerva. We’ll be back in a moment.”

Minerva looked around. Where could she hide? She leapt to the back of the lady’s armchair in the corner of the room and would have tipped it over had it not been so close to the wall. After quickly regaining her balance, she crouched down, tail twitching, then took a giant leap to the top of the wardrobe. She had been correct: the ornate scroll work at the top of the wardrobe would hide her if she flattened herself down sufficiently. Minerva waited, still as could be, her feline heart pounding in her chest. A moment later, there was a knock, and the door opened and Alroy walked in, Quin following.

“Alroy! You do not enter a lady’s bedroom without her permission!” Quin broke off his scolding, looking around the apparently empty room.

“She’s a cat, Da.” Alroy rolled his eyes and shook his head at the stupidity of parents.

“She’s still a lady . . . where’d she get to?” He looked perplexed.

“It’s hide-an’-seek. She wanted t’ play.” Alroy grinned.

“Don’t be daft, boy.”

“All right, Da,” Alroy said with obviously exaggerated patience, but he crossed the room and looked under her bed, the most obvious hiding place for a cat.

“Minerva?” Quin called, puzzled.

“Hide-an’-seek, remember?” said Alroy, grinning at his father as he crawled around the room looking under furniture.

Minerva risked peeking over the scroll work. Neither of them was looking up. Quin walked over to the screen by the wash basin and knocked on it gingerly before looking around it.

“Could she have Apparated away?” Quin wondered aloud.

“No, Da; that would be unfair,” Alroy huffed with a boy’s clear logic, shaking his head in exasperation. He opened the wardrobe door.

“You shouldn’t be lookin’ in a lady’s wardrobe, Alroy,” Quin scolded. “Besides, how would she have opened the door?”

Alroy grinned. “Now you’re thinkin’, Da!”

His father moved over to the windows and looked behind the draperies, then he looked up at the rods holding them. He grinned. “What do cats like t’ do, Alroy?”

“Chase mice.”

“Somethin’ else.”

“Climb trees.”

“Right. Now we have no trees here, but . . .” Quin went over to his son, who was still standing beside the wardrobe, and lifted him easily above his head.

“There she is! We found her!” Alroy shouted triumphantly.

Minerva stood and stretched, then looked down at the two of them standing next to each other, Quin looking somewhat bemused.

“Hide-an’-seek, is it? I think I’ve been hoodwinked here!” he said, not looking unhappy about it, though.

Minerva, not wanting to risk the jump to the narrow back of the chair – it would be embarrassing if she missed or slipped – instead prepared to jump down to Quin. First, though, she looked over at Alroy. “Make sure he doesn’t move.”

“Da, she’s goin’ to jump down now – don’t move!”

She leapt down, landing with her front paws on Quin’s right shoulder, using all her human concentration not to extend her claws and grab on, trusting to him, instead, to make sure she didn’t fall. Sure enough, as soon as he felt Minerva’s paws touch him, Quin’s arms came up and held onto her. He petted her gently and kissed the top of her head, then whispered, “You an’ I have somethin’ to discuss, I think.”

Minerva just butted her head against his jaw affectionately. Quin petted her once more, then put her down, and she stretched languorously before popping back to her ordinary form.

“So, when did you two brew this up? An’ Minerva, I’d rather you didn’t encourage him in his fantasies.”

Minerva rolled her shoulders then went over to the vanity to check her make-up and hair.

“Just now, didn’t we, Alroy? I hadn’t seen him before this, if that’s what your suspicious mind is thinking, Quin.” She turned and smiled at him. “And your son and I do need to talk before he arrives at Hogwarts. I will want to warn the Care of Magical Creatures teacher about him. He has a bit of an unfair advantage over the other students.”

Quin looked at Minerva, then looked at Alroy, then back at Minerva. “Ye’ mean he really . . . understands you? When ye’re a cat?” His brogue thickened in his shock.

Minerva nodded. “Yes, rather well, actually. I will have to be careful how loudly I think around that boy, I can see that.” She smiled down at him.

“It’s only wit’ animals, ma’am, not people. An’ not all animals.” Alroy blushed with pleasure.

Quin looked down at his son. “I’m sorry, son. I should ha’ known . . . you’re a level-headed boy. I’m sorry I thought you were pretendin’ at it.”

“S’okay, Da,” said the boy with a magnanimous shrug. “It is weird, I guess.”

“We’ll be missin’ our dinner, if we hang about flappin’ our jaws much longer, though. You run along, Alroy. We’ll see you later.”

After the boy left, Minerva asked, “Do I look all right, Quin? After transforming, I mean.”

“You look absolutely beautiful, love. Not a hair out o’ place.”

“Why didn’t you warn me about Alroy? I could have thought something quite indiscreet and not known he could overhear me!”

“Well, I thought it was a bad childhood habit he’d broke, just playin’ pretend. I didn’t think there was anythin’ to warn you about.

“Hmm. It’s a rare talent, and one children often do grow out of. That he hasn’t yet is encouraging that he might not – no thanks to his father trying to discourage him!”

“Well, how was I to know?”

“You said he was good with animals; didn’t that go to show you that he might not be pretending?”

“No . . . I just thought it encouraged him in his fantasies. Bein’ good with animals, I mean. He’s stubborn, though, like his mother.”

“And his father’s not stubborn?” Minerva laughed. “I do think it is interesting to see you react to magic that you don’t understand, Quin. Perhaps you now understand, just a little, what I felt when you called up those owl treats. And he’s your son.”

“Ye’re right, o’ course. P’raps I’m not as open-minded as I thought . . . but I’ve been tryin’ t’ raise him to be a respectable wizard, an’ respectable wizards don’t go about pretendin’ to talk with animals.” He smiled.

“I’ll be interested to know what it is that he experiences when he listens to animals.”

“So will I, Minerva, so will I.” He smiled down at her. “You really are a wonder, Minerva.” He caressed her cheek briefly, then said quietly, “It’s accompanyin’ the most beautiful witch in Cornwall tonight, I am.”

Minerva arched an eyebrow. “Only in Cornwall?”

He chuckled. “Basin’ it on my own limited experience, I will extend it, then . . .” His expression soft, he said, “The most beautiful witch o’ me acquaintance.”

His blue eyes seemed to deepen, and Minerva felt a slight thrill go through her at his gently spoken words. If only Albus would look at her like that . . . speak to her like that. . . . Minerva swallowed and smiled. “Well, you’re not looking too much like a hedge wizard tonight, yourself. You look very nice.” Minerva thought he looked more than “nice,” but she considered that Quin’s opinion of himself was already high enough and his male ego needed little stroking. He still broke out in a broad grin.

“Glad you’re pleased. Thought I’d go all wizard tonight, with just a nod t’ the modern world,” he said, gesturing at his stiff, white, winged collar and white bow tie. Looking at only his neck and chest, one might think Quin was wearing Muggle evening dress. He was clearly wearing some kind of starched white shirt with silver studs; a white pique dickie and a white waistcoat showed beneath his black robes, which had shiny silk facings, but rather than a cut-away coat, his over robe mimicked Muggle evening dress only in its sweep of fabric behind him. The wide-sleeved over robe closed in front just slightly above the waist, then opened again at the hips to flow out behind him in a long train, and, rather than trousers, a widely-pleated under robe of black fabric showed beneath it. Minerva wondered if the under robe was attached to the shirt, or if it was a separate layer altogether, but discretion kept her from inquiring. He looked quite dashing, and Minerva thought, somewhat immodestly, that Albus had probably been correct – they would be the most attractive couple there, and she said as much to Quin.

He laughed. “Well, ’twouldn’t be hard, with this lot, but I do think we would be quite presentable anywhere in the wizarding world. Come, that was the second dinner bell. We mustn’t be late, remember!” he said, grinning, reminding her of their first evening there.

“It would be most rude, darling,” Minerva said, affecting a Valerianna-like drawl and setting off Quin’s laughter again.

He offered her his arm, and his wide, black sleeve fell back to reveal a stiffly starched white cuff with a silver cufflink decorated with a simple triple spiral. Minerva smiled and laid her hand on his elbow, and the two set off for the ballroom.

Continued in the next post.

[MMADfan]

LXXIV: The Lovely Couple, continued

Minerva was relieved, when they arrived, to see that they had been seated beside each other. Some formal functions placed couples at a distance from one another, even at different tables, a practice that Minerva only appreciated at the time she was dating Jean-Paul, the French envoy, and was preparing to break up with him. She had been quite glad on that occasion to be seated across the room from him rather than across the table. Other than that, she found it a peculiar custom, ostensibly implemented to encourage mingling, but Minerva never liked being seated at a table full of strangers, stiffly trying to make conversation, and she saw little point in going to a formal occasion with an escort and immediately being separated from him. She was quite happy to go alone, in that case, or not go at all.

The room was filled with round tables, each seating ten, with one longer rectangular table at one end, apparently where the feted couple would be seated with their hosts and a few others, probably including their parents. From the number of tables, Minerva guessed there must be at least one hundred twenty witches and wizards in attendance. Probably just about anyone of any status had been invited. And here she was among them. Attending with a “hedge wizard.” Minerva smirked. She wondered whether the other guests to be seated at their table would also be such reprobates, and she was mildly disappointed to see the usual array of Blacks, a Malfoy, and a pair of Crouches, but was pleased that Robert was next to her on her other side and that Ella was seated beside her son-in-law. At least the Crouches were pleasant, although Minerva had the impression that the three Blacks and Douceline Malfoy felt slighted at being seated with such “nobodies.” Minerva hadn’t spoken to Douceline yet that week, and she attempted to make some conversation, asking her about her son Lucius, but the witch was monosyllabic in her responses, and Minerva gave up, and turned to Robert, instead.

He told Minerva that Gertrude had mentioned to him her offer to have her mother visit his wife. “I’d be very grateful, Minerva, if you would ask her. After the second one, the healers reassured us that she’d carry the next one . . . that we’d have a healthy child.” He shook his head. “But it hasn’t happened. I was prepared to give up. It has been so traumatic for Thea, and physically, as well as emotionally . . . but she wanted to try once more. She’s been on bed rest, and she’s into her fourth month. I’m very worried about her. And I know that Thea would appreciate anything new that your mother could tell us. Uncle Albus would be pleased, as well. He’s been devastated each time. He . . . well, you must understand, Minerva, I do not blame him at all, but he didn’t even visit the last time. It was too disturbing for him, although we did get a lovely letter from him, and he visited a few months later. But he hasn’t been to see us since we found out Thea’s pregnant again. Of course, it was term time . . . .”

“Oh, Robert, I didn’t mention this to you, but I received a letter from Albus today, and he wanted me to tell you he’d try to make it to Amsterdam sometime toward the end of the summer to visit you, if it’s convenient, and he hopes that Thea is well. I don’t know when Thea was last . . . but before I started at Hogwarts in December, he was doing double-duty as Headmaster and as Transfiguration teacher, so if it was during the school year, well, he was very busy.” Minerva hated having anyone think that her Albus was insensitive . . . even if he were, very occasionally, remembering their own misunderstanding.

“It’s quite all right, Minerva. I understand.” He smiled at her. “And you’re as kind and as pretty as promised.”

Minerva laughed. “Now, you see, I was given the impression that Quin was the only flirt and that you would be the model of reserved decorum.”

The young wizard beside her blushed. “I’m sorry if I was too familiar . . .” He looked away and tasted his soup.

“No, no, not at all . . . really, Robert.” Minerva smiled him. “I’m just not used to so many compliments in such a short time, that’s all.”

Robert returned her smile. “I’ve just heard so much about you . . . after my father died, Mother moved us back to England – to this estate, in fact – although I returned for school during the year. I saw quite a bit of Uncle Albus during the holidays and then again during the war. Between him and Mother . . . well, I felt as though I knew you. And I certainly would have recognised you anywhere.”

Puzzled, wondering whether he had been another of the spectators at her Challenge, Minerva asked, “Have we met before, then? I’m afraid I don’t remember seeing you before . . . and, well, not to embarrass you, but Gertrude never spoke of her personal life . . . .”

He chuckled softly. “So you didn’t know of my existence, then? It’s all right, Minerva. My mother does like to maintain a certain distance with people. It’s quite a good sign that she invited you this week. She always sounded somewhat fond of you, but it’s difficult to tell with Mother, even for me, sometimes.”

“So she spoke of me?” Minerva was still trying to wrap her mind around that idea. She wouldn’t have expected Gertie to give her a second thought outside of Hogwarts.

“Occasionally, but usually just when Uncle Albus was mentioning you.”

“But how would you recognise me? Have we met?”

“No, but I saw a photograph of you. Something taken after that Challenge you did, one of you and Uncle Albus and a few others. You haven’t changed.”

“It wasn’t that long ago . . . .” Minerva remembered all of the cameras and flash bulbs going off, but she hadn’t realised that a picture had been taken of her and Albus together. Albus must have a copy . . . she felt sad, thinking of the tiny picture she had of him, knowing that perhaps there had been a better picture she could have had of him, quite legitimately and without raising any awkward questions. “So is this photograph something your mother has?” Minerva thought it likely that the older witch would have photographs of Albus, perhaps even one with her in it.

“No, I don’t think so . . . I’m fairly sure that it was Uncle Albus showed me. Along with several newspaper articles.” Robert smiled fondly. “He was very proud of you. Came straight to Amsterdam from the Challenge. Yes, he showed us the photo at the same time as he waved the newspaper articles about. I’m sure of it.”

Minerva blushed. She was glad that Albus had been proud of her . . . probably like a proud parent. And if he’d never had children – and Minerva was certain she would know at least that about him, even if he had never mentioned it – it would be natural for him to stop at Robert and Thea’s to report to his surrogate son and his wife about his . . . protege’s performance. She shied from the appellation “surrogate daughter.” She didn’t feel like his daughter, and she didn’t want to deal with the fact that he likely saw her that way.

Uncomfortable with the current topic of conversation, Minerva steered it back to his wife’s health. Robert promised her that he would leave all of their contact information with a house-elf to give her before she left the next day. He was sure that he could arrange a Portkey for both Egeria and Merwyn, if she were willing and able to come to Amsterdam and examine Thea.

Dinner finally came to a conclusion after five courses. Minerva talked mainly with Ella, Quin, and Robert, since the others seemed perfectly happy to ignore them. To be fair, the Crouches, who were across the table from Minerva, seemed even more reserved than they had earlier, but were as equally reserved with Douceline and the Blacks as they were with everyone else. At least they didn’t look as though they were prepared to scowl or sneer at the drop of a hat, Minerva thought.

There was the sound of a bell lightly ringing – a charm, Minerva thought – and all conversation ceased. Gropius Gamp stood and indicated that everyone else should, as well. When everyone but a few elderly guests were standing, he made a gesture and, with the exception of the long table at which he and the guests of honour were seated, all of the unoccupied tables and chairs disappeared, to be almost simultaneously replaced with dainty chairs along the walls, a few small tables scattered amongst them. Minerva had no doubt that it was the work of house-elves, and nothing that Gropius himself had done. Albus probably could have achieved the same effect with no assistance, she thought.

Gropius pointed his wand at his throat and uttered the Sonorous Charm. Good thing, too, given how weak his voice sounded even with the Charm.

“Dear friends, Columbine and I are so very happy to have you all here to help celebrate the engagement of Orion and Walburga Black. . . .”

Gropius continued waffling on for a few minutes, wishing the young couple every blessing of the wizarding world on them and their progeny, and hoping the guests had enjoyed their dinner and would continue to enjoy the party for the rest of the evening. Minerva noticed that other witches and wizards were beginning to shift about as they stood silently listening to the old wizard’s rambling congratulations.

Finally, he raised his glass and a veritable armada of house-elf-levitated trays of drinks distributed themselves around the ballroom. A few moments later, when he was fairly sure that each guest had had the opportunity to take a glass of champagne, Gropius said, “I would like to toast the happy couple!” He raised his glass. “To Walburga and Orion!”

“To Walburga and Orion,” repeated a chorus of voices.

Minerva had just taken a sip from her flute when a stridently familiar voice was raised above the slight murmur that had begun as it became clear that Gropius was likely finished with his speech. Minerva’s stomach contracted to hear Valerianna’s drawl.

“We, too, have our announcement to make, darling,” she said, apparently addressing Gropius. “I do hope you don’t mind, but Francis and I are just so overjoyed, we simply must share our pleasure with you all.”

Valerianna had been seated near, although not at, the head table, and she had now stepped out in front of it, blissfully ignorant of Gropius’s wide-eyed stare and dragging Francis with her.

“Francis and I are engaged!” she announced triumphantly, staring straight at Minerva. Not taking her eyes off of Minerva, she continued. “Yes, we had thought to wait, but why wait when we are so much in love? And so perfectly suited to one another? Such a perfect match as this is not to be denied, as I’m sure Walburga and Orion would agree!” Still staring at an increasingly bemused Minerva, Valerianna went on, “I hope you will understand how eager we are to begin our new life together.” She paused dramatically. “We will be wed on the first of September!” For the first time, the witch took her eyes from Minerva and looked about the room filled with flabbergasted guests.

Minerva couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen such a blatant display of bad taste. To announce one’s own engagement publicly was something of a faux pas in itself – a friend or relative should be enlisted – but what was worse, how had the witch ever thought it appropriate to make such an announcement at the celebration of another couple’s engagement? Minerva was not particularly keen one way or the other on the social niceties of pureblood society, but it was common courtesy and respect for the feelings of the engaged couple not to do such a tasteless thing.

Minerva shook her head and turned to Quin. The room had begun to buzz, and no one had toasted the new couple. The expression on Walburga’s face was priceless. Minerva thought that there was one pureblood household that would not be welcoming Valerianna and her new husband any time soon.

In a low voice, she said, “That must be what I heard her talking about in the garden yesterday. I mentioned it to Gertie earlier. She seemed to think that whatever she had planned would be something that would disturb me, but I don’t particularly care – and it looks as though she’s alienated at least half the room with her ill-timed announcement.”

Quin was unable to answer Minerva at that moment, because Gropius began speaking again.

“Yes, we offer our felicitations, of course. Now I believe the groom had a few words to say.”

Minerva smirked. Not only had Valerianna rudely interrupted an engagement party to announce her own engagement, but she had interrupted the host and the groom before the groom had even been able to speak. She must have lost some of that urbanity and sophistication that Gertie and Quin had claimed she had. For the thousandth time, Minerva wondered what Albus had seen in the pathetic witch.

After a few more polite toasts to Walburga and Orion, Gropius announced that the happy couple were going to lead the first dance. Minerva then noticed that, while everyone’s attention had been on the head table, musicians had been setting up at the other end of the room. Quite an extravagance. There were only a few wizarding bands and chamber ensembles, and they were very expensive to hire. From the array of instruments and the number of musicians, Minerva had some hope that there would be a variety of music that night, particularly when she saw a saxophone.

Notes: So, in the next chapter, there's still more of the ball to come, including more of the delectable Valerianna Yaxley, nee Crouch, soon to be Flint! And, of course, more Quin. If you want to express your opinion on Gertie, go vote in this poll.

For those of you who like Quin, I have a special banner, and here it is!

[Alesia]

whoo hoo you have no idea how happy I was to see an update. The entire interaction with Alroy was very cool. It's interesting that Minerva can see Albus and does that mean she is just especially in tune with him or something else. The bits between her and Quin after his son left was the first time I really felt like Quin could really fall for Minerva and possibly Minerva for Quin - you inserted a very subtle change in the interaction between the two of them, that I don't think they even noticed. I am also incredibly intrigued about what Robert said about Albus not handling their loss of their children. It leads me to believe there is something similar in Albus's past that Min doesn't know about. Very Interesting.

The fact Gertie wouldn’t give Minerva a straight answer about Poppy I found very amusing and, as usual with Gertie, reminded me of canon Minerva.

The rest of the ball is going to be just fabulous, I know it.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Alroy and Minerva playing a quick game of hide and seek...awwww. That's just too cute. I absolutely love the idea that Quin isn't all knowing when it comes to magic and despite his son's protests of truth, Quin didn't believe he coud really talk to the animals. A little Dr. Doolittle in some ways...tee hee. It's going to be interesting when Alroy gets to Hogwarts since he seems so advanced for his age, no doubt more skilled than his peers.

I have to agree with Alesis on her comments about the shift between Minerva and Quin. There is most certainly a deepening of feelings on both sides and that unnerves my little ADMM shipper heart. I hate to see Minerva with anyone else and though I love Quin's character, I think he's going to be going on my not so nice list very soon. He knows Minerva loves another so why even flirt with heartache...for both of them???

Robert intrigues me for some reason. I feel so sad for him and his wife and Min's offer to have her mother stop by there home was very sweet. And his comment about "Uncle Albus"....hmmm I sense a story there and it's probably not a happy one but I'll reserve comment on that until I see the next bit LOL

Valerianna is such a tasteless cow! In what bizarre world did she even conceive that that was an acceptable time to announce her engagement? And to keep her eyes trained on Minerva as if her announcement would make some profound impact on our dear Min. This chick (Valerianna) is certainly very egotistical and self aggrandizing!

I'm definitely looking forward to more from you on this story. I'm sure you have more little tricks up your sleeve for Valerianna and Minerva so come on...don't hold out on us!!!

Ang the GLM

[twinkle]

Ohh, I was so very happy to find an update. Especially as it is a wonderful excuse not to do my homework ;o)

I loved the idea that Alroy was able to communicate with Minerva while she was a cat and their little game of hide & seek was a cute idea.

But my absolute favourite was the flashback at the beginning. The image of Minerva teaching all those little ones to help Albus is really endearing. And his statement, that is is important to him to teach his pupils was so much like Albus. Great job!

For Valerianna... she finally dug her own grave (at least that would be the correct idiom in German). How can she be so very tactless? If I would have been there, I would have been shocked at first but then I would have had a hard job hiding my smile (and it was a wide smile when I read this scene ^^). All those very long faces of those attending the party must have been quite a sight.

Great work, really!!! So, when will we find the next update? ;o)

[laundry basket]

It is the long-awaited ball chapter! Woohoo! Fantabolous!

Okay, now I've got the excitement out of my system, I would like to say excellent job! Another small foray into the past, which I found intriuging. Albus becoming invisible to everyone but Minerva? Hmm... interesting

And now I must express my disgust for Valeriannna. She is utterly tasteless! Not only announcing her engagement at another couple's engagement party, but doing it just to irk Min... that's low. Really. But, I do like the fact that you gave both Albus and Min love life's before they found each other (or, before the find each other, as they are so bloody stupid that they just dance around each other ). I don't like stories where they are each other's first everything... that's idiotic, they're somehwere between fifty and one hundred and eighty! Really. Ahem, sorry for that little rant.

But I love that Alroy has such a raport with animals. He can understand Min; that's awesome. And Quin just thought he was playing make believe- psh!

Wonderful chappie, I hope for another one soon!

[MMADfan]

Hey, there! Thanks for the reviews! I have a headache tonight, so don't feel up to thoughtful responses to them, but I will do that before I post the next chappie.

If you'd like to see a large version of the banner with Quin, go here, it's a post in a thread in the Gallery forum here on the boards.

Thanks again for the reviews! (If my headache goes away, I may work on the next chappie before I go to bed tonight.)

[elivania]

Amazing job, like usual. The little game of hide and go seek was so adorable. And while I know that Quin knows that Minerva is in love with another man, I can't help but think he's slowly falling in love with her even if he doesn't mean to.

Looking forward to the next addition. *Eli*