Sometimes it makes her feel warm inside. Sometimes it makes her want to push Minerva into the lake.
With only the second sentence of this marvelous gift, you have totally nailed Augusta's voice and character. I can just hear her muttering with dark humor about people who carry cauldrons in their robes and thinking that Amelia has said 'bug mirror" (ahaha). As others have said, showing the story from Augusta's pov is an excellent and effective choice.
Such an atmospheric, lovely story, edged about with just the right amount of angst and warning for the future. The restful camping interlude contrasts perfectly with the action/teamwork section, and the ending is just right. (And how nice to see the "comforting" magical monster.)
I adore Aunt Ernestine as much as the two couples; I love the way you've shown just where Augusta gets her strength and her irascible streak. Like right here: "Then there's the perspective that none of you are as dead at the shrimp," Aunt Ernestine says. She's back from the kitchen, carrying a tray with butter and more toast and pots of shrimp. "You're eating them, and not the other way about. Haha! Love Aunt Ernestine
Severus and Amelia work very well as a couple, too; Severus's occasional petulance and his unexpected humor are just what I'd expect of him at this age.
They never, ever, talk about sex in the light of day. Minerva is warm and loving in her very reserved way, but never dirty, except when she's touching Augusta I can SO see this; you've captured exactly what I think their relationship would be like. Their wry banter and unspoken tenderness is just right.
So many great moments: f we all see the morning, that is." With that, she turns and disappears down the hallway.
A moment more of silence later, they hear her feet on the stairs.
"That wasn't a prophecy, was it?" Amelia asks. I just love the exquisite pacing of this scene and how well everyone is characterized.
I could quote favorite lines all day, but I particularly love this one:
The same stars she counted as a girl twinkle in the velvety sky, and now she's sharing those with Minerva. It's not quite hope, but it's close to it.
And this one, too: She takes Minerva's hand because she wants to, because she doesn't want to lose herself in her own maudlin thoughts, and because there were never so many stars near London as there are in this sky tonight.
What a wonderful read and a wonderful gift. Thank you so much, my dear Mystery Author.