I saved this story all day, so that I could look forward to it and could have time to savor it. I knew I was going to love it, just by virtue of the pairing alone. (I've read only two other Minerva/Augusta stories, and both have been excellent. In fact, if the story weren't for Woldy, I'd think it was by Woldy; she's written one of the other two MM/ALs.)
And I was right about this fic; it's a satisyfing and wonderful read, every word. Your pacing is superb, Mystery Author -- each section ends just where it ought. I like the politics, too; as another reviewer noted, the political dimension works well because it's believably subservient to character. And what characters! Their voices, all of them, are spot on, but Gran -- Gran is a triumph. Several times she had me laughing aloud; I'm so sorry for the muffliato-ed patrons of the Leaky, who missed out on the conversation. I just have to quote a few of my many favorite lines:
Hermione always said he needed to be more firm with her, but then again, Hermione had never received 17 owls in a single afternoon. "Do you realize this means you're married?" He paused as the situation sank in. "To Professor McGonagall?" he added, just in case either was befuddled as he was Who would want to spend the rest of her life with Gran? So believable -- yes, he does love Gran. But yes, he would wonder this. Though I have to say, Albus must have been one hell of a shag, to make that kind of impression." Oh, god. I'm afraid I spit hot liquid on my computer screen when I read this. Ditto the line about "mincing Malfoy" "Kingsley alone would drink away my retirement savings." "Good night, Neville," [McGonagall] said. "It's been nice to see you, but it is our wedding night, you know Yes! And their first touch -- loved the touch
Other things I loved-- --how sharply-characterized the "ancient witch" in the Fine Print office is, despite having only a walk-on role --how well the story ties into the canon scene of Neville's NEWT studies --Trelawney and Firenze! --how well Minnie and Gussie seem to understand each other. "Comfortable," as Neville understands --the joy of non-marking (as a professor who just finished 140+ papers and exams, I'm not sure even two decades would be long enough to relish it) --McG's eagerness for another round --the order of this line: "Telly," Gran said. "Magazines. Those biscuits with the chocolate on top. Unmarried witches, giving birth."
I love these women. Love them, love them. And Neville.
The only thing that could make this McGonagall fangirl happier is a several-thousand-word sequel.