Tonight, Minerva McGonagall will be honoured with the Albus Dumbledore Medal for a life devoted to teaching and service to the wizarding world. That is certainly an excellent award! One she very much deserves.
"Yes?" Scarlet talons tapped an impatient rhythm. "I'm all ears." Perfect description of her. Alas, as much as she thinks so, she will never be all ears!
"When hell freezes over." Skeeter snorted with derision. Ah, yes, Skeeter would think nothing less when it came to Minerva McGonagall; I'm sure it is reciprocated.
"Did you lie about your House affiliation on your application form? It seems so much more likely that someone like you would have ended up in ..." She paused for cheap effect. "... Hufflepuff." Oh, Rita! What a blow! I love House competition that continues beyond school days. Of course Rita would embody that.
"Pish!" Skeeter made an impatient gesture. She hated to be interrupted. "Truth or story, call it whatever you want. Don't be naïve again. Truth is relative." Rita to a T. You have her character down so very well! Of course Rita's truth is relative. (; Goodness, I can't get over how impeccable your Rita is. It's fantastic!
With her round belly and the big breasts, she was the embodiment of mature femininity. This line made me feel similar to Millicent and I loved it. Thank you for including some variety in your women!
She was a changed person, the stern teacher only a faint memory. Beautiful line to summarise the change. Thank you for including it! Your description of the two women is excellent; I particularly adore McGonagall in this scene.
"I hate my Animagus form," she finally blurted out. I think that would have been my conclusion as well, for the moment - no matter how many thoughts were adrift in my mind.
"No, you are not," Sinistra said forcefully. "You're a Slytherin. Slytherins aren't sorry. They're imaginative and resourceful and have the ability to find a solution to any problem, am I not right?" Why yes, Sinistra, you most certainly are! I love your depiction of Sinistra: strong, outspoken yet compassionate in her mindset to take advantage of teachable moments. Honourable and true to the form of a teacher - well done!
"Bloody Gryffindors," she said in an attempt to cover up her arousal. "Will they ever learn to follow the rules?" That made me laugh out loud. I love the idea of a Lover's Lane with protecting statues. Fantastic invention!
...you mustn't interfere with my job or with the way I handle things in general. I'm my own person, and trust me, I can take care of myself." I love love love that in a woman and all the women (and men) in your piece are strong in unique and beautiful ways, while still achieving the vulnerability that can connect people. It's so very refreshing!
Her opponents are an outdated bureaucratic system and the prejudices of a society that lived in seclusion for too long. It might turn out to be a fight against windmills, but if she succeeds, it could be the dawn of a new beginning. Oh Poppy's pants, those are great ending lines! Wonderful lines to complete an excellent fic.
This is a masterpiece! The timing is extraordinary; the characterisation is without flaw - very dynamic; the lessons are well-taught and fit the characters within the story. I've never been particularly fond of Millicent, but this story made me love her! Fantastic work!