Kelly Flail, Part II It would not be the first time Hogwarts had seen a scandal involving funds misappropriated for the use of strumpets or illicit euphorics. Ha! Such perfectly Minerva language! She's nothing if not realistic and practical, but she's not going to be vernacular about it.
Her expression did not change, but then Minerva McGonagall knew when it was best not to gloat. Love this! Love the way she stands up for Severus, for the right of it. And I love how well she understands Albus.
She'd had her share of lovers, but it was rare enough for interest to be expressed that she did not dismiss it out of hand. In this case, however, she wondered at what engendered it. . .while she had no qualms about her ability to conduct a discreet relationship of convenience with a colleague, she wondered if he had thought this through. I absolutely adore this whole section -- her honesty, her forthrightness, her lack of self-pity, her un-selfconscious assessment of her own needs. And phrasings like "for interest to be expressed" -- again, so perfectly Minerva.
What she discovered was that Severus Snape was like moss-covered stone. Oh, yes.
Minerva being of the opinion that a bit of bedding often cheered one or at least allowed one a good night's sleep. The total win of this line cannot be overstated. Have I mentioned how much I adore your Minerva? The bonding scenario is fascinating. I'm still not quite sure why it was necessary, but it's very effective. I love the depiction of that entire DH year, how confusing and difficult it would have been for both of them, and yet how careful of each other they remain, the mingled tenderness and tension of that one night togther.
'So you would allow yourself to be used for the sake of others' interests?' // 'No more so than you. Headmaster.' Just excellent.
It was awkward as arse Indeed. Sometimes nothing but the vernacular will do.
I loved the charmed birthday presents and this line in particular: Hagrid had sent a small tin of treacle tarts, which, once spelled to a chewable consistency were quite formidable; Minerva approved of black molasses. Approved of black molasses! Of course she does. How perfectly IC.
And that final "wee tot"...seriously, if I'd had a plate of eggs, I'd have had to tuck into them to hide my suddenly-wet eyes.
"To act on what you learn." Here's the essence of Minerva's story as you tell it, and I loved every word. Thank you.