I knew from the header onward that I would adore this! I love stories that give us the background of canon events, and stories in which characters solve problems together. I love them even more when they're as well-written as this, with such sharp characterisation and so many fun moments. Love Minerva's voice, her confidence, her managerial experience, her tact ("Minerva had briefly considered pointing out that Nicolas’s ideas of dealing with a burglar himself might well have caused Perenelle’s anxiety, but she had thought better of it. Albus himself wasn’t young by anyone’s standards, and some things were best left unsaid") and her view of Severus ("There weren’t many men who could manage such a Regency-period movement without looking like a fool" – even I would tend to agree to that *g*). I also love Minerva's letters and officially want a pet marmoset.
At that point Pomona had sensibly asked whether Nicolas would still be able to get at it – otherwise the whole set-up would rather defy the purpose. -- Ah, dear Pomona! Also, the way they see her differently against their different experiences with people characterises both them and Pomona well, and I really, really like how Minerva sticks with her view but sees how Severus might have arrived at his view.
She deplored the fact that too often the High Table conversation was merely a succession of clichés and old jokes, or a whinge on students’ misbehaviour. But they all had to work together, and it couldn’t be done without a certain amount of forbearance and politeness. -- Is it really the same in every job?
For a woman of her age, he had corrected his thoughts at the time, and then, after looking at the other women at the High Table, for any age. I could fancy her. And he had spent the rest of the dinner glaring at a universe that made him fancy someone who was much older and a Gryffindor, too. -- It's a cruel thing, the universe, isn't it?
Love what they do with the chess set. Hagrid and Filius as rooks is a lovely touch, and this exchange is great with its bitter and humorous touches: “A pawn would sum it up, I suppose.” “Severus! Don’t be ridiculous. The other knight, please. Since I can’t see you as Albus’s queen, either,” Minerva ordered.
One could do a tree trunk with a vulture hat and people would still see Augusta. -- or a Potions Master.
Things had improved somewhat over the years – a few more witches in prominent positions, and Amelia Bones did sterling work in promoting more women ♥ for pragmatic feminism in main characters.
Dear Mystery Author, I thank you for a great read and toast you with a glass of grape juice Transfigured into liquid velvet with chocolate undertones and just a hint of the tartness of brambles!