Had to pause for sis's birthday dinner, but I'm replying now!
So, I think this is the single best review I've ever got, Tetley. Thanks ever so much for it! When I re-read the story after posting, there were some things I thought needed better wording (or better consistency); I'll pop you a message when I've posted the updated-final version to LJ.
I'm so glad that you loved the characterisations and the banter. I was trying to do a couple of things here; I wanted the story to pass the Bechdel Test (harder than one might think, given that it takes place during a war that is basically a pissing contest between wizards); make the sex both sexy and believable; not pigeonhole either of the women entirely; show how life does go on during wartime, even for those who are "serving"; play with magical theory.
The vulture hat is, I admit, one of my favouritest twists of canon in awhile!
I'm so glad that you enjoyed this work. It was a labour of love, and I was so delighted to get to work with these women--especially Augusta. She seems like such a minor character in canon, but there's really a fair bit about her character that shines through JKR's tidbits about her.