Re: Thank You!
I'll start here -- Would you mind if I added you to my f-list? Please do! I was planning to ask you the same, since I'm eager to read everything you write, down to the last journal post /g/.
And thank you, not only for the wonderful story, but for providing your background thoughts about it; I love such glimpes into the writer-at-work. I'm taken with this notion in particular: I liked the idea of them all needing a little solitude and selfishness to remember who they are as individuals. I think it's at least partly because they're all being "selfish" that all three characters are so fully-realized (even if we're not inside the thoughts of MM and Moody). Their individuality comes through so clearly, both "now" (the summer of the story) and later: the seeds of the Harry-years characters germinate perfectly in this prequel to canon. That's another thing that makes this story so satisfying -- the fact that it provides such a rich narrative in its own right without violating (in fact, it helps explain) what each character becomes in canon.
Minerva, that she's still a sexual creature, an independent woman entitled to her own hobbies and privacy and boundaries, not just a teacher and deputy headmistress *sighs with happiness* -- Yes, this is just the Minerva I love to see in fanfic.
I liberally borrowed some fanon from it
Ha! I suspected you as the author, but I wasn't 100% certain until I reread "Art and Science" before reccing it to crack_broom and noticed the high-button shoes and Andrew's name. I loved those touches for the continuity and depth they provide.
(And I'm so glad you didn't feel spammed by all my commentary. I tend to get a little verbal when I'm excited /g/)