Ahh this is how you're leaving me?

Rawr. Okay. I'm going to try and be helpful, but right now I just want to tie you to computer and force your fingers to type out the rest.

When we talked you said your mainly trying to figure out where to go. I'm going to tell just tell you what I'd love to see happen after this, and maybe that will help?

According to Wiki (which may be wrong) Myrtle died the 13th of June. And we know that Hogwarts ends the third or forth week of June. So you actually don't have much left to write..

It would make (terrible/sad) sense if Grimm did die. We're not including Pottormore obviously, as you disregarded it at the beginning, so the fact that the McGonagall we know is single and doesn't seem to be interested in finding love ties up perfectly to a young girl who lost her first and only love the seventh year of Hogwarts. Which, as sad as it is, is why Grimm dying would make sense. I love that McGonagall is trying to protect Hagrid, by the way, it completely warmed my heart. But we know it won't last. So he would need to get found out, the school would be deemed fit to remain open this year as well as the following, and everyone would take their NEWTS and graduate. Minerva would get through hers in a heart breaking haze, all the while knowing there's so much more to the puzzle. She would get through her NEWTS then her and Dumbledore woudl have a one on one right after. She would share her thoughts about how she knows/believes Hagrid had nothing to do with it. How Grimm had always suspected Riddle and now he's dead, which lines him up even closer to the best suspect. But nothing could be proven so that doesn't even matter, which is terrible, but we know it's true. Professor Dumbledore would admit to her that he believes, as she does, Hagrid isn't the one who caused this.

Somewhere in that conversion Albus would confide in her that Dipp (my new pet name for him) has resigned his potions and he's been asked to take over. He would ask Minerva if she's ever thought about teaching..

But that kind of ending still doesn't leave the reader the kind of 'closure' we need. But I don't even know if that's possible because closure won't be achieved until many, many years after this.

Ugh! Susan! I don't know!! Obviously as a reader I want justice. But unless you're going to go AU, expel Riddle's pathetic butt, let Hagrid attend school still, and keep Grimm alive.. I don't know how justice can be achieved.

I am going to message you to ask exactly what kind of feedback would be most helpful. But, as a reader just picking up this story for entertainment, I absolutely love every piece of it. It's so well crafted and every time I've been unable to get to it to read another chapter, I'm thinking of how much I want to be doing just that.

Author's Response: It is quite a place to leave off the story, isn't it? I'm a bad one for writing cliffhangers. :P

I can't tell you enough how much this review has helped. Even though the next chapter is still hazy - particularly with where to start it - but the rest of the story is almost cemented in place, which is a great relief. There are of course things that may still change in the next few months as I go to complete it, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and for me, that's a fantastic step in the right direction.

Myrtle's death being so late in the year does pose a problem for timing, as it means I have to wrap up the story in days. I don't know what effect that will have on the overall pacing of the story, but it does work for everything to come crashing down at once. It's unfortunate that the HP Wiki doesn't give a source for that date because the Lexicon says that's the day Hagrid was accused. Thankfully I haven't mentioned any dates for a while - there are certainly benefits to being vague.

Minerva's defence of Hagrid will become the core of the next chapter when she hears that he's been accused by Riddle. It's a turning point for her because even though she's distrusted and disliked Riddle, she's found nothing concrete against him. She knows that Hagrid couldn't have caused the death, but she can't prove his innocence either. This moment pushes her toward her "future self" unlike any other in the story thus far. She fights injustice, but she also knows when her strength is being wasted. There will definitely be tension between her and Dumbledore over this - he will persuade her (and Grimm) to stop fighting Dippet's decision, but it will take her a while to get over it. And it will always be one reason why she keeps fighting Voldemort.

With Grimm, things are more difficult. I can't decide whether he'll even finish his NEWTS (though Minerva will encourage him to do so) before he goes to war, though I have figured out what will happen to him during the war. That doesn't have much bearing on this story, but I will allude to it in the epilogue. The problem is how to bring his relationship with Minerva to a head in a realistic, plausible way. It's not going to be a "giving in" thing, but rather a logical progression from everything else that's happened in the story. At the same time, I want to indulge in cliche. Arg. I'll see how the wind blows while I'm writing.

Your idea of wanting justice is amazing and I'm going to run with that. The focus on Hagrid for this coming chapter really emerges from your reviews - it's not something I had in my original plan, but it's perfect. It adds a lot to the story that I think will make the ending even better. Thank you so much for your help! You've bumped me in the right direction, and I feel a lot better about this story because of it. ^_^

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I'm trying to figure out what you're doing with this chapter, more than just the chapter I suppose, but their relationship. Will this be what ends them? Will he die at the hands of war? Will what they know with Tom -- or feel, more than know--?

You said you were looking for feedback on where to go, at this point as a reader what I want to see is something big happen. There has been all this build up, clues and sneaking and meetings in the dark, that I want something to come to light. Whether it's Hagrid being blamed and Tom sulking off in the shadows with his creepy face, or him trying to pose an attack on Minerva or Grimm.. whether it's them trying to prove his guilt and obviously not succeeding.. I just feel like I'm waiting for something.

You know that your writing style is flawless, even with the more complicated narration of this age, it's so easy to sink into. It would make a lot of sense for Grimm to go to war, considering you've been making it a part of this story all along...

On to the last!

Author's Response: Thank you again for reading and reviewing! I'm sorry it's taken so long to respond to your reviews. It's great that we were able to talk this part of the story over via PM because it helped me figure out how I'll work through the remainder of the plot. It will be interesting, to say the least, especially with what still needs to be done with both the plot and the characters.

There's definitely a feeling of waiting in this chapter and the next, an inevitability that haunts the whole novel. Perhaps it arises from our foreknowledge of the events to come. The characters can't know about horcruxes or the basilisk, and my struggle is to find the right place to draw the line. I've given hints of these things, but it's all with dramatic irony. One thing that I can definitely tell you is that Grimm does not die in the war... because I kill him in two other stories.

What's important in your review, though, is that the plot has reached that breaking point and I need to take action. As you say, all of these things have been building and accumulating, and now's the time to start resolving these things. I'm not so great when it comes to closure (being denied closure in a story is something I actually enjoy, so I pass it on to my often-unwilling readers :P).

Thank you again for your help with this story! It's wonderful to hear from someone who has read the whole thing and can see it with a fresh perspective. And your reviews are fantastic! ^_^

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Hi darling!

Okay, I haven't finished yet but I wanted to start my reviews of the last three before actually getting to the end. This chapter seems to fit in perfectly with what we know about the people involved, and where the story has been going so far.

I'm also incredibly nervous as to what Minerva will do/say when Hagrid is blamed. She was with him, but not all night. She also knows he was out past curfew.

The smaller bits of details your working out with the Basilisk are also really genius. The bites in the tub, noises, list Tom was actually training it. One thing I still can't figure out is why he's focusing so much of his attention onto Minerva and Grimm. If he thinks that they're close enough to figuring out him, and that's why. But you'd think the letter would have done enough to silence those worries, if it was actually about Gellert than I would have thought it would ease Tom's nerves. But then again he still realizes that Grimm doesn't trust him..

But so far I am absolutely intoxicated with this. The mystery, the love aspect, the details about Minerva's life that show us just why marriage turns her off so quickly.. it's all fantastic.

Author's Response: There's no rush as I won't have time to write a new chapter until the holidays, but it's fantastic to hear from you again! These last few chapters are the most important in terms of the overall Potterverse history - they set the scene for where the characters end up later in life and are also crucial to Harry's story, both in CoS and HBP/DH.

I'm procrastinating with the Hagrid scene because it feels like it'll be a daunting task. Minerva doesn't know for certain about Hagrid's actions that night, nor does she know exactly what Myrtle's injuries looked like. Surely a spider would have left a mark on the body (and I'm surprised that no one at the time took note of these things - CSIs they were not), but she can't offer any alternative apart from the death curse. No one can even have a suspicion that a basilisk is involved. Minerva has a gut feeling that Hagrid is innocent, but she can't prove it. Grimm knows that Riddle is involved, but he can't prove anything either. Grimm will be the first to come forward with his accusations, but it's only when Hagrid is made the scapegoat that Minerva becomes actively involved. But all the evidence is against Hagrid and his spider.

It's probably going to be the most frustrating scene I've written. It will be filled with injustice and anger, and because of that, will likely take up a whole chapter on its own. O_O I'm looking forward to writing the chapter that comes after, but this one... it'll be quite something.

Now back to the chapter you're reviewing...

Tom recognizes that Grimm is too close, and even though he knows that Grimm has no evidence, he can't be sure whether any will arise. Grimm and Minerva are known to be clever, and their distrust of Riddle make them a threat. I would think that, at this stage, Riddle might be more easily threatened - he's still building up to his paternal family's murder, and for all his plans to work out, he must leave Hogwarts with a clean slate. If 3 people suspect him, then there's a danger that more will also do so. It is, however, something I'll keep firmly in mind when writing the next chapter - I haven't worked that into the story as much as I should have.

Thank you again for reading and reviewing! ^_^

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This is going to be a terrible review because I'm on my phone, but I wanted to tell you that this is by far my favorite chapter. The inclusion of Moody was a really awesome change of pace, as well Minerva's thoughts in regards to him. I absolutely love her dry sense of humor, and seeing young Alastor through her eyes was perfect.

And I adore the fact that we're starting to see how young Tom riddle began his quest, and how even now there are those few who see past the facade of a sociopath and are not manipulated into his charm.

I also find myself really loving Grimm. He's an awesome character so far and his personality is such an amusing contest to Minerva's.

Okay, m'dear, on I go!

Author's Response: Thank you for reading the story so far! Even your short reviews are fantastic - I love to hear about things like the pacing, the balance between light and dark portions of the story, and how the characters are developing. This story has a great cast of characters to write about, so I'm really glad to hear that they're turning out well. :D

With Tom Riddle, it's hard to keep that balance between those characters who don't trust him and those who don't see him doing anything wrong. There had to be someone other than Dumbledore who had a bad feeling about him, but at the same time, they never would have had enough evidence to do anything about their suspicions. I also want to somehow build Dumbledore's knowledge of the horcruxes in, even if it ends up being very subtle. It makes for an interesting adventure in plotting to keep all of these things in mind. ;)

Writing Moody is a strange addiction of mine. I don't know where it came from, but it's been with me since I started writing HP fanfiction. It's fantastic to hear that you like how I'm portraying him!

Thanks again for reading and reviewing this story! I really appreciate your help and encouragement. ^_^

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"some more furiously than others."
I jut wanted to say that that line made me giggle. I don't exactly know why I'm telling you this, but in one of your responses, you mentioned missing the light hearted tone of the earlier chapters. Now with this kind of comments, you can add a hint of humor in a dense chapter without the need of fluff or awkward romance. Hope that helps :)

So yeah, I really like them as a couple, what ever I doing Tom there? And what was so special about that potions book? So many questions... What dd his breath smell like besides dungeons? Rotten? Poison? Blood?

Okay that was way too macabre. I loved the eyes flickering. I knew something was coming, but the great thing is, I didn't kline when it was coming. I could almost see the moon hiding between dark clouds for the eyes to be darker, but that might have been the lack of film noir in my summer... I'm so intrigued!

Also, Dumbles, enough mind reading for today. I'm serious.
For a moment there I wondered if it wasn't a bit OOC for him to comment on her relationship with Grimm, but then I revered when he did that with Harry and Hermione and you just captured his twinkling eyes perfectly!

Poor Tibbs, they just have to get together, those tangled hands are too cute to resist.
Was Dumbledore's "heartbreak" Grindelwald? Yeah, I love me some Dumbledore/Grindelwald. My other guilty pleasure would be Tom/Min, but definitely not in this story. Definitely not.

Will we see the basilisk? *shudder* He already is creepy without it...

Sorry for rambling, I wish it could be as interesting as your characters' ;)
_val

Author's Response: That does help! I'm a sucker for sarcastic comments, so it's great to hear that they alone can perk up the mood of a story. The part that I'm currently writing is very... dismal? I think that's the best word to describe it, so I've been trying to think of ways to keep it from being downright depressing - including little backhanded comments should definitely do the trick. :D

Haha, we know what Tom smells like because we know where he's been - the Chamber of Secrets. But that's something that Minerva can't know, which makes it a challenge - although Grimm is certain that Riddle is up to something, he'll never find out just what. It'll remain an elusive unknown even at the end, if only for canon's sake. ;) Oh, this chapter was fun to write with all of those dark elements! The story does become increasingly dark from here as it moves towards Myrtle's death, but hopefully it doesn't become too macabre. :P I've been focusing more on how those events end up affecting both Grimm and Minerva, as well as their relationship.

Thank you again for reading and reviewing this story! I look forward to hearing what you think about the rest. :D

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Oh ow. I had read this chapter, but not reviewed! *hides*
Silent reading is just a bad habit from when I first found HPFF so please bear with me.

Anyway, I feel bad because I know you want to finish your unanswered reviews, but I'm so glad you're taking this story gain for more writing! Though I won't e able to read so much now. I'll catch up! And by the way, your new banner I beautiful.

And it sort of sparked something in my mind... Myrtle? Hmm...

Anyway, onto this chapter, I really like how there's not only their complex relationship but this plot developing, really nice to read.

But poor Tibbs, I know Min will wake up --eventually, but he doesn't need someone to be stealing his secrets and messing with his missions. Even if they're the 'criminal' in question. Whatever. I had thought he was writing to his father? But now that I see it's his uncle, I wonder what his other family relationships must be like...

The detail about Minerva's brother was so sad. To me at least, I've just read so many WW2 autobiographies and that kind of books that the topic just hurts. Luckily enough my family wasn't involved, but poor Min. Let Grimm comfort you >:]

I really like how he turned to Dumbledore, I've always been afraid of writing him (okay, I haven't written him) but you do it greatly! I mean, even Tibbs trusts him! And then how they turn to Minerva is just perfect.

Talking about perfect, I really like the ending of this chapter, he's so high spirited it's contagious.

I'm grinning like a mad girl.
And on the same mad topic, please excuse all my review typos, silly auto-correct and clock marlin 1 am...

Good luck with this story, I really like it! (okay you got me, I love it) I really wish I could give you some CC :s
_val

Author's Response: Don't feel bad! :O Neither for being a silent reader nor for adding more reviews to my pile - I have a painful addiction to reviews, but I understand that people don't always feel comfortable reviewing, or just don't have the time. To be honest, I'm actually afraid of finishing my unanswered reviews because I'm not sure what to do when that number reaches 0. I haven't had it hit that for years, and I keep putting it off. :P

The new banner rather does include some... spoilers? Not explicitly, but Myrtle is important, more so than she seems at the beginning of the story. ;) That's all I'll say about that! I'm really glad that you like the banner, though. It took a long time to get it right, I guess because, with a story already this long, I want the banner to be absolutely perfect and meaningful to the story... and that's just impossible. But how it is now is more "accurate" than any of the previous banners I've made, so I hope I can stick with this one on a permanent basis. :D

Grimm's family relationships are interesting to explore, but I only do so a little here and there. Hogwarts feels so isolated from the rest of the world, where students only hear from their families by letter, that it feels like a world in of itself. Grimm's uncle - his mother's older brother - is either Head of the Aurors or similarly highly placed in a magical version of the War Office, which is how he also comes to know Moody, whose own father was a British spy. Grimm's mother appears in a later chapter, but never his father - except in letters of course. I can't picture what Sir Percival Grimm is like, for some reason, but he and Grimm don't get along well - Grimm has a lack of ambition that his father just doesn't understand. I think this is also why Grimm has trouble with Dumbledore - he sees DD as too much of a father-figure and feels somewhat threatened by him, but it's impossible not to trust Dumbledore. He's too intelligent and wise - it would actually be stupid to not trust someone like him!

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing this story! It means a lot that you're enjoying it, and I hope that you enjoy the rest too! :D

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Hi. I spent two days reading this story, and now I'm leaving a review on the chapter that is the loneliest.

I discovered your story on the "Quality Stories" page on the forums, and I was intrigued by the description, so I started to read it immediately.

It is an excellent story. Your voice is strong and the plot is so original. I love how you write Minerva, especially her interactions with Tiberius... It is obvious that romance is not supposed to be in the foreground of the story, and that's why when you put the two together, there is so much more meaning. This story is different from the mundane "I hate him, ooh, he's cute" fluff that I see sometimes on the archives. You made your characters mean something; you gave them the basics and let them become who they are now. I don't often find such great development in fanfiction, but I couldn't stop reading this one because of its superb quality.

The setting is perfect. I never thought of Minerva going to school with Riddle, and especially not during World War II, but now it all makes sense. The way you tied everything in: Grindelwald, the Ministry, Riddle, Myrtle... It seems like the events you invented were the REAL story.

Here and there you had a few spelling and grammar slips, but nothing that would take away from the story. I've never seen such flawlessness in fanfiction as yours.

You, VioletGryfindor, are a brilliant writer, and I can tell by the amount of stories you've written that you're very busy. But what happened to this story? Why did you stop writing it? You left me with Tiberius and Minerva, waiting for something to happen, for everything to tie together, but alas, there was nothing. I know that I will never forget this story, and the day that I see Chapter 18 up on the archives is the day that I'll be a very happy reader. If you find time in your busy schedule (because I'm sure that you have so many stories to tell), PLEASE finish this up. I need to know your version of what happened to all of the characters. I'm sure it would be an awe-inspiring ending.

Thank you so much for writing this story. The tone and descriptions were amazing, and I can only hope that you'll continue to write more things like this.

~~UnluckyStar57

Author's Response: This review has been a wonder to receive - a great gift that's been very inspiring. I'm sorry to have taken so long to respond to it - it deserves much better. Thank you for taking the time to not only read what's posted of the story (so far), but to also leave a review, especially a detailed review. Last year, I lost heart for this story because it seemed like no one else cared about it anymore. It may not be the case, but that's what it felt like, and I could not go on. Even before I received your review, however, I thought about coming back to just finish this story - it was all planned out; all that needed to be done was to sit down and physically write it. The "review problem" is still there, but at least the story will be done, and I can move on.

Novel-writing is a task of unceasing drama. :P

Wow! Your compliments are just what I needed to hear - thank you! I wanted to write a seventh-year story that included the romantic element without it being the primary focus - it is instead about the two characters maturing and developing into adults. Grimm's maturation is perhaps more obvious, but McGonagall also undergoes a transformation, more silent and subtle, but still of great significance. To me, they've become very real people - a danger, of course, but it's helped me push the story forward. The plot relies so much on them, the choices they make, and the consequences of those choices. It's wonderful that you thought this story of such high quality because of the characters!

It's not entirely canon anymore for her to have attended school with Riddle, but there was a time when that was believed to be the case. It produces an interesting dynamic to have been able to include all of these different characters from the series - from Voldemort and Dumbledore to Moody and Umbridge - and show how it could have been if they had all been in Hogwarts at the same time.

When I have time, I will try to smooth out the prose and seek out any typos - five years is a long time to write a story, and I've certainly changed since beginning it. I am, however, pleased to hear that you found this story flawless! Cue much cheering and dancing on this end. :D

There are at most five, more likely 4 chapters left for me to write. I've planned out the ending with great exactitude, but there is still some that I've leaving up to chance. My goal is to finish it this year, and it will be my main story project. I hope to have that 18th chapter up soon! Thank you so much for your compliments and support! ^_^

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So they actually know each other pretty well don't they?
It all makes sense now! And I can't help but think of Minerva a bit like a Hermione of another era. I mean, with her background, and her wits, and her wanting to be in control of everything in her life but getting upset when she can't.

But Grimm is a good guy, she should see that if she just stopped over-thinking. I mean, he did humiliate himself to be with her. It's something quite of a big deal to let hivego down at that age. Teen drama.

And I'm laughing at Dolores once again. Slow simple minded girl couldn't think of what to do. I forgot to comment in my last review about the 'thief'. I have this enormous suspicions that it's Tom, more than suspicions actually, but what's bothering me more right now is the possibility of Dolores being part of his plan, keeping Grimm out of his room. Though I'm not sure she's even that smart... Oh is it noticeable I hate her?

Grimm is so romantic, I hope his going to the match will improve their relationship and that Tom won't take that chance to enter his room again. Argh. (

Author's Response: Yes, they do. The backstory finally comes out, and both of them have to face it. Perhaps it's harder for Minerva because of what you said - she wants to be in control of her life, but it's not entirely realistic: there are too many outside influences that she can't avoid, and Grimm is one of them, so she often takes out her frustration on him.

Haha, I'd never thought of it that way! He set aside his ego - which is considerable most of the time - in order to gain her attention and get her to have a somewhat rational conversation with him, and he does this throughout the story. It's another of those things that Minerva doesn't notice about him. He's hilarious in this chapter, struggling to maintain some dignity, but utterly failing.

You're supposed to hate Dolores. :P That's what's so wonderful about including her. I won't say anything more than that.

Thank you for reading and reviewing! I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the next chapter! :D

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Hehe, I love your Austen references.
And argh, that annoying Dolores. It was a great thing that you criticized the society and didn't forget about the war, incredibly accurate and only made me live Moody and Grimm even more, all the while adding some crude reality to the story. And the school thing also helped there.

Slughorn was great too.

And Minerva to the rescue! I also wanted to take some time to appreciate your graphics. I really love this CI, and think it really portrays the best of this chapter. Minerva's leaving was almost like in a masquerade ball!

Ugh. Bloody Tom. What is he doing?
What's between him and Grimm? And isn't Tibbs a bit melodramatic? I bet he'll enjoy Min saving him for the second time that night :P She really, truly cares about him and it's time for them to realize it.

Still laughing at Dolores Vultur hehe!
-Val

Author's Response: Austen references are always relevant, I tell myself. :P And this portion of the story had a very Austen-esque feel to it, with all the talk of matchmaking and breeding. Dolores zeroes in on Grimm in a strange way, and I had an interesting time exploring her adolescent self. She's very much the popular wannabe, and as I wrote her, I thought of Pansy from the books. They're clearly set in opposition to characters like Hermione and Minerva, demonstrating a terrifying sort of femininity. :P

I'm glad that you liked the inclusion of the war and its impact on the characters. It's something that's often missing from Marauder fics, sometimes even from Hogwarts-era stories, and I think it's important to maintain that kind of atmosphere. I liked being able to link Moody and Grimm in this way because, otherwise, they're very different, and wouldn't likely interact.

Grimm = melodrama. XD I don't know why, but I'm drawn to writing exaggerated, somewhat nutty characters (maybe because I'm that way...? *hides*), and Grimm is no exception. He overacts, he's flamboyant, he tries to hard to play a part and it always ends up backfiring on him. But like you said, it gives Minerva the opportunity to show that she does care, even if she still continues to deny it. ;)

Thank you again for reading and reviewing this story! It's wonderful of you to take the time! ^_^

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Oh, I love your Moody! All detective since his early years, and always with his peculiar accent :)

This was probably the most awkward chapter until now. And I dont mean it in the way that it's awkwardly written, oh no, your descriptions are as great as ever, but every line of dialogue showed the tension of their relationship.

The way she's so interested in his conversations, and then him staring at her back. Hormones. And the almost love confession! I really admire Minerva's serenity, how she can keep control of herself no matter the circumstances, rare stammers and able to turn the situation on her favor. I knew she couldn't really be jealous!

And do I sense some mystery coming? I'm glad you introduce a bit of that here, I understand a bit more Grimm's relationship with his father, and I really want to know what Tom is doing! I know it's Tom...
-Val

Author's Response: It's great that you like Moody. :D He was fun to include in this story - it was sort of random, but I liked the idea of adding adult characters from the books and exploring what they'd be like as teenagers. (Umbridge turned out more interestingly, though - oh my gosh I love writing her parts in this story!)

If you think this chapter is awkward between them, just wait a little longer. :P Though I don't know, this could be the point where they're least comfortable with one another. I'll wait and see what you think.

Yes, the mystery part begins weaving in here, setting off the romantic plot and giving Grimm something more to do. Minerva has her Quidditch, but Grimm was left without a real pastime. I'm not sure whether it's actually a plausible thing, but during the War in regular history, one hears of all sorts of spying in the oddest of places, so why not Hogwarts too? (That's me trying to convince myself now of my past decisions for the plot. I'm not sure if it's working. :P)

Thank you again for reading and reviewing! :D

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Is Minerva actually getting jealous? Is that why she's treating him like that? It's quite funny to see her struggling so much over such common feelings, but I don't think it happens to her a lot.

He should've mad the Amortentia, but just for her to smell it! I really like how he's always thinking about her and school, quite a claw I can tell.

And then Dumbledore noticing their sparks, that's something xD And pretty awkward too. Was it Tom who told the headmaster? I wouldn't doubt it but why on earth would he do that? What are his purposes? >:S

I think this pair, well, they're really made for each other. They're both so reckless, letting their feelings guide their actions and then regretting them later, alway over-thinking.

At least Minerva will have to be kind towards him. It's too cute :3 Pax!

I really want to know more about their backgrounds, a closer look to Grimm's relationship with his father Whig I think would explain lots of things /and brings new ones/, and Minerva's modest family.
And I'm all exited about that Sluggy party! Will Tom be there?
-val

Author's Response: I don't know if she's entirely jealous - she's definitely annoyed with him for acting like a complete idiot at times (and believe me, he gets worse during Slughorn's party :P). He keeps catching her off-guard, doing things that don't seem logical to her, whether they be in her benefit or not. If anything, she's most confused when he does something for her - she's still at the stage where she's not sure whether she can trust him, whether he'll not end up making fun of her in the end. She's quite an odd duck in her own way.

Dumbledore does notice those kind of things a lot, doesn't he? A regular old matchmaker he is. :P But I was just re-reading this chapter to give you a proper response and I was amazed at how much sexual tension there is between her and Grimm. Oh my gosh, it's incredible! I can't believe I wrote this (I actually like it!).

Tom Riddle makes a wonderful sneaky antagonist, working in the background, messing things up without actually needing to be "on camera". It adds to his presence by only mentioning him here and there, having him slip through the chapters like a spectre. I wouldn't doubt that he was the one who tattled - it would be perfect foreshadowing for later on. ;)

Haha, I'm so glad that you think they're perfect for each other! I love the reasons you've mentioned - I'd never made those connections, but they're so true! They do over-think everything, then end up missing the simple answers (thus getting them into more trouble).

The Christmas holiday chapter later on provides snapshots of their home life, and Grimm's background will come crashing in on him later on... but I won't say any more than that. :P

Thank you again for the wonderful review! I'm enjoying going through each chapter like this - it's amazing to see that the story doesn't need any editing, from what I've noticed. Usually, going back to an old story means having to make corrections and change the style, but I like this story as it is, and I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying it too. :D

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Hmm. Rumors, rumors, rumors. They're so funny to hear /when they're not about you/. You really make me giggle.

I love how you make them deal with their awkwardness with aristocratic manners. It's all so funny. And the way he can so easily pick on her nerves.. Come now Min, we all know you like him. I like him :P

She's pretty reckless isn't she? But I know she wouldn't abandon her post just for some drama, it must be a funny sight for Grimm. Of course if he didn't have to deal with her compressing her feelings towards him.

I still can't believe how well you develop your characters and all the while keep adding new ones! It's not canon on the timeline, but really truth in the characterizations! Dolores is so obnoxious! I always hated her and could perfectly picture her being as you told.

Also, I'm glad Grimm doesnt like or trust Riddle, I wonder what Minerva thinks... Well she'll be distracted by Tibbs trying to make her jealous, she couldn't be too pleased but I feellike he's a bit desperate...

I know they won't be "just friends", don't worry Tibbs ;p
-Val

Author's Response: Haha, it was way too amusing to write those awkward moments. They try so hard to act like they're stoic and mature, as though such things don't bother them, but their masks are painfully thin. I liked showing how similar Grimm and McGonagall really are - though Minerva refuses to take notice of it. :P They have their differences, but they share many core beliefs and personality traits that make them incredibly well-suited to one another. It's probably part of what draws Grimm to her (apart from the physical side of things of course) - he doesn't have to hide as much of himself when he's around her because she just understands.

I'm really glad to hear that you like Grimm. I like him way too much, but it means a lot to hear it from readers. :D

Minerva's threatened resignation is an interesting moment for her because she almost loses control of her emotions. In all other situations, even those of the darkest sort, she keeps a cool head, bravely facing whatever comes, but here, she's still very much an adolescent, uncertain of her feelings. She does feel something Grimm, but doesn't want to acknowledge it because, to her, love is a weakness, and she has no plans for that kind of life. But Grimm makes things complicated, and she fights him and her own feelings as a result.

Before I ramble on forever, I'll thank you very much for reading and reviewing this story! It's so much fun to revisit it, and your reviews are a great help! :D

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Oh, I forgot to mention in my last review how funny the whole Dumbledore thing was! And I'm on Minerva's side here! >:| Okay, maybe it's just because I have probably adored Dumbledore too, but can you blame me? I mean, Grimm is just jealous (and cutely so).

I really liked Minerva's wandering over their drama, I think your characterization of her is really spot on, always organized and suddenly disturbed by such confusing feelings. Aah, it's great.

And let me just melt of cuteness. Grimm drawing a picture of her even if he was such a bad artist? I feel so girly right now but he's adorable, slowly coming to the realization of what he sent to her muse.

I believe Myrtle being alive at that time is not canon, but it seems like you started this story a whole ago and that is just Pottermore canon I'm speaking of. And adding your portrayal of the bullied shy girl? I think you can go all th AU you want it'll be great :)

I'm really looking forward to their fuzzy feelings coming out to the surface!
-Val

Author's Response: Grimm's reactions to Dumbledore are pretty crazy - he's jealous for no real reason, but is instead trying to make up for his own failings and lack of confidence in himself. He's desperate for Minerva's affections (I don't know why - for some reason, that has never come up, but maybe attraction eludes explanation :P) and will think any sort of insane idea. He has a wilful tendency that tends to get him into trouble. ;)

Thank you! I'm very glad to hear that McGonagall's characterization is working, and so early in the story too. I like writing her a lot - I think I relate to her too much at times - and it means a lot that you like how she's portrayed here. ^_^

With the mood of the later chapters, I sometimes forget the sweet moments at the beginning, the silly adolescent things that Grimm does (that have little effect on Minerva, the reasonable sort of girl that she is) and the more lighthearted tone. I miss it now, actually. Oh well.

Regarding the Pottermore timeline, I'm generally displeased with how JKR has buggled up my own carefully created history of Minerva, seven or so years in the making. *shakes fist* I've done two stories about McGonagall which take it into account, and you know what? Many of those who reviewed didn't even know about the Pottermore story! It's just my luck that someone who does comes to read the old story. :P But I will contain my frustrations against JKR for making it impossible that McGonagall and Tom Riddle attended Hogwarts at the same time, and say that, yes, this story is now an AU of sorts. The climate at Hogwarts ten years later wouldn't be half as fun to write about!

I'm glad to hear that you're looking forward to reading more! It's wonderful that you've enjoyed the story so far! Thank you very much for the lovely reviews - the whole set of them!

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So I just started a McGonagall mystery for nano, and loved her so much I went searching for some to read. And I'm so glad I stumbled across this story!

I might be the only crazy one in the world, but I actually like love-hate relationships. I mean, of course not when it's deep downright rotten hate, like between Draco and Hermione, but that childish hate, of bantering and such. And you do it pretty greatly!

And the other cliche, well they're not sharing dorms or common room so I'm sure it won't be tiring. She doesn't seem to be attracted to his abs or anything, thank god considering the era, so it all seems pretty believable and canon.

I already love Grimm, there's just something about him, how he feels for her and his muggle magic :)

I'll definitely be back for more of your greet descriptions and characterizations!
-Val

Author's Response: Wow! To be honest, I didn't expect anyone to pick up this story - the lack of interest in it (mostly due to my painfully slow updates) lead me to set it aside for a while. What's funny is that, since I'd finished two other stories, I thought of finally finishing this one too, then bam! you start reviewing it. Strange how coincidences like that happen.

Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to read and review this story! I know it's old now and out-of-date with Pottermore information, but I'm very glad that you've enjoyed it so far and I hope you like the rest as well. :D

Haha, there is something intriguing about the love-hate relationship, isn't there? It comes up in almost all the best romances, the characters battling for ages until it all comes collapsing down. Like you, I prefer this sort, where the characters aren't complete opposites and despise one another - there's just a small spark of /something/ waiting to be ignited. This story does play with the conventions of the "head boy and girl fall in love" story, but I do try to make it subtle. :P Oh lord, some of those really cliched stories are hard to stomach.

Thank you again! :D I look forward to your thoughts on the rest of the story!

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So just spent the entire day reading about Grimnerva (yeah...this what I call them in my head...I'm embarrassed), and I am so utterly in love w/ this. Which is why when I realized I read your Grimm series completely backwards, I wanted to bang my head against the wall and cry. Cause the only way This Longing will end, is bittersweetly or just flat-out tragically :( I understand why, but it still sucks. Anywho, you're ridiculously talented and have a great understanding for character development/motivation. Completely grateful that you're willing to share your talents to the HPPF world :)

Author's Response: Seeing a new review for this story had me dancing around my desk with joy. Thank you very much for reading the whole "series" and it means a lot to hear that you love it. ^_^

The fault is actually that I wrote them backwards, starting near the end, then hopping to the beginning, then back to the end. the chronology is all off, which has made writing this novel a lot harder because I've found myself wanting to change the end, and I don't know if I can "break" my own canon. It's very strange.

But you're right, this story is headed straight toward a bittersweet ending. I'm going to avoid the tragic ending as much as I can, if only to keep it from becoming a very depressing story about how awful growing up can be. :(

Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review! You've inspired me to try again with this story and keep pushing myself to finish it!

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Absolutely stunning, McGonagall is both perfectly in character and is a believable seventeen year old - although of course a mature one. Grimm I think must be one of the best original characters on the site and the pairing is strangely suitable. In fact all the characters are marvelously true to form (especially poor Myrtle).Your use of language is exquisite and really captures the era and the personalities. Eagerly awaiting an update.

Author's Response: Thank you! Wow, that's fantastic to hear! I'm glad that you've enjoyed the story so far and that you like how the characters have turned out. Both of them are very interesting to write - with a lot of contradictions and depths that constantly surprise me when they emerge. That you think Grimm is that good of an OC makes me incredibly happy. ^_^

I will try to update when I can, though I'm still working on how to properly build up toward the ending. That's always the hardest part of writing a longer story for me, but hopefully I'll get past those issues soon. :) Thanks again for the wonderful review!

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I really really like it.. It's written so well, you've done a great ob.. Firstly, the story itself is unusual, and... it's so passionate.. It's great.. Wow

Author's Response: Thank you very much! I'm really glad that you've enjoyed it so far! :D

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OMG! It's the picture in the banner right? Them in the chair!? Anyway... I absolutely love how you intertwined Minerva/Grimm with the whole Myrtle dying, Chamber of Secrets plot. And Hagrid being out that night and that time before! I'm rambling but everything is clicking right now! This fic is brilliant and I'm glad I decided to reread it from the beginning!

Author's Response: Yes, it's that picture. ;) That movie - Bright Star - influenced and inspired me quite a bit for this story, the imagery and characters suited Grimm and Minerva very well. It's nice to finally catch up with my plot plan to some degree - the middle of novels is always the hardest spot to write for some reason.

Anyway, thank you so much for reading and reviewing! It's wonderful that you've loved this story and reread it again, wow! ^_^

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I'm really glad that you have this in 3rd person/showed us some of Tiberius Grimm's thought. I think mostly because of how much it's interested me that Grimm is already seeming to like her - it's cute, and probably my favorite thing so far. :D

Also, Minerva's manner that she has herself/personality is very nice. I think I'm beginning to like stories with a sort of restrained (if that's the right word) person in them. I like it a lot :). How she's sort of aloof? Very nice :)

I'll be reading more soon! I really liked it ;)

Author's Response: Thank you very much for reading and reviewing! It's wonderful that you like Grimm and being able to see inside of his head. I could never choose between having he or Minerva narrate, so I went with both in order to get both sides and see how similar/dissimilar they really are in their thoughts. :D

I hope that you enjoy the rest of the story as well!

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Hey,

Today I got the tip to read your Minerva-fics from a friend and I was so excited that I have to start reading directly even if I actually have to time at the moment. So I could only read the first chapter today but wanted you to know that your spelling style absolutely amazed me ... in a very positive way, of course. :)

I like your Min (oh, actually I liked your whole charactarization, also about the Tib, the atmosphere around them) and the Head Boy/Girl clishe - like you write it - entertained me a lot. I'm really excited how it'll go on and hope that I will very very soon find the time to read the next chapters.

Sorry again for writing such a short, daffy review ... but I promise there will be some very great reviews the next time :P

Schnatz

Author's Response: I'm just amazed that someone recommended this story to you, wow! It's equally great that you came over to read the story, so thank you. :D

Haha, the spelling in the first chapter comes from many reviewers pointing out all my mistakes. They're helpful like that, and it's good to know that there's no typos or errors left now. But knowing the state of many stories on any fanfiction site, it's definite compliment. ;)

This story somewhat plays with Head Boy/Girl romance cliches, though they die down a bit further on in the story. Even though it is a cliche, it's one that can still be entertaining and, perhaps, even realistic. There's probably too much of a Lily/James copy in these early chapters, though, but both Minerva and Lily are similar in temperament to a large degree.

Thank you very much for the review! I hope that you continue to enjoy the rest of the story! :)

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Like I said before, great story :) I would love an update soon!

Author's Response: Thanks again! :D I'll really try to push further ahead on that update - it's partially finished as of now.

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I love this story, it's awesome and you don't find a lot of Minerva/OC stories in fanfiction, so finding this story is great! I read it all in one shot and I'm hoping there's more to come? :)

Author's Response: Wow, thanks so much! It's fantastic to hear that, and I feel so bad that I haven't updated this story in a long while - no inspiration at the moment, but hopefully it'll come back soon. :D

It's really great that you enjoy this story!

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I am SO happy I came upon this story!! The writing is absolutely brilliant and I found myself completely engrossed. Grimm is so perfect that I feel like he is actually a character from the books. -- and it is such a perfect explanation for McGonagall. I knew she had to have someone...

I was so in love that I went ahead and read the two one shots. I love that it follows canon, but I so wish that they could have more happy moments together... maybe they are going to be written in the remainder of this part? However, it really helps to define Minerva's character that she can never admit that she loves him... and they can only be happy together in the saddest of times.

I keep wishing that this story will go on and on! I want to know everything about Grimm and why he let things play out so tragically!! (other than having to fit in with canon of course. :) )

I look forward to reading some of your other stories!

Author's Response: Thank you very much, it's wonderful to hear that! This is a rather different story in terms of characters and era, so I'm really glad to hear that you were happy to come across it. It's also my favourite story to write, the closest to my heart, so any compliment of it makes me incredibly happy. ^_^

There will be some more happy parts in this story throughout the remaining chapters I write. Maybe I should also do another one-shot, one that shows a happy moment between them. The other three I have already are so grim and depressing, and that's not all the two of them had with each other; there were happy times, too.

This story won't go on and on forever, unfortunately. :P There are about 6 chapters left in my plan, and I wouldn't want to go longer than 20 chapters in total, just so that the story doesn't drag on for too long.

Thank you again for your reviews! They've definitely made my day. ^_^

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:( That was so heartbreaking. I hope its not a final goodbye.

Author's Response: It isn't, thankfully - way too early in the story for that. ;)

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

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things are getting interesting at Hogwarts now that Myrtle was killed which we know it was by the basilisk. she didn't deserve that fate. at least her death has brought Tiberius and Minerva "together" because now, they are going to find out who did it. will u update soon please?^_^

10/10

Harry and Ginny

Author's Response: The readers know it's the basilisk, but my challenge is to make sure that none of the characters find out. If I remember CoS properly, even Dumbledore didn't know of the creature, which is quite something. The mystery of it should hopefully keep the story interesting, at the very least because it's brought the two of them together again. :)

Thank you very much for reading and reviewing! I really appreciate hearing from you. ^_^

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