I must have read this story at least every other month in the past 8 years (And only this month did I find out that I can review as a guest, lol). It is one of the most stunning, most realistic and most gripping stories (& series) I have ever read; and one of my favourite amongst the MMAD pairings on ff.
Your other stories and your general style, in fact, are utterly brilliant.

The last chapter here is, I think, simply remarkable. Not only did you stay true to canon, you also did not romanticise the story by letting them live happily ever after. Death is an inevitable (even the only assured) part of life, and so are grief and loss. Minerva’s reaction here is so heart wrenchingly realistic. Perhaps after the final battle she had time to properly grief for all those she lost. We shall never know.

Anyways, thank you for your lovely story. I do hope you will continue to write such excellent ffs.

Oh my, what a story. I absolutely adore how you stayed close book canon without tarnishing your own story line. All fits in very nicely. Your Albus' and Minerva are truly in character and to watch their relationship unravel we a treat. Especially the slightly "scandalous" beginning, but it was irresistibly sweet (and quite hot). Also the approach on how to become an animagus was awesome and made sense.
I would have liked though more interaction between Tom Riddle and Minerva towards the end of the story. Their relation sounded very interesting and I think it could have been more dramatic.
I also liked the small snippets of foreshadowing, but when I reached the last chapter and realised it's time and setting ... Oh man. It nearly broke my heart. I'm gonna go on read the related stories now. Thank you for sharing such an epic story. Indeed one of the best MMAD five to me.

Sidenote: While reading I was reminded of Resolving a Misunderstanding by MMADfan and couldn't help but smile at the credits mentioning her involvement.

See, what I don't understand is how you can conjure a plant. Isn't that against Gamps law?

i just wanted you to know that i've read in 1 day all your epithalamium series and that i think (and i'm a literature student) that this is one of the finest work of art i've the priviledge to reed online. You're great writer!

Oh, how sad! How much this must have hurt her to lose him so.

Great story.

Oh, what a lovely wedding! And Aberforth came after all.

A little foreshadowing there-the Greyback child became a werewolf, and we all know how well that worked out.

But this chapter is about joy, and two people who love each other declaring in front of their friends, their family, and the sight of God.

Beautiful!

Excellent chapter, especially with the foreshadowing that a binding between the two of them will come, even if it doesn't sound like such a good idea right now to Minerva. War makes hard choices.

But for now, let us let Minerva dream of a honeymoon in Italy...

Actually, Albus could kill Tom Riddle-and probably should have-if he knows a simple Vanishing spell. Or Transfigure Riddle's body into a pebble (whether he's still alive or not). Magic makes many things much easier, when you think about it.

And this is why Voldemort is in Cairo.

Well. At least this time Albus avoids the temptation to play with objects he doesn't understand-but if Meadowes is blind, he probably caught a curse meant for Minerva.

What a lovely evening! Birgit Nilsson is not to be missed.

Why would their relationship have to be hidden once they marry? I think this is a question that Minerva should be asking herself, and Albus.

But it was really interesting to hear of the origins of the Mark and the first Horcrux, though.

What a lovely chapter-the ring, the ritual interrogation by Papa, and the happy planning for the nuptials (with the traditional question asked about the haste by the eldest female relative who's going to have to put the Adjustment Charm on the wedding gown if necessary, heh).

Though...the fact they have to hide their relationship isn't just because Albus has enemies, though that's the excuse that's given.

And then when Tom steps in the scene, Minerva tells him. That means Dumbledore's enemies will know (as the main one does) in about five minutes.

So why hide the marriage and the relationship? Albus can sway the Wizengamot pretty much whenever he needs to.

But then. Tom does raise some questions that would have to be answered. However, now that he knows those questions may well be raised by others.

All this should come out into the open, or Tom will have ammo to use against the Dumbledore couple.

Another good chapter. It's clear that Dumbledore thinks about power almost as much as Tom Riddle does, and selects his associates on those terms more than any other (ditto Tom Riddle, mind you). It makes you wonder what would have happened if Tom had decided to simply wait Albus out; what would Dumbledore have done if there had been no war save that with Father Time? After all, with those horcruxes he would have been pretty much guaranteed a longer lifespan than Albus - and if Dumbledore called in a favor from Flamel, it would eventually be noticed.

But I digress. It is interesting to here Albus and Aberforth discussing family matters, though; the two are all that remains of the Dumbledore line, and Aberforth is obviously amazed that any woman wanted to give his brother the time of day (and vice versa, I expect).

ahhhh! as a philosophy nerd I cannot tell you how ecstatic it makes me that you've included it into you're story. I've always imagined that both of them would be well read in it, even if it's muggle. The picture of them having philosophical debates is perfect and completely accurate to their characters. (also on a side note, taking philosophy classes while being in the middle of a Harry Potter faze has made we wonder about how magic could fit in, so it's nice to know I'm not alone. even if my company's only fictional ;) ) Anyways, I love you're characterization of Minerva and Albus. Minerva especially is a good balance of strict work ethic, brilliance, and a subtle humor that stays true to her characterization in the books. I've read other stories that have gotten close, but seem to miss something. Your Minerva comes to life. Great job! :)

Amazing story! Love the love stories with AD/MG! Can't wait to read more of your stories