Albus and Fawkes cracked me up as did the Sev and Minnie part. Yes, I am reviewing almost a year later than my last review, but real life has been... real crazy! LOL Love that I finally get to dip back into your wonderful world. Excellent job.

I am deeply moved by this chapter. I am glad that I did not give up on the story while it looked like smutty idiocy. It was Umbridge that kept me reading. Fascinating dept of Snape's dispair and Albus' coldness.

Fantastic! Some of my favorite writers had this as among their favs. I see why. I laughed, then groaned when it turned dark or bitter sweet. I think I've been hexed!

Ghadzooks. This fic was wonderful in its emotional content. I was a tad disappointed at the emphasis and huge chunks of story dedicated to the original characters, even if the culture and characters were richly written.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you handle the whole shebang in your next story!

I'm checking back in with you; I'm still enjoying this fic greatly. Lots of interesting and original ideas for plot and character interaction. It's stories like this that keep the fandom fresh as otherwise we would risk getting bored of stories cut from the exact same cannon mold.

Wow. This story is amazing in plot and characterization. I'm pleased with your use of Flitwick as a mentor, it makes a lot of sense and works extremely well. It's also something rarely seen in the fics I've read thus far. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story!

You mentioned at one point to be gentle about your experimental sections, with the long periods of Eastern-style thought. There's no need, they were fantastic. My favorite tale from India was the testing at the Portkey station, because it reminds me of a folk-tale. I recognized it as Flitwick's test because of both the content (being kind to the animals) and the style in which that part was told.

This story is really, however, about the often-neglected characters in the Harry Potter world: the adults. There are minimal mentions of students, classes, and grading-present, but not central. This story has Severus at the center, and you've done a wonderful job bringing out all sides of a very complex man. Minerva's much more fun than her "stern schoolmarm" demeanor the students see, Rolanda always made me laugh, Albus tries to be kind even when delivering the worst blow, and you've made Filius yours. Everything fits together, and it works with Severus at the center.

I'm rambling, so I'll try to put all points together. This story is immensely well-written. The characterizations, storyline, and deviation from the canon events of The Toad's reign all strengthen this story to be about adults and complicated relationships, and the outside influences and cultures make it more clear what it is to be a conflicted British wizard (or witch) preparing for a second war against Voldemort.

Wow. This story has been a real pleasure to read over the last few days. I can honestly say that this has been one of the best fan fics that I have ever read. What's more, what I thought to be a good "crack" pairing - Snape and Minerva - turned out to be... well, a new favorite of mine, after reading your fic.

You've kept the world of HP consistent, the characters all in-character, the humor, romance, and angst all appropriate...

Absolutely wonderful job. I can't wait for the sequel! :D

-VM

WONDERFUL!

REALLY GOOD, even though I think there were a few inconsistancies. But as I didn't read it entirely in order, I could most certainly be wrong!

THANK YOU FOR HAVEING FITWICK CUSS IN GOBLIEN!

Hey there! :-) I liked this story a lot. Loved the flashes of humour, particularly Filius's magnificent birthday party! Absolutely wondrous! And the Minerva/Severus is gorgeous. *Sigh* I liked your exploration into Filius. He's obviously a character with a past, but it's so infrequently explored. I liked your take on it. Indian fire mages are HOT! :-D

This story is amazing. I'm exhausted from staying up half the night trying to finish it! I almost broke something when I hit "so ends", but fortunately for all of my furniture I kept reading. I look forward to the sequel!

Nice chapter! I so hope that Severus will share Albus's plan with Minerva and Filius.

I'm looking forward to the sequel!

Truly excellent story. What a place to end it, though. I can't wait for the next story in the series.