Moody,
Well at last someone is helping Harry get to the Heart of the matter. He has never had a time that he was either consumed by the Battle that lay ahead, or being mistreated by the Dursleys. He now has to learn how to enjoy life. Hopefully that should come easier, now that the piece of Riddle is gone. Is there a reason why the portrait of Dumbledore in the lobby doesn't talk? That would be a welcome addition. I look forward to the next chapter.
FoM
Author's Response: There's more to Dumbledore's protrait laying low, but that is a reveal for much later. Suffice it to say that the old man is hanging on every word.
Moody,
Thank you so very much bringing Andromeda into this. I know that Harry won't leave either Andromeda or Teddy alone for long. But I am surprised at the mention that she and Molly are new friends. I would have thought they would have been friends for a while. It was good that the two Mums were able to be together and chat like all Moms do.
FoM
FoM
Author's Response: Varioius instances of Tonks visiting with Molly at the Burrow, but I was never able to find any reference in canon to Molly and Andromeda -- even though they seem to be such a perfect fit. Andromeda really has nothing but a cameo in DH, even Ted Tonks has more of a role to play. She's too rich a character to leave in the wings, I say.
Moody,
Oh please let it be at the resort that the Dumbldore card will "talk" to Harry? Sounds like the perfect place for him to heal. I would like to hear the discussion between the Healer and Arthur and Molly. I have got to go to the next.
FoM
PS If I haven't said it lately, this is one terrific story!
Author's Response: Nothing could make me happier than knowing that you've gotten so caught up in this tale! I omitted the medical mumbel-jumbo from the Healer in favor of giving you an extended taste of Harry's nightmares. Didn't want to be too redundant.
Moody,
George is right. It certainly wasn't Harry's fault that the British Magical World was/is in such a complacent place. The concept of mounting a solid defense against an enemy was not even in the realm of the average Wizard and Witch. That should change. The adults (except for a few) left this atrocity to be solved by Teenagers. You have given us much to think about. PTSD in the Magical world, whatever wll they do? I've got to continue.
FoM
Author's Response: This was one of the most complicated yet enjoyable chapters to write. Harry's subconscious offers him a brutal analysis of his worth and he come up short time after time. Too much of a burden for such a young man to carry' you're right on the mark about that one. But is he really all that different from the young soldiers which we send off to war everyday?
Moody,
Brilliant!!! I loved the pace and the dialogue.This is the first story I've read that Hermione and Ron floo'd to Australia. Interesting. I thought the reaction of the Grangers just as I would expect. The pregnancy is a bit unexpected, but a positive. Wouldn't it be amazing if Hermiones sibling is Magical too? To the next.
FoM
Author's Response: At least Hermione can be assured that she didn't send her partnets off into an uncertain future; they found an unexpected bit of happiness in their new circumstances. Glad you enjoyed even though I didn't elaborate very much about the journey; perhaps the most important thing is that Ron was willing to accompany her evey step of the way.
Moody,
The time now is for healing. You have done a wonderful job in setting just how that will go. I look forward to the journey.
FoM
Author's Response: The hourney is just beginning. I've always felt that the ending to DH was bittersweet at best. And certainly not 'happily ever after' for those who have to deal with the aftermath of their losses.
Moody,
The time has come to heal. It won't be an easy process, nor a fast one. I do look forward to what you have for us next.
FoM
Author's Response: Harry's too overwhelmed to deal with the big picture. So he settles for making things right with Ginny.
Moody,
No I just can't believe Harry would think like that. Because Riddle chose him, it was only Harry that could defeat him. Neville never had the power that Riddle knew not, only Harry. Now that the Battle is won, isn't it time for the Dumbledore card to speak up?
FoM
Author's Response: Admittedly, Harry's felling a bit despondent at this point. But Prophecy always seems different in hindsight. Ever stop to think why Harry entrusted Neville to kill the snake, not Ron or Hermione? More on thatin later chapters..
Moody,
Well it seems we missed a bit. You fast fowarded to the crucial point. I don't know why Albus is surprised at those who have come to join him ,But his sorrow is as heartbreaking as they were when we first read of them. I need to go to the next, so I may see their view.
FoM
Author's Response: So many major characters were dispatched in DH that this chapter helps to give them a more thoughtul send off. Paritcularly for those deaths which occured off stage. Couldn't resist adding a few extra casualties of my own.
Moody,
It's coming to a head. The Battle is just hours away. Yes I do wish Mad Eye could join in the fight. He's right though. Showing up would be a tremendous distraction.I will tell you how happy I am that you were able to explain how Moody survived. With Lupin and Tonks about to be gone. I would like to think at least MadEye will be around. Constant Vigilance!!!!!! I must go on.
FoM
PS I always had a "thing" for Mad Eye.
Author's Response: Mad-Eye's a wily one to be sure. It was my moral obligation to save the man that led me to find that loophole. After all, he's a long-lost relative from my husband's side of the family (the Moody clan) which came to America from Scotland by way of Nova Scotia,
Moody,
I have been sadly waiting for this chapter. My heart breaks for Andromeda, Dora and Remus too. I guess I understand now why Dumbledore is staying quiet. A good one.
FoM
Author's Response: A sad chapter to be sure. But a necessary foundation for Remus to later know how to find Bill and company at Shell Cottage to announce the birth of his son. Ever wonder how Remus knew where to find Harry that night when everyone was doing their best to lay low?
Moody,
Oh dear. How quickly after leaving the influence of the Horcrux Ron felt he screwed up, again. Dumbledore missed the chance at riding along with Ron. How much better it would be if the Trio had Albus with them. But I wouldn't be surprised if Ron had some of his cards with him. I can't wait any longer to go to the next.
FoM
Author's Response: I like your idea of Dumbledore helping them figure things out from the beyond. It certainly would have made their Horcrux search less onorous. But then I would've likely deviated too much from canon. It wasn't clear how Ron would've found Fleur and Bill's cottage in DH, so I felt I could safely expound on that aspect of his untold journey.
Moody,
A bit of a break. But yet not. Dumbledore is keeping pretty quiet. I am so full of regret for Remus and Tonks It should be a lovely time, but with the oppresive regime it's the best they can do. I must go on.
FoM
Author's Response: Carving out a life in the midst of war is never easy. Made all more bittersweet because we know that we are withnessing their last golden moments togetther.
Moody,
Oh Remus. I truly thought he would have gone straight back to Dora. But I guess his selfworth is still pretty low. I am so glad to see that Andromeda accepted him immediately. Well Dora did too, she just wanted him to suffer just a bit more. I have a feeling that Dumbledore will make his presense known soon.
FoM
Author's Response: As usual, Remus judges himself much more harshly than those around him. Sometimes it takes a stranger to help you see your true blessings. Tonks always wears her heart on her sleeve, so I can't see her making Remus suffer for too long. Her fear for his safety would've overcome her anger at any rate.
Moody,
I guess I always hoped that Remus went back to Tonks right after Harry's tirade. I guess that would have been too pat. Dumbledore while maybe a help is still putting himself in the center and trying to orchestrate things. Now he has no reason to obscure the truth. Got to go on!
FoM
Author's Response: Remus was so caught up in his own 'pity party' at that point that I felt he needed a swift kick in the pants -- wizarding style! Hope the added chapters of his life make him seem less pathetic: I can't deny that I felt JKR short-changed his character in DH.
Moody,
This is coming back to me, as it's been awhile. I think using the Chocolate Frog cards are great. In fact there is another Author on this site who is using it too. There are subtle changes between your and his. Using Patronus messages are brilliant, but you never know who might be around to hear it. I like the fact that you've only given us a hint as to why Alastor plans to do. That will make it that much better. I will go on now.
FoM
Author's Response: Before DH was published, I remember reading a theory that the Order was using Chocolate Frog cards to communicatie with one another. JKR had a different approach (Patronus messages), but the idea stuck in my mind that there was so much untapped potential in that notion.Could you direct me to the other story that employs the Chocolate Frog card device? Now I'm curious.
Moody,
It's been a while, so I'm begining again. An interesting scenario. I now must go on as you have caught my interest again.
FoM
Author's Response: I've really been enjoying your comments are you go along. A different viewpoint is so enlightening. I apologive for getting behind in my responses so will try to catch up.
Little teddy is so dearly adorable!
Author's Response: So relieved you like Teddy! Small children are so difficult to write without making them seem unrealistically precocious. Notice that Victoire has stage presence but no dialog at this point.
Your writing style never ceases to amaze me! Brilliant as always!
Author's Response: Thanks for the encouragement. Hope you didn't have to wait too terribly long for the next installment. I lost the battle with Real Life again...
I just discovered "Chocolate Frogs" and haven't been able set it down. Of all the backstories you have created so far, the train station is absolutely stunning. A superb job of storytelling that is simultaneously as uplifting as it is heartbreaking!
Author's Response: I’m so pleased that you discovered my long and winding tale! There are just so many interesting characters to explore. With Dumbledore’s arrival in the tube station in the HBP movie, the significance of the scar on his knee made perfect sense: the man simply likes trains of all sorts. From that, the idea that he, like Harry, would see eternity in terms of a cosmic train station gave rise to all sorts of imagery. In the end, this turned out to be one of my favorite chapters as well. I was so hoping to capture how I felt as I finished DH: that their losses tended to overshadow the fragile sense of victory. Your comments made me think I accomplished this.Hope you’ll stick by the story -- especially when posting new chapters takes a backseat to real life (which happens more than I’d like).