You're back!! Hooray! Of course, after reading your update, now I am heart-broken, but in the best way possible.
Will! As others have said, I have also come to really like him. And now he is in danger, possibly dead, and we won't be able to find out what happens until the next update. Gaa!! I have to give kudos to you, though, because that is one of the marks of a good fan fic: your readers becoming emotionally invested in the characters. (Also: I just had a weird thought: It would be very ironic for a member of the Werewolf Capture Unit to be turned into a werewolf...future plot twist??)
And since we are talking about Will, I have to give you massive heaps of praise for your OCs. After reading many average to sub-par to downright horrible fics during your dry spell, I can honestly say that writing OCs is hard! Self-inserts or Mary Sues are an abomination and hurt my brain and respect for canon. Just a huge shout-out to you because your OCs are actually read like real people: relatable, flawed, a breath of fresh air.
And I haven't said anything about Remus yet, but, as always, I love him.
Author's Response: LOL, Hurt your brain...you make me laugh! I'm so glad my OC's don't hurt! So far, anyway. ;) That is such a wonderful compliment. Thank you so much. I do enjoy writing them. I also love reading reader's theories on plot twists and such. ;) Of course, I always hate not being able to discuss them, out of danger of revealing the actual plot, but I do love reading them. :) I also love your reviews (I love all my reviews), but I just went back and read all the ones you'd left, trying to determine how long you'd been with the story. Anyway, it was a pleasure to re-read them. They really are wonderful. Thank you for that and for this. And thank you for loving Remus. He needs love!
I found this story about three days and started reading and then I realized that I was about 48 chapters behind. Of course, by then I was sucked in and had to keep reading during my free time.Your story is amazing! Marauders era stories are my favorite and your story is now in my top 2.
Remus is my absolute favorite character and I love the way you write him. He is just the way I imagine him and the way I wish I could write him. I also appreciate anyone who treats Peter as real friend and a real Maruader. I like that you also keep us updated about what is happening outside of Hogwarts. It gives the story more depth and makes it feel more real. The banter between the Maruaders sounds so realistic, you write dialogue really well. Oh, there are just so many things I love about this story!
Now you have me anxiously awaiting the next chapter. I really can't wait to know what Lindi is going to have to do. And, much later in the story, I am really looking forward to seeing how you write about when Snape finds out about Remus's "furry little problem." And, of course, I am worried about Remus telling Lindi. This was a rather rambling review, but I just wanted to let you know...I'm hooked on your story.
Author's Response: Oh, thelongestwinter, I love rambling reviews like this. :D I am so glad you found the story and are enjoying it. It sure has been a lot of fun to write. The Marauders\' story is so intriguing to me; they have given me many hours of entertainment. I\'m always so happy to know it has entertained others. The Snape prank should be coming up, shouldn\'t it? <.< *Reminds readers that it is now in conflict with the official canon timeline set in Deathly Hallows* *sigh* I wish I could get the next chapter submitted, but hopefully the site will be fixed soon. I promise that the minute it is open again, I will submit the next one. It is formatted and ready to go. I really hope you enjoy it.
What a beautiful chapter. Worth the wait, as always. The first section where Remus is left alone to contemplate everything was so very good. Getting to go inside of Remus’ head and begin to understand all of the feelings of betrayal was a bit heart-rending for me. How will the Marauders ever get to be friends again? I suppose that things can never be quite the same again. After this experience, they have lost quite a bit of their innocence. They are no longer just school boys. They are maturing into young men and this experience has opened their eyes to what each member is truly capable of. I have to agree with MaraudersWolf that your story has a lot of depth, which is why I keep coming back for more.
I think this chapter also reminded everyone that being a werewolf is really a curse. It is not just a minor inconvenience. I think that all of the Marauders, even Remus, may have gotten a little too comfortable with the circumstances. This is another wake-up call for them; they can never be a carefree as they used to be when they marauded under the full moon.
Yikes! I am in a really dreary mood right now! Don’t let the dreariness detract from the fact that I really loved the chapter. And you left us with a cliff-hanger once again. I don’t even want to try to guess what might happen with Lindi. He will break up with her, he will tell her and she will break up with him…he will tell her and they will stay together…oh, wishful thinking.
Author's Response: *sigh* Thank you, thelongestwinter, for such a truly lovely review. It is just...*sigh* I feel like a success (so far) Thank you.
I’m a little sad. I haven’t had internet for the past three months and I finally bought a new wireless card for my computer today. One of the first things that I did (now that I can finally use the internet again) was log onto this site, fingers crossed and hoping against hope that Chapter 50 had been posted, but to no avail. So sad. But on the bright side, apparently I haven’t missed much during my three month technological darkness.
Since I’m here (and because I can again) I just want to commend you for Chapter 49. It was great, as always. I’m glad to finally know what the bet was. It definitely took Lindi far out of her comfort zone! And you gotta love teenage Remus! Oh, hormones. Plus, the “mature” birthday present that the Marauders gave Remus were fantastic. They are starting to grow up and I’m glad to be able to witness it through your fanfic.
Lastly, I want to thank you for not leaving us in too much suspense as we eagerly await Chapter 50. However, since the end of this chapter was so open-ended, I am really quite curious to see where you are going next. Happy writing!
Author's Response: Oh, I feel so very guilty. What a wonderful, and patient review. I am so ashamed that it has been so long. I always told myself I would not do that to readers as I hate it when I\'m reading something. I really don\'t blame anyone who has given up or lost interest in the story. If it makes a difference, I have 3800+ words for the next chapter written. I still have a lot to go, but I am a little more focused than I have been in weeks. Sadly, I will have to go out of town this weekend and probably lose my focus again. >.< But RL...what can one do? *sigh* I am glad that even if the last chapter was open-ended, it wasn\'t a vicious cliff hanger or I would be so guilt ridden I would probably want to run away. :*(
Chapter 49...Oh, yes...hormones...yep...<.< scary things...>.> :X I\'m really glad you liked the presents. I find those sorts of things difficult to come up with, which is why I\'m trying to figure out how I can avoid all the other characters\' birthdays. *wonders if anyone would buy that everyones\' birthdays coincidentally occur over full moon and so we don\'t see what everyone gets/gives* *rolls eyes* Okay, now I\'m rambling. I\'m really happy you are enjoying the story still. Thank you for this really wonderful review, thelongestwinter. I will try very hard to get chapter 50 finished soon.
OH, you are a sneaky one, aren't you? What with your cliffhangers and your titles designed to trick your readers! :) I thoroughly enjoy all of the moments I spend agonizing over cliffhangers and being constantly surprised by the new chapters. Is that the whole point of a good fan fiction?
Now that I know what SWM means, I can whole-heartedly agree with your position. I have never really put two and two together, but now that memory just irks me a bit. At least you can make up for it by having Remus at least yell at Sirius not in front of Snape in the fan-fiction world....right?
Author's Response: :*) Responding at long last. I'm so ashamed, but hope it is better late than never. I feel rather bad about that memory irking you now, but...>.< It irks me to no end. LOL Thank goodness for fanfiction. I might not be able to make up for anything, but I can make myself feel better. HA! I must admit, I do like when I find a title that is deceptive. Titles generally give me a great headache, but once in a while, I almost break my arm patting myself on the back. :*) I was pleased with myself for this one and I did also like Where There's a Will. *snicker* I am so glad you enjoy cliffhangers. I do take pride in those too. I hate reading them, but LOVE writing them. :D Thank you so much for reviewing, thelongestwinter. I appreciate it. I hope you are still there to see this reply after so very long, and to read the next chapter which should be up very soon.
Well, this just tugged on my heartstrings...First there was Lindi telling Remus she loved him and just getting an agonized look for all her troubles, that is a definate awkward moment. Then that horrendous goodbye kiss...I really, really don't want it to be goodbye.
Remus is so hard on himself, too. Guilty conscious, indeed.I think that is actually part of why I love him so much, because he has standards and is respectful. Still, it was lucky that he had James to put some things into perspectives.
On to other thoughts, I am cringing, but ready (I think) for Remus to tell Lindi his furry little secret. This relationship cannot go much further without that. As Remus says, he doesn't truly have Lindi and he doesn't seem like the type of man who could be content with that for very much longer. Also, on a more selfish note, I just really want to know how that goes...
In conclusion, another lovely chapter...thanks!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, thelongestwinter. 'tugged on my hearstrings'. Ah... I love to read that. That is just the way I want a reader to feel about Remus. Also, you are reacting the same way Remus is to telling Lindi; cringing, ready, he thinks...LOL *sigh* Poor Remus. I will try to let you see how it all works out sooner than later, but like I've whined many times before, I'm having a hard time. :*( /starting to make more excuses] Thank you for reviewing. I need the prodding more than I'd like to admit. ;) *goes to fix supper so she can get to writing* :)
Ahh! I can't believe you killed Will!! So much sadness.
Ok, calm down and go read the next chapter...
Author's Response: :( I'm so sorry. I really didn't want to kill him. I had to. :( Thank you, thelongestwinter. It makes me happy (in a sad way) to know it made you sad, because I'm glad you cared about poor Will. :)
I'm still sad. But that was a good chapter. The bit about James never having a humble thought made me laugh out loud. I actually pretty much loved everything James did in this chapter. And Peter standing up to Sirius was awesome! Go Peter!
And poor Lindi! She had to have taken a calming draught or been imperioused or something, right? right? You really are being awfully terrible to Lindi! She needs a good hug (maybe from Remus...).
Author's Response: Thank you, thelongestwinter. I'm glad you enjoyed James and Peter. I have become a greater fan of James through writing him a bit more, but still can barely make myself be nice to Peter! haha... And yes, I'm awful to Lindi. I know... I do feel bad about it, for what that's worth. :*) Thank you for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Oh my. Wow. That was a great chapter! I don't remember the last time that you had me in such suspense. Will they do it or won't they? Do I want them to do it or don't I? Is he going to tell her or isn't he? Oh, you had my heart racing while I read this chapter.
I simply love your writing. You make things seem so real in your chapters. It just feels like I’m right there in their heads and maybe I'm not quite reading fan fiction, but almost a book. Just lovely. You write fan fiction the way I wish I could.
Oh, Remus. So tormented. I just want to hug him. He's the luckiest guy in the world (Lindi loves him!), but at the same time, he has to deal with his demons. I just love your portrayal of him (and since I didn't get a chance to comment on your last chapter: I loved what you did with Sirius in that chapter - although Remus basically ignored his good advice).
What a cliff-hanger, too. I can't wait for the next chapter. I am completely invested in your story. What a great way to start off 2009!
Author's Response: *beams* Thank you so much, thelongestwinter. I feel very honored that you think so highly of my story. As I’ve said numerous times before, I love Remus and it is my goal to get others to love him, too. :D He is tormented and sweet and darling…*sigh* If you want to hug him, the chapter worked. *cheers* And yes, I really enjoy writing Sirius too, so glad you liked it. [Quote] I am completely invested in your story. [/quote] *beams more* This is what makes the time and effort to continue posting worthwhile. Thank you so much for such a lovely review. Happy New Year!
So, not quite what I expected to happen when I read the chapter title. I had been so excited about Remus telling Lindi that I forgot that I have been waiting for this particular chapter for much longer! Oh, so good!
I am so pissed at Sirius! Whatever made him think that this would be a good idea?! I hate that he put Remus in this position, a position that Remus would never have chosen for himself. Thank goodness for Dumbledore, he is blessed with the capacity to be so understanding. I know that Remus is a very nice guy, but I am eager to see him rip Sirius a new one!
Now, this won't affect Remus telling Lindi soon, will it? I'm in such suspense over that conversation and its aftermath...
Oh, and SWM? I have absolutely no idea what that is...probably something really obvious
Overall, amazing chapter! It really captures Remus' character and I completely enjoyed it, as usual.
Author's Response: :) Yay for the unexpected! I was hoping that would happen. MaraudersWolf said she expected people to react that way. She's very good. Maybe she can do Legilimency. *hehe* I had a different title for this one right up to a couple days before I posted it and then thought of this one and was quite pleased with myself. :*) The other would have made it more obvious what was going to happen. It is now the title for the next chapter. *breaks arm patting self on back* lol Anyway, I'm so glad you aren't disappointed that it wasn't Lindi who learned the secret just yet. "rip Sirius a new one"...HA! You'd think he would, wouldn't you? That is exactly why I hate that book 7 put this 'prank' before SWM (Snape's Worst Memory :) ). Honestly, would Remus just sit there like a lump while they treated Snape that way after Sirius did THIS? *calms self* I'm going to start a rant/argument/discussion in my review page, so I better shut up. I know I take that all too seriously. *is a maniac* *see name* :) I am really happy to know you enjoyed the chapter and that Remus reacted as you expected. That is what I aim for. Thank you, thelongestwinter.
Amazing fanfic! I came into this story with many reservations. I don't usually read Snape stories (even though he is one of my favorite characters, the fanfics that I read never really got him right) and then your warnings had me quite worried about what I was getting myself into. But it was recommended to me, so I started right in and ended up completely amazed!
Your characterization of Snape was perfect! I simply cannot picture him any other way now. Your chapters flowed together so well and the story tied in seamlessly with canon.
There was such a great balance of darkness and light, as well. I felt so bad for Snape at times (although I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate the sentiment), but I just loved his wicked sense of humor. The scenes with him and Lily were so touching. If he was going to only have one friend, at least it was Lily. Your characterization of Lily was also quite good. I loved her cheekiness! She was just lovely.
Your fanfic is now in my top five and I'm looking forward to reading your other pieces.