06/01/09
Hello! I'm Julia and when I'm not cavorting with elves in Middle Earth, I'm a moderator for this archive, among other things.
Poetry, Anyone? I am the resident Poet Laureate over on the Beta Boards as leader of this fun little group. We have monthly challenges all with a Harry Potter twist. You can also find solid and comprehensive critique for any poems and help for all your archive-based concerns.
Susan Bones Book Club. I am the leader of this fun little group. Each month the SBBC chooses two to three fics from the archives to discuss. We also have monthly drabble activities and an incredibly lively chat thread. We accept new members at all times so if you're interested go and take a look. It's open to all members of the beta boards. If you have any questions or concerns then don't hesitate to PM me.
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The Resilient by Misdemeanor1331
Rated: Professors •
Summary: Sequel to "An Aversion to Change."
It's Voldemort's world now: a world of corruption, betrayal, greed, and violence. A world of evil thoughts and evil deeds, where no one can be trusted, especially those closest to you.
But through it all, there must be strength. There must exist those who will stand up to totalitarian rule, who will say no when others submit, who must survive despite their condition. There must exist the resilient.
Eventual Draco/Hermione with plenty of plot. Very dark, so read at your own risk!
Date: 12/15/09 Title: Chapter 4: A Change of Atmosphere
Yusssss, a new chapter. This keeps on getting more and more intriguing. Can't wait for the next installment!
Author's Response: :D Thanks for reading!
Date: 02/15/10 Title: Chapter 6: Natural Selection
Another riveting chapter. I love the thin line Hermione is walking with the Master - repulsion from everything he does to her versus relief at being out of Azkaban. You're doing that really well and it keeps the intensity and suspense alive. Keep it up!
Author's Response: Thank you!!
A Perfect Fit by OHara
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Years after the events of "Deathly Hallows," Ron has an important question to ask Hermione. Can he ask it? What will she say?
One-shot.
Date: 11/18/09 Title: Chapter 1: A Perfect Fit
Ahhhh, perfect. I've read some very cheesy H/R proposals in my time but this one was great. Very Ron, very Hermione. I loved it!
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I tried to get away from the cheesiness that you see a lot in romance stories and make it a little more about the characters. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
My Favourite Things by KarasAunty
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Voldemort reflects on his rise, downfall and resurrection as the worst Dark Lord in history. Inspired by the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit of the same name from the film The Sound of Music.
Date: 09/26/09 Title: Chapter 1: My Favourite Things
Hm, what can I say? This is brilliant! This is fantastic! This is amazing! You had me laughing lots which is always a good sign. I hope to see more things like this from you! Perhaps a Voldemort version of Dentist! from The Little Shop of Horrors or Love Changes Everything...now that would be a laugh!!! Bravo bravo!
Author's Response:
Hello the opaleye,
*blushes*!
Thanks very much. I thought it would be a bit of a laugh to make Voldemort do something a little out of character and give us a tune. Such is my twisted sense of humour...
I'm sure I could rustle up a few more songfics at some point, but not at present because I'm in the middle of another fic. However, I already have two more onsite: 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' and 'I Will Survive', that might keep you entertained for the moment (sorry about the shameless plug). Again, they're classic songs with an HP twist and a healthy dash of humour (I hope).
Thanks for R & R-infg and for all the lovely compliments on this songfic!
Kara's Aunty ;)
The Slow Burn of Betrayal by Equinox Chick
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: At school Peter Pettigrew was somebody. He was a Gryffindor, a Marauder and an Animagus. Peter Pettigrew was special. He would have died for his friends ... at school.
But what happens when he leaves the haven of Hogwarts? Peter is no longer one of four, but a man alone working at the Ministry. And with his friends caught up in life or death situations, is it any wonder that Wormtail gets overlooked.
This is the untold story of Peter's treachery.
This is Equinox Chick of Hufflepuff writing for The Untold Story Challenge in the Great Hall on the Beta Forums
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, and whilst I would very much like to own Sirius and Remus (although she can keep Peter), I don't.
Thank you to Lexi (Harry Rulz) for beta'ing this fic for me. It really is appreciated.
Date: 09/26/09 Title: Chapter 1: The Slow Burn of Betrayal
Oh, I really like this. I think your Peter is spot on and this situation entirely plausible. I can imagine this is exactly how Peter slipped into his betrayal and it is very well written. Well done!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review. It always intrigues me why Peter betrayed them. I think he got sucked in too far and couldn't get out. It helps if the Death Eater doing the recruiting is also seducing the poor sap! ~Carole~
The Vindication Of James Potter by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 6th-7th Years • Summary:
"James Sirius Potter, it is the judgment of the Wizengamot that you have been found guilty. You knowingly, in possession of sound mind and body, used the Cruciatus Curse and the Killing Curse in the intentional torture and murder of one Gregory Goyle the Third."
James Potter was going to Azkaban for the rest of his natural life, and his whole family was in shambles. His wife and child have fled the country, his sister was missing, and his parents were a wreck. However, James knew that he had larger problems: his guilt was coming more and more in question.
Though he knew that James was withholding information about the circumstances of the murder of which he had been found guilty, Harry had secrets of his own; however, even he could not handle this torrent of trouble alone. Can Harry trust his darkest confidences to anyone? Even family?Â
How will the Potter clan stop the downward spiral into pain and disaster, and can they recover what they've lost?
Â
This fic was nominated for a 2010 Quicksilver Quill Award - Best Next-Generation Story.
Date: 02/06/10 Title: Chapter 23: Chapter 22
Merlin's pants! Draco and Katie! OMG yes!
Author's Response:
I'm not going to lie...Draco/Katie was the main reason I started reading 'Burning for Revenge.' The rest was you kicking total ass. :D This ship has always fascinated me from the moment I read the part in HBP when Katie was possessed by the necklace. From then on, they had to be together.
Oh, and sorry I had to kill Draco, but I wasn't done torturing Harry yet. I just hope I don't get hate mail from you about how I handled Ch. 27-32. I shall see you again soon!
Date: 02/07/10 Title: Chapter 24: Chapter 23
Oh, Jess...I'm just...blubbering over Draco's death...poor Harry...with all his guilt...sob...poor Katie...
Author's Response: I knew before I even started this story that someone who didn't deserve to die was going to get killed. I sort of surprised myself when it was Draco, but it felt right in that sad, sad sort of way. Hugs! It does get better, though...I promise. :)
Date: 05/06/10 Title: Chapter 34: Epilogue
Oh My Goodness! That was much more dramatic than I was expecting! Gosh! Well, it was a brilliant end, Jess! You had me tearing up there with Katie. Just. So sad. Poor Katie and Draco :( And poor Mira. I hope she'll be okay. I'm a bit annoyed at Katie though not wanting to stay alive for her daughter. Because now she doesn't have a father or a mother and I know Harry will be there for her but it's not the same... still. But I LOVE how Lily named her baby hehe.
Oh, it's all over! I'm sad. It's been a wild ride with this fic. I'm so glad I read it!
Julia XD
Author's Response:
I think Katie always knew that this would come, the day that she simply couldn't live anymore. Once Harry was ready to take care of Mira, in my mind, that's when she made the decision; she simply waited for the right opportunity. It was pretty selfish of her, but in the end, I believe that Mira will be much better off thinking that her mum died accidentally than watching her slowly waste away.
A one-shot is in the works for Katie's POV during all of this, and what Draco said to her will come into light. I didn't put it in there because I wanted to leave room for speculation and guessing, and I think a future installment will do it more justice.
I do think that Mira will be okay. Much more screwed up things have happened to people who are well-adjusted, and she's past the age of constant supervision.
I knew that I wanted to name Lily's baby after Draco somehow. That's why I made the baby a boy from the get go. She would recognise that sacrifice and want to honor the man who saved her life and her child's with a reminder to everyone that he was more than what everone thought he was.
Phew, now you know why I was sweating writing this for so long. This is how I wanted to do it, but it's hard to make this sort of thing work without any loose ends. I did leave one loose end, and that was the ring in the house, but I think it is left there for future discovery by someone. I don't know who yet, but perhaps the cycle shall continue. :D
Thanks for reading and reviewing, and I'm glad it didn't suck!
Jess
Date: 02/17/10 Title: Chapter 33: Chapter 32
And it's finally here! I've been waiting for this to finally show up so I could leave it a proper review! So here goes:
First of all, I have to say that I really like the way you redeemed Ginny in this chapter. I don't necessarily like Harry with Ginny (although I do have some weird canon cravings from time to time) but I never hated her. So I like that she overcame her bitterness and I can imagine her doing such a noble thing for her daughter. She is a Gryffindor after all.
And thank goodness James' was...vindicated lol. I was a leetle disappointed that we didn't get to see the full reunion between him and Augusta but that's just my smutty mind going wild hehe. I'm just so glad that, even though Lily has to face her punishment, the Potter-Weasley-Malfoy clan have overall come out better off despite the shiz you put them through :p
And Katie and Harry. I'm glad they have each other. Especially Katie. She needs someone strong after losing Draco, not once, but numerous times throughout her entire adult life. I cannot emphasise more how awed I was that you had paired Draco with Katie. I confused a lot of people with the pairing in BfR and it was just so great to see more of them even if it was not the main focus of the fic. I just loved them together. And the thought of them having a daughter...gah. You're too awesome.
I'm not sure I've mentioned this in a review before but I have to commend you on your characterisation of Albus. I just love the development of his character from a generally quiet, and...dare I say it...not wholly confident man to a man who can learn to have an intimate relationship outside of family and become more outspoken. It was really well done and something that made me interested in a character that I shamefully had not thought about much before.
Thank you so much for taking me on a whirlwind adventure full of mystery and surprise and passion. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that you will write the epilogue sooner rather than later.
Keep on being awesome!
Julia XD
Author's Response:
Gah, you are fantastic, and I want to hug you. Considering I hate hugging in general, that's saying something.
I really wanted this fic to be five things: Albus's coming out party; the road to redemption for Draco; the shattering of this silly notion that people have of Harry being this wonderful husband/father, when he is, in reality, extremely flawed, maybe even more so than most; good triumphing over evil in general, but there are always people that get hurt along the way - we tend to forget that sometimes; the severing of what I have always thought would be a troubled marriage between Harry/Ginny. I knew from the moment I started that this was going to happen, and even though some of my readers didn't like it, when one puts some thought into it, them having problems because of Harry being secretive and Ginny being pushy was inevitable.
Another character that I hoped that you came to appreciate is James. He had been through hell in so many forms, and he, despite rough patches where he nearly succumbed to the temptation of revenge, still came out a good man. He's a lot like his namesake in his demeanour, and I believe that, had James Sr. lived to 32, he would have been much the same as James Jr.
Draco/Katie was a pleasure of mine, an indulgent one, but a pleasure, nonetheless. I actually read BfR just because it paired Draco/Katie, and that fascinated me. You are responsible for a majority of what happened with these two in my head, whether you know it or not. So I thank you, O Muse of Mine.
Harry/Katie was a tough decision for me to make. I know that Harry would never jump from one woman to the other, but there are simply times when one needs to disconnect the brain and just allow need and feeling to rule for a while, and that's what I did there. I have no idea what direction I want them to take, but they both need one another for support, and while Harry's teaching at Hogwarts the next year (and he gets to be Mira's DADA teacher...plot bunny!), someone needs to hold down the fort and take care of Anne (I'm assuming you got the subtle reference).
I think I touched on everything I meant to (probably not), but in case I didn't, feel free to review again, PM, email, LJ, or AIM (I love all of these things). Luv ya!
Jess
Date: 02/11/10 Title: Chapter 32: Chapter 31
Sigh, so we're nearing the end. I love how you have Harry and Katie finding solace in one another. I thought about that element of their relationship when writing Burning for Revenge but I didn't really flesh it out. I'd love to go back and re-write that fic since it was so rushed at the end.
Anyway, I also really enjoyed the way Harry is reacting to Draco's death. It's neither extreme nor underwhelming. I think you have his characterisation down pat with this one. Bravo.
One thing that irked me a bit though, and this is hardly an issue, just something a bit amusing, was that Harry and Katie sort of forgot about Mira. Lol.
Also I'm just wondering why there is not much Hermione and Ron around. I sort of miss their presence in Harry's life. Apart from that, I agree with your choice to split Harry and Ginny. You know how I am about Harry/Ginny (although occasionally I do have a craving for that pairing) and I just don't think they work. Especially with the journey you have out them through in this fic, I think it was the right thing to do for both of them.
I can't wait for the next (and final?) installment. You really know how to spin a yarn, Jess. Mystery, romance, angst. Gah. I love it.
Julia XD
Author's Response:
Well, I don't think they so much forgot about Mira than weren't worried about her being in the care of Albus and Anne. Sure, Al is disaster with children, but Anne is really good with them. I was kind of hoping that was implied, but hey, I got caught up in Harry/Katie, so I'm guilty as charged there. :D
Leaving out Ron and Hermione was intentional on my part. It was supposed to signify the depths that Harry was willing to go to keep his secrets, because in the past, we knew that he would tell his two best friends anything and everything.
Draco is actually a larger part of Harry's life than this story lets on, but I'm going to explore that in my next novel length piece, which follows Draco exclusively from the summer before his sixth-year all the way up into adulthood/marriage. It will fill in a lot of the missing pieces as to how Harry and Draco had put aside their mutual distaste for one another and became **gasp** friends.
And then there's Harry/Ginny (another project I'm planning, but a much shorter one). I had this discussion with Emma earlier today, actually, but Harry has been characterized throughout the books as someone who was destined to be alone. It sucks, but his nature doesn't really allow him to put enough of himself into a relationship to make it work. I think that a sense of duty kept Harry and Ginny together for those 35 years, but a lot of those years were bad ones for them. I hate making Harry miserable, but to be honest, he does it to himself. The journey I've taken with this story has allowed me to crawl inside his head and take a walk inside his mind, and I really do believe that I truly GET him more than any other character (even my beloved Albus b29;). I'm glad that my characterization of him had the desired effect for you.
Someone who has been privileged enough to read Chapter 33 already has asked me about what direction I plan to take with the H/G/K love triangle (if one could even call it that), and to be honest, I don't know. I will make a decision, though, once I get around to writing the epilogue (whenever the hell that might be).
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. It makes me happy to know that I've been able to string people along, cause someone to pull an all-nighter to find out what happens, and maybe even incite a little bit of righteous anger. Luv ya, Jules!
Jess
Date: 02/03/10 Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 4
Oh no! Poor Lily! Goyle dmskv.ndfjkv n,dmfbv hdmnfbv s! Go away, Goyle!
But seriously, this is so riveting, Jess! I'm hooked. Sorry this review is not exactly helpful or constructive in any way but I'm just loving the story. I'm really enjoying your characterisation. Although we don't really know much about Harry's children and other Next-Gen characters, I think the way you have written them makes sense and feels plausible. :) It's late so I'll read more tomorrow! Turrah!
Julia XD
Author's Response:
Hug!squishes to Jules for reading this. This fic, so far, has been my baby, my inspiration, my dreams, my nightmares, and the bane of my existence at some points (like right now, I've been on the same page for over an hour, lol).
Unfortunately for Miss Potter, someone had to be the victim here, and since Harry is my favorite character to torture, she was selected as the one. More about Lily will be learned soon, in Chapters 9 and 10, but it's much more horrid than what you've read so far. Poor kid (Kid? In this story, she's older than me, lol).
Enjoy the rest of it, and don't hesitate to flood my inbox with reviews, because you know how much like crack they can really be. Cheers and until we e-meet again!
~Jess
Date: 02/04/10 Title: Chapter 11: Chapter 10
OMG! WHAT?!?! I'm reading this as I wait for my brownies to finish baking. I think I'm more excited to read the next chapter than eating a brownie O.o
I'm loving the angst and tension in this. You build it up really well. I love tortured characters and there are plenty of them in this fic!!!
Julia XD
Author's Response:
Honestly, the angst/torture has barely begun. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. The story is about to take an interesting turn, so stay tuned. :D
Date: 02/04/10 Title: Chapter 13: Chapter 12
He’s full of that disgusting Gryffindor compassion and friendship that you all seem to spew out of every orifice.
Mwahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
Author's Response: I wouldn't dare take ALL of the Slytherin out of Draco. It makes him interesting. :D
The Silver Doe by hestiajones
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Severus casts his Patronus and remembers the one woman he ever loved...
Date: 10/24/09 Title: Chapter 1: The Silver Doe
Natalie! I loved reading this! Poetry is so fun, is it not? Where is your thread in Poetry Anyone? You should have one!!!
And yet, I have you still.
That niche in my mind,
That void in my heart.
They are not there without reason;
They are not there without purpose.
This is beautiful. I'm not really a fan of Severus/Lily but this really made me question my reasoning behind my avoidance of the ship. I also love how you ended with a question mark. It sort of wraps up the whole feel of the poem. Snape is questioning himself, thinking, switching from one thought to the next and ending with a question mark, especially since it is a statement you wouldn't usually think of as a question, puts the rest of the poem in a different light. For me, anyway... Great job!
Author's Response: Hello Julia!
Yes, poetry is pretty fun. :) But I have a separate muse for my poetry, and she is pretty sulky and wouldn't bless me with inspiration as much as my prose muse. Lol! I am really flattered by your praises. This poem just came out of the blue, and I was really skeptical because the idea of putting Snape and Poems in the same sentence is incredulous. I am not a Severus/Lily shipper either, but he did love Lily, and I wanted to pay a tribute to that.
Thanks again!
Contemplating Lilies by Equinox Chick
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Apparating to Hogsmeade from his Uncle Alphard's funeral, Sirius Black is expecting to see his friends already ensconced in the Three Broomsticks. They'd promised that they'd help him send off his favourite uncle in style. But after a ridiculous prank, the Marauders are stuck in detention, leaving Sirius alone and contemplating lilies.
Will anyone else raise a glass to Alphard?
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling and I doubt that surprises you.
Thank you to Kara (Karaley Dargen) for beta'ing this story.
Date: 10/20/09 Title: Chapter 1: Contemplating Lilies
Ah, Carole, you're brilliant as usual. I saw your banner and had to read this and I'm glad I did. Your Marauder-Era fics are always such great reads and somehow you completely avoid cliches while keeping the characters perfectly themselves. I absolutely loved the Lily/Sirius dynamic you had going on and your last line was perfect. Anyway, another great chick fic!!! I can't wait for another Lavender Blue update, by the way ;)
Author's Response: Thank you Julia, I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Chick-fics - ha ha - I like that. I rather like the Lily/Sirius dynamic too, but I suspect I'm too canon-bound to push it much furthur. ~Carole~
The One For Me by ron lover
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: James wonders why Lily can't see that she is the one for him.
Date: 03/18/10 Title: Chapter 1: The One For Me
Hi Alyssa!
You have a very unique style of poetry and I always enjoy reading them. The two line stanzas and nice and straightforward and plunge the reader right into the emotions you are trying to portray so well done! If you hadn't told me what pairing this was inspired by then I would certainly have chosen James and Lily because you have caught the whole situation perfectly.
Now, one thing bothers me though. The fourth stanza seems out of place. The first line is a bit of a mouthful and if you try to read it aloud it sort of ties the tongue and disrupts the overall flow of the poem. I would try and change it up a bit, have fewer syllables in there to match the other stanzas. It also seems a bit cheesy with the 'To be your man.' but a lot of people like that type of thing so it's really up to you!
Overall, I love seeing how your poetry keeps on getting better and better. Well done!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Julia! I thought that the fourth stanza was a mouthful too. I think it's really, really cheesy, and I don't really like it. But I'm going to make it less syllables at some point. Thank you for the compliments and the crit!
Date: 11/07/09 Title: Chapter 1: Distantly
That was beautiful. Really, truly beautiful and so simple yet profound in meaning. I love the darkness you portray in Andromeda. It feels so real and sincere. I love it!
Author's Response: A late response, but I am playing catch up! I am so glad you enjoyed it, thank you so much for your review. :)
Celestina: The Lost Album by KarasAunty
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary:
A selection of (possible) songs from Celestina Warbeck's hit album 'You Stole My Cauldron, But You Can't Have My Heart'. Take with a healthy pinch of salt! *Contains references to insinuated sexual situations* UK English.
Date: 11/18/09 Title: Chapter 1: Track 1: Bewitching Lass
the one I loved so dear,
I came in welly boot and sock,
(Your mother thought it queer).
LMAO. What a great idea. I cannot wait to see what else you come up with. I'm sure some wrock bands would love to put music to this. I'd love to hear it too!
Author's Response:
Hello opaleye,
'wrock' band, eh? I love it! That made me smile :)
Glad you liked it. I'm thinking her album would be about ten songs long, give or take a couple, so I'll need to put my thinking cap on if I'm to finish the whole thing. Damn shame I don't know any wrock bands, though...
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M :)
The Dawn by ahattab33
Rated: 3rd-5th Years • Summary:
Ron Weasley is staying at Shell Cottage during the Christmas of 1997. These are the thoughts and feelings that occupy him.
This is ahattab33 of Hufflepuff, and this is for the "Watching the Mirror" class on the MNFF Beta Boards.Date: 12/08/09 Title: Chapter 1: The Dawn
Amanda!
I loved this. I think you really caught the emotions Ron would have been feeling at that time in his life. If you are going to write an angsty Ron, then that would be the moment to do it! Well done!
One thing though, in your summary you say Christmas 2000 when it is actually Christmas 1997 (I think). Also, "He stuck his hand in his pocket again, fingering the Deluminator again. " You have repeated the word 'again'. Sorry for the nitpicks! I really did love this fic!
My favourite bit would have to be this.
Ron had finally understood how a person could feel so many things at once. He could be jealous of his brother for catching the girl of his dreams in domestic bliss…he could be utterly in love with someone whom he was sure now would never speak to him again…he could be guilty beyond words for an action taken in anger…he could be horrified at his own being for his capacity to hurt another person...he could feel a determination like no other to somehow make it right.
It is so fitting with how I imagine Ron would be feeling. I felt like I was nodding in agreement with every word. Keep up the great writing!
-Julia XD
Author's Response:
*headdesk* *headdesk* I didn't want to advertise per se that I actually submitted a story without a beta, but....there you go. Big freaking huge canon error there. So I very much appreciate the nit picks.
I was otherwise very pleased and delighted to receive a review so quickly and a favorable one at that! Thank you so much for the review and the kind words, and seriously - if you saw anything else, please let me know. *embarrassed grin* THANK YOU!
~Amanda
Best of You by coQuillEon1
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: She belongs to him. Plain and simple. And if she ever thought that getting away from him would be that easy, she certainly has another thing coming.
Date: 01/21/10 Title: Chapter 1: Keep My Lovers True
I'm am really intrigued with the back story you're building. I hope you update soon! This is very compelling, very compelling indeed.