08/27/09
I am a serious Harry Potter fan who, according to one friend, "needs rehab." I like canon-compliant stories and pairings, especially Romione, which is probably evident from my stories.
You will notice I don't use British spellings. I strive to accurately portray British culture in my fics and have my characters (and JK's) behaving in culturally appropriate ways. But spelling and punctuation are tools of the writer, and I'm an American writer. I would feel incredibly pretentious using British spellings.
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In Love and War by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: In the middle of a war, James Potter and Lily Evans have decided to get married. Surrounded by friends and loved ones, they pledge their love to one another, and even the Dark Lord himself cannot keep them from realizing their vows.
This is Gmariam of Ravenclaw and I am writing for the Great Hall Wedding Challenge - Big Wedding prompt.
Date: 06/07/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter One - The Groom
Um, wow? I just read this whole thing and absolultely loved it. I'm truly jealous at your ability to write action so wonderfully... I was picturing every bit of it as it happened, and felt nervous even though I knew they had to get married somehow and have Harry. LOL. Sirius was great. I especially liked that moment she caught him looking out the window, showing his own worry/fear for all that had happened.
This was beautiful, Gina. Right into my favorites it goes.
Author's Response: Thank you for the great review! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story, especially enough to favorite it! *tiny squee* :) Thank you for the compliment on writing action. Like you said, I picture it all in my head, extremely vividly, so it's just a question of being able to dribble it out in words. I actually found this more challenging than usual because there are only so many words you can use for wand, raised, spell, cast, jet, etc. etc - wizard duels involve a lot of similar vocabulary, I think! ;) But I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and am so glad you read it! I really appreciate the lovely review! ~Gina :)
Things Change by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary:
James Potter has changed: no longer an arrogant, irresponsible prankster, he has matured into a responsible Head Boy with tops marks in Transfiguration. Lily Evans has changed as well: normally studious and in control, she has lost focus as she struggles with Head Girl responsibilities and N.E.W.T level studies. An unexpected encounter in the corridors one weekend leads to several startling realizations, the least of which is that things have definitely changed between James Potter and Lily Evans.
This story was nominated for a 2010 QSQ and is now complete.
Date: 10/20/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter One
You are evil to end it there! What is James' reaction???? Evil, I say! :)
Can't wait for more!
Author's Response: Thanks, Lori. I like being called evil. ;) I'm guessing you enjoyed it, so I'll try to finish it for you soon. Thanks so much for the review, I really appreciate it! ~Gina :)
Date: 07/19/10 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Gina, this is so much fun! I've only recently become a fan of Lily/James fics, and this top notch! I love that James did not just fall into her arms the way he seems to in so many fics. We know he pined for her, but c'mon! Have some dignity, James. :) I like that here. (Almost as much as I'm liking Remus... mmmm) :)
Can't wait for the next chapter. Oh, and Happy Birthday! ~ Lori
Author's Response: Hi, Lori! I am slightly obsessed with J/L fics at the moment, lol! Wait 'till you see what Natalie just beta-ed for me, hee hee. ;) Thank you so much for reading this story, I'm so glad you are enjoying it! I love writing these two, I really do. And yes - Remus is just so nice, I'd date him in a heartbeat, lol. Hm, maybe I should write him something, too.;) I'm looking forward to seeing what people think of the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it - thanks again for the lovely review and birthday wishes! ~Gina :)
Date: 08/29/10 Title: Chapter 8: Chapter Eight
Oh, dear. This is too wonderful. I love them.... James, Lily, the whole lot. Love, love, love!
Author's Response: Aw, thank you, Lori! I'm so glad you are enjoying it since I love writing it (in spite of what you may find on my LJ, lol)! And I really appreciate your reviews, thank you so much!! ~Gina :)
Date: 08/09/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter One
Hi, Gina! I've finally managed to catch up on this story, and you did not disappoint. The duel between James and Snape is just perfect, and I like that Sirius backed off after James told him he wanted to handle it himself. It's not the same, but it sort of reminded me of Harry in the last duel... "nobody try to help." Nice touch having Snape use Sectemsempra. James' reaction shows what a horrible curse it was, since he had obviously not suspected something so dark, even from snape.
I am adoring your J/Lily, and am constantly back and forth between crushing on James and crushing on Remus. Hehe.
I also wanted to mention how well I think you've written Sirius. I think because of what we know of his character from canon, he is sometimes written as so obnoxious as to be unlikable. And he should be likable! Here he is just right: snarky and eye-rolling and funny, but concerned and real, too. A likable guy. And hot, of course. ;)
Can't wait for another chapter.
Author's Response: Lori! Thank you so much for the lovely review!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story and the duel. That was great, unexpected fun to write. I sometimes crush on Remus too, especially after that June drabble contest. ;) And Sirius can be hard to balance so thank you for the compliment; hopefully you'll still like him in the next chapter, although I think he's turning out all right. Thanks again! ~Gina :)
Spontaneity by Northumbrian
Rated: Professors •Summary: Hermione (and Ginny) chose to return to Hogwarts to study. Harry and Ron joined the Auror Office. It's the Easter holidays, two weeks home from school for the girls, but their boyfriends are both working. The all important NEWT exams are approaching, Hermione's revision schedule is already carefully planned. Will she find time for Ron? What about Harry and Ginny?
Date: 08/15/10 Title: Chapter 1: Hermione
Your timing is lovely. I was so needing a good R/Hr fix this afternoon. :) I like the changes a lot... they are quite subtle, but still make a big difference imho. I just love their day together, and that Hermione let her studies go for once. But my favorite thing here is your Ron characterization... he's attentive and sweet and clever, which I believe rings true to the grown up Ron we see in DH. Nice writing.
Oh, and regarding that credit... I was SO trying to be nice! Haha. :)
Author's Response: Lori
What can I say, you like my characterisation of Ron (-: Hurrah!
You were entirely correct in your criticism of the original version, Hermione was much too humourless. Moving her away from uptight and closer to pleased to see Ron but slightly annoyed with the way he’d planned things worked well, I think.
Thank you.
N
Promises by Nitwit Blubber Oddment Tweak x
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •
Summary: Promises.
In the Battle of Hogwarts, Tonks has nothing left but promises to keep.
I'll be back. I promise.
Date: 08/09/10 Title: Chapter 1: Promises
Oh, Emma. This was just heartbreaking. I am not usually a fan of second person (to say the least), but I think you used it well here. Lovely story.
Author's Response: Lori! Thanks so much for coming by and leaving me such a nice review. I hope I'm beginning to change people's minds about second person, ha ha :)
--Emma
First Date Disaster by Equinox Chick
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Lily Evans wasn't quite sure why she agreed to go on a date with James Potter. It had surprised them both when she'd said 'yes'. But James hadn't stopped grinning and she was happy too ... until the owl turned up at breakfast.
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling. Her lawyers agree.
Thank you so much to Natalie (hestiajones) for beta'ing this tale for me. Sorry the IES didn't make an appearance. This fic is compliant with Veils.
Date: 08/09/10 Title: Chapter 1: First Date Disaster
GAH! This is so swoony! Between you and Gina, J/L has officially become my runner-up OTP. :) I love them here. We know that James was arrogant sometimes, but I have a hard time believing that was the bulk of his personality. I love him here, and Lily, too. You write them so well, without stereotypes.
Loved her breakdown and the reason why. I think she would have been heartbroken at her family circumstances. Great read, Carole.
Author's Response: Yes... we're luring you away from Trio era... Join us, Lori... the Marauders await! thank you so much for the review. It means a lot that you read, enjoyed and then told me so *grins* Thanks again ~Carole~
Going Against Salazar's Grain by hestiajones
Rated: 1st-2nd Years • Summary: "Sometimes," said Dumbledore, "we sort too soon."
Originally writtten for TTB's ReSorting Challenge. Many, many thanks to Riham (padfoot_returns) for her wonderful work on this story. :D
This story won a 2011 QSQ for Best Alternate Universe in the one-shot category.
DISCLAIMER: I am not J.K.Rowling, though everything you recognise belongs to her. AU because Dumbledore was a Gryffindor. ;)
Date: 11/07/11 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Wow, Natalie. I have no idea how I have never read this story? Good thing it won a QSQ or it might have gone completely under my radar. ;)
You're brilliant, you know that, right? This was just wonderful! Your characterization was simply perfect and yet, you've made such a convincing argument for a Slytherin sorting. I'll never forget the way I felt in reading DH when I learned that he had always intended for Harry to die (though he did suspect Harry might survive). You've captured that here, and I just loved it. Perfect ending with Snape going down the same road. PERFECT, perfect ending. This was just love. You are so deserving of that lovely award.Author's Response: :D Thank you for this lovely review. I was amazed by Dumbledore's duplicity while reading DH, too. He truly has a few Slytherin traits in him.
Tales of the Battle by Northumbrian
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary:
Over fifty people died at the Battle of Hogwarts. There are dozens of stories of loss, betrayal, heroism and sacrifice. These are some of those stories.
Nominated for: Best General (Chaptered) story – Quicksilver Quills 2011
Date: 11/08/10 Title: Chapter 2: Galleon
Well, I am quite late to this party, but this is shaping up to be my favorite of all your writing, Neil. I've only read the first two, and now I have to leave, but I will be back. Lovely writing. I can't wait to see which characters you have included in this.
Author's Response:
Lori
Thanks (-: I hope that you enjoy the rest of the stories. The final score will be: twelve DA members, four Original Characters, three Slytherins, three Other Canon characters, and one Critter!
Neil
What Lies Behind by C_A_Campbell
Rated: 6th-7th Years • Summary: Winner of the 2011 QSQ Award for Best Dark/Angsty One-shot! It is true what they say about your life flashing before your eyes just before you die. As Theodore Nott, Death Eater like his father before him, stands on the battlefield in what is surely Hogwarts and his final hours, he remembers all that lays behind him: his father, the Dark Lord, the one girl he ever loved, and the thing he has forced himself to forget.
But you remember, don't you, Theodore?
Please tell me you remember me.
Date: 09/26/11 Title: Chapter 1: Do you remember?
Greetings. :) I've just read this for SBBC, and want you to know I thought it was stunning and painful and brilliant and gorgeous. I will not get into everything, as I've just left my discussion in SBBC, but I loved this story. And that is saying something, as D/A is really not my thing. I will search out more of your work in the near future. Great job! ~Lori
Shrouds by Equinox Chick
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: Not all Voldemort’s victims were on the side of right.
Over a year has passed since the Battle of Hogwarts. Families grieve, but their dead are remembered with honour.
For Draco Malfoy it has been a year of nothing. Merely existing, he is bound tightly to his past as if enveloped in a shroud, unwilling to accept help. It takes a chance encounter on a cobbled street to jerk him into the realisation that he cannot go on like this. A chance encounter with the one person who has most cause to hate him.
But shrouds, however tightly bound, unravel.
A huge thank you to Natalie (hestiajones) who put her laminated canon card in jeopardy by beta'ing this fic and being very supportive all the way through.
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling. Her lawyers agree, so please don't mistake us. I just like taking the odd liberty (ahem) with her characters (and pairings)
Nominated for two QSQ's in Best Non-Canon Romance and also Best Post Hogwarts story for 2011. Thank you.
Date: 03/21/12 Title: Chapter 6: Chapter 6 - My Talisman
Greetings and happy wishes to the birthday girl. :) Fancy finding ME here! Hahahaha. Surprise, surprise, I've taken your repeated bait and decided to indulge in a little Dramione. (gasp) And here I thought was being adventurous with the Indian food.
Carole, you are such a fabulous writer. Honestly, you are right up there with my very favorites, the ones I want to find my name alongside in lists, and learn from, and be influenced by. And this fact is no better demonstrated than right here in these six chapters, which somehow make believable what most would agree (oh, come on, it's true) is quite ridiculous... that Hermione could for one second be with Draco, who sat idly by holding a wand while she was tortured and nearly killed before being fed to an animal-monster. And yet, this is a compelling, exciting story. How do you do it? No seriously, how? The beginning is perfect. "But shrouds, however tightly bound, unravel." You set the tone for things to fall apart, and fall apart they do, for everyone. And right away, too, you've set up an emotional pitch where crazy things can happen because of the desperation and darkness that is already present in Draco. Very, very good beginning. One little thing I thought was good as things progressed and Hermione came to confront him at the Manor: she didn't fall for his sob story. I loved that she kept bringing up how everyone was damaged, everyone had scars, everyone had nightmares. He wasn't special in this regard and didn't get sympathy for it. I thought this was just right for Hermione here. I actually had intended/hoped to write this review mostly about the plot and the characterization of the main characters, but after seeing the recent reviews and the beating you were given with regard to your characterization of Ron, I cannot resist putting my focus there from this point on. I completely disagree with both the previous reviewer's opinion about your Ron and the shocking rudeness with which that opinion was expressed. As Ron's attorney, I simply cannot stay silent on this issue a moment longer. (FYI, Carole, I had already read this when those reviews were first posted and have been restraining myself until your birthday was here--haha. Finallyl!) The reviewer is correct about one thing: Ron is generally portrayed as a fool and dunderhead in many fics, and Hermione as the long-suffering girlfriend who puts up with his git-like behavior for some reason I cannot understand. I get the frustration with this portrayal, which is why I read so little Romione fanfic (though I begin a lot of stories) when it is my absolute favorite thing in the fandom when it is done well. But Carole, your story does Ron so, so RIGHT! He is wonderful here, from the very beginning. Yes, he's rude and distracted, but this is canon... something serious is going on with him! Hermione knows this but assumes it's related to her because he hasn't told her differently. Honestly, I wondered if Ron himself knew what the whole problem was in the beginning when they were together at GP. Ron is emotional and he is a brooder. When he is truly unhappy, he is so in a big way that affects other things in his life. It makes sense that he would be extra touchy about Hermione too, especially since the thing in the paper boiled down to jealousy, which is a big part of who he was/is. I wonder if he even realized the whole issue was with his job: it would certainly be hard to accept the truth that his dream of becoming an auror, once realized, was somehow dissatisfying. Perhaps not the right dream for him at all? Ron is a mess here, and I think that is just right. "If Ron is supposed to be a realistic or important character in this story, it doesn't come across." I couldn't disagree more. Ron is present on every page. Hermione doesn't pretend for one moment that she doesn't love Ron. Even Draco knows this, and he is the least likely to believe or like that fact. She comes back after seeing Ron with Verity (totally knew that wasn't what it looked like, btw, but LOVED the idea of her and Fred--heartbreaking) and is a complete and utter mess. She still loves Ron, and Ron was a good guy during all of that. In fact, I simply do not see in this fic where Ron is portrayed as "average" at all. He came back to meet with her like Mr. Awesome (sorry, but it's true!), manning up and trying to get her back now that he has figured himself out. Ron is extremely important in this story and is very realistic, too, at least to me. "Hermione doesn't find Ron exciting, trustworthy or loyal--but something to fill the other side of the bed." I don't even know how to respond to this. She defends him constantly throughout this story, especially to Draco, who she is having an affair with and has feelings for. ?? She knows Ron would do anything for her, but her heart is still broken over losing him and seeing him with another woman. This is right on, in terms of characterization. Okay, the defense rests. ;) But oh, Carole, the scene where he comes back and is telling her the truth was so lovely! I thought it was just right when she ran off. Sometimes we think that because we know what is coming, we will be able to take it, but then the actual happening of that thing is just too much. It reveals too much truth. And I think Hermione felt the crushing weight of how much she still loved and wanted him, believed him lost, and had to get away. The Romione shipper in me was in heaven with this whole scene, and it made up for what you put me through in other chapters. Hehe. The minor characters were very good here too. I liked Harry a lot, and Narcissa, though we don't see her much except through Draco's eyes... but she still came alive to me as a mum. Your Draco... wow. You didn't change him, not really, and that is why this story is so brilliant. This is just more -- and of course there had to be more than what there was in canon, because we only saw him through Harry's eyes then. For example, he's just awful to Ron in that first scene during the search, and yet, because of the set-up, I felt equally horrible for both of them. (You realize what a feat you have accomplished in this, don't you? Ha.) Hermione, too, is just so good and so well-pitched emotionally. It's just how I think she would be, and I did find elements of it believable. You know me, though. ;) I'm a hard sell. But I have to admit I did find it believable here, truly. Without the loss of Ron, though, and that feeling in Hermione of needing to be wanted again by someone... I don't think I would have gone there with you. But I did. My only pause really was with the repeated dishonesty from her, though I do go back and forth on this in my mind. She is generally a very honest person (though she has lied and broken rules and whatnot). And she is doing a LOT of lying in this fic. But on the other hand, there are very different circumstances going on as well... I'm just on the fence with this still. And I do see your point about Ron not being able to get past Malfoy... you may be right. But I think it could go either way. If they had been together and it had been her cheating on him, definitely that would be it. But since Ron had broken up with her, I don't know... it would be hard. But it's also hard for me to think Hermione would actually go back into that relationship with such a gigantic not-exactly-a-lie-but-certainly-a-time-bomb between them... so yeah, this isn't necessarily crit, but I did keep thinking about this wondering if she would have been quite so dishonest or not. *sigh* Only Rowling knows. :D I'm a horrible reviewer really. I'd be thrown out of SPEW in a flat minute, don't you think? My words and points are all over the road, but I wanted you to know that I could no longer resist reading this, and that it only confirmed your complete and utter command of these characters and their stories. And okay, okay! I enjoyed it! But don't spread it around, okay? ;) I have a reputation to uphold, you know. Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for honestly being one of the most supportive and encouraging people in my writing life. I hope you have a fabulous birthday and are appreciated and celebrated the way you ought to be.Author's Response: Thank you for being my friend, and thank you for honestly being one of the most supportive and encouraging people in my writing life.
Right back atcha, Cleopatra. / bad song.
Um, still stunned actually, not just that you've read and reviewed but that you've become my attourney as well - ha ha.
I do take the point about Hermione and the honesty on board. The fact was, that in the framework of the story, she didn;t have to tell the truth but I suspect she's going to feel the need to confess at some stage. I think she feels it's the ultimate betrayal and doesn't want to lose Ron. Plus, Draco has a point - is Ron not important enough to lie for? Hmm, perhaps I have a grubby morality, but as I tried to explain to troll reviewer, but you picked up, Hermione isn't with Ron at the time and for all she knows it's over, forever. If Ron asks, I don;t think she'd lie, but so far he hasn't.
I'm not really sure how to respond to the rest of this review. I'm so touched, amazed and awesomed (ha ha) that you have read and reviewed, that I'm still wibbling. It means a ton and a half and more that you did this for my birthday.
hugs hugs hugs.
Thank youuuuuu ~Carole~
In the Ashes by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: Professors • Summary:
In her seventh year, Katie Bell knew what it was like to fear death. A year later, she learnt what it was like to see it in front of her. Nothing she had ever experienced had prepared her to deal with the aftermath of that. And then he came.
Caught in a whirlwind of Quidditch, heartbreak, and a rivalry, Katie struggled with her jumbled mess of feelings, one of which she hadn't expected but was growing certain that she could never live without.
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Katie/Oliver
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Oh my freaking Salazar! This story WON TWO 2011 Quicksilver Quill Awards: Best Post-Hogwarts Story and Best Non-Canon Romance Story. *flail*
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This (late) update was brought to you by the (belated) birthday of the ever-lovely Hannah / h_vic. She is a star and an excellent friend!
Date: 10/07/10 Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Holy crap, this is awesome. I absolutely love it, Jess. Please don't bust them up, I beg you! ;)
Really powerful bit with the nightmare. I think they can be tough to write because they are more dramatic than life... but you did it really well. I like how you turned it, with Katie being the one who had done it.
Can't wait for more!
Author's Response:
Why thank you, Lori! I wanted to channel my inner canon and posit a very raw and possible scenario. I'm glad you can appreciate it, and since I love this pair so much, I'm not sure if I could bear to break them up again.
Thanks for reading and the lovely review. :D
~Jess
Jealousy by hogwartsbookworm
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: What caused Ron's sudden hatred for his favorite quidditch player?
What made Hermione ask out a boy who "makes Grawp look a gentleman"?
...
Jealousy.
Date: 04/06/11 Title: Chapter 1: Green Represents More than Slytherin House...
Ooh, this was delish. I usually prefer my R/Hr to end with them pressed up against a wall and snogging madly, but this amounts to a pair of lovely missing moments, and I know how things end canonically... so all is good.
Your characterization is very good, particularly Hermione. I especially loved the paragraph about how she plans and the desired result should be something certain, but not in this case. And honestly, I haven't given a lot of thought to how painful it would be for to share a room with the other girls, particularly Lavender and Pavarti, who would have been squeeing for months over Ron while Hermione (still shunning the Muffliato spell) had to endure whatever she overheard. Talk about salt in the wounds... poor Hermione.
Nice ending... this was a fun read for this die hard R/Hr shipper.
Author's Response: Oooh, Lori, thank you for stopping by! It was pretty fun to write Hermione's part, actually, as I've always thought myself to be like her... Anyway, I'm glad you liked it, despite the lack of snogging. ;)
Well Worth The Trouble by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: When James becomes the victim of Sirius's Valentine's Day prank, Lily is forced to watch over him and keep him out of trouble for the evening. Yet even after a rather long night, she can't help but wonder if perhaps it had been worth it after all.
Date: 09/24/10 Title: Chapter 1: Well Worth The Trouble
I didn't realize how much my afternoon needed a little lift. :) This was such a fun read, Gina. You say you have been J/L obsessed lately, but is anyone really complaining about it when it produces such entertaining reading? I liked Lily's voice so much here, even the words/phrases you chose as swear-type words felt right and made me smile. I loved the end. It sort of suprised me though, as I didn't think he would try to kiss her again. So nice. My favorite part might be the bit with McGonagal though... I laughed at that, and could see her eyebrows "crawling back up under her hat" in my mind's eye.
Really nice little one-shot, Gina.
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Lori! I really appreciate your kind words. I'm so glad you liked it. I'm thrilled you mentioned the swear-type words, since I had a ball actually trolling the lexicon for ideas on those, lol! I also really enjoyed trying to capture a slightly different voice for Lily and am happy you liked it. Hee hee-can't you just picture the look on McGonagall's face at that point? I had such fun with this, I'm glad you did too. Thanks again for the review!! ~Gina :)
Friendly Competition by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: When the Halloween Hogsmeade weekend is canceled due to the war, James Potter proposes a flying race around the grounds as a way for the students to interact and keep up their spirits. He is surprised when Lily Evans not only enters, but plans on winning. A spirited wager is made, but the race turns darker than anyone imagined, with the outcome quite unexpected.
Date: 10/09/10 Title: Chapter 1: Part One: On Your Mark...
Ah, Gina, how I enjoy your J/L fics! This is fun already, and I particularly like your interaction between the boys. James' arrogance is just so adorable... how do you do that? Maybe its the way you balance it out with his insecurities... or is he overcompensating for his insecurities by being arrogant? However you did it, it worked beautifully. I love that Remus is more tuned in to Lily than any of them.
Great as always. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's Response: You know, the comment about Remus got me thinking that the same thing is going on in my WIP as well. There is just something so appealing about the idea of Lily and Remus being close friends. And yes, I do think some of Jame's arrogance could be born of his insecurity, and I too find that adorable. :) Thanks for reading this, Lori. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I hope you like the rest of it, it was fun to write. Thanks again! ~Gina :)
Of Understanding and Misunderstanding by MagEd
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: The seven women who loved Ron Weasley.
Date: 10/10/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
I sat here for a moment trying to think of some new and creative way to say how much I loved your story, but it turns out I've got nothing. Ron is my favorite. When I got on this morning and saw you had posted this, I had to close it because I didn't have enough time then to sit and really soak it up. I did that this afternoon though, and have been thinking about it all day. I've concluded that my favorites are Molly and Hermione, with the one on Angelina being pure brilliance. I was not sold on Lavendar when I saw you included her, but I love the way you went at it, with the bravery thing and Ron admitting he didn't deserve to have her fall for him.
You have a wonderful way with a sentence. I'm not sure I can articulate what I mean (perhaps I do not have a wonderful way with a sentence? hehe), but here are some examples:
She loved him because he was loyal to a Quidditch team that always lost.
This was just perfect. And it's so Ron. I loved this whole section, but this sentence said so much just by itself.
Ron saved George. I was so surprised to see Angelina's name in the list, but then I thought, of course, they are in-laws... makes sense. But oh my, this was the best one, and that from a die-hard R/Hr shipper. :D I sort of wondered at the idea that Ron could save George, but after only a moment, I realized, of course he would have been the one to do that. Doesn't Ron save everyone, if not in the most obvious way? Angelina--oh, I just loved this part.
The monsters were all scared of her daddy. I really love that in all your stories, Ron is a good husband and father. I honestly do not see from canon what other people must see that causes them to write him as this intolerant, mean-spirited git of a man who seems abusive and neglectful of his own family. There is just nothing there to support that. I always come to your fics when I want a good Ron fix. And this section on Rose shows why... yeah, he's pissed about Scorpious, but he comes around. He just comes around, because he's not that guy! He's not the 14 yrs old Ron from the Yule Ball. Oh, I loved this bit too.
She had always been his, and he had always been hers. Such a simple little sentence really, but it made me ACHE with love! Truthfully, I could go one for quite a bit longer swooning over this bit with Hermione, but I will save some small space for your other admirers. ;) Your R/Hr is exactly as I imagine them... a bit of fluff with some comedy and some coaxing and one of them talking the other around to the truth that everything is going to work out somehow.
This is my favorite, with the one on Hermione right behind. There are several writers on this site whose work I admire and love, but you really do top the list. All of you are wonderful writers, but you write the stories that I came to HP fanfiction to FIND. Which is why I can't get enough. Don't worry about taking a while between postings... your stories are always worth the wait.
Thanks for this!
(This is my most fangirly post to date, and I have no shame whatsoever. LOL.)
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I know how much you love Ron/Hermione, and I didn't want to disappoint you! Angelina wasn't one of the people that first came to mind when I set out starting this story, but the more I thought about it the more it seemed to work, and I think it's one of my own favourite sections in this -- I'm happy you liked it, too! And, yes, Ron does save everyone in his own way, doesn't he?
I cannot understand any way in which Ron wouldn't be a good husband or father -- Ron is the epitome of loyal, and its clear from the very beginning of the series that he loves his family. I simply don't think he gets enough appreciation! I'm glad you liked how he was written in this. And always feel free to fangirl away! :)
Don't Tell Me by hogwartsbookworm
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: In her sixth year, Ginny had to deal with many things. The Carrows' brain washing, her parents' cautions, the fears of the students she led...
This is my poetic representation of her thoughts throughout the year.
Date: 04/06/11 Title: Chapter 1: Don't Tell Me
Ah, I did not know you were a poet. ;) This is so interesting. It was about Ginny, and I really liked it. (That's saying something for me. I like her in canon, but seldom in the world of fanfic.) I think you've captured her spirit here... she is brave, and rather tough, but also afraid of considering that Harry is dead and of losing her family.
The last two lines kind of disrupted the flow for me, but you should take that with a GALLON of salt because I know zilch about poetry. I just know I enjoyed reading this. :)
Author's Response: You know, this was the first HP poem I ever wrote, and before I wrote it I had only ever written maybe... three other poems. But now that I look it over again, I quite agree: I don't like the last two lines either. I think I'll remove them. Thanks for the review, Lori!
Of Slayers and Champions by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary:
After it was all said and done, Harry wanted a sandwich. However, Ron knew that what he wanted was far deeper and complex and maddening and insufferable. But could Hermione ever forgive him for leaving her behind? Could he ever forgive himself?
This story was nominated for a 2011 Quicksilver Quill Award: Best Canon Romance.
Date: 10/19/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
I don't think she will think you murdered them. It was quite lovely, actually, though you are starting to freak me out with two R/Hr pieces in the last week or so... I did a double take on the author's name. Hehe.
Best part: "Jean. It sounded familiar, which meant that she had told him at some point and he’d forgotten. Whereas he would have brushed off such a lapse before, it now made him sick."
Sigh.
Just so you know, my birthday is April 15.
Author's Response:
Hey, I can write canon. I just sort of used it all up for challenges and stuff for the meantime. And that part was kind of my favourite too. :D
And LJ is kind enough to remind me of everyone's birthda, because I'll so forget in ten secons, lol. Heart.
~Jess
Catharsis by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary:
A war had raged; everyone had felt alone and afraid at some point. And when it was over, most people went back to business as usual, but two of those haunted souls found respite from the most unlikely of sources.
After all, who doesn't need a little bit of catharsis?
Date: 06/01/12 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Something about this pairing compels me. I really really like it, almost as much as Draco/Astoria. I think it makes sense that Katie would be such a painful reminder to Draco of who he had been on the road to becoming, and who he actually was for a while, that she makes the perfect partner in his redemption. There's a built-in darkness between them because of their past. This pairing just works for me.
The end was so sad, imagining her on the platform during that epilogue moment... is this your head canon for Katie? Or is she with Oliver? Just curious. In case you're wondering, I'm treating myself to a little Jess-fic-fest this weekend in honor of your birthday. It's getting off to a wonderful start. Well done. ~LoriAuthor's Response:
Not gonna lie...I went a little o.O when I saw this had a review. I figured it was long-forgotten, so cheers for picking this one. This is one of the handful of my older fics I still really like.
Draco/Katie is one of those ships that works for the very reasons it shouldn't. To me, Draco would need Katie's forgiveness more than even Harry or Hermione on his road to redemption. The trio had given back in kind to his past antics and they had carved out roles for one another already. However, Katie was far more of an innocent victim of Draco's - his first, I think. Sure, he probably picked on some younger students, but nothing like what happened with Katie. To me, Katie almost disassociates her attack from Draco because it was mere chance that led Rosmerta to give her the necklace, and Draco was doing what he thought he had to do for his family. Not many people could say they would never do such a thing no matter what and not be lying. Being in St Mungo's as long as she was, I think Katie would've had a lot of time to think and to adjust, and that was one of the conclusions I think she would've adopted.
I loved shoving that small canon event in there, just to show that there was that spark between them after all that time. I still don't think they would've ended up together in this universe, as it is far more in line with the VoJP universe than the In the Ashes one. In the Ashes has Katie end up with Oliver because she loves him; in VoJP, Katie ends up with Oliver because she settled for him when things with Draco would clearly never work out. This one is a weird mix of the two, because I don't know if they are together in this, but they have a bond of mutual honesty and understanding that is in ways more intimate than what a lot of married people have. But Draco had to choose between Katie and Astoria, because we know he couldn't have both.
Your lurkdom of my author page overjoys me, I can't lie. You seem to be picking things I love, with is yet more love. :D Thank youuuuuuu, and I am curious as to what you'll pick next.
~Jess