I currently live in the great state of South Dakota. Why do I live in a place with such nasty winters, I don't know. Since most of my family lives far away in more exotic places than I do, my life revolves around my four dogs, Sampson, Raphael, Seamus, and Mayhem. They are a min-pin, a toy poodle, a teacup Malti-Poo, and a Great Dane, respectively.
I've always had a fascination with the mental illness aspect that characterizes Bellatrix Black Lestrange. My first story is her story. On one site I was sorted into Ravenclaw but I think the hat made a mistake. Most days I feel like a Slytherin!
Nominated for a Quicksilver Quill for Best Romance-Non Canon 2007, 2008, and 2009. In 2010 mods changed the rules (they got tired of the same fics being nominated ^_~) so no more QQ hopes, but that's okay. No proof is needed that Draco/Ginny = love.
* Written before the HBP, this tale presents an alternate sixth year in which Dumbledore lives, Draco is more than a foil to Harry, and Blaise Zabini is a girl. I hope readers who ship Draco/Ginny will enjoy the story which includes dancing with faeries, Celtic and Norse mythology, school holidays in London and Spain, and loads of fantasy and romance. "Is this a kissing book?" (to quote the Princess Bride) Yes, it is. *
(Warnings were added for safety, due to brief allusions in later chapters, not graphic content.)
If you haven't listened to The Resistance by Muse you should give it a try. There are parts of it that remind me of Queen. Anyway, of course Snape had to happen upon the love struck couple. I'm beginning to enjoy those moments almost as much as I do a Howler:D I'm sure Terry is convinced that nothing untoward happened between Blaise and Draco. Damn, you made his anger sound sexy. I loved the discussion of Draco's name. Of course he'd be named after something celestial if his mother's a Black. I also loved Draco's discussion with Slinky and Slinky's delight that Draco was so Slytherin. I've said that sort of thing to students before--I didn't ask you if you wanted to do this--or I didn't ask you if you'd like to do this--I NEED YOU TO DO THIS!! AND DO IT NOW!!! Always, with a smile and a giggle or maybe a raised eyebrow:P I had a student once who admitted he liked watching my eyebrows--they indicated the climate of the room:D I do hope we can communicate by e-mail. I was horrified once while reading in HPFF. A reviewer told one of the authors s/he had lost their account for a while because they had tried to contact the author personally. The reviewer went on to say s/he had printed out the author's stories and carefully bound them and how they were bound. It sounded a little stalkerish to me. But, obviously, they weren't both agreeing to write. I really would like to discuss my writing with someone. Wow! My Dad came over around noon and cleaned out my walkway and driveway. I actually went out to the corner store for some Coke Zero and talked to some people. I hadn't talked to anyone since Wednesday evening when Jess and I wrapped up our marathon. Fynn and Sam are better company than most people but our conversations got a little one-sided. I laughed at your response to my last review. You have such an imagination. I do too, but it doesn't go on paper as well--I think I might be more of an oral story teller. When I decide to tell a story or just talk about something in general people often gather around:D I don't watch a lot of crime shows anymore either--I don't watch a lot of television but tonight I'll watch the Jesse Stone movie. I love Tom Selleck. Now, Alan Rickman or Tom Selleck can come and visit me any day--and I'll even let them park stupid. Somehow I have the feeling they wouldn't park stupid though:P Later, my friend. Great chapter, by the way.
Author's Response:
Love is our resistance
They'll keep us apart they wont stop breaking us down
Hold me
Our lips must always be sealed
I do like Muse, and lots of British bands, including Queen. Nice lyrics!
Lovebirds can't get too carried away, :D, and Snape's icy voice cools teenaged passion instantly. I imagine your raised eyebrow was just as effective as our Potions Master's for controlling students, if in a much less hate inspiring way.
If you're an oral storyteller you should read your stories aloud. If they "sound" right, you know you're on the right track, if they don't, you edit.
TV shows demand too much of a commitment for me. They want you to arrange your life around them and I'd rather be writing or watching a film that doesn't mind if you love it and leave it. ;)
I have my email listed on my author page. It's hotmail, which I like because it's portable, not dependant on a particular internet provider, and separate from any family email account. No one reads my emails but me. If an author's email was a shared account with her dad or husband (or any other paranoid loved one who watches too much Law and Order) who saw an email from a stranger and feared she was being stalked, I can see why she would report the reviewer. She was probably told to do it or else have the internet cut off. I prefer to think the author was coerced rather than the paranoid one who freaked out over something that was probably friendly, not stalkerish, and could have been resolved with a simple reply rather than having the person's account deleted. Tom Selleck and Alan Rickman probably have drivers who park wherever they're told, heh.I'm almost afraid to write a review. They've been eaten lately. I'm feeling that there's some undercurrent of unhappiness running through this vacation. And, to know Lucius is behind it all. I can so much picture Blaise and all that she's doing. You've done such a good job of describing this character. That Rico Suave was too much:D I remember that video. Rico had better behave himself. Those boys aren't going to put up with too much. This was such a wonderful warmth-inducing chapter. Right now I have to go out in single digit cold and untangle dog leashes:P Lucky me.
Author's Response: Do you copy your reviews before you submit? If I don't hit cntrl+C Murphy's Law makes the site go wonky or time me out. Grrr. Thank you for feeling the undercurrents and being able to see the characters! I'm trying to imagine you untangling dog leashes, but I'm stuck on the kind and color. :D
There were several scenes I liked in this chapter. I liked it when Draco and Blaise were wondering why people were staring and Draco said if they could see themselves they'd stare too (or something like that). I liked it when Colin gave his perceptions. I never saw him that way before. He's become very thoughtful. Finally, I liked it when Ginny took control and brought Blaise to the hospital wing. I could see "little Molly" in action. Great chapter. Sorry so short but my last one got eaten up. These were small points but made the chapter for me.
Author's Response: Have you ever seen the film Galaxy Quest? There's a scene where the engineer (the actor who plays the TV character Monk) says "It's the little things" that you reminded me of. If you haven't seen the film, you should, just for Alan Rickman playing a Snape-like Dr. Spock character. :D
Author's Response: Have you ever seen the film Galaxy Quest? There's a scene where the engineer (the actor who plays the TV character Monk) says "It's the little things" that you reminded me of. If you haven't seen the film, you should, just for Alan Rickman playing a Snape-like Dr. Spock character. :D
I wrote a review for this and it disappeared. Oh well. This was a long and wonderful chapter. I loved the birthday picnic/brunch Terry gave to Blaise. And, she was nice enough to give Ginny some new, stylish things to wear. I appreciated the research you did to write about the Yule ritual. That really gave a feeling of holiday spirit. I'm sure Larry and Ginny's family will appreciate the cookies. I'm envious that they can just fly off and visit Stonehenge. I've always been fascinated by that--who built it and why? As always, I love the part about Narcissa and Eddy. I can just picture them stumbling through the forest in search of the Yule log. Narcissa with flask in hand or pocket or wherever one puts a flask:P I'm sure I wouldn't know:D I can also picture Draco as the man of the family, doing all the "man stuff." And, we finally know the truth about "playing healer." Quick thinking on their part in explaining everything. Your New Year's Eve sounded fun--I like anything with fireworks. I was asleep by 11. I guess I was tired after everything I did yesterday. And, it's kind of senseless to sit here by myself just waiting for midnight. That was a long chapter and the next one's even longer. If I don't see you again today, I'll see you tomorrow. I can't believe where the time's going today.
Author's Response:
Sometimes it's hard for me to remember to copy my review or reply before I hit submit...until the site eats it or tells me I'm not authorized because they've logged me off...grrr....
Research is something people skip because they want to go ahead and write, not realizing that it's going to take more time to imagine a Yule ritual than adapt a real one and it won't ring true to the reader.
Sense is a relative term, heh, but I see your point. If you don't have a good book or a warm body to curl up with, why stay up?
I bumped something on my keyboard and lost the review to this chapter and went somewhere very strange in cyberspace. I hate it when that happens. Anyway, Thinky is such a cute name for the Ravenclaw elf. I think Blaise and Terry are such an outstanding couple. I didn't think Terry had it in him to hex Draco like that. He really must be protective of Blaise. How creative to have Blaise pass messages to Ginny. Although, if I was Terry I don't know if I'd tell Blaise what I did to Draco. Maybe I would, hoping to impress her with how much I care for her--but hexing her friend? I really like the Wesley character. I hope he gets his firebolt:D You know, I think someone got carried away with that HPFF issue. What horrified me was that someone got kicked off the website for a while for doing something that was probably innocent. I'm pretty sure the author is a middle-aged woman with older kids. I just couldn't imagine not being able to read fan fiction. In my world, not much shocks me. I've led a full and wonderful life:P I don't know if I'll see Sherlock Holmes until New Year's myself--maybe the 31st. One of my sisters wants to see it and I suppose Jesse will go also. I may go to see Avatar again though. That was really good--not the most creative idea in the world but entertaining. Now, the Muse cd is called The Resistance. The whole cd is pretty good. I think I could write some songfics from it. I've often thought I should make a verbal recording of stories I'm writing. I always read what I've written out loud--and that applies to grant proposals too. And, I've given that advice to other people whose work I've edited. Why can't I just take my own advice?? Great chapter. I'll see you tomorrow. It's that time of night again:D I can't believe I try to give my dogs a nice bedtime:P I told you I was nutty--a caramel turtle:D
Author's Response:
Nutty, yet filled with caramel goodness! :D
I learned through frustrating experience to both click "Remember Me" when logging in (so the computer won't automatically time you out after a couple of minutes when you're typing a review and then eat it when you hit submit) and to copy the review or reply just in case the site goes wonky and says "you are not authorized" after I've spent time to type out my frick-a-frackin thoughts!
I hope you'll love Wesley by the end of the story. I have a soft spot for pirates, from Captain Blood and Captain Jack Sparrow to the Dread Pirate Roberts in Princess Bride. ;)
Wow, a mature writer worrying about being stalked? Did she kill off a character and fear being kidnapped like James Caan in Misery? *eyeroll*
Songs can inspire but I think they distract when they're quoted within a text. It yanks the reader out of the story to read the lyrics...reminding them it's "just" a story when you want them to be experiencing it as though the characters were their avatars, so to speak, heh.
That was a fun chapter. I'm glad Ginny overheard the extortion scheme. I didn't think Gryffindors had it in 'em. Lorelei is so cool. No wonder Snape loves her. Is Ginny's voice really that bad:D Guess there's no siren in her family background. I'm glad that Wesley and Luna got together. I wish I had a Room of Requirement. But then, I suppose I'd get addicted to it. I'd require a beach and palm trees and listening to the ocean and most of all, warmth:D It was another hideous day of driving. There was freezing fog and I could hardly see in front of me. It's only going to get worse. The leg that I broke has been hurting since Sunday after the movie so I think there's a hell of a storm coming. Great chapter, by the way.
Author's Response:
Thank you! I didn't know if that was true or just a wives' tale, that you could "feel" the weather in aches. You've proven it's true!
I figured anything science fiction could do, magic could do better when it comes to holodeck like Rooms of Requirement. Sounds nice, warm breeze, cold drink!
Actually, I thought you were talking about Siouxie and the Banshees and I didn't think they sang "I Want to Be Sedated." But I couldn't remember and then I thought maybe the "Sex Pistols." But it was the Ramones. This was a very creative chapter. Once again, I stand in awe. Thank God I've only got some technical junk to write this afternoon or I'd be intimidated:) I smiled when Blaise thought Eddy wouldn't like it in Azkaban because there's no happy hour:D I loved the introduction to Kieran--I'm about at that point in "Simply Irresistible." That is an excellent idea to watch the sunrise on Mondays--or any other day for that matter. I loved Cassandra's little group. I got a new idea last night. Maybe my male lead can dress in black leather since I'm so entranced with it. And, Bellatrix can be equally entranced by it--the way it feels, looks, and smells. I admit it I go crazy over the smell of leather:P Great chapter.
Author's Response:
I'd be intimidated to write techincal-anything, and I agree about the sunrise. I can't wake up that early, but in theory, I approve. :D
Yes! Giving reasons for Bella to fall like a rock troll is good for you and readers alike. I like leather, but on other people. :)
Oh man, things went from bad to worse. I think the twins were kind of sympathetic but Bill clearly wasn't. Bill isn't going to be too pleased either when he wakes up. The oldest brother, the curse breaker--and he was overpowered by the tricksters:) Draco is so mannerly. I love good manners. It would be so easy for him to just run off and say it's all not worth it but he stayed the night and is going to face Ginny's family. Molly does live to talk about this doesn't she? Blaise's dream was kind of funny, especially when she finds out that Tarzanman is a wizard and knew what she was saying all along:) I can't wait to find out what's up with Professor Hook. I'm ready to like him:) I still think the muggle born witches and wizards have the biggest advantages. They just have a more global range of experiences that helps them understand all sorts of things. Great chapter.
Author's Response:
Molly does tend to overreact in the books. I made Bill a little like her when it comes to his baby sister, but he's too cool to be a hot head forever, :D
Yay for MNFF not sending your review to limboland! (I'm going to copy this reply before I submit, though, because I'm not trusting anymore, heh)
I liked this chapter best in this book so far. There were so many wonderful things. I loved the description of the Slytherin pumpkin. Celtic knots are so beautiful. Cissy and Eddy are hysterical. You almost have to feel sorry for Blaise and Draco. In another way, having mothers like that makes you a better person if you strive to not be like them. As the lyrics to "Judith" go--you're such an inspiration for the ways that I would never want to be." I think I paraphrased a little--I think there are some "evers" in there. I'm so glad Blaise and Ginny were able to exchange places. The evening rituals sound like so much fun. Adding Lorelei and Snape at the bonfire was a great touch. Excellent chapter. To be honest, I don't really like songfics that much. I think song lyrics make us think of a story but I find the actual insertion of lyrics in a story like they're the central part of the story to be annoying. I usually skip over them:D
Author's Response:
I'm so glad you liked this chapter! You paraphrased perfectly. Eddy and Cissy (like Eddy and Patsy of Absolutely Fabulous) are role models of what NOT to be as a parent and human being, really, although I do like them, and think they'll grow on you like mold. :D
I don't know how some people can enjoy amusement parks. Some of the rides are OK I guess and I do plan to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at some point but roller coasters and rides that go high up are not good for me. I also thought Marisol had died. I was thinking that Lucius needs his butt kicked but since he's in Azkaban right now that's good enough. I'm not sure how I feel about Draco telling everyone his secret. I guess it's good to get stuff out in the open and I hope this is what Ginny's premonition was all about. Great chapter.
Author's Response: People who like heights and speed and adrenaline rushes love amusement parks. I'm okay with heights, etc, so I like the parks, although crowds make me twitchy, heh. I think Draco sharing will help him and Blaise heal.
Oh Severus, you're going to have to learn when to keep your mouth shut. He might be able to take Hermione out in a duel but she'd never let him forget about it. This was very funny and brought back many memories for me. One of the funniest parts was when the staff had a bet going as to when the honeymoon would end. Great chapter.
I sure didn't know what to think about the power of Prohibition. For a few seconds I thought Hermione was getting her leg pulled. I guess I couldn't have married a traditional wizard. I just couldn't do it:) That aside, this was a very interesting chapter. Thankfully, Albus and Minerva intervened. Albus is as manipulative as ever. I loved the scenes as Severus entered the experimental lab and interacted with his former students. That was pretty cool. Great chapter.
That was sweet. Poor Quirk--trying to raise kittens. How wonderful to be so much in love. I wish the Enchantment existed. Great chapter.
That was pretty funny. I don't think I've ever read about magical kittens before. I've had many a cat live in my house and I can totally believe that they are magical. Great chapter.
That was sweet. Is Quirk perhaps having feelings for Holly? I didn't expect the replay of the kitchen scene. That was wonderful. I hope Severus and Hermione allow Quirk to decorate for Christmas. I got a kick out of pregnant Ginny. I remember those times. You feel so stubborn and invincible. Great chapter.
That was wonderful. It was good to see Ron and Luna get married. I was misty-eyed. Quirk and Holly are so cute. I felt so proud of Hermione for developing the potion and I feel even prouder when others are giving her accolades. But you should feel proudest of all for writing her this way and Severus too. This was an amazing story. I really enjoyed it. Thanks for writing it.
I don't mean this in an insulting way but I can really tell the difference between your early and later work. It shows how you've grown as a writer. This story is written more simply. I'm enjoying it a lot so far. I can't believe Snape blatantly let Draco pollute Hermione's potion without punishment.
If I didn't know any better I would think that both Draco and Hermione had swallowed some strange love potion. When people get thrown together like that they tend to become very close. I smiled more than once in this chapter when they couldn't get each other off their minds. Great chapter.
I find myself smiling at Draco's comments. Maybe if Hermione believes he's a virgin, she'll be more attracted to him. Pansy's not going to be happy though. This is getting so interesting.
Why doesn't any one ever take me out for an expensive bottle of wine. I'm surprised that Hogwarts students can go to lunch and drink. I know they drink butter beer but that seems different than wine. Great chapter.