02/20/10
I've been sorted in Ravenclaw, and my fellow members of the House of Blue and Bronze have been exceptionally welcoming so far. I'm also certified by PI as a beta reader.
I finally found inspiration to write something of my own, and posted here at MNFF, as well as over at SIYE (under the same name).
Besides reading fanfiction (which I've recently gotten back into), I enjoy playing my trumpet and working with drum and bugle corps. I'm currently a music teacher, recently graduated from university.
...And that's about as much detail as I feel comfortable putting on the internet for just anyone to read. If you want to know more about me, just ask. I'm always glad to make a new friend.
Lastly, thanks to everyone here for putting up such wonderful stories to read! I really hope that you'll check out my story ("What's Your Favorite Color?") and let me know what you think.
[Report This]
No Contest by WeasleyMom
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •
Summary:
Sunshine spilled down onto the small grassy spot through a window in the tall trees. She stood a couple of yards back, staring at eleven letters cut into rock. It was beautiful, and yet, to Hermione’s eyes, nowhere near a worthy enough tribute for a life so full of rambunctious joy.
This is WeasleyMom of Hufflepuff writing for the Madam Pomfrey One-Shot Triathlon - Round One: Major Canon Characters, Prompt 5 (loss of loved one)
Date: 06/14/11 Title: Chapter 1: No Contest
That was fantastic! I don't think I've yet read a story that made me feel...not good, I suppose, but...okay...about Fred's death. I mean, you see the happy ending where George has Angelina and the kids. And you see the different ideas people have for just how crazy George goes during the mourning process. But this really dealt with him, and not just him, getting down to what would really help them accept Fred's death. The emotion was brilliant, and I liked your characterization of Hermione. Wonderful!
Author's Response: Wow, thanks so much. This was for a challenge, actually, and the prompt said we had to write a major character dealing with the death of someone close to them. I thought the obvious choice was to write Ron or George or one of the parents grieving Fred, but then decided to try something a little different. (Any excuse to write an angsty Hermione. Hehe.) Thanks so much for reading this and taking the time to review. I'm thrilled you liked it.
Sleepless Night by Northumbrian
Rated: 6th-7th Years • Summary: Life with the Potters is always interesting. What emergency could haul Deputy Head Auror Harry Potter from his bed in the middle of the night?
Date: 04/11/10 Title: Chapter 1: Sleepless Night
I've really liked these Potter family stories, and I hope there are more to come!
Author's Response: I’m trying to write a sequel to Grave Days, but these stories keep coming to me. So that’s a definite, perhaps, then (-:
-N-
Bare by Northumbrian
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary:
All I ever wanted to do was fit in and be normal. I wanted friends, a nice boy, marriage and kids, the usual stuff. It wasn’t much to hope for.
Fighting a war can leave scars, and you can't always hide them.
This is Northumbrian of Ravenclaw writing for the Madam Pomfrey One-Shot Triathlon - Round Two: Minor Canon Characters, Prompt 1 (encounter with a mythical creature).
Date: 05/06/10 Title: Chapter 1: Bare
Wow, that was really good. I think that Lavender, after having time to get older and less flippant, is a really interesting person, and I like the way that you explored her personality.
Author's Response: In my other stories I’ve been slowly (in the background) piling the misery on Lavender. I needed to explore where she would go. This is what I ended up with.
The Note He Left by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary:
A note was discovered in the aftermath of Harry's capture at Malfoy Manor. It's sweet, it's romantic, it's...complete fluffy rubbish.
What will happen to this heartfelt missive? Will it find its intended recipient, or will it be lost in the wreckage of Voldemort's former occupation?
Date: 06/13/11 Title: Chapter 1: Dearest Ginny
That was good. I know you don't do a terrible lot of mushy canon-compliant romance, especially with Harry/Ginny, but it was well done. I liked the letter, and it was a nice twist to a H/G story. We (almost) always see the happiness between the two of them, but it's much rarer to see their romance have a distinct, positive effect on someone else, even in a more indirect way.
Author's Response:
This was definitely a departure from my normal style, but it was a gift for someone who prefers happy endings and canon-ness. I think I've only written something this fluffy and canon-y one other time (Of Slayers and Champions), but here and there, it is nice to write something where someone doesn't, you know... die, lol.
Thanks for reading. :D
~Jess
The Smell of You by MagEd
Rated: 3rd-5th Years • Summary: The more time passes, the more James falls in love with her. Told in seven scenes, this is how James and Lily became James and Lily. *one-shot*
Date: 05/02/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
That was really good. I thought the overall structure was a unique story-telling method, and I liked that it was just a giant bundle of fluff. We all need some of that once in a while. And as someone currently struggling to escape the massive weight of final projects and final exams, I understand that desire to get away from it all. I'm glad you choose to do so by writing these stories, because it gives me the chance to escape reading them.
Aside from a few small errors (a word got deleted here and there throughout), this was a really nice story.
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad it was a good distraction from the horrors of finals in real life :) It was a lot of fluff, but sometimes that's just what you're looking for. I'll try and fix errors as I seem them!
The End of Fear by MagEd
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: 2010 QSQ Awards Winner for Best Alternate Universe
Sometimes, late at night, when she lies safely in her dormitory bed, she allows herself to think not of Dean, or her friends, or her brothers, or her schoolwork, or the war that's slowly destroying the wizarding world. Instead she thinks of Harry and if things could have been different.
In five different worlds that could have been but weren't, there are five different ways Harry and Ginny could be Harry and Ginny. Circumstances change, but they always find each other in the end. *one-shot*
Date: 05/10/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
First, I'm really glad you decided to put this in H/G instead of AU. I think it's completely about them, and about how it will always be them, no matter what circumstances life (or a pen) throws at them.
I especially like that, at the end of the second part, you had Ginny admit a fascination with the Boy-
Who-Lived (despite it being Neville in that case) before falling in love with Harry, just Harry.
I thought the story in Iowa was especially interesting. A nice take on what the situation would have been like if Hagrid had allowed Sirius to take Harry. I was really confused by the first sentence/paragraph of the fifth part. It didn't seem to flow very well into the rest of it. By the end of it, I sort of got it, but it wasn't very smooth. Maybe that's just me though.
Overall, a really, really nice work. H/G and J/L are my favorites (ships and stories) and I think your writing has really done those four justice.
Author's Response: Thank you! I like to think that though Ginny might have had a crush on the Boy-Who-Loved, whoever it was, she would fall for Harry regardless in the end :) Iowa was fun to write, so I'm glad you liked that! I'm sorry you didn't like the fifth part as much, though. But it's good to know you liked it a lot overall!
Aurors and Schoolgirls by Northumbrian
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary:
The Wizarding War is over.
Auror training has begun and Harry and Ron find that their lives are centred round London and the Ministry of Magic.
For Ginny and Hermione there is the inevitable return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Their lives are centred round schooling in Scotland.
Do these divided duos have different destinations and divergent destinies? When, where and how can these parted pairings meet? Opportunities are limited to holidays, Hogsmeade visits and school Quidditch matches.
Nominated for: Best Post-Hogwarts (Chaptered) story - Quicksilver Quills 2012
Date: 06/05/16 Title: Chapter 16: Christmas: Deputations
As I've said before, your characterizations of Harry and friends are wonderful. I hope you find an opportunity to continue this particular story. Underneath a lot of fluff seems to run a particularly intriguing plot, and I'd like to know what happens.
Breaking Rules by hestiajones
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary:
How easy it was to break them.
All it took was a smile, a few good conversations, and some daredevilry on your part to take risks and do the impossible.
A birthday present for my e-bestie Jess (ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor), who always manages to make me laugh without even trying. Happy Birthday, love!
DISCLAIMER: Not J.K.Rowling. All characters belong to her.
Date: 06/13/11 Title: Chapter 1: For Her.
That gave me goosebumps. Very well written, and a charming story. Your POV was creative, as well, which only added to the overall appeal, I think. I'm usually one to stick to the rules, but I think, after that, I'd be willing to break a few. Great job!
Author's Response: Hahaha! I really adore this review (nevermind the fact that I am being a right cow and replying after two months >.<). I am glad you enjoyed it. :) Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Brazen by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: Professors • Summary:
*These are the times that try men's souls.
Well, that couldn't be any more real for Draco Malfoy than on the eve of his wedding. He was getting married the next day, but all he could think about is how his life was about to become so much more damned complicated.
He had no idea.
*Quote - Thomas Paine, American revolutionary.
This fic was nominated for a 2010 Quicksilver Quill Award - Best Humour
Date: 06/13/11 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Wow. That was...different. I guess I had always hoped a relationship with Astoria would be some sort of, I don't know, redemption for Draco. And just as it seemed it would be...it's ripped away. But it made for a great story. Well written, great ending, good characters.
Author's Response:
Hehe, torturing Draco is like a sport. I may or may not have a medal in that particular activity, as well. I just had a bunny about Draco having to prepare for a wedding he didn't want, and then it all blew up in his face. Plus, it was for a wedding challenge, so that had to play into the picture.
I guess it's an alternate take on how things could've played out for Draco. It's not likely, but I like to think it could've at least *happened*.
Thanks for reading/lurking my author page. It's always fun to reply to good reviews. :D
~Jess
A Moment, A Love by jenny b
Rated: Professors • Summary:
What on earth was I going to do?
Date: 09/05/10 Title: Chapter 2: In Which Lily Beats a Few Bludgers
Ah, but there are males (or at least one). It's alright though; it was tastefully done and very important to the plot, so props for that.
Date: 09/05/10 Title: Chapter 7: In Which Lily Considers Hexing her Brothers
I like that you worked in a little post-WWC info there (nice to see that some things turn out how you hope they will). I can't imagine what going through this is like, but you portray the emotions so well that I get (however faint) an idea. I really like your writing and I like that this world is a little more real than the world it is based off of, while still giving us some of the wonderful characters and relationships we know and love.
One Absolutely Beautiful Thing by BloodRayne
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: At age eleven, Dudley's daughter receives a letter he recognizes very well. As Sinead Dursley embarks on her journey of magical education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, she strikes up a strange friendship with Lorcan Scamandar. Soon, Lorcan and Sinead rule over a reign of terror at Hogwarts as they subject their fellow students to cruel and dangerous pranks.
The title of this story comes from the poem "Child" by Sylvia Plath. Also, I would like to thank Royari for being an amazing beta.
Date: 06/12/11 Title: Chapter 7: In Which a Hat Sings
I've really enjoyed this story so far. I'm glad you've made it canon-compliant, and I really like your Sinead. I also appreciate the references to people we know, and I'm excited to see where this story goes.
I do hope though that something significant comes of Lily being in Hufflepuff, something besides, as Freddie said, her learning not to be so prejudiced about the houses. I always imagined that Albus would be the one (if any) of the Potter children to be in a different house. Some of the other cousins (like Freddie or Hugo) wouldn't have surprised me, but I guess I always imagined Lily would be pretty much a carbon copy of either her mother or her namesake.
That aside, the writing is great, and I look forward to what's to come.
Author's Response: Thank you! :)
Falling, Fighting, and Firewhiskey by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary:
James was living the dream. He was the star player on England's 2030 Quidditch World Cup team, and he was showing the world how it was done. That was, of course, until foul play sent his world asunder.
Albus saw his brother's livelihood snatched away in the blink of an eye, but more than that, James was...different. He was cold, angry, and callous - a far cry from the man he was before. Harsh words and even harsher attitudes put them at each other's throats.
Date: 06/14/11 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
I'll be honest, not my favorite of your stories, though there were some good moments. I thought the dialogue could have used...well, something, and the first few paragraphs contained a few self-contradictions. But the proposal scene was great, as was the emotion behind the brothers' making up. As someone who's fought with his younger brother (a lot), I could totally understand the desire to just haul off and smack the other. Though our parents would kill us if we ever did something like break a coffee table. Then again, we don't have magic to fix it instantly. The bit about the Snorkack was cute too. I'd always liked to think that Luna became a much more successful magizoologist (I'm praying that's the right term) than her father, but those kinds of references are rather hard to slip in. You found a nice, fun way of doing that though. Like I said, not my favorite of yours, but a nice story nonetheless.
Author's Response:
I am aware that this story has problems: mainly that the premise surrounding James and Albus not getting along hasn't been written yet. Most of the story and its hidden details make sense to me, but probably not to anyone else. Granted, it's not a good excuse for glossing over so many things in the beginning, but that's sort of what happened here. I'd fix it, but I'm seriously lazy, hehe.
One of my favourite dynamics between people is that of unconditional love between family, no matter what happens. Sure, Albus thinks he doesn't like his brother much, but when it counted, none of that seemed to matter anymore.
Anyway, thanks for reading. :)
~Jess
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: 05/21/11 Title: Chapter 2: Ginny
I had read the first chapter as a story on its own, not really realizing there was more to it. I've been away from MNFF for quite a while, but this is why I'm glad to always come back. This was a wonderfully written story, both heartwarming and passionate. Well done.
Author's Response: This was originally written as a Hermione one-shot, but the stories of the other three players in this little drama were also in my head, so I decided to expand it. The final chapter id now in the queue.
-N-
Date: 05/21/11 Title: Chapter 3: Ron
That was a slightly different mood than the last two chapters have been. Interesting that such a shift occurred when it changed to a guy's perspective. But I'm going to hope that's a coincidence. It never ceases to amaze though, how you're able to get into the minds of these characters. I really think you do a great job of capturing the essence of your subject, tilting things ever so slightly with the same kind of bias I imagine the character would have. Well done.
Oh, and I saw that Harry's chapter was already posted at SIYE, so I read it there. But I'll be on the lookout for when it's published here.
Author's Response:
Thanks for the review and sorry that it’s taken me so long to reply.
The shift in mood wasn’t deliberate, perhaps it’s simply that the girl’s chapters are “before” and the boy’s chapters are “after”. I was a little scared of Ron when I first started writing him, but I hope I’m getting him right. The final chapter is in the queue.
SIYE was my first home and I still submit some stuff there first, although I find some stories there unpalatable (which shows what a hardcore H/G guy I am). My current crop of stories (featuring Theodore Nott, Susan Bones, Lavender Brown, and my eccentric OC the Muggle-born Goth Auror Polly Protheroe) won’t be there.
-N-
A Different Kind of Magic by unjellify
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: James Potter is Head Boy and Gryffindor Quidditch captain in his seventh year at Hogwarts. He has three best friends and his life seems perfect--except that Lily Evans, the only girl he's ever loved, can't stand him.
Lily Evans is Head Girl and top of their class. She's always been disgusted by James' arrogance, yet she can't seem to stop blushing when he's around.
As their Head Boy and Girl duties bring them together, can James find a way to win Lily's love?
A Different Kind of Magic has been nominated for the 2011 Quicksilver Quills: Best Canon Romance. Thank you!
Date: 09/11/11 Title: Chapter 10: Chapter 10-Missing
This is a really great story, and I think your portrayal of Lily is wonderful.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for the lovely review! I wasn't sure if I was focusing too much on deepening my characterizations of James and Sirius, so I'm glad you think Lily is wonderful. :) Chapter 12 was in the queue...so I suppose that means it's in fan-fiction limbo for now....
Date: 06/13/11 Title: Chapter 8: Chapter 8-Flying Lessons
I've really liked reading this story so far, and I'm sorry I haven't left any comments up to this point. When I start a story after multiple chapters have been published, I'm usually too engrossed in reading one chapter after another to say anything in between. Especially when a story is so good. I think you've done a wonderful job with these characters, and your story has a wonderful mix of positive and negative emotion. I'm excited to see where we go from here, and though we all know Lily and James end up together, it's always interesting to see different takes on how they get there. What can I say? I'm a sucker for Lily/James stories (and H/G, as should be obvious by my name, but I suppose that's rather unrelated).
Author's Response: Thank you! I really appreciate the depth of your review--I love seeing what stands out to people--and I'm glad you like the story so much. That's why I started writing this, because I feel like JKR gives us hints through the series on how James and Lily get together but not exactly how they get there. And I enjoy a good H/G fanfiction too :)
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: 05/17/11 Title: Chapter 3: Great to be Back
I thought you captured Luna's character extremely well. There are a few grammar mistakes here and there, but I know it's almost impossible to catch every one. Nice job!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review.
I think that I’ve (finally) caught all oft the errors and I will be posting corrected versions of the first five chapters soon. –N-
Date: 05/17/11 Title: Chapter 7: Ernest Endeavours
I never really liked Ernie, and the last two tales haven't helped. But I think that you definitely did a great job with this character. I keep reading these stories, one after another, and I think you've done splendidly with filling in some of the background of what happened during that battle. I always wished there could be more description of what happened, more action, but the books have always been Harry-centric, so this is possibly the best way to introduce that other material. Thank you for that.
Author's Response: I never liked Ernie much either, but I found myself liking him more after this story. I wrote this collection for a challenge on another site. Though these stories are much expanded and greatly improved. In addition to telling the stories, these tales also serve to give me background and characterisation for “the minors” in my other stories.
-N-
Date: 05/17/11 Title: Chapter 10: Voldemort Doesn't Play Quidditch
That was a great story. I loved that it had some humor mixed in with everything. The last few had been so sad (which is absolutely appropriate for the overall topic, of course), but it was nice to be able to laugh a little too.
On a slightly unrelated note:
One thing I've always thought would be interesting to read about would be a kind of alumni Quidditch match, with some of the best players from the years Harry was there. They had some pretty spectacular players, in all houses, and they never really got to have that one spectacular team together, except maybe Harry's first year. But Quidditch play is a difficult thing to write, and for now, it's just a dream.
Anyway, thanks for the wonderful stories.
Author's Response: Thanks again.
I try to stick a little humour in some of these tales as otherwise they’d be unremittingly grim.
After Swimsuit Quidditch I’m not certain that I’ll be able to write a serious Quidditch story, but my plans for the sequel to the sequel to Aurors and Schoolgirls (will I ever get there?) include a “Gryffindor old pupils” team: Bell, Peakes, Potter, Robbins, Weasley G, Weasley GM, Wood. Perhaps, one day... -N-