Hi, I'm CA. I used to be a college student studying (in a loose sense of the word) Genetics and Biotechnology with a minor in Music. Now I'm a part-time secretary with no delusions of grandeur whatsoever.
I am an avid reader. Sometimes I write. Other preferred activities include playing piano, dancing, singing, and generally loving life.
I'm a member of Hufflepuff House. One of those "we'll take the lot" cases more than hard work or loyalty, I'm afraid.
Before I started writing fanfiction seriously, I hated romance. I wouldn't even read it here. Then I discovered Other Pairings and I've unleashed a great power of fluff. I hope you enjoy my work. Feel free to drop me a review if you get the notion.
My favorites right now are "We Need All the Allies We Can Get" and "Catchphrase." "Gratification and Justification" has its moments. "Don't Get Caught" is my one featured story.
Yep, you've definitely left us on a cliff-hanger. At a cliff-hanger. Anyway, the only problem I have with it (I mentioned it when I betaed) is Sirius' middle name. Otherwise, I'm enjoying it (obviously) and I can't wait for the next chapter.
I really enjoyed it as a poem. I thought you captured the anxieties of an expectant father really well, although I'm not sure what the first couple lines have to do with being expectant. I do like the internal rhyme guilt/built, it really got me into the rhythm of the poem at once. Troublemaker is one word . . . let's see, what else did I notice? Just a couple little things like that, it was overall very very good!
Wow, I really liked it. I love Wicked music, and I thought you did a great job incorporating that into your story. It was a good interpretation of that time period as well, I thought. Great, now I have "Defying Gravity" in my head. Thanks a lot. :)
Author's Response: You're welcome! I thank you lots for reviewing!
I feel terrible that you have waited so long for this review, after I hinted at it all those days ago. My initial response to the story – that it resonates somewhere within me and makes something hurt – is still true despite the fact that I have read it several times since then. It’s amazing how much you can fit into such a short piece.
The continued balance between the twins is very well done, I think. Padma is unmoving to Parvati’s constant motion; nice twist from the previous chapter where Parvati must remain unburdened and strong to counteract the fragility of Padma. There is one instance, though, where the line between that is blurred. When the twins’ mother looks them over and Padma is nervous and envies Parvati’s indifference seems to be a strange contrast from where Padma accepts her parents’ refusal to let them attend Hogwarts with resignation. (Possibly I’m thinking about this too hard.) Padma thinks about so little with resignation in this story – she is always looking for the odd ounce that must come off, the stray Potions grade that will reflect poorly. It was just odd to me that, though I can see that is how it would be typical of her in regards to her parents. I don’t really know how you would fix that, either – maybe a line somewhere how she sees her parents compared to how Parvati does (or perhaps this would fit better into another chapter). Oh, I’m not making any sense.
Now for the point of opinion. In the last sentence of the seventh paragraph, you use the line She has been crying since she departed Hogwarts, but she hasn’t shed a tear until today. That by itself is just fine, and is a good line. However, the next paragraph begins Now Parvati is crying. You go on to explain how she is crying – desperately, achingly, etc. But the juxtaposition of the two sentences I highlighted seems to need another word, like “inside” for the first one. Except, I’m sure, you can think of a much better word than that. And since they are split into different paragraphs, you may very well decide it’s not worth your time. Just thought I would point that out.
The flashbacks reveal Padma’s character very intriguingly. We learn that it’s her desire to be admired, to have control, that starts it all, but by the end she realizes as we have long known that the control is only an illusion.
Parvati knows her sister very well; she knew that when faced with the reality of her weakness, she would shatter. To have that as the last short sentence of the piece is very powerful and also, as a reviewer before me said, quite ambiguous. One is left wondering what actually happened. As for me, I would hope to see some healing – not necessarily right at that second, but as a result. Both Parvati and Padma can use their sister as a strength and they build each other up...but that’s just my natural hopeful self talking. The fact that we are left hanging is half the power.
So...yeah. There are my thoughts on this. I hope I was subtle enough in my hints for a sequel...have a lovely day.
Author's Response: Padma is simply resigned about not returning to Hogwarts because being there doesn\'t mean as much to her as it does to Parvati. Padma isn\'t particularly happy at Hogwarts (or anywhere, for that matter), but for Parvati Hogwarts is a place where she feels free. I hope that makes sense. And... I\'m not sure I\'ll write another sequel. It seems fitting to have two parts: twins, interior and exterior, etc. Have I thought about what happens to them after this? Honestly, yes. But I don\'t think I\'m going to write about it.
I can’t believe that I’ve been working on this review for 3 weeks and still I’m just turning it in at the last minute.
This story was very good at making me think. If I’d had a sister in the situation Padma’s in, I don’t know if I could be strong like Parvati, supporting her all the time and never being supported back. When I finished the story, I started worrying about Parvati’s sanity, and also Padma’s. Because if Parvati breaks, what will happen to Padma? Anyway. Enough rambling.
I liked the parallelism in the beginning and the end. The first paragraph was good for setting the stage, outlining Parvati’s frustration. The last paragraph was all the more powerrful because we knew why she was so frustrated, and the hopelessness of her position.
The progression in the italicized portions was very interesting. When I was trying to figure out why Padma was doing this to herself, I began to see that maybe it had to do with a need for control...then it got out of control. (That was unintended.)
I don’t know if this is just my situation, or if you did this too, but when you were italicizing the first-year Hogwarts Express scenario, did you decide on Padma from the beginning because of the deliberate irony, or did you debate for a while? I was thinking about it (over the past few weeks I’ve spent quite a bit of time thinking about your stories) and I thought that it would be hard for me to decide. At any rate, I appreciate the irony.
"She sees thick arms, thicker than Parvati’s." I suddenly got this image of Padma using Parvati as sort of a skewed mirror, and a hint of rivalry that doesn’t really exist, shouldn’t exist. The pudding line was really well done, as others have said. Possibly my favorite line in the whole story.
Anyway, this review doesn’t seem to make much sense to me, so I don’t know how it’ll look to you, but let me sum it up: You’re a great writer, I love your work. You always do really great at making me think and try and see things from different perspectives. This story was so heartwrenching and hopeless. And beautiful. Thank you for sharing it. (Oh, and no nitpicks either.)
Author's Response: I\'ve been as slow responding to this review as you could possibly have been writing it, probably even slower. Your questions were the final spark on the fuse that had been going for some time... reading this review, the plot bunny for the sequel was born.
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review! *hugs* (and no, it\'s not muddled.)
Discover the myth and legend of Asclepius – the Greek god of healing. Discover the roots of dark creatures like the Inferi and their evolved form. Discover the beginnings of that deep hatred and set traditions of the Wizarding world’s most ancient family.
Oh, please? One of my favorite things to do is to use other people's fiction and state it as fact in class and get credit for it. And you've got such a wonderful story for Epione I will be hard put not to bring it up in any of my classes, be it chemistry, calculus, or choir.
The beta in me caught a lot of little errors, but too many to mention in just a little review. They didn't detract from the story in any particular way. So, good job again. *D*
Author's Response: *lol* and you get away with that? People must trust your words so well ... I wonder why people always expect me to be pulling their leg even if I'm not. What's your secret? ^_^
You mean you still found errors despite all the errors corrected? *L* I truly must be a beta's worst nightmare ... ^_^
I think I must have missed this chapter--anyway, I really liked this. I found it intriguing that even after so many years Nicolas and Perenelle have something new to disagree about. Also, I'm impressed at your research and originations of Inferi. Anyway, I'm going to review your other chapters. Good job!
Author's Response: ^_^ My first review on all three chapters... (so happy to finally hear from someone - jumps and hugs CA) ... Great to hear that you appreciate the research ... I do love to ramble on those small details of why this is that ...and all. I did feared that it might confuse or bore people. *lol* My boyfriend and parents tend to change the topic when I talk about my univ projects *L* say that it's because they have no idea as to what I'm talking about *lol* Glad you don't mind those details :)
Hmm. Not a very happy ending. I feel kind of sad about Teloforos and Hygiena, it sounds like they were still good people, for being vampires and all. You know, I bet Jo wouldn't mind if you submitted this as an ancient history of the Blacks, it seems kind of up her alley.
Author's Response: *grin* I blame the Greeks on this one *snicker* Their story usually ends as a tragedy (Asclepius' story is one of them). Okay ... I did kill of Telesforos and Hygenia on my own, but I can't have good vampires can I? :) After all they're known as dark creatures so the meanie's was the one who lived and gave them a bad name. :) - I've got too many smilies! :)
Really so nice of you to say so ... but I think this'll be too dark and confusing for a children's book ... I'll bet any kid will go "Mommy, I don't understand a word in this!" :) Of course smarter and delusional ones would probably try and create an Inferi *snicker* Okay, am going to stop ... going off-topic again *lol*
So he was getting married? And they killed him? Was it a "muggle-born," or what? It's kind of confusing with the time-frames here. It took me a minute to realize that they weren't leaving Nathaniel's on that note, that they were coming back, and then it was about time for them to die, and I missed the transitions . . . they were about to die, weren't they? No . . . Um . . . anyway, it's a little confusing, but I still liked it--I guess. Nathaniel was murdered, and all.
Author's Response: Whoops ... I think I may have gone a bit overboard on that advice that the prologue and epilogue ought to have a different feel to the chapters and that the chapters ought to be able to stand without them .... so I used time frame to separate the epilogue.
Yep, the woman he's marrying is not a pure-blooded wizard (could be a half-blood, veela, Muggle, etc) ... his beliefs also does not meld well with his family's. The purpose of this chapter was to tell of their deaths. Nathaniel's violent end and the Flamel's long afterwards.
I should try and work on those transitions. I might have moved about too fast on this one ^_^ Thanks for the reviews and support. Really appreciate each of your reviews. ^_^
Author's Response: I've added a date in the beginning to help with the transition. Other thatn that I have no idea on how to fix this ... am open to suggestions ^_^
Wow, I feel like I'm learning so much . . . it makes me want to read up on the myths and see what you had to work with. I'm nearly wordless when it comes to this chapter. I'm so glad you're doing this, it's such a joy to read.
Author's Response: Thanks CA. I knew this fic won't appeal to the vast majority, (for am using an obscure god and HP character) but am glad to head that at least a few people do enjoy it. Thanks for the continued support and words of encouragement. ^_^
Aha, one to go into my favorites. I haven't read the other submissions yet, but I think that I would still like yours best. It's a very original idea, and I like how you put Nathaniel Black in there, as well as Nicolas Flamel. Great job!
Author's Response: Thanks CA ^_^... I was a bit worried, because I switched to a different writing style on this one. ^_^ Thought that by using Flamel and an OC, it'll give the story a more original fic feel. A Renaissance-era guy seemed perfect; to present the story together with some imagery and thoeries. ^_^ Thanks for being my first reviewer for this fic. You made it all the more special by adding it to your fav. ^_^
Well, as you can see from Minerva's review, that's what you get for having a beta.
Hey, I just realized--this got accepted the first time! Great work!
I don't know that I have a whole lot more to say than . . . er . . . the person before me said (sorry, can't remember who).
Good application of the challenge.
Author's Response: *hugs amazing beta* Thanks so much for the review, and for helping me. You make me smile with my heart.
Ashley. Last chapter is beautissimo. Hermione’s confusion and yet her determination is so vivid in this installment – she loves, lusts, she doesn’t know, but she feels something for Severus, and she knows that it is because of him she is the woman she is now. But ... she ... ugh. You put it better than I did. I’ll stop trying to summarize what you wrote because ... you already know!
I liked the crying motif – she wanted to cry for being so stupid, she refused to cry, he couldn’t bear to see her cry, seeing her cry illuminates the truth for him. And then Harry’s wiping away Hermione’s tears makes her cry all the more. All of these references seem to give it a special sort of significance – sort of like, um, cleansing, or revealing. Don’t know if that was intentional, but it’s cool anyway.
The last paragraph – darkness and demons – was also very good (though not necessarily a place I’d want to end the whole thing without an epilogue). Although ... I do wonder what happened to Severus. Did he disappear down one of the tunnels of Hogwarts and leave forever? Hmm...
This chapter was a bit more fragmented than usual, heightening a sense of confusion. But overall it was well-written and a good conclusion to the story.
Have a nice day! *D*
Author's Response: I love it when I unintentionally put in unexpected motifs, it\'s amazing. I\'m glad you liked this chapter, I\'m rather fond of it myself and it took me forever and a day to get just right.
*is a bad beta* Sorry I haven't reviewed for so long! I think you did a really good job on this chapter, brought the action along nicely, what with Hermione being frightened and she and Harry finally "getting together." Apparently all your reviewers found out our little secret, but I think that you have done a good job of making it your own.
Author's Response: You are a wonderful beta and it makes me so happy to hear you say I made it my own because that has beeen my biggest fear with this story.
Good heck! Isn't this the chapter I just gave back to you like four hours ago? Well, I found a couple more errors that I missed. When Hermione's talking to Ron, it's "through" a cracked mirror rather than "over." That's the only one I care about.
I think I'll let a few more people review this, see if they're on to you like I am. I wouldn't want to give it away just yet! Well, I'm impressed. Have a nice day! *D*
Author's Response: *blushes* Thanks so much! I know how fast these are coming back is almost scary, I swear Stephanie is drinking large amounts of coffee, her eyes glazing over staring at the computer, she is so fast! Not that I mind, but wow! I fixed the mistake. I'm glad you like it, I would have never guessed I could write a romance!
~Ashley
*is still naughty* I remember when you sent me this chapter; and it took a month for me to get to it. It seems better than ever now that I'm reading it on here. I can sense the not-rightness even when Hermione is oblivious, and when she realizes, it's hard! How can she fix this? I guess, like everyone else, I'll just have to wait and see!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review Leslie, it makes me all warm and fuzzy to see you here.
I have an opinion about this chapter. The title is different than I thought.
I'm so reviewing out of order. Anyway, about my opinion on this chapter: Well, for one thing, the title isn't "sophisticated" enough, and for another thing, I like this chapter. It's really a good description of what is actually going on between those two. Have a nice day! *D*
Author's Response: Thank you for the opinion, we\'ll talk about it.
If you can pull this off (I personally think that a well-written H/Hr could be the best romance story ever) it'll be great.
However, don't ignore the R/Hr tension, or the H/G reality.
I'm lookiing forward (with two i's! ha ha I'm funny) to this story.
Author's Response: Thanks for pointing that out, and I want to tell everyone as to not mislead you, that this will be ignoring for the most part HBP canon. I will touch on the R/Hr but not H/G canon that existed, and also the feature character in the next chapter (his canon will not be included, and you'll know what I mean soon) I hope not to discourage you, but I also doing want to trick you into reading.
~Ashley
ah, see, I'm not alone. They have no idea what's coming to them, either . . . I love being your beta. Yep, Snape is creepy. That's a good word for it . . . Well, good job.
Author's Response: It\'s funny how many of these reviews mention how creepy Snape is.
This is a good concept, I'm anxious to see what you do with it. It's hard to tell from the prologue, but it was a good prologue!