Can I just say that I felt myself get cold reading about all that ice cold water that poor Sirius was being soaked in? No wonder he thought Remus was trying to do him in. Of course, this whole chapter is pretty hysterical because of how drunk Sirius is, not to mention his many thoughts about 'bits' and 'parts.' I was laughing through the majority of this chapter. At least Sirius is a happy drunk. Now on to more serious subject matter. As much as you may stick out your tongue at me, I have to agree with V.V. about that sentence needing another comma. I also noticed a spot where I'm pretty sure you're missing a period: 'He was sitting naked in the empty tub for a moment before it was suddenly filled with lovely hot water, easing him He felt nearly every muscle in his body melt in the delicious warmth.' It seems that there should be a period after 'him,' which I have bolded to make it easier to find. Also, continuing my apparent love affair with commas, I think you should add a comma in this sentence: ' “I promise,” Sirius said solemnly and Remus left the bathroom.' In my opinion, there should be a comma after 'solemnly' before 'and.' Now that I have done my little bit of nit-picking, I am bracing myself to see a tongue being stuck out at me. All in all, and nit-picking aside, I really enjoyed this chapter. Beginning with Sirius waking up in a bath tub full of cold water is funny to everyone but him. But, your ending has to be my favorite part because of how touching it is. It really shows how caring Remus can be and how in need of it Sirius is. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the story, especially the two new chapters you have already posted.

Author's Response: I am glad you laughed. I probably had much too much fun writing it. I am also *squee* thrilled that you got to it once it was done and so did not read only two chapters and forget about it as about two hundred other people seem to have done. (Shame on all of you.) I shall consider the corrections when I am not waiting on tenterhooks for a certain two hour finale to begin.... Oh, and if you read 'The Puppies!" the bit about the socks will be explained....

Yet another fantastic short-fic from you. This is a great one-shot that you use quite well to capture a great Christmas moment. I love the way that you tie this in so well with your other fic "No One Can Save You From Yourself." I won't mention anything about commas, though, because I don't want to have to endure your tongue being stuck out at me again. **wink** However, I think you are missing a word, which I added in bold, in this sentence: 'Remus was back to sleep long before Sirius, a soft smile on his face, making him beautiful even [b]in[/b] his sleep.' I just couldn't read this sentence without adding that word, and even when I went back and tried to make sense of it without it, it just didn't work. Also, I'm pretty sure there is a typo, which I have bolded, in this sentence: ' “You know,” he added after a moment, “James [b]if[/b] going to have a ball with this.” ' I think the word 'if' should be 'is' instead. Okay, aside from my two little bits of nit-picking, I absolutely loved this one-shot. It gave me a little warm fuzzy feeling that I associate with Christmas. Very well done, as always!

Author's Response: Yay! Thank you! I shall even forgive the double-posting (again) Heh. Lovely for upping my count and what not. This didn't really start out this way; in the original version they both got puppies. But I had written that before the challenge and figured only the one-way would work best. Maybe, one day, I shall post the other version as well. And I am trying very hard to keep everything consistant, balancing things I wrote with the joint fic and all the Wolfstar list fics. *groans* Why do I do this to myself? Why? *wail* Thanks for reading! *sticking out my tongue at you for old time's sake: ;P)

What a great way to begin a story. I like the way you have Voldemort gathinger the Death Eaters together so he can glory in Dumbledore's death, and show them the consequences of not fulfilling a mission. It really highlights the way that Voldemort controls his followers through fear, something which you make very apparent through your portrayal of Draco. I think you have done a pretty good job of keeping Draco in character. You portray him as the arrogant, self-centered person we all know with that touch of apprehension about what he is doing that was revealed in Half-Blood Prince. The way you describe his feelings shows that there may be more to him than most people think.

However, with as much as I liked this chapter, there were two spots that seemed a little odd to me. The first was:

"Really?" Voldemort mocked, he already fully aware of what happened. "Crucio"

The 'he' after the comma probably shouldn't be there. It makes the sentence sound weird. Also, since 'Crucio' is a spell, it should be in italics and there needs to be some form of punctuation after it.

The second spot was:

Turning abruptly on Draco, he snapped. "Get up, boy! Off your knees and on your feet!"

I think the period after 'snapped' should be a comma instead as that seems to be describing the way Voldemort said the words that followed it.

Other than those two little things, though, I think you have done a really good job with this chapter. The idea of reading a story that looks at the battle from the side of Voldemort and the Death Eaters really intrigues me, and you have definitely got the start of one that looks to be pretty good. It will be inieresting to see where you take the story from here.

Argh. I'm sorry it took me so long to post this for you. I read this a while ago and just blanked out on my review. Anyway, here it is for you. *smile*

Who would've thought that a small conversation between Hermione and Ginny could contain so much information? You do a wonderful job of packing in as much information in as few words as possible. The opening of the story is great because it shows how life has continued as normal as possible for the students at Hogwarts while those outside are fighting to return the world outside the grounds to normalcy. The flashback at the beginning helped establish the appearance of normalcy at Hogwarts and was placed in the right spot to do so before the explanation of how far from normal things truly are during the story.

Now, with all I've said about the opening of this story, I'll move on to the fact that I love that it was Hermione that was injured because she was leading the way. It just feels right for Hermione to lead at that point in the journey because she wouldn't want Harry to do so just in case something like what did happen happened. So very Hermione-like. Of course, the fact that she was the one injured and stuck in the Hospital Wing at Hogwarts was really great for your story because it allowed both Ginny and her to be completely open about everything. I can't really picture either Ron or Harry being as open with Ginny since both boys would want to protect her while Hermione understands that Ginny is a rather powerful witch and would be able to hold her own in anything she might face. But, their conversation also reflects the fact that they are teenage girls who are dealing with their emotions as much as with the outside threat of Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The balance in the conversation is great.

The only thing I really found in this whole story that seemed like it could have been explained more was Hermione's vaguely odd behavior when she murmurs about Harry and Ron being 'close'. I'm pretty sure you meant that they were getting close to their goal, either the place they were going to face off with Voldemort of the final destruction of him. However, it just seemed odd for her to know that and get a sort of faraway look whenever she felt it. I think it would've been nice to have a small little explanation of how she was able to feel their progress and know they were close. Like somehow the three of them had made a magical pact or something that would allow her, or any of them, to know or feel the progress of the others when they were separated. I do like the idea, though, that Hermione would know about it even though she is stuck in Hogwarts. It just seems right that the three of them have some connection to each other that would allow them that kind of knowledge. I just think a bit more of an explanation would've been nice to see.

Overall, this was a very nice story to read. The fact that the two girls, who were already close, were able to get closer over their discussion of what was happening beyond the walls of Hogwarts and worry about their loved ones together. It must have been nice for Ginny to finally have one of her close friends back with her, even under the circumstances in which Hermione showed up. And, of course, I think Ginny put it best when she told Hermione, “They’ll be fine, Hermione. You taught them, they can’t help but succeed.” That is just a wonderful line and it really should bolster both girls' spirits, especially since the chapter closes with Hermione's persisting feeling that the boys are getting close and everything would be over soon. It really was a lovely story. Well done.

Wow, N, what a great look into the mind of Severus Snape. You do a wonderful job examining his character in this story. Of course, you do a great job with all of the other characters as well. Your rendition of Voldemort is really spot on. He would definitely lull his Death Eaters into thinking he was truly merciful only to pull them back in by making one torture another. Likewise, you do a good job with both Draco and Narcissa as they would only be willing to offer themselves in place of the other. Neither one would make that offer for anyone else. My favorite part about the whole opening scene, though, had to be the little twist you have there about Severus' two masters being Voldemort and Narcissa. I never saw that coming.

The only thing I noticed which might've enhanced that opening scene was an order from Voldemort to Narcissa about having to watch Severus torture Draco. That just seems like the type of thing Voldemort would do to ensure she saw it and didn't turn away. He would want that type of vengeance as well for her going to Severus to help her save her son. Plus, I think it would've added a nice little twist to the whole bit about Severus having to be the one to torture Draco. Other than that, though, I couldn't see any possible improvements on anything else.

Your ending was also really great. I really enjoyed the way you brought Fawkes into the story. Having Fawkes fly to where Severus was to heal his body so that he would be able to withstand whatever was to come really is a fabulous idea. Of course, you raise the question about what exactly Fawkes' role will be in what is to come by writing that he will have a crucial role. It really leaves a lot up to the imagination of the reader at the end of the story. What a really magnificent way to end. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and am glad I read it. I'm just sorry it took me so long to finally read and review some of your material. Now, it will be hard to keep me away!

Well, well, well, SPEW buddy mine, I do have to agree with your previous reviewers. You do wonderful job with all of the dialogue, especially that between Fred and Angelina. Their words to each other illuminate their own characters while also giving some insight into each other by their reactions to what the other is saying.

However, it's not just the dialogue that makes this a stunning story . The way you really focus in on Angelina's internal conflict, first about her wedding itself and then about her choices regarding how to live, is fantastic. This is probably one of the best stories I've read to really do a good character study of Angelina. Her true Gryffindor spirit finally seems to re-emerge from the fear in which she had been living when she decides to turn her back on that fear and take her life back. The kind of decision she made to call off her own wedding minutes before it was supposed to take place takes a lot of nerve, and only a truly brave person would be able to do it the way she did: face-to-face with the man she was supposed to marry. Clearly, by the end of this story, it is evident why Angelina was Sorted into Gryffindor.

The only thing that really bothered me about this story, though, was the beginning of Angelina's conversation with Alicia. Given that the two of them were both on the Quidditch team with Fred and George, it seems highly unlikely that either one would've been able to forget them, especially with how close the teammates seemed to be to each other while in school. Not only that, but Fred and George's exit from Hogwarts was probably the most memorable exit in recent Hogwarts history. So, it seems a little odd that Alicia would have a hard time coming up with Fred's name when talking to Angelina. He would be a hard person to forget.

Other than that, the only things which didn't quite fit with the rest of this well written story were the following:
"Who knows the when I’ll see you next!"
That is a line from Alicia to Angelina, and I think you should probably just take the 'the' out of it.
She heart was throbbing and her palms were sweating.
In that line, 'She' should probably be 'Her' instead.

All in all, though, this was a splendid story and I really enjoyed reading it. You have a good knack for exploring a character through their dialogue and their response to other characters' dialogue. I'm really glad I read this. Well done, buddy!.

Author's Response: *facepalm* How did my beta--*cough*--I miss those typos? *is off to fix* Anyway, thank you, Karin, for the amazing review! I agree--the Alicia part isn\'t the best. It\'s probably my least favorite part in this fic...I really was struggling with Alicia\'s chararacterization. Anyway, thanks again, and I\'m really glad that you liked it! I\'ll have my review to you within the week-sorry for taking so long! *hugs buddy* ♥

Wow. This was a great little story which explored Molly's connection to both of her brother's and just how their death affected her and her family. Along with that, you did a great job with characterizing both Gideon and Fabian through their own words and Molly's description of them.

I really enjoyed the way you gave both Gideon and Fabian their own parts in this story. Their words help really bring them into the story instead of making it just about Molly and her reaction to their loss. You do a good job of choosing just the right words to really illuminate their characters in such a short space. What they say really explains a lot about them and Molly's explanations of who they were.

What I also liked about the story is just how much Fabian and Gideon appear to be a pre-cursor to Fred and George. I can definitely see how the twins could've taken a lot of inspiration from their uncles, especially if they heard the stories about them and visited their grave every year.

My favorite part of the story, though, was the way you included other characters from the books. Molly's reaction to Fudge, calling it 'rubbish', is a great way of setting up her distaste for him early on, before he ever became the Minister was fabulous. It set up her lack of respect for him once he was given that position.

Though this story was really good, I think the bit about Amos seemed a little out of place. I liked having him there because it only fits since they are neighbors at the time of the Quidditch World Cup and probably were at the time of the deaths. But, I don't think someone who only liked a person because they felt superior to them would try to commiserate with that person at a funeral. Of course, that's probably me projecting my own feelings on others, but it just felt weird when I read that.

Other than that, the canon word Muggle needs to be capitalized.

Those two small things aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. You did a wonderful job with Molly and Arthur and the way she described her brothers. It was a completely touching story and the ending definitely warmed my heart. Very well done.

Author's Response: Wow, thank you for the review. It\'s... possibly the most thorough I\'ve received in this fandom and I really appreciate that. :) Now, let\'s see here... On the two criticisms-- Firstly, my beta and I realized in the story I wrote AFTER this one that Muggle is meant to be capitalized. (He hasn\'t read the HP books and I haven\'t read the last one since it first came out.) So, our bads. But I have fixed it now. Secondly, I don\'t really think Amos is like that. I mean, I think he\'s a bit pompous and probably does fancy himself better than Arthur in some ways, but I also think he respects Arthur and that is really just Molly\'s opinion of the man. I think that, by the time we see Amos in the HP books, she\'ll have warmed up to him considerably more and be far more willing to, like, feed him toast through the fire and things. I just think she\'s protective. Protective of her husband and family and anyone who might not be on the level is suspect. That kind of thing. On Gideon and Fabian-- I\'m so glad you enjoyed their parts. I wanted to give them distinct personalities from each other and within the HP cannon given. (Was Fabian part of the Order? Hard to say... but he died with his brother all the same.) I also really like the Fred and George parallels you drew. I honestly didn\'t plan that, but I like it. :) Other comments-- Yes! Fudge is a loser! :D No, but seriously, I think that was one of my favorite things. Just to rag on him a little and sort of show the seeds of why his turn as Minister was so... not respect. So glad you enjoyed the story and brothers and everything. Thanks again for this wonderful review. It really means a lot to me. Really.

Where to find the words to express my reaction to your one-shot? This was really quite fabulous in a variety of ways, especially the way you use the story to explore Regulus' character and his motivations.

You do a great job with Regulus. You really seem to get into his mind to explain just why he did what he did and how he felt about it. Time and again, the narrative repeats the idea that his choice was a mistake - one he knew would eventually claim his life. The fact that he ends up facing that consequence head-on with thoughts of his brother urging him on is simply fantastic.

The only part I had a hard time with was the following:
He wants to curl up in his mother's lap.
What little we know of Walburga makes it hard to picture her at all maternal and allowing anyone to curl up on her lap. So, it makes it hard for me to think of Regulus wanting to curl up on the lap of someone who doesn't seem to have any a cuddly bone in her body. Of course, it could just be a figurative saying where he's just longing for the kind of connection a person finds when curling up in their mother's lap.

In the end, it's hard not to feel sorry for Regulus by the end of your one-shot. You do a wonderful job of making him a sympathetic character who makes one wrong decision which costs him his life. Well done!

McGonagall is one character who seems to get overlooked often in the stories. Everyone just seems to be so used to her presence that it is just expected that she will be there when needed as unflappable as ever. What you do in your story is to show that even the most dependable people have to find a way to release pent-up emotions.

You do a good job of leading into your story. It starts off by focusing on the everyday, mundane happenings, such as eating a meal, that seem so normal. However, you quickly disabuse the notion that this is just any other day with your vivid descriptions of the eerily still castle and violently disturbed hallway. The contrasts are telling and only make McGonagall's calm actions stand out that much more.

I really like the fact that you include another character in this and that that character is Madam Pomfrey. Using the school nurse as the person to stumble upon McGonagall in her apparent state of denial is great simply because of her prfofession. Poppy seems to immediately recognize what is going on with her colleague but doesn't really know how to help her.

The one thing that really bothered me, though, was how easily McGonagall seemed to come out of her state of denial just by touching the cold stone gargoyle at the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Perhaps it is just me, but I would've liked to see something more jarring to bring her back to the reality of the situation. Though cold stone can be rather jarring itself, it just seemed like it would take something more shocking to force McGonagall to face what had happened - something like an empty office.

That aside, though, this was a fantastic story. I love the way you wrapped it all up nicely by alluding to the beginning at the end when McGonagall smashed all the plates as she had contemplated before leaving her own office. That scene ties the whole story up quite nicely. Plus, it is a great image to leave your readers with - McGonagall releasing her anguish by smashing everything to bits so that she doesn't end up smashed to bits herself.

Author's Response: Thanks you very much for the wonderful review. I understand your concern with McGonagall, but I wanted it to be more of a realization that if she went in, everything would be changed, everything was already changed, and that in her state she couldn\'t face the empty office. Even in her denial she knew he was dead, she just had to bring that denial to the front. I hope I explained my intentions well enough in that rambling spiel. And as for McGonagall smashing plates, well I must confess it is something I have always wanted to do, so there is a certain pleasure in at least living it vicariously.