12/03/05
Hullo, all.
I'm Ceryle.
I'm unhealthily obsessed with Harry Potter, though I cannot claim to have read the books an ungodly amount of times (I think I've read each one twice at the most)...I just reread parts here and there...it all adds up eventually.
I also love Lord of the Rings (hence the -lotr at the end of my penname [which, I might add, was created on the spur of the moment and was given no thought whatsoever--I much prefer Songlily, or something of the like]), Star Wars, Agatha Christie, and the classics, among other things.
I collect bottles, crystal animals, and various knick-knacks, and I'm becoming an avid bird-watcher. I love math, logic, history, art, and writing (or else I wouldn't be here, I suppose!).
Favorite characters: Dumbledore, Remus, Sirius, Fred'n'George, Ron, Moody
Favorite ships (and these were my favorites before HBP as well, thank-you-very-much): Remus/Tonks, Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione, James/Lily, Remus/Lily
I'll read nearly any type of fanfiction (barring slash), but I particularly like clever, artful fics that make good use of description and diction, as well as JKR-style enjoyable sagas. Plot twists are excellent, and characterization must be spot-on. A sense of plausibility and reality--as if the action is a transcript of a real-life scene--is necessary. One-shots are awesome. Clichés are not.
Oh...and I'm a proud RAVENCLAW!
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About my fics:
Closing the Door
Ginny Weasley is troubled about her actions during her first year of Hogwarts. How can she make peace with the horrors she committed?
Chapter I: On Troubled Memories--Posted
Chapter II: On Faltering Courage--In the works...
Loneliness Doesn't Become You
A minor character's struggles, as well as her hopes.
Submitted
Impossible
A stylistic challenge--rather a rough sketch--that takes place in St. Mungo's one special Christmas day.
Posted
More to come, perhaps?
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Hope you enjoyed my little profile...good day!
-Ceryle
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Secret Keeper by Amarisa
Rated: •Summary: Inspired by the third movie and all the times this little ploy occurred to fool a woman into love. Remus has always adored Lily, even to the point of unrequited love. Yet James has his eye on her too. When desperately asked for help, does Remus admit his feelings or aid his friend in a quest for the girl of his dreams?
Date: 12/03/05 Title: Chapter 7: SK Chapter 7
I've read your story I few times, and I think it's absolutely brilliant. I've been looking for some stories with Remus/Lily bits in them, and yours was a wonderful read! Lovely writing style and great character development. I had to reread the last chapter, however, before I completely understood how much James knew about the situation, so perhaps that could be a bit clearer. Overall, one of my favorite stories to date, and I've read a good many. It's on my favs list!
After the Die is Cast by Mudblood428
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Since the tragedy at the Astronomy Tower, Harry has become an even more formidable wizard, but a shocking revelation may mean the difference between life and death for The Boy Who Lived. It is the final stage of Harry's quest to destroy Lord Voldemort - can he save the Wizarding World and those he loves from the treachery of the Dark Lord... and also save himself? [Action takes place in media res towards the end of Harry's Seventh Year at Hogwarts (Post-HBP).]
Date: 08/11/06 Title: Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve: Song of the Phoenix
Aaah yes...I love it! You are a very talented writer (and artist)--you make the words come alive! I can feel all the characters' emotions--the actual battle scenes, such as chp. 11, are very well written--active and intense. Can't wait til you start submitting the prequel!
--Ceryle
Imperius by Pallas
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: “Imperius… Werewolves…You-Know-Who…” The last words of a dying man force Remus Lupin into a dangerous investigation at the infamous Feral Institute. Sequel to Oblivious; pre-reading would be useful but it isn’t vital.
Date: 08/11/06 Title: Chapter 14: Hidden Meanings
I've read the completed version of this story on ff.net--finished it in two days! Your writing style is captivating--I love how you switch PoVs and incorporate the characters' thoughts--really allows the reader to get to know the characters.
I've read most of Oblivious, but some of the plot-lines are still a bit confusing--perhaps I'm just not thinking clearly, but it might help for future stories if there were not so many...angles. Plot twists are great though, and you've sprung several of those on us =)
Excellent work...coming out with anything new anytime soon? I'll be on the lookout!
--Ceryle
Something Out of Nature by stardust
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Remus Lupin and Lily Evans run into each other in Diagon Alley and have a pleasant talk over a pleasant meal. Two friends discuss cabbages and kings to wear out a long lunch hour, and end up discovering things about each other’s lives that neither had had a chance to glean before. (Oneshot. This is my first fic, so reviews are very much appreciated!)
Date: 10/12/06 Title: Chapter 1: Summer, 1977.
Wow! I've read this story at least twice now, maybe thrice, and this read was the best yet!
I love the overall flow--it does seem to have a sort of natural clumsiness...like you intended it to be that way...so it would be more like a scene out of someone's life. One thing I strongly dislike about fanfiction is its triteness--dialogue seems forced, situations are clichéd and contrived--however, your story was definitely not in that category! It seemed incredibly real, like a scene out my own life...the diction you chose worked for the characters, and I like how you included and described all the 'dead space' in the scene, something most writers skip over.
Next, the characterization was excellent...I love how you let us into Remus' and Lily's minds, excellently revealing their characters and letting us see different sides of their personalities. Remus' thoughts were very human--flitting from his condition, his friends, people walking outside, light reflecting off of Lily's bracelet--incredibly real.
After reading this, I feel like I have a whole picture of the Marauder years, a very plausible picture at that...I've mentioned this in possibly every sentence, but your story was real, and that's an incredible feat. =)
-Ceryle
Author's Response: Wow, maybe thrice?! Thank you, Ceryle, for such a profuse, meaty review!! Even if it weren\'t so nice I\'d be grateful for the thought that\'s in it. And that you thought this story could feel like something from Remus or Lily\'s lives - or your own life - it\'s so incredibly generous of you!
It\'s always the aim to get into the characters\' heads, and it\'s great to think that I\'m on the same wavelength as some other people (because frankly, I understand concerns about pace and length, etc.)... So thank you for the encouragement; I know you\'ll understand how it puts a smile on one\'s face. \"Natural clumsiness,\"; I love that; you\'re obviously a wordsmith, too. =)
The Violin Teacher by stardust
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Wherever his reputation preceded him, he was unwelcome. So he kept inside and played his violin. And the music carried through his open window, and, unseen, he serenaded the city... Remus Lupin, as a Muggle, tutors one Hermione Granger, a brilliant young violinist with a promising career. (AU, slightly allegorical.)
Date: 10/30/06 Title: Chapter 5: Heartsong
Now this was different.
And that's a good kind of different.
Certainly not your average fanfiction, that's for sure--seemed more like an original fiction work (which it easily could be) using two familiar characters. It did not involve any magic that we're used to seeing in the Potterverse, but it had a magic all its own in the emotional and musical quality of the diction, syntax, description, and story.
It seemed to me like each and every word was carefully selected--all the sentences flowed perfectly in a kind of rhymthmic pattern. Very good diction and imagery--I could see and feel the whole story and the scenes in which it was set unfolding before me. Truly beautiful.
You gave it a bit of an air of mystery--as another reviewer mentioned, I was left wondering as to Remus' mysterious condition. It kills me not to know that answer and other answers to questions that were raised while I was reading, but at the same time it leaves room for speculation. I also enjoyed how you gradually revealed information about Remus' past throughout the story, as if the reader was travelling down memory lane with him.
Let me assure you, this is one of the best works I've read on here--quite a breath of fresh air, really. However, a few minor crits:
A couple of places I noticed some awkward wording, especially with prepositions and conjunctions. I can't recall the exact places right now, but when you rework it, try reading your sentences out loud to make sure the wording doesn't mess up that beautiful flow!
Also, I agree with another reviewer that Hermione seems to lack that logical side she's so famous for. She seems rather more artsy and creative. Granted, in a story like this one that works fine, and we still see the determined, hard-working girl we've always known, but a bit more of the left brain, so to speak, would be nice.
That's about all I have to say...wonderful story! I'd love to see you turn this into a fiction short story with original characters--it would work exceedingly well! However, Remus truly fits the violin teacher role better than any original charcter could, I think! Nice work.
--Ceryle
Author's Response: Hi again Ceryle! It\'s so nice to have a \"familiar face\" come and review another story! =) I\'m really flattered (and not in the pretentious sense) that you liked the premise and execution and that you think it\'s almost like an original; it\'s like a vote of confidence for me, as it comes just as I\'m about to try writing an original novel for NaNoWriMo. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave your thoughts!!
I trust, as you cited another person\'s review, that you\'ve also read my responses; but there\'s another thing that your review reminded me of in regards to Hermione: I started her off as an OC, and I don\'t remember how, but as the concept came together in my head I began to shape her into Hermione! With the present feedback, I can see that some of the unnamed girl remained in Hermione, so it\'ll be my main concern when I re-do this story to make her fully our left-brained Hermione, as you say. =) And when I do so I\'ll definitely look out for the knots in the narrative thread, so to speak. I\'ve just been surprised with this QuickSilver Award and I\'m frantic to kind of make this story more worthy of it!
Thank you again! I know I risk sounding disingenuous, but I really do hope to be an author in the future and it\'s things like this that I\'ll look back to as I try to get there. =)
- Ana
Ceterus Vir by Opaque
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: The D.A. comes the Hogs Head at the end of the war for one last meeting. It's a bit angsty, but nothing big.
Date: 10/06/06 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Wow! Excellent work...I love how you didn't reveal the whole plotline like a summary...you made us do some of the guesswork...and that line at the end just threw me totally off balance--I had to go back and read it again to pick up your hints. Great job!
Author's Response: *beams* Thank you! I admire people who are able to incorperate hints into their writing, so that is a big complement to me.
A Stolen Past by nuw255
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •
Summary: Fifteen-year-old Harry Potter wakes up in his cupboard under the stairs at number four, Privet Drive with no memory of the past five years of his life. What happened to his memory? What do his strange dreams mean? And most importantly, how will he survive in a school for incurably criminal boys?
This is primarily a mystery, with a bit of shippiness thrown in here and there. Of course, if I told you WHO is involved in the shippiness, that would ruin part of the mystery, wouldn’t it?
This story takes place immediately after OotP (and thus disregards HBP).
Date: 10/14/06 Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Severe Beating of a Sixteen-year-old Wizard
Wow, I've gotten hooked on this story...excellent and clever idea! I love the mysterious air--why did he lose his memory? Will he get it back? Where are Ron and Hermione? What's happening without him? It's all very exciting, and you are a good developer of plot, character, and suspense. Great job!
(By the way, St. Brutus' is perfect =])
Author's Response: I\'m so glad you like the story, and that you like the \"mysterious air.\" I hope that, by the end, all of your questions will be answered to your complete satisfaction. Just stick with me!
A Destiny in Time by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years • Summary: Harry Potter has fulfilled his destiny, and survived his final confrontation with Voldemort; the Dark Lord has been vanquished, but at a terrible price. Dozens are dead, including some of those closest to Harry, and he blames only himself for failing them. Desperate, he returns to Hogwarts hoping to change what has happened and save those he loves. In doing so he unknowingly saves himself, but the consequences require great sacrifice.
This short story is now complete. It begins on the battlefield just after Harry’s duel with Voldemort, and follows Harry as he tries desperately to right the mistakes of the past, only to rewrite his own future.
Date: 11/15/06 Title: Chapter 6: Chapter Six: Farewell
Nice story. Incredibly sad, yes, but still very well-crafted. The whole concept of someone going back in time has become a fanfiction cliché, but it certainly did not seem so in this story! Nice twist on the norm!
Your details and imagery really make the actions and emotions of the characters come alive--I could easily picture the entire thing.
Also, another small thing--I like how you placed more emphasis on Harry and Ron's friendship. In 'Last Battle' fics, especially ones in which Harry dies, all the focus is on Harry and Ginny, as if Hermione and Ron don't mean as much to him and vice-versa. That has always bothered me. However, here, we definitely see their friendship coming out strong, espcially in that last chapter (as Harry says goodbye to Ron last and most emotionally). It's a refreshing change, and a necessary one, as well.
Once again, excellent read!
--Ceryle
Author's Response: Wow, thank you for the incredible compliments!*blushes* I am so excited - I am thrilled you enjoyed this story, it has become very special to me. I am especially happy that you enjoyed the emphasis on Harry\'s relationship with Ron and Hermione. I love H/G stories, but really at the end of HBP we don\'t know for sure how strongly Harry feels for her; however, we do know that Ron and Hermione are his closest friends, and that he loves and trusts them more than anything. I think Harry would be devastated to lose one of them, and vice versa. The paragraph where Ron and Harry embrace is one of my favorites, I\'m so glad you liked it, as sad as it was. Thank you once more for the wonderful review!! ~Gina :)
A Duel with the Mind by FuzzyMuffins
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Ron attempts to complete an essay for Snape on the Physchology of Dueling.
Date: 10/13/06 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Excellent work! Rather a creative idea--I can feel Ron's pain. Ron was very in character, too, and I loved the sarcasm--reminded me a bit of the 'There's no need to call me sir, professor' scene from HBP =)
Nice writing style--easy to follow, and you give a lot of insight into Ron's thoughts.
Overall very well-written =)
Author's Response: Thanks. I was aiming to due a \"canon\" humor story, as there are a serious lack of those.
Author's Response: Thanks. I was aiming to due a \"canon\" humor story, as there are a serious lack of those.
Author's Response: Thanks. I was aiming to due a \"canon\" humor story, as there are a serious lack of those.
A Mother's Love by LariLee
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: She would come again tonight; he could feel it in his bones. He wondered if she would cry again as she beseeched him for his assistance, implored him for the life of her son, begged as if it were in his power to give.
Date: 10/29/06 Title: Chapter 1: A Mother's Love
Excellent work! Your ambiguous description and pronouns really make the reader think--the ending was quite unexpected! The whole situation is very plausible, and it's amazing how similar it is to the second chapter of HBP...and it would explain rather a lot about our mysterious potions professor. Good characterization, as well--Snape was very...well...Snape-ish? And LIly seemed protective and desperate, but strong just the same--how I would imagine her at that point in time. You raised some great philosophical questions with their conversation. Nice work!
-Ceryle
Comparisons by Meryl Montgomery
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Two girls reflect on a friendship based upon labels and titles. [OneShot]
Don't Read and Run, leave a review! =D
Date: 02/02/07 Title: Chapter 1: The Friendship
Quite an interesting little one-shot! I loved the two perspectives, and how you delved into teen friendships and insecurities--you really captured it well. The snippets you gave us let me imagine so much more--their days at Hogwarts, home life, etc. Well-crafted, simple, great concept.
-Ceryle
Author's Response: Thanks very much! I\'m glad you enjoyed it. I did hope I captured it accurately - I\'m pleased with it. Thanks for your review.
The Prince of Air and Darkness by starlightzephyr
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Lord Voldemort is close to victory. He has conquered most of Britain, he has gained legions of followers, and through dark magic he has restored his youth. Now all he needs to break the spirit of the rebels who stand against him and complete his own success is a young, beautiful, pureblood bride…
When Ginny Weasley is kidnapped, Harry Potter and his friends will do anything to get her back. Now they must ally themselves with a follower of Lord Voldemort, a hunter with the evilest of pasts, and a former schoolmate they hate beyond all reason…
A tale of adventure, romance, intrigue and suspense. Based on the assumption that Hogwarts never reopened, and the battle against Voldemort has lasted almost four years.
This is a reader participatory fic. That means readers get to decide which chapters come next, suggest plotlines, and even make an appearance in the story! More about this inside...
Date: 04/16/07 Title: Chapter 3: Bethrothal
I love this story so far! It's got just enough politics/strategy, that sort of thing, that makes it more of a mentally-engaging story than just an enjoyable ride. I like how you've developed the characters so far, and how Ginny is forced to face an old fear.
Ah, a cameo....Susanne, straight blondeish hair, green eyes, somewhat quiet, shies away from emotions but she likes to laugh...artsy and intelligent. Muggle refugee.
- In the next chapter I want Neville to have a lovely assistant/romantic interest helping him at the wall. Who should this girl be? Hannah Abbott? Susan Bones? Parvati Patil? (or someone else…?)
Ooh, how fun. I would like to see Susan Bones, or perhaps Eloise Midgen. I think either one would be fun, especially if you were to develop Eloise's character and show how she's changed from the acne-plagued school girl.
- What should Ginny’s ball gown look like? (Yes, she’s going…)
A deep emerald would work fantastically with her hair (and be an ironic throwback to Harry's eyes). Renaissance or Victorian style would fit--anything that looks high class and elegant.
- In general, what would you like to see happen in this fic?
Well, I'm a sucker for ingenious plot twists that catch me totally off-guard, so I can't very well suggest what that might be or I'll ruin the surprise! My advice would be to keep the plot heading in a straight direction but with plenty of twists and turns. I also like the more mental aspect, as I mentioned earlier, so a lot of that thrown in as well. It might be interesting to see Ginny actually marry Voldemort and begin to be almost...seduced? or brainwashed? by him, to where she actually thinks she's in love (or at least in lust)...and then have Harry come in, kill Riddle, and solve the whole thing...whatever, as long as its interesting and unexpected!
Author's Response: Ooo, Eloise, interesting suggestion. I like your dress suggestion (green seems to be most peoples favorite!) and I can promise you a few plot twists!