I'm a Pacific Northwest mom who has found fanfic a great escape from diaper changes and soccer practice.
Oh My! Oh My! Well, I have to say, after I got over feeling really old (I was 8 in 1978, so you know...), I was totally intriqued. Well done!
Author's Response: Thank you! I have to say that i think that was one of my best chapters - i just hope that i haven't peaked too early. It doesn't matter what age you are there is always someone who can make you feel really, really old - even when you're only a slip of a girl at twenty!
Ah, family. Harry deserves as much family as he can get. Not to mention, he now has total license to rib Charlie for marrying his cousin...not that Harry would do that, but it could be fun!
Author's Response: A certain something happens in a later chapter and poor Charlie gets ribbed terribly, it's lots of fun and i wouldn't dare leave Harry out of that!
Blow the wind up the DE's robes - lovely! I love Ellie's claws - she'll need those to marry into the Weasley clan. I'm not sure about Neville becoming an Auror, though. His talents are certainly coming to the forefront and he's got the courage, but I see him in something less violent. But that's me...on to the next chapter!
Author's Response: Sorry i couldn't help that bit of imagery! I love that you're so certain i'll actually have her marry Charlie. I understand what you mean about Neville but don't worry i have great plans for little Nev!
Had to laugh - there is no next chapter to go to. I've finally caught up! yay!
Author's Response: YAY! You caught up, it was really funny because i was sat here at my computer and i've got Yahoo messenger so every time Mugglenet sends me an e-mail telling me that i've got a new review a little window pops up. I was busy typing away for the sequel and everytime the window popped up i got a bit giddy and shouted 'whoo hoo!', the result being that my flatmate now thinks i am very strange.
Wonderful beginning! I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter so off I go!
Author's Response: Thank you!
Wonderful job on Lupin - you handled the explanations very well. Harry is lucky to have someone so understanding to help him through. Well done!
Author's Response: I just love Lupin, he's so quiet and sensitive. Everybody should have a Lupin!
Oh, not the Burrow! Sad day, sad day. You write a convincing Voldemort, too! I liked the touch that Ellie can move the gargoyle without a password. And am I wrong in holding the belief she's marrying Charlie? :)
Author's Response: I'm just saying that because they are madly in love doesn't mean that the fates don't have something else planned for my dear couple, Ellie may be shuffling off her mortal coil sometime in the relatively near future. I hope that's enough to keep you hooked in for a while!
Hmmm...very interesting development there with Elizabeth. I love that name. If Dumbledore is her grandfather, I bet she's going to be a wonderful character! I loved the description of the changes at the Dursleys, especially Dudley's disappointment over Vernon's lack of verbal abuse. Serves him right! Once again, well done!
Author's Response: The thing i love about the name Elizabeth is that it is so quintessentially English, it's one of those great traditional names that came be made modern just by using a nickname. Glad you like it.
I don’t want to alarm anyone but I can’t breathe!” Love it! And I'm dying to know what the truth is!
Author's Response: Breathe! If you die then you won't be able to finish your fic and it would be terrible to deprive people of such a great story!
Ah ha! Those Potters - can't resist a red head. Wonderful stuff!
Author's Response: They really can't, they're unstoppable. I can't blame them though red heads really are quite stunning, (she says as she looks around to see if anyone has noticed the colour of her hair).
I love Ellie. Need I say more? She did a nice job of putting Snape in his place. Well done! I'm looking forward to some Chirsmtas cheer!
Author's Response: There are times when i love Ellie too, there;s this fire in her that can be so much fun to watch burn. I'm begging and praying that the next chapter goes up, at first it was rejected, then it disappeared from my list for no reason but it has been resubmitted and i really, really hope that it goes up soon!
I just love Harry's summation of why Charlie is so calm about getting married to Ellie! It's very funny to read about it from his standpoint - just wait until he finds a girl that will make him feel the same way! Woohoo!
Author's Response: I got that from an ex-boyfriend who had some commitment issues, that was his theory of how to get around them. Unfortunately i didn't agree and hence why he became an ex-boyfriend.
Wow! That Ellie has some claws! Go girl! That Molly - she does tend to jump in feet first sometimes, doesn't she? And I love that Harry is buying Ginny a cat! Lovely!
Author's Response: Ellie really does have claws and she's not afraid to use them, as you'll soon see. I love writing Molly soo much, she really reminds me of my Grandmother and it's given me a whole new level of appreciation for the woman. I'm trying to make sweet Harry subtle, is it working?
Ah, the plot thickens...poor Harry...at least he hasn't given up! And Ginny blushing crimson is a very good sign. Having Fudge show up in his office dead was downright cool for lack of a better term. I'm looking forward to finding out who the new minister is...
Author's Response: Well i just thought that the Fudge thing would be somehting that Voldemort would do, scare the pants off everyone by having a dead body appear in the middle of a crowded room. Is it worrying that i'm quite in tune with a psychopath?
Yeehaw! Log in issues have kept me from reviewing so I apologize! The chess set was wonderful! Leave it to a bunch of inanimate objects to bring Harry's emotions out in the open! And his discussion with Hermione was wonderful. I loved the idea that Ginny would have to be somewhat won over again - her heart still belongs to Harry but it won't be all that easy. Can't wait for more!
Author's Response: Yes, I know what you mean about the log in issues, but hopefully they will be fixed soon. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I had a lot of fun writing the chess scene and, as is typical of Harry, someone (or in this case something) else was well aware of what is in his heart before he is. As for Hermione, well, I like to feel that she is more knowledgeable in affairs of the heart than a lot of people give her credit for. I think she really has an understanding of how Ginny feels because of her own issues with Ron and I have to admit that I didn't want to make it too easy for Harry. I wanted him to appreciate what he has once he gets it. Thanks again for your continued reviews. I am submitting the next chapter today if all goes well.
Can I just say I've always loved Hedwig? She's like a mother figure to Harry. I love the personality you gave her. What a matchmaker! Wonderful first chapter - I'm looking forward to Harry's reaction to the letter!
Author's Response: Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I have always loved Hedwig and I wanted to give her more of a substantial role. The next chapter should hopefully be up soon.
I'm a tad late in reviewing - sorry about that! I have to admit, I have a great weakness for the mirrors. I just laugh at them - you've captured their sentiments exactly! Percy needs a swift kick (unfortunately). Love Hermione as a match maker - she's a smart one!
Author's Response: No need for apologies - I'm just glad you liked the chapter! Fred and George jusgt make me laugh and I love trying to find new things for them to play with. It really is difficult to believe that Percy can be a part of the Weasley family, isn't it? Talk about a genetic aberation! As for Hermione, well, where would we be without her? Most likely as lost as Harry and Ron :-)
Oh my goodness, I apologize for taking so long. These log in issues play havoc with reviews! Nice touch moving headquarters. It's fun to see both Ron and Harry on the same footing when it comes to their hearts - it's going to be fun to see how they "help" each other through the trials and tribulations of love. Well done!
Author's Response: No problem. I know what you mean about the log in issues. I had to log in 12 times today just to get to respond to each review and then it kicks me back out once I submit a reply. Submitting new chapters has been a complete nightmare for the same reasons. ANYWAY...I'm glad you liked the chapter. Thank goodness Ron and Harry have each other to rely on because when it comes to matters of the heart, they are in unfamiliar territory.
Very sweet - Harry's talk with Ginny was nicely done. Awkward and confusing and mishmashed signals as all first loves are. His talk with Lupin was heartfelt. And I love the twins! Well done!
Author's Response: Thank you! I really play up the confusion and awkwardness in the next few chapters because, as you pointed out, that is how those real loves begin. Although Harry fancied Cho, I think his emotions were more of a crush and this will be the very first time he gives his heart away. Glad you enjoyed Remus and the twins. Fred and George are especially fun to write about - just wait until the group meets at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes!
I'm catching up - I can't seem to read and write at the same time! First off, I love your disclaimer. :) The description of the twin's apartment painted a perfect picture in my mind - the garish lime green couch, the zebra print wallpaper - oy! Headache, indeed! And I laughed out loud over Dumbledore purchasing an insulting toilet seat and then returning to purchase more as gifts. That is so fitting! On to the next one...
Author's Response: I know exactly what you mean - lately I've been playing catch up with all of my favorites it seems. Glad you liked the chapter. Dumbledore and the twins just make me laugh because they are so original. As for the disclaimer, well...you know the story behind that one LOL :-)