01/16/07
Hey Y'all!
As you've probably figured out, I'm not from Jersey. Well, unless Jersey is shaped like Texas and has no winter to speak of.
I live here in Texas with the love of my life, my husband of 14 years who tolerates my HP fanfic obsession, but would prefer I write something original I can sell. LOL!
I think Monty Python and the Holy Grail is *the* funniest movie evah, anything written by Douglas Adams is hilarious, Star Wars 4,5,& 6 are teh bomb, and Godiva truffles are to *die* for. Also, I'm completely lost in the 80's - best music hands-down. :-)
My favorite HP characters are Lucius, Hermione, Draco and Snape, and I don't ship canon anything. I do play Quidditch for Ravenclaw - my House on the Boards. Go 'Claws!!
If your curiosity about me has yet to be satisfied, PM me! I love full inboxes!
Thanks for stoppin' by!
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He Who Laughed Last by Noldo
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Regulus Black, on Voldemort, life, death, and his beloved, insufferable, arrogant brother. One-shot, mild HBP spoilers.
Date: 05/26/07 Title: Chapter 1: He Who Laughed Last
In reading this story, I found this passage about Regulus to be the one that really drew me into his world:
"When Sirius was sorted into Gryffindor, he wondered if it might be an omen of sorts. When his turn was coming, it was all that kept his spirits up — he would whisper to himself, when no one was about (for Sirius would laugh in that way of his, and his parents would not understand), that the Heart of the Lion would prevail.
He was Sorted into Slytherin."
That, and the line "less-favoured younger son" just really grabbed my attention and broke my heart all at the same time.
For a character of whom so little is known, I think you did an amazing job of filling in the missing pieces. You created a very plausible backstory for Regulus and I think it was very well written.
Great job!
~Andrea
Four Houses by the nutty imp
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Albus Dumbledore takes one last look at his beloved students before he sets out to the light
Winner - Best Slytherin Drabble on the Quartet Drabble Challenge
Date: 05/26/07 Title: Chapter 1: Four Houses
I am literally sitting here with tears streaming down my face. I am so moved by this beautiful story of how Albus Dumbledore addresses each of the Four Founders. I think you truly captured Dumbledore's character, as well as the students'.
These exquisite lines of Cedric's are what pushed me over the edge:
"“Given another chance I would have done the same thing all over," he smiled brightly, "Harry had to survive. Each of us, no matter how small our part are important in the task to ensure that the Dark Lord will be defeated. It will come to pass I have faith in that.”
What an incredible talent you have!
Thank you for writing this story - I'm grateful I took the time to read it.
~Andrea
Author's Response: As am I grateful for your comments. Thanks for that wonderful review made my day. :)
A Mother's Gift by the nutty imp
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: There's no one more blind to a child's fault than one's own mother. For there's no greater love than a mother's love.
She braved darkness and death to give her son a gift. A gift that only one capable of great love can give.
FINALIST in the 2005 Winter-Snow Holidays Challenge # 5 - The Secret Gift Challenge
Date: 05/26/07 Title: Chapter 1: Winter Snows Challenge #5
From a parent's perspective, I completely sympathize with the mother in this story. She may have been misguided in not seeing her son for what he truly was, but what she did, she did out of love. I thought this melancholy tale was wonderfully written and truly heart-piercing. Thank you for writing it.
~Andrea
Author's Response: A mother\'s love truly knows no bounds. (well most of the time - I\'ll bet I\'ve really pushed it at certain circumstances *lol* but I\'ve always been forgiven after a bit of groveling .. *giggle*)
I\'ve got to be fearful of a time when I do get to be one in the future ... *shudder* ...
The Secret Papers of Regulus Black by Vorona
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: After a costly defeat of Lord Voldemort, Harry returns to number twelve, Grimmauld Place, where he discovers some disturbing information about Severus Snape's role in the first war with Voldemort.
Date: 06/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: (one shot)
Vorona-
Once agan, you write an incredible story that's logical from beginning to end! It was amazing the way you tied in Regulus as a big part of why Sirius and Snape hate each other, how Snape joined the Death Eaters and subsequently decided to leave and turn spy instead.
The whole entire aggravating part of thi story is Harry. His actions and constant prejudice though the facts look him square in the face is like fingernails constantly scratching on a chalkboard. I love how your story points out who the the true grudge-holder is, and who really holds the most hatred for another human being.
What's truly ironic is that Harry is acting exactly as the Ministry did when Harry tried to tell them that Voldemort was back. The Ministry didn't want to believe it, so Harry was made out to be the bad guy - an attention seeking prat.
Harry gave that interview to the Quibbler just so people would know the truth - that Voldemort was back so that people could prepare themselves and their families. He seemed so insistent upon the truth, then, didn't he?
Now, once again, Harry is determined to seek truth - even going to get illegal veritaserum to do so. He gives it to Snape, Snape speaks what Harry knows full well to be the truth and still refuses to accept it.
And what with breaking into Regulus' box of letters, anyway? Although the house and everything in it was given to Harry, he didn't even hesitate to break open the lock on the box containing Regulus' private papers - and read them! That's from years and years of getting away with all kinds of activities at Hogwarts that would have been called criminal anywhere else.
Oh, gosh, I really went off on Harry, didn't I? Sorry about that! *blushes*
I just feel that someone can only be called "The Chosen One" for so long befoe they start to believe it and act like it. People have bowing at the Potter altar for too long now.
Oh, gosh, Vorona, there I went again!
I loved your logical, well-thought out story that covers so many missing moments, and things we have yet to discover from the books. It's going to be very interesting to read Book 7 and see which of your theories dovetail with what actually happened.
Great job! And once again, I apologize for my rant. You know what a Snape-lover I am. That's my only excuse.
~Andrea
Author's Response: Oh, good, I\'m glad I\'m not the only one to go off on Harry rants! I had a great laugh, and this completely made my day -- I\'m not exactly having the best of days today... *sigh*
And, in Harry\'s defence here (*sigh*, I know), I also think the human mind can only take so much. His whole world view is based (*rolls eyes*) on Snape\'s guilt. He wanted the truth because he wanted more proof of that, and then didn\'t get it. He was already partly broken before the meeting, and now...
Well, he really *can\'t* take it at this point in time. As in, he\'s unable. If he\'d found out the information earlier, or in a different state (not reeling with despair about all the losses), he might have tried harder to understand.
But, he *is* in a fragile state, so completely destroying his world view is impossible for him right now. Even if his world view is based on something completely and utterly false.
But this is going to be with him forever, even if he constantly shoves it down, and he\'s never going to truly heal from it.
A Furry Little Problem by Vindictus Viridian
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: The young and bored Sirius Black amuses himself with the top hat in his closet, inspired by the nefarious influence of Muggle television. **Warning -- natural rabbit behaviour within**
Date: 06/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Hi VV!
I am taking Prof Talon's wonderful DADA course and this week's assignment is to find a conflict involving "man vs.nature".
I remembered your story and thought that it might not be exactly what my Prof has in mind, but what the heck? It makes me laugh and it has Sirius and it has bunnies - what else could a woman want? ;-)
This line I have quoted is just Sirius wrapped up in a neat little package and tied with a bow:
"Well, in case of a mess, Padfoot The Gross to the rescue! Sirius would feel bad, but at least this was a diversion, and he was a lucky sort."
I mean, it's just Sirius! Yes, he has a slight twinge of thought for the rabbit, decides if it it dies and there's a mess - no problem! Padfoot will just eat the evidence. No muss, no fuss, and Sirius has had a good distraction from his boredom.
It's seems so IC with the Sirius that needed distraction after OWL exams....
Anyhoo, I loved this story and thought it was an absolute riot - especially when "evanesco" split the bunny into two separate bunnies, rather than vanishing them. Too funny!
This is a great, humorous story that's well-written and just a joy to read.
Thanks for the laughs!
~Andrea
Author's Response: \"Man vs. Nature,\" eh? I suppose this might just work. There\'s definitely some natural rabbit behaviour here. I\'m glad you found Sirius IC with his somewhat cavalier attitudes, too -- he seems to be good at sort of waving off the things he doesn\'t really want to think about, doesn\'t he? Thanks!
Skeletons in the Closet by Merlynne
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: Centered around Draco Malfoy seven years after the Last Battle and his graduation from Hogwarts. He is working for the Order of the Phoenix and finds himself feeling out of place and more than a little useless. He cannot escape the things he's done or the people he used to care for. As Draco attempts to turn a new page, he is introduced to a witch who will have considerable impact on him. Contains some romance, ships too numerous to mention all of--Draco/OC, Harry/Ginny, Ron/Hermione for starters.
Date: 06/20/07 Title: Chapter 9: Loredana
Oh my goodness! I just read through all nine chapters in one sitting! I just couldn't stop reading because the pace (as another reviewer commented) is great. Not too fast, yet it doesn't lag.
I like how IC Draco is - he's very believable from the first moment when he thinks Harry has killed the girl he loves to the last moment when he walks off with Zacharias Smith and his new eyeball.
The reason for Draco becoming a member and spy for the Order was extremely plausible and everything has been well thought out and timed. I liked the different aspects of the wizarding world that you brought front and center such as vampires.
I have to be honest and admit I am not a big vampire fan, but what changed my mind is the Honeyduke's lollypop comment. It cracked me up, but it made such good sense! Obviously, there must be a large market for blood-favored lollypops, or they wouldn't sell them. *facepalm*
I liked how Ginny and Hermione appeared to have a hard edge to them now - which is only natural after all they've been through.
All in all, I thought this was an extremely addictive story and I look forward to reading more of it!
~Andrea
Author's Response: Thank you for the fantastic review *blushes*. I WAS a little tentative about the vampire bits, because I didn\'t want it to become a stereotypical vampire fic, and I\'m glad you liked it. I\'m also relieved you liked Draco...he\'s been worrying me quite a bit. ^_^ Cheers
-Merlynne
The Labyrinth of Lost Souls by Vorona
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Gauntlet Challenge submission by Vorona of Ravenclaw house.
Many thanks to my encouraging guide, Karin (songbook99). You were a great help!
Severus Snape is given a chance to enter a maze and prove he has the skills to defeat the curse against the Defence Against the Dark Arts post. But things change in the Labyrinth of Lost Souls and he may not emerge from it the same man he was when he entered.
Date: 06/17/07 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Mirage
Vorona~
Having completed a Gantlet myself, I know how incredibly difficult it is to write blindly, so to speak. As I was taken through both chapteres, I became more and more impressed with your ability to write such descriptive, in-depth passages that melded into each other so incredibly well.
You went from prompt to prompt to prompt adding more and more elements from the books and from logical deductions of your own. All the herbs, for example. I loved all the names you came up with for Aconite that Snape wrote in the book; every ingredient necessary for the antidote to Veritaserum and why it was necessary just astounded me; the boggart that showed Snape killing Dumbledore, leaving Snape shaken and trembling was a masterful touch, as well.
This leads me to your logical deductions of what made Snape turn to the Order - his killing of the Muggle woman to put her out of her pain and torture from the Cruciatus Curse of Malfoy's. I feel it's entirely possible, seeing as how no matter how angry or frustrated he got with Harry Potter, Snape would stoop to verbal flicks on the raw, but never inflicted real physical pain.
Also, I find it perfectly answers the question of why the hatred on Snape's face when killing Dumbledore, if killing Dumbledore is exactly what he did not wish to do, and was afraid of ever having to do.
Again, I loved the details in your story, and I appreciated the room with the painting of the Death Eaters and the different forms of pain and torture shown. It made me think of Hieronymous Bosch's paintings, such as The Last Judgement.
All in all, I thought this was incredibly done and it's obvious you put so much thought and hard work into these two chapters. I was completely enthralled the entire time.
Excellent job, Vorona!
~Andrea
Author's Response: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! This is probably my favorite story so far, and I\'m so happy you were \"completely enthralled the entire time\". Of course, that\'s what any writer likes to hear, but in this story in particular, I was really going for that sort of deep immersion.
I should note, however, that I did NOT make up the names of aconite. They come from Cunningham\'s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, by Scott Cunningham... and shoot -- a website I can\'t seem to find again.
Talk about being a bad academic! *goes to update Author\'s Note*
Thanks again!
Goodbye by Sarakime
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: On the last Hogwarts Express ride home, a certain Slytherin has very regretful thoughts.
Book 6 Disregarded
One-shot.
Check out the banner for this story on my author's page!!!♥
Date: 04/28/07 Title: Chapter 1: The Train Ride
*sigh*
I loved it - I thought the descriptive wording was beautifully done and not overdone. It made it very believable. My favorite passage is this one:
"Taking in calming, cleansing breaths he put on his face of no emotion. He put on his old mask of madness and hatred, which really covered up loneliness and regret of the worst kind. He twisted his face into a sneer and placed the best 'Malfoy look' he could upon his features. Slowly, he stood. The train was becoming increasingly slower, the landscape outside becoming clearer. They were close to King's Cross."
It sums up Draco's entire being. Tortured and lonely, but hiding it all behind a mask of arrogance and disdain. Brilliant!
Well done!
~Andrea
Author's Response: Yay! Thank you so much for the awesome review! =] It means a lot, seeing as your story is one of my favs.
Understanding Brings Peace by Sarakime
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: In a wrecked state, Draco Malfoy has Apparated away from home after a confrontation with his father goes too far. Arriving at a foreign, mysterious place, he is forced through unwanted company and unknowingly being taught some of life's most valuable lessons.
Written by Sarakime of Slytherin for the At The Sign Of The Green Dragon entry of the New Years Challenge.
Date: 03/02/07 Title: Chapter 2: Nosy Questions
I really enjoy your wonderful attention to detail- especially in bringing the character of Blenk to life, though it feels like he's always been a part of the books! I look forward to reading the rest of your fascinating story, and wish you the best of luck in the contest!
Author's Response: =] Thank you for this awesome review! I\'m glad you think that about Blenk; me and my beta really workeed hard on him! Thanks for the review!
Date: 03/02/07 Title: Chapter 2: Nosy Questions
I really enjoy your wonderful attention to detail- especially in bringing the character of Blenk to life, though it feels like he's always been a part of the books! I look forward to reading the rest of your fascinating story, and wish you the best of luck in the contest!
Author's Response: Double post. =]
A Portkey to Safety by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: One month following the terrible events at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape are on the run, hiding from Bellatrix Lestrange and the Death Eaters sent to capture them. A tragic loss unknowingly reveals the secret of their location, and they must fight for their lives or answer to the wrath of the Dark Lord for their treachery.
This story was written for the Extra Credit prompt: The First Chapter of the New Year’s Challenge by Gmariam of Ravenclaw and received First Place.
Date: 03/10/07 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
The story had an excellent pace and was skillfully detailed I loved the way you portrayed Snape - on the run, knowing he is hunted by both sides and still ever protective of Draco. It felt very in-character to me. Well-done and congratulations on a much-deserved win!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for the congrats, and for reading this story! Two reviews, yay! :) I really appreciate your kind comments. I am especially glad I was able to keep post HBP Snape in character - since we don\'t know what\'s going to happen next, exactly, that\'s always a bit subjective. I do think he will continue to look after Draco, or at least I hope so. Thanks again for reading this story and for leaving such a lovely review, I really appreciate it!! ~Gina :)
The Wedding Ring by KASK
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Lily and James Potter were always happy and in love. In a way, they never had to try to make it work. But, going through a rough time, their relationship is pushed to its limits.
Written for the February One-Shot Challenge by Kask of Slytherin.
Winner of the February One-Shot Challenge.
Winner of the 2007 Quicksilver Quill Award for Best Canon Romance.
Thank you everyone :)
Date: 03/02/07 Title: Chapter 1: The Wedding Ring
Congratulations on winning! You wrote a story that is incredibly poignant. I was drawn into their misery and heartache, and liked that their relationship wasn't fully repaired at the end of the story. But, I could rest assured that, eventually, it would be. Well done!
Author's Response: Thank you very much! :)
Comfort Me by joybelle423
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: HBP missing moment. While Harry was off talking with Scrimgeour after Dumbledore's funeral, what were Ron and Hermione doing?
Date: 03/11/07 Title: Chapter 1: Comfort Me
This was sweeter than a bar of Honeyduke's finest chocolate! Very well-written, believable dialog between Ron & Hermione and not over-the-top at all - it was the perfect balance. Well done!
Author's Response: Aw ... thanks, Andrea! \"The perfect balance ...\" I think I\'ll be floating all day. *hugs*
Date: 03/11/07 Title: Chapter 1: Comfort Me
This was sweeter than a bar of Honeyduke's finest chocolate! Very well-written, believable dialog between Ron & Hermione and not over-the-top at all - it was the perfect balance. Well done!
Author's Response: ;)
To Return To Life by Gmariam
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: A young woman meets her love one last time before she can move on and return to life.
Date: 06/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
*wipes tears from eyes*
Oh Gina~
That was beautiful! It was so touching and heart-breaking and joyful all at the same time. Gina, you did such an incredible job with Ron. I liked that he had heard Hermione's voice, reached out for her and held her. His wisdom, his actions, his words ll spoke of a Ron who had become all he was meant to be. He is a completed work.
Hermione made me feel her anguish and pain at the loss of Ron, and Harry was so good as the compassionate yet firm friend. Everything just seemed so perfct - yes Hermione would mourn greatly, yes Harry would watch over her as his best friend requested, and yes Ron would say goodbye in a simple, dignified, yet loving way.
You know I am not a HG/RW shipper by any stretch of the imagination, but this story is just too beautiful to worry about such small details.
Oh, I think I'm about to cry again!
Wonderful job, Gina - I truly loved it and think you did an exceptional job on this story.
*loves*
~Andrea
Author's Response: Andrea! Thanks so much for reading this story, I\'m glad it worked out for your class!! It is sort of sad, isn\'t it?*hands out more tissue* I\'m glad you stuck with it, since I know you\'re not a big fan of Ron; but he turned out okay here, didn\'t he? ;) Thanks for the lovely comments, I really appreciate you chosing this story and leaving such a wonderful review! *huggle* ~Gina :)
The Convention by FenrirG
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Hermione has an unpleasant surprise for the people attending her first official S.P.E.W. meeting.
Date: 09/03/07 Title: Chapter 1: Poem
Wa-ha-ha! *cries laughing*
Fennn! What a fun, clever poem! I love how the tables were turned on the attendees of Hermiones S.P.E.W. convention. First of all, I was just glad to see that people actually CAME to the convention in the first place! ( Was there free food? There must have been free food for so many people - and Ron -to show up. LOL!)
And to pair Dobby with Draco, Winky with Barty jr., and Hokey with Hepzibah was a stroke of brilliance!
But Hermione wearing just an old pillowcase is what really got me to howling! Hmmm. Maybe THAT's the real reason Ron was there! ;-)
What a perfectly delightful poem, Fennn! You brightened my day with laughter - and no day can be better than that!
*huggles*
~Andi
Author's Response: ^.^ Thanks so much Andi! *replies four months late* Love you! <3 Fenn
PS-Haha... this review was left on my dog\'s birthday. ;]
The Color Red by no_day_but_today
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Peter Pettigrew betrayed my best friend and his family. He sold them out to Lord Voldemort and now James and Lily Potter are dead and Harry is an orphan. It’s his fault. We all trusted him and he did this to us. I’m going to find him. He’s going to pay for this.
MMWP era
Some Violence and Language
Submitted to To Laugh or Cry by no_day_but_today of Ravenclaw.
Date: 04/14/07 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Brilliant! You definitely painted a picture with words. Very descriptive and detailed, and Sirius was perfect. You wrote this missing scene so believably, I was tense the entire time I was reading. The ending flowed seamlessly into what we know from the book - well done!!
Good luck - I think you've got a winner on your hands! :-)
Author's Response: Thanks for the good luck. I\'m happy that you liked the way that I wrote this. I lvoe missing scenes and Sirius. I love Jo for the ending, what was said about him laughing was really the place that made me think about writing a story about this.
What is One Picture Worth? by lucilla_pauie
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: A honeymoon gone awry...A wedding portrait gone blotchy...
The honeymoon going awry led to the portrait going blotchy and the portrait going blotchy could lead to the honeymoon going very awry!
What's a witch to do except perhaps travel time, to save the portrait and the honeymoon?Hermione meets the master of Time-turners, however, and gets much much more than she bargained for...
This is LucillaJoanna of Hufflepuff, traversing A Shift In Time in the Spring Challenges......and won Second Place!
Date: 05/11/07 Title: Chapter 4: ...is never found again.
Amazing. I'm stunned at the obvious amount of time and research you've put into this wonderful story! I love how you've brought in so many names and events from the HP timeline. It makes the story absolutely fascinating and I'm dying to read the rest!
Well done!
*hugs*
~Andrea
Author's Response: Wow, and *your* review is also amazing, andrea! Thanks! *speechless with glee* I hope I don\'t disappoint in the later chapters!
*hugs back*
~Joanna
Let Me Count the Ways by Moonysgirl79
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: James' emotions get the better of him and Lily is no longer sure how she feels. What happens is an amazing story of love and how sometimes, you just can't wait.
Warning is for fairly mild content
Date: 05/26/07 Title: Chapter 1: Let Me Count the Ways
*sniffs and reaches for Kleenex*
This is such a wonderful story! I really felt Lily's conflicted emotions between her heart and her head - as James points out. I like that it took him a long time to win her and yet he felt it was worth the wait.
And what a perfect happy ending! The boy gets the girl and they kiss. It is everything the romantic in me could wish for!
Well done!
~Andrea
Author's Response: Thanks, am glad you enjoyed it! It\'s a bit fluffy, but i have to agree with you, everything a romantic could wish for!
Of Bras, Hail, and Pustules by joybelle423
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: The Gryffindor and Slytherin Quidditch teams are trapped in the locker room due to a sudden hail storm, and they both want the pitch when the rain lets up. What do they do to determine who gets it? Play Truth or Dare, of course!
Written for FenrirG for the Ravenclaw Spring Exchange 2007.
Date: 04/21/07 Title: Chapter 1: Of Bras, Hail, and Pustules
Oh, I loved it! I thought it was fun and creative and I enjoyed the pace of the story. I especially liked that you used so many characters from the book and invented the pustule pill. You must have been channeling Fred and George when you wrote it! :-)
Well done! (to you - and to Fenn for the idea!)
~Andrea
Author's Response: Thanks, Andrea! It actually took me forever to come up with the idea for the Pustule Pill. That was the last thing to be added, in fact. I had a lot of fun, but I definitely wouldn\'t have written this without Fenn\'s prompt. Thanks again for leaving a review!
~ Abigail