Just your average HP fan, with a special interest in the H/G relationship.
I've just submitted my first fan fic, He Didn't Stand A Chance. Please read and review!
July 19: For anyone who is interested in reading the other two chapters of He Didn't Stand A Chance, they can be found on the SIYE web site, where it was nominated for Best Romance and Best Overall. The story can be located either through the title or my pen name, The Seeker. A second story, a one-shot called A Trunk, Some Magic, and a Girl, also can be found there. Two guesses who the girl is! If you do visit, please leave a review. Thanks!
You snuck one by us, Nuw! With all the action with Jarius taking Harry away from Privet Drive, no one would think that the wards would be down. (Makes me wonder if DD's death will affect the wards when Harry returns to Privet Drive in HP and the Deathly Hallows.)
Petunia certainly is one of the last people we would expect to ask Harry for help. I'm really glad Jarius finally responded. Great idea to bring in the Black Magic Club -- and all looking like Harry! Brilliant! This is going to be fun, especially with Hagrid and Grawp. You are using canon characters so well within this fic. Good writing! I have to admit I have concerns about two people but won't mention them at this point. I'll just wait to see how the fertile mind of Nuw handles the upcoming battle.
And as always, the chapter flowed smoothly and very quickly, leaving me wanting more.
Thanks again for updating, when real life is keeping you so busy. Hope all is well with your Ginny (and Lilly) and at your new job. Take care, Jim
Author's Response: Thanks very much for the review, Jim. I\'m glad you enjoyed the chapter, and that you\'re thinking about the upcoming battle. Hopefully, I won\'t disappoint. Things are going well at home, and I finally got another chapter submitted. Yay!
Hi Nuw,
Absolutely great chapter, very powerful, emotional, and action packed. Loved your description of Molly cutting up Bellatrix and shouting each name as she did so. It underscores where Ginny gets most of her power. Really liked the words eye view Ginny provided -- again amazingly creative on your part.
I knew DD wasn't "real," but never guessed it was Tonks. Great job! Having Remus kissing her/him was an amusing way to introduce who it really was -- rather daring on your part to do it that way!
I'm shocked they didn't find a horcrux at the house. You're teasing us again. Speaking of teasing, thanks a ton for the cliffie with Bill.
Please update quickly! At least, we have your new story to fill the gap.
Another great chapter, Nuw. Thanks!
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I\'m glad you liked Molly\'s duel with Bella, and Tonks posing as Dumbledore. That was fun to write, but I have to admit I was pretty nervous about the kissing part. Thankfully, pretty much everyone seems to be taking it as all in good fun.
You\'re right: I am definitely teasing you. ;-) Hopefully the next chapter will be validated quicker.
Another excellent chapter, nuw! Loved the mental conversation between Harry and Ginny, and Harry's Fan club outdueling the Trio.
Looks like the next chapter will have lots of action, if the Order helps Harry in Little Hangleton. Can't wait to see it!
Author's Response: Thank you! I\'m glad you enjoyed the chapter so much. I got the approval e-mail for the next chapter yesterday, so it should be up any time. It would have been up already, but the site sometimes has a glitch that makes it take longer, which seems to be the case this time.
Hi Nuw,
Another exciting chapter! Compliments to you -- not one word, sentence or paragraph was out of place, making the story so easy to read, the flow of ideas so smooth. Well done -- again!
Highlights: Harry reaching out and finding the Horcrux after the frustrating failures while researching all those months. Jarius's condition is a concern, especially given the amount of detail in that scene, especially his physical description. You've created a very deep character, and I don't want to consider the possibility of you using him as an example of the negative impact of killing someone, even when it's justified. Time will tell.
Loved your Ginny again -- her spunkiness showed through in her comments and actions with Harry, but even more with her shouting at the departed Tom in the Chamber. Very well done, since you showed these qualities, as opposed to just saying them. Having Harry use the spell that Jarius named brought the story full circle.
Nuw, this chapter was a pleasure to read, both for what happened, but more so for the seamless writing. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Again, congrats on finishing your finals, and it's great to hear your newborn is doing so well. Thanks for letting us know!
Best, Jim
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I really appreciate this review; it\'s exactly what every author hopes for. I\'d like to tell you what\'s in store for Jarius, but I don\'t want to ruin it. I don\'t think you\'ll be too disappointed, though; at least, not if I\'m able to pull off what I want to. Thanks again.
Welcome back, Nuw! The chapter was worth the wait, and it appeared to be the calm before the storm, though not too calm. Your Vernon was superb, showing his unthinking bigotry through his mindless rants and attempt to hit Ginny. The man obviously doesn't think before acting. The reactions from all of our magical friends were spot on. Very well portrayed!
You captured the despicable nature of Mundungus. How Dumbledore allowed him in the Order is beyond me, and was unfortunately confirmed in DH. Loved the injection of humor by having the loot literally shaken from him. I do hope Harry does something to ensure Dung can't get into number twelve anymore.
Very good plotting with the decision to be made between the BMC and "the adults." Naturally, I want to see more of the club members and our favorite "Black."
I'm not sure if I sent a message directly to you, but I wanted to mention your creativity once more. Specifically, you beat JKR in using polyjuiced Harrys as a way to mix up LV and the Death Eaters. When I got to that part in DH, I lterally started yelling, 'Nuw already did that!!!' Hope it made you feel great!
I trust all is well with the family, school, work, etc. As always, I'm looking forward to your next update.
Best, Jim
Author's Response: Hi, Jim! I\'m really glad you enjoyed the chapter. I think it\'s one of those rare instances where the complete rewrite is better than the original.
When I read about the Polyjuiced Harry\'s in DH, I laughed out loud and had to stop reading and tell my wife I had already written something very similar (she keeps saying she wants to read my stories, but hasn\'t gotten around to it yet). My next thought was that I was really glad that chapter was already up before the release of DH, so nobody could accuse me of just lifting the idea from the book. Anyway, thanks very much for the review. Things are going well here, and I hope they\'re going well for you also. Take care.
~Nuw
Hi Nuw,
I just returned from vacation and found your latest update. As we've come to expect from you, it was excellent. The entire idea of multiple Harrys was brilliant, and it showed in the success the BMC had against the much more experienced DEs. Your invented Gombega shield also figured prominently.
Loved Grawp and Fluffy joining the battle, and I was very relieved to find out that an AK can only stun Grawp. It's always fun when Harry fights LV, and this was no exception. I'm wondering if LV's damaged leg will factor into future confrontations.
Your writing just gets tighter and tighter (which is a high compliment). This chapter flowed and was over before I knew it. Very, very enjoyable. Likewise, I'm really looking forward to seeing the Dursleys in GP and under the influence of Molly. Will opposites attract???
Hope you can refigure the next chapter, so it approximates what you had. Good luck with that! Now, I have two chapters waiting from Almost Me Again.
Hope all is well with you. -- Jim
Author's Response: Thanks a bunch, Jim. I really appreciate your comments. I decided not to have AK kill giants because they\'re so resistant to magic -- Hagrid was able to shake off multiple Stunners in OotP, and he\'s only half-giant. I\'ve started on the new version of the next chapter, and it\'s going well so far. I think it might actually turn out to be better than the original, since I\'ve got a little bit better idea of the little things I want to have happen. Thanks for reviewing!
Hi Nuw,
Since I just finished A Past Reclaimed for the second time (another review is with the last chapter of that story), I've started on this one, while waiting for the next update.
Your ending paragraph in this chapter -- "Ginny stood, her eyes shining as she fought her tears. “Liar,” she whispered, before striding out of the room. Her whisper hung in the air, its truth at once stinging Harry and giving him hope for the future." -- absolutely overwhelmed me.
You encapsulated exactly where Harry and Ginny are in their relationship. The last sentence is especially well crafted.
Wonderful writing, Nuw!!!
Author's Response: Thank you so much! You have no idea how many times I rewrote those few lines. It gives me warm fuzzies to hear that the work was worth it.
What a packed chapter! There was something for everyone. I liked how you had the teacher (McGonagall) have the student (Harry) make his presentation -- to the Order in this case -- even though he's technically not a student anymore. Now the next Horcrux hunt is set up.
You continue to show Harry and Ginny's relationship in a very appealing manner. Having them use legilimency takes the relationship to a new level and is very entertaining.
Great job with Harry inventing the new spell, and having Jarius help him name it. Of course, the closing was cute with a little Harry and Ginny time.
How long do you think we'll need to wait for the next chapter?
Author's Response: Haha! I hadn\'t even really thought about the teacher/student thing with McGonagall and Harry, but you\'re right. I\'m glad you enjoyed the chapter and are eager for more. The next chapter is in the queue, and it usually takes about a week for validation, but that can vary.
You continue to do an excellent job with describing emotions, both through conversations and actions. Especially poignant were the scenes between Ginny and Hermione, with the heartfelt bonding by two young women who really need each other, and of course, the ending scene with Harry and Ginny. You show how much they are meant for each other, how they make the other better in so many ways. Very expressive writing. I think I've said this before, but you have a wonderful gift of providing very evocative details but are able to do so without them getting in the way of the story you are telling.
Like several others have written, having Harry led away in handcuffs, as if he were being arrested, was startling. But I think that's what you were aiming at and maybe that's how it's done in the wizarding world. It certainly indicates that the hearing may be rougher than we hope it would be. Regardless, I know you'll handle it well. On a much lighter note, I also want to see if Mrs. W catches G in H's bedroom. That would be fun to read!
Can't wait for the next chapter!
I read your story today, only to arrive at the end of ch 12 and an evil cliffie!!! Plus, it looks like you haven't updated in two months. Please, we have to find out what happens to Ginny.
What a completely mesmerizing chapter! You explored emotional depths in both Harry and Ginny, while keeping them in character Very well done!
You've identified one of -- if not the primary -- dilemma facing Harry: How does he vanquish Voldemort and not be tarnished by it? Your exploration of one of the ways he may react is very impressive. You really captured the depth of Harry and Ginny's relationship!
It really makes me hope we'll see the next chapter very soon.
Hi SunDevil05, I'd previously left this one at siye, since you posted this chapter there earlier.
Loved the way you portrayed Molly as all seeing -- a great combination of motherly love and understanding mixed with discipline -- those chores seemed neverending. I'm glad you resolved the accusations against Harry so quickly by having Diggory replace Scrimgeour as Minister. You continue to explore Harry and Ginny's deepening feelings so well, including "that four letter word" in the middle of two other words. And as always, even your long chapters read quickly, which leads to the inevitable question, when's the next update?
Thanks, Jim
Thanks for updating so quickly! Very good way to show Percy's true allegiance to his family by having him hex Malfoy.
Hermione's protectiveness -- virtually insisting the Ginny not go to Harry -- almost seemed like the passing of the torch. Ginny has now replaced her as the female who knows Harry best. Their tandem soaring on the Firebolt certainly was symbolic of Ginny and Harry's closeness and the freeing of their emotions. Very good job!
Hopefully part 2 of Harry's confessions will arrive as quickly as this chapter did.
I'm going to have to blame you for my not reviewing each chapter. Frankly, I didn't want to take the time, 'cause I wanted to seek what happened next!
Compared to your first story, this one was much more intense, yet more descriptive and equally creative. Very impressive were Sirius (the character) and his transforming into a phoenix (Fawkes specifically -- great idea!).
Also of interest were seeing the Trio and Ginny as adults, the new spells and magical powers you created, and the pressure of being offspring of famous parents.
All in all, another very entertaining story that read very quickly. Good job!
Author's Response: I\'m just glad you reviewed at all. =) I\'m glad you liked this one even more than the last one; I personally think the plot of Mind\'s Eye was a bit more creative and interesting, but the writing was a lot better in this one. Thanks for reading, and I\'m glad you enjoyed it!
Great start! I like how you set the plot elements. Each of the four Potter children already have identifiable characteristics, and you conveyed the info in a way, so it fit into the story, not just large chunks of exposition.
Sirius is a force to be reckoned with! For some adolescents, it is so tough to be different, even when it is talent that differentiates them from other kids. I hope that's a theme you'll be examining in the story.
I can see you're level of writing continues from those last chapters in "Mind." Very exciting start!
Author's Response: Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy the rest as well!
Very emotional chapter. You've established so many personalities already, yet the story line continues to flow. Sirius is awesome. I'm really anticipating where you're going to take him, since you've already opened up so many possiibilities. The point is, though, that I already care for Sirius, and that's good writing!
The ending shows we're going to have some fun -- and probably lots of dententions -- with the return of the Map and Cloak!
Author's Response: I\'m good at establishing the personalities, but sometimes I don\'t develop them far enough. I think I did good with Sirius and the Quadruplets, but everyone else could have used more attention.
"The Weasleys" definitely are Fred's boys! Great invention. I like how you are showing the challenges of being a Weasley, Longbottom or Potter progeny, all reacting differently to the pressures of being offspring of famous parents.
Very ominous ending to the story. Looks like we're on our way!
Author's Response: I enjoyed writing this chapter; it\'s a lot of fun to write pranks and imagine what mischief they could get into.
What an amazing combination of edge-of-the-seat tension, great wand work, and your trademark humor! Well done, bartender!
On to the next chapter. -- The Seeker
Hi Nuw, While waiting for your next update on Magical Myths, I stopped by this story. If I tell you I finished it in less than a day, you'll know how much I enjoyed it.
The entire concept was very creative and described in believable terms. Hats off to you for your wonderful OCs Tyler and Hassseth. The snake, especially, was exceptionally well drawn.
I really enjoyed how you developed Harry and Ginny's new relationship, proving chemistry and hormones don't need memories.
Now I'm off to the sequel -- and will continue to wait for the next update on Myths.
Author's Response: Thanks very much! I\'m really glad you enjoyed this story, and that you\'re continuing on with the sequel (which I just submitted the last chapter of last night). Sorry about the delay with MM, but another update is coming up very soon.
Hi Maggie, What a riveting final chapter, with all sorts of surprises. Again, I have to compliment you on your Lily. You did a phenomenal job creating a very complex and very funny young lady. The other created children also were good, but Lily dominated the story. Absolutely wonderful job with her.
I had been anticipating the family -- from Lily and the other kids to all the relatives and finally ending with Harry and Ginny -- doing various numbers on Dick. There was no (PG-rated) pranks, verbal abuse, or hilarity that you could have dumped on Dick, and we wouldn't have loved it. Boy was I wrong! Introducing Draco completely threw me, and my stomach is still roiling from his murder of Dick and almost capture of our darling Lily. Thankfully, you had Draco end it properly.
Now for your writing a sequel. I'm glad you won't be doing that. It makes more sense for this story to be complete in and of itself. So, thank you for that. However . . . I do hope you consider something else with Lily. You do have this incredible character (and supporting cast) that you write so well. I would hate to think this will be their only story. Maybe a fic where the kids are at Hogwarts, surrounded by the various relatives, including Harry, who teach there. That would be a joy to read.
Lastly, my compliments again on the caliber of your writing. I literally could not read fast enough and had to forcibly stop myself from skimming ahead. And that means the chapter, like the entire story, was well written!
Thanks for creating this wonderful story for us. I do hope you consider something else to star Lily in. And if I may ask a favor: please check out my first fan fic here. It's called He Didn't Stand A Chance by The Seeker. Chapter 1 is up; two is battling with the mods.
When do we get to see Meredith???
Best, Jim/The Seeker
Author's Response: Thank you very much, this is a wonderful review! I\'m glad you like the character I\'ve created in Lily, I love writing her sarcasm, so perhaps I will do a future one-shot or two with her . . . sound okay? I have in fact read your story, and reviewed! I hope the second chapter gets validated soon. Thanks again!