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Reviewer: TomBombadil Signed Date: 2017.08.23 - 01:45AM Title: Chapter 1: London
I would like to suggest that you did not miss the mark with Dudley, at all. You just had a touch of seer blood in anticipation of Deathly Hallows! Great job with the interaction between Harry and Dudley, and you deserve kudos for Ron's display of backbone toward Vernon! Great start to Book 3!
Author's Response: I'm so glad you like how this story is beginning. You're going to see a lot of a more mature Dudley in this story because I wanted to explore the possibilities of him making and acting on his own decisions. I've always had the theory that Dudley can mature, especially when he's away from his parents and their bigoted prejudices most of the year at Smeltings. As for Ron, he, too, is maturing and he realizes that if Harry is to succeed in his quest to off Voldemort, Harry's home life needs to change in order for him to heal completely from the battle in Book 2. I look forward to your next review.
Reviewer: Gin110881 Signed Date: 2015.05.11 - 05:10AM Title: Chapter 1: London
Ups, who is it and what did he do to Dudley?
On the other hand, I can also live very well with a little friendlier Dudley. Let's see where this is going...
Author's Response: I've told many readers that my perception of Dudley is that he's beginning to grow up and become his own man. At the beginning of HBP, Dumbledore referred to how Petunia and Vernon had abused Dudley just as much as they did Harry and I thought maybe that remark hit home and made Dudley start to think for himself a little. Also, Dudley goes away from Privet Drive almost at the same time that Harry does and all those long months away in a much healthier environment must influence him a little, too. Also, for the first time, Dudley and Harry have something in common and sometimes it only takes a small thing to open lines of communication. Thanks for reading.
Reviewer: pottermania Signed Date: 2011.09.17 - 07:17PM Title: Chapter 1: London
It would have been a major miracle if Harry's aunt and uncle had shown any sympathy towards his injury. I find it realistic to suppose that Dudley's curiousity would have been piqued about how Harry was injured and the questions he might have asked. I liked how helpful he was trying to be but alas, from your post scipt I presume his thoughtfulness is not going to last!
I did wonder if the thought in italics..."I'll believe it when I see it" was Ginny commenting?
Author's Response: Petunia and Vernon would be out of character if they expressed any real concern for or sympathy towards Harry and his injury. As for Dudley, he's had an entire school year away from his parents and in that time has been influenced by adults who aren't as prejudiced. They've been a good influence on him, probably helping him to be more open-minded and willing to find a common ground to start building a friendship with Harry. As you continue through the story I think you'll find that Dudley matures and learns to make his own decisions about important things like this in spite of what his parents believe. Oh, just so you know, the quote was not Ginny speaking at all. It was Harry's private thought mostly because the distance between The Burrow and Privet Drive is so long. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I look forward to your next review.
Reviewer: santafe Signed Date: 2010.04.08 - 07:59PM Title: Chapter 1: London
I'm glad you've just updated. I enjoyed this. I'm not sure you're right that Dudley is totally out of character. I do think he's had time to reflect on the dementors. I agree that a physical injury would be something he can relate to. I think you caught the Dursleys rather well. They seem very in character and the voice is right. Ron ebing outspoken was good, too. Looks like I need to do a lot of reading! thanks for writing it. SF
Author's Response: SF--Thanks for the delightful review. There's a lot more of Dudley in this fic than there is in canon because I wanted to explore a maturing Dudley rather than stick with the immature one. I appreciate the comments on how I portray Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon and Ron. The Dursleys are much harder for me to write than Ron, Harry, Ginny and Hermione and to know that a reader thinks I've done a good job with them makes me smile. I look forward reading and answering more of your reviews.~~Arnel
Reviewer: ginnyweasley777 Signed Date: 2009.06.13 - 12:00PM Title: Chapter 1: London
I would never have thought that Dudley could actually be human - I guess miracles can happen
still a good chapter
I hope we see more of Dudley's good side!
Author's Response: Since this story was begun before DH came out, you can imagine that I was actually cheering when Dudley showed concern for Harry when the book came out. My theory is that if one could get Dudley away from his parents and their prejudices he just might turn out to be a pretty decent person. And yes, Dudley does have a prominent roll in this story. Keep reading and thanks for reviewing. ~Arnel
Reviewer: NotACat Signed Date: 2008.05.14 - 10:53AM Title: Chapter 1: London
I think you're doing a good job. Dudley would have more influences now than just Vernon and Petunia, and he'd be likely to be going through some sort of rebellion against parental attitudes anyway "just because".
Author's Response: You've hit the nail on the head when it comes to Dudley in this story. He has a really big role in future chapters, so I hope you will continue to read and review. I always write back. Thanks for your comments.
Reviewer: jeannet Anonymous Date: 2007.10.05 - 09:51AM Title: Chapter 1: London
Not sure if the other review was lost or not, but will repeat myself. I,ve always thought that Dudders is a salvageable Human being. It,s too bad he has such a sorry set of parents.Great chapter.
Author's Response: I'm so glad you agree with me about Dudley! There are two more chapters out at this time for you to enjoy. Thanks for the review.
Reviewer: The Seeker Signed Date: 2007.08.12 - 05:31PM Title: Chapter 1: London
Hi Arnel,
This is a great start! My two favorite scenes are Ron "talking" with Vernon -- it really underscored his loyalty to Harry. The second, of course, was the exchange between Harry and Dudley. While Big D was OOC in the usual sense, your protrayal of his interest and even kindness both made sense because they arose from Harry's injury, which was a problem he could identify with. I'm glad our friend, GhostWriter, encouraged you to go ahead with this story.
Best, Jim
Author's Response: Hi, Jim. GhostWriter was a tremendous help with this chapter. It was his idea to have Ron "talk" to Vernon and when I was having trouble with Dudley his ideas were a great jumping-off place. I'm really glad you like my story. I looke forward to more of your comments. Arnel
Reviewer: EnFuego Signed Date: 2007.08.09 - 04:03AM Title: Chapter 1: London
Please keep writing. I can't wait for you to finish your version of the HP storyline.
Author's Response: Chapter 2 is finished and with my betas. I'm glad you want me to keep writing the story. I want to finish, too. Thanks for your comment.
Reviewer: Zaion_Indulias Signed Date: 2007.07.29 - 02:48PM Title: Chapter 1: London
Ah, as always, an amazing story Arnel. I'm really pleased that you decided to continue with another sequel.^^ Of all the HP fanfics I've read, your stories are up there in my top 3, only denied the top spot by virtue that my absolute favorite is 30+ LONG chapters with no signs of stopping, a lot darker than most of the HP fics i read, and one of the best pieces of literature ive ever read. I'm actually glad you took the "maturing" path with regards to Dudley. too many people just leave him as is and ignore the effect the dementors would have had on him. I cant wait to read the next chapter.
Author's Response: I'm extremely flattered that you like my stories so much and hope that "Summer Story" doesn't disappoint you. When I read Chapter 3 of "Deathly Hallows" I was very encouraged to see that Dudley had learned something from his encounter with the Dementors in canon as he had in my story. You'll see a little more of him in capters three and five of this story. Hopefully, Chapter two will be out later this week. Thanks for the encouragement and the review.
Reviewer: witowsmp Signed Date: 2007.07.20 - 02:34PM Title: Chapter 1: London
Seems weird to have Dudley helping Harry, but good. I'm surprised Harry didn't promise to hex Vernon for every chore he makes him do once his birthday comes (threatening a special visit).
Author's Response: You never know what Harry will do or privately promise himself! Thanks for your comments. I'm adding them to my "suggestion box."
Reviewer: witowsmp Signed Date: 2007.07.20 - 01:46PM Title: Chapter 1: London
You should put these in a series on this site. It's really easy to do, and it make is much simpler to determine which stories belong to a particular universe.
Author's Response: I've considered it, but right now I have no idea what to call the series. So for now, they stay as is until I can think of some. I hope you liked the first chapter of my new story "Summer Story".
Reviewer: skiutahnum1 Signed Date: 2007.07.19 - 09:26PM Title: Chapter 1: London
i think ron should stay with them for a while...kutgw
Author's Response: Thanks. That's a nice thought and Harry probably would have benefitted from Ron staying, but I don't think Petunia would have tollerated such an occurrance at this stage. Dumbledore is still alive in this fic, so the status quo hasn't changed all that much. Thanks for your review.
Reviewer: fatso Anonymous Date: 2007.07.19 - 07:23PM Title: Chapter 1: London
interesting. waiting for the next chapter:D
Author's Response: I'm glad you're giving this story a chance. Chapter two will be out after DH comes out. Thanks for your review.
Reviewer: Wolfs_Scream Signed Date: 2007.07.19 - 03:55PM Title: Chapter 1: London
Yeah, I was a bit surprised at Dudley's behavior, but it does make a certain amount of sense that even he might possibly mature to some degree.
Well done!
Author's Response: Thanks for your thoughts. I've been wanting to give Dudley the benefit of the doubt for a while and thought maybe it was time to have him try to meet Harry, if not half-way, at least an eighth or so.
Reviewer: thisgrlrox Signed Date: 2007.07.19 - 10:56AM Title: Chapter 1: London
I think it was a good first chapter. Nicely written. I was a bit leary of Dudley being so helpful toward Harry, but your A/N makes a good point. Maybe he has grown a bit after the Dementor attack. Maybe that experience made the wizarding world real to him. I'm looking forward to chapter 2.
Author's Response: I'm really glad my author's note helped explain things a little more. I appreciate the feedback you've given me on it. Chapter 2 is in Ginny's point of view and should be out fairly soon. Thank you for reviewing my story.
Reviewer: Miri Signed Date: 2007.07.19 - 09:14AM Title: Chapter 1: London
Yay! I'm so glad you're doing a sequel to NY,NH and I'm looking forward to reading it.
I do like the fact that you have Ron be the one to tell of the Durseys. I don't think I've seen that happen too ofen in fanfic. It usually seems to be another Weasley or Remus who does that. I find the set-up you're doing with Dudley to be quite interesting and plausible. I do wonder what role, if any, that the Dursleys will play in DH.
Have you any idea as to approximatley how many chapters this may run?
Author's Response: Thanks again for the very nice review.
Reviewer: Miri Signed Date: 2007.07.19 - 08:53AM Title: Chapter 1: London
Yay! I'm so glad you're doing a sequel to NY,NH and I'm looking forward to reading it.
I do like the fact that you have Ron be the one to tell of the Durseys. I don't think I've seen that happen too ofen in fanfic. It usually seems to be another Weasley or Remus who does that. I find the set-up you're doing with Dudley to be quite interesting and plausible. I do wonder what role, if any, that the Dursleys will play in DH.
Have you any idea as to approximatley how many chapters this may run?
Author's Response: Yay! My first review for this story! Thank you! I'm really glad you like it, especially the Dudley and Ron parts; those two needed to mature a little and Ron needed to show the leadership qualities Dumbledore saw in him. Since I'm working on Chapter 6 right now, I'm thinking that the story will run twenty to twenty-five chapters, all relatively short (with a goal of twelve pages or less per chapter). As for the Dursleys, we'll find out on Saturday! I can hardly wait!
