The trip to Godric's Hollow is a beautiful birthday gift from Dumbledore, even if it looks a bit like a parting gift. It was interesting to see something out of the private sphere of Dumbledore. That makes him to something tangible. Overall the description of the day in Godric's Hollow is very well done.
However, I have wondered why Dumbledore wants to fly the exactly same route twice a day. careless? planned? If you know Dumbledore, you never know for sure.

Author's Response: I can't exactly remember my motivation for having Dumbledore choose the same route both to and from Godric's Hollow, except that I think it may have been to have him choose the shortest flight and Apparition possible. Yes, he knows he's dying and especially because when he wants to conserve his energy, he would have chosen the shortest route possible. If you look at a map, once you reach a certain point in Scotland, you'll be heading one direction--north--to get to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. The Death Eaters would just have had to scan a small patch of sky each in order to determine Harry and Dumbledore's flight path. I'm glad you liked Dumbledore's gift to Harry, even thought it does seem like a parting gift. Thanks for reading.

I enjoyed thinking and reading about Remus and Harry spending time together, especially the time to just chat and enjoy each others' company. I hope fervently that Remus will be around to be there for Harry when Dumbledore dies. I am sure Harry will be diligent in learning to sew using his mother's kit...I am sure Ginny or her mum will enjoy teaching him.

I see a challenge for Hermione...perfecting a dust repelling spell that will keep households likd Dumbledore's free of dust! (grins). It is a shame that he gets to spend so little time at a place where he is obviously able to relax. We spent the day on Saturday touring the Royal Yacht Britannia which has been docked at Leith Docks in Edinburgh since our government decommisoned it. It was really lovely (and sad) to see how much our Queen smiled and looked relaxed in pictures taken on the yacht as I think she always looks stern and pretty miserable when you see other pictures of her! I likened how Gwenyn is to Dumbledore as the yacht was to the Queen.

I think the day was sad and poignant for Harry. I think it is important to him to visit these places but hard at the same time. I have the advantage of having read the next chapter before reading this one (we were on a day trip to St Andrews, and I read this chapter on the way there and the next on the way back...but it's real difficult to leave lengthy reviews using my phone!) and I hadn't realised just how strong his emotions had been.

I can't believe a waizarding camera runs out of film!! I'm sure there must be an easy way to get more in!!

I loved the idea of the quidditch pitch and how James, Sirius and Remus must have pored over the plans and the story of them chasing Harry all over the place, probably too paniced and hoping to catch him before Lily found out, to think of simply summoning him! (grins)

The journal seems to have helped. Hopefully Harry will use that to look over and help him deal with any issues he has. I can see him sharing it with Ginny and them working through things together.,

Author's Response: Just so you know, Harry's presents are things Dumbledore definitely wants him to have, just like a doting grandparent will give away his or her treasures to the grandchildren who will care for them best; he knows he's not long for this world and knows these specific things will mean a lot to Harry. That said, he gave Harry the journal because he knew the day's journey would be emotional for his young companion and that the boy would need time and a means of dealing with all he'd seen and done. Couple that with Remus giving Harry Lily's sewing kit and suddenly the poor kid is overwhelmed with emotionally-heavy gifts! However, I think the most precious gifts Harry received are the gifts of time from both Remus and Dumbledore. Fun things to write in this chapter: the description of Dumbledore's library (and its dust cloud) and the story about baby Harry and his broom. The only reason I can remember for not making Harry's camera one that never ran out of film is that he needs to take the film out of the camera to develop it and then enchant the negatives to move. Finally, you're right about Gwenyn being the only place Dumbledore could truly relax and enjoy life. There will be more about the house later in the story. Thanks for sharing your thoughts juxtaposing Gwenyn with the Royal Yacht. I was definitely trying to make the house a place for Dumbledore to leave his cares at the door as it were. Thanks for another insightful review.

Arnel, In the past 24 hours I have read You're still you, New Year, New Hope, and now Summer Story. Those three pieces of writing of some of the best I have seen comparable even to the great J.K. Rowling. I have greatly enjoyed those three stories of yours and would request that you keep writing to this story. I want to read the rest of it and any more sequels that may come. I urge you keep writing this story and the series. Thank you for such a wonderful read. I just wish that neither Harry/Ginny nor Ron/Hermione die in this series. Hopefully it won't happen. Once again, I thank you and apologize for not reviewing every chapter or the other stories. I review minimally if i like something, so this shows that i liked your stories!

Author's Response: Wow! That's quite the marathon of reading! I'm flattered that you've read all three stories straight through and put me up there with the great JKR. As for Summer Story, you have many chapters yet to read; I'm writing chapter 30 at the moment and I've already promised several friends as well as my betas that neither Harry, Ron, Hermione nor Ginny will die at the end of this story/series. It's always nice to hear from my readers and even though you didn't review every chapter, this one makes me feel wonderful. Thank you for your review. ~Arnel~

If Lily was born in November 1960 she would have had to start Hogwarts the year after James.

Hermione was born September 19 and is a year older than the boy's because she had to start the next year when she was almost 12.


Great story....All the best Polyka

Author's Response: Thank you for catching that little goof. I'm surprised it got past two betas, a pre-beta and countless re-readings on my part, but it did. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I appreciate your sharp eyes.

Nah...you can let him live, you really can! This is your story, not JKRs. lol :)

Can I confess that I care a whole lot more about your Dumbledore than I did JKRs? I wasn't all that moved by the old professors demise in the series. Sirius about killed me...I think I was tapped out. Well, until Dobby, Fred and Harry.

Anyway, great chapters, had lots of fun and look forward to more!


Author's Response: Unfortunately, when I decided to continue the series into Harry's seventh year, I also pledged to stick as much to canon as possible, even if I was making some of the characters act very differently from how they conduct themselves in canon. Therefore, I am delighted that you like my Dumbledore better than JKR's. He is the continuation of who I thought he was prior to OotP began revealing some of his character "flaws". Again, I'm glad you liked my chapters. There are plenty more to come.

A nice peaceful (but not boring) chapter...... very informative.

Author's Response: I enjoyed writing this chapter very much. It was one of those that just flowed from my fingers onto the keyboard and used many of the ideas I'd been thinking about for quite a long time. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for reviewing.