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Reviewer: Gin110881 Signed Date: 2017.09.08 - 04:17AM Title: The Other Side of the Door
Considering my former review of this chapter, it seems that Ginny's dream has already impressed me when I read the story for the first time.
I think I was wondering even then what triggered this dream about canon events. Was it simply the desire of the author to explicitly point out the differences in their relationship, in TPC and in canon? Or do we get another explanation later? Whatever it was, I loved the dream, and, of course, the timing.
The dream is about the things that made Ginny my only favourite character, far ahead of Harry, his silly break-up with Ginny, that fact that he didn't care whether she was hurt after the battle of Hogwarts. He didn't even grant her a reunion hug. What upset me the most, however, was that he sent Ginny back to school alone. My first thought was "arsehole". And my assessment hasn't changed since then. I really like this 'together' declaration in this chapter, one of the main reasons I read fanfiction ...
In contrast to my earlier reviews, I take notes while reading now, and transfer them into the review boxes. This way the problem with the forgotten thoughts is solved.
Well, Narcissa is it. This will certainly be interesting. She is a Black, undoubtedly a league for her own compared to the Malfoys. I'm curious what she's up to. I remember that Malfoy jr. lives in one of the safe houses in Trix. I'm pretty sure that Narcissa had a finger in the pie in this matter.
Thanks for pointing out the importance of the Luna scene. I'll go back to re-read it again. Just in case I missed something...
Oh, of course I 'm interested in another sneak a peek into the Fires of Time. The goose bumps weren't a lie, but I'd forgotten to mention the moistly eyes. Unfortunately, there's again a busy weekend ahead, but I'll certainly find a free moment.
Author's Response:
Actually yes -- the dream was little more than an authourly whim, aimed at illustrating the very different trajectories for Ginny. The timing, of course, is intended as a final validation of what each means to the other, as fortification before the final frenzy.
And yes, I believe the whole reason for the continued vitality of SIYE, well after other HPff sites have died, relates to the bizarre deficiencies in DH.
Good point about Narcissa being more of a legitimately cognitive human than either of the Malfoy males. She is a bit of a cipher in canon, and that is a reasonable way to treat her. I give her a few more nuances, which replace the canonical forest scene. And, of course, you are correct that her deeds are key to the eventual soft-landing that she and Draco eventually receive. I thought it an interesting pseudo-irony that she ultimately be placed back with Andromeda -- a situation that I felt could ultimately lead the lighter side of Narcissa to stabilise above the darker side.
Reviewer: cai2015525 Anonymous Date: 2015.05.24 - 10:10PM Title: The Other Side of the Door
No Review
Author's Response: Thank you for the rating!
Reviewer: Gin110881 Signed Date: 2015.02.03 - 03:21AM Title: The Other Side of the Door
You gave us a great moment after Ginny's dream when Harry put it straight that they will stick together till the end. That, for sure, was a highlight for me! I reckon that this moment is supposed to be the counterpart of the most annoying canon moment right after Dumbledore's funeral. Well done!
The part of Narcissa was a bit surprising, but a story without surprises isn't a good story, right?
I always have the feeling that there was something more to say. But, reading the story on my ebook reader, every time when I'm back sitting in front of my notebook all the findings are gone ...
Author's Response:
Yes, exactly! Everything in that sequence (both dream and thoughtful resolution) is, as you say, about sticking 'together til the end'. Although many of the strongest, most successful people still harbour insecurities, the abandonment insecurity is one that (as you will see) they absolutely cannot afford to have.
Thank you very much for taking the time to think things through, even is not all of your insight gets carried along when you get the chance to review. If any burning glimmers of perception re-occur to you later, never hesitate to send them along!
Reviewer: lunagranger Signed Date: 2014.07.29 - 12:05AM Title: The Other Side of the Door
So, the end Deathly Hallows is Ginny's nightmare? Well, I suppose so. Matt's (and yours) Harry and Ginny are much stronger and prepared to the battle than Rowling's. Hermione is finally using all her skills and that's a good thing. Ron is a bit immature (as he is in the books, but here all the other sudents aare more mature and then, comparatively he looks a bit too foolish.
Author's Response: Exactly!
Rowling's final sequence is stylistically excellent writing (it's by far her best in my opinion) but as far as victories are concerned, there is an awful lot of darkness. That of course is very much JKR's style and prerogative: weaving in very real-world themes into her legendarium... but the pain and ambiguity doesn't make for escapist fiction. It's not even so much that people die, but rather that there are episodes of scarring that, if the world of fanfiction is any measure, can seem very difficult to overcome.
I can handle death, I can handle fear and uncertainty, but once I've fallen in love with characters I can't abide scarring.
Thanks LG!
Author's Response: Oh, and yes -- I felt a little bad having him fly off the handle like that (and exactly -- he's behaving rather like Rowling's Ron, as opposed to most of the others who have calmed down and moved on). He continues to be a bit goofy, but acquits himself dramatically in the end :)
Reviewer: mwinter Signed Date: 2014.07.20 - 11:56AM Title: The Other Side of the Door
Awaiting more.
Author's Response: Glad to hear it!
I think I should have enough time over the next few days to finish revising chapter 21 and post it roughly on schedule before heading on the next leg of travels. It might get a bit sporadic after that for a while, but I promise there won't be an egregious lags.
Reviewer: ebdenis Signed Date: 2014.07.20 - 10:21AM Title: The Other Side of the Door
A few chuckles, but things are starting to get serious, eh? Well written and an interesting closing twist! I also enjoyed the little poke at Deathly Hallows -- it always irked me how Rowling built up Ginny in OotP and HBP, only to marginalize her for the finale. I like any story that has her and Harry working together to take on the ultimate challenge.
Author's Response: That's true -- the humour content will be a bit reduced as we weave our way toward the finish line. There will still be the occasional amusing moments, but unless I get inspired with my rewrites on the final few chapters, the focus will be on action and resolution.
Thanks for the review EB!
Reviewer: Dad Signed Date: 2014.07.18 - 01:24PM Title: The Other Side of the Door
I think I can see where this is going.
Author's Response: I would bet that you're correct. You've likely noticed that as I bring Rowling characters into the tale that had not been a part of Matt's world, I generally try to retain Rowling's personality characterizations.
Always good to hear from you -- thanks for the review Dad!
