Fascinating start to this story. Darker than I usually read. Gellert is an extraordinary character.

Author's Response: Oh, it get's darker, trust me.

Excellent start to your story! I especially liked how you provided the context for the story - what's happening in England and GG's feeling that his former mate, Albus, would not be able to handle it - as well as quickly moved us to Harry and the Dursleys.

Since JKR already showed Harry's openness to go off with someone very strange - Hagrid - you have canon evidence to support HP going off with Gellert, so no worries there. The delayed explosion at #4 was a nice touch, so Harry wouldn't have to see his home and relatives destroyed by the explosion and resulting flames.

After a long asbsence from SIYE, I have some reading to do on this story to catch up. I hope the rest of the chapters are as good as this one has been. From this start and your summary, this looks to be a very interesting premise on which to base the story. - The Seeker

Author's Response: This story started life very differently. Originally, it was intended to feature Harry having a real guardian angel, but that idea quickly crashed and burned. I've always wanted to write a Slytherin! Harry story, however, so I started casting around for alternative mentors and hit upon Grindelwald, which really fired up my imagination. In addition to the comparison of Harry just going off with Hagrid (which really does seem weird when you think about it) I exaggerated his ill treatment at the hands of the Dursleys, so basically he wouldn't have anything to lose by going. Worked out fairly well for him, too.

For once some one did what should have happen to the dursley along time ago...kutgw

Author's Response: Mmm... crispy fried Dursley! You'd fill a few bargain buckets with Vernon and Dudley, eh?

Well, once again Privet Drive goes up with a bang in one of your stories:) Very different turn of events for Harry than originally, but I can't question his going off with a complete stranger, since he did it with Hagrid as well. Clearly,, no one ever taught Harry he should beware of strangers, particularly creepy old strangers who just happen to be former megalomaniacs. Looking forward to seeing how this pans out, but it's clear Harry's training will be very different from what he had with the Flamels.

Author's Response: Hmm, that's a good point. Which stranger do you go off with? The huge, hairy giant who just knocked your door down or the mysterious old man in a nice suit who just cast a magic spell on your hated relatives? I know which one I'd pick. Anyway, Bethany, why are you reading this and not getting on with your next story? Get writing, I say!

Great start. I like the use of Grindelwald to counter Dumbledore's inaction.

Author's Response: Poor old Gellert doesn't get much of a look-in in Fan Fiction land, so I thought I'd change that. More old school Dark Lord action to come.

Awaiting more.

Author's Response: More coming!

Darn it Brennus! It seems your penchant for senseless murder hasn't lessened during your time away from us. I think we must check if this is a new record though. I have to say I was so glad to get a notification of a new story from you. It looks very interesting and different, so I look forward to what you have to offer us. I think I already quite like Gellert's character. Excepting the murderous tendencies of course.


Author's Response: Senseless murder? Whacking the Dursleys is never senseless! I should say that while the body count in this one will be quite high (cough* understatement* cough) Harry himself will never take a life unless that person is a servant of Voldemort or has tried to kill him first. Or looks a him a bit funny. Or is a rabbit. Err, I'm not helping myself here, am I?

Well this is novel, we've missed you
Tricia

Author's Response: I wasn't gone that long, was I? Only three months, or so. I figure it's always better to actually finish a story before starting to publish it, just in case it turns out to be a pile of poo. Trust me, I have several half-completed monstrosities that will never leave my hard drive!

Yeah! Once again, great start to a story - gotta love blowing up Privet Drive. Forcing Petunia to do it was genius! I really liked the introduction to Gellert - the comment that the older guards who remembered what he'd done wouldn't have done anything for him, but the younger guards may have been taken in by his charming or deceivingly mild appearance. I can easily see picture of Harry occasionally turning up the news - it is shocking what wizards will accept as 'well he's living with Muggles' and not investigate any further.

Author's Response: It's probably a bit hard on the owners of No's 2 & 6 Privet Drive, I guess. I mean, if they're lucky they've just got a big, smoking hole where their neighbour used to be, and if they're unlucky they're probably toast, too. Still, they deserved it (probably).

Great start to the story! I've enjoyed all of your stories and looking forward to the next chapter of this one. Somehow I think Albus is going to have a bit of a headache in upcoming episodes.

Author's Response: "Not tonight, Gellert dear, I have a headache," said Dumbledore, pressing his hand to his forehead. Err, was that the sort of thing you meant?