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Reviewer: MollyandArthur Signed Date: 2017.02.04 - 06:18PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
I'll be interested to see if they manage to find an appropriate therapist for Harry. Clearly, his life experiences make therapy seem like a reasonable plan. I'm starting to wonder about Ginny as well. Hoping for more information about her difficulties soon.
Reviewer: piltad Signed Date: 2008.08.23 - 01:38AM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Well done chapter though I am left clueless on many of your parts on where you are going I can usually pinpoint exactly where this story is going and sometimes how the author is going to get us there.... You on the other hand I can't read really don't even know for sure if you will even make this a Harry and Ginny story hell you could go either way which is kinda freaky though I am pretty sure that will at least happen eventually in your story.
Author's Response: You've left a whole chain of reviews. I'm going to lump them all together for one response . . .
Reviewer: drose95 Signed Date: 2007.04.19 - 11:44PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Whew..after reading straight for a day to finish all the chapters, I can really say that I enjoyed your story, although I agree that its a bit slow... I want to get to the part where you will reveal the meaning of the prophecy regarding the "Fire"...(bit impatient here, sorry)... please update soon!!!
Author's Response: Glad you're enjoying it. The update is in queue.
Reviewer: sofie Signed Date: 2007.04.12 - 01:48PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Wow! I found your story a couple of days ago at PhoenixSong and I read all that was there and then had to come here to finish it.,. And now, of course, I'm dying to know what's next. I absolutely ADORE your Harry. He is hysterical. When I find really good fics that I think he would like my husband and I read them together. This is next on our list. I can't wait. He will bust something laughing. I'm quite sure I did. Your Harry is just plain BRILLIANT.
I also really like your action. It's funny. I don't like violent movies but I do like to read fight scenes. One thing I wouldn't mind reading in your fic is some of Harry's training. I've noticed that you've left that alone pretty much. I'm surprised by that because of how much you've put into the battles. But maybe you just figured it would be too much.
I'm curious if you have a reason for making everything happen on such a short timeline. Why didn't you spred it out a bit more and have it take longer. You easily could have added days in between things and had it be late October by now at the least. I wonder if you have a specific reason or not.
I'm fascinated with the way that you are combining 5th and 6th year canon by having Ubridge, Slughorn and the horcruxes all together. Very interesting. It was also a brilliant way of getting Dumbledor out of the way so that Ubridge could get her power.
The history that you've made for Harry and the amazing theory and science that you've put in here is great. Its so thorough. I can't wait to find out the rest what happened between Remus meeting Harry and now. What happened to David's wife? How did Harry end up with the War Mages?
I'm also looking forward to seeing if, and if so, how, you will include the blood quill incident. I can't see this Harry taking that at all. It would take something drastic. I could see him using it on her first.
Again, I LOVE what you've done. Your Harry is so tragic and strong and tough and sarcastic and cynical and still in a certain way fragile. It is my FAVORITE kind of Harry and I think you've done him better than anyone I've ever seen.
Thanks for all your hard work and time. I can't wait to see what you do next.
Blessings,
Sofie
Author's Response: Wow, I'm flattered. I hope if you have begun reading this with your husband, he's enjoying it as much as you did. That said, I have just posted the "revised" versions of the first 22 chapters here, and ch23 will appear quite soon at the site you started at. (It's done with beta.) To give some merit in a response, let me return some comments . . .
Harry is a bit of a conundrum, isn't he just? It's interesting to me how some people can be extremely "tough" or aggressive or fight-for-what's-right on the outside, and on the inside be a train wreck in progress or already over or just about to begin. I'm glad you've found those traits in there so alluring, and I think you'll find Ch23 very satisfying in some ways.
The training will come. I don't like to spend too much time on it, and I want to keep it in moderation -- it's a part of the story, yes, but shouldn't be described in painstaking detail every chapter for half the chapter. That's just irritating. Words alone will never suffice to describe some of the things I've been through with this type of training, so I won't even try to describe it all. However, as with Ch23, you'll get a taste, snippets, and some deep insights for the careful reader as you go along. Plus a bellyful of irony and the overwhelming desire to smack a character or two upside the head.
The short timeline is a frequent question. There's a very calculated reason for it. The hint I keep handing out, which no one seems to respond to, is this: if you throw a big rock in a still pond, what happens? Why did Harry not go to Hogwarts before this year? Why did he suddenly go now? What has been stated, what has been implied, and what has been nothing but deceit? At this point, no, the agenda being pushed demands this timeline. It won't always be quite so dense, but the set-up of Part I is rather elaborate, as I'm trying to keep the interest of the first chapter (jump in feet first) while building the back history (in fragments) and showing the fundamentally different way that Harry views the world. Different can be good, bad, or neither, but that's another story.
I appreciate all the sentiments, and on the rest of your questions and thoughts -- answers are coming. Real Life is a bit crazy these days, so I'm slower updating than I used to be (used to be 1x or 2x per week in the beginning), but hopefully I'll have more free time soon. In the meantime, thanks for reading, sharing your thoughts, and having an open mind. And as I like to warn everyone... watch out for that rug you're standing on.
Reviewer: Scorcher Signed Date: 2007.04.05 - 03:58PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Ok.. so I just read this story through for the second time and: Wow.. 22 chapters and only 11 days has gone by,, I mean, WOW! You certaninly are taking your time, aren't you :) The ideas and the story itself are brilliant but it's a bit hard to read. There's so much stuff in one chapter that I'm second guessing myself all the time wether or not I've missed something critical or just didn't understand something. Not a bad thing per se but..
A few other things that peaked my curiosity: After the ambush why did Ginny get hurt? Did the magic she released throw her too to a wall or? And what's happened to Harrys adopted mother? I don't recall hearing from her since the description about the adoption process.
I realise that Harry probably was a lot younger when he got the training they're going to put Ginny through but I do hope that it takes a while for her to get to the same level the others are. And I like the fact that it's just Ginny (for now atleast) that gets the training. I really dislike stories where Harry teaches everyone to fight like a god and how to become an animagus..
11d/22ch.. damn.. this is going to be a long one, isn't it?
Author's Response: There are answers, and then there are answers. As most people invariably wind up asking questions I can't answer without spoiling the story, be prepared to wonder a bit.
Seems like a very short time (story-wise), but bear in mind -- Harry going to Hogwarts for the first time, after four years of refusing, is like throwing a giant rock into a pond. Repercussions and all that. There are a lot of things in the chapters, true, but at least you're not upset that it isn't interesting. I guess that's something, eh?
Ginny got hurt because [spoiler, future]. The magic from that scene came from [spoiler, future]. Harry's adopted mother [spoiler, see Ch23 when it finishes beta].
Unlike many stories, no, there are no Super!Characters here. Harry himself is quite brittle in some ways, and certainly unable to take on the world and survive. That said, he is a level above the others that have had no training whatsoever. That doesn't mean he's above them all, though, now does it? Ginny will get training, yes, but I know from hard personal experience -- it takes years to learn how to do these things properly. She may start trying some things out (see Ch23) as she learns some new ways of looking at things, but she won't become equally skilled in the course of a few weeks or months.
Thanks for reading and leaving your thoughts. I'm glad you're enjoying it -- even if it is a tad long.
Reviewer: choco1 Signed Date: 2007.03.15 - 09:10PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
I am really enjoying all of the twists and turns in this story. There are still some main characters that I feel I don't have a good grasp of (Hermione, Ron, Ginny), but I believe this is because you are still being rather mysterious about all of them. I look forward to your interpretation. Some things I enjoyed this chap: Harry and his first interaction with Mr. Weasley. Your description of him was exactly how I pictured him. The interaction between Cho and Neville - I could see that couple! And then my favorite, Harry and Umbridge - I have loved every word. I have to say, I'll be sorry to see her go. And your brilliant use of the "law" - I was laughing out loud as I read this section. I have utterly lost track of floppy though - is he still sitting on Harrys head or is he taking a breather?
I'm a sucker for punishment - I look for updates on this story every week just in case...
Author's Response: Mysterious? Well, perhaps just a little. For a long time, Sovran was convinced this story was really about Ginny. I think now he's convinced it's really about Floppy. Or maybe Hogwarts itself. Floppy is around. Unfortunately, as many note, the plot is a bit involved, and when I'm trying to move things along, the planned bits with Floppy tend to get axed first. It's not fair, of course, and may even be detrimental to the story slightly, but one thing at a time. Thanks for being patient with the pacing lately.
Reviewer: hjp74 Signed Date: 2007.03.14 - 01:09PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
great chapter though the amount of sub plot is just getting scary (oh well it`s a good reson to reread all your chapter). Your righ some of the earley thing are beging to become a sightly less cloudy particuley in regards to ginnys accedental magic. The thestrall scean was fasinating & yet again left us with one more qustion on that iam sure will be tormenting me for chapters to cme. The amount of sub detail in your story genrally & that scean in partculer is one tof the thing i like most about your story it may not be a esier read but it is challanging some thing not ften found in any typ of fiction let alone fan fiction. Another of your little sub plot neville relly seams to be developing nicley & if it going where i think it s going (which it probably isnt put thats the wher is the fun in gusssing if you get some wrong)could be quite intresting & i think it the first time ive come across that paring & given both there personallaties it could be quite a good one.
defenatly looking forward to ginny training & her reading schedule plus whatever left filed ideas are going to coup up in your next cahpter plus the next installment ouf your magic thery essay.
James
Author's Response: Sub-plots being scary is a good thing, as far as I'm concerned. Doesn't it annoy you when everything is neatly tied up with a bow on top at the end of every chapter in so many fics? Where you know exactly what's going to happen before it does? Gets a bit tiresome to read after a while. There's lot of fun to come, of course, and Thestrals, Neville, and Other People are all just getting their shapes beginning to solidify. Just remember, nothing is ever quite what it seems, especially in this story.
Reviewer: Sssith Signed Date: 2007.03.10 - 08:54PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Alas...ear wax...well actually alas I deleted all my notifications. They had to have been in the high twenties but there is no way to verify. And I never did get a notification that it successfully posted. I just randomly checked it today.
Harry is a competentent, if some what a sad sack, of a person. I still looking forward of the taming of the shrew. With Harry cast as the Shrew in this case. ;-)
Keep up the fun story.
Author's Response: Glad you're still enjoying the story. It's getting a tad long, I admit, but the fun is really just starting. I suppose you should be happy you weren't in the 60+ region of notices, eh?
Reviewer: brad Signed Date: 2007.03.09 - 11:09PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Okay, first things first ... I received a total of 62 notices for this bloody %$!#*%$*! chapter. Hmmmm ... that's exactly twice your number of '31' - where did you get that figure? Anyway, while I thought it was in the hundreds :-) I checked out my gmail account, and saw all the messages neatly sorted by Google into three bunches (must be per day?) - 15, 36 & 11 notices in each bunch. Do I win a prize, or did someone get more?
I'm really quite enjoying this story, it's certainly growing on me. At first the characters got me down, I didn't find any of them attractive or appealing (particularly my Hermione, whom I still think you are deliberately belittling in order to make Ginny look better. Impossible, of course, unless you do sneaky vile things like that ... but JKR did it much worse in HBP than you are doing here :-( Wah!
In any case, I think I've adjusted to the quantum-leap AU jump, the warping of Ginny's character, her being in the same year, etcetera, and I'm just enjoying the ride. Your thinking into the mechanics of magic is fun stuff. The frenetic pacing and attacks piled up on each other comprise great reading. And the humour sneaks in and often takes me by surprise; big things, like the pranking wars, Norman, Umbridge, etc (particularly Harry's setting up the gnomes for Mrs. Weasley) and small things, like the suit of armour that's still trying to catch up with Harry ... when I saw that hidden in this long chapter I couldn't help but smile and remind myself to mention it in this review. That sort of long-running, albeit small, bit of humour - characterisation, even? Can a suit of armour have a character? - is great stuff.
I'm a H/Hr man, even though I started out H/G 'by default' 3 years ago (because those were the first stories I read, I suspect) and these days it's harder for a H/G story to penetrate my bias against the Ginny I find in so many stories (including canon). Something that particularly makes the bile rise is insistence that Ginny is "Harry's Equal" ... pffft. While JKR stated same to her H/G sycophants in the out-of-band interviews she certainly didn't show it in her work. Not that her Harry was that much better though.
But while reading this story ... and having stuck in my mind somewhere a past chapter that explained (Remus's belief) that all wizards have essentially the same size magical core, the same 'power level' ... I wondered if you were heading towards a goal of making your Ginny a truly 'equal' partner to Harry, able to match him and/or watch his back in his trials. Given your mechanics of magic, how training can increase/improve the conduits to the same-size core, it's possible. It's an exciting thought, really, quite engaging, and I haven't seen a truly up-there-with-Harry Ginny in any fanfic that I can think of right now off the bat. Certainly not in the atmosphere of daily conflict and battles that pervades the context of this story, where Harry and any true warrior-woman soulmate must be on a continual war footing, and able to protect each other at roughly the same level of ability.
It's something that struck me - and appealed muchly - while reading this. But Ginny still comes across as a bit of an unsympathetic brat, for me, here, so we'll see if you've got anything planned along those lines. Anyway, enjoying the story, thank you!
Author's Response: 62 notices. You're certainly up there in the top echelon. I may be forced to have an entire fleet of red shirts, err, Aurors, err, Death Eaters with suspicious names find the True Meaning of Irritating Harry for the little impromptu contest. I think someone did get more, but not by much. Thanks for being a good sport about it.
I'm glad you're enjoying the story. A Hermy fan, are you? I'd rather think that this is how Hermy would appear when you don't know her, and you're not "inside" her brain. The way things are will not last, as shall be revealed, so fear not. And no, I'm not belittling her to make someone else look good. I am, however, trying to portray her as she is in many respects. Her own curiosity drives her to extremes -- not that there's anything wrong with that. I know some engineers that I work with that are pretty much Hermy to a "T". On the same point, Ginny's character may seem a bit warped. But that's the fun of the AU, right?
I was asked recently if I could put my finger on one "event" that caused the entire shift from JKR-canon into the Echoes situation. The answer, of course, is yes. If the characters that had the same fundamental traits were thrown into a different set of circumstances, they would not be the characters we know from canon. How would they change? What would change? Some would show dramatic changes, based on events and forcing functions, whereas others would show little in the way of changes. Keep your eyes open, and you might even be able to surmise what's behind it all...
There's certainly a lot more coming, of course, so stay tuned. Thanks for being patient with the slow pace lately. Life does that at times.
Reviewer: Chatmandu Signed Date: 2007.03.09 - 12:04PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Hmm... So a partial reason for Harry beginnig Hogwarts now is to clear it of the nest of vipers in residence, and secure it for the anti-Voldemort forces. And maybe some other things as well. Therapy for Harry? He needs therapy? Gosh that came out of the blue, I mean EoP Harry is such a well rounded and centered character. :-)
Somewhere along the line I lost track of Floppy. I think I have to reread some parts. Still, the thought of Harry wandering everywhere with a hat on his head may be the reason he needs therapy.
Oh, and the names you choose... Floppy for the Sorting Hat, Norman for a Skrewt. What will the next sentient character be named? Bun-bun or something similarly ridiculous? OW! I just had a young girl with hair the color of an indescribable fire hit me with a pink plush rabbit... What is up with that? Ah well, at least my office finally warmed up.
Author's Response: I dare say, you're getting rather close to figuring something out of consequence. I think my own beta team has given up predicting what does and doesn't have significance.
EoP well rounded? I think I'll have to work more on that. He should be more angular, more pointy, and much more abrasive. Round is so ... so ... ordinary. Floppy's still around. Those scenes are some of the first to hit the floor when dealing with the, err, plot.
It's less that the fire color is indescribable, as it is that her volatility keeps the fluctuations so rapid that it's never one color long enough for you to utter a description. And never trust a rabbit with a switchblade.
Reviewer: Wolfric Signed Date: 2007.03.09 - 03:21AM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
I am always happy to see another chapter of this excelent story. I never tire of Umridge and Snape bashing; having Giny get one over on Harry is good too. I would like to see an account of Harry's therapy session, I tend to agree Harry could probably use some astute therapy but finding someone to provide it would be a challenge. What is happening with Dumbledor? I suppose we will find out in time. Thank you for your efforts. W.
Author's Response: I'm glad you're still reading and enjoying the story. There's bashing, and then there's bashing, so be sure to keep a close count on those developments. Ginny is naturally going to get one over on Harry from time to time, but will she win the bet? Therein lies the real question. You'll get bits of the therapy issue and Dumbledore in Ch23. Of course, for every question that gets answered, you know what has to happen by now... yup, more questions.
Reviewer: Chreechree Signed Date: 2007.03.09 - 02:38AM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
My 43 notices seem laughable seeing some had over 60. That's ok. I don't want to be a red shirt (nudge nudge).
“Her voice was tantalizingly close, but he would be hard pressed to care at this point.” If you have ever written a more perfectly Josh line, I’d be hard pressed to find it. I’m not counting the textbook excerpts as I’m not talking about that aspect of your writing.
Norman. See, he didn’t need to be called George. You just needed to have a scene with George so Norman could do the “I’m going to hug him and pet him bit” while George is crushed to death. Getting him to talk is the trick. Hugo. That’s what you should’ve named Norman. Not a very helpful beta, am I?
I can see the predatory glint in Celeste’s eye from here.
Here comes my whiny voice: Tell me about the Thestrals!
I know. You give and give, and it’s just never good enough for me.
~ Christine
Author's Response: You got up to 43? I stopped counting around 30 something, but... you know, you're getting awfully spoiled as a beta, Mama Bear. I'll have to see if I can't get that epithet of surprise out of you sometime soon. Hugo would have been good, actually, but there's a hint in Norman's name, naturally. And the bit about the Thestrals? There's a hint in the question as it was framed. It's all a matter of what assumptions you're making when you think about it. Whistling Innocently now.
Reviewer: hot48cricket Signed Date: 2007.03.08 - 10:53PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
I got around 60+ emails from SIYE! But I'm sure not all of them were for this story!
Things are starting to make sense....but I do have a question, and I don't know (remember!) if you answered it. How did Harry get the scar running down his neck? If you have answerd it, point me to the chapter please? And if yo haven't yet, I look forward to finding out!
Author's Response: Yup, you're up there with the other folks who were in the 60+ category. Hopefully the wait was worth it. The scar on Harry's neck is a sub story told in Ch23. So, there is a pointer, but you do have to wait to find out. How's that for an answer? Not very useful, I know. Anyway, glad you're still enjoying the story.
Reviewer: witowsmp Signed Date: 2007.03.08 - 10:24PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Good chapter. I'm glad Ginny's training will formally begin.
I didn't count how many notifications I got, but they were many.
Author's Response: So it seems with the notices. I feel like I lucked out. Not being validated, I mark my own multi-chapter things so I can know when they validate. That turned out to be amusing. You'll get all kinds of fun things out of the training aspects as that line moves along. Glad you're still enjoying the story.
Reviewer: Phineas999 Signed Date: 2007.03.08 - 10:08PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
64 notices for me, and I can forward ALL of them to you...lol.
I've really been enjoying this story. Looking forward to Ginny kepping HArry on his toes. Thanks!
Terry
Author's Response: Uh-oh, looks like there might be a tie for that coveted red-shirt slot. No worries, characters drop like flies in some parts, so we'll get it all sorted in the end. Glad you're still enjoying the story, and finding things to anticipate.
Reviewer: GinnyMarie Signed Date: 2007.03.08 - 10:06PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
A sense of humour that will put Robin Williams to shame...thats a hard one...i sure cant fill it, nor do i live in England...southern girl here...well...i live in the south, jsut out side of Nash TN to be exact, though ive lived in Tulsa OK, and Seymour IN...so not exactly 'Southern" but yeah you get the point...and do Brits use or not use the "." ? curious...
i do believe i got somewhere around fourty messages pertaining to the update of this fic...just to let you know...got fifteen one day, and that was the basic trend...
anyways
good chapter, really. i did so love harry's immediate dismissle of Umbridge's silly little decree...and then the latter portion...where it is revealed that dear old Edgar had a hadn in that...truly good
Your theory of magic is truly interesting...though i can scarcly make heads nor tails of it, i try, and get the gist...hey, im not used to reading stuff like that...bleck!
haha
anyways...I do like David quite a lot...he seems like he is good for Harry, even though Harry may be irrevocably disturbed, i still like David. it was interesting to see that he was picking up the mannerisms of Edgar...interesting indeed
hmm...
i do not like it when my brain ceases to work...this is what happens when you dont get enough sleep
i was joyed to finally be able to read this...tis good...
McGonagall's Niece...i wasnt expecting that. Madame Pomfrey seems to enjoy the torture of her patients, no?
and poor Neville, getting cried on by Cho every minute...please tell me that he is not now in her sights...i beg of you.
i think i have covered enough for now...im off to the comforting embrace of my lovely bed...it is quite comfortable...so i will be going now
update soon? love it
urgh...those lines seem so unintellectual...grrrr...of course, what should one expect from someone who is still in her teens? late teens, granted, but teens nonetheless
anyways...
~Ginny M~
Author's Response: Aha, and I detect a hint of bias here about Cho. As I invariably point out to a great many people at one time or another . . . this is an AU. None of the characters have the motivations, actions, or other behaviors that the canon characters do. Try to bear that as Cho does or does not develop through the story. Likewise on Draco, Lucius, Riddle, etc, etc. I have to admit, you've got the right idea. Sleep is beckoning me at the moment as well. Glad you're enjoying it, and the updates didn't put you off the whole thing.
Reviewer: Katastrophe Signed Date: 2007.03.08 - 08:06PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
I got 64 notices. I kept checking back to find out if the chapter was approved yet. A bit annoying, but I finally got to read it.
I love the interpersonal relationships and how they all tie in with one another. You've done an excellent job with this story, and I am definitely looking forward to the next installment!
Michelle
Author's Response: You may be the winner with 64. Ouch. Rather a tease. I'm glad the chapter was worth it in the end, and you're still enjoying the story. Some of those interpersonal relationships and the associated murkiness are what really drive the plots behind the plots, if you catch my meaning.
Reviewer: aleyx Signed Date: 2007.03.08 - 06:05PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Got 60 myself. Wonder what happened... Ah well, we'll see stranger things.
Anyways. I've enjoyed this chapter very much (as is the norm with this story), and I'm happy to see more of Edgar. He's really my favourite character in this fic... We need more Edgars in HP stories. Or any story, really.
Author's Response: I'm glad you're still with us and enjoying the story. Edgar is a bit of a fun fellow, now isn't he just? It's hard to live that long and not pick up a bit of mysteriousness I should think. Not to mention a low threshold for idiocy.
Reviewer: Bedrup Anonymous Date: 2007.03.08 - 04:31PM Title: Chapter 22: . . . and Turns
Love your story. Really love the theory stuff. And the action. And the dialogue. And everything else. Considering re-reading chapters 1 through 8 to find out what I´ve learned that I didn´t understand before.
I think your story would be even more widely read if you posted on some additional sites. But hey, that´s up to you. I´m happy enough reading it here in siye.
Thanks.
Author's Response: I'm glad you're enjoying the story -- and so many aspects of it. I know some people like parts more than others, but it's the overall blend that makes it fun to me. I've been told by some very reliable people that they think re-reading anything at this point is bound to be fruitless. Sovran insists he is waiting until Part I finishes before he goes back to try and piece together the clues. The story is posted at a few other sites (I can't name them here, it's a site policy - but you can see the list on my author page). So long as a few people out there read it and enjoy it, that's enough for me.
