I am pleased that Harry is able to talk to Ginny about the latest events now. His motives and doubt are of course understandable. On the other hand, I am also glad that Ginny slowly comes to the realization that she shouldn’t sit on the fence. During her little confrontation with Dumbledore it became clear that the mission needs someone who cares more about Harry's safety. Gradually I'm lucky again with Ginny's relationship with Harry.
… and this was finally the moment I was calm enough to go to sleep. OK, ok, not before I had a short peek behind that cliffie. Luckily, I don't have to wait for the next chapter.
Great chapter, thank you very much!


Author's Response: All's well that ends well, so goes the saying. Harry and Ginny have survived a Horcrux hunt, learned how they function in their roles and maybe have even learned a little about each other in the process. They've had the chance to talk about their feelings and I think their relationship is a bit stronger for it. Shame on you for peeking at the next chapter and spoiling my cliffhanger! Thanks for reading.

I know how it feels to find a really useful place to break an otherwise long chapter. Done it myself. They sort of beg to be used like that.

I really enjoyed this chapter, and I loved the little detail of skipping stones with the Squid. I think we found out quite a lot about Harry in this chapter. he still has his guilt complex and I was wondering if a little jealousy of Neville spending time with Ginny wasn't showing. He is still afraid of his feelings.

By the way, you don't have to thank me for reviewing chapter by chapter. That's how you wrote it, and it deserves no less. Thanks for sharing it. SF

Author's Response: I'm not sure you know about my "rule" for this story. The two previous stories had really long chapters and I decided to see if I could write quality chapters that were only eight to twelve pages in length. For the most part, I was able to do this, but there were a few chapters that just had to be twice as long as I'd planned them, so I found good places to break them into separate chapters. I'm really glad you liked this chapter. I tried very hard to show that Harry's still a sixteen-year-old boy who grew up with a lack of love and can be confused at times by the feelings he's experiencing. You're welcome, by the way. :) ~ Arnel

I liked it very much. I was only kidding about the cliffhanger being mean. It is quite a good one. Makes me want to turn that page...alas, the only thing I see is the back of my computer. :) Great writing.

Author's Response: Your "back of my computer" image has me smiling. Never fear, there are plenty more chapters to come. I've just completed the outline for Chapter 30 and think it's actually going to end up being three, the outline is so extensive! Thanks for your comments.

Excellent chapter. Mean cliffhanger! lol

Really, I love the interaction between your Harry and Ginny. I liked her standing up for herself with Dumbledore and later, Harry. She could have done it mentally and physically and it isn't fair for Harry to make those judgments for her. However, his commitment to keep the mission secret is a good reason and I like that she recognizes it.

And the tender, affectionate moments are just right. :)

Author's Response: Debbie, I'm so glad you liked the chapter even though it ended not to your liking. As I explained in my author's note, I had written a huge chapter that I felt needed to be broken up into two smaller ones and the natural break came where it did. I love Ginny and her strength of character. She's so resiliant that even though others see her as vulnerable because of their perception of her, her sense of what is right sees her through being left behind "for her own good." As for Harry, he's torn between his own needs and his sense of duty to the Wizarding world; you are right about Ginny recognizing his conflicted emotions. Thank you for reviewing. I hope to get chapter twelve up within the next two weeks.