08/29/09
I am a recent member of the Harry Potter fandom, but I have always had a passion for the written word, and I hope to fulfill it here. I live in a relatively boring corner of Idaho, and I like Kokanee and a good book!
So, I suppose you're wondering what's up with my username. Even if you're not, this is how that happened. No, I was not aspiring to be a Gryffindor. I can't think of any house to which I would belong less than Gryffindor, in fact. It was a moment of clarity that I got while I was battling with myself about whether I should want to be Sorted into Gryffindor to be like Harry or to be Sorted elsewhere and follow my own path. I thought it to be much like the contemplative scene in Hamlet when he weighed taking his own life. I'm not trying to be melodramatic. That's simply is what popped into my head when I was trying to sign up to leave a review. :D
Any questions or comments about my work? Please shoot me an email at: tobeornottobeagryffindor@mugglenet.com — I'd love to hear from you!
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My Favourite Things by KarasAunty
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Voldemort reflects on his rise, downfall and resurrection as the worst Dark Lord in history. Inspired by the Rodgers and Hammerstein hit of the same name from the film The Sound of Music.
Date: 07/22/10 Title: Chapter 1: My Favourite Things
One of my favourite things is to read when I experience a bit of writer's block/apathy. Then I remember reading your extraordinarily LOLworthy rendition of I Will Survive, and I knew that something from you is just what the doctor, er, Healer ordered.
I believe this may be one of the funniest things I've ever read. It's just so well put-together, and the rhythm is nearly flawless. I can just see a facsimile of Ralph Fiennes in my head, skipping around like Julie Andrews, singing this song. I must say, one cannot pay for entertainment like that. Your work, to me, is fast becoming something epic, not unlike A Very Potter Musical. Just the very concept of taking something we all love and maybe, just possibly, poking a little bit of fun at it, does us all a world of good. It reminds me, at least, that I do this all for fun, and maybe I should take life a little less seriously, because face it - no one's getting out of it alive. :D
Thank you for listening to me ramble, and I'd just like to say job well done. Take care and happy writing,
Jess
Author's Response:
Hello m'dear,
you are absolutely welcome to ramble any time you like - I'm always delighted to hear from you!
Writer's block/apathy is a massive pain, isn't it? Really, we all write for fun - but when fate deprives us (however temporarily) of the inspiration required for that outlet ... grr! It's unbelievably frustrating. So I really hope your block has now been banished into the galactic ether from whence it came and that you are bursting with the joy of creative juices once more!
See? I can ramble too ;)
My Favourite Things is, I must admit, one of my own personal favourites. The very thought of the most dreadful Dark Lord in wizarding history prancing around gaily, listing all the things that make him feel warm and fuzzy, while his astonished minions look on ... It's so deliciously ludicrous!
I'm THRILLED that you enjoy this ode so much, and that it has provided you with such amusement. Truly, there can be no better reward for me to know that it has made you laugh.
Thanks very much for all the lovely comments you've left! They have really, really made my day!
Maureen :)
Ignorance by ringobeatlesfan4
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary:
Ignorance is your new best friend.
Will she say it, or won’t she? You’ve been waiting for half of your life to hear her say those three words. But no. She’ll just continue to hurt you, and you know it, deep down. Know it, but refuse to believe it.
Date: 09/27/09 Title: Chapter 1: Stranger
Ah, it was fascinating, definitely not a waste of time! The concept was interesting, and while I never really pictured Charlie Weasley ending up in such a ludicrous marriage, but the way you told the story was excellent.
The changing from first to second person was a little throwing, but other than that, everything looks good!
Author's Response: Did I accidentally change from first to second person?? Whoops! I meant for it to be second person for the whole story... Heh. Thanks so much for your praise, though! It means a lot that you like the way I told this even if it wasn't how you pictured Charlie's marriage. I have to admit, I never really pictured it too, but while I was writing it, it just became more plausible to me. I wanted to pick a minor character we never really heard much about so that I could manipulate the story to fit how I needed it to...And I guess Charlie was the first one I came up with. But that made it difficult to change due to his personality that we did see in the books. It's a lot different from how I originally planned...But I think it's better this way. Thanks again so much for reading and reviewing! {BeccA}
The Slow Burn of Betrayal by Equinox Chick
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: At school Peter Pettigrew was somebody. He was a Gryffindor, a Marauder and an Animagus. Peter Pettigrew was special. He would have died for his friends ... at school.
But what happens when he leaves the haven of Hogwarts? Peter is no longer one of four, but a man alone working at the Ministry. And with his friends caught up in life or death situations, is it any wonder that Wormtail gets overlooked.
This is the untold story of Peter's treachery.
This is Equinox Chick of Hufflepuff writing for The Untold Story Challenge in the Great Hall on the Beta Forums
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling, and whilst I would very much like to own Sirius and Remus (although she can keep Peter), I don't.
Thank you to Lexi (Harry Rulz) for beta'ing this fic for me. It really is appreciated.
Date: 09/27/09 Title: Chapter 1: The Slow Burn of Betrayal
This story left an absolutely disgusting feeling in my stomach, as I'm sure is the intention. It showed how lesser men are too week to overcome their most base of desires, and sometimes, they're not the only ones that get hurt.
Very well written!
Author's Response: OH, thank you. Hmm, I feel a bit sorry for Peter actually, but he was so ripe for this particular honey trap. I think there's a fair few women that would get drawn in by unscrupulous men as well. Thank you very much for reviewing. ~Carole~
In Between Red and Green by padfoot_returns
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: For her whole life, Rose has been told stories about how foul the Malfoy family really was. But what happens when one line from Scorpius shatters her resolve?
This is padfoot_returns of Hufflepuff writing for the In-house Back to Hogwarts challenge.
Date: 09/30/09 Title: Chapter 1: In Between Red and Green
Awesome! I've always been a Rose/Scorpius fan. This story is a great representation of the peace brought about by the end of the Great War, and that prejudices can often be overcome by a simple, candid conversation.
Well done, hope to read more of your work soon.
Blood On My Hands by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: A woman runs from her past, unable to remember whose blood is on her hands; yet the memory will only drive her deeper into madness when she remembers what she has done.
Date: 10/08/09 Title: Chapter 1: One-shot
Incredible internal dialogue for Hermione! I believe losing the one person in the world that means the most to you would definitely send some into madness.
I love it!
Author's Response: Wow, I think I totally missed this review at the time (but I had house guests for almost two weeks in October so maybe that's why - sorry!) A very belated thank you for the review! I wrote this for a challenge, it was fun and a little amazing to see what popped out of my head. Quite different, for once. ;) Thanks so much for reading this story, I really appreciate the review!! ~Gina :)
A Prize Above Rubies by Equinox Chick
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: When Isla Black is instructed to accompany her brother, Phineas, and his wife, Ursula, to Burma, she does not argue. A daughter of the House of Black, she is not allowed to argue or venture any opinions. She will marry ... and marry well.
But Burma is not England, and the stifling etiquette of the pureblood society has been left behind.
This is Equinox Chick of Hufflepuff writing for the Lofty Learning Challenge: How to Charm Snakes.
Thank you to Apurva for beta'ing this tale.
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling and cannot take credit for any of the characters and names you recognise in this fic.
This story won the 2010 QSQ for Best Historical Fiction - Thank you
Date: 10/08/09 Title: Chapter 1: A Prize Above Rubies
I love this story! It's nice to see all those little Slytherin pure-blood maniacs thwarted by one of their own. There are so many places that this story can go, and I would love to read further adventured of Miss Black and the ever-charming Mr Hitchens.
Author's Response: Thank you very much for the review. Mmm, perhaps I will have to write more about them. ~Carole~
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang by SK witch
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary:
The smell was powerful, so magnificently intense…so very, very alluring.
There was a war going on. Fear was prevalent everywhere and these species were free to roam the city of London. Free to breed…free to feed on whoever they desired. It’s one thing to get afraid when being attacked, but the fear goes to a whole new level when you can’t see your attacker…
Follow the lives of two Muggles running through the narrow alleyways of London, when they’re suddenly confronted by one of the most feared creatures in the Wizarding world.
Date: 10/15/09 Title: Chapter 1: Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Absolutely excellent! The Dementor's Kiss in the perspective of the Dementor is a completely unique perspective, and I think you did beautifully.
I love the fact that Adrien thwarted the Dementor in the end, even if the man was a thief and a murderer.
Extremely well done, IMO.
Author's Response: You're the first to review this story! Yay! I got all excited (as I usually do) when I received an e-mail saying that it was approved! =D I've been waiting for a plot to come into mind...I wanted to write something dark and yet artistic? I'm not sure if that's the correct word lol, but this came into my head one day and I got writing!
First off, I'm really glad you liked my characterization of the Dementor! I didn't have much reference, so it was a nice challenge *smiles* Secondly, I don't usually like killing off my characters, but it suited the situation and I couldn't let it by ^_^
Thank you so much for taking the time to review! I really appreciate it!
The Balancing Act by coolh5000
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Eleven-year-old Teddy always finds himself stuck in the middle of his Grandma and Godfather. While he knows they both love him and only want what's best for him, he can never seem to please them both. Can a trip to Diagon Alley for school supplies finally get them to see that he loves them both equally?
This was originally written as part of SPEW 007 (though not posted in time) with the prompt 'feather'
Date: 12/16/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
I have to admit, reading a story where Teddy isn't going to die a horrible death is nice. :D
Teddy is so good in this story. I like how he is precocious, but not in the typical way. He doesn't often interact with children of his own age, instead spending time with his grandmother. It gives him a more mature attitude toward things, such as trying to make his Gran and his godfather see that he doesn't prefer one to the other. Most children would reap the benefits and milk as much stuff out of it as they could, but Teddy is just not like that. He just wants everyone to be happy. But how you did it and still managed to maintain his childlike demeanour was great. Love that bit.
I was a little unsure about the idea of Harry ever trying to one-up Andromeda, because I sort of always had the impression that he would yield to her in most things, especially if he had any inkling that he might upset her. But that's moot, because that's just my opinion and it's your story; just something to consider, I guess.
I love the bit about the wand. From the moment Henry said that the wand had a phoenix core, I felt soooo bad for Andromeda. It almost felt like Harry had won the strange little tug-of-war. I was relieved that Teddy got to keep the wand, though. I was slightly annoyed with him, despite his good intentions, for trying to give up the perfect wand to make his gran happy. The resolution was great, plus Teddy got that extra connection with his mum.
One thing I wouldn't mind knowing, though, is if there is some sort of connection to Remus in there somewhere. Canonically, he doesn't have a specific wand, so perhaps the length... or that might broach the realm of being contrived. Nonetheless, I wouldn't mind finding some connection to Remus, even if it's his grindylow tank. XD
Lovely story with a happy ending. I don't read many of those these days, so it was nice. Bye for now. :D
~Jess
This review was brought to you by the Ravenclaw Order of the House Elves.
One Last Wish by Belledeg
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary: Harry Potter has defeated the Dark Lord and proven the strength and the power of love. However, he is unaware of one tiny detail about the battle. The fact that, seconds before his demise, the Dark Lord felt something he was not supposed to feel.
So now Lord Voldemort finds himself in a place that is not Heaven, Hell or Earth but somewhere in between.
And he is not alone...
A Second Epilogue for "My Troubled Tyrant"
Date: 10/21/09 Title: Chapter 1: I Should Have Remembered It
***sniff***
Awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome, AWESOME!!!!!!!!!
I heart you for adding just one more bittersweet chapter to what has to be my favorite fan fic EVER. I hold this story closer to my heart than all but two of JK's own works, and I truly mean that!
I was so happy that Tom felt just that slightest shred of remorse, enough to stay with Keeds forever and ever. Who knew I'd ever be hoping for a happy ending for the most evil wizard that walked the planet, but you have done that, and it was fabulous.
Exquisite epilogue, quite exquisite.
~Jess
PS Frick on a stick with a brick! I had to submit this review like a half dozen times before it would post properly.
Author's Response: :D Thanks for such a lovely review. I'm glad your effors paid off and it finally posted. So glad you liked it :D
Jack O'Lantern James by Gmariam
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: A Halloween prank turns against James and Sirius - not once, but twice.
Date: 10/16/09 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Absolutely precious and immensely hilarious. Well done, and thanks for sharing. :-D
Author's Response: I'm glad you found it funny, I thought about putting it in the Humor category but wasn't sure if it was quite that humorous. Thanks so much for reading it and leaving such a nice review, I appreciate it! ~Gina :)
I Get By by ron lover
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •
Summary:
After time, Goyle deals with Crabbe’s death.
Date: 08/11/10 Title: Chapter 1: I Get By
Hi there, SPEW buddy!
You’ve chosen a very looked-over character for which to paint an intimate portrait. Goyle isn’t exactly what one would call a thinker, but in Azkaban, there would probably not been much to do other than that.
At first, I was a little put off with the repetition of certain things, such as: ‘The inside of the room was cluttered; it was a surprise that he found his project every time. It was a surprise that he didn’t get lost.’ However, when I read over it again, I looked at it from a different perspective. When I talk things out with myself, which is much like thinking aloud, I suppose, I do tend to repeat myself. Now, when I see it as a personal mental narrative instead of just a regular narrative, it makes much more sense to me.
I really like your use of simple words and phrases. Goyle is the furthest from a genius that one can get, so making him sound loquacious instead of simple in his words would have been disingenuous.
To be honest, I myself always pictured things going on between Crabbe and Goyle. Even after they ditched Malfoy, they still spent a majority of their time with one another during their seventh year. Either they were the best of friends or they were just a bit more than that. I personally don’t have the cojones to write about it, but I think you did so beautifully. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen another Crabbe/Goyle story, so we can add unique to the list of pluses to this story.
I think one of my favourite aspects of the story was when Goyle, instead of being grateful that the ‘Gryffindors’ saved his life, he wondered why they couldn’t save Crabbe, too. It just shows that he really did care about Crabbe as much as he cared about himself. I like to think that everyone, no matter how evil they seem, has a shred of decency inside. I really love how you bring forth Goyle’s. He loved another human being as much as himself, and that’s a step in the right direction for his recovery after Azkaban.
Another thing I really like is how you separated Crabbe and Goyle in terms of their relative cruelty. To me, it’s interesting to see them not put in the same thought or in the same breath. Crabbe is the cruel, slightly sadistic one, whereas Goyle is more passive and less inclined to kill. To most, they’re basically interchangeable characters, but I adore the fact that you made them individual. This site could use more Crabbe and/or Goyle stories.
I do have a consistency nitpick. Toward the beginning, you note that the Dark Lord had sent them all to guard the diadem, but in DH, they followed Harry and company into the RoR to bring him to Voldemort. They had no idea what a ‘die-dum’ was or whether it held any real significance. Draco was the only one who noted that the diadem would hold importance if the Trio was looking for it at a time like that. Perhaps, with a minor bit of editing, that could be fixed for canon compliance, which I assume what you’re aiming for.
All in all, I really loved this story. You took a first person POV piece and you made it pensive, not ponderous. It wasn’t angsty or whiny; it was honest and full of all the right questions for someone like Goyle to ask of himself and of the universe. Very well done, and I’m glad I picked this story of yours to read.
Take care and happy writing,
~Jess
Your Heart Burned Black by the opaleye
Rated: 6th-7th Years •Summary:
You just lie there before me, before my canvas, while I immortalise your being - while I give your life purpose - through colour and shape. People are going to look back on this work and say, “She was important.” They will say that you had a life with meaning.
Is your life meaningful, my dear?
Here sits an artist. Before him, his subject. Where will this piece of art take them? And where have they been before? For in the future lies the past and in the past there lies no future. Follow them on their journey through time and paint, through canvas and passion.
Through life.
An entry by the opaleye of Slytherin to the Lofty Learning One-Shot Challenges: The Science of Portraiture
First Place!
Date: 11/22/10 Title: Chapter 1: Your Heart Burned Black
Ah, the memories...
I am, of course, referring to the way-back-when time that I was a scared little bunny of a newbie and never left reviews for anything I read. Well, I'm here to rectify that a bit.
I remember reading this when it was brand new. I just couldn't comprehend how someone could crawl around in the head of such an unknown character and still manage to convince me that this was really him, that this was the true Rodolphus. I love that fresh face that you put on every story as you take an unknown pocket in time and make it into your own, and this is yet another win for you here with PH Rodolphus. Even Narcissa is a different shade of herself here, but it was still her to me.
I suppose I do have one thing that I would want to nitpick, and it's in the following part:
How could I love her dark, unwelcoming eyes when I had your seductive grey ones in which to lose myself? I could stare into your eyes forever, my dear. Do not close them yet.
I will use this colour to render your eyes immortal, Narcissa. It will not do them justice; none of my paints could ever do such a thing, yet it is the best I have. I want Lucius to look at this painting and see your eyes staring back at him. I do not want them to be just anyone’s eyes; I want them to be yours, endless, lost to him in an eternity of nothingness.
It does read like a purposeful repetition theme, but I suppose seeing the same word five times in that short expanse and that word isn't 'a, and, the, you'... it's me being weird. Ignore me if you want (lol, I would). Just thought I'd attempt to be a helpful reviewer. :D
Again, such a fabulous fic, and it is a testament of how good you are by defailt alone, because even though this is one of your very first fics, it's still far and beyond 75% of anything on the archives, and you are better still today.
*Disapparates*
~Jess
Author's Response: Wow, it always surprises me when this gets reviews. After I Am Alive, this fic is definitely one of my favourites I've written and yet it has so few reads. I guess it's the weird summary but oh well. I was definitely inspired by Nikki when writing this. I love her take on Rodolphus, Regulus and other Death Eaters so I enjoyed getting into his head for myself. I sometimes think that it can be harder to take a lesser known character as a subject. You have a lot of space to move around and yet, the character must still be recognisable and not someone completely new. I'm glad you liked the characterisation. Thanks for the nitpick! The repetition was intentional but I do realise that I do it far too much. I guess with this fic, since it was based around the portrait, I tried to structure it so that each section was focusing on one part of the painting and that's why I kept on repeating "eyes". Again, thanks so much for a lovely review, Jess. It was such a nice surprise :)
Date: 12/13/10 Title: Chapter 1: Distantly
'Ello there, Miss Alice!
Congrats on the QSQ win, dear. You've written something with such stunning imagery, from the simple days of being in school to Andromeda having bloody nightmares about her children she didn't even have yet being killed. Though there is nearly no canon information about Andromeda, it just feels right for her. She would be in such a precarious place emotionally after giving up her entire familiar world for Ted, so naturally it would haunt her.
I think the thing I like the most about this fic is that it focusses on such simple things, like the cat and the day to day doldrums. The wedding is downplayed in a sense that the dream about the cat stomping the kids was more poignant and meaningful to her than her marriage.
I thought it was interesting how paranoid she was about her children ending up like Bella and Cissy. It's almost a relief to me as a reader to know that her daughter is almost as opposite of them as one can get with her lack of the poise that was so high in stock for the women of the Black family.
All in all, it was a fascinating trip into the mind of Andromeda Black Tonks. Her emotions and fears seemed real and probable, which is so different from most D/A pieces that melodramatise such things.
Ta for now, and until we meet again, etc...
~Jess
This visit is a gift of the Ravenclaw Order of House Elves
The Breaking Point by sorrow_of_severus
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: She was the love of his life, and they had an affair that lasted over two decades. Why did she break it off?
Nominated for Best Dark/Angsty story in the 2010 Quicksilver Quill awards.
Date: 11/13/09 Title: Chapter 1: The Breaking Point
I’ve always been your secret, never good enough to you’re your family about.
Just a minor oopsie, thought you'd like to know. :D
Ok, now on with the good part! I love Rose/Scorpius unconditionally, so yay for another story. I like the first person format, because Rose, as a Weasley, wears her heart on her sleeve, but as a Malfoy, Scorpius would not; that made me glad that the story was from his perspective. The scenarios are so believable, because I can really see Scorpius growing up just like Draco, prejudice oozing out of every pore, and I can also believe that Rose would sacrifice her life for the one she loves, no matter how poisonous that love may turn out to be.
All in all, it was extremely well-constructed, and IMO, well told. Thank you for writing this. :-)
Author's Response: Yay, a positive review from Jess! *SQUEEEEE* I'm particularly pleased that you liked the first person perspective, as writing in first person is so controversial and easily done poorly.
Cauchemar by the opaleye
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary:
Nominated for the 2010 QSQ Awards for Best Poetry!
Date: 02/18/10 Title: Chapter 1: Cauchemar
Ah, now here is where, in my mind, you have reversed the roles as they lived in my head. I always pictured Ginny as the one with the nightmares and Harry as finally dredging himself up by himself for her sake.
But as I read this, I can picture her, watching him sleep his troubled sleep, worried that he might not come back from his private hell the next time.
As you know, though...I don't believe in them as a couple, so I'm pretty jaded to the concept that she would be able to bring him back from his purgatory of nightmares.
All in all, minus my pedantic ramblings, I really enjoyed this sonnet, and I even found myself reading it in iambic pentameter in my head, lol.
Until we meet/I stalk again!
Jess
Author's Response: See, I said I have my canon moments and this is certainly one of those. I'm surprised you read this poem, Jess! But I'm glad that you enjoyed it despite the pairing. The prompt for the challenge was
Dagger of Doubt by Grace has Victory
Rated: 6th-7th Years • Summary: Because Tracey Davies wants nothing to do with her brother Roger, she avoids Ravenclaw House. But will she survive in Slytheirn? And is survival even what matters?
Date: 11/25/09 Title: Chapter 2: The Sorting Hat's Verdict
I love how she tried to tell the Hat what's what, and it stuck her in Slytherin,as well as her reaction to her brother's dismay with her new House, as if he were shocked and ashamed.
I find your portrayals of the Slytherin girls believable and unique. Who would guess that big, brawny Bulstrode was really a semi-outcast and insecure?
All in all, I like this one as much as a first, and I'm looking forward to your future installments.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for understanding my story! I think Millicent has to be insecure because the Bulstrodes are an old, pure-blood line, but she is definitely listed as a half-blood in JKR's notes. She is not so much "outcast" as "knowing her place". She gets ahead in Slytherin by taking orders. You might say the same for Crabbe and Goyle, who are in fact pure-bloods, but depend heavily on the Malfoys' patronage. And, yes, despite your sympathetic response to Tracey, I'm afraid she is a true Slytherin. I'm just trying to tell the story from her point of view. So I hope you continue reading when she ceases to be likable.
Date: 12/01/09 Title: Chapter 4: Nature's Nobility
Ah, another reason to not like Roger. I know he's a 'good guy' and all, but drat, I believe I don't like him. Poor Tracey, stuck for the next five years with a House full of people that hate her, but I believe she will do her utmost to either rectify the situation or get them all back.
I'm seriously getting into the Slytherin POV. Keep it up!
~Jess
Author's Response: Dear Jess, The ease with which one can learn to think like a Slytherin is woryring, isn't it? Imagine what it's like when you live with them all day long! Roger didn't mean any harm (after all, the vast majority of Ravenclaws DON'T care about blood status) but of course Tracey is now in the mindset to blame her brother for everything that goes wrong. Obviously she'll have to stop blaming and start using her Slytherin cunning if she wants to improve matters. Don't worry, I promise you she will! Best wishes, GhV
Date: 12/09/09 Title: Chapter 7: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor
Ah, brilliant girl! It's nice to see her back in the fold, so to speak.
One thing that most people forget is that the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were not nearly as enamored with Hagrid as the Gryffindors. They didn't hate him as the Slytherins did, but there was not a whole lot for our inestimable half-giant.
At least they didn't like Umbridge...that would have been unfortunate. They merely recognized the need to be in her good favor for the sake of their social statuses and future career opportunities. It's hard to fault them for that, not to mention the desire to never seen the wrong end of that black quill.
In conclusion, after quite a bit of pedantic rambling, I thought this addition was brilliant.
Just a few minor issues. You mention Draco being attacked by the hippogriff 'last year', but it was the year before, in Third Year. Also, in this sentence: "I stopped thinking about the Firewhisky crate and focussed instead on the books stacked beside his bed", I believe there is only one 's' in focused.
Anyhoo, that's enough of my jabbering. :D
~Jess
Author's Response: Thanks, Jess, ~ I don't have a beta reader so a few mistakes are slipping under the radar here. I can't remember why I said "last year" for the hippogriff incident - possibly because the execution date was only 18 months ago, hence "last calendar year". But if I need to make a more serious revision of this chapter, I'll correct these points too. ~ No, I don't believe the Slytherins LIKE Umbridge! I don't think it occurs to them to perceive human relationships in those terms. Does Draco like Vincent and Gregory? Does Millicent like anyone? I feel that Daphne frequently resents Pansy, yet she still describes her as her "best friend". ~ Thanks for your continued support. More follows soon. GhV
Date: 12/03/09 Title: Chapter 5: Owl Post
Ah, now I dislike Roger slightly less, because he helped her stick it to the Slytherins...but he's still a jerk, lol. I guess buying back favor is a tradition that extends to all the Houses, considering her Bones (Hufflepuff) Grandmother offered it.
Congrats on getting them to push your story through the queue so fast, I wish I could get them to do that for me.
~Jess
Author's Response: Hi Jess, ~ I'm glad you saw a better side of Roger here. He just doesn't see the impact he has on his sister; he has no idea that she has so resentful, or what he contributed to the problem. ~ I don't know that Hufflepuffs would "buy back" favour; it's more a question of being nice to people regardless of what they have done to you. I actually think Tabitha Bones (nee Twillfit) would have been in Ravenclaw, where the perspective would be that wise people always try to neutralise their enemies and make as many friends as they can. I doubt that Tracey understands the differences between these three points of view; she just knows that "buying" people like Pansy costs more than she can afford to pay. ~ Thanks for reviewing. More to follow soon. Best wishes, GhV
Date: 11/27/09 Title: Chapter 3: The Worst Defeat
Ah, poor Tracey, second fiddle yet again!
I hated it for her that she had to cheer for her brother just because everyone else was. It sucks, having to appease everybody to fit in, which is why Luna Lovegood is such a fascinating character, because she doesn't care at all. Tracey is almost the antithesis of that, and not too many authors delve into the mind of Slytherins not named Malfoy.
Still enchanted, still reading, and still like Tracey. :D
~Jess
Author's Response: Dear TBONTBAG, I thought your comparison with Luna was very perceptive. Luna, despite her fantasies, has a fundamental honesty that constantly shipwrecks the deceit of people around her. Tracey, who is firmly pragmatic, has a fundamental DIShonesty that will refuse any information that is too uncomfortable. It's telling that you can sympathise with her anyway; such character flaws don't erupt in a vacuum. Thank you for your support, GhV