01/22/06
I'm a 26-year-old engineer who has become "obsessed" (that's the word my wife uses, anyway) with Harry Potter. Of course, she also accused me of being in love with Ginny Weasley once, so.... *shrug*
I write (and read) stories like the ones on this site as a way of escaping from the real world for a while.
Currently, I'm working on two chaptered stories (see below), which I update just as fast as the amazingly awesome Moderators will let me. I know I get frustrated when it takes forever for a story I'm reading to get updated, so I try to avoid giving other people that same frustration. :D
NA banner by Moony 62442 and abbs866
My good friend Abby created a second banner for A Stolen Past, and it was too good not to post. Here it is, for your viewing pleasure!
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Cruciatus Cursed by Moony 62442
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Everything in life has a “what if?”
What if Voldemort didn’t try to kill Harry in the Atrium of the Ministry of Magic? What if he used the Cruciatus curse instead? What if Dumbledore didn’t come to the rescue until ten minutes after the curse had been executed? And what if Harry had been held under said curse for all ten minutes?
All the answers and more lie ahead…
Slightly AU as it is an alternate ending for Order of the Phoenix. Check out info. on this story on my profile!
***Nominated for a Quicksilver Award***
Date: 10/01/07 Title: Chapter 16: A Burden to Bear
Yay! Harry's back! It's weird, but after everything that's happened over the course of this story, I sort of forgot that Sirius just got killed. Amazing how much can happen in a month.
Anyway, this was a very nice ending chapter. You did a good job of wrapping things up without dragging them out for too long. Plus, there was that fun bit of H/G foreshadowing that you knew I was going to like. ;-) Thanks for the wonderful story, and I look forward to the sequel. I wonder if Harry's Dark Mark will end up helping him defeat Voldemort....
Author's Response: Yay! You reviewed! I forgot that I was still following that portion of OOTP, so I actually left that out the first time and had to edit it in when I went back over it. Whoops^^ Thanks so much, endings are not my forte, though... It makes me happy to hear that it is alright though, and that everyone finds it to be a good entrance into the next part. Oh and come on: you, of all people, should know that I couldn\'t leave that foreshadowing out. You, Rivah, and Abby have turned me full-fledged sap, so I couldn\'t go without that. :D And don\'t thank me: thank YOU for all the help, you guys are the best. Thanks again and take care, NuwNuw (had to say it for old time\'s sake) =) ~Miss Moony PS-I cannot disclose that information : P
Moony by Ms_Wolfsbane
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: A poem about one of Remus's transformations. Slightly violent, but poetically so. Please read and review! Other poems coming!
Date: 01/19/07 Title: Chapter 1: Wolfie
Incredibly sad, yet powerful. I was a bit confused by the part about his love, though. Was she another werewolf? An Animagus, perhaps? Maybe I'm just being thick here.
Anyway, in the first line of the third-to-last stanza, I think you meant to write "two," rather than "to," but other than that, everything seems perfect. Of course, the best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) part of the poem was the end. That's so like Remus to beat himself up for killing the man, even though the git was out to kill him first. The last line, though... *shivers* very powerful and sad. Kudos to you.
~NuwNuw
Author's Response: Thanks!
Tomorrow\'s my Bat Mitzvah.
She\'s Tonks. It\'s bit random, though.
Her Love by Ms_Wolfsbane
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Harry/Ginny poem set after the war about. . . a nightmare of the war. The rest you'll have to read.
If you're thinking "didn't I see this before?" you are right. But later it was deleted.
Date: 01/19/07 Title: Chapter 1: Her love
Hi, Wolfie! I have to admit, I was a little surprised by how "dark" this poem was. But I enjoyed it just the same. Sometimes, you have to taste the bitter so you can appreciate the sweet, right?
Author's Response: Indeed. I\'m normally a very chipper person, but most of my poetry is dark.
A deep imbedded yearning by Tagidi Riva
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: A poem about Harry's life and love.
Date: 01/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: A deep imbeeded yearning
Oooh, this gave me a little chill. But in a good way. Argh; I really love poetry, but it's so hard to review! Rest assured, though, that I enjoyed this one very much. Ta-ta for now!
Author's Response: I guess I just got you back for the goosebumps you gave me not too long ago.:)
Some Witches are Insane by Lily of the US
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: Ria is a Muggleborn starting her first year at Hogwarts with virtually no knowledge of the wizarding world whatsoever. (sounds fun, huh?) Join her as she makes (insane) friends, learns how to do magic, and discovers things about herself that were once hidden.
Chapter 5 is up, please review because I'm getting lonely.
Date: 01/19/07 Title: Chapter 2: Secrets and Sortings
First off, I have to let you know that I don't normally read this type of story (OC-based, or next-generation, or whatever you want to call it). For whatever reason, though, I decided to have a look at this one -- I think the title was just too intriguing to pass up. Anyway, I'm very impressed with your writing; you've done an excellent job of conveying your characters' nervousness, for example. The thing I'm most impressed with, however, is the Sorting Hat's song. I know how difficult writing one of those can be, since I gave it up as a lost cause when I tried write one for one of my own stories.
The one thing I would caution you about is switching perspectives. There were a couple of times (I can't remember if they were in the first or second chapter) when it seemed like you switched between only being able to hear Ria's thoughts, and being able to hear the other girls' thoughts as well. It's usually best to either let the reader know only one character's thoughts, or let them know everybody's thoughts. These things are pretty minor, though, and I really do think you're doing a great job with your story. Keep up the good work.
Author's Response: =) Thanks for the review! I\'m glad you liked the title, it will make more sense, hopefully, in the next chapter... Yes, the sorting hat\'s song was difficult. I\'m surprised I was able to put it in at all, at one point I thought about leaving it out completely.
Thanks for the CC, too. I\'ll try to keep that in mind when writing future chapters.
~megan~
Date: 02/19/07 Title: Chapter 3: Insanity
Cute chapter. We didn't learn a lot of new information, but this was one of those necessary "set the scene" chapters that leads in to the rest of the story, so that's okay. Your writing is well-organized and nicely descriptive without going overboard. Overall, it's a very nice chapter with a cute ending. No complaints from me! :-)
Author's Response: Aww, thanks! *blushes* I\'m glad you liked it! ~megan~
A heart she simply knows by Tagidi Riva
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: A poem from Ginny's perspective, pre - HBP.
Date: 01/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: A heart she simply knows
What a beautiful little poem. It's so sad, yet it's happy because we know she does end up with him, yet it's sad again because he breaks it off. Did that make sense? *sigh* Anyway, I loved it. You have quite the knack for this poetry business.
Author's Response: Poetry has been my outlet since 7th grade(oh so many eons ago). I find it cleansing. I have more ability to flow than when I am constructing a faceted plot.
Torn and Tethered by Tagidi Riva
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Harry's perspective of his reconcilation with Ginny
Date: 01/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: Torn and Tethered
*contented sigh* I really hope something like that happens in DH. Early on. Not that I'm holding my breath for it or anything.
I think I just read all of your poems in one go, and they have all been brilliant. This one was no exception. It's amazing how you're able to capture so much conflicting emotion and confusion in so few words. My hat's off to you.
Oh, and btw, I read your bio as well, and I agree that it's quite entertaining. Every once in a while my wife accusses me of being an HP addict. I just tell her, "I'm not addicted. I can quit anytime I want. I just don't want to." ;-)
So, from one HP addict to another, wonderful job and keep on writing!
Author's Response: Firstoff, from your mouth to g-ds ears. may they both be happy and make it through the entire book.
That said, it really means alot to me that you appreciate my writing. I think you, Moony and I have unofficially started a mutual admiration society. Here\'s to many more ego boosts.
Date: 01/22/07 Title: None
Very nice beginning. Your writing is quite good, and I found myself being sucked in and wanting to read more.
One thing you ought to correct is the address of Sirius' house. It's number 12, not number 14. I know it's not that big of a thing, but that's probably going to bug some people.
Please post another chapter soon; I'm interested to see where this goes!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for catching that! I swear I already fixed it but I must have submitted the wrong version. Thanks again!
The Facets of Friendship by Tagidi Riva
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Inspired by the strong bond of the trio, a poem on friendship.
Date: 01/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: The Facets of Friendship
You know, I can't really think of a better description of true friendship. Extremely well-done. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
Author's Response: You are very welcome. I had the great luck of finding true friends early on in life. It has been a g-d send.
Lacrymosa by Moony 62442
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: All of the Horcruxes have been found and destroyed. Now, the end of the war approaches. Is love really what will save Harry and his friends?
A songfic to “Lacrymosa” by Evanescence.
Date: 01/25/07 Title: Chapter 1: All
Wow, it's a good thing I liked this story, because I'd feel terrible leaving a negative review for a story that was dedicated to me. ;-) Siriusly, though, I really enjoyed it. Harry's emotions were portrayed quite well, and I liked that his reconciliation with Ginny was so non-melodramatic (unlike some of the stuff I've written). The end is fabulous. Of course, we all know what happens next: Harry kills Voldy, and then he and Ginny walk outside and find Ron and Hermione, who had no idea there was a battle going on inside the house. Then they all live happily ever after, or something like that. :-)
Author's Response: I am very happy to know that you enjoyed it. All of the songfics I am writing are dedicated to someone or other. I have read some pretty... overly-dramatic making up (or out, depending) scenes here, so I am really glad to know that this was alright! So that is what you think happens next then? As you wish. People are already asking for another chapter, but the song is over. So they won\'t get on. Haha. ; P Anyway, glad you like it and thanks for reviewing, Nuw! ~Moony
In the End by Moony 62442
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: The final battle has come. Now, it is all down to Harry and Voldemort. Will Voldemort take his final step to immortality? Can Harry defeat the greatest evil known to Wizardkind? And will the Wizarding World be the same when it is all over?
A songfic to “In The End” by Linkin Park.
Date: 01/25/07 Title: Chapter 1: All
Alright, Moony, let me just say that under normal circumstances I never would have read this story. I tend to avoid Dark/Angsty stories whenever possible. But, since you were the one who wrote it, I just had to read it.
I think you did a very good job on this story. It was dark and sad, but not oppressively so. Yes, it was sad that Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and so many others died, but in the end good triumphed over evil. I actually think it would have been cruel to let Harry live at the end of this story (and judging by the relief on his face as he passed through the veil, I think Harry would agree). So... even though I'm a complete sucker for happy endings, I still liked it. Kudos to you. :-)
P.S. First Review!! Hahahaha!
Author's Response: I avoid them, too, unless they have a really great summary that draws me in. I also don\'t like Harry dying, but it would have been just too perfect if there had been no casualties and everyone lived happily ever after (even though I am a sucker for that, too!). Harry was pretty agreeable; after all, they targeted his best friends and girlfriend just to get at him. I would think that he wouldn\'t have been able to live with himself if he had lived. But yeah, I am glad you liked it. \'Twas my first shot at tragedy. Thanks and congrats on first review! ~Moony
Precious are these moments by Tagidi Riva
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: A poem dedicated to a paragon of motherhood, Lily Potter.
Date: 01/23/07 Title: Chapter 1: Precious are these moments.
I feel so inadequate after reading this poem and its reviews. I mean, what can I say that hasn't already been said? But I had to leave a review anyway, just to say that this is indeed a wonderful poem. I can really feel the emotion coming from it, and I think it would be even more powerful if I could read it out loud. I'm at school right now, though, and reading sentimental poetry about motherhood out loud would probably be looked at as a bit strange by my fellow grad students. ;-)
Thank you so much for mentioning this poem in your review of my story; I don't know if I would have found it otherwise. And thanks for being there for the NA whenever we've needed you.
Author's Response: Anytime, anyplace, anywhere, which I might add includes babysitting if you and your wife need time to finish a certain book I know at least I ( and probably Moony) are dying to read.
By the way the only poems I heard in College and during clinicals were mnemonic devices for studying so I completely understand.
How Ironic, Mr. Malfoy by Schmerg_The_Impaler
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Lucius Malfoy is most infamous for being excessively proud of his ancestry and for his disdain for Muggle-borns. But what if he received a letter that changed everything? Takes place during OotP, and it's AU.
Contains snippets of humour.
For the "Dreams" challenge in the fanfiction beta boards... I am Schmerg_The_Impaler of Hufflepuff House.
Date: 01/31/07 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1: In Which Owls Become Lucius's Hair Accessories
Hello again, dear Schmergo! I just read your comment about this story's reviews (I assume this is the story you were talking about) over on the "odd reviews" thread in the forums and I had to come leave another review to (hopefully) clear things up a bit.
You see, when we say this story is funny, we're not saying it's funny in the same way The Dark Lord's Blog is funny. The humor in this story is, unsurprisingly, due to the HUGE irony of Lucius' situation. Most of it wouldn't be very funny at all if it were happening to, say, Arthur Weasley. It's the enormous contrast between Lucius' whole value system (if you can call it that) and way of life that makes it funny.
On the other hand, the owl on the head, "rest in pieces," and the whole flatware thing were genuinely funny in their own right, but somehow I think that was your intention in those cases.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you shouldn't worry when people tell you this story is funny. It is funny, but in an ironic, not silly, way (for the most part).
Honestly, I think you're doing a wonderful job of branching out from the silliness of The Dark Lord's Blog (which I love, by the way) and writing something a bit deeper and more mature.
Wow. I just wrote a lot, didn't I? Sorry 'bout that; I tend to ramble sometimes (like right now), but I think you get the idea of what I'm trying to say, right? So I'll just finish by saying, "Please update soon!" and head off to dinner. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to get to use the Peverell crest flatware tonight. ;-)
Author's Response: I adore long reviews!
I\'m so glad that people don\'t despise my non-ludicrous writing... the intention was to write something ironically funny that did not include exploding toasters and Power Rangers.
I will update as soon as possible... I have a play coming up, and once that\'s over, I\'ll have crazy amounts of free time in which to type!
Date: 02/16/07 Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2: In Which Our Hero Is Terrorized By A Doorbell
Wow. That was funny, serious, poignant, sad, funny.... That was an awesome chapter, Schmergo. I'm sort of sad to see this story end so soon, but I can see why you ended it where you did.
I think you did a wonderful job of dealing with Lucius learning that he had killed his own sister. It was heartwrenching, yet not so long and drawn out as to detract from the rest of the story. You kept just enough humor in there to keep the tone light (and remind us that you were indeed the author). It was fantastic. It's the little things like Mr. Cook and Mr. Butler that really make a story, and you're doing a wonderful job with them.
"...he’d always flaunted his 99.44% pure heritage." Is this by chance a reference to the old Ivory soap commercials? Just curious.
Take care!
♫We are the pirates who don't do anything...♫ :-)
Author's Response: Thanks very much, nuw! I was thinking of writing a longer sequel that\'s the diary of Draco forced to cope with living a Muggle life (because they\'re undercover), but I\'m not sure if I will. I\'m so busy with so many stories floating around in my head!
Yep, that was totally a reference to the Ivory soap commercials. It was originally just 100% pure, but then I got this evil little idea...
I adore veggie tales, by the way.
Date: 01/24/07 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1: In Which Owls Become Lucius's Hair Accessories
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh, Schmergo, that was awesome! It's just the sort of thing Lucius deserves. Of course, my absolute favorite line was, "...the Dark Lord (may his soul forever rest in pieces)..." I realize that Aethonia was being serious, and that it's not all that likely that she would really know about the Horcruxes, but none of that matters. What matters is that this has to be one of the funniest lines I've read in a VERY long time. This story is great, and I hope to see more of it soon!
Author's Response: Hehe, thanks, nuw! I\'m loving your story to pieces, so this is quite a compliment from you. I\'m glad that you liked the \'rest in pieces\' thing. I thought it was too funny to leave out, although it would be OOC for Aethonia to make puns about Voldemort.
Unwritten by Moony 62442
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: The war is finally over and the Wizarding World is beginning to restore itself. Without the constant danger, though, how will Harry handle a new life? Can Ginny help?
A songfic to “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
Date: 01/30/07 Title: Chapter 1: All
Yay! Moony's writing H/G fluff! Hahaha! We've thoroughly corrupted you, it seems. Very nice little story; I think you did a good job with Harry's emotions here, and his confusion about what to do with his life now that the war is over and Voldemort is gone.
Surprisingly, I don't think it's too terribly out there for Ginny not to be heavily involved in the war. At the end of HBP, she understood why Harry was breaking up with her and she accepted it. Isn't it possible that she would stay out of the battle because she knows her presence would distract him, and he can't afford distractions? That's just one way you could justify her less active role in the war if you wanted to.
All in all, it's a nice little story that's fun to read. Great job!
Author's Response: Yeah, you hooked me, Nuw! Between you and Rivah, I swear... Moving on, thankies! I wasn\'t sure if he was a bit OOC, so it\'s good to know! And I hope Abby\'s reading this one! Hee. See, there\'s my REAL excuse. I just wanted to let Nuw say it. *slaps forehead* I\'m such a dork. But yeah, I think Canon Harry needs to pay attention to your APR Harry. He makes more sense. But she would be a distraction so... Darnit! We may have to wait awhile. Anyhoo, thanks a ton and see you next time! ~Moony
Looking out the window by Tagidi Riva
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: A poem on Ginny's feelings as she watches the trio leave the burrow after the wedding.
Date: 01/30/07 Title: Chapter 1: Looking ou the window
You know, you're going to make me cry if you keep writing stuff like this. You've done a wonderful job of capturing the emotion of Ginny watching Harry (and Ron and Hermione) leave the Burrow. "...need it be days, months or years." What a faithful young woman, and yet I have no doubt that she would wait however long it took. *sigh* Just know that you've written another very touching poem. Excellent work.
Author's Response: It just warms my heart that there are still men out there willing to admit to crying.
Between re-reading HBP with my daughter and your stories, I needed an outlet for the serious amount of fluffy clouds that had been fogging my head . Going over my journal is what dredged up the angst for someone who you really care for being so close yet unattainable.
Let This Be Real by Tagidi Riva
Rated: 1st-2nd Years •Summary: Awoken by some strange sensations, Ginny wonders if her hearts dream can be real.
Date: 02/01/07 Title: Chapter 1: Let This Be Real
Wow. Just... wow. That was so sweet, Rivah, and extremely well-done. I love the way you can write rhyming poetry without letting the rhyme scheme make it sound awkward. That's hard to do, and you're really good at it. Of course, you know that the main reason I like it is the end. ;-) I'm a sucker for happy endings.
I also have to say thank you even as I'm blushing from your praise. It really feels good to know that somebody who writes so well thinks that I do too.
Author's Response: If you ever have any doubts about how phenomenal a writer you are,(or have an amazingly coincidental bought of amnesia) you can count on Moony, Abbs or I to remind you.
I actually got an email from someone who wanted to know if I really am as saccharine as I can come off in some of my reviews. I don\'t think it helped that most of my poetry is happy to. I replied to them in all honesty. I only review what I like. When reviewing professional quality work it is easy to sound all flowery and sugary, plus I tend to steer myself towards first romance, happyendings. I need my warm and fuzzy fix.
That being said I am going to take leave to deflate my ego. Oh wait, that is what I have kids for!
John Doe and the Wizards' Society by hallie_p
Rated: 3rd-5th Years •Summary: John Doe's appearance in Burwell was one of the few exciting things that had ever happened in this tiny town, and everyone wanted to know everything about him from his real name to how he got a peculiar lightning shaped scar on his forehead.
But five years later John still can't remember a thing. So when a stranger shows up with tales of magic and wizards, and a wand like John had the night he appeared in Burwell, John is willing to forget the eerie feelings this man invokes with the hope of finally remembering who he is.
The seventh and final chapter is just waiting approval.
Date: 02/14/07 Title: Chapter 1: John Doe
Very intriguing beginning. I find myself frightened at the prospect of red hair and green light, because I really don't want Ginny to be dead. Of course, the red hair could belong to Lily, or it could be Ginny but the green light didn't hit her. I guess I'll find out eventually. Please update soon; I really want to see what happens!