Unbelieveable! Well, not entirely accurate. Very believeable, which is why it is so... You get the idea.
You have presented a very plausible and moving story of the origins of The Fat Friar, and I was very interested in how you effectively tied together religion and magic. I've often wondered what would happen to Christian (or any other) teachings after one found out they could do magic. Do wizards and witches have a religious docterine of their own? I enjoyed your take on this.
Well done!
Author's Response: ...
Unbelieveable! Well, not entirely accurate. Very believeable, which is why it is so... You get the idea.
You have presented a very plausible and moving story of the origins of The Fat Friar, and I was very interested in how you effectively tied together religion and magic. I've often wondered what would happen to Christian (or any other) teachings after one found out they could do magic. Do wizards and witches have a religious docterine of their own? I enjoyed your take on this.
Well done!
Author's Response: Thanks for your thoughts. As for the accuracy look at my response to tyko\'s review. I tried to change as little as possible to make it work.
The fact that the Fat Friar exists brings up the question of Christianity and witchcraft, but the fact that he\'s ghost added a whole different level of questions for me perrsonally. How could somehow who is a pious Christian give up heaven to become a ghost. So that was really the question I explored in this fic.
Thanks for such a lovely review!
Oh, an excellent start, Leah! I like the way you've reintroduced the characters that are already known to us I'm also intrigued by your OC. She is very interesting; you've introduced her well, but left enough for the reader to want more.
The bit about the founders is tantalizing. Rowena had children out of wedlock...with Salazar! Oh, how scandalous! ;)
~Michelle, The Marauding Cupcake of Gryffindor
Author's Response: Scandalous is my middle name! :D
Thank you! I shall update soon!
~L
I knew it was inevitable, as it would be in any good story, and yet I still felt the tug of my heavy heart.
It was breathtakingly detailed. I could feel I was watching them through a frost-covered window; the scent of liquorice infusing the air.
Moving onward to the next chapters - Snape/Hermione... who would have thought. *sigh*
~ Michelle, The Marauding Cupcake of Gryffindor
I have been reading for an hour now and cannot - will not - believe that there is not another chapter!
I... I... have no words. Firstly, I have never read Snape and Hermione, because, quite frankly, the thought of it was absurd to me. But here, I found my heart pounding with each word, my breath held with each furtive glance and an exquisite thrill run through me with their dance. Not only is this pairing believable, as you have written it, I am begging, demanding, that they have their happy ending!
Phew! I must go cool down now and practice waitning patiently for the next chapter.
The Marauding Cupcake
Maia, this story was amazing. The emotions were right there, skimming the surface, the whole time. The despair and loneliness that Remus felt was so visceral and raw that I positively ached for him. Remus is my ultimate favourite character and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to read this story and have it be believable, let alone enjoyable. To my fortunate surprise, it was both. Your description is captivating; I could feel the oppression of Remus' life boxing him in to the point where he is drowning in it. Snape was a wonderful addition and completely in character to the end. Simply awesome.
~The Marauding Cupcake, Gryffindor Review Crew
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your review! It\'s wonderful to receive one that is so kind and full. I\'m glad the chracaterisation of Remus worked for you; this is how I see him, so I\'ve been hoping I\'m not alone in my interpretation. I\'m also overjoyed that I culd describe his feelings do vividly! Thank you so much for reviewing, and I\'m really happy you enjoyed it! :)
Manu!
It is I, The Cupcake Who Marauds... I really like the beginning of this story. Rose/Scorpius, quickly becoming a favourite of mine.
I enjoyed the back and forth with the character as well as your characterizations. I like that Scorpius would be mindful and respectful of his father, and yet his own person. I'm interested to see where he will be Sorted.
Well, you've grabbed my attention and I'm patiently waiting for the next chapter.
Well done!
Michelle, The Marauding Cupcake of Gryffindor!
Neville has always dreamt of being able to cure his parents for their mental disorders someday. When he finally learns about a mysterious fairytale Scandinavian being Näcken, he once again cherishes his old dreams and sets out in search of it.
Neville travels deep into the dark forests of Sweden, in a desperate search for the only being which might be able to heal his parents. But is it possible to find the Lord of the Rivers, and does he even exist?
However, Neville's journey takes a dangerous turn when two evil Death Eaters prepare for revenge on him.
This is JOHN91043353 of the magnificent, yet humble, Ravenclaw house for the Four Elements Challenge. This is the Water prompt.
Well, Johan, I am thoroughly impressed with your first fic! The story has an original plot, great characterisations and the flow keeps the story moving fluidly.
I know you’re from Sweden and I think it was not only a good choice to use your own personal knowledge as background to the plot, but the way you have described the country and culture was rich and beautiful. From the flora and fauna to Norse mythology, it intrigued me and I’m interested to learn more through your story. You’ve seamlessly incorporated Luna’s story into yours, actually giving her own story of how she met her future husband. I especially liked this part, as it not only showed you have knowledge of HP minutia, but you pay special attention to details.
The way you write Neville is quite refreshing. I love that you’ve chosen him as your main character, as I think he’s often overlooked as a leading character. With that, you’ve also given him some depth. He has gone to Sweden with a specific objective, but I find that it’s very in character for Neville to still be somewhat distracted by his first love, flowers, anyway. I don’t know how much Harry and Ron will play into later chapters, but I like what I’ve seen of them so far, my favourite part being Ron telling Harry that not everything is about him! That made me chuckle aloud!
Your original character, Linnéa, is interesting. I like how you have peppered hints that there may be a spark of something between her and Neville. The comparison of her to his thoughts of Luna leave it so that they may just be friends, or hint that possibly Neville had some feelings for Luna and can now possibly, or just that he found Linnéa comforting because she reminded him of Luna. You’ve done well to pull the reader in wondering what will happen.
It was a very easy read in that your transitions from Neville’s present activity to his memories were effortless. You flowed from his wandering in the ocean of flowers to his thoughts of Luna’s return from Sweden and her stories without it being jarring. One thought and sentence moved right into the next without interruption to the story and before I knew it, I was at the end of the chapter. Very well done!
I’m going to add this to my favourites so that I can be notified of updates. I’m looking forward to seeing more of Sweden through Neville’s eyes and the excitement to come with the looming Death Eaters!
~Michelle, The Marauding Cupcake of Gryffindor Review Crew
Thank you, I\'m glad you liked it.
The Rolf/Luna backstory actually was an old plotbunny that didn\'t work out. I thought it was a good way for Neville to find out about Näcken.
I hope you\'ll find the rest of the story intresting too
MvH Johan
Simply wonderful! Your characterisations are spot on and exactly how I imagine them to be and interact.
Remus had just the right amount of charm and humility... and mischief! He is my absolute favourite character. Sirius was so appropriately inappropriate. It's always a pleaseure to read him this way.
It was a very sweet story and one that I could easily see taken out of JKR's world.
~Michelle, The Marauding Cupcake of the Gryffindor Review Crew
Quite the turn of events here! I was a bit lost at first, but quickly got up to speed. I am so intrigued to read the rest of this and see how it turns out! Who is behind this and Imperiused James?
I love how you have him fighting the curse and how Lily is annoyed with James, but has that undercurrent of attraction to him. Very subtle, ery well done!
Looking forward to part two! Congrats on your gauntlet!
~Michelle (The One Who Marauds... on the side of true love)
Bellatrix?! How deliciously twisted! I like the way you had the slow recognition of Lily's feelings for James in this. The ending made my fluffy little heart skip a beat - it was too perfect. A very sweet story!
Author's Response: Thank you for your kind words and the inflation of our egos. *hugs* Really, Michelle, you're such a dear.
A very entertaining read, but I bet you already knew that! >.< I love the way your minds work, weaving reality with fiction so it becomes... fiction.
The characters were splendid and the shifting between POV was done very well. When I read the story notes, I wasn't sure how you guys would pull it off, but it was hardly noticable. I think it made the narration more interesting, actually.
Excellent entry and congrats on your gauntlet!
~Michelle (The One Who Marauds... in any dimension Remus is still alive)
Wow! You two have really brought to light three characters that, before, I had taken for granted and overlooked. Throughout the series JKR let us see a more empassioned side to Mrs. Weasley, but you two have breathed life and added dimension to Lockhart and, even, Mr. Weasley.
At first, I was taken aback by Arthur's attitude towards Molly. I quickly reminded myself that this is earlier on in their marriage and you opened my eyes to whole new facet of their relationship. We only get to know the Weasleys after years of being togther and cultivating their partnership. I think you've successfully shown their journey there, filled with doubt and insecurities.
“I don’t care what he promised you or what he wrote you in that letter!” he burst out. “I can take care of my family just fine. I don’t need his charity. I don’t want you to have anything to do with that man ever again...or any other man, for that matter. Is it clear?”
I hadn't thought I'd ever hear Arthur speak to Molly like this, but I find it fitting here. You've set us up for a dynamic triangle and I can't wait to see where it goes! What I find even more interesting, is that we seem to have got the same prompts, so I am eager to see where yours led you and how it all turns out! ;) Another great chapter!
~Michelle
Oh my! I had no idea what to expect of this pairing, but it turned out to be such a sweet read. I've always found Lockhart as a comical character, but I like the tenderness behind him here (even if he is still baffoonish). I can't wait to see how the rest of this pans out - your summary has left me very intrigued!
Well done, you guys and congrats on your gauntlet!
~Michelle (The One Who Marauds... with heart-shaped cookies)
*cackle-snort*
It's you and me against the world, kid! >.< I have to say that I was utterly speechless after this chapter. I honestly didn't think Molly had it in her to... do what she did. Again, flawless with your imagery. I could feel the passion between the characters and it was just as heartwrenching as it was exciting. I'm so torn because you and Viv have written such an enthralling triangle, and yet I want Molly to be with Arthur! But now... I'm in knots and can't wait to read the next chapter!
Way to go!
~M.
*gasp!* Ahh! You devilish women! I must know what's going to happen! So tender, so woeful... I cannot believe that I'm even suffering over Gilderoy Lockhart! What a turn of events! I need to read the ending!!
~M.
Awww! My fluffy little heart is melting. Unbelievable! Again, I say that I cannot believe that I was so angst-ridden over Lockhart! My heart positivley aches for him!
You two have made such an amazing entry into canon that I want to discover every nitty, gritty little detail in all of the characters' lives. The epilogue had me cheering, cringing and yelling "Oh no, he didn't!" at my computer screen! Lovely, lovely, lovely. I am officially in love with this story and am so sad it had to end. Bravo!
~Michelle
OMG! I can’t believe you actually did this! *SQUEE* Thank you for taking this in hand; it turned out nicely. The class was sooo much fun this term. You and Abbi make a terrific team!
Wow! Remus’ first real girlfriend... hopefully his last! (Heheh. At least in my mind!) Funny, though, I’ve always pictured her with dark brown hair... Ah well, she did have stunning onyx eyes, did she not? >.<
Even Edward Cullen got to make an appearance! Hmm... I wonder how that happened. *strokes cat a lá Dr. Evil* ~Michelle (The One Who Marauds... with her furry boyfriend)