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I have no words.
I can’t believe that I’ve finished reading this novel, and that it’s done and completed and finished, and that there’s no more story to be told about these wonderful, wonderful five friends omg. I knew that they were all going to be the most successful people in their respective subjects, and the fact that they all earned Top Scholar came of absolutely no surprise to me, and it’s just insane how admirable they are. While I’ve been reading this, I’ve just been thinking about my own future and how these students know what they love and what they want to do, while mine is still up in the air, and I wish I could have their passion and dedication for their interests! This has been an incredibly inspiring story to read, in many ways, and maybe I’ll consider my future more thoughtfully from now on haha.
One thing that I absolutely loved is that, if handled by a less skilled write, this story could have easily gone the wrong way. Yet you wrote about a group of geniuses who all surpassed the rest of the students in their class, and about their flaws, and struggles, and stresses, and at no point did I think, “This is unrealistic.” All their emotions were beautifully portrayed and honest and good, and I honestly am very overwhelmed with emotion right now, it’s really hard to think straight.
When George was describing that Emily was working for him the whole time, I was a bit shocked—but not too much. She always seemed like such a great person, and I wish we could’ve seen more of her. I’m really glad she severed her friendship with Louis—he’s truly a despicable person. And when George said that Emily lost a twin when they were six, and Rose remembered Emily’s explanation about her baby sister…I kid you not, I started tearing up so quickly. I’m still teary-eyed a little. That’s just heartbreaking.
I love this story so much. It’s going to stay with me a very, very long time.
I guess I did have some words haha. <3
Love,
Eva
THAT WAS SO. EPIC.
The entire sequence building up to the ending was phenomenal; it was, writing-wise, well-paced and well-revealed and well-plotted, and I was getting more amped up as the chapter went along. They truly did go out with a bang, managing to Portkey about a hundred forty seventh years to a bar to get smashed and celebrate the ends of their exams, all while leaving a devastation of cute animals in their wake haha. (And Howlers. Those are less cute.) I could not be more proud of this group!! They’ve really outdone themselves, and have been on a true character arc progression since the beginning, and have truly grown as people, and I’m just so happy.
I can’t believe there’s just the last chapter left, I think I’m going to cry.
Everyone at the beginning of the chapter was so stressed out about NEWTs that I was beginning to feel stressed alongside them. After all, having your entire life depend on a series of exams is definitely stress-inducing, but these students put so much pressure on themselves that it couldn’t be healthy. Like, Albus and Scorpius kept yelling at each other??? How can any relationship handle that???? And poor Holly, it seemed like she was going to study herself to death, and I’m so glad that Rose made her stop reading that ridiculous book four years above her level and go talk to her adorable Puff sister.
Oh my goodness. I could tell from the beginning why you called this story your magnum opus; it contains all the best elements of a coming-of-age story, of a friendship story, of the little bits of romance…and it’s really a masterpiece.
I cannot wait to read the last chapter. Even if I’m already starting to feel really really sad that this wonderful story will be over. <3
Love,
Eva
I was not thinking straight enough to say this last chapter review, but here’s what I think about Louis Weasley: he’s a genuine, honest-to-goodness piece of garbage trash who deserves to be set aflame in a dumpster fire. Because whether or not he was specifically targeting Lester (and I really wouldn’t put it past him), pranks like this should not bring someone to a full on panic attack, and it’s disgusting and horrible and I’d hope he gets expelled or something but SCHOOL’S BASICALLY OVER.
Oh wow all my dreams came true. But I’ll get to that later.
First of all, I do think that Lily needs to trust Rose’s friends a little more, like it’s entirely unfair that she pins all the blame of Albus’s misery on Scorpius when it wouldn’t have happened without Albus doing the initial break-up, and to blame Holly as being the root cause of Albus’s insecurity. It’s just really not fair. Second of all, I love Hermione Granger and I would give my life for her. The amount of power that woman holds in this story is remarkable and entirely expected, and I loved how students were murmuring about her presence in the school.
THIRD OF ALL LOUIS GOT EXPELLED OMG. I thought it was against school policy or something (with NEWTs coming up), since Professor Vector said something along those lines when Scorpius suggested it during his downward spiral. I’m so thankful to Hermione for suggesting it, and to the school for carrying it out, and to Hermione again for her amazing debate line “Boys will be held accountable for their actions just like everyone else” which is so unbelievably true. Once again, I love Hermione Granger with all my heart.
And Hermione’s confidence in Rose, the fact that she doesn’t need the grades to prove herself, made me tear up a little bit. I love her. I love them both.
How are they gonna go out with a bang though??? I’m so excited omg.
Eva
Lisa, this story has been one of the largest emotional rollercoasters I have ever read in my life—I’ll start off a chapter feeling as happy as ever, and then the ending will bring me down to a crying mess, or vice versa. EACH CHAPTER HAS SO MANY EMOTIONS, I AM CONSTANTLY CRY-LAUGHING.
Okay, okay. I can talk about this chapter without being a mess.
I think Albus has watched too many romantic dramas or something, because breaking up with someone is not the way to handle insecurity. Roes is completely right that it should really be Scorpius’s judgment to make, and in the meantime Albus should just continue loving him and taking care of him and trusting that Scorpius loves him wholeheartedly even with Albus’s (very much self-perceived) inferiority. To lie about loving Scorpius is definitely not the way to go, so I’m really on Scorpius’s side in this argument, even though I hope that Albus will be able to feel more secure about himself by the end of the story.
What I don’t wish for Scorpius is for him to handle things in this self-destructive manner. Seeing anyone rely on drinking and sex to block out their emotions is just really not healthy (and I’m really glad that Holly mentioned it). So I’m really really glad that the friends all decided to continue with the prank, because that allowed Scorpius and Albus to reveal to the other that they still thought about each other, and my feelings are such a mess right now AHHHH. Albus should never do something like this again, though, omg. This was really really sad to watch. :(
NOW I NEED LOUIS TO GET HIS COMEUPPANCE.
Eva
WHAT. NO. LISA. WHAT HAPPENED??? WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THE MIDDLE OF THIS CHAPTER AND THE END TO MAKE ALBUS (WHO SPECIFICALLY TOLD ROSE THAT HE WANTED TO MARRY SCORPIUS A SHORT NUMBER OF CHAPTERS AGO) BREAK UP WITH SCORPIUS??? WHY. I’M SO SORRY FOR ALL THE CAPS BUT THIS RIGHT NOW IS HOW I DEAL WITH MY EMOTIONS WHEN CHARACTERS IN PHENOMENAL FANFICS BREAK UP. I CAN’T HANDLE IT.
Man I was just like reading through the beginning of this chapter, smiling happily at the idea of the Order of the Raven secretly dismantling or subverting each and every prank in some way, and I was laughing at the cute jokes like, “Alfie's so deep in the closet he's eating Turkish Delight with the White Witch of Narnia” and enjoying the adorable banter between Scoripus and Albus (*sobs*) such as [“On fire with love, said Scorpius with a straight face. / “No, on fire with fire.”] and marveling at the impressive information-gathering abilities of the Order of the Raven (and also their abilities to counter the pranks), and just falling in love with all the characters still, who are flawed and sometimes do things that are unkind, but who are ultimately good people.
And like I know exactly how it feels to be insecure about intelligence (though I’m nowhere near as smart as Albus, so that part’s a little more unrelatable), so I think to have friends who poke fun at the wrong times, even if they’re not badly intentioned, can make things feel terrible. And sometimes, a significant other can probably also not say the exact right thing to cheer you up, and that would feel terrible too. Is that what happened?? DD: I just want Albus and Scorpius happy together forever, I’m so so sad right now.
(cries forever)
I love this story so much. You deal with difficult things in friendships so well, and also showcase the best parts of loving other people. It’s really, really amazing. <3
Eva
Rose is a very smart person. I’ve known this the whole novel, of course, but like it’s only really occurred to me now that I’ve read her internal thoughts about herself. Like I think everyone should sit down and think about themselves at some point, and not in a narcissistic way, and Rose’s description is really just absolutely perfect: “At the end of the day I'm a walking ego, a handful of academic successes piled onto a crumbling foundation of self-doubt and tied up with a big anxiety ribbon.” It’s so well-written, and describes her exactly, and it’s good that she knows these things about herself. I love her a lot.
I like Alfie a lot. I’m glad that Rose can have long, deep discussions with him about the future and things like that, because it’s not good to restrict your friendships. And these two get along well, which I like lots. Ugh you make such likable characters, you’re so talented!! <3
Okay, the Hogwarts professors are all literally the coolest people, like Llodewick gives Rose a drink to celebrate her recently acquired position at Hogwarts as an Assistant Potions Professor?? And the staff plays April Fool’s tricks on the students??? Like what more can you ask for in a group of teachers? I want to live in the world that this story has created, haha, though to be honest I would mostly likely be that student who always sits in the back of the class and silently absorbs things while not really participating, as opposed to, say, being Rose. :P
I want Lester to be happy. I just want to hug all five of these friends all the time, and give them all the happiness in the world, and to take all their stresses and concerns away. I love them lots! I really should’ve known that there wouldn’t be trouble on the “Rose getting a job” front, since her friends are all crazy supportive and amazing, but I’m still really glad that she’s going to be helping them with their pranks and stuff! The April Fool’s magnum opus sounds spectacular, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how they pull it off.
YOU WRITE SUCH AMAZING FRIENDSHIPS AND BANTER-Y CONVERSATIONS AND I LOVE IT. <3
Eva
OMG WHAT. SIX THOUSAND GALLEONS?? Is this what the title is referring to??? The fact that she’s now going to have to choose between continuing her path to the scholarship, or accept the teaching position (and presumably leave her friends to handle the scholarship on their own)?? I don’t actually know how this stuff works, so I’m making this up, but wow. Good for her! But wow. That’s going to be tough. It’s such a good opportunity for her, though—I wonder how all her friends are going to take it? They’ll be happy for her, right?
The students’ close relationships with their teachers make me extraordinarily happy—I think teachers are constantly undervalued in society, and to have Rose and her friends hold all her professors in such high esteem makes me really, really appreciate this story.
Anxiety sounds really terrible, and I felt so bad for Rose in this chapter. This is the first time Rose has had a panic attack in this story, and seeing it written out in her perspective was really scary. I wanted to hug her. I’m really glad that Vector knew about her panic attacks and therefore figured out to call Holly—thank goodness for Holly—and that Rose eventually recovered with Holly’s help. She must’ve been really scared, though; it was a really difficult thing to do, blurting out her confession for the pranking and the scholarship right after her teacher awarded her with this amazing position, and I’m just glad she’s okay.
I know Rose didn’t really appreciate Vector intruding in on her business, and to some degree, I agree that teachers should probably respect the privacy of their students, but. It’s extraordinarily difficult finding teachers/counselors who actually go out of their way to talk to their students about their well-being, and to see that in this story actually touched me a lot. Because most teachers don’t really seem to care that much, and so it’s just a very impersonal relationship, but I’m really glad that Vector does.
Really beautiful chapter. <3
Eva
It is absolutely the sweetest thing that, despite all the trouble that Crookshanks’s presence has caused everyone in the Golden Trio (or, really, all the trouble that Ron caused thinking Crookshanks causec trouble), the family has ended up keeping it for thirty years. Personally, I have a very strong fondness for ugly animals, because they’re kind of cute in their own way, so I want a Crookshanks. You know, I kind of imagine him looking something like an orange version of the grumpy cat.
WHY IS THE BUNNY IDEA SO GENIUS. I wish this group of friends existed in real life so that I could constantly marvel at their antics omg. It’s brilliant for many reasons: (1) because the box itself can be destroyed but the magic will continue, and (2) endless bunnies!!!! always are the most brilliant thing ever, and (3) that it’s something that can go on while the holidays are happening, so that the friends don’t really need to manage it at all. (Holly’s obsession with bunnies is adorable, and I love her so much. She sounds so cute. I want to be friends with her so badly.)
Rose and Alfie??? Oh my goodness. I was hoping that she and Emily would become friends (and perhaps more hehe) but this is really interesting too! What I particularly love about the way you led into their relationship is how you actually wrote an entire conversation between the two of them. Like it felt a lot more natural that they would end up liking each other, because we could see for ourselves all the common ground that they have. Also, the story about Lester’s brother going missing for a little while and then being horribly mistreated by law enforcement and Hermione raging with anger made me really sad. Lester is a good kid. <3
I hope that Rose will get to know more people soon though! Like Alfie does have a point, that she usually sticks to her own group, but it’s always fun meeting new people. :)
AND THEY KISSED OMG. WHAT. WHERE WILL THIS RELATIONSHIP GO. I’M SO CURIOUS.
Eva
Ooof I totally did not consider the possibility of Rose getting caught for doing this, though I suppose it makes sense if she’s literally the only person capable of making such an edited, advanced potion. I will, say, though, she clearly has not had any experience with getting in trouble hahaha, considering the first thing out of her mouth was: “I have the right to remain silent.” Good defense, Rose. In a way, though, I’m so proud of her! She stuck her head out to do something extraordinarily clever, and it was a valuable learning opportunity in that she needs to learn how to conduct experiments scientifically!
I love Professor Llodewick, and how he keeps accidentally complimenting her while Professor Vector is most clearly not happy about the matter whatsoever. However, once Professor Vector left, his ending words to her were actually kind of inspiring—that he would most likely get to pick his successor, and so she should consider exactly how she wants to continue her further Potions education. Also, all those points he made about being the Potions master as opposed to being a mere teacher are so good?? And the distinction that he painted between Severus Snape and Horace Slughorn makes so much sense; like Snape’s innovations already clearly set him apart from Slughorn, which is really interesting to think about.
Pigwidgeon! Hippogryffindor!!! Why is Ginny the best? I love her. And I hope that Albus and Scorpius have a wonderful four year anniversary celebration. They deserve it more than anyone. <3
Lodewick’s detention sounds like the best possible thing for Rose at the moment, actually. Like, he clearly wants to help her succeed, so instead of making her do pointless, grueling work, like cleaning the dungeons with a toothbrush or whatever it is that mean professors do, he’s actually trying to teach her something through lots of reading and writing. Like, that’s such a good move. Go Professor!
Really really wonderful chapter!!! <3
Eva
I wish I could be as smart as Rose omg, she just up and created a much safer version of a previously very suspect potion, which is so talented?? I honestly envy her passion for such a difficult-sounding academic subject; if only I had a passion for academia in some way haha. I loved the explanation about the pomegranate juice and essence of narcissus; it’s just a perfect little bit of worldbuilding detail you put into this story, and I love how you’ve built upon what JKR briefly mentioned a few times!
I truly wish we could’ve seen Rose ardently in love with Holly hahahaha, it sounds like the absolute funniest thing. And very impressive, also, because how does one just improvise sonnets on the spot?? How??? But anyway, I’m really glad that the potion works (to no one’s surprise) and that Rose did not accidentally poison herself testing it out.
I TOTALLY WASN’T EXPECTING THE MARAUDER’S MAP TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE. Everyone’s jokes towards Albus about not living up to his grandfather were mean but perhaps true. :P Being an Animagus does automatically sort of elevate you above everyone else. (Hey! This means that Emily is also amazing! And that their entire group should revere her because it really sounds impossible!) But I’m glad that they have such a useful tool for wreaking havoc across the school hahaha.
Poor Lester. I hope he doesn’t end up like feeling too terrible about people sending gifts to Lily or anything; those boys are all stupid and therefore he should not waste his time. Also, poor Lara! I hope she successfully kicks Louis’s butt and makes him abandon her for good.
THE PRANK WAS SO GOOD. Just imagining the complete weirdness that the Great Hall must’ve been was enough to make my day omg. “Chocolates are for heteros”—good point, Albus. Will we see any more weirdness??? Will anyone accidentally fall in love with one of the five friends???? If I get to see someone composing nocturnes and serenades to, say, Rose, I would be the happiest person alive.
Eva
Rose’s obsession with NEWTS potions brewing omg hahaha; the fact that she knew exactly who to contact (Lester) and that he just up and went to her house is truly a sign of the greatest friendship. (Also her relationship with Hugo reminds me of a friend of mine and her brother—my friend constantly geeks out over beautiful writing in books, while her brother is a jock and could not care less haha.) Hermione’s silent rage over the brewing methods of the Draught of the Living Death was the funniest reference; I was just giggling to myself the whole time.
I agree with Rose, that if Lily’s to be Lester’s girlfriend, he has to be able to trust her (and eventually other friends) with these things. I can definitely understand how letting someone else into his personal life so deeply would be alarming and scary, but Lily deserves it, if they’re going to stay together. (I have a feeling that they won’t last forever, though. But that’s okay, if I’m right; it’s still early in ntheir lives.)
I WANT MORE EMILY. Also, her news is kinda frightening; like, if Louis tries something with the Felix Felicis, it’s going to be rough on everybody. And the worst part is, no one knows what’s going to happen if he tries it (though it’ll be all bad things, I’m sure). I’m of the opinion that when that day comes, everyone should just build a fort and hide until the day is over, because Louis…does not sound pleasant. I mean, even one of his closest friends agrees with the Order of the Raven, so that has to say something.
I love how Rose and Lester’s potion-brewing party actually came in handy, when the Amortentia was then tied to a future prank idea! The adjustments that Albus suggested sound amazing—it’s such a sketchy potion, but with those changes, it’ll just remain funny and less icky. Also, immediately after Albus’s genius suggestion, I love how he suddenly cannot think of anything else for a prank other than “hella big” omg.
THE HOUSE ELVES ARE SO CUTE AND PERFECT AND FORWARD-THINKING. HUMANS SHOULD LEARN FROM THEM.
Ooooh I’m intrigued by Rose’s prank idea! Looking forward to the next chapters!
Eva
ALBUS WANTS TO MARRY SCORPIUS??? THAT’S ADORABLE OMG. Four years is an incredibly long time, especially for a couple as young as they are, and so it makes sense that they now know each other well enough for Albus to know that Scorpius is the kind of person he wants to marry. Rose’s very shrewd advice about how perhaps “if you're attending History of Magic together as husbands that's a bit young [for marriage” is perhaps worth following haha, but other than that I support whatever decision Albus and Scorpius choose to make together! I love them soo much, they’re like the perfect couple (getting together on Valentine’s day, my goodness) and I like knowing that they’ll very possibly get married after Hogwarts omg. I’m like tearing up at just the idea of it.
Albus and Lester under the mistletoe omg. That must have been quite uncomfortable for both of them, considering their respective circumstances hahah. And the fact that this group managed to rescue the rest of the school from the terrorizing mistletoe, staying up nineteen hours to do it?? I’m very surprised that they weren’t immediately lauded as their generation’s saviors, because the mistletoe sounded like a nightmare haha.
WHY ARE YOUR RON AND HERMIONE SO PERFECT. I was reading this story and suddenly I realized that I missed well-written Rons and Hermiones so much, and so all these wonderful warm feelings that I was experiencing were directly caused by the complete and utter perfection that is your depiction of them. They’re so good, so funny, and have their personalities intact (even if they’ve matured a teeny bit), and their relationship is as amusing and entertaining as ever. I fully support Hermione for Minister of Magic!!
Is Hermione going through a pre-Empty Next Syndrome right now? :( Aww, Hermione. <3
Can I just say, every single character you write is perfect? Like there’s no definite characterization for Next Gen characters, obviously, but I’m just completely willing to accept yours as canon, because of how good they are. Like the little bit about James being Narcissus (haha) and Dominique working in France and believing that teaching is worse than like research (hmph). And I’m just so happy that Nana Molly made jumpers for everyone; that must have been the absolute best feeling for Scorpius and Lester. I’m so happy for everyone. <333
Eva
Oh my gosh it looks like Emily is going to be a legitimate source and it’s not a part of some elaborate prank and I can feel happy about Emily’s involvement without any lingering suspicions yayy!! You know, I kinda feel like she and Rose would be really good friends, seeing how they actually had a really nice conversation with one another, and it makes me wonder what they would be like if they were closer? I hope we get to see them together sometime!! But anyway, Emily’s tip was legit (yay!), and they managed to turn the prank around on their pranksters.
It was so satisfying, seeing Louis shout (sing??) swear words at the Order of the Raven omg. I was very delighted and pleased with the result, as well as with Neville’s subsequent perplexedness (not a word but I am too tired to think of a better alternative haha). “Get it ooooooooofffff” omg I’m going to just be thinking about this for the rest of the night.
I love all the communication that happens in this story omg. I loved how Rose just shoved Albus and Lily together and then they basically sorted it out themselves. Albus knowing all this stuff about Lily, though, and then eventually realizing for himself that she really does love him as a sibling and cares about him… It pulled at my heartstrings a great deal, I gotta say. It was just too cute. I love sibling relationships so much, they are entirely undervalued and I’m glad this fic addresses them!! (On a slightly different note, the efficiency that Rose has with Hugo is astonishingly impressive omg. I cracked up so much at that part. I WANNA BE ABLE TO DO THAT. It would save so much emotional effort sometimes hahaha.)
Can we have more Hugo? :P (I realize you’ve already written this entire story so uhh ignore this question. I just love your Hugo though.)
THE RAVENCLAWS FORCING LILY TO JOIN THEIR TOTALLY EXTRA QUIDDITCH CHEERING GROUP WAS AMAZING. I could just imagine her decked out in a ridiculously Ravenclaw outfit with an eagle perched on her head hahaha.
I can’t believe! that Holly!! gets her dream job!!!! I’d be crying and cheering alongside everyone, she deserves it so much, just from being the Puffiest Ravenclaw ever and being the best older sister ever (Emma is just so so so cute) and from being so clever! I’m so glad that Vector recognized her talent and showed some fondness towards her. The best feeling ever is when typically standoffish-ish teachers show appreciation for you.
I loved this chapter!
Eva
Oh my goodness I’m literally the dumbest person on the entire planet. Emily Huntington isn’t just the girl they ran into while trying to avoid suspicion for the bunnies prank omg. They were trying to not raise her suspicions because she’s literally a part of the enemy group how did I not figure this out before??? I was so confused omg. Clearly my memory for names is worse than terrible, because I didn’t even realize that Lucian Rosier was in that group either. WHY AM I SO DUMB. Please know it’s not by any means the fault of you or the story, it’s just my brain being uncooperative after having left too many reviews I think haha.
Also, this suddenly adds way more meaning to the fact that Emily yelled at Lucian for being a trash person towards Scorpius in the previous chapter wow. I totally thought they were two random students who just happened to be next to each other. I am. very stupid.
ANYWAY.
Rose’s lesson with Emily was so so so sweet! And very surprising! Like the fact that she actually didn’t always agree with everything that Lucy and Louis did, and that she actively tried talking them out of it once, and that she understood they made mistakes but was friends with them because they were trying to improve. It’s so cool that Emily’s an Animagus??? I’ve wanted to be an Animagus since I was like twelve, so obviously I’m extremely jealous right now. And I’m really really touched by how Emily told Rose about her younger sister, and how she wants Rose to receive the scholarship and become a good teacher.
I swear, if this is all a part of some big scheme conjured up by the enemy group, I will throw a brick.
I also liked knowing more about Rose’s dating history. <3 I love her more and more the more I learn about her.
Random funny things I liked this chapter: Albus’s complete lack of knowledge about Quidditch as a whole! The whole mess with Dante and Lester and Albus hahaha! Holly’s complete and utter confusion upon returning to the group afterwards!
Everything about this story is amazing.
Eva
Oooooh the Dove Plan sounds like it was magnificent. I’m gonna go ahead and say that their decision not to tamper with the stored rolls of toilet paper was a good call, haha, but the rolls of toilet paper that they did end up tampering with ended up creating a delightful spectacle. I loved the details you put into the process—the fact that Rose had to take points from random rule-breaking students, and that she, as a Prefect, wielded all the power. And once Holly used the master key—imagine the pandemonium taking place inside the bathrooms omg. Whoever it was wiping his butt, I feel so so terrible for the poor dove that had to suffer through that. Poor, poor thing.
Scorpius’s complete and utter obliviousness to who actually pulled the prank off was very sweet and adorable. And so was that entire conversation that he and Rose and Lara had about the weight of destroyed culture omg. It was so wholesomely nerdy, and exactly what I’d expect from a group of Ravenclaws. In fact, I might even go so far as to say that this might be the most Ravenclaw-y exchange I’ve ever read in my life. (I know you’re a historian, so I’m wondering if you pulled from your own personal experience to write this conversation hahaha. It was so fascinating omg.) I love Lara’s dismissive hand: “Students don’t matter.” It was funny. :P
Emily Huntington!! So we’re going to get to know a little more about her, are we?? :D I’m excited to meet new characters, now that our solid five have been established! She’s the one that they ran into the previous chapter, right, when they were trying to avoid suspicion for the seven bunnies prank? She seems kinda mysterious and crabby, and it makes me wonder what she’s hiding. And what kinds of memories she used for her Patronus. And why she so desperately needs help, without wanting anyone to know. Is something on the line???
I’M SO CURIOUS.
Eva
I love every single prank idea this group has put forth (except for Lester’s very early suggestion of……”sleep in”). Holly’s new idea of turning toilet paper into doves is brilliant (and potentially traumatizing, for both the toilet-goer and the poor dove who has to flap around someone while they’re doing their business). I assume it’s Holly’s because she always seems to have the best ideas, and also because Lester still has not quite regained his credit since his early blunder.
THE BUNNIES WERE SO CUTE. Why is Lester so wholesome? “What am I doing wrong,” he says while conjuring three perfect bunnies at a time, I don’t understand him. You don’t understand how much I love bunnies; that section of the story made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside because bunnies!! Which they gave to the children!!! And then they cuddled! with bunnies! for FOUR HOURS!!! Also, Holly’s story about leaving her left boob behind while Splinching was so funny. Kind of reminded me of how a friend of mine literally took an in-school class on the driving written test, and still managed to fail three times haha. I really enjoy these little moments when they’re just being friends and enjoying the time they have together—it makes me really really happy.
Their prank idea with the bunnies was ingenious. I realize that as I’m complimenting them on their incredible thinking skills, I should really be complimenting you because these are all so clever! I don’t understand how you thought of these; my brain is about as useful as like a frying pan when it comes to thinking up prank ideas. Even if it’s just for stories.
Holly and Rose’s combined meltdown over the state of their future teaching careers was hilarious omg. Lester continually trying to calm them down was also quite funny.
Gosh I love this story so much. I’m so glad I’m reading it now.
Eva
Oh, I loved this chapter. I loved every chapter, of course, but this one was sweet in an incredibly different way.
First of all, I would really like to punt Lucy and Louis Weasley back into the second dimension where they belong. I honestly cannot understand how they can be so terrible, especially to people they’ve grown up with who are a part of their own family. I think I celebrated a little too early in my review last chapter, because of course these two miniature monsters would create such stupid drama and spread such nastiness over two people who are literally the sweetest in the world?? What else should I have expected ugh. UGH. UGH, LUCY AND LOUIS, DO YOU HEAR ME.
Anyway.
My heart really went out to Scorpius when he had a panic attack. I loved the short bit about how Rose is the best one for calming Scorpius down—the fact that these two have a bond like this just makes me so happy. And it really makes you evaluate the whole group’s friendship in a different light; they’re more than the kinds of friends who make you laugh, but they also know the little things about you that can make you feel better in bad times. And I love that about them.
The discussion they had about Draco Malfoy was heartbreaking. I am fully on the “Draco Malfoy was a teenager, raised by Death Eaters, and it was terrible but he cannot be forever judged for his mistakes as a teenager, especially if he’s reformed” train. My sister really doesn’t like Draco Malfoy, and says that people give him a pass where Snape gets crucified, and that to think he has a chance of reforming is silly, and I just disagree with that. I love the way you wrote Scorpius talking about it, about how he doesn’t have much to be proud of but he is proud of his father for quitting drinking (I was proud of Draco, too). I also loved how Rose told him things she found admirable about his family—which was such a great thing to do.
And it really sucks that the newletter pushed them to do this, but the coming out scene was so, so sweet. The parents were obviously not nemeses anymore, and they accepted their children, and I wanted to hug everybody. This was my favorite bit coming from that moment: [I sidle over to join the conversation. "They're so good together it's actually gross." / "How long have you known about this?" Ginny asks. / I sidle away again.] It’s so funny omg.
The ending line was really powerful, and I think it really shows something about Draco Malfoy that he agreed with his son about ending the Malfoy name. <3
Beautiful chapter!!
Eva
Why are these friends all so cute, why? How are more people not friends with them??? (Okay I can kinda understand why, a little bit, but still they’re all adorable and so funny [with each other, at least] and I love them from the bottom of my heart.) I love how you feed us amazing, hilarious tidbits about the daily lives of these friends through their random conversations omg—like the part about Lester’s strangely consistent morning routine, and the fact that Albus and Scorpius take the opportunity to sneak back into their own beds, and the fact that they insisted that they only CUDDLED omg. That part was so cute, I was smiling so hard.
AND THEY KISSED. IN PUBLIC. I WAS SO PROUD OF THEM AND HAPPY FOR THEM. Though of course the public reaction was to be expected (with the excessive “aww”s and with them now being the gay icons of the school), as people are like that, but still! Better to be positive than negative! I was really worried that Louis would proceed to continue being a trash person, but so far he hasn’t said anything (that I know of), which I’m quite relieved about.
Holly’s prank was amazinggg. I love the wide range in cleverness from one group’s pranks to the other; like, despite the fact that the enemy group is obviously way better at having fun and stuff, they kinda seem……dumb. If I may call them that. It was a perfect way to target every single member of that group, and it sounded like it was hilarious to watch, and I was very proud of our dear nerdy kids. I also love how she winked at Sean Finnigan hahaha, which is most probably why he decided to target her afterwards with his lovey dovey nonsense, right?
Which was the dumbest thing ever omg. That group is so remarkably dumb, I have no words. Would that have been a good prank, even if Holly had somehow fallen for it?? Like I don’t see this being remotely funny, which really makes me question what’s going on in the enemy group’s head.
Is it bad to keep calling them the enemy group?
I am very nervous about the potions. Very, very nervous. Ahhh I wish that Rose could’ve made one outside of class on her own, or something, just so that they have some measure of defense. AHHH.
Eva
I’ve been meaning to mention this, but your chapter names are wonderful. They’re long and perfect and incredibly fun to say, and the fact that every chapter title is basically two chapter titles makes them even better. I am particularly a fan of the first chapter’s second title: “five nerds face a life of hedonism.” It’s so perfect hahaha, I can’t even describe how delightful they are to me.
Speaking of delightful, Professor Vector! She is utterly delightful! Perhaps scary and intimidating, sure, but anyone who can be compared to Professor McGonagall is automatically one of the most wondrous beings on the planet. (Imagine if Professor McGonagall had still been on staff to witness this budding prank war. She probably would have resigned on the spot, not gonna lie, but not after scaring everyone involved into the next dimension.) The fact that Scorpius bobbed (bowed??) in her presence!! I can’t get over it, I’ve been laughing about it since I read it, and I’m laughing about it still hahaha.
The dramatic reveal was quite anticlimactic, I can understand why the Order of the Raven (omg what a name) were somewhat disappointed haha. It was so funny though; it goes to show how bored their own house is with them lmao. And it did accomplish that handy thing where they alerted their enemies to their secret identities, so now the prank wars can truly begin!
I want Louis to drown in his own potion. Can he do that? Please? Admittedly Rose did not have the most controlled reaction, but she’s to be forgiven, this is probably her first time messing up anything. Her teacher really was not very nice. I want to see Albus and Lester demolish Louis using words someday; that would be so so satisfying.
WHAT’S HOLLY’S IDEA? I LOOK FORWARD TO FINDING OUT.
Eva
THIS IS AMAZING.
Can I just say, I absolutely love the dialogue??? I love the way it’s written because it’s not blockaded with too many dialogue tags, and so the quick retorts and comebacks and funny comments all sort of roll naturally off one another, and I can basically hear the wittiness out loud. It’s great, and amazing, and it makes for such a fun read. Like sometimes, when we’re with the group of five, we don’t need to know exactly who says what because they’re all sort of talking over each other sometimes and it mimics real life friend speech so well and I love it!!!
Some of my favorite lines are: "Nobody in this room has any friends outside this room" (hahaha oh my goddd, I love them so much), and classic George’s "Rosie, you're a terrible liar even when you're not talking." If I could I would basically quote entire conversations back at you, though, because they’re all amazing and funny and keep making me laugh out loud which rarely happens! I love your sense of humor so much omg.
Louis is a trash person and after seeing him be a trash person in action, I have decided that Rose’s prank was far too tame. His surprised and horrified reaction made my day, though, hahaha, I’m still laughing about his ceaseless swearing about pygmy puffs. Also, I imagined the army of waddling pygmy puffs to be the cutest thing ever, so I don’t know what’s wrong with him. If I was drowning in pygmy puffs, I would be happier than anyone else.
So the prank wars have begun! And I am so excited to see more of it!
Eva
HI LISA. <3
I actually cannot believe I haven’t read this story yet, so I am more than excited to be beginning it now!
So omg I love Ron, and I love Hermione—like even their brief appearance in the opening was enough to make me chuckle. (You don’t understand how funny I thought this chapter was, I’m still like suppressing some ridiculous chortles right now. Like this was so funny. But anyway!) I was wondering what exactly was so bad about this scholarship that Hermione Granger, who basically pioneered overachieving and excessive self-standards, refused to let Rose hear about it. I was like, “Why is Ron, of all people, the one to be giving her career advice about her future?”
And then the rest of the chapter answered my question quite perfectly. The fact that Rose’s group of friends are the most snobbish, overachieving, intelligent students in the school is the funniest thing, like I love that both Albus and Scorpius are included in this group—which I never would’ve imagined before! But now I am completely prepared to accept them in all their nerdy glory. I love love love the Game of Thrones references you threw in here (I have never watched the show, but I have absorbed some content and knowledge through internet osmosis), so Lester’s continual Game of Thrones-inspired ideas were very amusing to me. Also! Lester thinking that sleeping in and not going to class would be a good way to start!! That had me laughing so much omg.
I am not too surprised that the majority of Hogwarts hates these kids hahaha. They don’t seem to exude general likability and such (though I love them dearly already). I’m so curious to see what they do with their newfound realization that most of Hogwarts probably wants them mildly injured. Or dead.
I smiled so much while writing this entire review omg. I’m so excited to keep reading!
Eva
Magical Menagerie Review
Aww, I love the end of this this has made me happy. Such a satisfying conclusion. I believe I saw on your AP that you started a sequel to this story. I am probably going to have to check it out too. Maybe not right away, I can't have me whole life lost in fanfction, though wouldn't it be nice?
I am so glad that everything came together for the Order of the Raven in the end. It makes me happy and makes for a very satisfying story. I am particularly in love with the final line of the story too. It was so charming and so perfect.
Overall, I have adored this story and really enjoyed the read. It has been one wild ride and I'm kind of sad it is at an end but happy because it was a good ending. Thank you for taking the time to write and share this story. It has been my pleasure to read and review it in turn.
Magical Menagerie Review
This chapter was lot of fun to read. The prank was particularly wonderful and ingenious. I love the thought that went into it and I think it was pretty stellar. I also love the reference that Teddy was the last person to have recieved the award and that he is responsible for creating the charm that prevents disruptions during exams. That is too epic.
Also I love the play on the exit, persued by bear. This was a very nice culmination of the activities of the Order of the Raven and for the story itself though I know there is one more chapter. I mean we don't know if the Order of the Raven officially got the scholarship though I don't see how they couldn't have.
Overall, this has been a wonderful read and I am looking forward to reading the culmination of this story in the next chapter!
Magical Menagerie Review
Ah, it is clear that we are reaching the end of the story if it weren't for the fact that there are only two more chapters left to the story I would be able to tall because the loose ends are tying up and there is one more push of greatness as the academic year draws to an end. I love stories and I have loved yours but coming to the end is sometimes my favorite part because there is just this certain sense of satisfaction and I am starting to get that here.
I am so incredibly glad that Louis is getting what he deserves. I mean I feel bad for Flure to have such a jerk for a son but maybe this is the wake-up call he needs as the characters in the chapter discussed.
Also, I find it very interesting that Justin Finch-Fletchery is running opposed to Hermione. I love the debate that we got a snapshot into. It was epic and I loved it! I can't wait to reach the conclusion of the story you have written so I can enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a finished project or read. Thanks for writing and sharing this story!
Magical Menagerie Review
Cure you! Yes, you read that right, I was supposed to be doing things today and instead, I'm sitting here reading. (Please know I mean that curse in the most loving way possible) This story is so good and it is hard to walk away. The whole Albus/Scorpius drama had me I was hooked through that agonizing for both boys particularly Scorpius. I was in agony. I am so glad that they are back together again. The romantic way that happened made me smile so much it is so them and so cute.
Also the ending there. Wow, it looks like Louis did not take the felix potion after all. Or something went wrong with it, and again I stand by that Louis' 'pranks' are not truly pranks but mean tricks they are not funny at all. The point of a prank is to amuse not just play a mean trick and hurt people. But then again Louis is an idiot prick. I am very curious about what happens next but I honestly have to stop for a spell and do life away from a computer. Still you can count on the fact that I will be back, this story is too go for me not to finish it!
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