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This is the last chapter, aww. <3
And it was such a good ending, too. (Yes, I checked. This story is completed. :P)
You did such a good job building the relationship between Sirius (or Louie, I suppose) and Joel and Simon, because when the time came for the Marauders to take Sirius back, my heart was just silently breaking. Like I was simultaneously euphoric to know that Remus let all be forgiven and devastated to see that Sirius would never really get to tell Joel and Simon about the experiences he had with them.
Remus calling Sirius “my heart” broke me a bit. Thanks for that. This entire time, I’ve just been silently shipping them but since I am very bad at checking tags and looking at ships, I had no idea whether or not this was a Wolfstar fic (especially since the beginning referenced Sirius being with a lot of women but never a guy). BUT IT IS A WOLFSTAR FIC. AND THAT MAKES ME SO HAPPY. Oh my god when they finally kissed after so long, it felt like my insides combusted from the happiness of it all.
There are so many things to mention omg. But I also wanted to mention – Dorea is Aunt Mamie’s sister-in-law?!?! I guess it’s true what they say about small worlds and all that. That’s a twist I never could have predicted ever.
And then the ending. When Sirius, wearing that bandanna around his neck, struck up a conversation with Joel, I felt my feelings settle a bit. Because that meant that the two of them would be alright. And the fact that Simon noticed who Sirius was… What an observant guy.
Anyway, this was a beautiful story. Thank you so much for writing it!
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:I have trouble ending things. That's one of the reasons this story was difficult to write because I kept thinking of other things that I wanted to put in. I almost cut the Dorea bit, but I guess the point I meant to make with it in the long run is that Joel is a squib too, from Marius' first wife. So doing the genetic math, Dorea is Sirius' cousin, and so is Joel. I was in fact running out of words. I think I had 13 left. The way I left it I wanted to imply that Sirius did maintain an ongoing relationship with Mamie, and particularly Joel and Simon as the years went by.
Yes! It is a Wolfstar! In my head Sirius is more of a pansexual, and Remus is either a demisexual or simply bisexual, not sure which. Labels and pigeonholing make me a bit uncomfortable, I suppose. Honestly, Sirius and Remus always made sense to me, which made me all the more t'd off with Dumbledore when he didn't even think to ask for a trial for Sirius.
I ended up liking Simon a lot more than I expected to. He's the only true muggle there (besides Mamie's butler), but Joel doesn't know what he is. Am I sitting here imagining Joel having a whole litter of kids some day with a nice lady and getting letters for several of them? Totally.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and for leaving such lovely comments. You are a master reviewer!
- FL
Hey, there!
I loved this chapter!! So many things were revealed in this chapter, which I was very excited about. First of all, Mamie’s seen Sirius’s human form!! We get to see Sirius’s human form for the first time in the story!!! He gets to talk!!!! It was such a good feeling, getting to see him for the first time. I was actually really surprised that Sirius would reveal himself to Mamie, but since it was mentioned that she’s a Squib, I’d imagine he’d have figured that out pretty easily.
I wonder what that pendant about Aunt Mamie’s neck is? And how it would transport her to safety? I do think it’s sweet of Sirius to be concerned about everyone, and I really, really hope that Remus doesn’t end up doing something that he’ll regret later on. Especially since his internal conflict has been getting worse and worse with these past chapters, which just makes me really concerned for him.
And Sirius confessing to Aunt Mamie! Oh my god. It was written so well. I loved the way you had Sirius tell the story. I loved how you made Sirius so, so conscious of those terrible mistakes, to the point where he’s sure that Aunt Mamie would hate him if he really told the truth. And just the guilt that’s laced into his words…it makes it difficult not to forgive him. But in the end, that’s Remus’s choice, so we’ll see how that goes.
OH MY GOD YES. YES YES YES YES. THAT MOMENT BETWEEN REMUS AND SIRIUS WAS SO PRECIOUS AND PERFECT AND I AM SO SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW. AND ALSO THE ENDING OF THE CHAPTER?? PERFECT. I’M SO DELIGHTED WITH EVERYTHING.
Okay next one!
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:Sirius knows that Remus is nearby and is nervous enough that he would reveal himself to make sure they were all safe. A small part of Sirus believes that the werewolf just might want to kill him for what he did.
The pendent is an emergency portkey of sorts. Mamie's husband, even though he was struck from the family tree, was not left completely unprotected, and she's a squib too. Given the times, the Squib riots in the past decade I suspect she may have sought such a thing out if she didn't already have it. She is a potential target for Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters after all.
Sirius did get a chance to tell his story to Mamie, and in this way she earns her keep as a character!
<3
- FL
Hey there! I only have two chapters left after this, which is really sad. <3
BUT WAIT. AUNT MAMIE’S SURNAME IS BLACK?? Between the previous chapter’s mysterious hints about her being a witch, this chapter’s reference to her being a Black, and her endless references to Sirius being a “pureblood” here, I’m reaaallyy beginning to question her identity. Who is she exactly? How does she tie in with Sirius? Does he know her, since they seem to be of the same family? There are so many more plot twists in this story than I’d anticipated! (Hahaha I also love that she said that Sirius was probably brought up on caviar; Joel and Simon must’ve been pretty confused by that, or at least thought she was joking. I also love that she ended up ordering steak for him lol.)
And the fact that Aunt Mamie knew later that Sirius was poking around the antlers because it reminded him of someone… Oh, my heart. There are so many unexpected heart-ache moments in this story omg.
AND THE HOWLING? AND THE RESPONSE FROM REMUS? I want Remus to meet up with Sirius and to be able to tell him that he’s forgiven, and that even though Sirius did something heinous it doesn’t mean he’s always destined to be the worst person, banished from the Marauders forever. Ahhhh. I want Remus to feel better; I think that you did a really good job showing how being a werewolf affects him when it comes close to the full moon.
I have so many feelings right now eep. I can’t wait to read the next chapter!
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:* wiggles with glee * Yessss. Who is she?
Joel and Simon are somewhat used to Aunt Mamie.
One of my ideas was that just as in Azkaban, Sirius has chosen to remain a dog because it is so much less difficult for him to process emotional problems this way. The world is simpler when you are a dog. In this scene he's reminded that it might help a little, but it doesn't take away the pain entirely.
I have happy feelings that you seem to be enjoying my story so much!
<3
- FL
I just realized that I have not yet complimented you on your penname. It’s so brilliant, I laugh every time I see it! You seem like you’re a really clever person; it’s very cool to see in your writing, as well. <3
(Anyway, back again! I’m almost done with this story, and I forgot to check in the beginning if it was completed or not, so I guess we’ll see at the end.)
Awwww, the guys made a poster for Sirius. My question is, why isn’t Sirius hurrying to return to them? Is it because Remus made it patently clear before that he hadn’t forgiven Sirius? (If that’s it, my heart might actually break and shatter because that is so, so sad. Obviously Remus has every right to be furious with Sirius, but the fact that Sirius just lost any family he had is just the saddest thing.)
I’m so so happy that they’ve finally managed to pick up the trail! But now I’m wondering what the confrontation between Sirius and the rest of the Marauders is going to be like. Will it be on good terms? Will Sirius want to leave? Are they going to reveal him? Ahhhh! So many questions!
It’s so interesting to me that Remus is presented as the wild one in that case. It makes sense, and it’s close to the full moon as I believe you’ve stated, and I actually really like this interpretation of him as opposed to the super well-behaved Remus Lupin that’s been taken as “canon.” It’s a really unique vision of him and though I’ve never seen it before, I still like it a lot!
This chapter was lovely.
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:* blushes * Thank you. I love that you get my jokes!
Yes, Remus basically told him he'd never forgive him or something along those lines. The poster is something that I did a mock up of. I have graphics for this story but they're too big. (Admins, I made the poster, don't shoot me!)
I am happy that you're so invested in Sirius' happiness, and Remus'. I love those boys. I have a hard time rectifying Remus as being in complete control as a teenager and when he's so strung out and his wolf wants Sirius, well. Interesting things happen! I love the mature, cultured Remus, but I believe those quiet waters run deep indeed. That makes him a bit more exciting, no? I guess it is possible some may see this as OOC, but I can't accept a passive or submissive Remus. He avoids attention, certainly, but he isn't a doormat. I know he lived poor and essentially homeless, but I feel that he wore those rags proudly, as a sort of armor, and chose that life after losing his entire family (essentially) that fateful Halloween night, only a few years later. Pots and kettles and Blacks, oh my.
- FL
Hi hi hi!
I’m honestly having so much fun with this story. It’s so brilliant and I looove the dialogue. The characterization is also a lot fun and I really love how you distinguish between all the characters; they all read so differently! <3
ALSO THE OPENING LINES TO THIS CHAPTER WERE AMAZING. I was smiling so hard when I reached “Hell’s bells!” omg. (And something else I love about this story is how you can capture so many different moods within the same story – for example, from “Hell’s bells!” to the deep and meaningful conversation that Joel had with Sirius. As strange as that sounds, haha, since Sirius is still in dog form. I almost typed Louie there lol, I’ve gotten so used to his name being written like that.) But anyway, the conversation hit me hard because Sirius is someone who has never really had a loving family, and who’s probably never been complimented by his family. And so to see him in such good company with people who love him and call him family…that makes me happy.
Though I’m sure the Marauders were like family to him, too. I hope he comes to realize that as well.
Also what. Who is Aunt Mamie. She seems a bit like a witch? Is she magical? She’s sooo astute. It’s kind of scary. But I’m so glad that she accepted Sirius, because that’s all that’s important!! Though I’m just as surprised as Joel, given his internal thoughts about what his Aunt Mamie was like hahaha.
Next chapter!
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:Hell's bells is a tip of the hat to Jim Butcher's Dresden series. Have you ever checked it out? The later books get awfully racy but hnngh so good. Not necessarily high art, but definitely good for a romp. The Marauders are his family, of course. This was Sirius at his lowest and most alone and he did it partially to himself. He chose to run away rather than ask for help, you know that James and Peter would never have allowed Sirius to be homeless.
Mamie is nobody's fool. More will become apparent.
<3
- FL
Heyooo!! Are you tired of me yet? :P
(Also I just noticed a typo in the title – I think it should be “Lost Dog Days” instead of “Lost Dog Day’s”! I am really bad at catching typos lol, I don’t know how I made it like five chapters into this story without noticing a thing.)
Awwww, James, Remus, and Peter are all looking for Sirius. Of course I expected nothing less from them, but it still warms my heart. The conflict within Remus is also heartbreaking to see; he’s one of the most tragic and tormented characters in the Harry Potter universe, and I think you’ve written him quite brilliantly here. The angst is so strong that it actually hurts me omg. I hope they can find him soon, but I’m also worried about what they’d do if they came across Joel and Simon.
And something just occurred to me – does something happen to Animagi if they stay in their animal forms for too long? I mean, probably not, right? Peter Pettigrew stayed as a rat for thirteen years and he was just fine when he came out.
I really, really love all the bonding moments between Sirius and the two guys. Obviously Sirius is ridiculous and kind of a perv, and also he just fools around so much, but it’s all kind of amusing. And that scene when Dumbledore came in!! Oh my god, I freaked out. I don’t know why Dumbledore didn’t immediately help Sirius (maybe Sirius didn’t want to be helped?) but I totally thought there was going to be a bigger conflict there. But wow, what a good way to put in canon characters from the books. Loved it!
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:Never! You are a writer too, so you may know the thrill of talking about your own work with a willing audience.
(OH! I fixed that. Thanks for noticing. Seriously!)
One of the thoughts that I had when I was writing this story was that Sirius may forget how to change back, but in the end it would have made the fic go beyond the 22K limit that was set on it for the challenge. I had beautiful scenes planned in my head of Remus reluctantly taking over as Sirius' owner and eventually rectifying with him while he's still a dog and that forgiveness breaking the spell. This worked too. If I hadn't included Joel and Simon and Mamie, I think that is what I would have done with the word savings.
I am glad that you liked the reference to Dumbledore and Mundungus. I worried a bit about adding it in, but my thought was that later Dumbledore could eventually come get him if need be, perhaps he'd drop a hint to Charlus and it would also start a foundation for the friendship that Dung and Sirius seemed to have in spite of Dung's baser criminal instincts often getting the better of him.
Sirius is a goof, yes a bit of a perv, and in desparate need of mentorship. He has NO good male role models in his private life (yet). And besides, later he needs a reason to particularly love motorcycles and tattoos.
Thank you again.
- FL
Back again! :D :D :D
The descriptions in this chapter are gorgeous. I mean, not everything was like beautiful poetry (as stories really shouldn’t be), but all the descriptions were amazing nonetheless. I especially loved this line here, with the contrast of the first part to the fishiness/dogginess of the second hahaha – “It wasn’t the cuckoo-like cries of the plovers, or the lap of the waves that woke Joel from a deep sleep. Hot dog breath layered with the reek of wet dog roused him moments before he was smacked on the gob by a wriggling, live fish held firmly in the mastiff’s jaw.” PERFECT.
And of course Sirius is good at fishing, because why wouldn’t he be?? He’s a talented dog hehehe.
My main question is, is he okay with the collar? He seems to be fine with it, but there’s something about Sirius being in a collar that bothers me a bit (even if he’s in dog form at the moment). Maybe it’s because of how independent he is, and maybe because he’s not actually a dog, and maybe because he doesn’t actually “belong” to Joel and Simon… But we’ll see. They seem like good people so I don’t mind so much.
I also wonder what’s going to happen later? Is he going to reveal himself as human? Will he remain with them for as long as he can? I’M SO CURIOUS.
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:Is Sirius okay with the collar? Well, not completely. I tried to suggest he was somewhat reluctant in the way it was written, but when Simon essentially told him that it would make him theirs, and make him belong as a wanted member of their little group, that made a world of difference. When Joel said it would be okay, that sealed the deal. Sirius, bless his loving heart, really needed some brothers at this point in his life. Is he a little too trusting? Probably, but he isn't the sort of spirit to stay weighed down overlong. He can't help himself.
I am curious to see what you notice in the next chapter!
- FL
Heyyy!!
I think I just realized what the title of this story means omg. *smacks self* I am such a dumb reader. Sirius is the dog! He’s lost! Therefore, the Lost Dog Days of Summer!! (I am so slow lmao. Anyway it’s a clever title! Kudos do you for coming up with it.)
I really like your original characters! They’re so much fun to read, and their banter is witty and fun, and I loved reading about that little bit of Simon’s backstory. I wasn’t expecting there to be original characters in this Marauders fic, but so far I’m loving it! It’s also such a unique way of adding original characters, as well; most of the time they’re a romantic interest of some sort, but I can see that Sirius is going to grow attached to these men in a different way. I’m so glad that they’re treating my boy Sirius well; he deserves not to starve alone on the street.
So will we also get to meet Aunt Mamie? And perhaps other people? I’m becoming more and more invested in your original characters and their relationships (like, what’s going on with Simon and Betty?) which is always a really good sign!! I also wonder if we’ll get a chapter from Sirius’s point of view? It’d be really fun to hear his thoughts on things! Though I’d imagine that’d break the storyline a bit. But either way, I’d enjoy it.
Good job! And now, onto the next chapter!!
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:Thank you. I like coming up with titles!
I have this particular tendency to write OC's. I think perhaps it comes from playing on a Hogwarts themed MUSH over ten years ago, where only OCs were allowed and the book characters were only puppeted by staff for special occasions. I am glad they add to the story rather then detract. I have a great deal of fun with them and Mamie was modelled after a woman I knew years ago who I loved dearly. She was a war bride who moved to the US after WW2. She was a sassy widow!
Looking forwards to your next review.
- FL
Hi! I’m back!
I really liked this chapter! At first I was confused as to who Joel and Simon were, and what they had to do with the story, but then as soon as I saw the big black dog mentioned I was like, “Ohhhh.” And it broke my heart to see Sirius in such a bad place, being so hungry and alone and bedraggled. I was thinking at first that the two teens were two of the Marauders, but then I realized that they wouldn’t leave their friend alone like that, no matter who came across them. And it makes me want to smack them for not treating Sirius better, because I’m assuming they were doing some horrible things to him as a dog.
It made my heart really warm up to see Joel treating Sirius well. (Louie, though, hahaha. I’m just trying to imagine Sirius as a Louie and I just can’t do it. Joel seems very kind and helpful and I’m so glad that he didn’t put Sirius down, but naming animals is not his forte lmao.) I was so worried when Simon got out his knife, though. And then relieved when Joel did nothing.
I also really liked the details comparing a feral dog and a domesticated dog. It was really well-written, and I liked it a lot! I’m really curious to see how Sirius will get home from here, though…
I can’t wait to read the next chapter!
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:Hmm. Good point. Sometimes I forget that since I know everything at times things are unclear. On the other hand it is hard to figure out a natural way from a third person POV to give you much information about the newly introduced characters, since they've already known each other for years. Thanks for bringing it up!
The teens were indeed not friendly although I imagine on some level they may have been homeless and hungry and competing for food. I thought it sort of said something about Sirius that he wasn't fighting them back. What do you think of wizarding healing powers? The implication on Pottermore is that mundane injuries and illness do not trouble wizards, or not for long. It is the magical ones they need to worry about. So if Sirius knew this, perhaps he decided to take it (partly out of self-flagellation, penance) rather than risk a worse confrontation or alerting the kids that he was more than a big black dog?
I look forwards to your next review. ;)
- FL
Hi there!! I’m here to give your story a bit of love today; I’m going to try my best to get through all ten chapters within the next hour or so. Wish me luck!!
I haven’t read a Marauders story in ages, so I’m so excited to start! I also love reading letters; epistolary stories are my favorite. I don’t know if the letter-writing story-telling method is going to continue throughout the story, but I’m happy that it opened with this, in any case!
I see that this is around the time Sirius ran away from home, after he tried to kill Snape using Remus. The banter and dialogue between the three boys (James, Peter, and Remus) are spot-on, and I really like that Remus is still absolutely furious with Sirius (as he should be) while still secretly worrying about his sudden disappearance. When James mentioned that he asked Lily how much she charged…wow, I wanted to smack him. No wonder why Lily doesn’t want to date him in this fic lol; that’s a terrible thing to say. I hope he gets over himself quickly and apologizes soon.
Anyway this was such a great set-up!! I can’t wait to see how this story continues. :)
[This review was left for Quadpot, for the category “chapters with zero reviews on them.”]
Love,
Eva
Author's Response:First off, thank you for choosing my story. I'm quite impressed at the amount of effort you put into the reviews and I am delighted that you enjoyed things. It makes it worth it to me that you understood so many details. And in James' defense, Lily was the one that suggested he hire an escort - it was just a very poorly thought out response to say he only wanted her. Or that is what he meant. He's that special kind of idiot that we've all met. Normally a pretty nice guy but turns into an absolute prat when there's a girl he might be interested in dating anywere within a detectable radius.
<3
Fawkesy
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