FanficTalk Archive
Unleash Your Fandom
Hi Heather, hopping back into this story and to leave you a quick, snowball's throw review on this chapter!
The magical curse you have created sure is complex. I do like that it relies on such specific criteria though because we definitely see differing levels of complexity of magic in canon. So I think this just adds to your great worldbuilding in your story!
All of the back and forth with the dialogue made me feel like I was watching some sort of volleying match. Which made me read on faster and faster and grow more excited with each passing moment about what might happen next. So great job there with giving us that intensely, fast paced timing.
And poor Hermione! I did really enjoy the visual of Ron's head snapping up at the mention that Hermione was ready for one visitor at a time. Almost like he was silently volunteering himself. ;) A really sweet, small detail amidst the angst and action.
Another great chapter! I look forward to reading onward!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Such a great review, thanks so much! I'm glad the timing worked so well for you. Many of my chapters are pretty long so I worry about that. The curse was really hard to figure out but I'm glad it worked so well :)
I feel bad about putting Hermione through so much but it was too amazing to me that nothing happened to any of them physically, much, during the war, besides Ron getting splinched. Yes, Ron is so hooked, he's adorable.
I'll try to review again soon :)
-Heather
Oh, I think this is all very interesting! I loved reading drunk Harry, and I really liked that bit where Ginny just chomped down on that apple!
I never thought about it, but if Sirius James is around, then Teddy would have a playmate around his age-ish. That sort of makes things less-sad for them. I really like that idea, too.
The goblin thing is AWESOME PLOT!!! I applaud you for thinking of it. I have never read a post Battle story with this in it before, and I am highly intrigued!
Author's Response:I'm so glad you're enjoying this :)
But yes, I'd like to eventually get to a Next Gen story someday with those two and another character I'll be introducing in a few chapters, wink.
The goblin plot, I enjoyed getting that idea, it's funny since in the game Hogwarts Legacy there's a goblin plot too, though I thought of this years ago and they are different from each other.
I hope to see you more, so happy you like it! Thanks for the swap!
-Heather
Hi there! I'm new to this story, so I had to start from the beginning. I love how you wrote Luna in this. She's often difficult to get right, but her voice shines right through. I also love the way that the small acts of kindness are vibrating throughout this story in small ways. A hug. a sandwich. Things like that can make a big difference, just like they had for you from your Author's Note. I think it's a great idea for a fic!
I also love little Sirius James and his little boy vibes! You did an excellent job with him! And all the baby holding! That's a good thing to do for everyone, to soften them up after the horrors they've lived through!
Pix
Author's Response:Aw, that's great! I love a new reader :)
I get really great reviews about my voice with Luna, I really want to explore that more. When I first did this fic on HPFF I hopped around to a lot of different characters and it was too disjointed. I need to make them into separate stories but just include them in a series, I would do Luna every once in a while and some interactions with Neville at St Mungos, Luna also had an idea for helping some ppl after the war and there was a sweet interaction with her and George.
Kindness is so important after tragedy and it was so important to me after a loss, I had to do it here. Thanks for the encouragement!
Sirius James is such a love,
so glad you enjoyed it!
-Heather
Hi, Heather Thank you so much for your review of Crofter/Snake. Here is a review of your most recnt chapter of What Means Most.
This is a charming chapter. What a fine birthday party for Cora. It is heartwarming to see how fully she is welcomed into the Weasley-Potter-Tonks family. I like how you incorporate the little children so fully into the scenes. Of course, it's hard to ignore pre-schoolers!
Loved the statement: "The Harpies won spectacularly. The Snitch flew up the robes of the Keeper and out the sleeve, straight into her hand." Can you imagine how that must have felt, having that little device buzzing like a bee and flapping like a hummingbird flying up your clothing? It's a miracle that the Keeper didn't fall off her broom. Spectacular was certainly the word for it.
Introducing the hippogriffs made this birthday party surprising and unique. I liked the detail you included when describing Cora's ride on Buckbeak. It was vivid and easy to follow. And I like the image of everyone sitting around a campfire on logs listening to Cora's story about her family history. Hopefully we will hear the end of the story very soon.
I also expect that the family will take up the invitation of the Delacourt family to visit them in France for the Christmas holidays. The idea of bringing Hermione's parents to France also is intriguing, and I wonder if it will make some sort of difference (hopefully for the better) in their recovery.
Your story is remarkable for its imagination (that Snitch!) and very enjoyable to read. I am looking forward to the next chapters, but I know that they will appear when the fates allow. Meanwhile, we can wait in anticipation. <3 <3
Thank you so much for writing.
Author's Response:I'm so incredibly glad you're enjoying it!! I've had so much fun writing it too, I'm glad I get to play with all the magical concepts we get introduced to and spin them my way. I love Cora's story and how it's slowly revealing itself to the rest of the group, including the readers! It's a lot of fun and we'll see a more detailed version in my Sirius Black story but that's been harder to write. I have a lot written but I've been filling in gaps and that's taken a while.
Christmas will bring more fun and surprises, I hope to get it all up in time for the holidays for sure <3
I'm so glad I made these scenes vivid for you and so appreciate your reviews, thank you!!
-Heather
Hi, Heather! Here for the last review for our swap! :)
Okay... this was all very sweet... so Cora was basically Buckbeak's "adoptive sister"? That's truly adorable! <3
I do have a lot of questions, though... (that I'm sure you will answer eventually... but I'm kinda sad that we didn't get to hear the rest of the tale for now... :P) What happened to her family? How is she related to Marlene (I was sure you mentioned them being sisters, but maybe I remember wrong...)? Why did she get estranged from her family (you mentioned it was because of Sirius, but I still want the details)? Did Sirius get to her because somehow Buckbeak knew where to find her? As I was saying, I'm sure you'll give us all the answers in due time, but I'd like to know now... :P
Either way, this was a lovely birthday, indeed! :D Sirius James' enthusiasm was adorable! I think you captured it perfectly, his age really came through wonderfully! :D Ahahah, poor Harry, he's not awake enough for all this, lol! :P Loved seeing a glimpse of Ginny as the stern mother she'll be one day! ;)
It's always lovely to see children's moments, I really enjoyed it in this chapter! Little Teddy is so adorable, too! And of course you made me emotional with Harry's thoughts about the Marauders... I loved that you included Harry wondering about what Sirius would be like as a father, I have a scene in TSW where Sirius wonders about that, too. I agree with Harry that he would basically just be himself! <3
There were so many adorable moments in this chapter! I really just enjoyed the softness and sweetness of it all! I'm not sure I have much more to comment on, but lovely work on this! <3
Thank you so much for the swap opportunity!
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Aw, I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I will only answer the one question I think I address when I first introduce Cora. Marlene is her cousin and they weren't in the same year.
I will indeed adresss these questions in my With Sirius Black story. When I get to a certain point in this story I will focus more on the other, that one will not have nearly as many chapters... we all know why :( Of course, I'll adress some of these questions here, but not before I do in With Sirius Black.
I love writing the little kid moments! I didn't expect it to happen so naturally, but I love it :)
You know, I didn't really think about how Buckbeak could have unintentionally led Sirius to her because he sensed where she was but I could Definitely see that to be the reason! I might even connect that with a chapter that's coming up soon anyway :)
Personally, I loved Hagrid and Hermione's reaction to her story, they both care so much for Buckbeak and for them to learn a little more about his story was sweet to write.
Thank you very much for the swapportunity! I enjoy reading your reviews! I'll get to yours as soon as I can :)
-Heather
Hi again, Heather! Back for our swap, review 2/3! :)
Work is never quite like what we imagine it to be, is it? :P Poor Ron and Hermione... but at least, after a bit of an awkward/traumatic start, their afternoon went a bit better! ;) I did really like the way you presented how book magic works, too! It makes sense that books would respond to the thoughts and feelings of the reader! It's such a cool idea! :D I hope Hermione will find some answers to her parents' problem, as well! :)
Ahahah! Lizzie is so clumsy, isn't she? Also a bit inopportune with her flirting, but that's irrelevant... :P Ron's emotional range has truly broadened, if he could recognize the flirting for what it was, lol! :P Interesting to learn a bit of his dynamics with Lavender that we didn't get to see behind the scenes... I can see it happening that way... a bit manipulative by Lavender, maybe, but I can't fully blame her, she was just protecting herself, I guess.
Harry growing restless is so Harry, to be honest! :D Molly did have a great suggestion there! And aww, that memory from the chocolate shop with Petunia... you killed me with feels there... I'm 100% convinced Petunia wouldn't have been that bad without Vernon's influence... not that I'm justifying the way she acted with Harry, or the jealousy she carried towards Lily, but I think deep inside she did care for her nephew? To an extent? And I love that you showed us just that in this little scene! <3
Wow, Harry! He really has the hots for Ginny, doesn't he? :P I wonder if this moving out together plan will ever see the light... :P
Another lovely chapter! I'll be back later for the last one! :)
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:As a lover of books, I love the idea of Book Magic! Poor Hermione, she got so scared when she sees the crazy old witch lol. I don't blame Lavender either for her actions with Ron, it's a very teenager thing to do and I see Ron learning to recognize things like that really quickly so it doesn't happen again.
Oh, Harry and Petunia... it's such a complex thing, family. I don't know whether it was caring or guilt Petunia was feeling, but these emotions sometimes just happen. I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
Lol yes, close proximity to Ginny is proving difficult for Harry. I mean, do you remember HBP? He was fighting it even then and they didn't have as close quarters as they do now, they'd go to different classes even if they had Quidditch practice and meals together, really between her relationship with Dean, they were separated by a whole castle lol.
If they did move out together, the question would then be, would they ever see the light outside their home? :P LOL
Thanks again!
Heather
Hello, Heather! Here for our multi-chap swap, review 1/3! :D
This was a heavy chapter for sure! So many reveals... so many emotions... I found that bit about Molly losing her twin girls especially shocking, but on the other hand it was lovely to see her and Arthur sharing this little honest moment together, just the two of them. You can just tell how much they care for each other and how deeply they know and understand each other, and the fact that they went through that and are still so supportive and in love is beautiful to see! <3
Poor Harry... it's nice that he apologized to Hermione, but I can see where she's coming from. She can't fix all his problems... not that he meant for her to fix his problems, but I guess sometimes being Hermione is just... a lot! :P Of course, Harry was just doing what he thought was right (nothing new there, right?) but he needs to learn a bit of tact, that was never his greatest feature... :P I loved how he expressed his point, though, how he acted on instinct because that's just his way to function, that makes sense! And Hermione is of course not supposed to do "his homework" for him, but he wasn't wrong in thinking that she should be prepared for what's to come? I guess? Well, anyway, I liked that discussion, and that they are okay now! :)
Wouldn't it be a bit unfair if Ron and Hermione were authorized to get their own place, but not Harry and Ginny? I mean, yeah, Ginny is one year younger, but does it make that much difference at this point? But I can see how Molly and Arthur wouldn't be thrilled about the idea... at least Harry got to be honest with them, and that definitely took a weight off his shoulder, even if they aren't going to say yes. I kind of want to eavesdrop on Molly and Arthur discussing this in private later... :P
Very curious to see what happens next! Nice chapter as always! :)
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Aw, thanks for the review, I had trouble going back to sleep this morning so this is a welcome read :)
I don't know what made me write about the loss of the twins, but I never read anything about what they did during the war and or why they had so many children. I get the feeling after Fred and George they'd try once more for a girl and then that happened and in their honor they had 2 more children. I also really wanted to give Molly more depth as a character with her as a Healer and a connection to the Longbottoms just made sense to me. I get the feeling Neville's parents were older than Harry's, maybe I'm wrong? But the connection between Molly and Arthur was important to emphasize for me :)
Same with Harry and Hermione, I feel like this situation would happen in some way between the two of them and they got much closer over the last year, they would be completely honest with their feelings and not keep them bottled up. Of course Harry should tell her, but Hermione's just pointing out he could do it in a more reassuring way and think before acting in that situation.
I think Molly and Arthur are being fair. Yes, technically, she's an adult and could ignore their wishes but at this point she'd be all alone while Harry works (when he finds work) And they still really have only been together as a couple for a handful of months. Ron and Hermione were with Harry the whole time the previous year and that was under extreme circumstances. It would be fun to do an eeavesdrop scene, that could be cute :) Mostly, yes, I think Harry needed to talk it out a little and it's nice, he hasn't had that growing up with the Dursleys.
Thanks for the great review!
Hi, Heather,
This is a fun chapter, a little of this and a little of that, all about our friends starting their experience with jobs in the real world. You have excellent details, imaginative and entertaining, about these jobs. All the stuff about repairing the books at Flourish and Blotts was fun to read, and I was especially taken with your idea that books in commercial bookstores have spells attached to them to make the shoppers want to buy them, but when the books are purchased or donated for libraries, those spells are strippd off. Makes perfect sense.
It's good to see that Hermione's and Ron's first day on the job went so well. I can imagine that Hermione will get a lot of satisfacion out of restoring the old books, given how much she loves books, even if the work proves to be tedious and boring. And Ron seems to be a good fit for his job at the Quidditch supply shop, since he knows a lot about Quidditch. Whether these retail jobs will be Ron's and Hermione's permanent careers remains to be seen, but it's a start.
Poor Harry. His friends found jobs rather easily, but for some reason it's harder for Harry. He seems to be more indecisive, at loose ends. He doesn't want Molly and Arthur to be 'holding his hand' during his job search, but on the other hand he doesn't seem to know how to go about it by himself. I was struck by the fact that when he finally goes down to the village to scope out the job market, he still procrastinates about actually making any inquiries about employment. He has his excuses -- he doesn't have any Muggle money with him, he doesn't have any of his Muggle ID papers with him, he really ought to buy something in the store before inquiring about a job, etc, etc, excuses, excuses. Finally he goes back home to the Burrow without having made any progress towards finding a job. He's never going to impress Molly and Arthur with his maturity at this rate. It's all kind of funny.
Thanks for writing. This story is enjoyable to read. I hope to see some more chapters coming through the queue! :)
Vicki
Author's Response:I'm glad you enjoyed Hermione and Ron's foray into the work force, it was really fun to write, especially the book store. I worked in a used bookstore when I was their age and have to say it'll be fun to live vicariously through Hermione :)
As for Harry, he was really just scoping out his options and exploring. I remember trying to figure out what I wanted to do at that age and I probably overthought it too. But Harry had never really been to the town of Ottery St. Catchpole, I'd want to take my time deciding too if I were him, personally.
Still, I'm so glad you're enjoying the story, more chapters coming soon!
-Heather
Hi, Heather. I seem to remember telling you that I would leave you some reviews for these last two chapters, and that was a couple of weeks ago. My apologies for being a little slow.
This is an interesting chapter with a lot of good points. Poor Harry. He wants to be an Auror and is starting to move in that direction, but it's becoming clear that there are some 'soft' skills that he hasn't mastered yet, maybe hasn't even thought of, yet. That was an interesting insight on your part for his particular circumstances It's true that every job, even supposedly simple jobs, requires a lot more knowledge and skills than one might imagine.
Hermione's speech to Harry ("You know, you're acting like we're still in school...) was excellent in its subtle analysis of their historical relationship and what life will be requiring of him now. It's so easy to fall back into those old childhood behavior patterns, and she is giving him a good wake-up call. Well written!
The Holyhead Harpies plot thread for Ginny to get a job as a sports journalist, is interesting and original. Of course Molly would want to turn the listening session into a big gathering with a feast and a birthday cake and lots of guests. I am so glad that Cora tuned down the scope of this shindig. Molly was thinking more about herself and what she likes than about Cora there, but Molly is at risk of doing that.
I liked the line that Arthur says: "Tracking all the Muggleborns that went underground has proven extremely difficult." As far as the plot goes, this line simply serves to explain why Arthur is late getting home. But it is also a powerful tie-in to what the social/political conditions must have been like after the end of the Second Wizarding War. One of the unavoidable sequelae to the war, like the bomb craters in the ground around Hogwarts. One of the things that stands out in your consciousness and makes it so clear and plain that a great war has just taken place.
It looks like Harry's romantic life is not progressing very fast. I've kind of lost track of the timeline. Has Ginny finished her seventh year now? I guess not, if she hasn't taken her N.E.W.T.S. yet.
A very enjoyable chapter. Much of your writing os gentle and subtle, but it is full of good stuff.
Vicki
Author's Response:Thank you so much for the reviews! I don't really like posting more chapters until the latest ones are reviewed so I guess it's time to post more! I've been super busy, no worries :)
Yeah, tact has never been Harry's strong suit and it really needs to be if he's going into Auror work, but particularly with Hermione, after everything she's going through, this was a good wake up call for him and you see her fire like in earlier books where she had to stand up to either Harry or Ron's stupidity.
Canon for future Ginny is that she does become a sports Journalist after her Quidditch career, I've just switched it up a little with her starting there since Hogwarts is taking the year off from schooling. To that point, they will all finish their NEWTs via Owl with some in person teaching down the road, but, as I usually do, I have a twist on it :)
No, romance is going slowly for Harry right now, but they're working on it lol
I'm glad you enjoy the subtleties I'm adding to dialogue, why Arthur would be late after the war is over. There's a lot of reconstructing to do unfortunately.
Thanks so much for the reviews, they make me so happy!
-Heather
Hi, Heather. Here is the last of the three remaining chapters that formed my "review gap." Now I'll have to check to see if I need to leave any more reviews on the tail end of the story.
Yes, I think this chapter flowed okay. It helped that there were not a lot of different characters in it; it focused mainly on Ron and Hermione. You write them and their relationship very well, so it is easy reading. I liked the detail thqt you put in about their relaxilng and recovering at the hotel, and "the date of a lifetime," just enough detail to evoke the scene without being overdone.
I liked the scene at the airport. You established the mood of nervousness and anticipation well, and then of course adding Polyjuice Potion to the mix made it even more stressful. It brought up images in my mind of waiting at an airport for someone to arrive, and it always seems to take so long.
Nice chapter. Will Eyla get confused after meeting Ron and Hermione in the guise of the Wilkinses, and then seeing them later in their true appearance?
Thank you for writing. It is always a pleasure to read the chapters of this story.
Vicki
Author's Response:Hmm, good question!! I may have gone into that and accidentally edited it out because the chapter was getting long... I may have to go in and address it, even if it's just in a retelling to the family later.
I'm glad you enjoyed the date. I had to decide here if I was going to write a story with that kind of detail or not and ultimately decided I can write snippets later if I'm so inclined, as a related collection, but it would otherwise interupt the story too much.
I really love the scene at the airport too.
Thanks so much!
I'm trying to continue my Sirius Black story, I made a little breakthrough on it recently, but I am ready to post new chapters on here soon too, I will let you know!
Love Heather
Hi, Heather! Another good chapter. It's too bad that everyone thought that things would be easier now that Lord Voldemort was defeated, but as you show, the fallout from the war lingers on and on -- the determined animosity of the Goblins (they're a nasty bunch), their hostility towards Harry, Ron, Hermione, Bill, and all wizards in general, the fiasco with undoing the spell on Hermione's parents, the added complication of bringing a 3-year-old child from Japan into this mess (a really inconvenient time for an adoption)... Maybe it's always hard adjusting to peacetime civilian life after a prolonged war.
I notice that Ginny is beconing more self-controlled, compared to her old react-without-thinking, fly-off-the-handle self that we saw so much of when she was younger. Compared to Ron, she still has a way to go in that department, but it's good to see that character development in her.
I liked that bit of narrative "...he heard the start of plans for a party." Harry must have thought, Oh, no, that's the last thing we need right now. I'm glad that he was able to put the kibosh on the plans for a big party right away and get the family members to listen to what he had to say about how serious the current situation actually was. Everyone is pretty long on "We'll get through this; everything will be all right," and still a little short on figuring out how exactly they are going to get through it.
Life is still very complicated and challenging for them all, and you express this very well. Another enjoyable chapter.
Vicki
Author's Response:Yes, I would think that there would be a lot to do after such a war, that there would still be a lot of problems to resolve. That's something I miss in a lot of Post War fics. I can't go into tons of detail, like from Kingsley's POV, but I can imagine what the main characters could still be going through and therefore affected by it all. They broke a lot of "rules" trying to get and destroy horcruxes and they are, unfortunately, paying for it. The main examples, of course, being Hermione's actions (I can see where her parents would feel a hole in their lives, no matter who they are, and want to adopt) and breaking into Gringotts.
Ginny is getting a little more mature, but don't worry, she still has growing up to do ;)
Thanks again!
-Heather
Hi, Heather. I have come back to continue filling in the reviews for the chapters that I inexplicably skipped in the reviewing process. Maybe it's not really so inexplicable -- when the chapters are so good, one just want to keep reading Next Chapter without stopping to write a review.
This is a masterful chapter. You convey Hermione's emotions so perfectly. At first she's crying with happiness because it seems, so far, that her parents are successfully transitioning back to their original identities, and they're not angry about what she did in her attempt to protect them. Then suddenly they morph back to their new identities, and Hermione is shocked and horrified.
You develop very well Hermione's realization of the seriousness of what she did to her parents and the grave consequences of her actions. "She wanted someone to tell her they had an answer, that she hadn't made the biggest mistake of her life..." Good sentence.
I love how you have depicted Ron -- so mature and steady, so take-charge. I like how you have written that she went to a book for answers, the method of operation that has always served her so well in the past, and it did turn out to be enlightening, but the information it gave was not what she wanted to hear.
You have a knack of making your scenes dramatic and attention-grabbing. I enjoy reading them very much. Good job!
Vicki
Author's Response:Wow! Thanks so much!!
Oh Hermione... My heart breaks for her. I hate to put her through more, but this was a more complicated situation than was conveyed in the books and also, we don't know what they've been through over the last year. I couldn't make this easy.
I just love Ron and hope I'm not making him too mature, but I'd like to think he really has over the last year, especially what happened with him leaving and coming back, mostly for her. He does pay attention in his way and I think this brought out the kind, nurturing part of him that Mrs. Weasley would have instilled in him.
I'm so happy you're enjoying this, and I know exactly what you mean about wanting to read right through! I get that way about stories sometimes too :)
Your reviews are my absolute favorites.
Heather
Hi, Heather. This is an interesting chapter, where Professor McGonagall comes up with a possible new way of restsoring the lost memories of Mr. and Mrs. Granger, even if only partially, by using memories pf them that other people have. (If I'm undestanding the proposition correctly.) It sounds like what happens in the real world when someone's house burns down and they lose all their family photographs -- friends and relatives send them copies of photos that they (the friends and relatives) have, to replace, at least partially, what was lost. Did I understand it correctly? If not, please straighten me out.
And I smiled when Hermione stepped on the soft, squishy extendible ear. It reminded me of the scene in my story Tiramisu where Martin steps on something soft and squishy in the hold of the merchant ship in the gray, pre-dawn hours -- a freshly dead rat.
I liked the touch where Percy tells Ginny that he knows, from working in the Ministry, that one can access recordings of old Quidditch matches and use them to practice writing sports commentaries. it's so neat when you can tap the special skills and knowledge of your family members -- the daughter who is a doctor, the daughter who is a computer engineer, the sister who is a lawyer -- to get instant good advice.
And now we know why the Japanese-language poster that Harry saw in The Leaky Cauldron was important. Another complication in Hermione's life. I liked the advice that Ginny gave him, about not giving bad news without also giving reassurance about what can be done to prevent harm. A rookie mistake for an inexperienced Auror.
I am struck by how protective Molly is to her family and their friends, not letting Percy serve his own breakfast, scolding them for being out in the rain and getting wet...she seems to be treating them like children, not adults, even though Percy fed himself for years while he worked at the Ministry, and he's now 22. But Molly wants to be taking care of everyone, and now she wants to take care of the Grangers too. That's so in character for her. It will be interesting to see how that arrangement turns out, if they go ahead and do it.
I have a feeling that all these loose ends will be tied up fairly soon ---the Goblins are pacified, the Grangers might be on the road to recovery, everyone is getting jobs, and we'll just have to see about the fate of Eyla. Enjoying this story very much.
Vicki
Author's Response:You have the Granger's situation summed up well, it is very much like that!
Let me tell you, this and the next chapter were really hard to divide up. I had written it without looking at the word count and it got too long, hence the pt 1 and 2 titles of the chapter lol. I'll post more chapters now that you've reviewed this one! :D
Anyway, I loved including Professor McGonagall here, I can't see her not keeping in touch with them all just because they're no longer in school. Including the extendable ear was a definite nod to HP 5 when they eavesdrop at Grimmauld place.
Including Percy in day to day happenings is important to me. He'd want family time after all he missed over the years, both with his sister and his mother, hence why he'd let Molly just do certain things for him. Losing a son, not knowing if everyone was safe that whole previous year, it's important for her to get some mothering in.
Yep, Harry still has a lot to learn about tact as an Auror. As much as I'm sorry to put them all through anything more, there always needs to be a little conflict to keep the story interesting and I just Love Eyla and her potential story.
Lose ends are definitely being tied up, but quite a few are just starting! I'm so glad you're enjoying yourself, thanks so much for reviewing!!
<3 Heather
Hi, Heather, I'm here to catch up on the final few chapters of this lovely story. There are many little scenes that make up this chapter, and there's a line in each scene that seems so clever or apropos.
In the first scene, where Ron and Hermione are playing Hide and Seek with the little kids, I smiled at the line "They'd look behind ridiculous things, like the Wellingtons and behine window shutters, and their giggles would give them away..."
And then the scene with this dialogue. Harry: "Ron is getting Ginny, we're going to Diagon Alley and see if we can't find some jobs." Hermione: "Why didn't I think of that?" Harry: "Oh, I don't know, maybe because we never had the chance to do something so normal before?"
And the scene where Ron tells Harry, "You can't just be an Auror Hermit."
And the scene where Ginny says,"I'm sorry. It was really about me and my past insecurities, not you," and Harry says, "Good, because I can't just go around being a jerk to strangers."
And I liked what Harry thought at the end of this chapter: "I shouldn't feel guilty about being happy; this is what we fought for and what some had died for." That's an important thought to keep in mind. They didn't fight and die just to eliminate Voldemort, they also fought and died to restore happiness and peace. Nobody fought for the purpose of being unhappy for the rest of their lives.
Lots of good stuff in this chapter. Thank you for writing! <3
Vicki
Author's Response:OH! you surprised me with these reviews! I appreciate it so much!
It's funny how sometimes I write and don't think about how punchy some of the lines turn out to be for one chapter but they were my favorites too :) I still giggle at Auror Hermit lol.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's not as if there won't still be grief and sorrow, but I refuse to think that they wouldn't realize they need to be happy after everything. They deserve it!
Thanks again for the review!
-Heather
Hello, Heather! Here for more swapping! :)
Another exciting with lots going on, good and bad! I'm very glad that there is a new solution to the problem of Hermione's parents... it makes sense, if they erase the fake memories, that would take away the confusion, right? And it's a fascinating idea that this approach could be a development in mental healing, and could be possibly used to help in other cases, too.
I agree with you, btw. The interaction between Hermione and McGonagall was really well done. It's nice when we see McGonagall let go of her detached facade, it's rare to see her like that, but like Hermione says, it makes those moments all the more special, and I like what you did with her character here :)
Molly was studying to be a Healer? That's a nice development, too! :) I really loved to see Ginny's interactions with her mother, and then with Percy. And I really liked how you talked about Ginny cherishing the time she manages to get alone with her parents... I'm currently working on the second Jimmy novel, and exploring Ginny's first year a bit, and her struggling to get used to Hogwarts and feeling homesick is a big theme there, and so I liked when you mentioned the same thing here. It's always nice when you see matching interpretations of a character in different stories... :P Oh, and I really appreciated what you did with Percy, too! I liked to see him being helpful and still his buttoned-up self, but not with that strong negative vibe that we get in canon... I don't know if that makes sense... I also really loved Ginny's observation of how he's not one to think that there's nothing to be done, but a person who finds solutions and ways to act, and it's an interesting quality to associate to Percy. Makes sense, too. It was nice to see this mostly positive portrayal of him. :)
Looks like our kids can't be quiet for too long... I wonder who this Japanese group are and what they want from Eyla? Poor Hermione, another worry to add to everything else she's dealing with already... I suppose Ginny wasn't wrong in telling Harry that he should've shared the news with a bit more tact... but we all know that tact is not Harry's strongest suit, right? :P Hopefully, he'll learn something and he'll manage to talk to Hermione again and comfort her a bit...
So many twists and turns... I'm curious to see what else awaits them now... :P
Thank you for swapping!
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Hi there! I wasn't expecting one again so soon, I'll try to get to yours soon too.
I'm glad you liked the interaction with Prof. M. I think if I were to do an AU it would involve her being more hands on in Harry's upbringing, making sure he was ok. I feel like as an animagus and with Mrs. Fig, this could have been a possibility, even if it were in secret.
Anyway lol, I was happy to do a scene with Ginny and Molly, it hardly ever happens. Adding Percy into the mix was nice too. I tell you, it was REALLY hard for me to pair down the POV's to just the 2 main couples. I wanted to go into George and Angelina, Neville and Luna etc... It got really messy so I'm trying to just make sure they're all added here and there throughout the story.
Yes, it always make me happy to read reviews of ppl with the same canon views :)
I know... no rest for the weary. But I had to do something with Eyla. Hopefully someday I'll get to a point in doing a Next Gen based around her, Sirius James, maybe Teddy and Vic since they'd all be closest in age. But yes, Harry is learning tact. He'll get it I'm sure, he just needs to learn first :P
Thanks so much for the lovely review! I look forward to more swaps in the future! I'm so happy you're reading my newer chapters! :D
-Heather
Hi, Heather! I'm here for our swap. Apologies for taking such a long time. I wanted to do it right rather than fast.
I like the way you drop Ginny into Harry's world so soon after the battle. Everything is still very fresh and raw and all of the emotions come right to the surface.
I saw your author's note about the Slytherin girl who comforts Ginny. I understand the message you're conveying, but I did want to let you know that it took me out of the story for a bit because it was hard for me to imagine. I think it could work if perhaps Ginny encountered this girl someplace else in the castle.
"Dobby?" Ginny waited until she got to the next floor and gave up. -- Ouch. Right in the feels. I guess Ginny has several pieces of bad news in store.
"Right away Miss, anything for Master Harry who has finished Master Regulus's work, Miss." - Ah! Love Kreacher! Especially when he's moved by people showing respect and admiration for Regulus.
I really like the image of Ginny levitating Harry to his bed, as well as the Fat Lady mocking him.
It was both wonderful and aggravating to see him again. - Definitely Ginny's central dilemma in the early moments after the war's end. At least that how I've always imagined it. Even as she's tending to his injuries, the conflict is stirring inside. Then it sort of explodes.
The conversation between the two of them felt very organic and the emotions were raw and powerful. They've both been through so much pain and suffering and watching people around them get hurt and killed. There was no reason to expect their reunion to be easy, particularly after Harry's return from the Forbidden Forest in Hagrid's arms.
Harry turned away and faced the window.
"Harry?" Ginny asked, concerned now.
"He didn't make it," he said in a tortured voice. -- Ugh, so sad. The last shoe has fallen.
That's a cool little detail, the idea that Ginny was present for Teddy's birth. I never thought about it, but I suppose St. Mungo's was pretty much out of the question.
The food fight was a neat way to lead into their confession of love to one another. I can absolutely imagine that happening.
Ron and Hermione were adorable. This is why I like them so much as a couple. They can be goofy, but also passionate and intense. Also, they annoy Harry sometimes.
One other thing that I wasn't wild about was Ginny patting Kreacher on the head. It just didn't feel like the way anyone would interact with him. Kind of dismissive, like he's a puppy. Kreacher is a proud elf who has a nasty streak at times.
Poor Andromeda and Teddy! I feel so badly for her, carrying all the burdens she's about to carry. It was wonderful that Ginny and Harry were there to help.
All in all, a good start to the story. I'm looking forward to seeing where you take it!
-Dan
Author's Response:Wow! What an incredible review! I think it's funny how we each enjoyed how the other continued right after the story ends, you with the trio, me with Harry and Ginny. 2 different POV's that totally worked.
I guess the reason why I put the Slytherin moment there was because Ginny was on the stairs and I had been walking home on a really large hill. I thought it was similar. Also, I wouldn't really know where else to put it. Shrug.
The moment Ginny pats Kreacher on the head I only did because I felt like Ginny didn't know how to interact with him or any house elves for that matter. It was supposed to be awkward.
I'm really glad you enjoyed Harry and Ginny's interactions, it's a confusing time and I wanted to reflect that with staying true to their personalities too.
Also, yes, I think it made sense for Ginny to be there delivery Teddy with Molly, if any of them went to a public location they could have been vulnerable...
It's great you understand why Ron and Hermione make such a great couple! I really hope you enjoy their relationship in future chapters, a lot happens!
Thanks so much for a great review, it was nice seeing the certain quotes you found compelling.
Let me know when you might want to swap again!
-Heather
Hi Heather! Here for the promised review. I'm so sorry for taking so long - but like I said in the forums, it's been quite the choatic week.
"Really, all the questions I can think of at the moment are for Sirius..."
Ugh this hit me in the feels. It makes so much sense that Harry would want explanations from the person he cared about so much rather from the stanger he just met. If I'd lost a loved one and learned they were keeping this huge secret from me, I would feel the same, wishing that they were here to explain things to me in their own words. I loved how Ginny cuts in and starts asking very pratical questions though. It feels very on-brand of her.
It's heartbreaking to see the continued damage the war has left them.There's so much heartache. It's sad to realize that Luna's father isn't doing well. But i do love seeing them all come together and support each other. I especially loved th fact that Neville and his grandmother were the ones to sort of take Luna in with them. It's just very sweet and I love seeing this friendship developing.
And Ron knowing exactly what Harry was thinking and telling him not to go on feeling guilty about it <3 I feel like this shows so much maturity and growth on Ron - and also on their friendship as a whole.
The part of the Goblins was so interesting! It makes sense that they would've been upset about the bank being broken into. After all, they were very proud of their ability to maintain security.
A magnificent chapter <3 Very well done. Thank you for the swap opportunity <3
Quilly
Author's Response:I'm glad everyone is feeling better and hope you get some rest soon. Thanks for the review!
Yes, Harry would feel super conflicted here and would only want answers from him... Since Ginny wasn't as close she really would ask more practical questions, I'm glad you agree.
Ugh! Luna's father... Part of me has wanted to do a story more focused on Luna but I haven't written much, typical of myself, I started making it complicated. It's needed for a good story, but does take that much longer :P With how Neville feels about her, I thought it made sense for her to stay with him and his Grandmother.
After all that happened, especially with the Horcrux, Ron Would have developed maturity over the last year between Harry and Hermione both. I'm glad you didn't think it out of Character.
Oh the Goblins... this is only the start of it! I'm truly glad you enjoyed it!
Let me know if you ever want more swaps :D
A Magnificent chapter, best comment in a long time!! Made me super happy! Thank you <3
-Heather
Hi, Heather! Here for our swap! :)
I really enjoyed this chapter! :) I agree, these kids have been through so much lately, I think they deserve a little pause and a bit of normalcy for a little while! :)
Hermione especially. It must feel really good to be surrounded by friends and family again, after all the time in the hospital and all the misadventures before that. I can also totally see the need to breathe in some actual fresh air finally. And it's nice to see that many things are settling down, like Eyla starting to form bonds with everyone and her parents making progress, even if it's slow. <3
I liked the idea of the job searching! Although it's a bit strange to imagine them working as shop assistants :P But I guess they aren't going to, at least not all of them... I wonder if Ginny will try for that Prophet position, and if there was a specific reason she didn't seem particularly enthusiastic... I also wonder if Harry's strange reaction was just to Ginny's defensiveness with the waitress or if something else is weighing on his mind... something about the Auror work is doing for Kingsley, maybe? Or maybe I'm reading too much into it... :P
Side note, I really loved to get a glimpse of Ron and Ginny's bickering, we don't really get many chances to see them just acting like siblings and it's so cute the way you wrote it! It just felt so authentic and so very them! :D
Poor Harry... there's so much to grieve about, but his life is so frenetic that he hardly has time to process all the tragedies and all the losses that occurred to him... and he must still feel a bit of an outsider, not really being a part of the family... it must be so hard... :/ But I love the happy, hopeful note you closed on here! Bad things happen, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't cherish the good and enjoy the happy moments life gifts us with! I love that sentiment a lot! <3
Such a lovely chapter! Thank you for writing and sharing! And thank you for swapping with me! :D
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Aw, I always love your reviews and I'm so excited for someone to review a new chapter!
The next few chapters I really do give them all a break! I thought it'd be a good idea for them to work in some stores as first jobs because it's really intense to think they go straight to the Ministry right after the war and without degrees. Even Harry is not a full time Auror, Kingsley, I think, would insist on taking things as slow as he could because of their age. Yes, Harry certainly has experience, but really only out of necessity. If I were to write any of Kingsley's point of view, I'd see him wanting to rebuild the ministry with people he can trust Outside of the Golden Trio because they have no reason to trust the Ministry, even with Kingsley in charge. There's a lot of work to do. He'd want to earn their trust, unlike his predecessors.
Giving them "normal jobs" is a great way to give them a regular life and banter like normal siblings/friends. Not that there won't be excitement for them, but at least it's something and a step in the right direction.
You will see how Harry copes with his grief and the uneasiness that comes with Auror work soon enough!
I'll go do your review, let me know if you'd like another swap!
-Heather
Hi there! I'm here for our swap, and I get to read this great story that you are continuing. Bonus!
So yeah, the end of the war, but the beginning of the rest of it, and where oh where do you start? Ginny went through a lot of emotions here, and rightfully so. She's come out on the other side of a nightmare, and doesn't know exactly where that is. She's lost a brother and got reunited with people she hasn't seen in a long long time.
I think you handled the emotions very well here, and was glad to see Ginny being up front with all of her fears to Harry, even though Harry had his own. It was good that they were straight with each other and that they were truly listening to each other through the pain. Sometimes that sort of thing devolves into a shouting match, but these two expressed their pain and moved through it together. I'm so proud of them!
Also, the Big Kiss and then 'I need a nap' was adorable and relieved the tension from their heart-to-heart. I'm glad we also got to see Ginny wondering about Kreacher's change of heart. It's the story we already know, so I'm glad Harry just filled her in without you rewriting the whole thing. Good way to keep everything moving forward.
Ron and Hermione were adorable! It's good to see this from Ginny's POV too, since she wasn't aware of everything the others had been through over the last year. That doesn't make her feelings any less valid though. Funny that she's still concerned with seeing her brother kissing someone. LOL!
I love the inclusion of the kind Slytherin stranger. That was a nice touch, having someone unexpected showing Ginny some kindness. I am so sad for Andromeda, but I am hopeful about both Ginny and Harry being godparents in this story. I'm sure there will be baby hijinks later on. Or at least that's my guess.
Writing immediate post-war is not easy to do, with everyone on high emotional alert, but I think you did an awesome job as a first chapter to set us up for the story you are telling here. I look forward to reading on!
Pix
Author's Response:Aww, I'm so happy for a new reader! I have to say, throughout all my edits, I'm pretty sure the kind Slytherin has been a constant. It's based on a true event after I lost my grandfather, a kind stranger just held me through it as I walked home. One of my best friends is also a Slytherin and had to combine the two.
I'd gone through a lot of edits and decided too much anger/misunderstandings etc... isn't always what happens after a major event. It's a time for answers and rest. Exhaustion is a real thing and adding anything else to their emotions didn't make sense to me.
To that point, I wanted to include bits of their personalities like the quintessential disgust about seeing her brother kissing someone. They're still teens.
I really can't wait to read about the surprises I have in store for you throughout the story. Lots to come :)
Thanks so much for the review swap!
-Heather
Hi, Heather. Here for our review swap, for which I thank you very much.
When checking the reviews of the chapters of this story, I saw that I had reviewed chapters 1-3, then an unexplained gap where I skipped 4-7, then picked up again with 8-10. Not sure what was going on in my brain. I will try to catch up. So here goes for chapter 4.
As usual I am impressed by the high quality of your writing. I have said it before, and I will probably feel obliged to say it in every review, but you are a great storyteller. Just the right amount of description (Rons' pre-dawn walk to the food stand -- i could just see the sky and the coast) to make the scene and actions vivid but not bogging down the story with more-than-enough description.
You also strike a great blance between detail in intense scenes (the confrontation with the goblins in Thomson and Tally's office) and un-detail in transitional scenes. I noticed that in the second opening sentence. They touched down, apparated to the Ministry, and Floo'ed to their hotel. No need at all for details about this brisk transfer from Portkey to hotel, and you didn't clog the narrative with stuff that didn't advance the story. :)
Great scene with the goblins. Not only do you characterize them at their most intense (frightening creatures, aren't they?) but you put in material showing that Ron is thinking analytically about how to deal/negotiate/confront with them. So there's not just a bunch of rough action but also a lot of insight into the politics of this situation. Ron is showing great self-restraint in this scene, aware of his actions and what the results of them will be. So I see a strong character arc for Ron here, which makes me happy. He is showing a lot more maturity.
Canonically, Hermione and Ron became a couple, but in the seven books I never got a good sense of why she was attracted to him since they semed to have little in common. But in this story he shows a level of maturity more like hers, and they seem to be more like equals even though they differ in personality. He is becoming someone she can respect rather than someone who exasperates her.
The final conversation as Ron and Hermione were going from the lobby of Longueville hospital to ther parents' romm was lovely. Fine insight as they look back on the events of the past few years.
A very succeful chapter. Thank you for writing!
Vicki
Author's Response:I absolutely always look forward to your reviews! You are such a detailed writer, it makes sense that you would be while reviewing too. I completely enjoy writing Ron and Hermione, especially when I can help others see how much their personalities truly balance each other out. It's not always conveyed in the original books and I enjoy making the connections myself. They will always get on each other's nerves to some extent, but not in the way they used to in school.
The last 2 chapters were only validated recently I can't wait to post more soon, I just want to get to Christmas already! lol.
Thank you so much for the review, they always leave me more inspired to keep writing, both here and original fiction :)
-Heather
Hi Heather. Here for our swap <3
I feel so bad for Hermione. not being able to immediately go to her family. It's lucky that she has her friends. Luna, especially, I felt like, did a wonderful job of reassuring her and reminding her of how much she's just done for the whole wizarding world.
Sirius having been secretly married and having a son completely shocked me. I had not been expecting that at all. I kind of had to giggle when Hermione volunteered to watch him and Ron was like "What?" Lol, I can't blame him. Saving the wizarding world is one thing. Taking care of a child, even for a small bit of time, is quite another.
It was so heartwarming to see him offering to go find Hermione's parents with her. He really does care about her so much and I appreciate his loyalty and devotion her showing through in a moment when she must've really needed him by her side (even though, of course, she tries to be strong and assures him she'd be okay with him staying.)
This was another great chapter. Thank you for the swap opportunity <3
Quilly
Author's Response:I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
I've loved writing interactions with children in this, I hadn't been expecting to, but my With Sirius Black story links with this one, that's where Cora will be introduced, but I haven't posted it yet. Sirius is still on the run. Anyway, I really enjoy writing Ron and Hermione and their connection. I feel like with everything they've gone through they've grown a lot.
Let me know when you'd like another swap!
-Heather
Here for our swap! <3
Oh gosh, Voldy's phase 2! It makes so much sense, honestly. Even if he didn't think he would lose, he'd have had a backup so he knew he would have the last laugh. And the idea for the Dark Mark on unsuspecting people is so gruesome and chilling, so great idea by you!! I wonder when the goblins got in on that plan, since the trio breaking into the bank and double-crossing Griphook was like a day before the final battle. Also, it makes so much sense that Lucius would have kept that information in his back pocket to hit them with after his sentencing!
Also I have to say what a clever idea with the painting of the teddy bears in the nursery and another painting downstairs so you can know what's going on in the nursery. The magical version of a baby monitor! <3
Author's Response:Thanks so much for reviewing this chapter! I know, he's that evil. Also, if he won, this would still happen! It would just reinforce his superiority :P
I think the Goblins may have gotten in on that when the Sword of Gryffindor and Hufflepuffs Cup got hidden in Bellatrix's vault? I mean if I were to write that scene, that's where I'd put it. It is very strategic of Lucius, I can totally see him keeping that info until he needed to use it. Draco didn't even know.
Aww, I loved writing about the nursery. I'd almost forgotten. I'm really glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks again!
Heather
Hi Heather!
I'm here for our review swap (sorry for the delay there)!
I really like how you handle the characters past trauma in this. It's emotionally driven, evident in the small ways they interact with one or look, but it doesn't slow down the pacing of this chapter. It is such an important thing to include as well and makes the characters flaws and what they need to overcome in order to "be ok," again, very evident. Nicely done with that!
I think the storyline with the goblins continues to be compelling, so nice job at carrying that throughout. It seems like some progress in healing that fractured relationship is being made since they do agree to help Kingsley in the end.
Great introduction of the Malfoys and what is going on with them at this point in the timeline of events. I wonder if Lucius gave the information to Draco to help him get a lesser sentence/a deal. I could see him doing some self-sacrificing (again) in order to help his son.
The knighting ceremony was very cool as well. A unique take on how to become an Auror in Training.
Anyway, even with a lot of things happening in this chapter, you definitely manage to bring all these plot threads together and closer to conclusion in meaningful ways.
Great job with this!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Thank you very much! I hope you like what comes next then :) I loved writing the Auror "ceremony" it was a great loophole to get around the arrangement they had with the Goblins since they were cheating anyway. It's good to know I'm bringing through the plot well, since I will be introducing a new one soon I need to remember I've done it before lol. I have new editing challenges though so that's the difficult part. Anyway, thanks for the swap, I'll get to yours soon!
-Heather
Hi again! :)
Yes, this was a heavy chapter, but also very hopeful at the same time? I think Romione chapters might be my favourites, they have such a beautiful dinamic and chemistry and the mutual support they have for each other is always beautiful to see! <3
Poor Hermione... I can imagine how hard it must be for her to be confined in bed, having to rely on others' care and not being able to solve things on her own... and of course the news of possibly being unable to have children is a hard one to digest... and her fears that in the long run Ron might not be able to stand it and leave her... :/ we all know Ron would never, but it's also a very legit fear and I can't blame Hermione at all for thinking it... :( And of course she's missing the comfort of her family and friends, and she's worried about all the people she thinks she's supposed to care about, like Eyla... she always puts so much responsibility on her own shoulders and she must be feeling like she's failing now... :/
Ron trying to distract her and himself with humour is just so Ron! And he's also trying to rationalize things, which is lovely to see from him! I love how he's trying to be the "Hermione" in this situation, it's just so adorable! <3
That bit about how Hermione is always thinking of something... lol! He's right, though, I guess... :P and with all her thinking Hermione is actually able to find new solutions and possibilities even if she's stuck in a Hospital room. First realizing that this curse is the same she was previously hit in the Department of Mysteries and suggesting Pomfrey's help, and then with realizing that there might be a non magical component in her parents' problem and thinking of involving a Muggle doctor, who's also an old family friend, to treat them! I did love how she stood her ground with the Healer! Wizards tend to be very arrogant when it comes to their "superiority" to Muggles, but she's right. A Muggle perspective might be exactly what they need now. I really hope they'll let Dr N keep his memories... it wouldn't be fair to Obliviate him after all the help he's giving them... I understand how wizarding law works, but, surely they can make an exception?
Again, I feel like I'm forgetting to mention something important... this was another great chapter, though! Loved all the emotions in it, and loved Hermione's strenght through it all, and loved Ron just being Ron, but maybe a more mature Ron than we are used to see! <3
Oh, there is one thing I forgot to mention... and that is how much I despise Lucius Malfoy! But that's nothing new, is it? :P
Also, a very small bit of CC... there were quite a few occurrences where you switched to first person in this chapter... I know you said that you changed your fic to third person later and some of it has escaped you, just wanted to mention in case you wanted to do another round of edit at some point ;)
Great work on this! Really enjoying this story! (And now I'm caught up again, yay! :D)
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Hi!
Yes, it was a heavy chapter, but I found it a little unrealistic that the three of them came out completely unscathed physically during the battle of hogwarts and I thought this would bring out more personality and maturity from them. When I was trying to write myself out of the idea Hermione needed to heal enough to have children in the future, that's when I thought of the department of Mysteries and how Madam Pomphrey had her on quite a few potions because of something hitting her stomach.
I also loved the idea of Mr N. I thought someone else in her parents lives before they left must have been wondering about them, not to mention also be Dr.s. Again, I like bringing some more depth to Hermione's life since we didn't have much in the books to be honest. Her and Ron are so adorable! After all they've been through, it makes sense they work together so well now and balance each other.
Also, yes, Lucious is a complete snake.
Thanks so much for the reviews, glad you're caught up, I'll try and post more soon, thanks for the small CC, I'll look out for it.
-Heather
Hi, Heather! Here with your (long overdue) review! Hope things have settled a bit for you and that you are in higher spirit now! <3
Well, this was intense for sure... I will admit that I got a bit lost with all the dynamics of the curse, it was a complicated one, which makes sense if it was meant as a double trap... and it is also my fault because so much time has passed since I read the last chapter, so I forgot the details of what happened there... :P Either way, you wrote the tension of the after battle and the curse-breaking so well, and you had some great visuals of the magic, so well done! :D
Loved Ginny with Eyla! Sure, she's had experience with Teddy and Sirius, but I can imagine what Harry was seeing in that moment... she truly looked like a natural... loved the way Harry interrupted her speech by kissing her... twice! :P He's so in love! And I also loved how he finally recognized that he can't just push Ginny away to keep her safe, that while he'll always worry for her, he knows that she's strong and capable and he needs to trust her and respect her decisions. It's a big step forward for him, I believe!
I can't believe Lucius did that! And for no other reason than his arrogance... because what was he expecting to gain from this act? It's awful! And, ouch, Hermione... :( At least she isn't in mortal danger, but... potentially not being able to have children is a lot, and I agree with Ginny, especially for her, especially if she had already express her will to have them... I'm sure you'll solve this, since we know from canon that she did have children, but I bet you'll keep your characters (and your readers) on their toes for a while, right?
Speaking of which... wow, Eyla is so attached to Hermione and Ron already! I guess it makes sense, since they must have been a constant in her life in the last few... how much time has passed? Probably less than it feels, probably just a few days... but either way, I can see how they would be very close to parent figures in the little girl's mind... and Ron is already acting like a dad, too! They are all growing so fast, aren't they? <3
This review is a bit of a mess, probably... and I probably forgot to mention a lot of things... anyway, I really liked this chapter, it was really well done! I'll move to the next one now, I'll see you in a little bit! ;)
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Hi there! So, Ron and Hermione got back about a week after Ginny's birthday (Aug.2) and this all happense the week before/day before Sept 1st, that's why everthing is happening so quickly, if they didn't, kids and adults of all ages would potentially get hurt and branded with the dark mark. After this event Kingsley sends out an owl to Professor McGonnagal and only keep the doors open to people who need it, Not through Platform 9 3/4.. Anyway, you get that in the next chapter I'm fairly sure, just clarifying. lol. So yes, in 3 + weeks Eyla does get fairly attached to them both because they spent all their time with her since they got her, probably in early-mid July.
I love Harry and Ginny here too! I couldn't help but get a few kisses in, like in the last movie, they kissed amongst battle, now at least it was just he was grateful she was ok, not a, we might die, kiss me just in case situation.
I think of Ginny as someone who didn't expect to be a natural with children, I mean, she was the youngest so wouldn't have had much experience before Teddy, Sirius James, and now Eyla. But it's sweet how touched Harry is that she is that good with kida, after his own horrible childhood, it makes sense. Now he can start thinking about family, since his life isn't in constant danger, the poor guy didn't allow himself to think that far ahead.
Anyway, this response is kinda random too, but I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!
-Heather
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