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Hi, Heather! Here for one more review, to finish up the chapters that you posted just recently.
In accord with your good storytelling instincts, this chapter gives us readers a change of pace. The exciting, thrill-a-minute encounter with the Goblins is over (and maybe we will not hear any more about them, since they co-operated with undoing the curse on the walls), and this chapter focuses on other places, other issues, other characters, and a more somber but slow-paced set of developments.
"He never thought that something like this would happen so quickly after the war." That was a good line in the opening scene. Yes, they probably did think that the danger was finally over, even amidst all the neessary repairs and reconstruction, but it seems as if the war isn't really over yet. The warring with the Goblins, the legal consequences for people like the Malfoys and other Death Eaters, the ongoing wounds of ongoing battles... Damage that is not easily repaired, maybe unreparable.
You do a good job of expressing how everyone -- family, friends even Healers --- seem to be feeling their way as if in the dark, not knowing what to do, or what actions would help the most, or what decisions to make. Everything seems indeterminate and unpredictable. It's hard to take bold steps forward when you don't know in which direction to go, but the chapter does not bog down because, bit by bit, Hermione and the others glean scraps of knowledge and insight, such as involving Madam Pomfrey and Dr. N, so that events keep moving slowly forward.
I too like Dr. N. He is a good addition to the story. I like how you advocate, via Hermione's dialogue, for an integration of Muggle and magical medicine. One doesn't usually see that in fanfiction. So this chapter ends on a note of hope, even though Dr. N emphsizes that there will be no quick fix for her parents' injuries, and no sure-fire guarantees.
I think about the title to your story, What Matters Most, and how it applies to the contents of each chapter. Yes, the characters wil come to have a greater understanding of what matters most.
An enjoyable and thought-provoking story, a pleasure to read.
Vicki
Author's Response:oh my gosh, the editing I did to get to this point!! whew! It's hard to slow down chapters but still keep the story moving along, but since Hermione is there, she'd want to make headway with her parents condition as well as hers. I loved adding Dr. N and giving Hermione's life more dimension, who, besides her parents, influenced her while growing up. The title is absolutely crucial to this story. It's why there's always some heart that goes into each chapter <3
Thank you so much for these reviews, I treasure each of them!
I will get to more reviews soon myself.
-Heather
Hii Heather, I'm here for our review swap <3
This was such a heavy, emotional chapter, but very fitting considering the war had just ended, and it's for certain that these character would be in emotional turmoil.
One of the most poignant scenes in this chapter - and there quite a few - was the Slytherin girl comforting Ginny. It really showcased the idea that, at this point, they're all just surivers and clinging on to each other. It makes sense that the rivalries that had exised before wouldn't matter as much when they've all witness so much death and violence. I thought it was a beautiful showcase of compassion and humanity at a time when Ginny - and the rest of them - hadn't had time to witness much of that.
It was an intersting visual to see Ginny comforting and attending to Harry's wounds one second and then yelling at him the next, but I feel like at this point, they're both just sleep deprived and tired and traumatized that the up and downs in the moods are more than just a little justifiable.
"You really love me?" Awe, my heart. I really feel for these two. They're so young and seems kind of unfair that these little romantic moments are coming in during such dark times. At the same time, though, I feel like that's what made them stronger as a couple. Their love had to be very selfless and very mature from the beginning, and that shaped them both into who they later became.
This was a terrific great first chapter, and I'm already very interested in seeing where it is that you take us with this.
Love, Quilly.
Author's Response:Oh wow! a new reader! The slytherin girl was based on a true experience for me. I was walking home from work one day, I just lost my grandfather and fell apart crying. A colored woman came by and gave me a shoulder to cry on and never saw her again. It was true compassion and selfless love that I needed to portray here and knew Slytherin has many different people in it, not just the stereotype we saw.
Grief is never straightforward in relationships, there are highs and lows just like always and Ginny and Harry needed that moment, just as Ron and Hermione in the RoR in the books. The visual of Ginny levitating Harry was sweet and funny, but she'd also be upset too.
I'm so happy you enjoyed this and can't wait for you to see what happens next!
-Heather
Hi, Heather! Another review for our Review Swap.
This was an intriguing chapter also. More lively action, and it was necessary for me to pay close attention in order to follow the action and the plotting. But it was all plain if I paid close attention, since things were complicated and were happening fast.
It was good to see that Draco was being helpful at his end of the action (Platform 9 3/4), and somehow I'm not surprised to see that Lucius was not all repentant and reformed as he would have wanted to portray himself at his trial. No, he is still the same old Lucius, unfeeling towards others, casually cruel, and thinking only of himself. Still spewing the same old prejudiced rhetoric. It was good to see Ginny shut him up so quickly!
All your imaginative detail about how the curse against the walls could be broken was fascinating. It is plain that the curse coud never have been broken without the instructions from the Goblins on how to do it.
And now that the curse has been broken and the Goblins are in custody, we have a new problem -- Hermione has been hit by a curse from Lucius, and it remains to be seen if he will be co-operative in helping the Healers reverse the curse and heal Hermione to the greatest extent possible. (But I feel certain she will be okay in the end, because, hey, it's Hermione, right?)
Another lively chapter, great storytelling, completely enjoyable. Good job!
Vicki
Author's Response:Thank you! Yes, I had to go back several times to make sure I did this chapter correctly, the next one too. It was complicated!!
-Heather
Hi, Heather! Here is a review for our Review Tag.
I will tell you what I love about your writing: it is so imaginative. and the pace is lively. Action proceeds briskly, and I love the business about the troubles between Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the Goblins. The Goblins are such fascinating creatures, and we don't know a whole lot about them because neither JKR nor fanfic writers write a lot about them. As a result, everything that you have the Goblins do in this chapter is fresh and fascinating. Who would have guessed they would have done a favor for Voldemort?
You present the two Goblins in the Leaky Cauldron as sneaky, devious, aggressive, amoral, concerned only about their own advantage, out for revenge, justified or not. I like the effect that this representation gives -- the Goblins are exremely different in their approach to life than are the non-Death-Eater wizards and witches. They are more than just "tough customers," they will gladly behave in ways we would consider to be criminal.
Kingsley is a great character here. You depict his greater maturity, compared to Harry, Ron, and Hermione, very well. During the encounter with the Goblins in the bar, Harry is ready on a couple of occasions to break his cover and rush out, wand blazing, but Kingsley doesn't let him do that. Kingsly has a plan; he's not just "winging it."
I also liked the lines where you say that Harry was so astonished to suddenly become an Auror after having wished for that for so long. A good insight into how he would have felt at that moment. Wait, what's happening? Did I just become an Auror? It's a bit amusing.
I was glad to see that in the end the goblins did agree to help Kingsley undo the curse. I guess they saw that it was in their best interests to do so. It makes me wonder if Voldemort offered them something specific, some kind of reward, for placing the curse in the first place. Surely they didn't do him that favor just out of the goodness of their hearts!
An enjoyable chapter. You have the art of storytelling well in hand (as opposed to endess paragraphs of descriptions and the inner thoughts of the characters about matters that have nothing to do with the plot, as I often see in other people's writing).
Well done. I will happily continue reading and reviewing. :)
Vicki
Author's Response:I really appreciate this! What I also enjoyed about the chapter was Ron, he thought things through too and Kingsley would compliment him. I never liked the depiction that Ron seemed to only become an Auror because of Harry, at least that's what it seemed to me. I'm so glad you're enjoying this! It's been a long time in coming to get this story out the way I want.
Hello, Heather! Here for our swap! And sorry if it took me a bit longer than I was hoping...
This was for sure an eventful chapter. You're really not giving your poor characters a break, are you? :P But I guess it's nice that the gang is all back together now... I really loved Ron's pov at the beginning of the chapter, there's something so relieving about coming back home (especially a warmth and welcoming home like the Weasleys') and you really showed that so well! <3
I must admit, I was a bit confused about the letter section and the whole Platform 9 3/4's plot at first, but maybe that's just my brain/bad English, because I reread it and it got clearer... :P I'm not sure if I agree that Draco deserves Azkaban (Lucius definitely does...) but I can get the frustration at them keeping this info and using it at the last minute just to cut a deal with the Ministry... Poor Ron, not a great news to wake up to, on top of everything else they've dealt with recently... :/
I can't believe the goblins are involved in all this, too... weren't they supposed to be neutral? I guess many of them were, but not all of them...? Anyway, they are really awful and they just keep getting more awful with each chapter... :/
I was a bit surprised by the Auror ritual, almost as if they are being ordered knights... but why not, after all? :P Another big, unexpected change for our trio, but I guess we knew it would happen (except for Hermione). The action scene was pretty well executed in my opinion, I could feel the sense of urgency in it and it had some really great visuals. Well done. :)
I hope they'll manage to solve this mess of the Platform, and that the goblins will leave Harry, Ron and Hermione alone now (and that the ones who were involved will get the punishment they deserve...)
Nice job on this one! Thank you for the swap!
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:Don't worry! They'll get a break at some point, but no, not yet... lol
Writing the Weasley house is always so sweet and this was the best because they brought someone new to the family! Also, it's truly feeling like being on the run is over and Ron and Hermione have a place to come back to. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
The plot is a little complicated, it took me a while to figure it out and I haven't written anything like it before, so I wouldn't be surprised if it was hard to understand. I'm glad it got easier on a reread though.
I think Draco was only considered for a small sentence because he was still involved and did lead to the death of Dumbledore, though there were other factors people had no idea about. It was just really frustrating to find out right before the start of term and I think I mention that Draco didn't even know, he was the one that reached out when his father told him. Another classic Lucious Malfoy snake move...
Yes, the Goblins are a handful. I see some of them like, they really enjoy messing with the Wizarding community no matter which side. It would have been fun for them to cause either side deaths because of how they feel used by both. Considering they only know that Harry's actions caused the deaths of a lot of Goblins and that Voldemort, of course, was the actual killer, I get their anger at both parties. Also, if both sides were weakened, maybe they'd try their hand at rebellion again?? I don't see this really happening in my world (yet) but it's how I think they think. There might be a group of redeeming Goblins down the road though, we'll see.
I loved the Auror ritual! Of course, this is normally done in a ceremony, but this was covert and quick. They (Hermione) don't have to stay Aurors, but they needed to be for this.
Thanks for the great review! I will go and leave yours.
-Heather
Hi, Heather. Here for our review swap.
Well, you are certainly keeping up your reputation as a storyteller.
The first half of this chapter was the slower half, focusing on the subjects that made Harry unhappy--first, the fact that Sirius had never told Harry about his marriage, and second the fact that he, Harry, had not been able, somehow, miraculously, to defeat Voldemort instantly and prevent all the death and destruction that Voldemort caused. I'm not certain why Harry felt guilty for not being as powerful as God, but so many authors have written him that way, there must be some likelihood of it. Maybe it's something akin to "survivor's guilt," in which people feel guilty for having survived when others died.
He's still young, not even eighteen years old as this story opens, so hopefully he can develop a better understanding of these matters as he gets older. Teenagers do tend to see everything as black and white.
What you have done with the second half of this chapter is quite imaginative. I haven't seen anyone else address these concerns. Normally we just go along on Harry's, Ron's, and Hermione's adventures without ever thinking about the consequences of their actions, or how they affect other people. Rob Gringott's Bank? Sure, let's go. I don't think the books ever mentioned specifically that Voldemort descended upon the bank after the trio had left and killed a bunch of goblins in his rage, but it makes perfect sense.
And the goblins' reaction is just what we would have to expect. Luckily Ron and Hermione are already in Australia, so Kingsley has to protect just Harry, for the moment. I like how you depict the goblins as equal to the wizards, though not identical, in their powers and skills, and also in their conviction that their point of view is the right one. A formidable enemy, if you are so foolish as to make them your enemy.
Yes, a cliffhanger is always a good way to get your readers to keep clicking 'Next Chapter.' A good job, very enjoyable. Thank you for continuing to write this story.
Vicki
Author's Response:Well, considering his age and that the fight is only JUST over, Harry would feel the loss of so many very hard and wouldn't know how to handle it. He had survivors' guilt in the books as well. I don't think he thought he should be as powerful as a God, but he just didn't want so many to die or suffer, and considering Voldemort's tunnel vision for Harry, he would associate it with being his fault.
The Goblins certainly make things interesting! You'll see more as you go! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, I'll get to your review soon!
Author's Response:Well, considering his age and that the fight is only JUST over, Harry would feel the loss of so many very hard and wouldn't know how to handle it. He had survivors' guilt in the books as well. I don't think he thought he should be as powerful as a God, but he just didn't want so many to die or suffer, and considering Voldemort's tunnel vision for Harry, he would associate it with being his fault.
The Goblins certainly make things interesting! You'll see more as you go! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, I'll get to your review soon!
Hi Heather, here for our swap! <3
I loved your magical detail of the beauty spells that you can order at a magical hotel! How creative!
Ron's idea to spend a nice day with Hermione is sweet, though he certainly got sidetracked with the Gringotts business and having them go through all his memories, which certainly must been draining to say the least. :(
Ron and Hermione are definitely in for some interesting adventures together trying to raise a kid! :)
Thank you for swapping!
<3 Melanie
Author's Response:I had a lot of fun with the magical details! To me, they don't quite get emphasized enough sometimes.
It was really sweet to show how hard they both worked to make sure the other was relaxed. It probably has something to do with how my husband and I went on a very stressful trip at the end of June... lol. But they both have grown a lot so I felt it was on character for both of them. It was unexpectedly hard on Ron. I wasn't even quite planning that, but it seemed like the only way to solve the problem they were having... Though I feel bad about making it hard on these characters after they've been through a lot, there's always consequences to deal with after wars and I wanted to make sure that was covered.
Yes! Eyla will certainly be an adventure, but they'll have lots of help :)
Thanks for the review swap!
-Heather
Hi, Heather! Back again for part 2 of our swap! :)
Have I mentioned recently how much I love Ron Weasley? Because I do! He's such a sweetheart, so caring and attentive to Hermione's needs and I love how much you focus on that! The fact that he wants to organize something relaxing and fun for Hermione to help distract her from her anxiety about meeting Eyla... so sweet! And I love how he recognizes that Hermione will find it hard to just relax, but wants to do it anyway because he thinks she needs it! You really show how well he understands her, which is so sweet and so very Ron, too! <3
I love that Hermione panicked a little at the idea of the date, and decided to contact Ginny for some girly advice! :D But no, Flooing to the opposite end of the world is probably not the cleverest idea... she did get some good suggestions from Ginny, though, so all in all it was worth it? ;) I loved how shocked Ginny was by the news, btw! :P As sweet as Ron can be, romantic is probably not the first adjective that comes to mind when thinking about him... :P
I kind of want to take a magical bath, too, now... :P (I could settle for a normal bath, actually... it's sooooo hot... :/ maybe I will, as soon as I'm done with this review :P)
Wow, poor Ron... that sounds like a straining day... :( these goblins are really awful, honestly... but at least Bill is getting a second chance? Food was a great idea from Hermione to bring Ron's energy back! And I love the way you wrote her while Ron was taking some relaxing time in the bathroom too, how she was so nervous about not knowing what happened to him, but restrained herself because she knew Ron needed the time. I love the way they look out for each other! <3
I saw your status where you asked if you should have included smut or not. I might be biased because I'm not into smut at all, but I think you took the right decision here. The fade to black worked so well here. You make us feel the emotional connection, we know what happens next, but there was no need to actually show it. We know it happens and that's enough, and I think it helps the chapter flow much better! :)
I didn't understand they would have to pretend to be Hermione's parents, but of course it makes sense. They would need to give some kind of proof of their identity to pick Eyla up at the airpot (sorry, airport :P), she wouldn't be entrusted to random strangers... but yeah, impersonating the Wilkins on top of everything else must've been stressful... it all went well in the end, though. Despite that moment of panic when Eyla wasn't arriving... poor child, it must have been a stressful trip for her, too!
Curious to see how things move on from there. Great chapter. Thank you for the swap. :)
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:I didn't know you loved Ron! So many people love other characters and other eras but I just can't let go of the ones we all fell in love with! Like, No! I want to write out the rest of their story! They still have one after Voldemort! I want to write out just how their characters progress emotionally, like I've done here. Though, of course, not entirely. I thought it would be adorable to have Hermione freak out a little about a date with him. I just had to keep it. I've taken to lighting candles more often when I take baths. I'm in a basic apartment and it helps the ambiance just a little. I may take one tomorrow! Lol. It's important to make sure that though the characters are trying harder to be considerate that it's still hard! They're still teens at heart! But they are more likely now to try to look out for their feelings after all they've been through. <3
I'm glad I didn't do smut either. I may do a one shot about their date and include it there, it may even be a collection of other fluffy moments with other characters too but all in the same storyline.
Yeah, they needed to impersonate them. The Wilkens' wouldn't have had any next of kin listed to pick her up if anything happened to them. Lol, Ron and the Airpot was funny.
I'm curious what will be in the next chapter too! I've written a lot... I need to pick and choose what goes together and what doesn't ... Wish me luck!!
Thanks so much for your review swaps, yours are always so fun to read :)
-Heather
Hi Heather! I'm here for our review swap! <3
I really loved this chapter! We felt Hermione's trepidition all throughout this chapter, but Ron balances her out so well. I like how he seems so self assured, when normally he is a character that is plagued with a lot of insecurities. But I'm thinking he feels like he has the backing of his family to help with Eyla, so that probably makes it easier for him not to totally freak about fostering this child. I also love how he senses what Hermione needs and knows how to go about giving it to her.
One other thing I wanted to note was your magical details! Everything from the bubble bath to the glamour spells...I mean it absolutely perfect for showing us that they're staying in a magical hotel and sets them in this magical world. I loved it all!
I thought this chapter was really well done! It showed us forward progression for Hermione and Ron while also reminding us that they're still dealing with trauma and the aftershocks of what happened with them during the war. It felt very realistic.
Anyway, now that Eyla is in the mix, I'm looking forward to seeing what unfolds for them next!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Aw, I'm so glad you liked it! Ron definitely knows his family will be there to back them up and I also think their experiences over the last year changed him. What happened between the two of them, I don't think he wants her to ever doubt him again and so, subconsciously, he's stepping up. Internally, and also demonstrated in the letter he sent home in the previous chapter, he's still freaking out. Lol.
Oh my gosh, I LOVED writing that Bubble Bath! I thought of the one Harry takes in HP4 and thought there must be a magical one in wizarding hotels!
I'm happy their progression felt realistic and I hope to figure out what to put in the next chapter! There's a lot I have written but not all of it is needed... Major editing, but I hope to get one or two out before Sept. 1st. Hint hint.
Wish me luck! Thanks for the swap,
Heather
Hi, Heather! Here for part 1 of our swap! :)
Urgh, stupid goblins! I mean, I sort of get why they were being so difficult about the whole thing, but at the same time... the way they acted with Harry (with Ron and Hermione, too, but maybe a little less so) was so vicious! And I can't believe Bill lost his job because of it! He didn't even do anything! :/ Really, so horrible... and wow, poor Harry, what a morning he had... of course he would be so exausted and helpless... :( I really liked the way you wrote Ginny's pov in that first section, btw! You really managed to convey her worry and the anxiety of the wait so well, and I loved the descriptions of the outside of the Burrow.
The way Ginny snapped at Harry after their Quidditch game was a bit unfair, to be honest... of course, I get that she was tense for a whole bunch of reasons, not just Bill, and she just sort of used the excuse to vent her frustration, but poor Harry... it wasn't even exactly his fault... breaking into Gringotts was necessary to win the war, and yes, maybe they shouldn't have mentioned Bill to the goblins, but in that situation you don't really have the time and lucidity to foresee all the possible consequences, do you? That said, I'm not angry at Ginny, she's going through a lot herself, and it's normal to say things that you don't necessarily think when you are stressed and upset... :(
I can imagine how shocked Harry and Ginny must've been when they opened Ron and Hermione's letter... all those documents and stuff... and then the shock when they actually read Hermione's letter! (Yes, it was a clever idea to read Hermione's letter first :P I think you captured both Hermione's and Ron's voices pretty well there! :D) I can't believe Hermione's parents adopted a child! And how messy it must be, having the memories from their two lives conflict in their heads... but hopefully the Healers at St Mungo's will find a solution to this problem. And we have a new little child in the group, that's so cute and I'm excited to meet Eyla! :D
But, yeah, all that news must've been overwhelming, and I can't blame Harry and Ginny for being nervous about sharing the news... although I had no doubt that it would feel much less overwhelming once the whole family was aware and everyone would make their part to organize what needs to be organized! ;) Little Sirius is so cute! I'm curious to see how he'll get along with Eyla :)
I have a little bit of CC... it's nothing important, but I thought I'd mention it just in case you wanted to go back and edit at some point... I've noticed that there were a couple of moments in this chapter where you accidentally switched to first person. Like here, for instance: "My goodness, it's early! Owls won't come until after 11. Will you two go out and play Quidditch or something already? Your nervous energy is grating on my last nerves. Go on!" She shooed us out of the house.
One last thing I wanted to mention is how much I loved that little reference about the Malfoys, and the fact that Andromeda was trying to reach out to Narcissa and offer her and Draco some help. It's always been a headcanon of mine that Andromeda and Narcissa would try to reconcile after the war, and I love you are doing the same here! :)
Another great chapter! This story is really full of surprises and so intriguing! Really nicely done! :D
I'll be back for more soon! :)
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:I know, the Goblins are ruthless... I got intrigued the way Bill warned Harry about them in book 7. Also, though they hint about the wars with Goblins in History of Magic, it never gets mentioned in the movies. I thought it'd be interesting to explore, they were too neutral in the books to be trusted really. I think they always play their own side.
It was important to emphasize feelings aren't always fair when we're grieving. I'm glad you understood that. People feel how they feel and can't always help how they're displayed. Ginny was a perfect character to display this since she had been through so much that Harry doesn't even know about during the year she had at Hogwarts and everything.
I couldn't think of ANY other way to introduce this to them. There needed to be letters of some sort here. I really wanted to do it another way but this was the best option. It was cute though and also got Ginny and Harry out of their heads for a moment. And Sirius James... I don't know how he got in my head, but he's cute and he's staying there <3 "Japa-sneeze...?" I mean honestly LOL Yes, there is more cuteness to come with Eyla!
I really feel for Hermione through all of these complications with her parents. I just couldn't imagine this going easy for her. Also, I know the movie has her doing Obliviate, but it's not entirely clear what she uses in the books. Though she says she can just lift the spell if they got back, she can't control what happens to them while she's away.
Thank you for catching that bit! It had originally been written in 1st person so that was something I missed in editing.
I'm glad you have the same headcanon for Andromeda and Narcissa. It would always have been hard to think of reconciling in the dark lord was in power or could be.
I'm so glad you are enjoying it! Thanks for the swap :)
Hi Heather, I see I had a new chapter to catch up on here!
I think you're right about the tension Ginny and Harry would be experiencing. Feelings like that aren't always rational, and Ginny may understand on an intellectual level why Harry had to do what he did, and even why he'd have brought Bill into it, but it doesn't mean she can't be worried about her brother and upset about it and figuring it all out. Sometimes people just get tense with each other.
Probably the parts I loved most about this chapter were where Harry is like, "How are we gonna tell everyone?" and Ginny's like, "Uh, literally just tell them?" It's so true and very Ginny -- may as well just spit out the information, because dancing around it doesn't make it any easier!
<3 Melanie
(galazy event)
Author's Response:Thanks so much! I know, Ginny WOULD just spit it out and I had already written long and awkward letters so I didn't want to repeat that, so what was the opposite? blurt out the important bits lol. I also like how Molly was like, oh no, this is a job for you two, not me, but she still was supportive. This chapter was so tricky! All I really wanted was to get to the next chapter... I hope/glad that didn't come across?? I guess we all have chapters like that though. I feel better having an extra review on this chapter, thanks again!
Hi Heather! Yaya for another chapter to review!
I loved this opening as it really shows us Ginny's restlessness. And the general restlessness of the house itself as it is empty and such a thing is odd. It's one of those things that I've thought about myself. That house was always full of energy and noise, but as time wears on, the energy and noise lessens as the children leave for various reasons. So I think in this opening you did a great job of showing that the house is at this new phase of life and it feels weird.
"...it was tense and silent enough to hear a knitting needle drop. Though she'd never seen her mother drop one in her life." I absolutely loved this insertion of wry humor. It also reveals something about both Molly and Ginny as characters. Molly is a meticulous knitter and Ginny a keen observer.
The small detail of Bill feeling someone come through the Floo while his head was floating in it was excellent. I love little magical details that writers think up like that. So well done!
And it sounds like Harry didn't fair well with the goblins any better than Ron and Hermione in the previous chapter. I think it was really cool that you chose to show us the action between the goblins, Ron, & Hermione in the previous chapter, and in this one, we're hearing it like a story. Both read very well! I always struggle with telling stories within my stories like you did here, so I really appreciated how well you conveyed the intensity and drama of the action through Harry's retelling. Great job with making it still feel exciting and intense, even with being told at a distance from the direct action!
"June and July had its moments of dragging agonizingly slow and speeding by like the Firebolt at the Quidditch cup." I really liked this transition statement. It's fun to play with similes and stuff :) And your magical spin on this is great.
I love the inclusion of Sirius James and Andromeda and Teddy again. Even with this passage of time though, we definitely get the sense that Ginny is still frustrated at being apart from Ron and Hermione. Which makes total sense. As it makes sense that they cannot put a lot of information into letters. So great job explaining all of that!
I think I spotted a small typo though. I think maybe, "my pensiveness," is supposed to be "Ginny's pensiveness?" No biggie. Just in case you plan on editing in future, I wanted to make you aware. :)
"...reports of slow transactions for all of the magical community had been reported and it had certainly got out that Harry had broken in and so the blame fell on him." This is such an interesting take though of the aftermath of the conflict with the goblins! Your level of thought on this particular plot point is definitely there.
I also really liked how you showed the pick up Quidditch game between Ginny and Harry. The description of the action was purposeful and the dialogue they shared in the middle of it was playful and fun. And there was a little tension, but I found your interpretation of them to be very believable, so I think you did a great job with their characters. Plus, you made me care for them. I normally feel lukewarm for them. So *high five* friend!
And oh wow plot twist about "the Wendells/Grangers," now having another daughter?! I wonder if they never had her, or she wasn't in the home when Ron and Hermione were there and why they're picking her up from the airport. If they've not met her...I wonder if there's some other trauma that is creating these trigger moments for them. But I have no doubt, you will explore this more, because you do a great job of revealing things whenever you need to! :)
Still, the tone of these letters are TOTALLY Hermione & Ron. I could hear these characters saying the things you had them saying in this moment. So I think your characterization of them was well done. I particularly chuckled at Hermione's "we just need to get this right." And Ron's "how is she bloody learning Japanese with everything else that she's going through?"
Ok, so very nice to have this chapter come full circle with it ending with the energy of The Burrow feeling lively as we're accustomed to it. I loved Sirius James' "Japa-sneaze," comment. Kids try their darnest to repeat words correctly and he was nearly there! And it was a moment of needed levity in a bit of a tense moment.
Excellent update! I look forward to seeing where this goes next!
<3 Courtney
*review 1/? rising through the ranks*
Author's Response:My goodness!! What a review!! Not only was the chapter validated in record time, but it was also reviewed in record time with a super long one to boot! SUper happy right now! Honestly, with how much action was in the last couple chapters, I felt that slowing down was a little risky. I really wanted to show Ron and Hermione's reaction to the news, but it wasn't working with the pacing I set up, so even though the letters felt like a cop out, I had written it that way originally and kept it. I really didn't want to though, so I'm so glad you liked it! I'm also editing it from 1st Person to 3rd, so thanks for catching the typo! Harry and Ginny get such flat plotlines sometimes, (Ron and Hermione too) I'm here to do them justice. Ginny is characterized as fiesty and hotheaded, it would make sense that she feels frustrated and Harry is still as moody as ever and would turn it inward. (I had a whole scene in my first draft years ago of an argument/fight that happens on their brooms racing through the orchard. We'll see if I can use it elsewhere) I'm glad they get past it though when they finally get some information from their friends. So, yes! They've adopted a little girl! She's coming from Japan on the plane, I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear... That might be another edit... And Sirius James lol, Japa-sneaze, I wrote that ages ago and it still makes me laugh. To be honest, I didn't really think about coming full circle from the house feeling empty in the beginning to full at the end. I'm happy you saw it though!
Thanks again for the sweet review! I'll read another of yours soon :)
-Heather
Hi Heather! I figured I would check out your latest chapter of What Means Most! It has been really enjoyable so far and I like how the focus of this is shifting toward Ron and Hermione with their trip to Australia. Of course, it's needed for them to go to Australia for plot reasons regarding stealing into Gringotts, but also, to retrieve Hermione's parents. Anyway, I think it's an interesting storyline to explore following the war. I wonder what the other characters are getting up to in their absence and if we will see that after this chapter.
And wow that emotional reunion came with an unexpected twist! I most definitely wasn't expecting a group of Healers to burst into the room whenever Larry Granger had that reaction to touching Ron. I wonder why that happened? And were the Healers watching from one-way glass in the house that is somehow connected to the hospital? I am very curious about those magical details.
Oh, but this is curious that the Grangers have been having "these episodes" and I'm wondering what triggers them and if it's Hermione or what not. Like I wonder if she was truly erased from their minds and they had these instances of remembering her or something about her and the magic acted up in a nefarious way. Which makes it all the more interesting that the Healers were aware of this. Did Hermione have to report what she did to her parents' memory to some institution like a hospital? So they could be observed for safekeeping? I mean, it seems very likely from canon details and events that The Ministry would be aware of any spells placed on Muggles, but when she did the spell things at The Ministry weren't great so...I don't know...just me speculating and rambling here lol. Please forgive me.
Anyway, I really like the route you've gone with Hermione's magic interfering with her parents true identities. It's not something that is acknowledged as this potentially super serious thing in canon. And I really like your interpretation of it. It makes total sense that they would be changed if she gave them new identities outside of their original ones. So I think you did an excellent job of showing that to us (and keeping me flailing and guessing in the above part of this review haha).
And you can tell things are tense between Ron and Hemione after this moment. Sometimes we forget just how young these characters are and the magnitude of what they are dealing with. And I think you do an excellent job of reminding us through these little snippy moments. Which totally make sense that they would have!
I also like that we learn the magic Hermione used is this sort of archaic magic that doesn't necessarily come with an easy reversal. Hermione would normally air on the side of caution against using such a type of spell, but I think given the circumstances of world events, the pressure and need to keep her parents safe, it's entirely believable. And she's certainly not lacking in confidence in regards to her magical abilities, so I think in the heat of the moment, under the pressure she likely was, she believed she could do it. And...she really didn't know if she was going to live or die either, so...I think that likely added to her motivations for using this as opposed to being more cautious.
Anyway, absolutely fabulous job with this story so far Heather! I am enjoying the many twists you have presented us with so far :)
Thanks for the review swap opportunity! I'm always down for more, if you are!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Thank you so much for reviewing this chapter, it's getting me that much more excited to post the next one and I just needed a little reassurance that it was something someone needed to continue. I feel better now. Since I don't know when I'll get around to editing a couple more details about the hospital, I'm just going to say, yes, there was definitely either a mirror the Healers were looking through or some sort of spell for them to watch. Also, they are at a hospital, they just made a room in the hospital look like their home so they'd be more comfortable and less taken out of their element.
When I was editing I came up with the idea of the archaic book. I was reminded of Dr. Strange when he says "The warnings should really be before the spells..." but then, like you said, she also didn't know if she was returning.
I was so happy to read you trying to guess what's happening! Another reason why I want to go finish editing/writing the next chapter. I have a lot written that I posted AGES ago before I was a better writer, so it's getting a complete overhaul here.
We can definitely keep up the review swap if you like, you certainly have a lot of chapters for me to read! And this really does help my muse get kicked into gear. Thanks so much!
-Heather
Hi, Heather. Here for a review swap. :)
When I read this chapter, I was reminded of the kinds of things that I liked so much in your ongoing story With Sirius Black, namely, the way you get inside your characters' eyes and brains with all sorts of observations that other authors wouldn't have thought of. For instance, the line where Luna says, "Neville found the castle repairing itself in places."
I like your focus on Hermione throughout this chapter. First, her interactions with Luna, incuding the brief interchange about the the now-damaged Room of Requirement. An interesting point you bring up at that moment -- of course Luna woud be concerned about her father's whereabouts, and Hermione realizes, guiltily, that she had been remiss in not telling Luna about her (Hermione's) final interaction with Mr. Lovegood at his house, where he might well have been injured (or even killed). The image of Luna being resentful of Hermione's apparent failure, back at Shell Cottage, to consider Luna's possible concerns about her father is an image we rarely see of Luna, who has always been depicted as calm, peaceful, loving. An interesting take on her, although Luna's feeling lasted only a few minutes.
The introduction of Cora McKinnon Black and her son Sirius James was a surprising and unexpected plot development. Both these characters are likable and easy to envision. Little Sirius is charming, and the way you depict him shows that you are quite familiar with what preschool-age children are like. It was good for him to be present during the time when Hermione was waiting to be able to go search for her parents. I really liked Hermione's explanation to little Sirius about where his father was.
The events at the Burrow just continued the string of greast scenes. You captured a warm and personal side of Kreacher, who was always so devoted to Regulus. That was great dialogue there. And clever you for thinking of this scene.
I liked the thread that goes throughout this chapter of Hermione thinking about her parents, wishing for them, and constantly feeling reminded that she is one of the few survivors who have no family members, blood relatives, with them. (A good point that little Sirius was one of Andromeda's few remaining blood relatives.) It was nice, in your treatment of Hermione's search for her parents, that you had Professor McGonagall help out with the logistics and with the preliminary search that located the people in Australia who were doubtless Hermione's parents. Some writers deal with this part of the post-war story by having Hermione encounter a lot of difficuty in finding her parents, but it looks as if you will not subject her to that (unless you have a big plot twist up your sleeve).
I enjoyed this chapter very much. You certainly have the knack for storyrtelling.
Vicki
Author's Response:This is the chapter I always want people to read, introducing these characters is such a happy moment for me, though, of course, it's at a very sad time. When you say, "clever you for thinking of this scene" what strikes me is the realization that I don't feel like I think of them. I think they really happened and I'm just recording it. There were a few times in my life I interacted with kids Sirius James' age or a little older at summer camps when I was a camp counselor, but it was years ago. They definitely left an impression on me though, so that must have helped. I LOVE writing him, he's just the cutest. Cora, hint hint, will be introduced in With Sirius Black eventually!
Back to Hermione though, I'm glad you liked her interaction with Luna, tense as it is. What I don't see often in this era of writing is the repercussions of what they did and their real feelings on the matter. I always see Professor McGonagall as becoming more helpful and close to the characters. Not to be rude about Dumbledore but I feel like he kinda discouraged her getting too close to any of them just in case it interupted his plans. I think it's unfortunate, what could have been better or different with her input? You will have to see where I take the story in the next few chapters! Thank you for another of your amazing reviews!
Heather, hi! I started reading the next chapter of this story the other day, but got distracted by life things. I saw you jumped into Review Tag and thought, now's a good time (now that the rest of the house is asleep), it's gotta mean something right?
I love how you show their grogginess of arriving in a country halfway across the world by their inability to remember the Ministry Official's name. But also, it seemed too easy that they might just escape from England to Australia without anyone noticing. Especially since there are "official channels" that they appeared to go through.
But I wasn't expecting them to be forcibly held by the goblins. It definitely accentuates their anger over the situation. But I was surprised because you'd think at a place like The Ministry there would be a semblance of decorum. Maybe they reject that though? Since they reject other beliefs held by wizards.
I like how you had Ron the one who was fast thinking and clever. He definitely has the capability to do so, but it's a trait that is often overlooked by writer's, especially when he's paired with Hermione. So I loved that he was the one who sort of jumped in whenever the conversation stalled.
And I love how the second half of this chapter is full of sweet Ronmione goodness. Ron's devotion to her is sweet and I really enjoyed their soft moments together.
He shook his head and cleared his throat, "Uh, sorry, I think I need the Loo before we go."
Ron barely heard her as she sighed in exasperation, "You couldn't have done that while I changed?"
^^ Is this a universal couple thing because gahhh...I felt like I was reading a moment in time from my life with my spouse LOL.
Ouch, on the Lavender comment. I suppose we don't always think fondly on our exes, and he is fairly young here, so it could be a foot-in-mouth sort of situation. But it seemed a little harsh.
I'm curious to learn more about the extent of Hermione's parents memories and what it is they actually remember. Because they do seem to remember her. Was the spell automatically reversed based on the outcome of the war? Did Hermione make a deal with Australian authorities to lift the enchantment? I must know haha!
So glad I could return to this story again! I look forward to seeing what happens next!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Aww thanks for the review! I'd almost forgotten that I did review tag. The Goblins I think were too pissed to care about decorum and probably forced their way through. I also think, with the Lavender comment, which is mentioned in other reviews, this is still Ron and Hermione we're talking about! With all the arguments they've had, yes they're more mature, but Hermione in particular is still under TONS of stress and tends to get snippy. I thought Ron started thinking quicker on his feet during the battle of Hogwarts and Hermione sometimes stalls when she's emotional and was already emotional about her parents. I'm glad it worked for you! I'm also glad I've got you itching to read more, I've wanted to write more but didn't know if I had the readership I wanted for it. With my new desk setup it should go smoother :) Thanks so much for this review, I'm glad you enjoyed it! -Heather
Hey Heather! I wanted to drop by to read and review this story as I have not only been meaning to read this in ages but have not done so! This is also for your wishlist for the Artic Adventure event! With that said, onward ot the review!
First off, I really love the dialogue of your characters and how the Golden trio all sound like you would of have read them off the pages of the book! Honestly some of the things that Harry or Ron says just reminds me of them and what they would probably say in the books! So I guess I should say that props to you on your characterization or at least trying to stick close to canon and capturing their personalities very well! :)
The part about Ginny wanting to be happy that the war is over and that many people she had worried about had was described wonderfully. I particularly loved this sentence: "She stopped next to a window, leaned on the sill, and breathed heavily. The sun streamed inside the dark corridor. The sky blue and cloudless, almost as if it had won a triumphant victory of its own." It definitely is an accurate description of grief. I honestly wanted to hug Ginny when she was breaking down and thinking about no longer having a brother with her. George not only lost a twin and other half but Ginny also lost a brother who also made her laugh and one she got along with quite often. I still wish to this day that Fred hadn't died and that somehow he was still with the Golden trio and his family.
I honestly love that the random stranger who hugged Ginny while she was crying about the realization of Fred's death, was a Slytherin. I hadn't expected that as I read that and actually thought the stranger was an unfamiliar witch or wizard or a Puff since they're known for their warm hugs hahaha. In seriousness, it's great that the Slytherin was there to hug and comfort Ginny or took some time to do so. The world needs kindness and what's a better gesture of kindness then giving strangers a random hug and trying to help comfort them when they're grieving or going through a horrible time in their life? It was one of my favorite parts of this chapter so far.
Oh my gosh, I love the fact that Kreacher has become so much kinder after the events of Deathly Hallow and that he is to Harry. It's sad that Ginny still hadn't had an idea or knew what happened to Dobby. It actually breaks my heart just thinking about Dobby. It's just great that Kreacher has been so willing to do Ginny's requests even though I do think her asking for the fresh change of clothes for not just her and Harry is probably quite alot if you think about it! Still, if he's able to do so, then I don't see why not?
I should definitely mention that I genuinely love all the Hinny moments and can't pinpoint which one I liked best as I love anything with Hinny in it and just knowing they have such a wonderful relationship is my favorite thing to read! I thought her using the Wingardium Leviosa on Harry with The Fat Lady commenting and watching them was quite hilarious! Hadn't expected her to that spell on Harry like that yet that's such a good idea to do so though hahaa! xD Oh, and of course, I understand why she would angry with him in regards but I'm really glad that they're able to discuss with another and be able to convey their feelings with one another too. Oh, and that kissing scene was not something I expected but do love! :)
I love how we see a bit of Ron and Ginny's sibling relationship in this chapter too and I know that you mentioned her brothers earlier and the twins and that was sad just thinking about Fred whose death I'll never get over. :( I'm just glad that her and Ron are at least still with one another though! It was cute how they got to hug one another and still tease each other or get at each other and in this case about their relationships in a sense. Ginny's digust with Riomone definitely felt like something Book Ginny would definitely react to even if she loves that Hermione and Ron are now dating as well! I do want to also mention that I'm glad that we got to see some Romione too seeing Ron and Hermone being in love in general. They're so precious together as well. <3 I love how they just wanted to stay in bed and just keep snogging each other. It's definitely so on part with them! ;w;
It's really sweet how Ginny and Harry takes care of baby Teddy after Andromeda goes with Professor McGonagall to see the grave of her daughter and her son in law. I think when Teddy burped on Harry, I can not only envision the scene but also Harry's disgust too hahaha. Poor Harry! Then again, he's going to have to deal with three children down the line...so yeah! Ginny, on the otherhand, is definitely going to be prepared! It's great that Andromeda recognizes this in not only in Ginny being able to hold him but also Harry. Harry is definitely a parent material along with Ginny. Tonks and Remus definitely knew what they're doing choosing them as godfathers. It's also nice that you also expanded Andromeda's conversations with Harry and Ginny since we don't see or hear much of Andromeda and the other characters in the book. It's nice that she's the one also taking care of Teddy too. I also forgot to mention earlier but I love the conversation where Harry and Ginny talked about Lupin and Tonks making both Harry and Ginny being the godparents to their son, Teddy and it's so fitting with whom they have chosen as well.
Ahh yes, it's glad to hear there will be memorials and for parents. I definitely can relate to Harry's pain knowing that despite how the events unfolded and the lives that were lost and sacrifices being made that it still wasn't fair. I feel that it not only makes him relatable and human but it's something that we also have to deal or live with especially in a big event such as a war and also while dealing with death. I know that in his case is more so due to him and his path and journey to where he is. Still, am glad to know that those who died battling against Voldemort, sacrificing themselves, and each other.
Honestly this was a really well written chapter and I had so much I want to say about it but I'm hoping this will suffice for now! I'm excited to definitely get around to reading Chapter 2 as well! For now, do want to say that I enjoyed it and am hoping to come back to this story soon and read more! Awesome job! :)
-Diana/Di!
Author's Response:My goodness this is probably my longest review to date! But I LOVE it!!
That is one of the highest compliments that the characters sound straight out of the book! Thank you so much!
Yes, Ginny's grief is real. I have to say, what happened to her, getting hugged by a stranger during her grief, really happened to me. I just characterized them as a friend who identifies as Slytherin and could see her doing the same thing, though she wasn't who hugged me randomly, she would definitely do that though. Also, Slytherins get such a bad rep! Not all of them are jerks!
Kreacher becomes a bigger part of the family and I love it. I can't help but include him after all he'd been through. Remember in book 7, before they left Grimmauld Place, he'd been cooking and cleaning for them because Harry gave him Regulus' Locket and promised to continue his work? Kreacher would then understand anyone who fought with Harry also fought for Regulus. At least that's how I see it.
OMG the Hinny moments are too cute. A long time ago I had the idea of Ginny floating him up the stairs. It was too cute to cut. (and by long time I mean at least 10 years ago lol) But yes, there will have to be the upsets, it was still very rough for both of them over the past year.
Yes, Romione is also going to be fully represented. The chapters will be on rotation between the four of them and we will get the full spectrum of that including Ginny and Ron's relationship, the bromance and Ginny and Hermione. in their sibling type relationships.
There will be plenty of time for everyone to practice their inner parent in the coming chapters, and that's all I'll say. It is very bittersweet here though.
I'm so happy you enjoyed this story and completely look forwards to many more reviews from you. This is truly the story I've wanted to tell for years (it was on HPFF) and I'm glad I get to edit it to where I'm really really proud of it.
As I tell others, this story will also link to With Sirius Black which follows Sirius from after the Prison break to his death :( But you'll understand the need to write it in the upcoming chapters ;)
Thanks again for such a great review!
Heather
Hi! I’m here for the arctic gifting event :D
George setting off fireworks at the memorial service is the prefect tribute to Fred. I think Fred would have approved.
Hermione turns out to be so sweet with the kids! First she’s watching Teddy and taking such good care of him. And then she does an excellent job with Sirius James (surprise surprise!). I loved the moment where she explains to Sirius that his father had to go back and live with the stars.
Speaking of Sirius James—I don’t think anyone was expecting Sirius’s secret wife and child to show up at this moment. And how horrible for Cora that she’s waited this long, only to learn that Sirius is dead. I hope we learn more about Cora and Sirius James, who is a bundle of mischief and energy like his father.
Hermine’s wiping her parents’ memory is one of those bombshells that is glossed over so quickly in canon. I’m glad to see you taking some time to deal with the consequences of it here.
Happy Holidays!
Yours,
Noelle
Author's Response:The first thing I thought of when trying to write a memorial scene was George setting off fireworks. I never thought of it any other way. Fred would definitely approve.
I don't know why I just think Hermione would be a natural with kids, but that's how it came out :) It is adorable though right? Though sad with both boys. I'm glad you like Cora, there will definitely be more about her, just not yet. Hermione has a lot to do! Yes, I agree it's glazed over, I really think the way I've written it works well, though difficult. Thank you so much for the review! I hope to see you again soon, sorry it took so long to respond!
Heather! Here for your reward review in beating me during the rat race.
I really think you bring to light a lot of these "bigger picture," thoughts and ideas about life in a smooth fashion. Harry contemplating about "biological family" versus "found family," is brought up as a result of him reminiscing about Sirius, which fits in nicely. And then this idea of people rambling and overexplaining whenever they're stressed as shown through Hermione expressing all the possibilities Australia has in store, was another great example of this.
Luna losing her luster is really quite sad. But when you think about Xeno being all she really has, family wise, it makes sense. Still, she's one of those people who is always seeking a silver lining or an alternative way of thinking that doesn't jive with "what most people," think. It's such a fundamental part of her character, so to see her lose that is a little sad. I'm glad she has Neville and his grandmother to help her through it though.
Also, the idea of Augusta Longbottom being so well connected that she's able to effectively help so many people, even if it's just with getting them much needed information, is lovely. It gives the gruff woman we see in canon additional layers, so well done there.
Interesting idea about the goblins and them wanting the trio to pay for breaking into the bank. I don't normally read post-war stories, so I never considered this idea, but I think it totally makes sense. The goblins really wanted no part in this war, and some joined ranks with The Order rather reluctantly. I think you do a great job of reminding us of that and by also showing them take this stance.
I'm curious to see where this goes next!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Aww, thank you.. It was not one of those real official rat races where I truly got to sit for 30 minutes. I kinda pieced it together over the day, so I'll go review something of yours too if I can, but I appreciate it! I'm so glad you liked this chapter. I kinda thought drunk Harry was pretty funny, but no one's mentioned it yet. But yes, Luna's story is sad, I want to write it someday, but I have too many things I need to write to do anything else. I always think that Post Hogwarts stories are under-rated, I love coming up with what happens next, I still think it can be exciting and mysterious too. I'm glad I've made you curious!
Thanks for the sweet review :)
Heather
Hey, Heather! I'm here for the arctic adventure! Happy holidays! :D
Oh, wow... poor Hermione... I did feel it was a bit too simple, actually, but now I'm so sad that this happened and that her parents aren't actually alright... the reunion at the beginning was such a sweet moment, but then they had that reaction and went back to their fake memories... it was so scary... and so sad for poor Hermione... I'm feeling so, so bad for her! And of course she would feel so guilty, too... :/
Ron is such a sweetheart, he's so thoughtful! Hermione is really lucky to have him supporting her and taking care of her! The Sleeping Draught was such a thoughtful idea, definitely what Hermione needed right then. And I loved the image of them sitting in front of the fireplace, like they did in the Gryffindor Common Room! That was again very thoughtful and sweet!
Trust Hermione to have brought the books with all the information with her! :P And not remembering until Ron asked how she knew those spells in the first place... :P I was really hoping that she would find a solution in those pages, not more despair, though... but I'm sure they'll find a way out eventually, right? Like Ron said, if someone can figure it out, that's Hermione ;)
Okay, but... what did the Healer want? Should I be worried? Why do you always have to end these chapters in cliffhangers? That's very rude of you, you know? :P
Great chapter!
Happy holidays again,
Chiara
Author's Response:Well, it wasn't the Healer, it was someone with the Ministry, but all the same, it will be a surprise!! I like to think that Ron has quite a bit of thoughtfulness in him if given the chance, I mean, look at his parents! Yes, unfortunately I couldn't make this simple for Hermione, though I wanted to, it was just never what I pictured happening. It's so heart wrenching, especially because those certain words trigger it, it's so tricky! It's definitely hard, as a writer, to figure out how to go about it. Thanks so much for the review! -Heather
Hi, I'm here for our swap!
Ooh, it's surprising that Hermione of all people wouldn't read the fine print on something like this spell (or on anything really)! Maybe at the time she DID read it, but in her hubris just sort of disregarded the danger, particularly as she really had no other alternatives.
It's really lovely to see how Ron takes care of her. <3 And also I liked the part where Ron was like "couldn't you just use those same books to reverse the spell" and she hadn't thought of it, because he tends to ask the pragmatic questions that often annoy her but really are good points.
Looking forward to more soon! Thank you for the swap!
Melanie
Author's Response:Hi!
I just had this feeling like maybe she didn't have the time when she first found the book, like maybe someone was coming, she knew it would work and that was enough and she just never went back to it because it met her needs and because she doesn't like thinking about losing her parents, didn't really want to emmerse herself in it? I mean, I kinda hear my mom in my head, yes, I've asked her for opinions on chapters in the past and I get the... 'if she didn't want to lose her parents she would do all she could to research it so she gets them back ok.' It's much more complicated than she ends up putting it and I can never explain it very well. I haven't asked her opinion on things in a while now for writing... :P I guess really the point is, she might have done it anyway even if she had read the fine print because, as you said, there were no other alternatives.
The Ron I write is Such a sweetheart and honestly, after all they've been through, with him leaving, I think yes, he feels guilty, but that it shifted his personality a bit from his inherant teenage selfishness (we all have it and of course he wasn't always that way) to a more... he's watched his mom all his life, if someone was feeling badly, she brought them something and Molly and Arthur both seem like a pragmatic kind of smart to me which Ron certainly inherited. They balance each other so well! Also, he still had his, I'm annoyed at all the questioning, I'm stressed out too give me a break moment. I thought it was very Ron :)
Thanks sooo much for the review
-Heather
Hello! Here for tag :)
I like how Arthur and Molly are treating Harry et al as adults and allowing them to sleep as partners under their roof, or turning a bit of a blind eye to their joint sleeping arrangements at least. After what they have all been through, they probably undestand the need for Ron and Hermione to seek comfort in each other and likewise Ginny and Harry. I'm not surprised Harry still has questions for Cora - that was one heck of a surprise for him to find out his godfather had got married whilst on the run and now had a son too. It must also be a bt heart-breaking for him to recognise Sirius in his his son, and also for him to have the same name - I wonder if he finds it jarring or awkward to call this child 'Sirius' when the death of Sirius is still only a couple of years behind him?
Cora's explanation makes sense and I guess Harry and Cora can unite in the fact that they both loved and miss Sirius Senior, and one day perhaps share some of their happier memoris with each other?
That's so sad about Luna's father. And I liked how you explored the displacement of Hogwarts students - of course the war will have shattered so many lives. It's something we don't often see discussed in fanfiction so I'm glad you broached the topic here. Kids will have lost their parents, people will have gone into hiding/fled the country so this is a realistic (albeit tragic) aspect to consider.
I didn't see that coming with the goblins! Of course the goblin population must be extremely angry over the break-in at Gringotts - goblins and wizards/witches share a chequered history, after all - and they will have been furious that their defences were breached. Unique plot line - I'm looking forward to seeing what develops from here and whether Harry escapes...
Pins
Author's Response:Hi there! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, yes, it might be a little sad hearing Sirius' name more often, also, since he goes by Sirius James, he's also hearing his fathers' name. Harry and Cora will definitely have more time together eventually. Yes, Arthur and Molly realize most of their kids are old enough to be trusted, also they know, probably from the first war, how important it is to have someone be right there for you if there are nightmares... Though they will tighten the rules when it seems like everyone is feeling a bit better. I know! Those Goblins right?? I haven't read anything that goes into it before, so I hope I do it right :) You will see what happens next! Thanks for the review, Oh! and Yes, Luna's father... I have a plunny with Luna but haven't gotten around to writing it yet. We'll see if I can incorporate her story in this too or if that's too much. It's probably too much, I'm already following 4 characters. We will also see how displaced children are cared for too in coming chapters.
Thanks again!
-Heather
Hi Heather...back for another tag!
First of all, I think you capture this sort of lull/hushed mood quite brilliantly at the beginning with the memorial. The way we see everyone having their own reverent moments is touching.
Loved the detail about the castle healing parts of itself! I don't know if that's canon or you, but either way you should consider it a compliment, because I found it very creative! :)
And Sirius had a secret wife and son! Ooh...I love that idea! And her passing his name along is another super sweet sentiment in this rebuilding story. <3
I really liked your take on Hermione still needing to find her parents and set things right with him so that her journey was completed. That was a lovely line she spoke to Harry about it! But her feelings are also so realistic because, how does she know how they will be when they find her? I have no doubt you will explore the memory spells and the effects on her parents. Her enthusiasm at the end suggests that she's determined to reunite with them.
Also, adorable little Ronmione moments with them embracing and hand holding throughout. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Anyway, my apologies if this review is all over the place. I really like how you are exploring this post-war rebuild in a very emotive sort of way.
Very done!
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:I'm so glad you enjoyed it! (P.S Cora will appear in With Sirius Black too eventually!)
The castle repairing itself is all my idea :) but it makes sense right? It's a magical castle, why not?? Sometimes the best reviews are a little all over the place, that's fine, my responses often are too LOL I'm really enjoying posting these chapters, it helps me know I'm doing right to a story that I've been working on and off on for the last decade or so. Major editing being done, I've cut much of it by at least half! It's my endeavor to make everyone feel warm and fuzzy as much as possible. Sometimes, at least for me, it's been hard to find good quality fluff. Between you and Mel, I'm definitely feeling not so deprived anymore!
Happy reviews make me happy, thanks again!
-Heather
Alrighty, back as promised for a review of this chapter!
War, like death, is one of those "equalizers" in life. I really liked how you show that in the moment of grief that overcomes Ginny and we see a Slytherin, someone normally viewed as antagonistic to her Gryffindor sensibilities, reaching out to provide comfort. I thought it was a great thing to portray.
Interesting that Kreacher responds to Ginny's request. Was he just generally being helpful now that the war was over? Did he recognize something between Harry and Ginny and assume it would please Harry? I'm curious about that, but I think the sentiment behind it all is very sweet.
The image of Harry floating up the stairs to the dormitory is rather amusing. And I thought the Fat Lady's commentary was also pretty funny.
I am always about someone tending to another someone's wounds. Particularly when those someone's are sort of into each other. So that was a really sweet moment you portrayed there between these two before they sort of just overflow emotionally onto one another.
I think what they both express is plausible. I think Ginny trying to restrain the full range of her emotions while trying to rub salve into his wounds also makes sense as to why she then explodes on him in the way she does. And naturally Harry would respond similarly because he doesn't take well to being yelled at. And the traumas of war are still imprinted on them. So yeah, emotions are close to the surface of things.
I thought their admission of feelings was sweet as was the inclusion of Harry with Teddy. I will never be ok that Teddy was orphaned, but this made it ease that sadness in me a little bit.
I think overall you did a great job at balancing these characters pain and trauma with a sensitivity and tenderness that shows us healing is possible for them.
<3 Courtney
Author's Response:Thanks for the extra review :)
The interaction with the slytherin is based off a real experience I had and a friend of mine (who coincidentally got me into fanfiction) is a slytherin. I could see it be something she'd do so I merged the two together. She's always convinced that some Slytherins stayed to fight, just because we don't hear about it doesn't mean it couldn't happen. Oh, I meant to explain a bit about Kreacher but didn't find the right moment. But essentially, yes, he knows that the people who stayed to fight also fight for what Regulus died for. Don't get me wrong, he isn't perfect, but here he was a bit more grateful. I'll try to remember to include that in a chapter edit sometime. Harry floating to bed was always something I can picture vividly, Ginny doing for him. I had that idea YEARS ago. The Fat Lady was a fun touch too. I had more written in a whole chapter in which they confront their emotions. It was good, they flew on their brooms around the orchard at the Burrow, she'd hex him (mostly heat blisters or something) but then I realized they also want to move on and not talk about it much either. Depending how it goes, maybe I'll revisit it. I hate that Teddy was orphaned... I don't think it was really necessary to "reflect" but I'll try to do my best by him. Thanks so much for the review, I've gone through my share of trauma and I'm healing bit by bit so I'm glad I've been able to convey that message. -Heather
Tag!
There are a lot of strong emotions in this chapter, but considering the timing of it, this is fitting.
I loved that a random Slytherin girl gave Ginny comfort when she was crying about Fred and everything that had happened. And I sort of love that Ginny doesn't find out the name of her comforter. Sometimes people just come out of the woodwork and help us when we need them.
I also loved the moment when Ginny freaked out at Harry, and he freaked right back out at her. They both had good points, and I appreciated that they both got to make them. The transition from fighting to kissing made sense in the moment too.
It was sweet how Ginny and Harry woke up in the same room as Hermione and Ron, who had had a similar idea of spending the night together. It gave us some lighter moments before it was time to go down and figure out how to mourn the dead.
Nice first chapter!
Yours,
Noelle
Author's Response:Thanks so much for the review! There are lots of strong emotions, grief is rarely straight forward so that all of these things happen are pretty realistic. The random Slytherin girl is based off a real experience I had and I never found out her name. It's also something a good friend of mine would do and she's a slytherin so I combined the two together. This chapter combined a few multiple ones and I found it was just toooo much mourning. I think this was just enough with the next chapter that also introduces new things. Thanks again!
-Heather
Tag!
Oh this was a very adorable Ron/Hermione chapter! (I agree with your note about a lot of the bickering being done -- maybe not all, but when you think about it, a lot of that in the books came from insecurity and jealousy and just sort of growing into themselves and they grew a lot in the last couple of books and realized how much they stood to lose.)
There was such a lot of adorable tenderness here like the snuggling and when he went for a walk and was missing home and brought back breakfast -- just so very wholesome. But lots of passion as well which I think suits them and also obviously the lustiness of people their age in a new relationship. LOL at Ron when she got undressed. But like, mostly it just makes him happy that she's happy. <3
The image of Hermione about the jump into the Floo still in her pajamas seemed very much in character as well, totally like her to just get super tunnel-visioned and barrel ahead when she's eager about something. Ron balances her out really well in that way.
Her parents! I wonder if their memory has been repaired such that they're up to speed with what's going on, or -- I wonder because of what her mum says here -- whether they think they're right back at the day when she first obliviated them?
Melanie
Author's Response:I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I can't wait to get the next chapter up because it answers a lot of questions. I tried not to leave it on a cliffhanger but I almost wish I did because staying quiet is even harder without one lol. I thought Ron and Hermione were both adorable in this too. I think Ron's feeling homesick because since he knows his family is safe again, he'd want that family time still to stay in one place for a while. They've traveled a lot over the last year! They need a break!
Thanks so much for the review! I hope another will be up soon :)
-Heather
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