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And one more quick one for the flash review event because I couldn't stop reading! Yet again, this was adorable. Such a blend of sweetness and sadness and poignancy and this story is just excellent at giving me ALL THE FEELINGS.
Favourite line - "She loves everything about Harry, even his stupid chivalry."
Wonderful as always. Especially enjoyed the glimpses into the rest of the Weasleys here, and the idea of a Christmas of new beginnings.
Jem xx
Author's Response:Thank you for stopping by with another review, Jem! I loved hearing your favorite line <3
- Quilly
Yay more! And we get to see them reunited!
Okay, first off I loved seeing Harry and Ron as reluctant celebrities. Poor Harry never liked being famous and now he's just hit whole new levels of celebrity. I reckon Ron probably quite likes being asked to sign things for a change, but I like how quickly he forgets about the autographs when he realises Hermione's near. I know this is a Ginny/Harry story primarily but I loved this glimpse into Ron and Hermione's relationship at the same time.
Hahaha this line 'It pleases him greatly to be able to one up them, no matter their answer.' is so absolutely Ron Weasley I love it. And then he brings up Harry's potential Merlin as well. Ron's really stealing the show for me this chapter I just love him.
I felt pretty disappointed in Harry letting his temper get the better of him before Ginny had even explained why Rolf was there, but it's very in character for him and I suppose he can be forgiven for feeling a bit vulnerable in his first proper relationship.
And then I'm so proud of Ginny for standing up for herself (although not surprised at all that she would). Good for her for calling Harry out, and for opening up about her own vulnerabilities as well. You're setting them up for a really healthy relationship and showing them learning to communicate properly, which I love.
Another wonderful chapter! Jem xx
Author's Response:Hehe yes, I agree Ron was a little more pleased about the attention than Harry, at least at that stage in their lives. I'm so glad you enjoyed Ron. Even though it's Harry/Ginny fic, I enjoy adding snippets with the oter characters and it means a lot to hear you say that you're enjoying that aspect of it. Thank you so much for coming by with such a thoughtful review!
- Quilly
Ahh, this is such an adorable snippet into Harry and Ginny's lives, now that Harry has moved in with Ginny <3 I wonder if Ginny's insomnia is in part related to a fear of waking up and finding it's all a dream and Harry's not really there with her? Or a worry that something will happen whilst she's asleep? Or a fear that this happiness can't last forever? And I think these are worries that are mirrored in Harry because he wakes up to make sure Ginny's still there. Possibly PTSD? Or maybe I should stop speculating and just enjoy...<3
Brave of them to leave the window open in winter, but I suppose it gives them an excuse to use each other for warmth, haha!!
Meera <3
Author's Response:I love the speculation <3 There's definitely an element of them thinking it to be too good to be true! Thank you so much for the review, Meera! I love hearing your thoughts on these chapter.
Love, Quilly .
Hello hello! I'm here for our swap and I'm SO GLAD to have a chance to come back to this wonderful story again so soon!
I love how we open with Ginny watching Harry, Ron and Hermione through the window. It's a position she must be very used to by now, never being fully part of their circle but always being close enough to see some of what's going on, but I like how we don't get any bitterness or resentment from her. She has confidence in herself and in her own importance, and she knows that what she and Harry have is different from what he has with his friends. I love that when he comes to her later, Harry's able to be open and honest with Ginny and to share all the worries he might not be able to talk about with other people.
"There's nothing for me there." "I'm not nothing." - oh poor Ginny this made my heart hurt! I'm glad she spoke up for herself, though. I think she wouldn't expect him to go back to Hogwarts to be with her, but it's right for her to call him out on his word choice.
I'm also glad Ginny makes it clear to Harry that it's his turn to have a normal life if he wants one. He always feels such a strong sense of duty and it's good that he's got somebody like her to look out for him and to make sure he understands that he has a choice.
'You're great for snogging, if not for my nerves' - Yes absolutely this rings very true for Ginny and Harry's relationship. And then I love Harry asking her to go back to the snogging comment! So lovely to see him being playful with her even though he's still weighed down by the impact of the war.
Another wonderful chapter! Thank you for the swap!
Jem xx
Author's Response:Yes, I'm so glad you caught on to Ginny watching from the outside! Harry, Ron, and Hermione, at this point, are still very much a trio, and Ginny understands her place in the dyanmics, but there's also a side of Harry that he allows just for her. Harry could've definitely worded it better - story of his life ;p - but Ginny's one to speak her mind and make things clear too. Thank you so much for coming by and leaving such a wonderful, thoughtful review, Jem.
- Quilly
Quilly! LOVING all these new chapters - keep 'em coming!!
Ah, I wondered when the distance would become an issue for one or both of them. The truth is, even when a relationship's working well, as theirs is right now, it's still a bind to go back and forth between places and even more of a bind to have to go back home and leave the other person behind. As love matures, it definitely becomes harder to leave rather than easier. And Ginny HAS to stay in Holyhead with her team-mates, but Harry has a bit of wiggle room (or the ability to issue ultimatums, ha!).
But moving closer also comes with its own set of conundrums, because Ginny's been living in Holyhead without Harry for three years and has built a life for herself there. Harry's arrival could disturb the order of things, and there's no-one more aware of that fact than Harry himself. It's so sweet how he recognises that he wants Ginny to keep living her own life too in Holyhead and he's willing to be flexible with living arrangements.
It doesn't matter, though, because Ginny's so sure about moving in. The love that these two have for each other really shines through in this chapter!!
Meera <3
Author's Response:I'm REALLY trying to get to those prompts by the end of the month ::forheadsweats:: haha
There hasn't been much of a chance to discuss Harry's career (yet) but he's definitely talented at it (as we know) and has much more pull than he lets on, so it felt right that he would use that to be near Ginny. Ginny's also very much in young love and wanting to put an end to what has been a really long, long distance relationship. I'm happy to hear that the love they for each other is shining through <3
- Quilly
Hi, Quilly. Here for our review swap! I see that as fast as I write reviews on these wonderful Harry/Ginny vignettes, you keep writing new ones, so that I can never catch up!
The part of this vignette that I particularly liked was the section where Harry says that he hadn't decided whether to attend the Merlin Awards event, even though he was one of the honorees, because he couldn't feel that eliminating or ending an evil was as worthy of celebration as would be the creation of some sort of absolute good. One might say that defeating Voldemort and the Death Eaters just got us back to where we were before Voldemort was ever born, but it didn't advance wizarding society to new heights of goodness.
A very interesting way to look at it. But eliminating evil is as important as creating good, like pulling the weeds out of your garden beds before you plant your flowers and vegetables.
It is good that Ginny, even though she thinks differently than Harry does, was wise not to say out loud the thoughts that you have put into her head. Her thoughts and Harry's words were really about two different issues, two different aspects of the whole Wizarding War II experience. And I can see that Harry would be tired of having the same acclamations repeated over and over in new forms: the medal, the trophy, the wall plaque, the statue in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic, the billboard, the proclaiming of May 2 to be known henceforth as Harry Potter Day, and so on.
"He wants only to be allowed to move on from it all." This line would distinguish him from some other people who would desire to bask in their own glory for the rest of their lives, wearing the medal on a chain around their neck every day where everyone could see it and be reminded.
No, he would of course never forget what he went through, the challenges he successfully faced, the unnecessary deaths he prevented, but that was the past. He knew he couldn't linger in the past. He had to make something of the rest of his life. Tall order for someone only 18 years old.
A very nice, thoughful moment. Even though his past would haunt him, we can see that he was ready for his future.
An excellent little story. Thank you for writing!
Vicki
Author's Response:I think you understood Harry's feelings perfectly. He doesn't see it as a contribution but rather as something that NEEDED to be done in order for him, his loved ones, and the wizarding world in general to surive. Of course as you say, eliminating evil is important, and that's where Ginny's mind goes, but she understands his need to step away from those events. Thank you so much for doing the swap with me and leaving this thoughtful review <3
- Quilly
Hi Quilly! I feel a bit embarrassed revealing that despite many years of reading and enjoying Harry Potter fanfiction, I've never actually read any with Harry as a main character. I tend to go for stories about minor characters, or marauder or next gen eras, I think because I worry about seeing Harry potentially out of character in somebody else's hands. No worries of that here though! Your Harry is exactly how I imagine he would be after the war.
This is such a beautiful and moving opening chapter. You strike exactly the right balance between poignant sadness and hopefulness. I like that you're not rushing Harry into what comes next, but you're showing how he starts to open up again. And Ginny is just perfect!
I'm so pleased to have found this story (thank you review tag!) and will be back very soon for chapter 2! Jem xx
Author's Response:I feel the same way about Harry Potter stories - and I try to keep Harry in character BUT I have to admit that that's one of the biggest challenges I face when writing him so it means a lot that you found him true to character, at least in this chapter <3 thank you for taking the time to write this review! it means a lot <3
- Quilly
Hey Quilly! Yay for new chapter <3
Ugh, there's nothing like the feeling of being a fish out of water, especially when it's a particularly lavish event where everyone's on ceremony. Especially when your friends appear to be managing perfectly well and getting into a conversational stride. And OMG, how many times have I heard words and understood them yet NOT understood them simultaneously, and then carried on drinking??! YES LOL. I think Ginny might be my spirit animal ;)
Oh, and poor Harry's really not enjoying it for obvious reasons. Being centre of attention is really not his bag, no matter how many times he's thrust into that position. So it's just the perfect decision for both Ginny and Harry to enjoy a well-dressed evening elsewhere with someone else cooking the food (I love how you've hinted at a previous chapter in here!)
Looking forward to the next one!
Meera <3
Author's Response:Hehe I so often feel that way when I hear academics speaking to each other. Like, I get the words, but I'm not understanding the language ;p and yes, Harry's not at all about that life - luckily, Ginny's on board with leaving all the fancy-ness behind. Thank you so much for your review, Meera <3
- Quilly
I loved this one, Quilly. It's so funny. I loved how you described how Ron's flat was always so tidy and well-stocked when Hermione was around, and how it has gone badly downhil when she's not there to do the housekeeping.
You describe Ron's dejected and dispirited mood so well. A great line: "Ron's spread himself on the couch so defeatedly, most of his limbs are falling off from it." Perfect!
Clever Harry to pick up on the fact that Ron is down in the dumps becauses he dreads facing Viktor Krum again and fears being shown up on the dance floor at the upcoming Merlin Award event. But running away from your problems is not going to make anything better, so kudos to Harry for trying to pry Ron up off the couch and teach him to dance.
It gets funnier when Ginny arrives and finds the boys' dance efforts hilarious. I liked how you had Harry talk to her through the crack in the door and persuade her not to laugh at Ron because teaching Ron to dance was serious, necessary business, and Ron woulldn't cooperate if he thought people were laughing at him. It was clever of you to have Harry say that.
And we have a happy ending--Ginny manages to control her hilarity and teach her brother to dance. You say that final fact of the story in only ten words, because it is important for us to know that Ron did learn to dance (and apparently it didn't take long, with a competent teacher), but there is no need for description of it; we are simply reassured that everything turned out okay.
A very nice little story. I am constantly amazed by the inventiveness of all the people, including you, who are writing to these fluffy prompts!
Vicki (for the Review Tag if no one else hops in first.)
Author's Response:I'm so glad you found the humor in this one! I was really trying to step away from the angst and have a bit of fun with this one. Hehe Ron definitely fared much better with his sister as a teacher! Thank you so much for your kind words! I've really been enjoying the challenge of these fluffy prompts and your encouragment means a lot <3
- Quilly
Hi, Quilly! For the review tag, if no one else beats me to it.
This sweet little moment covers a lot of ground in not many words. In the opening sentence, I didn't grasp what Harry and Ginny were doing. How could they add stars to the firmament--that's a tall order, even for wizards. But then I realized that they were creating a facsimile of the night sky on the ceiling of Teddy's bedroom. I was happy to see toddler Teddy and Grandma Andromeda in this story. We don't see enough of Teddy as a little child in these archives, I think.
It was good to see that Harry and Ginny could talk about two potentially divisive topics--their conflicting memories about the beginnings of their romantic relationship (not an important topic, but some couples could have become rather testy about it), and then the more important issue of if or how they would deal with the geographic separation between them if Ginny accepted her dream offer from the Holyhead Harpies.
I'm sure there will be a lot more discussion between them about the logistics of living in two different places, but for now at least they know that they are both on the same side. Hary is making a bit of a sacrifice to help Ginny achieve her dream, and it is good to see that she accepts this gift from him instead of insisting that it would never work. Giving generously is good, but receiving graciously is also godd.
Well-written little story!
Vicki
Author's Response:Hehe yes, i kind of wanted to play around with that opening scene. In my mind - and in the In This Darkness universe - Harry and Teddy remain really close, so I couldn't not showcase that relationship in these stories. There will definitely need to define some of the logistics that came from living far away from each other but, like you say, they're both on the same side of the issue, which is what matters. It's true that Ginny could've taken a different route and thought the distance an impossible problem to solve - but Ginny's always been up for a challenge, and right now she really wants both things, her career and her boyfriend, so she's kind of jumping on the chance to keep both.
As always, thank you so much for your wonderful, insightful reviews.
Love, Quilly.
Quilly!! SO happy to see another chapter of this addictive collection :D And your character depictions in this one are just everything <3
I love how we're not only getting a sneak peek into Harry and Ginny's adult lives, but also Ron and Hermione's. Harry's love for Ginny just shines through from his inner thoughts and descriptions and how captivated he is by watching her play Quidditch. But also Ron and Hermione's love for each other - how she doesn't mind all the travelling from Barcelona to the UK, how Ron's getting wet so that Hermione can feel the protection from the umbrella instead. And then Ron's compliment of his sister - 'but don't tell her I said that' - is such a sibling mood!
Harry going to congratulate Ginny despite the potential for him to be swamped by the crowd is just totally melt-worthy and I love it! Love that they share this joyous kiss in the rain after Ginny's first (victorious) match and Harry revelling in the moment too.
But the way the chapter ends with this sentence:
"No one will ever understand that his biggest compensation for all the heartbreak in his life will always be that redhead girl standing in front of him, drenched in rain, grinning back at him, victory written on her face."
- is just utter perfection. :chef'skiss:
Meera <3
Author's Response:Awe it means so much that you're enjoying the snippets of Hermione and Ron. I just couldn't leave them completely out of the story - not when they feel like such a big part of Harry's story. I feel like Harry often follows his gut rather than reason, so that bit stemmed out from that. Thank you so much for coming back again to visit this story. Your reviews always give me life.
- Quilly
Hey Quilly! Yay! A new chapter :)
Planning. Planning when you're not a planner is most definitely daunting, but in some ways quite enjoyable, and there's a certain satisfaction in knowing you've mapped out the short-term future.
Ah, that's so sweet of Harry to have already booked time off (or asked for time off) so he can watch Ginny's match against Puddlemere - her first match, of course he wouldn't miss that! And of course Harry would want to attend the Merlins with Ginny. I love the way you've referred to the award ceremony as 'the Merlins' as though it's the Oscars or the BAFTAs, haha!!
I can understand Harry's thoughts here. He's never been one to put himself on a pedestal and in defeating Voldemort, he did what had to be done, something he had no choice in when said wizard was intent on killing him. And now it's over, he just wants to live his life going forwards, not looking back.
Ha! The mental image of Ginny still trying to plan whilst on the verge of sex has me LMAO!! But in the end, Harry wins out for her attention. Those poor glasses ;)
Loved the use of the prompt in this!
Meera <3
Author's Response:Hehe I totally took the Merlins to be something of a mixture of all these high-end awards we have in the real world. Lol. But yes, you're right - Harry's not going to want an award for something he doesn't feel was much of a choice in the first place. Ginny's just like - okay, I get it, let's try to move on with our lives then and get this planner thing under control - but Harry's more interested in her than he is the schedudling lol Thank you so much for coming in with this surprise review! Really means a lot. <3
- Quilly
Hi Quilly!
Back for another tag! I've enjoyed the angsty fluff of this series so far so excited to be back and check this out! Lol I totally pictured Harry so embarrassed at having a bra shoved at him (not that there's anything embarrassing about a Bra just that Harry strikes me as someone who would be embarrassed by that).
Aww long distance must be so hard for them - I can totally imagine the roller coaster of making plans, canceling over again. Seeing each other after so long seems so so special!!
Ah jealousy, always the enemy that creeps up especially with long distance. I love how Ginny very Ginny-like put him in his place! Good for Harry and Ginny to speak openly and clear things up. It's always hard to be in a LDR :( The ending is so cute. Distance does make the heart grow doubtful - so fitting!
~XOXO Ysh
Author's Response:Hehe it's actually Ron that's given the bra but I agree that Harry might've died of embarassment. He definitely wouldn't have taken it well at all. Lol. And I'm so glad you think it was Ginny-like to put him in his place. I think Harry needs someone in his life who is very clear about her feelings and doesn't let him get too wrapped up in his own head, and Ginny is definitely that person for him. Thank you for this wonderful review, Ysh. I appreciate it. <3
- Quilly
ahahah good old harry potter style jealousy :D
i didn't doubt that harry would feel a little unsure and insecure about his relationship with ginny, especially a long distance one - he's always been jealous when it comes to ginny after he developed feelings for her back during half blood prince, so it was kinda cool to see that again here, years after, but harry being similar except maybe a little more vocal about it :P which was honestly funny and i felt bad for ginny with the way he'd talked but i also felt bad for harry because i think he's starved for love...he's an orphan, the dursleys were awful, sirius died in front of him and just ughhhh i can understand his side of things, or well, not side, just the way his feelings could have that tendency even when he knows he's wrong, there's a lot in his past that means he'll definitely form these close relationships with people, love intensely and be worried about them not reciprocating which is valid. i'm glad he's able to get past that though, when ginny points out all the things she does :D
also totally not the theme but i lol'd hard at ron holding on to a bra for him to sign. made my day hahhah :D
kris
Author's Response:He definitely has a lot of reasons to feel insecure - and I really do believe Ginny would've been right person to deal with those insecuries, because she's so matter-of-fact and doesn't let him brood over things too much. Lol I'm glad you liked that piece with Ron - I feel like he's been getting some much deserved attention - though it's not always the tactful kind ;p Thank you once again for coming in to review this chapter.
- Quilly
i love that the knuckle kissing is the moment where harry, who we know is usually actually really bad at expressing his emotions properly and with words, but it's this moment where he knows he needs to show ginny how much he loves her and how much she means to him so he's really intent on her understanding that without him having to outright say it - so i love that it's the actual focus of this chapter. the way they communicate and try to understand each other and we see that they do, better than probably everyone else understands the two of them and i feel like it's in that simple gesture that speaks so much that that's really obvious and so i love what you did with that and how you wrote it :D
and then it's ginny who kisses harry's knuckles and it's the same thing except the tables are turned but it's another gesture that speaks a lot - of course, they tell each other they love each other, and ginny teases him a lil bit after, but in this lil moment in time, those two gestures are what matters and they symbolise all that's left unsaid and it's perfect.
i also really loved that last paragraph and the last sentence, it felt super wistful and just genuine and sweet and awwww
kris
Author's Response:Yessss - Harry has always seemed more of an 'action' type person to me rather than someone who expresses his thoughts. It's honestly a characterization of his that I try to take even into my other fic, In This Darkness, where he's much older, so it makes me really happy to see that you've picked up on it here. Thank you for another wonderful, insightful review.
- Quilly
heyy quilly, i'm here for our swappy swap!
i love that you're also doing angsty fluff kinda :P i mean i lvoe fluffy fluff but also i feel like on the other hand, when other things besides the fluff are kinda bleak and hopeless, it makes for this lil fluffy piece of the world between two people seem so much more, if that makes sense?
and i feel like you really drive that point home when harry, who's been through so much during his entire life, and then when he finally beats the bad guy, there's still so much grief in the aftermath, the fallout from the war, and the trauma, that when he finally comes back to ginny after everything...it just feels huge and i love how when he thinks about that he's thinking about himself as someone who lives instead of someone who's survived -- he's been just surviving since he was a smol kid, and now, finally, there's a little peace and there's a lot of love between him and ginny and it's wonderful and you do such a great job painting that picture!
loved the wayy you used the prompt, ginny's scars, the intimacy between them, harry telling her she's beautiful and tracing her scars with his lips, it's all just amazingly well written and i loved it!
kris
Author's Response:I agree - a little angst makes the fluffyness more fluffy hehe I'm so happy that you understood the emotion that drove this chapter and the idea that he's finally been able to reach a bit of peace by the end of it. Thank you for this wonderful review and doing the swap with me. <3
-Quilly
Hey Quilly! I see you have another chapter up - don't mind if I do...;)
I love how the chapter title is a twist on 'takes two to tango'! Ah, Ron and harry, left to fend for themselves without Hermione keeping their flat in order - and just how old were those crisps?!
It's very true that they must have had lots of lessons at Hogwarts, but that doesn't mean jack if those lessons weren't absorbed or they fooled around/didn't pay attention. I can imagine that dance classes probably fell into the category of 'classes to fool around in and not take seriously' because for many teenage boys, learning to dance properly in an old-fashioned sense might make them feel rather self-conscious and silly and open to huge embarrassment.
LMAOOO!!! Harry teaching Ron how to waltz? :gets popcorn and a front row seat: This I have to see!! Ron doing his typical 'gerroff me!' act, and Harry not knowing whether a waltz is a three-time or four-time dance...which kinda makes him not very qualified to teach this hahahaha!!
And then Ginny appears, and goodness only knows what's running through her mind when she unexpectedly encounters her boyfriend and brother wrapped in each other's arms, clumsily navigating the room in a ?four-time waltz?! And Ron, bless him, just panics - he really cannot tolerate the idea of being made to look a fool - but erasing his sister's memories might be a step too far ahahaha! As for asking Ginny not to laugh...it's like asking the sun not to bother getting up in the morning...
LOVED this; the mental image of Ron and Harry dancing is super funny!
Meera <3 (and tag!)
Author's Response:Hehe this prompt was probably one of the most fun to write just because it was pure fun to write. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thought it funny <3
- Quilly
Quilly! Back to tag you!!
Awwwww, what a domestic little fluffy moment! I really like that harry AND ginny are making Teddy such a big part in their lives, even though they’ve obviously got some big things going on - it very much fits with who harry is, as well as ginny who would want to support him, as well as hang out with a chubby little lupin baby <3
And the fact that they noticed he loved to look at the stars so they’ve been decorating his room so he can just stay in bed and see them at night? Babes, absolute legends <3
I mean tbh i agree with ginny - she did all the heavy lifting harry, you were just along for the ride ;)
HE WAS LOOKING UP AT THE MOON?!?!? EXCUSE ME WHILE I SOB!!!
And awww we love a supportive partner. Good job harry being the best kind of man and just wanting to uplift his girlfriend because she deserves it and he knows it <3
This was probably my favourite of all the chapters you’ve posted so far, it’s super cute and i love these two so much!!
lo <3
Author's Response:I feel like Harry would've definitely been a big part of Teddy's life all throughout and beeen there for him as much as possible. I really loved writing this chapter and getting to add some baby lupin in here. Thank you for all the love.
- Quilly
This is so cute, Quilly, and I love the unexpected humor in the last line. A very creative vignette. I had never thought of such a scene--papparazzi following Harry around and harrassing Harry and Ginny whenever they step out in public, even in a village like Hogsmeade. Oh, my. Your heart has to go out to the poor lovers who just want a quiet date. The photographers' shouted questions are in such poor taste!
I like your vision of Hogsmeade as being big enough that it contains parts where Harry has never been before. (I relate to it because of later scenes I am planning for my WIP, so I think I will absorb some of your image for my own story.) Apparently Ginny is more familiar with the streets of Hogsmeade beyond Main Street because finally, after the war is over, the Hogwarts students can once again have visits to Hogsmeade.
Harry's thoughts, comparing his romantic life to the romantic lives of other people who were never famous or the targets of tabloid journalism, were insightful. I don't recall reading any other fics that expressed this situation quite so clearly--the downside of being a celebrity and receiving an Order of Merlin, First Class, award. You have a clever bit of dialogue there, where Harry says, "It won't always be like this," meaning the notoriety, and Ginny answer, "I hope it is always like this," refering to their love for each other.
And then this story finishes off with that funny line, just perfect. I enjoy reaading your stories because they are always well wriiten, high quality. Thank you for writing.
Vicki
Author's Response:I do see Hogsmeade as a "small town" but I feel like what we see in the books is very much what we would call the "main street" or the "downtown" parts of it, meaning there has to be more than what the tourists come and see. I imagine Hogsmeade as having locals, neighborhoods, etc.
Harry has been famous since he was born. We see very early signs of his fame from the very first book, and then public interest with his private life in book four, and I can't imagine that he didn't just explode into full-blown royalty status after becoming THE war hero. I think this fame is something that's going to follow him for a long while, despite his wishes, and Ginny's trying to console him in a way that makes him realize life will be okay, one way or another. I'm glad you enjoyed that last line and that you've been enjoying these little stories. It really means the world to hear you say so!
- Quilly
Hey Quilly! Thought I'd catch you in review tag :)
Love how you've used the prompt of stargazing in such an original way here. At first I thought that Ginny and Harry were looking up at the night sky, but then I realised that you'd mentioned 'carpet' :joy: The star-spangled ceiling reminds me of my chldhood bedroom; I painted it blue and put neon stars all over it <3 I think it's so sweet that they both chose to do this for Teddy's nursery, and that he is in regular contact with them.
The agony of choice :( Ginny survived Hogwarts without Harry for a year (two years if you count the preceding one); she's got this. Yeah, it'll require more effort on both Ginny's and Harry's part to keep this relationship strong when they are at opposite ends of the country and there's no way to Floo or Apparate directly, but after the 'trial run' of school, where the issue of communication came between them, they know how to navigate this period in their lives for sure.
After all the stars have been added, it's the moon that Teddy wants - so very bittersweet <3 - and the determined promise that Harry makes to Ginny is just adorable.
This was super lovely. I'm sad you're splitting them geographically, but I trust in Harry's words!
Meera <3
Author's Response:I used to love putting those neon stick-ons on my roof so that was the inspiration behind this, though Harry and Ginny gave Teddy something a bit more magical than what I had lol They're definitely making hard choices but they're so young still and their careers are such a big a part of who they are - they needed to give that their attention for now. They've certaintely become better about communicating/keeping in touch though so hopefully that carries them through a bit better ;P Thank you so much for your review!
- Quilly
Hi quilly! Im back for tag!! <3
Honestly this chapter started off amazing, i love the fact that although molly weasley is like prime cook for her family, ginny sets everything on fire and just screams about it. Amazing!
Also the fact that harry wanted to laugh but then immediately saw that she needed comfort? Very darling <3 its all just very domestic that they’re cooking together, and honestly they both need some nice little domestic fluff in their lives
And i do understand him not wanting to be (what i call) the creepy old grad, but honestly harry, you dumbass, ur gf just wants private time with you and ur like 19, 20 max, just invite her over to your apartment doofus
I mean theres still quite a bit of angst, idk how you could not have angst in the first christmas after losing fred, but its still very sweet all considering! And bill and fleurs surprise, along with charlie just being like “hi, i brought our brother, i know hes a dumbass, but hes here and we’re gonna just deal with this weirdness” is all very family
The last line is very sweet, and i also hope that the weasleys find happiness in christmas again soon with that line! Another great chapter, thank you quilly!!
lo <3
Author's Response:Yes, that's exactly how I envisioned it. Molly is the prime cook. Ginny probably helped but her mum did the most of it and now she's realizing she's way over her head trying to do it on her own. Harry's even youner than that at this point (I think?) but it's mostly all in his head and trying to always do the MOST right thing by other people even though it's not really all that necessary. I'm glad you thought it felt "very family" at the end. I think that after all they've gone through, they're going to put in the effor to bring each other back close. Thank you for another really sweet review!
- Quilly
Hi quilly! Here for our swap which im super excited about! <3
Oof, i can imagine that being the heroes of the wizarding world, as well as aurors afterwards, harry and ron would absolutely be thrust into the spotlight. But a bra??? Some people are tactless…
Oh no, i do unfortunately feel like ron and hermione are a little bit better at long distance than ginny and harry… they seem to be putting a lot more effort into keeping in touch, and given their past experiences, i have to commend them on that, but harry and ginny… i hope they’re still alright
Oooooooh and shes bringing a guy friend home after not really keeping in contact? I want to be clear that i dont distrust ginny, but at the same time, given the situation i understand why harry would be uncomfy, especially since hes not in school so when would ginny have had time to become such great friends while shes supposed to be busy
Okay and with the way harrys acting im taking away all my support of him. Hes allowed to feel weird about it, hes not allowed to be an ass. And ESPECIALLY with how hes actually interested in luna?? Ughhhhh this is throwing me back to when *i* was that young and dumb and ahhhhhhhhhhh so awkward
Although props to them both for making it increasingly less awkward by the end there! And i really love the line about the argument already fogging up the windows, amazing!!
Another great chapter quilly, thank you so much for the swap!!
lo <3
Author's Response:Hi Lo! Yeah, Ron and Hermione are a bit better on it, and I think that they're just more used to each other, having literally been best mates for years, and Hermione being so organized lol Harry and Ginny, in my mind, are both too alike in some ways to really know how to make a relationship their priority - or at least it's a lesson they'll have to learn ;P Harry definitely had a 'young' and 'dumb' moment here lol but he's genuinely sorry about it. Thank you so muh for coming by with this review!
- Quilly
Oh my god this is so desperately, breathtakingly gorgeous. Every line is perfect, every single one. I know it's a cliche, but I can't quote them, because then I'd be quoting the whole thing. This is one of the best post-war romantic/sexual scenes ever. It never minimizes or loses sight of the grief, but the grief also doesn't diminish the moment. It's stunning, the way you portray Harry in the beginning, to Ginny's retort to Ron, to the way she opens her door like she's been expecting Harry. Her comments about the scars... everything feels so canon Ginny. And Harry is so tender in a way that I believe.
"he's been dead before but he's never been outside of himself"
I... WHAT. THIS LINE.
"someone who lives" arggghhhh perfection holy shit.
I'm so glad you're writing this series about Harry/Ginny pre-Darkness, because I'm so enamored with your characterizations and the way you've written the Potter family in that one so I'm eager to see your Harry/Ginny romance, even though I am certain I can never be prepared for the pain you're going to inflict on us by the end.
<3 Melanie
Author's Response:Ohmygosh, Melanie! Your review is so sweet! I'm glad you felt it felt canon Ginny. I feel like canon Ginny is so debateable and everyone has their own perspective on her but this is the Ginny that makes sense to me, and I'm so relieved to hear she sounded believable to you. I wish there could've been so many more Harry/Ginny moment in the ITD universe so this is almost theraupetic for me even though.... yeah, the ending remains what it is in ITD :'( Thank you so much for this beautiful review. It really meant a lot.
-Quilly
Hey Quilly! Yay for catching you in tag and being the first to review this chapter <3
'On a roof' isn't the easiest prompt to work with, but I love how you've used it here! Kinda sucks to be Harry and Ginny right now with the press all over them like a rash, at a time when Harry's come to visit his girlfriend for some quality time. And no wonder he's surprised when he's kept the visit to Hogsmeade under wraps, but paps have their sources of info, I suppose, or are prepared to sit around for months until they get the scoop they were waiting for!
I like how Ginny is the one to get Harry to somewhere safe and less public in Hogsmeade! I hope he's right about the press eventually getting bored of following him around. I ADORE this sentence:
“I hope it is always like this, whether or not they ever grow bored of you. I hope it’ll always be us, running together, and never apart.”
It's just such a lovely sentiment to express, making something so beautiful out of this danm intrusion <3 But this next line of dialogue by Ginny:
“Only, I reckon I’d mind the paparazzi much less if you were something cool, like a rockstar, instead of just, you know, noble…”
HAHAHA!!! It's just so Ginny; quick and witty that only she'd be able to magic up in the face of adversity.
Great job with this chapter! <3
Meera <3
Author's Response:Hi Meera! Fame's definitely not an easy thing to deal with especially at such a young age, and I can't honestly see how Harry could ever get rid of it entirely but he's hopeful. I think Ginny has a more pratical, optimistic view on it though. I'm glad you enjoyed that last bit by Ginny. She tries to keep things in a better mood for Harry ;P Thank you for this wonderful review <3
Hi, Quilly! Tag! :D
Ah, long distance relationships are never easy, right? :/ I think this was a very clever use of the prompt, btw! I can totally imagine Harry and Ron being submerged by the crowd of fans while waiting for Ginny and Hermione at the station. How sweet of them to go pick them up, too, and of Harry of having been looking forward to that moment... but sad that they didn't manage to arrange a meetup sooner... of course, it makes sense that it would be hard with how busy they've both been...
But I love how he can immediately recognize her voice, despite the chaos surrounding him! <3 Honestly, I can't fully blame him for getting jealous... Ginny could've probably made a more detailed introduction, instead of just saying, "Oh, yeah, this guy is staying with us for the holidays" :P On the other hand, Harry should've been more trustful, but yeah, I can't fully blame him for finding the situation weird... :P
Glad the misunderstanding was solved quickly, anyway! (Ginny reply was priceless, btw! :P) It's touching that they've both been feeling a bit insecure in the months apart, but I'm sure they'll manage things much better, now that they've talked about it, and that's so lovely, too! <3
Another very cute episode! Thank you so much for writing and sharing! :)
Snowball hug,
Chiara
Author's Response:I think my headcannon of Harry and Ginny are two people who are really into their own thing and, to me, that's kind of why they worked better with each other than they did with other people (Cho/Dean). But yes, they're definitely still young and insecure and they haven't exactly been given too much to build on their relationship so I wanted to give them a bit of that. Thank you so much for all the kidn words. I'm so glad you enjoyed it <3
- Quilly
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