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I love how you focus on the immediate aftermath of the final battle here, and how it’s not really final – it may seem like that’s that one, cathartic moment that everything has been rushing towards, but it’s not over after, is it? I think you do a great job of highlighting how even though it feels like it should be over, those everyday horrors, and so much grief, still persist in your opening.
That scene between Harry and Ginny in her bedroom is beautiful, too, it’s so tender! I love how Harry sees beauty in Ginny not despite of her scars, but in them as well; the phrase ‘perfect roads’ really stood out to me here, it’s so evocative – not just as a physical descriptor, but also as a metaphor for how they got there, how they ultimately led them back together.
I really enjoyed the contrast between the numbness at the start, of the war, its aftermath, all of the death that goes with it and the idea of Ginny and Harry reawakening each other, and bringing each other back to life, and especially how Harry can finally feel like he has a claim to that title that has been so unwillingly bestowed upon him!
This was really lovely, good luck with the inkys!
Harry is so heavy here. All the stuff pressing down on him, even as the war ends, it’s not really over. There’s so much to do, so many to bury, and he has no words for it. How can he? He’s grieving with everyone else, and it’s almost like a part of him died with them. So much sits behind these few words, where he has nothing to say, moving through it, but not really living it. I think your turning point, where it takes someone else to notice Ginny’s scars for Harry to be brought out of himself, is beautiful. When he finally looks up, it’s as if he can’t look away, and I feel like their reconnection begins there. Ginny is still spunky and full of life, and I’m so glad that she is the one to draw him back into fully living, that he finally has found something to lift him out of his silence. You write these two so tenderly, and it really is a beautiful piece, particularly the way you spin that last line.
Pix
Hi there! Mothers know when to criticize where it hurts the most, don’t they? Stop that, Molly, and let this be your daughter’s kitchen! You’ve captured the noise and the chaos and the PERSONALITIES of everyone here so intricately with just a few words that I can see their pasts and their futures spreading from this one snapshot, I’m enjoying this so so much!
Ah, haha, George! “Blink twice if he’s brought you against your will.”
“I hope you’re all as ridiculously embarrassing as I’ve been promised.”
Atta girl, Audrey! You’ll fit right in! But this at the end, with the quiet and the arms, and Harry loving the family and loving Ginny is the best part. I am so glad he gets a HOME and it’s THIS HOME and THIS LOVE, and he deserves everything.
Pix
This is an excellent end chapter to this series of drabbles! The love and the light in Harry's life that Ginny brings him is so singular. I do like that they had the "do you have any regrets?" conversation. Like sometimes you worry that you rushed into things when you're young and it leaves you to wonder about another possible future for yourself. It's only human, after all. But these two make it apparent that there was never anyone else and they made the right choice which silences their doubts.
I thought it was fitting that Harry harbored similar reservations about Teddy and Victoire and then again with Xander and Lily. You always want something different and possibly better for your kids or those you view as your own children. And I definitely felt that with Harry here. He's such a wonderful father to all of these kids and they're so incredibly lucky.
Also, that closing line was *chefs kiss*! I've adored your exploration of the Ginny/Harry relationship in this series! Thank you for this wonderful story!
~ Courtney
Omg Quilly this is such a humorous chapter! The quick start and stop quality of your writing throughout this. The hot and coldness of it all of trying to be intimate with your partner all the while trying find fast solutions for all of your kids problems so that they go away. You conveyed this moment so expertly. There's steam, hilarity, and then a bit of relief at the end whenever they silently decide that there will be MORE THAN enough time for all of this later after the kids are off at Hogwarts. Like srsly Harry, we know you love your wife, but you'll have a load of time after you get through today haha. That must have been one hell of a sundress. ;)
Wonderful job here!
~ Courtney
Hi!!! Finally here for that review swap!
I loved this so much! How do you manage to write everyone so well? I wish I had that skill! I love Harry's jealousy and how quickly that vanishes. He never really could control that lol I look forward to reading more of this when I can. I had a couple of minutes to spare to read your story and write this review. I will definitely be back to continue reading this.
-Meg aka DanyFire
You have to love Ginny Weasley. She’s so no nonsense and accepting. She has a good point. He wasn’t supposed to be there for her 7th year so she isn’t expecting it. (Of course, he was supposed to be there for her 6th year, but has a good excuse.)
Harry is so tentative and unsure. I like the way you show this by him saying Hermione is going back to Hogwarts because he doesn’t want to admit to his girlfriend how he feels about it.
I understand that Kingsley is in a tough spot. The Ministry is so fragile right now and he is doing everything he can to keep it together, so of course, he’s leaning on Harry. I just question if he understands that Harry might not be, emotionally, ready. As Ginny pointed out. It doesn’t have to be him now, but no one else seems to understand that.
Hi Quilly! I'm here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event and thought I would check out your stories considering that I haven't read your works just yet and thought I should try and change that! The summary definitely intrigued me so there's also that! Anyway, that being said, onward to the review!
The beginning where you describe the angst and heaviness that Harry goes through regarding the events of the war is great way to start out the story.
It’s great that you brought up the subject of Ron, Hermione, and Harry discussing going back to Hogwarts considering how the epilogue never touched upon it and we didn’t get anything apart from what the author told us. I feel the way that you wrote Ron’s response to Hermione’s comment about going back to school is accurate to him and his character. It must be very difficult for them to have to go through the process of mourning and burying their friends and family members who died from Fred Weasley to Colin Creevey over and over. It could also adds to the darkness of their lives, especially Harry who definitely could feel the immense guilt from having so many people died because of everything that’s happened.
I’m glad that Harry and Ginny also got to spend time alone seeing how they haven’t and it’s definitely been needed especially after the war ended. I also loved the way that while they’re both struggling through the aftermath of the war that both of them find comfort in one another. They definitely balance and complete each other very well! The scene where Harry is kissing her scars on her body to Ginny intensely frowning yet also staring at him captures the moments of their deep and meaningful connection which I also enjoyed reading. The transition where they become intimate is also very smooth! The way you also wrote the last few sentences, especially the part where it reads: “the feeling of her tattooed on every inch of his skin.” is genuinely beautiful and showcases Harry’s inner thoughts and feelings in that moment with Ginny.
I love how this fic ends with the line of how he’s the boy who lived which goes with the name he’s given in the books yet it has a very different meaning. Here, instead, it is with Harry feeling alive with Ginny and that she is the person that not only helps and understands him but also loves and it’s very profound in a sense that readers can get a sense of how different he is as opposed to the start where he’s feeling more dreadfulness as well as sadness. I love that it’s also a story filled with angst at the start then gradually becomes fluffy near the end!
They say that less is more and I think you did a brilliant job capturing Harry’s emotions regarding grief to the scenes between Harry and Ginny without being excessive in words yet still leaves an impact on the reader or still gives them something to ponder about.
This has been such an enjoyable read and I’m glad that I was able to get the chance to read it seeing as how much I adore Hinny as it’s my favorite ship in the series. Definitely looking forward to read more of the other works in this series as well as your other stories! For now, keep up the amazing job!
Until then,
Diana/Di
Author's Response:Hi Di! Thank you so much for coming by to check out this story <3 I am so happy to hear that you found the transition from the first part of the chapter to the last was smooth. I didn't want to make light of the grieve because it definitely must've been something heavily felt by everybody involved (and something that I feel Harry and Ginny would, in some way or another, carry on for the rest of their lives and which would later shape decisions that affect other parts of this story as well as In This Darkness) but I also wanted to show the beauty of their relationship and how their togetherness helped them both heal. I love that you love Hinny and I hope you think this story pays them justice <3 Quilly
To Luna...
She's definitely a favorite character and I love this little tribute to her. I've written her a few times and really want to do a story with her as a main character. Ginny just breaks my heart here... ugh! I honestly can't even imagine that year for them, it's too horrible to think about for a whole story, but obviously could be... You did a great job encompassing that feeling in just a few lines.
Thanks so much for the swap! I love this story :)
This is just beautifully written. Start to finish, it's lovely writing. I feel like you do a great job of saying so much while actually saying very little. I love the first half of this especially, all the post-war moments and events it hits on without having to describe much of any of it. You touch on things with a single sentence, and yet they all land heavily on the reader because we understand it all, even with such a minimalistic touch on it. The list of funerals was very heartbreaking, and I think you made Harry feel so canon, I can see this being exactly how the fall out went for him. I've never particularly cared for Harry/Ginny, but I thought you created something really wonderful between them here. I love the way you spun The Boy Who Lived with your final line. The whole chapter was just so well-written, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope you know that means a lot because, again, I'm not a big fan of Harry/Ginny, but I could ship them when you write them.
Author's Response:Ahhh this is such a kind review <3 Thank you so much! Saying Harry felt canon is seriously such a compliment! And the fact that you're not a big Hinny fan but gave this story a chance is seriously so nice of you. I hope you continue to enjoy the way they're portayed in this story <3 Quilly
QUILLY. THIS IS SO ADORABLE!
hi, here for our swap -- and what a delightful little bit of fluff to start my evening with. i'm not sure if i've told you before, but i've never been much of a ginny/harry person. but the way you write them and always nail their characteristics and their thoughts and the pure love and magic that is between them -- well, you've convinced me and they're absolutely perfect and adorable together. i love how content they are to just fall asleep together - and that ginny marvels that such a thing is possible, given the years she's spent having feelings for him
i loved this line: It’s not the sort of happiness that ever gets comfortable, just bearable because it's so raw and so perfectly them. even from their conversation, you can feel their gratitude and awe that the other one is still there, even as they're trying to fall asleep. and i literally squealed at harry's "i just wanted to hear you say it" -- so freaking adorable, ugh
fantastic writing, great job all around with this! thanks for the swap <33
hi,
here for a little christmas gifting!
I'm so obsessed with this story. just love everything about this. this doesn't even focus on the pairing harry/ginny but the fluff of the friendship between harry and ron is so sweet. you can obviously tell that not much has changed between them. they still feel very much like the two boys we knew. i would like to say that harry feels more grown as he's offering to help ron with the dancing and i can't say that's something he was very fond of during goblet of fire. i think it's very nice moment to stop ron being so mopey.
i love the description at the beginning showing hermione's influence on the boys life. it's wonderful detail and i can totally imagine it. the warmth of the piece is so endearing. harry being a bit rubbish but trying anyway, ginny's reactions to the dance is the heart of the piece, ron's reaction 'we can use a memory charm' yesyesyes then ginny teaching ron anyway (using the skills neville learn her perhaps?). cracking characterisation and brilliant moment in time. as always in awe of your ablitiy to write these characters so beautifully!
Abbi xx
*throws snowball*
back for some more delightful fluff, and this was just the little bit of a pick-me-up to end my evening with. i love how, even though they have things like magic and apparation and portkeys, long distance is still a hard thing for them - they want to be around each other all the time, and it's so cute how they just know the other one wants them to be around, too. like how ginny knew harry was coming and everyone else kind of rolls with it, like they expect him to be there because that's just how together they are, and i adore it
poor harry, though! trying to get his words out and they all just get jumbled, and ginny is delightfully ginny, teasing him and reassuring him and the kisses - so melt-worthy, quilly. i love how well they know each other and how even after all this time, their chemistry is on point and they can make each other feel better
ugh, they're just so freaking cute and i love them. well done, friend<33
Hey Quilly, here for the final prompt <3
Love the wholesome family feel to the beginning of this chapter, with the thought that 'everyone's enjoying everything' because isn't that how it is on Christmas Day following all the gift-giving? Everyone delights in what they've given and received, they all get involved in each other's presents. Your descriptions, as always, are so lovely to read and really create a vivid picture of the scene.
Ahhh, poor Teddy :( That must be pretty tough, seeing the girl you love wrapped around someone else. In the house of his family too. At Christmas. It's little consolation that Harry thinks the guy's a git, but it must have raised an inner smile!
Very perceptive of Harry to notice Xander and Lily sitting apart, and Ginny to have observed the alteration in behavour from Xander towards Lily. They obviously know their kids so well and are really tuned in to how things are between them. No mean feat when the kids are all in their teenage years (or almost there).
It feels odd that Ginny is doubting herself for settling down at such a young age with Harry, but he's so reassuring - 'you were all of my reasons' - that line just melts me! <3 That confession, Harry watching Ginny's dot on the Marauders' Map - I like to think it was just purely out of concern for Ginny's safety rather than any concern as to who she might be doing whilst he's on the run, haha. Of course he wouldn't be thinking of that - he was too busy with trying to live - but a little part of him was probably curious too. I love how you've shown a fallibler side to Harry whilst giving us this moment of sweetness too.
And this line:
'and she’s taking him home again, to that place where all of his forevers are forevermore meant to meet.'
- I can't find the words to describe it but it made me feel all sorts of everlasting happiness feelings that even death can't destroy what thedse two share.
I'm so glad you ended this series happily for Harry and Ginny and gave them an awesome moment of pure joy, especially in light of what happens in between now and ITD :sob: What a way to wrap up this collection of prompts - without exception, they've all been such a joy to read and devour. Thank you <3
M <3
Ahh, there's never bad timing where a hot kiss is concerned! Even the morning of September the 1st when the kids are going back to school. But kids, typically, always find a way to demand their parents' attention, right? Damn those lost school ties - to be honest, Albus should have been looking for them last night and had them packed in a timely manner - I think Harry's response of 'we'll owl them to you' is perfectly reasonable!
Oh my, Lily gets straight to the point - 'are you two snogging again?' Although that's not quite enough to get Harry and Ginny's attention. But the thought that James may be up to no good seems to shift them ha ha!!
It can be so hard for parents to spend quality time with each other, so it's lovely to see Harry and Ginny getting to enjoy themselves here, if only for a very short while...and they have the thought of finishing what they started once the kids are on that train.
This was so adorable!
M <3
Hey Quilly! Thought I'd drop by with a review for you <3
The concept of 'Harry Potter Day' is sort of understandable, but also kind of bizarre because Harry's still here and that must be awkward AF to have people celebrating you whilst you're still alive. What a display for harry to be centre of, Harry who would probably have preferred to spend his birthday quietly with family and close friends! I love the sense that this day is just happening around him like a force that cannot be stopped, with the repetitive use of 'someone': placing a hand on his shoulder, passing him a drink. It's really effective imagery!
The notion that 'evil has been eradicated is so naive - good and evil are both so morally grey, and without one you can't have the other!! It must be infuriating for Harry to endure all this, but it ends eventually (as all things do) when Ginny takes him home...to another party. One that he'll feel much more at home with; imperfect, from a place of love. Who doesn't adore a poorly-constructed cake, and gifts which have been thoughtfully given?
Love love love the family unity in this one and the creative use of the 'fireworks' prompt!
M <3
Yesss I love how you came full circle with this and I'm both excited and sad that you've finally finished this series, because I do love your Harry and Ginny so much. There's so much pure love here, and just like the very first chapter it's all about how Ginny is his everything and she makes everything right.
"You were all my reasons."
*sobbing*
And so wonderfully tied in to Lily and Xander's story -- the intensity of their connection at such a young age, and how it does give Harry and Ginny some concerns but also in many ways they can relate. And Harry and Ginny just sort of being present with one another right now, and the reference to how Lily and Xander will perhaps get some of their old dynamic back for a little while when everything has quieted down and the distractions are gone. We see hints of it too in ITD, I think, when nobody else is around.
<3 Melanie
Hiiii Quilly, I'm here so late for our swap. <3
I do love your spicy Harry/Ginny. It feels so credible. Them going at each other on the morning of Sept 1st of all days while their kids flail about on the other side of the door about all the issues they should have sorted out prior to this morning. Mahahaha.
I do imagine true fearlessness as a mom is wearing a cream dress when you have 4 chaotic children. XD
The little touch about Lily's pull over Harry is so sweet. Sad also to think of how their relationship dynamic changes so much after Ginny's gone. :(
"But James, the rule book says those aren't allowed at school."
Lol. Xander. Lawful evil.
<3 Melanie
Psst, I haven't announced it on Fft yet, but I'm pregnant, and have to say she's kicking me as I read this one lol.
It was really sweet, good job!
That was so funny!! LOLOLOL
I think this makes complete sense. I thought I read somewhere that Dudley has a little girl with magical abilities, but who's to say they didn't use a surrogate or even adopt? I love the idea.
You're absolutely right. Being present in difficult times for each other is key in a relationship. That must have been a really difficult chapter. Good job, it really encompassed how awkward and heartwrenching everyone was feeling, between loss of a loved one and loss of childhood and a loving family...
Aww, goodness I totally see this happening. I even see Ron and Hermione doing just fine in there like you said, Ron's always wanted to feel important, be important and he definitely is! All Harry's wanted was to live a "normal life" without the attention because what he got attention for was so morose and sad. Ginny just wantes to play Quidditch and be with Harry and wouldn't care for that kind of attention either.
I thought it was incredibly sweet that they stole away together.
Great job! Thanks for the swap :)
here for our swap!
i feel like i start off all of my reviews saying how much i loved this, but it's honestly the truth. i loved this. i thought it was really clever to show that ron and hermione were fitting right into this world full of medals and honor and presitgue - i liked that ron could fit in and tell stories about his job, and that hermione could talk to authors and other people without worrying about it. but it makes total sense that ginny would feel out of place - and it was a delight to see that harry felt out of place as well. of course it's completely understandable, he's never wanted the fame or awards or attention, he's kind of gotten stuck with it, so to speak, but it's nice that that part of him hasn't changed
honestly i thought something was wrong by the way harry urgently grabbed ginny's arm XD especially when ron and hermione stood up and were ready to fight for him, as they always do - but then i giggled at ron's "give whiskers my love" - he knows harry doesn't have a cat, but it's the perfect excuse, the perfect best friend thing for him to do, and then they absolutely bolt out of there
and it was great how it wasn't an overly dramatic reason for them to leave - harry just wanted to be done with it, so he grabs his girlfriend and they sprint away, going to find another place with good actual food to eat. it just felt like such a them thing to do <3
also small sidenote, i loved that ginny had to take a minute to appreciate how attractive harry was when he was dressed up :P good for you girl, as you should
another excellent addition to the fluff, thanks for the swap! <3
Oh my gosh! recreating their first kiss at her first game was a BRILLIANT idea!
I can't tell you how much you've made me smile in this story, I thank you so much for writing it. These chapters are short and addictive like potato chips (crisps)
Great writing!!
-Heather
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