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Unsurprising that James's first day back at training kicks the absolute shit out of him, haha! He's done no exercise for five (or more) weeks now, and he's drunk his bodyweight in alcohol a million times over. It's a wonder he's still alive, actually!
I can imagine it's tough for some of James's team-mates to face him after he's been unceremoniously evicted from the squad and they still have their places, but it seems as though once the ice is broken, they fall into their old friendships again, which is nice - and essential for the smooth running of the Falcons team.
And nothing better than a Burrow family dinner to finish this chapter on. All the next generation have suffered in some way; they haven't had it easy just because they weren't fighting a war. Good take-home message in there.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
The immediate mention of the flying instructor position at Hogwarts had me all :eyes: - I'd kind of forgotten about it in the whole drama of the last eight or nine chapters, but that would be kind of perfect for James, if he was older maybe. I just don't see him settling into that role whilst his England ambitions are stilll very much alive (and it's unlikely we'll see him play in this tournament; he'll probably have to wait for the next one). But Ginny or Harry? I can sort of see it? Except...a Potter family home with only one Potter parent in it seems like a sad and lonely place.
I enjoyed the chat that James had with his Mum - of course, she left school and played for the Harpies, so she has some experience of what James has gone through.
And I'm VERY glad that James has apologised to Rose, because if she hadn't been quick with her wand, he could have seriously injured her throwing that paperweight at her. And it sounds as though Rose and Scorpius are making family progression in their relationship too.
Ahhh, I do love it when things are starting to go swimmingly again!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
I fear for James having to face Sinead, she being a member of a World Cup winning team and James's boss. He has no idea how the land lies and even though Brigid may have given him a few words of support he's really in unknown territory here. But arriving back at the Falcons ground brings back just how much all his team-mates mean to him and just what they've done for him over the years. They've seen him grow from a newly-graduated hatchling into this fully-fledged international quidditch player. Ok, maybe not fully-fledged because our James has issues, but they've nurtured and supported him to this level.
I thought the discussion between them was so well done. Sinead was supportive but firm and really challenged James to face up to the things that were bothering him. And helped him recognise that maybe he does need some help with all of this.
And also gave him a little tiny spark of hope that one day, he could fly in England colours. But maybe not this time around.
However, it still leaves him with this obvious issue of being a professional quidditch player who plays for the absolute love of the game, but hates the fame and attention that goes with it...just how will he overcome those obstacles to carry on doing what he loves?
Another amazing chapter!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
There's a LOT of revelation in this chapter and I am so here for it. To hear these people all have conversations that they should have had about five years ago is like music to my soul and I have hopes that they can all work to resolve what started out as fissures and are now great chasms between them. It was wrong of anyone to interfere in James and Ingrid's relationship and it makes me so sad that two people who were genuinely in love got ripped apart because of this. Then we get to the reason why there's animosity between Harry and James - please guys, sit down and TALK, okay? And Brigid really needs to have a little tete-a-tete with Freddie too.
I am a bit fearful for how things will go with Sinead because it's all professional there, but fingers crossed.
At least James is starting to fix this and letting people help him (finally). Hurrah!! <3
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again,
ASFJHGGJFJJGDDHGJDG Carlotta!! She's BACK! Obviously, James never thought to remove the key he kept under his doormat (good job the reporters never found it). But OMFG what's she going to think of seeing James in this state and how does he feel about seeing her in his flat again :eyes: Not more shouting, I hope (please no). Oh bless her, she's completely taking control, and James for once in his life, is listening. And she's cooking for him (still cares for him, clearly).
And I a all overcome with emotion at the fact that Harry and James had that little (big!) heart-to-heart and Ginny joined in and then Lily ... it makes me feel so happy again that there's a light at the end of the tunnel for James. Lots of revelations in this chapter and consequently lots to digest, but I'm s glad things are finally on the up, or if not on the up at leats they're not going any further down.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
I feel as though James has a terrible relationship with drink; when the chips are down, he seems to turn to alcohol as though that will make it all better. I wish he'd have let someone in to comfort him, support him, offer him solutions, instead of Apparating to the pub for failed humans (Aberforth might not see it that way - I wouldn't call him a failed person).
I'm glad the barman is giving James a bit of a pep-talk without making it obvious that he's doing so. James needs some kindness in his life, or kindness that he's willing to let in and listen to.
Ingrid Feversham - I wonder how she knew how to find James here?? And her story's pretty tragic - umm, I hope James isn't going to ditch Carlotta for her, though, even though technically James and Carlotta are not a thing at present - but Ingrid's reappearance in James's life is very timely and I hope she can talk some sense in to him (and he's ready to listen).
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
I find it very sad that James can count on one hand the number of times his father has visited his flat :( And blimey, Harry is absolutely furious at James (no surprise really but I wondered if he'd do the cold disappointment thing). And poor Ginny is resigned and James thinks she's given up on him. Right now, I think James could do with a hug but emotions are obviously still running high :( Assaulting a member of the public is a serious offence and I wonder how Harry managed to smooth that one out for James. And his Mum has lost her job because she refused to write an article on him.
But James going for Sectumsempra - oh wow, no. And locking himself in his bedroom and shutting his parents out is not a very mature thing to do, but the hurt he must feel at the shield in between him and his parents, like a barrier of them and us is probably indescribable.
Poor James. Please make things better for him!!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello.
I have to wonder, how much lower can it get for James at this point? And what a fall from grace - from England hopeful to hiding under his duvet. Granted, duvets have magical protective powers and are very good for hiding under when you can't face the world any more, but they are not good at solving problems. I wish he'd just do as Freddie suggested and apologise to Brigid; she could have all this sorted in a jiffy. Okay, well maybe not a jiffy, but she'd be able to do something with the mess that James is in. More than James can do with it, anyway.
Getting suspended from the Falcons wasn't something I saw coming, but it's not a surprise because they can't have their players behaving like hooligans; it's not good for the club's image.
Aunt Audrey was a surprise! I suppose she souldn't have been because she's very fond of James, but she tried, and I wish he'd let her help, but he's at rock bottom and now that his place in the England squad has been taken from him, he can't see a light at the end of any tunnel. And Lily is disappointed with him too.
I am CRYING for James. Even though it's self-inflicted. I hope some of it can be fixed asap.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
James is getting himself deeper into the shit, I see. This argument with Rose has probably been brewing for a little whle, though, because James was sure that Rose had let stuff slip through to his mum about Carlotta, I seem to remember. This was on top of him keeping Scorpius Malfoy a secret from Al, so James may well feel that Rose owes him for that.
But wow, that escalated. James, I'm not sure throwing a weapon at Rose was either sensible or kind (okay, a paperweight but it's still a weapon in certain circumstances) and I'm not surprised she took remedial action with her wand.
And someone has stopped Kreacher from delivering - Al, presumably involved in that? So he turns to Freddie. Which is useful from a food point of view as long as Freddie doesn't rock up with drinks...oh no, an even better idea - going out to the Hinky because the bouncers are there and they'll stop trouble from happening, except they can't stop James from punching a photographer??
Oh man. James, you really are in deep shit now, mate :(((
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
Maybe not the best way to get Brigid's good attention by pissing her off though James, eh? Because it's not like you want any more shouting to be directed at you. So he's ended up at a really seedy joint with Louis and on top of that, his relationship woes have been splashed all over the papers. And everyone around him is getting (justifiably) angry at the way he's conducting himself. Ginny is right; it's one thing to get into scandal at domestic level, but international players have to watch themselves even more.
But how is he going to navigate all those cameras around his door? I suppose he could apparate, but he's still going to run into the press in Diagon Alley probably. I get why he calls for Kreacher, but that's a bit of a misuse of the Potter House-Elf :(
And Uh-oh, James is alieanating Albus now. And Albus has twigged where all James's supplies are coming from. And he's drinking again. Sigh :(((
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
Ha at Dora being sick and interrupting Victoire's tirade! This has got to the serious point but I love how you bring humour in to lighten up what could be a very aggressive angry atmosphere if not. And Rose is disapproving as well (no surprise there). Nice of Uncle George and Aunt Angelina to send around a big box of Wheezes merchandise, because although James fcked up big style, he could probably do with a bit of niceness in there too, right? But he has to limit the damage otherwise all this is going to run away from him...
Unsurorising that Carlotta ignored James - why would she give him the attention he doesn't deserve? But I do feel a bit sorry for him that Ginny can't have breakfast with him because I think he needed that bit of sanity?
And Louis is an even worse choice for a drinking partner than Freddie. I despair.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
Oh you IDIOT, James. You made the England squad, you had it all on a plate, then you blew up at that correspondent, lost it at Carlotta through something that was your fault, and then went out and got smashed and picked up Allegra. And goodness knows what else he got up to whilst out and inebriated. All this will probably be appearing in the paper too, because he's even more high-profile now than he was a few days ago. He has to watch his step.
And he takes his mood out on Allegra? I'm not sure she deserved that at all. It wasn't as though he was fending her off...
Oh my goodness, James is really losing it?? I mean I'm not surprised he's high on emotion right now, but he's made headlines for all the wrong reasons and he seems to be blaming everyone but himself for the shit he's ended up in? It is not Brigid's fault that he got so stressed in that interview; granted, he could have probably done with interview practice, but he can't dump it all on Brigid's shoulders?
Oh good grief, not more booze...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hey!
Poor James. Nothing like being put on the spot, knowing that you've got it completely and utterly wrong. I really feel for him here, but it is his fault. He had the opportity to do things the right way and chose not to. His bad. And Carlotta's picture is in the paper. That's an awful way for her to find all this out and I'm not surprised she's mad about it. Who wouldn't be?
And ...whoa! That was one Hell of a word vomit there. Yeah, just let it alllll out. Wow, that was an argument and a half. I don't blame Carlotta for slamming the door and getting out of there, but James? Are you sure it's such a good idea to call up Freddie and go out to get blind drunk whilst you're in this frame of mind??
And there's Leggy Allegra and this is going to go horribly pear-shaped now, isn't it??
My eyes are glued to this story!!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
OMG, James made the squad!! That's super exciting for him! But yeah; probably best he gets dressed before turning up at the Ministry in next to nothing, haha! I loved how you described the structure of the tournament, the hot teams to watch out for, the outsiders who were theer for the sheer experience. Very much in the tone of the Football World Cup, except for the non-muggle countries, of course.
Demelza sounds like a really cool coach but I bet she won't take any nonsense and she's spotted what James's issue is likely to be - his nerves.
Ginny's reaction was awesome, and James really should drop in and tell his father the good news because I'm sure Harry would be thrilled to hear his eldest son is playing for England. I don't know why James is so reluctant to tell him; maybe he's anticipating a disappointing response, or he'll find himself comparing it to when Lily won her hockey tournament and think that his Dad is more supportive of his sister or something?
But that interview didn't go so well - James needs to learn not to react to the stupid inflammatory questions that the correspondents love to ask and do so because it gets a rise out of the person being interviewed.
And Carlotta asking who 'The Boy Who Lived' is?? Maybe there's something you should have told her after all, James.
From the high of the beginning of this chapter, it's all coming crashing down...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hey, just dropping in again!
Oooh, James must be under immense pressure with all the publications all predicting his place in the squad. it's almost worse tha the pressure of playing, because getting into that starting line-up is no mean feat. And not surprisingly, everyone wants a piece of him. And I don't think he likes it at all...
Keira taking James off to one side and letting him know the score - well, it's in his hands now; he knows what he has to do, and if he can't handle the pressure of the expectation, I suppose he's better off not being included in the squad and the team will be better off withut him. The build-up in this chapter is terrific and I'm on the edge of my seat willing James to make it but not sure how he's going to perform...
And Harry has turned up to watch him! :EYES:
Poor James, not the start he wanted or needed, but how good of Stefan was that to forfeit his own chance of a place in his squad to throw James a lifeline? And James rises to the occasion and grasps it with both hands because he can't let Stefa down now...and seeing James up his play when he was on a downer will have done his team chances no harm whatsoever. I predict he's IN
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Umm yeah, it's just me again...;)
It sounds as though it was a genuine mistake on Carlotta's part. Perhaps she has a lot going on at the moment (we're not seeing things from her point of view, after all); perhaps her family are putting pressure on her NOT to date James?? But she did sound apologetic and keen to watch the next match, so...
Oh no, poor Lily :( It's hard at that age when you've got your sights set on some boy...and they've agreed to take your rival to the Prom instead. I really feel for her...but wishing she wasn't a Squib? That's such a difficult thing for James to console her over, because there's nothing that can be done. But she seems to be soothed by James's words and some chocolate...and Maddie is obviously NOT happy at her brother for agreeing to take Rosalind to the Prom. And James now has to ask Ryan if he'll take Lily instead - hoefully, he'll agree.
Lovely chapter!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again :)
James is certainly proving he can hold his nerve under pressure - a necessary attribute for any sportsperson - and it sounds as though Wadcock can't. Hopefully this means that James is almost definitely going to snag himself an England spot, hurrah!
It doesn't sound as though there's much chemistry between Brigid and Cato; maybe they had a nice time on the date as friends but that was it. Brigid's heart is probably still with Freddie, despite the great volume of women he seems to be making his way through...
Professor McGonagall is definitely not onto a winner if she thinks she can persuade George not to sell his products to Hogarts students. Breaking twenty four rules is pretty impressive, though - err, congratulations, Hugo?! I wonder what will happen with the Quidditch teacher vacancy. And just how old is Minerva??
Odd behaviour from Carlotta and it seemed to have affected James's game too - it's weird that she should be so keen then suddenly forget she's due to spend Saturday with James at the quidditch match...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again :)
"Why am I doing this?"
"Because you're whipped"
HA!! You really know how to open a chapter and get a reader's attention from the start! Kudos to you :)
Also LOL at James and Freddie talking about sex in front of Ginny, and Ginny butting in with a comment about objectifying women. She is one cool mum, I love her! But how does James know that Ginny hitting Freddie across the head with a tea-towel doen't hurt? He's not the one getting hit...
OMG one of James's previous girlfriends had a drink problem and started throwing canapes around at a fancy function?? Yeah, he doesn't need that in his life!!
James seemed to get on well enough with Juanita, and Oliver (apart from the interrogation and the assumption that he gets paid very little), but Carlotta's mother Evangeline didn't seem terribly impressed with James (although she did speak out in defence of him having ambitions), and predictably, Carlotta's brother didn't really take to him. But James didn't break the Statute, and Carlotta teasing him about his ego made me laugh :)
Another thoroughly enjoyable chapter :)
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
Ooh, well that's a clanger for James - Carlotta's parents want to meet him? For a casual, no-strings thing, there's a LOT of family action appearing, right? Maybe both Carlotta and James will soon have to admit that this is a bit more serious than casual, haha!! James's reaction to being told that her family want to meet him is priceless - 'horrific expression' - I can just picture it!!
But what a moment for Albus to tumble into James's living room and start complaining bitterly about Scorpius and his muggle-killing grandparents, right in front of Carlotta, who knows NOTHING of this topic. James did well to pacify Albus with the comparison between him and Harry - why should Scorpius get the blame for what his ancestors did? As long as he's aware and knows it was extremely wrong and isn't going to go on his own muggle-hating crusade, then...?
And...James has been rumbled. Carlotta demanding the truth - well, it was going to happen sooner or later, but James now has the opportunity to tell her everything, right? And she's giving him the chance to explain. So why does James do something stupid like categorically state 'there's nothing else' - it's all going to backfire on him horribly, isn't it? WAIL
I guess that Lily being a Squib was probably harder for the rest of the family to accept and adjust to than for Lily herself, but it's nice that James chose to spend time with her outside of school because he couldn't whilst at school. And I hope he manages to learn something about football before he meets Carlotta's family, because a football player who doesn't know anything about his own game is Hella suspicious...
Great chapter!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hey :)
Ooh, James has garnered enough interest from the England selectors to be present for training - that's big news for him! Even if he doesn't get to play and it eats into his free time (diddums, James, if you want a place in the squad, you have to put in the hours and work for it!), but it does mean that there's going to be little time for Carlotta. That's okay, though; she's not one of his more usual demanding girlfriends, terrified of losing him/losing out. Carlotta's quite comfortable with her independence and she didn't want a full-on relationship either.
Had to laugh at James considering taking on Cato and being told by Brigid in no uncertain terms that he'd get flattened if her tried LOLOL. Also trying to convince Ryan that it wouldn't kill the team dynamic if he date Della...
I'm sure the Potter grandparents would have been very proud of James...
But the shock result by England against Transylvania meaning that England are going to be at shorter odds to win, could mean that it's even harder for James to get a place in the squad...
Looking forward to reading on!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
It's good to see some interaction between Teddy and James, both in this chapter and the previous one. I figured they must have been pretty close at some point because of Harry being Teddy's godfather. And James obviously feels comfortable off-loading some of his Carlotta-based worry onto who is in every way (except genetically) his older brother. In the beginning, Teddy doesn't seem very encouraging, but that's probably due to James's fickle nature when it comes to women, and reluctance to commit. And of course, it's all the more problematic if James starts a relationship with a muggle and it peters out or comes to a dramatic halt, because Statute...
Carlotta's surprise at the car, LOL. I think it's great that James is trying to involve her in his family's activities. Maddie's history is interesting and it must have been a bit of a sacrifice to stick school out another year so that Lily wasn't alone, but I guess she also gets a bit of fun playing hockey too. But Harry's enthusiasm for Lily's success didn't go unnoticed by James and I feel quite sad for him that he harbours this resentment...
Meera <3 (galazy reviewing)
Hello, I'm back again!
I love how James asks Carlotta if she's okay with heights only AFTER she's at the top of that precarious stand, haha! Love how Carlotta is introduced to the name of Albus, when she met the poor guy under the name of Albert. As always, the family dynamic in this chapter is so entertaining to read about, and I'm glad that someone was thoughtful enough to get a family tree for Carlotta to peruse...but a bit unfortunate for James to have to explain Fred's death to her. In fact, he doesn't; he just washes over it in his typical 'deal wih it later' style which is, sooneer or later, going to bite him on his butt...
I feel really bad for James that his Dad's not there to support him though. I feel like that's of great significance to James and is making the gulf between him and his father even wider. Intrigued to know when they began to drift apart like that...
Of course the Falcons would win, but ouch for that injury! And just what's up with Carlotta wanting to get away as soon as possible? Has something/someone upset her??
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
So being able to see a quidditch ground is perhaps easier said than done for muggles. I guess the wards have to be super strong to overcome the most open-minded muggles. I really felt for Carlotta not being able to see the ground, partly because she was worried about disappointing James and also this highlights something that excludes her from this society of witches/wizards. Also, she's probably feeling the unfairness of it all. And it must be just as frustrating for James who wants to share his world with Carlotta whilst he can.
It must be so hard on Roxanne to have to sit out every game more or less, because the other three Chasers on the team have more experience (and are better). Is there any loan system in quidditch, where less experienced players get loaned out to lower profile clubs so that they can get some playing experience (and the club that borrows them gets a high-class player for their squad for a season)? Maybe Roxanne could be leased to a different club to get some match practice in? Otherwise I can see her getting extremely fed up and leaving.
Ooooh, Carlotta can see the pitch!! Loved the way that it was realised, with the two of them arguing over what was blue or purple!
Excited for the next chapter!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi!
I have so much love for Potter scenes and thins one was brilliant, enhanced by the presence of Lily's schoolfriends who add so much to the dynamic and are almost part of the family by now, and Carlotta turning up, feeling a little more relaxed about magic by now. The performing teapot and milk jug is such an awesome idea and I love Maddie's comment about being 'treated to a concert by James's crockery' haha. Carlotta must be feeling a bit more reassured by the fact that Lily can't do magic and she has some non-magical friends who spend a fair bit of time around the Potter family. Carlotta meeting Ginny too! I thouught that went well, although Ginny was probably distracted by the thought of tearing a strip off both James and Lily in the living room. The whole discussion over Cato Bagman and James feeling a teensy bit jealous (maybe?!) was so funny. Loved the dialogue in this chapter!
I hope Carlotta can overcome the wards to watch a quidditch match because I'd love to read about her reaction to it!
But the mention of Voldemort was quite close to the wire; what would James have said if Carlotta had picked up on the name and asked 'who dis?'
Another amazing chapter!
Meera <3
Hello again!
Exciting opening to this chapter - James Potter's getting his first call-up for England (potentially). Jeremiah McLaggen - probably a bit of an arse, just like his father seemed to be - obviously has quite a talent for quidditch if he can play three different positions, although if he's at all selfish, maybe Seeker/Keeper would suit him best? HA at the Beater sweepstake!! But I think the Beaters have it right - their position is too niche for McLaggen to shine in on top of all the other positions he can play.
Hmm, James's place in the squad is certainly not cut-and-dried; he's going to have to work hard and hope he's consistent enough to be considered for the short list. Aunt Audrey sounds great - she's really supportive of James, which is nice - and makes decent shortbread. And she's got some good advice to share, both about how James should handle the pressure and also how wards around magic-only places work.
Also good advice; get running, James, if you're going to spring Carlotta on your parents as a surprise!!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
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