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Hello!
Well, I've reached the end of this amazing story and what an incredible ride it's been for James Potter. From a quidditch sensation who had committment and anger management issues to quidditch/flying Professor at Hogwarts, in a steady relationship with Carlotta and in a much better relationship with his family and himself. And all the side stories that you carried along with the main plot; Della and Ryan, Freddie and Brigid (lovely note to finish on here with their wedding), Lily's last year of school and her career prospects, Maddie and Cato - all so superbly written. This story really is a masterpiece and my review simply can't do it justice, but know that I've enjoyed every single chapter, devoured every single word...and the sequel will be just as powerfully written. Looking forward to getting immersed in that too.
Thanks so much for this.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi,
Okay, so reading the first line of this chapter and whatever is on James Potter's mind is BIG. Because I don't recall him staying awake much in this story mulling over other stuff that's sending his mind in a spin...I think it's adorable that he and Carlotta stayed up baking all night instead. Although I'm surprised either of them could function effectively after all that drinking in the Hinkypunk!
A NEW GOAL?? What now?
WAIT. He's going to...retire??
That was an emosh moment, not gonna lie. But this bit from Sinead:
“Sometimes,” she said quietly, “someone comes along who has all the perfect attributes to be a Quidditch player. But put them together, and ... the pieces don’t always fit. You’ve had too much attention, too much scrutiny on you, and it would be enough to make even the strongest of people crack. Deep down I think I figured it was only a matter of time before you realised maybe this just wasn’t for you. And I’m proud of you, because this ... this is what you dreamed of for years. And now you have it. And you’re letting it go. It takes a big person to do something like that.”
just makes it so OBVIOUS. Of course. James loves the game and loves to fly. He doesn't love the media attention or the pressure that comes from being James Potter and an International quidditch sensation. Lots of mixed reactions from his family, but Harry showing his pride for his son was just the best.
Carlotta moving in with James, Brigid and Freddie getting together...so much happening here it's a huge rollercoaster of emotion going on!
But the scene where he sacrificed his broom to his grandparents...OMG, sobbing.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hiii,
Where else to hold the after-party than the Drunken Hinkypunk? The Witch's Tavern might have been fun but the Statute would have gone flying out of the window, no doubt. Nice of Molly and Arthur to turn up but not surprised they didn't stay; it's really not their scene, haha!
Love all the interactions and the dialogue between everyone ("Mum's a bit emotional" LOL) , they're all caught up in the moment and pretty much everyone apart from Dominique is probably going to have a raging hangover by tomorrow morning. And :Eyes: at Freddie going to run the Hogsmeade branch of WWW - he gets his own flat...which would be perfect to share with Brigid...
But what's this plan of James's that he feels he's been sitting on for a while? Just when I thought you wouldn't have any more surprises in store for us in this story, you pop up with another one! Intrigued...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
It gives me chills to read this chapter. Good chills - the sort where it's all so happy you could burst and it cannot possibly get any better than this, because it can't. It's a dream come true for the England players and supporters for England to win on home turf, and they'll be riding this euphoria for weeks (or possibly decades; England still bang on about the 1966 football World Cup after all).
The beginning is just a lovely way to start; family members together for breakfast where it would normally be just Ginny and James. Molly going to watch the match - "I'll be cheering loudly enough for two grandmothers, darling" :WAIL: - and louis is awake before nine in the morning (wonders will never cease). Love the reconciliatory Albus-and-James moment too.
As expected, tensions are running high during the match, but the Lynches turning the Bagman tactic against them - didn't see that coming (and neither did they). A few dirty tactics later and the advantage swung back England's way...
And the rest is history.
Wow! This story has been one wild ride and it's not over yet!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again,
There'll be a weird, empty feeling after the World Cup has ended; there usually is. Where nobody knows exactly how to fill their time for the first few days following. Then things get back to normal again. I wonder what James's plans are?
Oh. Maddie and Cato? Of course! I hadn't quite seen it, having been dazzled by everything going on in James's life and James/Carlotta, Ryan/Della, Brigid/Freddie, but the signs were there for us to find, ha! They had been corresponding, and they spent a lot of time at the Prom together (especially considering Cato was Lily's date)!
That's so sweet of Harry to give the top box tickets to James to distribute as he saw fit. Things are really starting to improve in the father/son relationship too. Love how it's all coming together in this story now!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
The pressure on these players must be immense. They're playing in front of a home crowd, in the biggest match of their careers, and yeah - that's got to be mentally frazzling. James hasn't the experience to harness his nerves, but Emily won't be that much older than him if they played together at school. Not old enough to give her masses of additional experience, anyway.
And they beat Peru and James was player of the match! It doesn't get much better than that, but now they're in the final. Actually, in a way, the pressure decreases slightly at this point because it's the final and to have made it that far is a fairytale in its own right. Maybe they can just go out and enjoy the atmosphere and revel in the joy of playing...but Ireland will be a tough cookie to beat.
Hurrah for Della and Ryan, because I definitely feel a Rylla or a Dean thing is gonna happen ;)
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello,
Carlotta softly trying to reassure and support James but James just reacting with sarcasm and then Carlotta hitting back with substance is one of those things that makes me LOVE this story and I'm so sad I'm almost at the end. It's been a WILD ride so far and I'm sure you aren't done with us yet.
I am praying that Ryan and Della get together before the end of this story and also Brigid and Freddie (if miracles can occur).
Love that Cleo made good on her word and walloped Jeremiah out of the sky with a Bludger (oops, how did that happen??) and in doing so, cleared the path for James to take his place in the semi-final?
The agony of who gets to watch the remaining matches and where they sit in the stands. I wonder if Harry ever gets embarrassed by all these tickets when he could easily afford to buy them for the whole family?
Getting very excited for the next match! Praying that they'll win, but fearing some horrible plot twist and a crushing defeat :eyes:
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi,
James Potter Welfare Committee!! Now where were they when James REALLY needed them a couple of months ago?! But that's lovely that they have picked up on James's stress and rather than risk him falling down a wormhole into drunken angry oblivion again, they are taking care of him <3
OMG, Lily, Roxanne and Ryan have been let loose in James's kitchen and are attempting to make a cake? Using an 'Enchantments in Baking' recipe? Or their own freestyle method? Yikes. Nah, I wouldn't be eating it. I hope James doesn't come down with food poisoning from it (even though Jeremiah probably would very much enjoy that). Good job Carlotta has made a cake too!
Clever tactic of Brigid to invite the Beaters over for dinner so that they could reassure James and stop him piling more pressure on himself.
And YAY for another win! BUt James is right; the pressure and anticipation only builds from here onwards...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hiiii,
The idea of games running into days and weeks is just ridiculous. I mean, it happens (or used to be able to happen) in muggle sports too - tennis, for instance - but the players must feel lousy after being on the go for so long. What happens if they need a toilet break? Could be...grim!
But enough of that speculation. I hope this means that whoever face England in the next round will be utterly exhausted and unable to play properly and gift us the win :sportsmanlike:
Oh God. Jeremiah is such an ass for questioning Demelza's choice. You just don't do that as a professional player if you want to retain any sense of credibility!! I hope James proves him wrong and he's left out of the Chaser unit for good. Perhaps he could go back to being a Keeper or Seeker - one of those positions that requires less team work?
Super sweet moment between James and Carlotta! I'm not mentioning their relationship much in my reviews, but that doesn't mean that I'm not savouring every moment of it <3
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hiii,
I think there's no option but for James to sit out the match against Canada. Demelza needs to watch all the possible Chaser combinations at play in a match before making her choice once they're out of the group stage. I'm presuming they'll get out of the group; be unlucky not to with two wins under their belts!
Aw, and James remembered Brigid's birthday! For once! He is definitely turning over a new leaf, if he hasn't already turned!
Demelza has got to play James if Jeremiah doesn't contribute anything of novel value to the game. It would be foolish to leave James out based on his inexperience - and sometimes inexperienced players can surprise the opposition with tactics they weren't expecting. They can be hidden gems. James is a hidden gem. PLAY HIM!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
Hats off to Lily - I don't know how TF she managed those NEWT grades, what with all the A-levels she'd taken as well. And playing hockey on the team and being Head Girl! LMAO at Al having nothing of his own to celebrate apart from the Minister of Magic congratulating him on a report. But it wouldn't exactly be nice to exclude him from the celebrations, right?
OMG Thaddeus Thurkell turning all seven of his Squib children into hedgehogs?? Yeah, nice guy. Not.
Interesting dilemma for Carlotta because she'll probably also be rooting for Spain; it's part of her heritage regardless of whetehr it's her brthplace or not, but of course she'd be fully behind James. Looking positive for getting out of the group stage!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
It's good to hear there's a good sense of team-ship and camaraderie in the England camp. It would be very difficult to play as a unit of not. Glad that the Puddlemere player isn't bearing a grudge for James replacing his team-mate. And James gets to play in the oening match! He wins his first cap! Exciting! I bet his family and Carlotta will be thrilled <3
Training sounded a bit frustrating for James - it'll take him time to adjust to these new players - but that scene in St Mungo's was just adorable. God, James is good with kids, isn't he? I can really see him in a teaching/nurturing role. Also kudos to him for arranging an outdoor trip for some of these sick kids. Something that they'll always remember, probably.
Excellent work on the first match in the group stage. LMAO at the criticism, but James can take it, especially when he's sky-high after the match. Whoop!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
I forgot to mention the phone call at the end of the last chapter!! I'm hoping we find out what it was about here. Nothing mundane, I hope LOL
Ahh, I might have something in my eye reading this chapter!! I thought that this was what the 'talk' was building up to, but I didn't dare to hope because, well, James had REALLY blotted his copybook, but all through Demelza's and Keira's comments I was screaming "PICK JAMES AGAIN" and they did.
And his family all congregating to congratulate him because Brigid tipped them off is just Oscar-winning-tear-worthy - especially seeing Harry being so proud of his eldest son, and Carlotta's "pumpkin doesn't go with fish" greeting made me LMAO (no, it probably doesn't!).
This was such a feel-good chapter. The only blight on the horizon is Jeremiah McLaggen, but surely even he can't ruin James's happiness and James has grown as a person; time for him to rise above all that petty stuff.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
I like the idea of a three-month ttransfer for quidditch players to gain experience in different clubs, so they don't lose playing fitness whilst the British season is on a break. And what's super sweet about this is that though James would like to go further afield than Europe (even if it means missing having his birthday at home), Carlotta's birthday in November is of importance to him <3
James could certainly command a higher club salary should Demelza take him back on the squad, but is that what he wants? Love how Brigid flits from 'daughter of manager' to 'agent' in the blink of an eye. It must be hard for her to put family loyalties aside at times.
Lily's leaving school :( Aw. All grown up and waiting for exam results, and remembering to shrink the wardrobe back to its normal size and not leave any magical artefacts behind. What a task!
Love the idea of Carlotta going shopping on her own to Diagon Alley! I hope she's got plenty of self-restraint; there's probably loads of 'unusual' stuff that will catch her eye!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
Well, it was only time before someone voiced the possibility of James getting back into the team. Would the team selectors still want him after his outburst, though? Could they believe that he's turned over a new leaf and learned to manage his anger and anxiety off the pitch? Now that he's hardly drinking or actually teetotal, that surely helps. Maybe the selectors will have no choice but to bring him back...
LMAO at Harry remembering the content of Lockhart's books from second year! Given that Harry never spent a huge amount of time in the library because that was Hermione's thing, it's strange that he does have such an extensive book collection but I'm not querying it. It's nice - and there'll be lots of reading material for Carlotta to choose from. "Enchantments in Baking' - what a find!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
Cato at Lily's boarding school - this will be interesting, ha! James fronting him up made me LOL - from the sounds of things, Cato could pulverise James if he wanted to!!
Ooh, little bit of flirting between Maddie and Cato there! LOL The whole scene of the boarding school prom was really well done and Maddie and Cato seemed to have taken a liking to each other. Had to laugh at Robbie not enjoying being with Rosalind (his own stupid fault) and the back story of Lily's early years at the school.
But...Dragon Pox?? And Leggy Allegra being James's Healer, ha! That was an enlightening conversation between the two of them. Seems as though James was rather paranoid at school about his name, but he was actually known and liked for his qualities of character and the fact he had time for everyone. It makes the whole thing with Ingrid even more sad, really.
I wonder what will happen with the team now that Joshua Wadcock is probably going to be out?? :eyes:
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
I had assumed (wrongly) that once Carlotta started to see various wizarding places, she'd be able to see them all. Clearly not! She has to go through the whole suspending belief thing each time? At least with each successive place, it'll probably become a bit easier to overcome those muggle-repelling charms, hey?
I'm fascinated by the theoretical physics of magic and the expansion/contraction/manipulation of space! I thought James explained the basics very well here, sticking to the superficial level of what he understands.
Loved watching the quidditch world cup draw at the Burrow, and Carlotta's reaction to Dora and Teddy metamorphosing, and that little conversation about Ingrid's partner and the fact that he's terminally ill. The reassurance that James gave Carlotta at that moment was so sweet <3
And yeah, James is a natural at this teaching business, isn't he? Successfully correcting Dora's seat on the broom and getting her to score a goal.
I have an idea what this seed may be but I'll read with interest to see how you encourage it to blossom.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
I wonder what Harry and Ginny were betting on? I love the idea that there's a bit of intra-family gambling taking place, haha! A lot rests on this match; I'm not surprised James is feeling the pressure, but Ginny has some sound advice. You've really elaborated on the world of quidditch in this story and it's been so beautifully and realistically done - I'm going to guess you're a football officionado, because the rules and regulations are described to a tee and the game play description is incredible. Kudos to you for creating this!
Oh Della having a meltdown? And Ryan comforting her? Now, if only he'd put aside this silly notion of a relationship not being good for the team dynamic and just get together with Della, things would be perfect...
The match! :EYES: Such a risky strategy but somehow it came together for the Falcons and what a win!!
This will have done James's future England chances no harm at all!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hey,
Oh, I can feel James's tension and apprehension about the line-up choice for the game against the Bats. It must be hard though to be fighting for that place with his cousin. Speaking of whom (because I haven't mentioned her yet), Roxanne seems like such a generous character. Firstly, she hardly gets any games because James just edges her out. Secondly, she gets her chance because James fucked up. She played well. Thirdly, she loses that place again because James decided to screw his head on properly. And she's still cheerful? The girl deserves a medal for all that patient waiting-in-the-wings stuff and for gracefully going back to those wings without making a scene.
And, my God, her parents haven't made it easy for her. I'd love a spin-off from this story featuring George and Angelina's relationship as there's so much potential there. It's a mirace Roxanne turned out as steady as she has, and less surprising that Freddie is such a mess.
Kreacher teaching Carlotta to cook? Bloody adorable!!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
James has really grown as a character since the first chapter of this story and I love how his progression feels so natural and related to everything that has happened to him and around him. He's becoming much more of a 'someone' now. I'm glad he's making o go of things with Carlotta, because she deserves him at his best, and that he's finding his feet in the quidditch world again. He has some good ideas for tactics and his powers of observation are excellent. You're showing us what a great teacher he is, and if only that Hogwarts position could be offered to him in 15-20 years, things woukd be perfect.
Experimenting with pumpkins. Carlotta is a braver woman than I.
And James has really stepped up his bravery too, to finally tell Carlotta everything about Voldemort. I think this will be difficult for her to process, but at last, James is doing the right thing at the right time.
Go team Carames! Or Jarlotta. Whatever floats your boat...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hey,
James was SO good at talking to Jake and giving him confidence in himself. I feel as though James would make a brilliant mentor or teacher as he has the personal skills to help people see the positive aspects in themselves, plus the quidditch know-how to technically deliver the goods too.
But this is James's first match since the shit hit the fan, right? So he's going to have to handle his own nerves too, and this one's without Ryan (who he's always had by his side). Ryan is James's mentor too - I like how we have a chain of mentors here lol - and I think his words must have helped as the Falcons whooped the Kestrels. Or maybe it was the fact that Ginny was back to pre-match breakfasting with James?
James seems to be showing a new level of determination with Carlotta too, and not letting her push him away even when things get tough for her and she has this stupid notion of 'holding him back' because James holds himself back perfectly well, thanks-very-much. I really hope these two find a way through this
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again,
If anyone would have a mistaken understanding of what it is to be a burden, it would be Harry LOL. Just like Carlotta, he probably couldn't rationalise that people never viewed him as a burden.
Oh gosh. Aunt Audrey was pretty blunt and to the point about Parkinsons being a degenerative disease that would only get worse with time, and muggle treatments being of limited use especially compared to magical alternatives, but because Carlotta is under the muggle healthcare system and her inclusiin into magical society is not at all permanent, it makes sense so not get her hopes up with non-conventional treatment. I get that but ugh, what a dilemma to know that magical medications may give her greater relief from her symptoms.
It's incredibly sad that Ingrid is in a similar position and caring for her terminally ill boyfriend. Who feels that he too is a burden, but isn't that for Ingrid to decide whether he's a burden or not? She loves him - and I hope James is going to follow his own heart and not heed Mark's words - because he obviously loves Carlotta too.
Oof. This was a difficult chapter. But brilliantly written as always.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello!
Another amazing chapter. I love James's introspection at the beginning, questioning everything about the way he handles his nerves out on the pitch, and how he's conquered them every time so far, bt the one thing he's never fought for is a girl. He should have fought harder for Ingrid, and it's sad that the relationship came to an end due to the interference of others, but it's also kind of heartening that he doesn't have feelings for her any more, because I was kinda worried you'd steer the ship away from Carlotta and back to Ingrid.
Hurrah that you're not going to do that! I hope :SUSPICIOUSEYES:
OMG, another curve ball. Definitely hadn't seen this one coming even though the signs were there for us to find, but this is the most heart-breaking thing you've thrown at us so far because Parkinsons is life-long. Tragic that it struck Carlotta at such a young age, and it raises all sorts of questions and possible complications.
James is going to have to dig mega deep if he's going to save this one...
Meera <3 (galazy review and a lil bit heart-broken)
Hey,
The Prophet still not liking James Potter? Well what a surprise! Ginny got dismissed because she refused (quite understandably) to write a warts-and-all article about her own son, FFS (what sort of an editor asks a Mum to write a scoop on her own son?? A son who was in crisis at the time) but I digress.
Things are super messed up between Brigid and Freddie. I can't pretend to understand all the things that have made Freddie act so weirdly towards Brigid and in front of her at times, nor why she is still in love with him despite all this bizarre shit he's been pulling, buuuut I am here for an explosive declaration of some sorts. I watch with interest to see JUST how you'll resolve this particular conundrum!
I love that Albus and Harry kind of underhandedly help James to find Carlotta's address. It's a bit shocking that there's a file on her, but I guess that the magical world has to keep tabs on the muggles that may pose a security threat, right? I hope James manages to locate Carlotta and start to repair some of the damage done there...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
The international rules surrounding quidditch sound damn complicated - no wonder Sinead is having a headache sorting it all out! James being one of her favourites? Well yes; I'd say he is - there's no way Sinead would have taken him back if he wasn't, although the passionate and genuine way in which James spoke of his motivations for playing the game would have swayed anybody. He's more observant about game play than I gave him credit for, and he's showing his leadership skills here as he discusses tactics with Sinead...
Maddie and Cato Bagman?? Didn't see that one coming! Nor did I anticipate the little talk between Ryan and James about Freddie and Brigid...because I hope that doesn't cause any further issues for James (he doesn't need more, surely!), and yes - how is Brigid supposed to react to Freddie's fear of loving her??
Meera <3 (galazy review)
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