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Reviewer: FlaGinnyGirl Signed Date: 2010.04.16 - 12:45AM Title: The Burrow
I LOVED that Molly called Harry her newest son.....she's so wonderful.
Harry, as a scared animal comes across vividly in the chapter, he's constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop, as it were but he is being so brave, walking around the house with Ginny and going to the garden....
Author's Response: Molly has slightly different mothering skills than Petunia, eh? One of the challenges in writing the story was holding myself back and allowing Harry to progress too rapidly. This chapter shows that even in a positive environment Harry is always on the alert. When you consider the dramatic negative effect Vernon and Dudley had on Harry, you can understand why he is hyper-aware and cautious. Ginny is his 'safe place,' so exploring with her was fun for our young man. Thanks for yet another review! -- Jim
Reviewer: piltad Signed Date: 2008.10.11 - 07:16PM Title: The Burrow
Well that is certainly a different Ginny than we first meet her. Really like the interaction you have between the two just hope Ginny realizes it is more than likely going to take awhile for Harry to act anything like I think she wants him to though who knows Harry has been making quite the effort. I really feel bad for Mr. and Mrs. Weasley I mean this has to be pretty hard on them there home has always been so loving and not being able to do what they would usually do and seeing Harry like this has to be pretty hard for them.
Author's Response: Piltad, Ginny's openness is really helping Harry. Remember that Harry has to overcome a decade with the Dursleys, so it will take a while, and he won't be open with everyone. You're really moving through the story! -- Jim
Reviewer: charlz1983 Signed Date: 2008.09.18 - 10:05AM Title: The Burrow
i think that fact the ginny can talk so openly to harry is a factor towards what is to become, and the fact she is so willing to share her special place with him shows that too!
she also seemes to undertsand him in a way no one else does. ab fab story! x
Author's Response: Love that last comment - 'ab fab story! - Thanks, Charlotte!
Ginny and Harry operate on such an instinctive level, I'm sure it's as natural as breathing for them. G does understand H, and I see that as the environment she grew up in -- all brothers. The pond is very special to both of them. You've gotten out of order here! Thanks, Jim
Reviewer: Abraxan Signed Date: 2008.08.23 - 09:40PM Title: The Burrow
And the healing begins at last . . . thank goodness!
Abraxan
Author's Response: Lynda, The Weasleys always symbolized family to me in the Potterverse, and it applies with this story, too. You're spot on with your comment of the healing beginning, though it's a slippery slope. Best, Jim
Reviewer: I_love_hpforever Signed Date: 2008.06.27 - 12:31AM Title: The Burrow
Awww!!!! I want to hug both children! Harry because my heart still bleeds for him and Ginny for slowly bringing him out of his shell!
~Kat
Author's Response: Aren't they cute together? I'm with the group that think H and G were meant for each other.
Reviewer: Ginny Guerra Signed Date: 2008.05.11 - 01:44AM Title: The Burrow
That's a very good idea, Harry. You have to start trusting.
Running to the next!
Author's Response: Trust is a huge issue for Harry and certainly one of the main themes of the story. Keep running, another chapter has just been approved, with a second to be submitted today. -- Jim
Reviewer: TheHiddenSeer Signed Date: 2008.03.13 - 10:37PM Title: The Burrow
I'm glad Harry's entering recovery now. I couldn't handle him being so miserable :[
Hopefully he'll get better soon.
Author's Response: Hi Seer, Glad to see you're staying with the story. Thank you! The Burrow is the first place where Harry sees how family life really should be. While being with the Weasleys is a very positive move for Harry, he has ten years of the Dursleys' treatment of him to overcome. It won't be overnight or easy. Thanks for reviewing. -- Jim
Reviewer: Belcris Signed Date: 2008.02.21 - 08:40PM Title: The Burrow
Ok... I'm really getting into this story the more I read. :) Bravo. :) Chris
Author's Response: LOL - When the notice came through, i thought to myself, 'bet that's Chris.' I am really glad you're enjoying the story, and I obviously appreciate the compliments you're leaving, since you know how much I enjoy your stories. Thanks, Jim
Reviewer: TGIF Signed Date: 2008.02.06 - 01:27AM Title: The Burrow
Excellent story! What a tough subject to write about. One of my major issues with the canon was how unrealistic everything was psychologically. I'm not sure if you have heard of it, but I suggest to readers here to check out the book "A Child Called 'It' " . Its a hard read, due to the subject matter - its a true story about the 3rd worst child abuse case in California history. But, this child's story is shockingly similiar to what Harry goes through during his time at the Dursley's.
I commend and applaud you for writing this. Much more awareness is needed for these sorts of issues (I feel the same way for the another WIP on this site - Come Ready and See). Its diffifcult to write about (and to read) but you are doing an amazing job capturing the possible damage living in such conditions can do to a child. Keep up the amazing work.
Author's Response: Hi TGIF, Thank you for your very positive comments. It has been tough writing this story, much more so than I imagined when I was first contemplated writing it. I'm not familiar with the book you referenced. Chapter 10 should be up shortly. -- Jim
Reviewer: omega13b Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 11:58PM Title: The Burrow
Yet another excellent chapter. Seams the only kid in the Weasley family that has any clue of how to act around Harry is Ginny. Too bad she's not going to Hogwarts for another year. He could use her friendship while at Hogwarts. Also, the way he thinks just screams of Slytherin. The only way I see Harry not being put into Slytherin is if Dumbledore and/or the Weasleys tell him bad things about Slytherin. As for his trip to Diagon Alley, I sure hope Professor McGonagall puts some glamor charms on Harry so he won't get mobbed... The last thing he needs is for everyone on Diagon Alley to run up to him trying to shake his hand and stuff...
Author's Response: Thanks, Omega! Ginny is more sensitive to Harry's needs, but all of them, including Harry, are going through an adjustment period. Slytherin? Could be. Harry would freak out if even one person ran up to him. The good professor may have her hands full. Thanks for leaving a review and for your comments! -- Jim
Reviewer: harry_ginny1234 Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 11:45PM Title: The Burrow
this seems to be a rather interesting story. I wonder if you plan to have Ginny start Hogwarts a year early in order to continue to help Harry in his adjustments?
Author's Response: Hmmm, interesting thought about Ginny attending Hogwarts. Would she even be allowed, since she isn't eleven yet? Thanks for the review.
Reviewer: jk_salmeier Anonymous Date: 2008.01.30 - 06:05PM Title: The Burrow
Jim,
Another great chapter. I was checking SIYE everyday since the last chapter was validated. I checked yesterday twice and was so excited to see that it was updated. Its so sweet the interaction you have showed us of Harry and Ginny. I love her even more now than I did before. Poor Harry is scared of the twins and Ron. I hope in time he'll see that they are nothing like Dudley.
Mrs Weasley's reaction to Harry's darting eyes was so heartbreaking to read. My heart broke with hers at Harry's actions.
Harry in Diagon Alley, that should be interesting.I hope no one tries to shake his hand. I'm sure he'll be fine he'll be with McGonagall. Granted, she's no Hagrid, but Harry might faint at the sight of him. :-)
One thought that just occured to me and I'm sure you have thought of this too but in the books JKR always emphasized through DD that Harry greatest ability was love. Is that something you are going to explore in this version? I always wondered when reading the books how someone like Harry can have that great ability to love, when he himself was not shown love. Keep up the good work!!
love jk
Author's Response: Hi jk! Have you marked the story as a favorite? If you do, you should receive an email message when a new chapter is posted. Now, on to your comments. None of the Weasleys have seen anyone like Harry before, so their natural tendencies can create unintended problems for Harry. Likewise, Harry has never experienced the love and family feelings that the Weasleys share. I'm working on the section where McGonagall takes Harry to Diagon Alley, and I'm hoping to make it an interesting trip. Now, jk, are you trying to get information on future chapters from me? No comment on 'love.'
:-) Thanks for reviewing! -- Jim
Reviewer: dougal74 Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 04:23PM Title: The Burrow
This is one of my favourate stories on here at the moment. I can't wait for your next chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you! Work has already started on the next chapter.
Reviewer: Arnel Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 02:21PM Title: The Burrow
I love your Molly in this and the last chapter. She's trying so hard to not scare poor Harry and her natural maternal instincts just seem, to me, to be screaming "hug him, hug him!" I hope that in time Harry will allow her to hold him as she undoubtedly does her other childern. I think, for her, that will be reward enough, even if he doesn't hug her back. That, too, will come with time, I think (because it does in canon).
Again, Ginny's instincts in this chapter are wonderful. I love how she sticks up for Harry and yells at her brothers; she'll be a great copy of Molly someday! I also liked it that it was she, and not Ron, who showed Harry around The Burrow and introduced him to everyone's special places. (I loved the baby monitor scene in Arthur's shed.) The fact, too, that she's able to elicit small smiles and chuckles from Harry warms me from the inside out.
Things are definitely looking up for Harry. I know there will be many ups and downs as he gets used to his new life, but ultimately, I think The Burrow is a much better place for Harry than St. Brutus' Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys.
Author's Response: Thanks so much, Arnel, for this wonderful review. Molly's head and her maternal instincts are at war with each other. It will take time for Harry to learn that touching does not equate with punishment, and learning that will be a bumpy road. This Ginny has lived with a house full of boys all her life, so she knows how to give as well as receive. She's not afraid to state her opinion. Just as important, she also knows what it's like to be different, as the only female chid, and the youngest, in the family. These insights will help her to understand and help Harry (at least, theoretically!). Her sense of humor helps, too! -- Jim
Reviewer: Sovran Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 01:58PM Title: The Burrow
It's so wonderfully refreshing to read a story written by someone who did his homework prior to tackling a difficult topic. I'll email you privately about that, too, but I wanted you to know how much I appreciate some sort of accuracy in a fic dealing with these topics.
Your little Firefly is being really wonderful about this, and you did a nice job of letting us know why she's so intuitive without beating us over the head with the details. The pond is precisely what Harry needs, I think - a place that is not crowded, with lots of visibility (compared to the inside of the house) and little activity other than his own. The descriptive touches you put in really helped in leading the reader to seeing why the pond is good for him.
The only thing I'd say in the way of constructive criticism is to be careful about defining PoV. There was one PoV-switch that didn't flow naturally for me, such that I had to re-read the passages to figure out what had happened and whose head I was sharing. It wasn't hard to figure out, but it wasn't as smooth as the other transitions.
Author's Response: David, Thank you for your well-considered comments, both here and in the private message. The story is the tip of the iceberg, isn't it? It occured to me that The Burrow was the antithesis of number four Privet Drive and its lookalike neighbors. You're right about Ginny's pond. It is a special place, just as she is. Thanks for pointing out the need to move smoothly on those pov changes. Best, Jim
Reviewer: Leonheart666 Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 01:52PM Title: The Burrow
You know, I'm getting really annoyed with this story Jim.
You see, I'm now running out of ways to compliment you. Especially without using too many English-only words which others don't understand
Another brilliant chapter, I'm now looking forward to Diagon Alley, I think that will be excellent. As for Hogwarts, I can't wait.
good work!
Author's Response: Hi Tim, You don't think I'm going to apologize, do you? LOL Diagon Alley with Minerva McGonagall will be a trip! Hopefully, there will be a few surprises along the way. Thanks, as always, for reviewing! -- Jim
Reviewer: twinsmom Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 12:51PM Title: The Burrow
My heart just keep breaking for him. Of course my brother was only a year old when we became his foster family. And yet at one it was still a struggle. And we had to touch him; diapers, bathing, et all. He hated it so much. It's hard to not hug someone you know that he needs that hug more than anyone. Even feedings were difficult with my brother. He screamed anytime he was 'restrained' in any way. High chairs and car seats were torture devices for him. And since he wouldn't sit in a chair for his food we basically had to let him walk around the table for weeks feeding off our plates like Helen Keller. He'd grab what he wanted and stand back to watch us while he ate. We caught him getting into the fridge a couple of times sneaking out raw bacon and stuff. Really wigged my Mom out. She was so afraid he'd end up with sominilla or something. (Hope I spelled that correctly) And I don't even want to get into how awful bath time was for him. Forget the bath and thank God for showers. But, it was still like trying to bathe a feral animal. He was terrified of water until he was about 7yrs old. I worked with him at the pool almost everyday until finally jumped into my arms from the side of the pool one day. I was so happy I cried. Consistancy is the key.
You are really doing a great job with this. And now I'm off to solidify that compliment with my vote for your story!
Christy
Author's Response: Hi Christy, What a heartbreaking story. Your brother was very lucky to find your family and to be treated in a manner that would give him the time and space he needed to adapt. The story underscores a very important concept: many behaviors are learned at a very young age, as witnessed by your one-year brother's actions. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. -- Jim
Reviewer: A_Pink_Lady Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 12:15PM Title: The Burrow
awwwwwwwww i loved the ending! I so feel for harry, youre portraying him perfectly in this, with the balance with being terrified and actually feeling like perhaps he could trust someone. This story just makes my heart break, its so sad, and so perfect. I love it so much, its so orignial and well written! I cant wait to read another chapter! also, i saw people in reviews were sometimes suggesting ways of killing the Dursleys. this isnt my own way, i read it on another fanfiction, but it was by far the most gruesome death which isnt very appropriate in this story, but just something perhaps you would like to hear about. Petunia had her head crumbled in with magic, like when you scrunch up paper and Vernon well....the spell was 'accio organs.' I dont think i need to say anything else*shudder* altghough it was in a AU story with much worse crimes commited by them so.... anyway....love the story and cant wait for an update!!!!!!!
Author's Response: Harry's self-protective qualities definitely are in a battle with the feelings he's getting from the Weasleys, Ginny primarily. The Dursleys certainly stirred up some strong feelings! How about having Petunia trapped in a filthy kitchen with no way to clean it, and Vernon locked in Harry's former cupboard? Thanks for your wonderful comments! -- Jim
Reviewer: jeff64108 Signed Date: 2008.01.30 - 10:10AM Title: The Burrow
Beautifully rendered chapter.
Author's Response: Jeff, Thank you so much. -- Jim
