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Reviewer: FlaGinnyGirl Signed Date: 2010.04.16 - 11:47PM Title: Family
He is in his head, and that's how it should be still - he's the only person he completely trusts at this point, tho' Ginny is worming her way in.....
Author's Response: Bev, I wanted to underscore that a majority of Harry's life up to that point was lived in isolation, even when he was around other people, due to his aunt, uncle and cousin. Because of that, I wanted him to do most of his living in his head in the first stages of this progression. You're 100% correct with Ginny, of course. -- Jim
Reviewer: FlaGinnyGirl Signed Date: 2010.04.16 - 03:21PM Title: Family
so s lo w l y , the transformation is happening soooooo slowly, but hey at least it's happeneing and of course it's going to be slow. I love this inner struggle you have going on in Harry's brain. They are all trying so hard and it comes across very well in your writing.
Author's Response: Bev, but was the transformation s l o w enough??? In one of the earlier responses, I mentioned the challenge I had in trying to keep Harry progressing at a realistic pace, complete with the occasional set-back. I may have set a record for the use of italics with this story, but Harry, at this point, still does much of his living in his head. Thanks for your wonderful compliments! -- Jim
Reviewer: piltad Signed Date: 2008.10.11 - 11:26PM Title: Family
Well first off I never told you how much I liked the idea of a folder of all of Harry's real work not the stuff he turned into the teachers that was a great idea and this chap reminded me of it. You have the interaction between Weasleys and Harry slowly growing which I love doesn't seems to me like your making it happen to suddenly though to me seems like yeah there is a few bumps in the road but it really doesn't push Harry back all that much. Which to me makes me kinda scared of your upcoming chapters I am waiting for the other foot to land and send Harry back a few steps. Though we shall see in time if I am correct. Really feel bad for Fred and George seems like they really want to interact with Harry but don't quite know how to.
I will say I don't know about the ending here. I am a firm hater of soul bonds (LOL mainly since people take it to far) and that is what this reminded me it is kinda how most of them describe the beginning of the bond hope your not going down that road though I will admit I read one or two good soul bond stories and I think you could more than likely also pull that off it is the road your going down.
Also great job love long chapters and this is the longest of your story so far unless I am mistaken.
Author's Response: Thanks, Piltad! The folder was a way to show the two sides of Harry, plus that he was smart but had learned not to show it.
Harry is progressing, but it's a process, with some setbacks. Fred and George are just too aggressive for Harry to feel comfortable at this point.
H and G's relationship is not and will not be a bond. They, simply, are very comfortable with each other. There are too many other bond stories for me to introduce that theme in this story. Lots of long chapters are waiting for you! -- Jim
Reviewer: charlz1983 Signed Date: 2008.09.16 - 01:28PM Title: Family
i do hope he can get through his trauma, and he has finally allowed somone to touch him in a loving way, and the first touch of course was ginny!
Author's Response: Ginny had to be first, right? Harry is with the right people to help bring him out. Thanks for another review! -- Jim
Reviewer: Abraxan Signed Date: 2008.08.24 - 03:13AM Title: Family
Another enjoyable chapter! There were some things that felt like logic errors - for instance, the discussion of Quidditch as if Harry had never heard of it, when Ginny had already mentioned it and given him books on it. I know it's hard to keep continuity in a long work - I've done things like this myself. One way I try to keep things organized is to make a summary of things in each chapter and keep that list handy so I'll remember when a character learned something, for instance.
Keep up the good work!
Abraxan
Author's Response: Oops! Your suggestion is an excellent one. Thank you. I do have chapter notes, but I tend to stray from them during the actual writing. Thanks, Jim
Reviewer: I_love_hpforever Signed Date: 2008.06.27 - 10:57AM Title: Family
Awww!!! That is so adorable!!! I feel bad for Harry still because of how he was treated and I know some children who are exactly like he is and slowly I've been working with them at the school I volunteer at to break them out of their shell. They are all younger then Harry though, about 6 or 7 so it is slightly easier. I loved the Harry/Ginny interaction here and right now I only have one simple question running through my head. Can Harry really handle going to Hogwarts this year or will he have to wait another year and end up starting with Ginny? *shrugs* I have a feeling I will find out in the next 12 chapters but because I'm going to review on each chapter I'm also going to pretend that I don't have the next 12 chapters waiting for me and that I have to wait for an update. LOL! Thankfully I don't but this way I think that the review will be better. I love how Harry is slowly opening up and while all the Harry/Ginny interaction was amazing I also loved the Harry/Arthur stuff. I have this strange feeling too that Harry is never going to fully trust Dumbeldore simply because Dumbeldore is slightly minipulative just like he was in the actual books in my opinion. Truthfully I never liked the guy too much but that is simply me. Again I love the story and now I'm off to the next chapter. ^^
~Kat
Author's Response: Kat, How wonderful of you to volunteer to work with those young children. i hope you get a great feeling from doing something so special.
Harry development is evolutionary through the help of Ginny and Arthur (primarily), as well as the other Weasleys. When projecting forward as to what Harry is capable of, think of the situation he had come from, and you'll have your answer as to what he can or cannot handle. As for DD, Harry sees all the major decisions that have affected him have been made by one man . . . Albus Dumbledore. -- Jim
Reviewer: darkra15 Signed Date: 2008.05.30 - 11:14AM Title: Family
Maybe it's just me, but are Sammi and Miss Rae ever gonna make a cameo in the later story. Only, you referred to them now wondering how she was doing at this time, and personally I just loved those two characters...I dunno, could just be my rambling, either way, it's an amazing story so far!
Author's Response: Hi darkra, I'm glad you love Sammi and Miss Rae. But wouldn't it spoil the story if I told you whether they were coming back or not? Thanks for your comments. -- Jim
Reviewer: Ginny Guerra Signed Date: 2008.05.11 - 05:08PM Title: Family
So ickle Harrykins is opening!
Can't wait for the rest. Which I'll read a tad later.
Author's Response: The Weasleys are the cure to Harry's ten years with the Dursleys. You've been busy!
Reviewer: Elvenlaughter Signed Date: 2008.03.04 - 05:14PM Title: Family
Question: will this be a manipulative!Dumbledore story> Any Dumbledore bashing?
I feel like Ginny doesn't talk like a ten-year-old. She sounds more teenage, more mature. Just something to think about...
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's Response: Answer: No, but Dumbledore will be held accountable for his decisions, as all people should be.
Ginny is the youngest child, with six older brothers who are all quite intelligent, plus she's growing up in a loving, creative environment. So, I definitely see her as more mature than a normal soon-to-be ten year old. The next chapter is being worked on. Thanks for leaving a review.
Reviewer: aleckyane Signed Date: 2008.03.01 - 06:20PM Title: Family
I saw a link to this fic on FanForums, being recommended by one of the poster there,
I got curious (it was highly recommended), so, I clicked on the link, and proceeded to read. When I saw that it is an AU type of story, I became wary, asking myself, is this worth my time reading? Because, mostly than not, in an AU, other writers tend to twist the story so much, resulting from having the characters soooo different from the characters I have known and love from canon, most of the times not even explaining why they've undergone personality changes. But this is not the case with you.
Yes, it is set in an Alternate Universe, events are tinkered, Harry's personality traits a little bit different than what we know, but what I love about your writing, is that you made me believe it is possible, given the circumstances he was brought up in. You were able to show and not just tell how he became to be this fragile, un-trusting(?), young man.
So yeah, I rated this with an E (exceeds expectation). I expected to not enjoy it, but I was proven wrong and you made me even anxious in waiting for an update on this. (I read the whole 12 chapters in just one seating!)
I hope you update this soon.. Joy
Author's Response: Hi Joy, You need to tell me who highly recommended the story on FanForums, since I've never been on that site. I can't believe you read all the chapters in one sitting. I would imagine the first ones would be tough.
As far as the story, I consider it AU, because I've approached Harry's time with the Dursleys in a completely different manner than JKR did. But within that alternative universe, I've tried to remain consistent and logical.
I'm working on Ch 13 now and hope you continue to read the story - just not 12 chapters at a time! Thanks for leaving a review! -- Jim
Reviewer: annep Signed Date: 2008.02.29 - 03:24PM Title: Family
I just started reading your story a few days ago; you’ve done a great job in portraying the damage caused by child abuse. Now that Harry’s story-arc is heading upwards out the pit that was Privet Drive, I’m really looking forward to more of the “Saving Harry” part of the tale.
Harry has made a lot of progress in the few days at the Burrow, but imho he’s nowhere close to being able to handle going to Hogwarts. First off, he’d have to go without Ginny, who’s his anchor right now. Second he’d freak out (oops, bad word choice) at all the people, the attention he’d garner due to his celebrity, and the lack of privacy there. I think the best situation for him would be to stay at the Burrow and be home-schooled with Ginny, then go to Hogwarts with her next school year.
Looking forward with perverse pleasure to Harry’s meeting with Dumbledore. I doubt it will go well; Harry will probably wreck the Headmaster’s office with bursts of accidental magic even more thoroughly than he did after Sirius’ death.
Author's Response: Thanks for taking the time to leave your very perceptive comments and kind words. Ginny is Harry's primary anchor right now, and Arthur to a lesser extent. Certainly one of the areas that Albus should discuss with Harry is his place in the wizarding world and the reception that should be expected at Hogwarts. Whether Harry should actually attend is definitely a subject of debate, but we'll have to see how that plays out, as well as Harry's reaction to Dumbledore and what he may share with the young man. Some of these issues will be addressed in the next chapter. -- Jim
Reviewer: MyGinevra Signed Date: 2008.02.28 - 09:22AM Title: Family
Jim,
First to say, another moving chapter in a wonderful story. And it's so good to see so many great reviews and ratings for it. It's all very much deserved.
So this time I jotted down thoughts as I read, so that I could put them in my review. But after I finished reading, I knew that I had to make my first comment about the last scene, that magical moment between Ginny and Harry. In her innocent, sweet way, Ginny knows exactly what Harry needs; and in his fumbling, anguished way, Harry senses that here is the person who will save him. Ginny's decision to tell Harry about his past if Bumbledore desn't, gave me chills. Being the over-the-top H/G shipper that I am, I couldn't help the tears during this scene.
Okay. There were so many great moments in this chapter: Molly's instructing Harry in housework :-); the echo in Harry's mind of flying as a very young child; the sinister introcuction to You-Know-Who; Harry's first ride on a broom (made me feel like I was flying and made me cry); the wonderful scene with Arthur, who carefully set Harry at ease, which enabled Harry to finally reach out and touch someone; Ginny's instinctive sensitivity to Harry's needs and fears; the effect of the enveloping warmth of the Weasley family on Harry; his growning comfort with Ron, and Ron's growing understanding of Harry's distorted upbringing by the Dursleys; and Bumbledore's blindness to the emotional effects of his actions.
The trip to Hogwarts looms as a potential trauma for Harry, especially given the Headmaster's laci of understanding, and as a great chapter for us readers. But the best part for me, as I know you know, is what that look between Harry and Ginny bodes for the rest of the story. And I'll bet that before it's over, they are going to fly together.
Peter
Author's Response: Peter, Your review pretty much left me speechless, so it's a good thing I can type a response (sorry!).
You're quite aware I feel that Ginny already "knows" Harry on an instinctive level. I see her as having thought of Harry as she grew up, not as The Boy Who Lived, but as Harry, the parentless boy, who was forced to live with his Muggle relatives. Now, he's at The Burrow, and Ginny can relate so well it's almost like she's inside his head. She gives Harry an anchor within the Weasley household, as does Arthur to a lesser extent, that enabled him to open up just a bit to Ron and the twins in this chapter.
Dumbledore looms over Harry's progress, not only for the secrets he's been keeping, but as you mentioned, his "blindness to the emotional effects of his actions." Well said. The meeting between the Headmaster and Harry with his two pages of questions should prove instructive to both.
As for flying, I really like the way it ties back to Harry's infancy, when he was loved and safe and allowed to soar. That's the Harry that Ginny sees, imho. How can they not fly together, at least symbolically.
Thanks, Peter, for this absolutely wonderful review! Best, Jim
Reviewer: Leonheart666 Signed Date: 2008.02.28 - 02:44AM Title: Family
Argh! I was the first person to review this chapter originally, but then when I come to look back on it, my review wasn't even posted! So frustrating!
Anyway, onto the review.
I loved the chapter (he says trying to remember it). Harry's starting to open up now, which makes my heart go out to him, it really does. However, I have this funny, horrible feeling that next chapter might ruin that. Dumbledore sticking his overly large crooked nose into his life once more may cause Harry to go back into old ways. I hope not, because it will be so upsetting, but plot wise it would be fantastic.
I like Harry's reaction to the twins. I can imagine even I would be scared of the twins (And recently I've been quite a bold, outgoing person), so Harry must be really shocked to have someone so over the top, and then double it.
Brilliant chapter, can't wait for the update!
Author's Response: Thanks, Tim! I thought you'd left a review on this chapter, too. I looked back and didn't find anything, so it must have been for the previous one.
You're right - Harry's starting to connect just a little bit, especially with Ginny and Arthur. I'm pleased to see you agree with his reaction to the twins. I really like the peraonality and double it comment. You got exactly what I was trying to portray. As for Harry's meeting with Dumbledore, we'll see what happens in the next chapter. Have fun being bold and outgoing! Jim
Reviewer: Belcris Signed Date: 2008.02.28 - 01:56AM Title: Family
You know... It's way too late to be reading this... I should have been in bed an hour ago... but when I saw that you had a new chapter posted I just had to read it. Bravo. Once again I find that you have outdone yourself. :) Chris
Author's Response: Hi Chris, I know the feeling. Same thing happened to me last night. When I saw what time it was, I was shocked. Regardless, I appreciate you staying up, reading the rather long chapter, and leaving another of your much appreciated reviews. You know they mean a lot to me. I'm working on Harry's visit with Dumbledore for the next chapter. Thanks! -- Jim
Reviewer: Sovran Signed Date: 2008.02.27 - 05:53PM Title: Family
Let's see...
I admit that I was a tiny bit disappointed, initially, that Ginny did not get to fly with the boys. A certain shippy part of my soul wanted Harry to press the matter enough to get her in the air. However, in your story, that just wouldn't work. Harry was being incredibly bold: by his standards, just asking "Why?" was a huge step forward. So, while the action didn't go as my little soul wanted, the characters behaved just as they should. And I was glad to see that Harry was at least thinking in the right direction.
I had a sort of side-bet going about who Harry would first allow to touch him. Ginny was the clear favorite, but Arthur had a good probability, too. It was nice to see that tiny brush of the hand. And, of course, you now have us all wondering about that 'difference'.
And it's not escaped me that Harry is becoming more and more comfortable with Ginny. I'd have to count to be sure, but I think he went longer without stuttering in this chapter than he has in all previous ones combined. All to Ginny.
I haven't read the other reviews, but I hope everyone appreciates the sense of Harry's fearing the twins. Given his situation, they are the very people who would bother him the most, regardless of their intentions. I was glad to see that given proper attention. Of course, now that you've got a chapter of a nice length, lots of things can be given proper attention. =)
Author's Response: Oh, Dave, I do love your reviews. Thank you for understanding how important a step it was for Harry to speak up in front of the boys and to question their behavior. Of course, the verbally economical Harry did all that in one word. LOL!
I had anticipated that Arthur would be the first to touch Harry, but Ginny had a completely different idea. And I find it's very hard to deny her anything. I can't believe you guys were betting on my characters!!! Don't bet with cel, though, she has inside information.
Stuttering as symbolism. Thanks for catching that. While not perfectly linear, it is indicative. Watch for another causal factor in the next chapter (I hope no one else reads this).
Your analysis of the twins is spot on. Harry realizes on one level that they're okay, but what they do, who they are equate to finger nails dragging down a blackboard for Harry. Definitely a relationship that will take some time. Ron is much closer at this point.
Despite the length of this chapter, I still came up short in comparison to yours. Take that however you want. :-) Speaking of your last chapter, I was reading it when I got misdirected off the site and couldn't get back on for a couple of day. I will get to it, as soon as Ch 13 lets go of me.
Thanks for such a wonderful, insightful, and funny review. Best, Jim
Reviewer: Pooky Anonymous Date: 2008.02.27 - 05:21PM Title: Family
Jim,
You know the only thing that would have made the last scene of this chapter better is if before Ginny let Harry's hand go is if she would have gently kissed it! The scene is fantastic as is, but imagining that also happening, just makes me go WOW! I came back and just read that last interaction. Jim, it is so powerful, so beautiful, so emotive, so well written. It makes my heart flutter everytime I read it. There was so much healing taking place in that moment, for both of them, that it is quite literally unbelievable! I know that your Harry and your Ginny will end up together (even if you don't write it---though at the end of your story you might want to write little snippets of the future just to let us know how Harry is progressing--hint, hint, hint!!!), and being together they will share much love and many intimate touches. I hope, however, that no matter how long they are together, and no matter how many intimate, loving touches they share, that they both will remember this first touch and the feelings that flowed through them at that moment. (Gosh, I am turning into a sappy Romantic--ok, I already was one, now its just coming out into the open!)
Keep up the great work! I am preparing a big anvil to drop on old Dumbledork's head if he screws Harry up again in the next chapter!!! Maybe some concrete shoes too--I mean they can always go collect him during the second task of the Triwizard Tournament!!
Chris (Pooky)
Author's Response: Hi Chris, Reviews like yours (all of yours, really) make writing fan fiction so enjoyable. I truly can't thank you enough for the depth of your interest, your involvement with the story, your enthusiasm. All of these and much more are greatly appreciated.
Now, about the kiss. Who knows what might transpire between Harry and Ginny later in the story? These things need to develop slowly. Nothing is decided at this point, though.
This chapter shows the Harry that has been hidden start to peek out. Ginny knows he's there; Arthur, in his gentle way, is coaxing him out, too. That is the boy who is going to visit Albus. Of course, I won't comment on what happens, other than they will have a far-ranging discussion, with lots of questions and answers. Great visual of DD with cement shoes at the bottom of the lake with the Merpeople's statue. Wouldn't it be funny if the contestants left him there?
Chris, thanks again for such a wonderful series of comments and suggestions. Best, Jim
Reviewer: HGRHfan35 Signed Date: 2008.02.27 - 02:53PM Title: Family
Wow Jim, that was an amazing moving chapter with emotions running high and low.
I'm glad that Harry is coming out of his shell a little more at times, albeit slowly, showing a different side of him or as Ginny says "a hidden part".
The way you portray the caracthers is wel thought out and put in words in a manner that leaves a person craving for more. The list that Harry wil present to AD wil blow him away and I'd like to see him talking himself out of that one. I don't get the feeling that Harry is ready for Hogwarts or for that matter is Hogwarts ready for Harry.
I love your Arthur, he's brilliant. Soft and gentle but can be firm with his children when needed. I do hate it when other authors portray him as a weak man 'cause he's not. He's kinda like my own father who was a terrific man.
The interaction between Harry and the Weasley boys wil be interresting to see develop in time and then there is Ginny. She's feisty, sweet, spunky and funny mixed in a little package. Wonderful really.
The humoristic bits were great because let's face it, seeing a floating head in the fire would make anyone scream LOL. Harry's upset bowels makes me think about going on holiday to some foreign country and you eat to much food that is so weird and unfamiliar to your body that it does have a unique way of responding.
Thanx for a wonderful read this evening. C
Author's Response: Hi Collinda, Harry seems to be responding to the Weasleys, as they attempt in their very different ways to bring out that "hidden" Harry. I'm close to the part of Ch 13 where I'll be writing about Harry and Albus meeting. Since he has been away from the wizarding world and has no clue of his place in it, the Q and A session should be a revelation for both of them. You're lucky to have a father like Arthur. I see him mainly in the background with the Weasley family until he is needed then he supplies whatever is required without calling attention to it. That's certainly what he's doing with Harry. Definitely a terrific guy! Ginny is more observant than the boys, given her gender and bottom of the totem pole position to differentiate her from her siblings. So, she's much more in tune with Harry and what he needs, while the boys are being the boys. But they'll progress with Harry, too, over time. Thanks for picking up on the floating head. There are certain magical practices that just scream to be tickled. That was one of them. Poor Harry, even when he gets fed, he has problems.
C, thanks so much for your detailed and much appreciated comments. -- Jim
Reviewer: knightsbridge Signed Date: 2008.02.26 - 06:43AM Title: Family
After all of our talks, I'm SO srroy not to have have told you what a wonderful story you are weaving for all of us.
Personally I would have hexed DD into oblivian, and if trust is an issue, I think that will be a long time coming for Harry and DD, and rightly so.
How they intend to supress his natural magic will be somthing to see.
At least he trusts ONE person (Ginny) and is working up to trusting Arthur.
Again, I''m sorry for taking so long, but it seems when I'm not working, I'm sleeping...lol. and a few computer issues on the side. When I finally had a chance to read again, yours was the first one I caught up on...and it's brilliant!
Darian
Author's Response: Hi Darian, No apologies needed. Real life does intrude. I take it you've been very busy with school, work, and other responsibilities. Thanks for letting me know what's happening with you!
As for the story, I'm so glad you continue to like it. You've captured the main elements, with trust being a central theme. You're right, DD and Harry have a lot of ground to cover before H will feel any trust towards the man whose decisions have created his life. Thank Merlin, Harry now has Ginny and Arthur, and the other Weasleys to lesser extents. Next chapter focuses on Harry's visit to Hogwarts and his conversation with DD. I'm working on it now. Hope all is well with you! Best, Jim
Reviewer: wolfsgurl Signed Date: 2008.02.25 - 11:41PM Title: Family
i just wanted to say how absolutly amazing your work is, this chapter in particular, as far as i'm conserned. the way you write is just brilliant, to a point where you have me compleatly believing in a situation that i normally would dismiss as impossible.the way you write is co compleatly believable
also i just wanted to put out there that i hope you NEVER abandon this story, like some other good authors i've read, who simply seemed to fade away and stop updating. dont. if you abandonded tis story, i would be particularly... unhappy ;-)
now that i'm done being sentimental, great story, great chapter, and keep it up and all that.
wolfsgurl
Author's Response: Thank you for such great compliments! And please let me assure you, I have no intention of abandoning the story. I want to see how it ends, too! Just kidding. Work has already started on Ch 13. -- Jim
