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Reviewer: tloulee Signed Date: 2011.04.27 - 12:10PM Title: Repercussions
Oh my goodness...how sad...This story has made me cry on more than one occasion. I think that's a testament to how good of a writer you are. Thanks so much for sharing your talent. As much as I love JKR version this one is good in it own right. I think with everything Harry went through this is more how he would act towards people but that's not very good for a childrens book, is it =)
Author's Response: Thank you for your very kind words - they're greatly appreciated! You've gone through the saddest parts of the story, so if you shed anymore tears, most likely, they'll be 'good' tears. Thanks for reading SH and leaving the review!
Reviewer: FlaGinnyGirl Signed Date: 2010.04.17 - 12:07AM Title: Repercussions
I see what you mean about Harry having set backs......I STILL can't believe DD did that to him.
Having all his friends collect pix and stories and MEMORIES about his parents was brilliant.
It's good to see him spending time with the Weasley boys too.
Author's Response: B, you're reading fast tonight and most of the chapters are long! Recovery is rarely a nice, constant improvement. The DD/Harry relationship is complex. Even though DD is an educator, I always had the feeling that outside of the Trio, he had very little contact with the students. Plus, DD is a bachelor, over 100 years older than Harry and in charge of almost every Wizarding organization that exists. How is someone like that going to relate to an abused, precocious 11 year old, As this chapter shows, not well.
James and Lily were popular in school and it appeared they were well-liked during the brief time they were adults. I hoped it would make sense that a lot of people would have picture and other memoriabilia, as well as the closer friends having memories. You'll be interested in seeing what Albus's contribution is and H's reaction to it.
The Weasley boys - the challenge is the Twins since they are not trustworthy, loud and aggressive. Thank Merlin for Quidittich, which is a simple way for Harry to related to the three W boys. -- Jim
Reviewer: piltad Signed Date: 2008.10.12 - 01:03AM Title: Repercussions
Do think that the adults are doing something right at least letting Ginny in on the conversation though was not expecting Harry to be listening in on that one so good thing Ginny saved the talk at the end. I don't know how to take your Harry and Ginny I mean sometimes pick up on the awkward feelings they have for each other so know they like each other but a lot of the time you have them just acting like friends so to me looks good like you don't have them going to fast though you can see that is were their ultimate destination. You play that off beautifully one of the best I have seen most people go to far your playing a balancing game and right now I think your winning.
Author's Response: The adults understand the special relationship G and H have already developed. G acts almost like a translator for them, since she instinctively understands H. But like everything else, their friendship is a work in progress.
Reviewer: Abraxan Signed Date: 2008.08.24 - 09:03PM Title: Repercussions
He's in such bad shape - poor kid. I don't know how you're going to mend his relationship with Dumbledore or get him past his fear of men in the chapters you have left - I'm looking forward to seeing how you manage it! It's a good thing Ginny's a constant in his life - at least he has one person he can count on, if he can only learn to trust her. The twins and Ron are so good about trying to be patient with him and befriend him. It has to be hard for them to know how to deal with someone who's had such a different life experience than they have.
Nicely done. Now let's get this poor kid out of the wardrobe and into a better place psychologically!!
Abraxan
Author's Response: Isn't it ironic that the cupboard substitute - the wardrobe in this case - became a place of refuge for Harry? You'll see this in different manifestations as the story progresses.
Ginny is pivotal to Harry's development now, as she tries to lead the real Harry, the one he keeps hidden, to the fore. To me, it says a lot about Arthur and Molly that all their children are responding well to a situation and personality far outside their experience. As you might have figured out, I wanted to take what was so appealing about the twins and Molly and make those qualities pose problems for Harry. Sneaky author, aren't I? Oh, one other thing, I had to fight my strong desire to heal Harry immediately and make his life positive. Looking forward to your comments on the next chapters. Thanks, Jim
Reviewer: freshwater Signed Date: 2008.07.12 - 07:36PM Title: Repercussions
I just started reading your wonderful story today. Your descriptions of Harry's emotional states are very moving....but it was his hand gesture with Mr. Weasley that finally got to me. What a brilliant idea for Arthur to have....but when Harry raised his hand and squeezed it closed slightly --and Arthur responded in the same way-- I just lost it: serious crying ensued. Now having that tender and reassuring gesture tarnished by Harry's flashbacks of Vernon and Dumbledore and Voldemort...to the point that he regresses to sleeping inside the wardrobe.....just too sad. It's a classic metaphor for Harry's adjustments: two steps forward, one step back.
I like the relationship Ginny is building with him....even though it seems almost too good to be true, I don't think I could handle the sadness of the rest of the story without the balance given by those interactions.
Wish I could be a fly on the wall when Minerva bends Albus' ear! **smirk**
Author's Response: Hi Freshwater, You've made quite a lot of progress on the story. Thanks for taking the time to leave your comments.
Instinctively, Mr Weasley seemed to know that slow, small gestures with his hand would be the best way to "physically" communicate with Harry. You're right about the two steps forward, one back progression, never linear, unfortunately. And Harry's nascent relationship with Ginny is the one pure and innocent part of his life. You'll see soon it's not linear, either. Thanks for leaving your comments, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story. -- Jim
Reviewer: I_love_hpforever Signed Date: 2008.06.27 - 02:21PM Title: Repercussions
AWWWW!!!!! Poor Harry!!!! I just want to hug him and hold him even though if somehow I was about to do that right now in the story he would probably run away. :( I like how you mentioned Hogwarts may not be an option for him...but how he still said he needed to go. It's a good plot idea and at least you are toying with it, though personally I don't think that, at least as of right now in the story, he is ready and I also think he would feel more comfortable if Ginny was in his year. *shrugs* Those are just the feelings I have after this chapter but I still have many more chapters to read and I'll be off to read those now!
~Kat
Author's Response: Kat, An important factor to remember about Harry is that he perservered through his ten years with the Dursleys. He's looking at Hogwarts as a much easier challenge. Hope that helps. - Jim
Reviewer: Ginny Guerra Signed Date: 2008.05.12 - 01:04AM Title: Repercussions
Trusting is such a complicated thing.
Running to the next!
Author's Response: Ginny, you'll be seeing the trust issue throughout the story. - Jim
Reviewer: Moxterminator Signed Date: 2008.03.23 - 12:58PM Title: Repercussions
THIS IS A GREAT STORY!!!
YOU'D BETETR UPDATE SOON :D
Author's Response: Hi Kevin, Thanks for reading the story and leaving such a nice comment!
Ch 15 is with cel, so it should be up soon. May I turn your request around and ask the same? Cheers, Jim
Reviewer: Seeker Sis Signed Date: 2008.03.19 - 11:05PM Title: Repercussions
Jim,
Perfect ending, as your chapter endings always are. Perfect, perfect, and perfectly sad!
Love,
YLS
Author's Response: Hi LS, It seemed appropriate that Harry would return to something known. I had the feeling that he became lost in the big room and needed something he was more familiar with. Sad, isn't it? Thanks for reviewing! -- Jim/YBB
Reviewer: jk_salmeier Anonymous Date: 2008.03.17 - 07:20PM Title: Repercussions
I left you a really good review for chpt 13, but my husband's laptop decided that posting reviews for Harry Potter fanfiction was beneath it, and so my review did not reach you. I will make up for it with this one. I was so heartbroken when Harry went back in the wardrobe to sleep. But for him I can understand how that wardrobe would be a safe place for him. Poor Harry. Its interesting what you've done with his internal dialogue. The conflict of distrust, yet there's that small rational side of "okay they're only concerned I need to tell them" vs. "I thought I could trust them". My favorite was "Stop it, this isn't the Dursleys".
It must have been so hard for you to set Harry back like that, but such as life setbacks happen when we think we are making progress. I'm kinda glad that you did it. It would have seemed too contrived if Harry was progressing without the slightest bit of conflict. My heart broke when Harry started studdering while talking to Ginny, and even more when he got scared of Mr Weasley.
DD really blew it, just when Mr Weasley was making such great progress with Harry DD ruins it in one afternoon. I felt so vindicated when McG told him off. I'm still waiting for Molly to have her say at DD. You really showed with your DD how some that have brains and brillance don't always have common sense.
I'm glad that Ginny suggested the adults talk to Harry. Poor Harry (again the refrain), all his life adults have been making decisions for him, good and bad...well mostly bad. Its quite a predicament you've placed the adults in regards to if Harry should go to Hogwarts or not. Its a double edge sword: on one hand will he be emotionally stable to handle Hogwarts and be further driven into his shell? Secondly, by not allowing him to go to Hogwarts it can damage his self-esteem re-enforcing the doubts he thinks they have of his capability.
As he said he is use to challenges, but school should not be challenging.
Great job with this chapter. I hope things turn up for Harry and Mr Weasley...and I guess DD.
love jk
Author's Response: Hi jk! Harry's really fighting his Dursley-created reactions to things versus what he's seeing with the Weasleys, McGonagall, and even Dumbledore. There is a bit of a conflict, and your favorite comment certainly shows that.
I'm not sure if Molly will have her chance to "talk" with DD in this chapter, but it will happen, and it's all part of Ginny's suggestion that they not treat Harry like a mushroom.
Life in general, including school, has been a challenge for Harry, due to the way the Dursleys treated him. He's seeing the Hogwarts' challenges as more of the same, though in a different context. And you're right, school and an eleven year old's life should not be a challenge. Ch 15 will start addressing some of these issues. jk, as always, thanks for taking the time to share your comments -- and stay away from your husband's laptop, because I always look forward to seeing them! :) Best, Jim
Reviewer: bludger45 Signed Date: 2008.03.15 - 04:43PM Title: Repercussions
Outstanding story mate. I cant wait for the next update keep up the good work.
Author's Response: Thank you for reading the story and leaving a review. I'm working on the next chapter right now!
Reviewer: TrainzStoffe Signed Date: 2008.03.14 - 03:41PM Title: Repercussions
I've been thinking about reading this story ever since you first published it here at SIYE. I distinctly remember reading the summary and thinking long and hard about it. I finally decided to not read it - it sounded too troubling for me, especially if I had to read just one chapter at the time.
It still is as hard to read - but I found a way around it. I simply skipped the first half-dozen chapters. I know, I know. It's not a good thing to do. But since the choice was between doing that and not reading the story at all (which I knew others said was really good), I think I can justify my choice. And I am glad that I did.
Even though it's confusing at times and I have gaping holes in my understanding when you reference the earlier chapters, this story is really, really good. Scary good. You know how you get chills down your spine sometimes? That happens every now and then with me. When Harry and Ginny first touched, I felt something very much more rare. That was superbly written! And the rest of the story isn't far behind.
I can't wait for the next chapter. Keep up the very good work!
Author's Response: Hi TrainzStoffe, Those first chapters were very hard to write, so I can appreciate your initial reluctance and subsequent approach. There's absolutely no need to justify your choice. It works for you and that's all that matters!
If you have questions going forward, please contact me directly, and I would be happy to explain what you missed -- in neutral terms.
Thank you so much for finding a way to approach the story and to let me know about it. I look forward to more comments from you. -- Jim
Reviewer: TrainzStoffe Signed Date: 2008.03.14 - 03:41PM Title: Repercussions
I've been thinking about reading this story ever since you first published it here at SIYE. I distinctly remember reading the summary and thinking long and hard about it. I finally decided to not read it - it sounded too troubling for me, especially if I had to read just one chapter at the time.
It still is as hard to read - but I found a way around it. I simply skipped the first half-dozen chapters. I know, I know. It's not a good thing to do. But since the choice was between doing that and not reading the story at all (which I knew others said was really good), I think I can justify my choice. And I am glad that I did.
Even though it's confusing at times and I have gaping holes in my understanding when you reference the earlier chapters, this story is really, really good. Scary good. You know how you get chills down your spine sometimes? That happens every now and then with me. When Harry and Ginny first touched, I felt something very much more rare. That was superbly written! And the rest of the story isn't far behind.
I can't wait for the next chapter. Keep up the very good work!
Author's Response: Ditto. :)
Reviewer: annep Signed Date: 2008.03.14 - 01:45AM Title: Repercussions
Harry's behavior reverting to negative, yet familiar, territory is so very sad. However, I applaud you because it's also so very real. It was inevitable that the traumatic meeting with Dumbledore, on the heels of so many new and different experiences, would have Harry seeking comfort in the old ways (sleeping in cupboard, hugging himself & rocking). I do hope one of the Weasleys discovers him in the wardrobe to help them see how much he's regressed.
Harry's thoughts in McGonagall's office: "If I do come here, I’ll need to learn on my own, because I know he’ll tell me all the stuff he doesn’t want me to do." I don't understand the second half of this sentence. Is Harry thinking that Dumbledore will intentionally tell him to do something he shouldn't so he'll get in trouble?
Harry's inner strength is incredible. The sorting hat will yell "Gryffindor" before it even settles on Harry's head! McGongall's reaction to the horrible thought that he wouldn't be in her house was terrific. Besides her obvious fondness for the boy, certainly can't have that quidditch talent going to another house! :)
Congratulations on the DSTA! It's well deserved.
Author's Response: Hi Anne, You've excellently summarized my thought process on Harry's response to all he's going through! I really had to fight the desire to have the Weasleys "cure" him. The "he'll tell me stuff" is another reference to his previous life with the Dursleys, where he wasn't allowed to express himself in any way, as well as showing his feelings about Dumbledore's controlling nature.
Harry is very strong, and we'll soon see that quality in action. I've always thought McG had a fondness for Harry's parents, and I wanted it to translate to how she sees their son. It also builds on her comment about the Dursleys' being "horrible Muggles." So, she feels protective toward the boy. It would be a foregone conclusion for her to assume Harry would be in her house. Plus, she's a Quidditch nut and wants that cup in her office.
Anne, thanks for another great review and for the DSTA congratulations. I was overwhelmed by the voting! -- Jim
Reviewer: Leonheart666 Signed Date: 2008.03.13 - 02:34PM Title: Repercussions
Woah, When I said the consequences of Dumbledore's meeting was going to be severe, I didn't mean that!
NOOOOO HARRY!
Anyway. Parts of me are really happy about this. It would be boring if it had had no effect on the little boy, and now it means that the story is going to last longer!
Good chapter, I loved it, keep it up!
Author's Response: Hi Tim, Despite my strong desire to have the Weasleys apply their magical Harry healing powers, I couldn't. You're right, though, by having him regress, I probably added to the potential chapter count. I guess that's a good thing, eh? Thanks for reviewing -- Jim
Reviewer: Chrysanthemum Signed Date: 2008.03.13 - 01:11PM Title: Repercussions
Oh I agree, a Molly type hug would be very negative because it involves the chest area, where defensive people are the most protective of. Therapists usually never touch a persons chest at all, leaving that to caregivers. Touch therapy usually starts with the hands, either brushing or massaging them, then the arms, back and legs ( except the front of the thighs) in that order.
It works beautifully the way you have Arthur reaching out his hand to Harry. Of course Harry's psychological fears are getting in the way of Arthur's efforts, but his instincts are spot on. Ginny could really help with this, by at some point giving Harry a hand or back massage after doing some hard work at the Burrow. It only works if the touchee trusts the toucher, if that makes sense. At this point, both Molly and Arthur are too scary because they are adults.
Again, great story!
Author's Response: Chrysanthemum, Thank you for providing all of this behavioral and therapy-related information.
The good thing about Harry's reaction to Arthur is that it was to the hand reaching out, not to Arthur specifically. That movement, coming on top of Harry's bad meeting with DD, reminded him of those other people. Lots of work to be done, but maybe Ginny will prove to be handy. Thanks, Jim
Reviewer: bengpotter31 Signed Date: 2008.03.13 - 08:05AM Title: Repercussions
Oh boy, I think the Weasleys and McGonagall have their work cut out for them. Ginny is going to have to be more patient and understanding. I didn't like that last part where Harry saw Vernon, Dumbledore and Voldemort over Mr. Weasley. It just bodes ill.
Another well written chapter. I hope you update soon.
Author's Response: You're the first person to mention Mr Weasley morphing into Vernon, DD and Voldemort in Harry's eyes. The Weasleys and McGonagall do have their work cut out for them. We'll see how they approach it in the next chapter. Thanks for your review. -- Jim
Reviewer: omega13b Signed Date: 2008.03.12 - 11:19PM Title: Repercussions
I pretty much agree with the fact Harry shouldn't go to Hogwarts Sept. 1. Him going while he still has this explosive little problem is a recipe for someone to get badly hurt especially if Snape bullies him. I don't think Snape will know what hit him. If Dumbledore is wise, which he is definitely not, he should inform the school staff of Harry's problem. At least now he is admitting he's made big mistakes and is considering asking for advice...
Author's Response: Hi Omega, Snape bully a student, especially a Potter? That would be an interesting confrontation. Dumbledore does realize he's made mistakes, and he would be well-served talking with his staff about Harry, if the decision is made for him to attend this year. -- Jim
Reviewer: Chrysanthemum Signed Date: 2008.03.12 - 11:11PM Title: Repercussions
This story is very interesting to me right now, because I recently took a course on therapy for Sensory Integration Disorders/Dysfunction. The way you have described Harry makes him a perfect candidate for this. Basically because of his abusive childhood, sensory messages are not being processed properly, especially sound and light and touch. It's typical for these kids to withdraw for physical touch because the message has been rerouted as a threat, rather than a comfort. Romanian orphans who have been treated in the USA show many of these same symptoms, our teacher explained.
Surprisingly, they actually have kids do very much like Harry does on a broom, but with swings. The therapies in use involve overwhelming the senses and bypassing the senses. They swing the kids fast, hard and dangerously, and the kids do not react with fear, because the message "this could kill me" fails to be recognized. But over time they do, and at the same time their other social problems begin to improve.
They bypass the threat message of touch by engaging the kids in multiple tactile activities, things like squeezing dough, heavy lifting, but also by brushing their skin with surgical scrub brushes. Sounds weird, but rough brushing and deep massages are less threatening than soft touching. Over time, the deep pressure touch messages retrain the brain that soft touch is okay too.
Anyway, I'm sure you weren't writing this as a SID story, but the parallels were too interesting for me not to comment on it.
Great job, and I look forward to reading more!
Author's Response: Thanks for sharing all of this information. Harry's primary learned negative response is to touch in this story, but we also see him react to sound (the twins). Another reader mentioned water as being a problem for some of these children.
In the story, flying is as much symbolic as it is a physical release. It takes us back to when he was with his parents, it's in contrast to his containment in the cupboard, and it's something he can do for himself, rather than observing and reacting to others.
Maybe I should have Molly smothering Harry, instead of Ginny's soft touches. Nah. Harry would feel trapped with Molly at this point. It's not a straight SID story, but there certainly are shared elements. Thanks for pointing them out! -- Jim
