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Reviewer: FlaGinnyGirl Signed Date: 2010.04.17 - 02:19PM Title: Birthday Surprises
I think the HArry in your story is an interesting if not complete 180 from the Harry in canon. In canon Harry went along with everything DD said or asked him to do unquestioningly. THIS Harry is the exact opposite, it takes a little getting used to, we're all so familar with Harry and DD having a wonderfully close relationship. Harry slamming the book on the bed is a great example of him being able to control his magic. The party was wonderful, Harry's realization that the Waesley's are the people his parents has told him he can trust was spectacular. One comment tho' - Ginny and Harry seem wise beyond thier 10 and 11 year's repectively, but I guess we can chalk that up to them being 'magical children'
Author's Response: AHHHH! My absolutely brilliant response got lost because I got logged out. Oh well. Being the product of James and Lily, two of the top students at Hogwarts in decades, I made my Harry intelligent and analytical. He's a reader, does his homework perfectly, then turns in papers that poor enough to ensure he doesn't get beaten or starved, and he has learned to analyze people and situations for his own self-preservation. So when he and DD get together, this H connects all the dots, and sees they all lead back to DD. H's book and rock scenes show his extreme irritation at having yet another adult messing with his life.
The Weasleys provide the first environment where H can start to open up, and the party symbolizes that, especially with the thoughtful gift he bought G and turning the joke back on the twins.
G and H are precocious by design. I also took the viewpoint that they are one of those couples that were made for each other. Individually and as a pair, they are magical. I've mentioned H's intellect earlier and now he can begin to open up and not be punished for doing so. Ginny has become an observer, especially of the male specie, since she has the six overly protective brothers and they've basically told her to sit on the sideline. Plus, the Weasleys don't get the credit for being a very talented family - two Head Boys, a Seeker/dragon wrangler, and two of the most creative and inventive people Hogwarts has ever seen in the twins. Ginny has learned from all of them. So, G is ready to blossom when H comes on the scene and their chemistry takes off. Thanks for another complimentary and insightful review. -- Jim
Reviewer: piltad Signed Date: 2008.10.12 - 01:56AM Title: Birthday Surprises
Dang Harry is just not ever hearing anything good when he hears parts of people conversations lol feel sorry for the kid. Do think you did a great job with the gift I drew the line to wanting him to write to him when he got the present but really liked the 8 bottles of ink that was a really good twist.
Author's Response: Two steps forward, one step back! As for the gift, I wanted it to be something that fell into the communications category. Plus, H wants to stay in contact with G.
Reviewer: charlz1983 Signed Date: 2008.09.16 - 05:13PM Title: Birthday Surprises
another good chapter!
Author's Response: Thanks, speed reader! Hope you continue to enjoy them.
Reviewer: Abraxan Signed Date: 2008.08.24 - 10:20PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Levitating and whomping a book on the bed satisfies his need for action when he's angry? I'd think he'd be punching the mattress with his fist instead, but that's just me. I also think that, as intelligent as he is, he should've asked how to cast the Cooling and Calming charms on himself - McG should teach him those ASAP! Poor kid - I just KNEW he was going to overhear that. Now how's Dumbledore gonna get past THIS mess??
BTW - there's a gray bar obscuring about 3 lines of print in this chapter - I couldn't get it to go away.
Abraxan
Author's Response: This is a boy who hasn't been able to act on his emotions for a decade, so pounding the book into the bed was a "safe" way to express his anger. Interesting comment about McG teaching Harry the Cooling and Calming charms. My thoughts went directly to Ritalin (sp?) or Prozac. Anyhow, this is just one example of not getting the entire picture, but Harry basing his reaction on what he did hear. By the way, I didn't find any gray bar in the chapter and I checked twice. Thanks, Jim
Reviewer: I_love_hpforever Signed Date: 2008.06.27 - 11:44PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Ah? Who is opening the door? How tempted I am to simply click the "next" button and move onto the next chapter to find out, but alas I will not...at least...not tonight. I sadly must head off to bed after this review is finished. Again I loved this chapter, though the last is still my favorite so far. The building relationships are always amazing to read and of course Harry's mistrust of Dumbeldore. While I can see Dumbeldore's views and how he does have Harry's best interests at heart and how he doesn't want to turn him into a tool simply to use against Voldemort I still sort of side with Harry. Of course, this is mainly because of my aformentioned prejudices against the Headmaster. So! A wonderful chapter and I can not wait to continue this emotional but amazing, and even more amazingly written story!
~Kat
Author's Response: Not telling! By the time you get this, you may already know. It's all part of the plan, where nothing is linear. DD sees circumstances, which helps to understand his approach. -- Jim
Reviewer: Ginny Guerra Signed Date: 2008.05.12 - 11:00PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Yikes!
That's what happens with overprotection.
Running to the next!
Author's Response: Kind of bounced back at him, didn't it? The most coincidental of occurences can upset even the best of plans.
Reviewer: RoarTriumphant534 Signed Date: 2008.04.16 - 06:30PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Every time I think that Harry is going to make it out, you throw another wrench in his progress. I really hope that Dumbledore wakes up to what he's doing before it's too late. Hope you update soon.
Author's Response: Hi RT, Harry's overcoming ten year's of mistreatment, so he will have his good days and some that are less so. Harry and Dumbledore meet in the next chapter, and it will be submitted shortly. Thanks for leaving a review!
Reviewer: Harry GiNiny POttEr Signed Date: 2008.04.11 - 03:51PM Title: Birthday Surprises
I love this story keep updating!!!!!!!
Author's Response: Hey HGP, I'm glad you love it! The new chapter should be up soon!
Reviewer: Arnel Signed Date: 2008.04.07 - 09:12PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Despite the fact that you put a tissue warning on the chapter, I found it more heart-warming than anything else. I have nothing but good feelings seeing him learn to trust the Weasleys more, especially since he's making the effort to let them touch him. That's one part of his existance that's going to take an enormous amount of time to heal and I'm thrilled with each little step he takes.
I had to laugh at the fact that the boys were typical boys when it came time to give Ginny presents, that she was correct in assessing that they'd give her exactly what they wanted instead of taking the time to think about what she might want, like Harry obviously did. The fact that Ginny thinks Harry's gift is the best yet shows just how much he is trying to fit in.
I'm still angry at Dumbledore and wish you had given this chapter a Bat Bogey Index as well as a tissue warning. I realize that he has his priorities and is being extremely cautious, but the fact remains that Harry doesn't trust him and in now equivocating him to his uncle! Urgh!!! He gets three Bat Bogeys for making Harry look for non-destructive ways to vent his anger! (A good sign, but still...) BTW, I thought it was funny that Harry chose the potions book...hee hee!
All in all, two thumbs up for a chapter that had me first sighing and then biting my nails in order to keep my own temper at the end. I look forward to the tissue and Bogie warnings for the next chapter.
Author's Response: Arnel, I may have to send the chapters to you before posting them. Then, I'll get my ratings right!
When writing this chapter, I had the strong feeling that Harry wanted to reach out, almost like he was bringing back his time with his parents. Ginny knows her brothers well, doesn't she? Harry observes people - initially it was to keep himself out of danger, now it's to get to know the Weasleys better.
You're one of several people who want ot Bat Bogey Dumbledore. It's too bad we can't create an online carnival and sell tickets to "Bat Bogey the Headmaster." DD and Harry are meeting in the next chapter (along with several other people), so Harry may get a chance to express his anger in a more up close and personal manner. Thanks for "getting" the meaning of Harry choosing the Potions book. LOL
Thanks so much for another of your fun and detailed analyses. You know how much I look forward to them. Until the next chapter, Jim
Reviewer: MyGinevra Signed Date: 2008.04.07 - 03:12PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Jim,
A really good chapter. I especially like the very subtle way you are portraying Minerva McGonagall. Her confrontation with Dumbledore was perfect. You showed both of them with great depth and realism. It was an excellent scene.
Other great moments: Ron's casual acknowledgment of Harry's stomach ache; the pink, chalky-tasting potion that Molly gave to Harry; and Ginny's non-stop speech to Harry. Especially moving were Harry's sudden realization that the Weasleys are the ones his parents told him to trust, and, most of all, Ginny's "Good night" whisper to Harry; it's no surprise to you, I'm sure, that I loved that one.
And who said "Harry" at the end? I hope it was Ginny.
This chapter was a very well put-together working of plot and character development. Great job!
Peter
Author's Response: Peter, You know Minerva is one of my favorite characters, and it's fun to put her in situtations where she is at odds with Albus. We just may see a few more of those.
You've mentioned some of my favorite scenes. Harry is starting to put things together, which is what led him to the realization that the Weasleys are the people his parents mentioned. You realize that some of the H/G goodness is included for you, right? :-)
As for who's at the door, next chapter, my friend. Thanks for the great review! -- Jim
Reviewer: ginnymychosen Signed Date: 2008.04.07 - 01:15PM Title: Birthday Surprises
I see now why JKR made Hagrid pickup Harry from the Dursley's. It prevented him from getting special treatment so early. Letting McGonagall and Dumbledore have personal meetings with him before Hogwarts without even telling him about his fame isn't working (for me at least). His speech disorder is really disturbing. I've noticed it's diminishing of course. I wonder how you're going to make the separation between Harry and Ginny play out.
Author's Response: Thanks for taking the time to leave your comments.
Reviewer: mwinter Signed Date: 2008.04.07 - 12:17AM Title: Birthday Surprises
For the last 5 years I worked as a social worker in foster care dealing with children. Children of discerning age wither they were physically or emotionally abused have one standard thing they hate. They hate others making choices for them. They statistics of them following the choices made for them with out their input by others is relatively small. Given a chance they will do the worst thing possible to that person making the decision. The interesting thing here is that the Weasley family doesn't have to be affect to much by his decision. He'll lash out against Dumbledore. What would be the worst thing to Dumbledore that Harry could do? Its all speculation from the readers point of view because we might have an idea of what we want. But thats not the case we are not the author. I would speculate based on what you wrote and I quote, "He just makes the decisions and expects me to go along without saying anything. That’s not going to happen this time." Dumbledore's decision is for Harry to attend Hogwarts. The worst possible thing is that Harry refuses to attend. Well, thats one of a multitude that I am thinking about. But before the next chapter comes out i would like to add my two cense I think it will be 1. Mr. Weasley, 2. Percey before Ginny.
Author's Response: One of the most rewarding aspects of writing this story is that readers have been sharing their personal experiences and perspectives regarding what is being portrayed. It is very rewarding to receive these messages, so thank you for taking the time to send this review.
Your speculation about Harry's decision certainly is one of the paths he may take. Doing so would also fit into his need to become more familiar with the magical world and to become more comfortable with the non-Dursley world. In the next chapter, which is about half written at this point, Harry and the Weasleys are meeting with Dumbledore and McGonagall, so we'll see another set of reactions from Harry.
Both guesses of who is at the door are good ones. The answer is contained at the beginning of the next chapter. Thanks so much for this enlightening review and for your speculation on what comes next. -- Jim
Reviewer: Comet Moon Signed Date: 2008.04.06 - 04:03PM Title: Birthday Surprises
You know that potion sounded like peptobismol
Was that intentional, maybe to show that potions and medicine have there similarities?
Either way, great chapter
Still betting its not Ginny. Percy would be interesting
Albus is mucking things up again. Can see his point, butwhat childhood has he got left
Look forward to more
Ja ne
Jim
Author's Response: Hey, Jim! Love your reviews. You're only the second person to get the pepto bismol connection. I thought the similarities were too fun to pass up.
As for the person at the door, the answer is at the start of the next chapter. Your guess of Percy is very interesting! Albus is exactly right on the micro-level and horribly wrong on the macro, as you point out. Have you been reading my mind again? Got to practice Occlumancy more! Thanks for your always perceptive reviews! -- Jim
Reviewer: Fleury Signed Date: 2008.04.06 - 03:22PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Awwww... poor Harry. I hope it all works out. I love psychological stuff like this.
Oh, and you said at the beginning that you have no real knowledge on abused kids. I am going to go into psychology, and though my opinion isn't professional, I think you've done a fairly good job at portraying Abused!Harry. Good job! :D Can't wait to read the next chapter!
Author's Response: Thanks, Fleury. I did research on abused kids, their resulting behaviors and adult personalty types that tend to be that way. The next chapter is well under way, so it should be out soon. Thanks, Jim
Reviewer: dougal74 Signed Date: 2008.04.06 - 03:21PM Title: Birthday Surprises
I don't think I'm gonna have an emmotional heart string left to pull by time you finish this story.
Author's Response: Hi Dougal74, I wish I could say the emotional roller coaster is going to calm down, but it isn't. If it helps, I do think that Harry is getting a bit stronger the longer he's with the Weasleys. Thanks for reading and reviewing. -- Jim
Reviewer: knightsbridge Signed Date: 2008.04.06 - 12:25AM Title: Birthday Surprises
Well, CRAP, I forgot the rating!!!
Darian
Author's Response: Thanks, Darian!
Reviewer: knightsbridge Signed Date: 2008.04.06 - 12:10AM Title: Birthday Surprises
What unusual circumstances? Oh, well you got the DSTA, and I congratulate you my friend.
I want you to know that I read this (at least parts of it) before I deal with the abused childrens ward. It's almost a re-educatin in the feelings of those kids.
So, I doubly thank you. First for this wonderful storyand second for having the heart to write it.
Darian
Author's Response: Hi Darian - it's great to hear from you! Thank you for the congratulations. I feel sorriest for the stories and authors that looked like they were in position to win their first DSTAs - next month, hopefully.
I can't come close to conveying how much your comments mean to me. You've been there, and through your current work continue to see the effects of this problem. So, thank you, my friend.
I hope school and life in general are going exceedingly well for you. Keep in touch. Best, Jim
Reviewer: blackdragon987 Signed Date: 2008.04.05 - 11:52PM Title: Birthday Surprises
Whoah... The one thing I want to know the most is, who's the one opening the door? But I'm willing to bet it's Ginny. Still, this is an EVIL cliff hanger.
Author's Response: Blackdragon, You'll find out very quickly in the next chapter who is at the door and where that takes us.
It actually was a good place to stop the chapter, though I'll admit it was just a bit EVIL. I'll try to get the next chapter out more quickly as a way to make up for doing that! :-) -- Jim
