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Reviews For Saving Harry

Reviewer: wrappedinharry Signed Date: 2015.01.31 - 07:03AM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Hi there. This is the first time I have reviewed your wonderful story and for that I apologise. I did write a detailed review 2 chapters ago, but for some reason, SIYE would not ley me submit it. I kept trying, but no go...the screen just went blank on me.

SO, I'll try again. Your story was recommended to me by MyGinevra. Peter and I have been communicating for several months now; our back and forths began with me reivewing the Hog's Head. I was very surprised,--delightfully so, as the story had been finished for quite some time--to get a reply and things went on from there. I read all of Peter's stories over at fanfiction.net. I was lamenting the lack of truly great stories and Peter recommended this story to me. I haven't been on this site for many years now, but as there is a dearth of really good H/G fics over on fanfiction, I think I will be reading much more on this site.

As I said, I really am enjoying Saving Harry, but there are a couple of things I would like to comment on. Firstly, in the first (I think) chapter, you had toddler Harry's thoughts coming through to us. I think the thinking of 15 month old Harry was way to clear and ordered and his mental vocabulary was certainly far more advanced than that of a toddler would be. The poor baby's confusion was heart-rending, but his thoughts were more those of a much older child.

Harry's progress in allowing the Weasleys in has been a case of one step forward, three steps back until the last two chapters. But even after the nightmare, when Harry let Molly and Arthur (and Ginny, of course) hold him, and I thought 'hallelujah'! he had reverted back to form at breakfast the next day. Still, things are definitely better now.

The Dursleys have an awful lot to answer for, though I don't suppose they will be held accountable. I hate it when they are allowed to get away with their neglect and abuse, but there are not that many stories out there where they get their just deserts.

I nearly stopped reading the story when I found there was way too much anti-Dumbledore sentiment for my liking; I hate stories that bash DD. In this, Harry seems to have transferred all his negative feelings for the Dursleys onto DD. And Ginny is just stirring the pot. In my opinion, the headmaster is between a rock and a hard place: Harry hates him because he won't tell him everything...because he treats him like a mushroom by heavily censoring what Harry be told and what he not be told.

Well, I agree with DD on this one: I don't think Harry could handle being told about the prophecy. This is the boy who has a panic attack when someone gets too close to him. Sure, in canon, DD left the revelation too long, but 11 years old was certainly way too young to be burdened with such a terrible thing. I am not sure why DD seems upset (according to Harry anyway) about Harry's super abilities, other than that he knows there will be other students who will try to ambush Harry in the sneakiest way possible and he wants those abilities hidden so that those who would try to best Harry will have one less excuse to do so.

I do love your McGonagall and Arthur though, but it would be nice if Harry could see that DD has the trust of the adults at least and he can see them being disapproving too and so that makes Harry think he is entirely justified in his behaviour.

I was glad to see that Ron came into Harry thoughts at the end of this chapter and that he wants him included in the defense lessons. It was as if Ron just disappeared except for those rare times Harry flew with him and played chess. What does Ron do when Harry and Ginny are swimming, or even just visiting the pond? He can't be with the twins because they never let Ron in when they are being 'creative' and Percy is an island unto himself. Ron doesn't read, so where is he whe Harry and Ginny are off by themselves?

I hope there aren't too many typos in this review because the typing is so small, I can hardly read it.

Fingers crossed that I can submit this review.

Lesley

Author's Response: Hi Lesley, Peter told me he had recommended SH to you, so I've wondered if I would hear from you. Thanks for the very detailed review (in very small type - I have the same trouble reading it, as you seem to do). Writing the early chapters when Harry was an infant/toddler was a challenge. I wanted to get his thoughts across clearly, so the readers could understand what he was going through and how the Dursleys' treatment affected him emotionally. The other aspect is that this Harry is very smart. I found it hard to believe that the son of James and Lily Potter, who were two of the most brilliant students at Hogwarts in decades, would have a son who was as mediocre intellectually as Harry was in canon. That quality also impacted my decision on how he thought. You could say that clarity won over precise toddler talk. As for Dumbledore, the reactions are based on what he did in canon, but this is a much different Harry, who now has the support of a very loving family. End result, he is going to see Dumbledore's machinations much more clearly than he did in canon and respond based on those changed circumstances. Because he is much more aware of what's going around him and to him, Harry can handle the prophecy, especially since he will have now have much more help than he did in canon from DD, the Flamels, Minerva and Filius, plus the Weasleys, and especially Ginny. I had a lot of fun expanding the roles and personalities of McG and Arthur. I thought they had qualities in canon that had been hinted at but not developed. When I first developed the idea for SH, fleshing out those two characters was high on the 'to do' list. Introducing this much different Ginny as early as i did took up a lot of what would have gone to Ron otherwise. Had I continued the tale into a second story, Ron would remain in that secondary position. Thanks so much for your excellent review. It's always fun to hear from someone so many years after i wrote the story. I'll let Peter know you've left the review. Now, I need to find a magnifying glass to see what I actually typed! Best, The Seeker



Reviewer: FlaGinnyGirl Signed Date: 2010.04.17 - 11:51PM Title: Truth or Consequences

Is DD ever going to buy a clue ??? I'm glad the boys are so willing to help Harry too, it heartwarming - finally.

Author's Response: McG is going to repeatedly beat DD over the head with as many clues as she can hold. Very old men don't change quickly, if at all. Harry is a Weasley in the boys' eyes, so they will help him immediately and without question now. Keep them coming, B! Thanks, Jim



Reviewer: hpf2114 Signed Date: 2009.12.02 - 06:59PM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Reviewer: piltad Signed Date: 2008.10.12 - 02:56AM Title: Truth or Consequences

LOL after three times through them nice job on that didn't pick that up had no idea he was reading so much I like it. Also glad to see another big step no stuttering Harry this chapter I am wondering why that wasn't brought up in passing or something with the elder Weasleys. I don't know what to think of Dumbledore I mean yeah everyone makes mistakes but you have making lots and doing them over and over again.

Author's Response: Harry is a voracious reader. It was the best way to show his intelligence while he was at the Dursleys. You'll find out that it also plays an important role going forward.

As you noticed, H's stuttering reflects his comfort level with people and the situation. He's comfortable with the Weasleys now. The W's didn't mention it or try to do anything, thinking that doing so could make it worse. Ah, DD still is trying to figure out this new student of his. -- Jim



Reviewer: charlz1983 Signed Date: 2008.09.17 - 07:34AM Title: Truth or Consequences

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i love harry and arthurs relationship and how it is growing. you have grasped this whole concept really well, and i am sure its not easy to write, but satisfying in getting an award and good reviews, so it makes it all worthwhile x

Author's Response: Hi Charlz, I really enjoyed writing Harry and Arthur's relationship. Arthur had the type of low-key personality that wouldn't frighten Harry. Writing about the troubles Harry had was very difficult, much more so than I had anticipated. What was very rewarding was how the story resonated with the readers and learning about their related experiences. It helped make the story all the more real for me. The DSTAs were cool, too! :-) Thanks for your review. -- Jim



Reviewer: Abraxan Signed Date: 2008.08.25 - 03:52AM Title: Truth or Consequences

And suddenly Harry''s no longer stammering, with no explanation given. Is it because he trusts Arthur now, or becuase he got SOME of his questions answered by Dumbledore, or what? A logic error - Ginny won't be with him much when she gets to Hogwarts because First Years and Second Years only see each other in the Common Room and at meals. Still, having her get training is a good idea. However, you have Harry already up to third year in the books. What's he going to do in school, act dumb again? He's ahead of Hermione by a long shot here. He'll be bored in his classes, having studied so much ahead. So I'm confused about that. Plus, there's a time frame problem here. You have him learning all this stuff in the four weeks between his birthday and the start of school. That's a LOT of studying to do in four weeks, even for a genius. So why are you rushing his education this way? Just curious.

Abraxan

Author's Response: The stammering or lack of it is directly related to trust, and in this case Harry does trust Arthur now. No comment on when Ginny will arrive at Hogwarts. :-) I wouldn't equate having read books with being bored in claaa. After all, Hermione had read all of her text books prior to arriving at Hogwart and she certainly wasn't bored. Basically, Harry is like a sponge. It's the one thing he could do outside the Dursleys' control. With four weeks and not that many books, it would be easy to get through them, especially for a voracious reader like Harry. Thanks for your interesting comments. -- Jim



Reviewer: I_love_hpforever Signed Date: 2008.06.28 - 11:00AM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Dumbeldore annoys me. *sighs* And HA! You were wrong! I actually read your author's note before I found out who it was. LOL. I had a feeling it was Ginny...that or Mr. Weasley but I don't think anyone else would be willing to interupt Harry if they heard something going on in the bedroom. I again love the Harry/Ginny-esk and I really don't want Harry to go off to Hogwarts because Ginny won't be there. :( The thing with Dumbeldore, I'm about as irritated with the man as Harry is right now, but I know it is part of the story and I understand so I will continue to persever and not try and find a way to harm the fictional character. The rest of the chapter was sort of cute and fluffy ish and amazing with that whole rock smashing thing. It's always fun to release anger by throwing rocks at trees, though I also release anger through writing. I love this story and now I'm off to the next chapter. Till next time Jim!

~Kat

Author's Response: Hi Kat! I'm really getting you riled up with DD, aren't I? You're right about it either being Ginny or Mr W. Both bring the insights Harry needs now. I know I had fun writing about H releasing his anger on the "Dumbledore" rocks. I think it worked for H, too! Thanks for the continuing comments! -- Jim



Reviewer: Artistand Signed Date: 2008.06.27 - 02:31AM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Hi;

I have been reading without reviewing because I don't like stopping so often. I am used to reading a book a day, usually just in the evening before bed.

I wouldn't have wasted my time reading all of these chapters if I didn't think that the writing was good and easy to follow, that you had a good idea for the plot and lots of imagination, and that the characters you were writing about were the same characters as written by Rowling, but in a different time or situation.

I can not imagine a child as badly cared for as Harry. And I think that makes me very lucky as I know that it does happen. I don't really know how that child would learn to relate to a normal world, such as the one that Harry and the Dursleys lived in. Relating to a totally different world would be beyond any understanding. I think it would depend on the child and his circumstances. You seem to have done an excellent job in understanding and expressing that child's growth and understanding.

The first six chapters were tedious and long. I stuck with them and was very glad that I did. This story brings something very different to the sories that I have read in fan fiction as they take place before Harry even goes to Hogwartz. I am looking forward to reading the rest.

Good job!

Author's Response: Hi Artistand, The idea - Harry at the Dursley, pre-Hogwarts - came to me from online discussions with other HP fans. It seemed a gold mine to explore what could have happened and how that would have affected Harry entering the wizarding world and Hogwarts, specifically. FYI - As a result of that early focus, the story will end somewhere in the first year. Thank you for your kind words regarding the depiction of Harry's growth and understanding. And thanks for taking the time to leave your comments. -- Jim



Reviewer: Laurendcg05 Signed Date: 2008.06.05 - 04:11AM Title: Truth or Consequences

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I'm finally getting back after getting a new job, being burned at my current job, etc. etc. I can't remember whether I told you I would be gone since I would be so busy applying for a job...I couldn't read this or Hogs Head without being able to give them my full undivided attention. And now I've caught up in that one, it's your turn...I'm probably more excited than you are! Great chapter, I love that there is even more Harry/Ginny physical interations and that Harry is becoming more comfortable with her around. Also, their cute little crushes!!! I remember my crush at that age, I don't remember blushing as much, but I'm sure with as much as I do it now, I did it then! And, it's great to see the boys sticking up for him, even Percy, maybe he won't turn into such a great git! Harry's finally asking if Ginny can get involved, perfect, too bad he probably won't cross the line into asking if she can come to Hogwarts. Now, it's really late, so I probably should get to sleep...til tomorrow, when I will hopefully reach the Flying chapter and it will involve Harry and Ginny flying together...

Author's Response: Hi Lauren, I wondered where you went. I hope things are settled now for you. Thanks so much for taking the time to catch up and leave your wonderful reviews. (I noticed you caught up with Peter's HH, too. Isn't it a great story?

First of all, I was out of town all week on business and didn't have the chance to respond. I'm back, so here we go! The H/G relationship is much different than early canon, so they are very comfortable with each other. Like you, I'm drawing on some of the feelings I had at that time, though I don't recall any redheads. :-) Likewise, Harry's relationship with Percy will be different, as you've seen by now. -- Jim



Reviewer: magical princess Signed Date: 2008.05.15 - 10:03AM Title: Truth or Consequences

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I just started reading this story a few days ago even though I've seen it posted here for quite a while. I was going to wait until I got caught up before I posted feedback but I couldn't wait.

First of all, reading this story has been like therapy for my. Not that I relate to the situations described but the feelings and self dialogue Harry is goin through hit close to home for me. It's been really hard reading these situations and sometimes I want to cry when I read but it's helped my a lot sort out somethings I've been going through. I always wondered why Harry in the original story never seemed to show the effects of the abuse described in the first book where it touches on the physical abuse inflicted by Vernon. Not to mention his emotional scars for the neglect he received. I don't know anyone who has endured that level of abuse and not had some emotional issues later in life.

The second thing I wanted to discuss was the length of the story. I love, love novel length fanfics but I was wondering you haven't gotten into the Hogwarts years yet and there are already 20 chapters. How many chapter do you plan on completing for this story. I've read stories with 60 or more chapters and they have been wonderfully written so no complaints on length from me, just curiousity.

Anyway, that's all the questions I have now. Thank you for addressing the issue of child abuse and neglect in this story. To me it makes the whole series more realistic.

Author's Response: Hi Princess, Thanks for starting the story and for leaving your feedback. It's always great to hear from new readers.

You mention the exact reason I wanted to write this story - one in which Harry does show the effects of the mistreatment he received at his relatives. I'm very pleased that you think I've captured those feelings and the inner turmoil that could have resulted.

I'm guessing there will be about 35 chapters, because the story will end sometime in Harry's first year. The central theme of the story is the effect the Dursleys had on Harry and how that will translate into his entry into the wizarding world and Hogwarts. At the pace I'm going, it would take me way too long to complete a seven-year story (probably seven years!).

Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and I hope to see more of them as you continue with the story. -- Jim



Reviewer: Seeker Sis Signed Date: 2008.05.14 - 04:47PM Title: Truth or Consequences

Jim,

What a pleasure it is to watch Harry as he becomes more and more comfortable with other people. It goes without saying that the growing relationship between him and Ginny is the most rewarding.

This chapter ends with me waiting for the next one.

Seeker Sis

Author's Response: Hi Sis, Harry is comfortable in the warm cocoon that is the Weasley family. Not saying if this comfort translates into other environments, like Hogwarts, for instance. Thanks for your review. -- Jim



Reviewer: Ginny Guerra Signed Date: 2008.05.12 - 11:55PM Title: Truth or Consequences

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"... in my non-wandless training." hmm both Cwarbeck and you missed this one.

Nice chapter nonetheless.

Running to the next

Author's Response: I think the wording was confusing. It referred to the lesson using wands with Ron and Ginny, which I should have said more directly. -- Jim



Reviewer: piltad Signed Date: 2008.04.21 - 05:08PM Title: Truth or Consequences

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LOL three times through you never gave us the impression that he was reading it that much! But I like it thats somthing I always felt Harry would do alot read it's not like the Dursleys let him do all that much and Harry is a bright boy I just enjoy you bring it out more than JK. And with asking Percy for the books might save mishaps that Percy and his family have later on if you go that far (hope you do). Hopefully we see Percy and Harry talk more maybe when he is more comfortable I mean they are obviously both bright and with Harry living there it would be nice to see a relationship between the two.

Ron reallly isn't involved in the story to much (some people really don't like Ron don't know if you are one of them or not) but I am assuming that will change alot when he goes to Hogwarts. I can't wait to see Hermy in this story don't know how well they will interact but cant wait to see what you make of that. The twins have a good effect on Harry I really think they will go along way to open harry up and make him more fun and carefree or at least around people he knows.

It has to be hard on Mr and Mrs. Weasley to have such an emotionally damaged kid that Mrs. Weasley can smother with love that sure was one think that has to be hard on her not to be able to mother him but you can see that in your story hopefully the rewards for her pain now will be great. Really really enjoy your Mr. Weasley char you have made him the perfect dad this is really a good thing for Harry specially with me agreeing with Harry on Dumbledore I really don't see a relationship between the two working out he is holding back to much and Harry isn't some little kid that won't put two two together it's sad that DD will destory this relationship himself. I cant wait to see were the DD and HP relationship go you could take it anywhere you wanted(even make Harry turn bad.... though don't think you will to much love around him).

Ginny and Harry is an interesting pair right now. I know when I was 11 started getting feelings for girls im assuming this is going to be a couple eventually since this is on SIYE just with her being the clostest friend to him and confidant I see problems when they take this to the next level Harry losing his only friends might be hard on him to take the next step and risk possibably losing her if things go wrong.

Really want to see what you do with Hagrid and Lupin seeing as they were support for Harry in JK's world and you have already talked about them would love to see Lupin maybe there on Harry's next B-day only time I can think you can put him into the story more if you even choose to do so. I really think that Neville could be a char that Harry can relate to and that there could be a bond threre but unless Neville is the one to make the 1st step to friendship don't know if it will happen wtih Harry being the way he is.

SORRY long review and me not doing any reviews till now was just to hard to stop reading to leave you one so with that being my reason I blame you.... Just kidding but cant wait for the next chap to come up.

Till next time,
Tad

Author's Response: Hi Tad, Thanks for steaming through the story - you've caught up now! I love long reviews, so no apologies needed!

I didn't want to regularly say, "Harry sat down with his X book and read for the next two hours." That's why I just commented indirectly. You're right, though, he is a voracious reader, and it has established a connection with Percy that wasn't found in canon. By the way, you will continue to find places, people, and events that diverge from canon, which may be applicable to a couple of the situations you mentioned in this review.

I do like Ron, but I needed to establish Harry's relationship with Ginny while they were at the Burrow. Once they get to Hogwarts, you'll see more of Ron. Hermione and Harry's relationship will be different, because this Harry is much more academically oriented. Mrs Weasley had the hardest adjustment to make regarding Harry. Everything that is natural to her was too much for him. They both have made adjustments, and you'll see how much in the next chapter or two.

As Molly has had to make adjustments, so has Dumbledore. Harry's distrust of authority figures and men in general requires DD to use approaches that aren't second nature to him. It will take some time for them to get comfortable with each other - if that ever occurs.

The next chapter addresses a number of the relationships you mention. No timetable yet on when it will be ready. Again, thanks for your great reviews! I hope you keep liking the story and leaving your comments. -- Jim



Reviewer: TGIF Signed Date: 2008.04.21 - 12:07AM Title: Truth or Consequences

I guess I can let you wait to finish. Geez. Asking a lot though...

Author's Response: Christine, Thank you for your generosity and understanding! I can start breathing again. A blue complexion really doesn't work for me. :-) - Jim



Reviewer: Belcris Signed Date: 2008.04.20 - 11:41PM Title: Truth or Consequences

Another great chapter. :) I just have this feeling that Harry will eventually break a foot off in a certain old wizard's behind. Good. :) I wish I had the time to say more but I've got to finish typing up chapter 13 of my story before I get mobbed. :) Keep it up, Jim. :)

Chris

Author's Response: LOL - Symbolically, Harry's foot just may do that! Good luck completing lucky 13! Chris, thanks for reviewing. -- Jim



Reviewer: TGIF Signed Date: 2008.04.20 - 10:06PM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Ok, I've been running around like a crazy person (literally) all week and only just read the update now.

Another wonderful chapter, Jim! Althought an immature part wanted you to have Harry say "Dumb - er Professor Dumbledore" instead of just "Dum" but thats my weird little mind working.

I do have to say, I was surprised at DD's warning. For all his faults, I could never see him singling out the Slytherin House as a potential threat. Even if it is practical, I think one of Dumbledores flaws (and virtues) is his unyeilding optimisim that people have choices and deserve 2nd chances. To bias Harry so much prior to entering Hogwarts seems very OoC. I could have seen him generalizing it to "some students" instead of specifically the Slytherins. I'm sure he could trust the twins to fill in who the likely culprits of the hexes would be.

That being said, I was glad that DD is trying to correct some of the blunders he's made. He's not doing it as gracefully ad McG but he's trying. I can give him credit for that at least.

I know you said that this story won't be spanning the 7 years, but I would love to see, perhaps as an epilogue of sorts, Harry and Ginny older. Whether its them getting together in their later years of Hogwarts or even after that. They have such a different dynamic than the canon H/G I'd love to see you're interpertation of semi-adult Harry and Ginny and how they interact.

Christine

Author's Response: Christine, Any time I hear from you is fine! Oh, and the Dum was a play on Dumb - just me being subtle. But don't tell anyone, please.

You hit on why I had DD mention Slytherin specifically. He wanted to control the flow of information, rather than have Harry hear about that house from the twins. He also is reacting to this more powerful Harry, thinking an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. He is definitely trying to do everything he can to establish a positive relationship with Harry.

An epilogue or even a series of one-shots has appeal, but may I finish this story first? LOL -- Thanks for another of your great reviews. -- Jim



Reviewer: netzine Signed Date: 2008.04.20 - 09:55PM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Reviewer: netzine Signed Date: 2008.04.20 - 09:55PM Title: Truth or Consequences

Good Chapter

Author's Response: Thanks, netzine.



Reviewer: Pooky Anonymous Date: 2008.04.20 - 10:21AM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Jim,

I forgot to mention how much I enjoyed Mrs. Weasley taking Dumbledork to task for him telling Harry to simply ignore Slytherin hexes and comments!!

Freaking hysterical! I would love to see a cringing Dumbledore before a yelling and irate Molly Weasley! Hahahahahaha!

Keep up the great work and please update soon! I say that your next chapter was going to propel us to August 31! I am sad about that because that means our Ginny time is coming to an end!! **weeps bitterly**. Are you sure you want to do that??? Are you sure Ginny couldn't come a year early???? (Pretty please!!)

Chris (Pooky)

Author's Response: Chris, I did enjoy Molly laying into Dumbledore for his cavalier attitude. It did bring about some results, but you still have to question why anything along those lines would be tolerated at a school. Molly is definitely a force of nature.

I'm working on the next chapter, and there will be lots of action in it. In your behalf, there may be too much to put into one chapter, so hope springs eternal. I can assure you there will be plenty of Harry and Ginny interaction in the one or two chapters where we're still at the Burrow. Can't comment on anything after that, of course. I realize that's not what you want to hear, but what fun would it be if I told you what was going to happen? Thanks for your additional comments, questions, and requests. :-) -- Jim



Reviewer: Seeker Sis Signed Date: 2008.04.19 - 02:42PM Title: Truth or Consequences

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Jim,

How wonderful it was to see Harry's walls beginning to come down. I also enjoyed watching him become more and more comfortable with the significant males now in his life. His relationship with Ginny just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter. This was and "aaahhh" chapter, much enjoyed and appreciated.

Respectfully yours,
The Sis who Seeks your Words

Author's Response: Hey Seeker Sis, I'm glad you were finally able to post. The family atmosphere at the Weasleys' is helping Harry to open up, more recently with the boys, which is a significant and necessary step for him. I just think Harry and Ginny belong together, so it is fun writing about their early relationship. Thanks for reading and reviewing. -- Jim/YBB




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