This is going to be a very interesting story. Wasn't sure what to expect reading the Prologue. It was very easy to understand Harry's frustration, hurt, anxiety and suicidal tendencies considering he had lost everyone. Dumbledore was very wise, very intelligent, etc., however he did not necessarily take people's lives, loves, and dreams when making his plans. Harry may have survived, but survival isn't worth it if everyone you love is gone.
I can see that your concept of Harry's "first" life was different than in the HP series. Snape was obviously not a good guy in your version. Wonder what else will be different? Guess I'll just have to read on and find out.
It is in this chapter that I fully realised the task you set yourself: to re-write the whole of the Harry Potter series, giving Harry the same knowledge of future events that we have. That truely is a monstrous task, and one that I imagine wasn't undertaken lightly.
This chapter shows you are up to that task, as you carefully weave future and past Harry together in a delicate yet very fitting way. Harry's confused memories/dreams at the start give more insight into that awful future you invisioned, and the actual conversation between the two Harry Potters is beautiful. You pull out the innocence of Past Harry and the experience of Future Harry very clearly, whilst still showing Harry's nobility first and foremost. All the while, you can't help but empathise with both Harrys, as Past Harry nearly goes into shock, and Future Harry sees hope for the first time.
Hope is definately the theme that prevails over the rest of the chapter, with Harry taking subtle steps to cover his foreknoledge whilst using to to his advantage. I couldn't help but get excited at the prospect of Harry finally having the advantage, and not just being the unfortunate hero that destiny jumps at. Seeing Harry getting prepared at Diagon Alley conveyed to me the sense of a soldier getting equipped for a long war, and was definately a highlight.
With Harry's immediate action, it was hard to see Past Harry's character, but the younger Harry was very much present in the nervousness and doubt before meeting his friends, as well as the nervousness at seeing Ginny. It would have been easy to just eradicate Past Harry, and have Future Harry take over completely, but the mixing of two personalities (albeit two very similar ones!) is one of the more engaging and interesting parts of this story. So it is definately a credit to you that you have begun to do this so well in this chapter.
Finally, the way Harry reacts to meeting his friends again fits very well in the framework, and the idea to bring Ginny more into Book 1's events through writing letters was a stroke of genius.
All in all, Chapter 2 begins the retelling of Harry Potter incredibly well, and really sets yourself a high standard to keep! I look forward to reading the rest of this story once it is written.
Again, very well done! I like how much attention to detail you've paid, like in inventing the subtleties of Goblin culture. It was a bit awkward when Harry started meeting people again, though, but I suppose that scene would be a difficult one for any author to pull off.
I especially enjoy the portrayal of the goblins. There's a great deal of hinted at depth to them in the books that I'm glad you've capitalized on.
It's also well done how Harry immediately begins to maneuver around his friends to maximize their potential. Events at first still closely align with the now obsolete future-past, but what's really change is mainly in the persona of his friends. As I recall, it pays off.
I'm usually a bit sceptical about plots involving second chances via time-travel or similar concepts, but your plot-idea really seems to work. A very gripping read so far. I'm looking forward to the rest of the chapters.
Way to tell off Petunia . Very interesting and creative scene with soul Harry of the future talking with past Harry . Nice scene with Ginny , though I think Harry's overdoing it a little bit .
Another great chapter, as Harry begins working to alter this timeline. Loved the setup steps with the goblins, and getting a controlling interest in Grunnings. Can't wait to see how Harry uses that - "leverage" indeed!
Meeting the Weasleys and Hermione again...the emotional overload on Harry's part must be incredible. I like the small ways Harry is trying to head off future problems. Who hasn't wished for the chance to do things over, knowing what they do now? I'm guessing he's going to have to be very careful, though, as it could easily get out of hand and change things in ways he does not anticipate.
Viridian Monday 13th February 2006 13:23
2: Back to Privet Drive... (Author Response)
Your second parapgraph sums up about 80% of the conflict in this story.
Yay! It was a success. I find it very amusing that Harry went into Gringotts to discuss assests with the goblins! I'm glad that Harry's decided to make friends with Ginny from the start, brilliant. Ron and Harry's relationship looks to be going well. That's a brilliant new twist, Harry joking with Fred and George, nice touch. I wonder what the results will be of that. Will he not get the products tested on him? I was just wondering is this story spanning the whole of Harry's years at Hogwarts. It's a brilliant story.
Viridian Monday 23rd January 2006 12:16
2: Back to Privet Drive... (Author Response)
It's all a part of the whole "cheating like Draco Malfoy on a Potions exam" plan!
I've got 4 years outlined, in varying degrees of detail. Five can go one of two ways right now.
Oh wow...I had to work so hard not to scream with laughter and freak out my brother. That was hilarious! I love the way you dealt with the Weasleys and Hermione. So fun!!! Just different enough to be interesting and not too different so it screws up history. Fun!
Viridian Sunday 15th January 2006 13:45
2: Back to Privet Drive... (Author Response)
Thank you! I use my wife (and pre-beta) as a joke-test. If she laughs out loud, then I know what I just wrote is okay. If she groans out loud, then I know it's great.
I can see Harry getting himself into some trouble if he keeps revealing things too much, too soon.
Viridian Saturday 14th January 2006 00:12
2: Back to Privet Drive... (Author Response)
Yeah, he's got to be careful with the changes he is making. Fortunately, he's starting with a blank slate with most people, so he can try and build up an entirely different image of himself in their minds...
Erm, I'm totally hooked now. Please tell me there's a lot more of this story to be had? Pleeeease?? *blinks pathetically* Seriously - I'm also writing a completely AU rendition of Harry's school years, and know how daunting it can be to keep going. Don't give up! Your stuff so far is excellent, and it is soooooooooooo cool to read something that really takes this premise and runs with it, and runs with it well. Good job, pls keep posting. And good job to your beta, as well ;)
Viridian Friday 13th January 2006 01:37
2: Back to Privet Drive... (Author Response)
Theres a lot more to come. I've still got four more years outline to varying degrees of detail, and at last count 777 people in my yahoo group ready to string me up if I leave them hanging!
. Got it!
. Very interesting and creative scene with soul Harry 
of the future talking with past Harry 
. Nice scene with Ginny 
, though I think Harry's overdoing it a little bit 
.
