huh that was interesting... i can see precy dying....
i can see malfoy walking around like he owns the place lol
i think something bad might end up happening at godrics hollow....
This was a great chapter I can't wait to finish the story! If you read your reviews can you point me in the direction of some more fanfiction on this site that you think is good! Thank you!
I really can't believe they're housing Draco and Narcissa! Couldn't they put a fidelus charm on another house somewhere and hold them there? Someone better watch Kreature closely around those two. And what about Snape? He may have been trying to help Narcissa and Draco but he's still with Voldemort and still killed Dumbledore and he knows where the headquarters is. I really wish Harry had told someone even if it was the house elf with orders not to reveal where he went unless he didn't return by a certain time.
This was another fun chapter. You've got a lot going on covering all the facets of the storyline, and I rather enjoyed the exciting, and in many cases unexpected, twists.
First you resolved the battle, and I thought it came out quite well. I like how you pumped up the drama but didn't let things get out of control. It gives a strong warning of what's out there, but it still leaves you room to make the action much more harrowing as you get deeper into the story.
That Ron and Hermione missed the battle because Ron was busy fighting Krum was just hilarious. I knew that Victor's presence was going to be a source of tension at some point, and you can through beautifully. You've still got Ron perfectly in character: insecure, caught up in certain wizarding-world stereotypes, and crazy where Hermione is concerned. You illustrate all of that so well in one off-camera scene, which epitomizes all the romantic tension you've built into this so far.
The more interesting byproduct of that, though, is that Harry had to stand alone in the battle. Given the way HBP ended I didn't see that coming, but it worked well in context and it sets the stage for Harry to go off to Godrics Hollow on his own. With that and his rejections of help from Fudge and Lupin it seems you're setting Harry up to be more and more independant, but what implications that's going to have for the rest of the story I can't figure out yet.
But the coup de grace in this chapter has to be the Malfoys turning up at Grimmauld Place. Talk about unwelcome guests! Other than inviting in Snape (who himself seems bound to end up helping Harry at some point based on the nice hint you dropped here) the Order would have been hard pressed to do anything Harry's is going to appreciate less. I can't wait until Harry and Malfoy actually run into each other in the story. Now that should be an interesting moment!
Anyway, I think I've rambled quite enough. Thanks for another nice chapter!
-KC
Melindaleo Wednesday 9th August 2006 10:38
5: And Life Goes On (Author Response)
Thanks! I'm glad you're still enjoying it for the most part. I really do wonder what will become of Malfoy in book 7 - the possibilities are just too much fun to ignore. I'll admit, I'm not usually a fan of the little ferret, but I've been enjoying writing him very much in this story.
Well, so far I'm at chap. 5. Thirteen more chapters to go before I catch up. This was great, you picked out Harry's reaction to Draco and Narcissa. I loved the dementor sequence. Wonderful writing, it's always so smooth and flows easily. Keep up the great work, I'm off to read the next one!
Another great chapter, even overlooking the secret keeper thing. I like how this is going, I will keep reading and reviewing, soon. Trying to get them all done today but keep getting countless interruptions.. kids. Anyway, i loved the chapter. I did wonder if they were protecting Malfoy, very well done.
My aplogies for this VERY belated review - I've been working far too hard lately and haven't had the energy to surf at all. But with a well-earned vacation this week I'll get back on track on with things.
I loved this chapter - a wonderful mix of excitement and adventure ( the strengthening of the wards) blended with bitter realities ( The Malfoy's staying because their information is required ).
The strengthening of the wards was a really impressive piece of writing and I really enjoyed how you pictured Harry as he thought of the good things he remembered about The Burrow.
The interaction between Ginny and Harry is very well depicted and I laughed so much when it was revealed that Jean-Lucifer's hitting on Ginny was all a ruse to get Harry so jealous that he'd forget his stupid nobility and take Ginny back! Laughed even more when I realised that it had worked as well!!!
The conversation with Moody was brilliant as well - who ever would have thought that grizzled death-defying Moody would be intimidated by Molly?
The other highlight was of course Harry's reaction to the knowing who the secret guests were , noone quite sulks as Harry!!!
This chapter I felt in many ways was a stepping stone, Ginny and Harry are back together but neither is sure of how this fits in with the greater plan - I look forward to the next chapter!
Oh, and the best line of the story? The one that almost made me spatter coffee all over my keyboard? This one:
"Mum is so grateful to Harry right now that we could have been shagging, and she would have allowed it," Ginny replied dismissively.
Brilliant writing, thanks for sharing this with us!
There are some really wonderful, heart-wrenching things in this chapter, but I especially loved Harry's memory of Molly washing and darning his socks with the rest of the Weasley childerns' and the fact that he feels the need to keep his promise to Dumbledore as a way to stay connencted to him.
I think your characterization of Harry is slightly more emotional than HBP Harry (or perhaps it's the fact that you have already allowed him to recognize some of his feelings for Ginny), and I much prefer it.
Your portrayal of Ron and Hermione's relationship is spot-on. I love the irrational quality your Ron has when confronted with anything Vicky-related! It's so appropriate!
I find a couple of things worrying: Arthur's Unbreakable Vow, Snape's whereabouts, the fact that Ron and Hermione were so easily distracted with each other's well being (which is reasonable considering they're finally on their way to getting "together" after all these years in agonzing limbo) that they momentarily forgot about Harry.
I think they will forever be loyal friends and they love Harry very much, but there comes a time when choices have to be made and instinct reigns (like during a *hehem* battle). I sense some tough decisions for Ron and Hermione in the future and can see some potentially lovely angst-ridden moments with their conflicting priorities *grins hopefully*. Which will win out - the love of a best friend OR the love of a partner? I think Harry is going to need someone whose thoughts are singularly centered on him. I am a firm believer that the hero needs to be saved in the end!
Thanks so much for a great chapter *rushes off to go write* LOVE IT!
A really brilliant chapter, I loved every word of it. I particularly enjoyed the sequence with Harry sustaining the wards and the way you brought all those memories forward, it was the perfect way to show the "power" if love. I guessed it might be Draco and Narcissa in the house and now you've got me wondering what happened to Snape, has he really turned against the order? I'm looking forward to the angst you promised in the next chapter......
Arya
Melindaleo Wednesday 19th April 2006 13:39
5: And Life Goes On (Author Response)
Angst is on the way. As for Snape, I'm going to let you see him and then you can tell me if you think he's good or bad. Sorry
I'm really liking this story so far. I've been desperate to find a good post-HBP fic, and I've been disappointed so far - until this one, of course. You're very good at keeping the characters personalities and traits from JKR's books and putting them into your own, and I appreciate that. The plotline is fairly intriguing, although it'll probably get better as the story moves along, I suspect... I just hope you update sooner than last time! I almost forgot everything that happened in the previous chapter when I started this one...
All in all, very good job so far and keep it up! I love reading your stories!
Melindaleo Wednesday 12th April 2006 18:27
5: And Life Goes On (Author Response)
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Aw, come on - a week to a week and a half for decent size chapters - that's not too bad, is it?
HI
Thank you again for an absorbing read, oh and I really like your site, I'm thrilled to find your GEMS, trouble is , I'm now freshly addicted to Harry due to your writing and recommendations. Beats housework hands down!
Love from a busy mum, Polly
Melindaleo Wednesday 12th April 2006 10:54
5: And Life Goes On (Author Response)
Hee, thanks! I know exactly what you mean - I'd much rather read or write than do housework, anyday! I hope you enjoy the Gems list. There probably won't be any new additions until I finish writing this one and can read again. Whenever I read something too sad or am feeling really angsty, I read Harry's Dilemma to perk me right back up.
you don't know how glad i was when my friend said you were writing a seventh book, i was afriad you wouldn't this book is great so far. keep it up. please up date faster
Melindaleo Wednesday 12th April 2006 10:52
5: And Life Goes On (Author Response)
Thanks! Updates won't be as quick or as concrete this time. Sorry, but both my beta and me nearly killed ourselves last time, and I ended up hating the story for awhile. I don't want to do that again. This is supposed to be fun, right? I hope so, anyway. I hope you enjoy it.
My aplogies for this VERY belated review - I've been working far too hard lately and haven't had the energy to surf at all. But with a well-earned vacation this week I'll get back on track on with things.
, noone quite sulks as Harry!!! 
LOVE IT!
