wow... that was a nice xmas... I love the gifts that harry and ginny gave eachother
uh oh.... I dont like the way pansy iris and draco all looked when they found out that dudley was magical...
Very nice, festive scene. I hope Harry finds a way to harness that power he felt. Maybe he realizes what Dumbledore was trying to say all along.
I'm dreading the deaths you keep mentioning. You're making me very nervous about it.
I really don't trust Narcissa and Iris. They've been on the wrong side and with the Dark arts way too long not to know how to survive. One of them is playing against them. I just know it.
Yet another wonderful chapter! You have me addicted—I look for another chapter from you starting a week from release of the last one.
I really like your characters of Anastasia and Iris Parkinson. They show Slytherin characteristics, but they’re still interesting and likable (unlike Narcisissa and Pansy!). It’s good to see characters that are realistic rather than stereotypes.
Draco and Pansy seemed a little too interested in hearing that Harry’s cousin is magical. Should we be worried for Dudley and his parents? (Or maybe that was a stupid question—does anyone worry about them?)
Finally, dear author, I really would love your answer to this question: If Harry dies, does the horcrux in him also die/get destroyed?
Well, its taken me three nights, but I've finally caught up with you.
You've captured the characteristics of the trio wonderfully, and developed a perfectly charming Ginny. That's the basic reason I've stayed up past midnight three days running; your Foursome are just so good to spend time with. Other characters, like the twins, Molly and Arthur and Remus are also agreeably accurate and well-rounded. One of the most interesting strands is the Draco story; you've, again, presented a perfectly canonical character, but he's doing so much development he may end up stealing the show!
The romance is an enjoyablely stable feature of the story; consistently carrying the grim business of horcrux-hunting in a basket of joy. Ginny and Harry's teasing of each other is amusing - totally teenage with its approaching and then skirting around sex. You've caught that very well indeed.
And the horcrux-hunting itself is fabulous. The perils around the cup were vivid and scary. Ron staying to look after Hermione while Harry went on to the cup with Ginny reminded me of their first encounter with Voldemort, Ron sacrifcing himself so that Harry and Hermione could go on to get the stone. The Locket destruction was a chair-edger - and I nearly slipped off the edge when you tipped the boat over!
Please, update lots!
Melindaleo Monday 31st July 2006 07:40
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Thanks much for spending your evenings reading my story. I'm so glad you thought it was worth the late nights. I'm particularly happy to hear you're enjoying . He's never been one of my faves, but I must admit, I've thoroughly enjoyed him in this one.
I was also really pleased with your comment about Harry and Ginny getting close to the sex-thing, but never crossing that line. They ARE still kids, despite everything life has thrown at them. Let them keep that one piece of their innocence for awhile more. I hope you enjoy the rest.
Another enjoyable chapter, I thought the ending to this installment was beautiful, feelings of love and affection more intense than the pain of the cruciatus. I also liked Draco and Pansy playing around at the table, shows they really aren't that different to Harry and co.
Melindaleo Monday 31st July 2006 07:36
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Thanks much! I'm glad you enjoyd the green beans, lol. I was happy with that myself. Harry needed to be reminded of all the things he DOES have before we enter the second half of the story (I always tend to think of Christmas as the mid-way point.)
Brill.Simply brill.A sugar coated christmas chapter but it still has an ominous feeling that their blindfolded and they know their on the edge of the cliff it`s just a matter of whose going to give the push.I like how harry`s trying to focous on the perks of this christmas and yet his thoughts tend to stray to counting the nails in his coffin.I`m a big morbid!harry fan.Especially when morbid!harry is paired with glass-half-full-twins-protege ginny.Can`t wait to find out what kind of surprise disaster you might have planned in the next chapter.Umbridge storming grimmauld place on christmas morning or a manticore gaurding the next horcrux.
Melindaleo Monday 31st July 2006 07:34
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Heh! Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it. I hope you'll be surprised by a few things in the next chapter. I never thought of a manticore, but now I wish I did! The next chapter doesn't take place on Christmas Day, but a few days afterwards.
I cant believe that someone other than J.K. Rowling could evoke the feelings in this story that I percieved. This story is, quite simply put, the best fan fiction story that i have ever read! I ask, no, i BEG that you alert me if you choose to write more on this story, or others.
Melindaleo Sunday 30th July 2006 13:47
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Wow! Thanks much! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I try to update every 7-10 days, but if you click on the Author Alert button, you'll get an email when the story updates.
your story is phenomonal. it truly is. i can't even picture the seventh book being any different, because your writing style is even like JKR's. i do have one question, though....will harry and ginny ever.....you know....? *blushes embarrasedly* because that part where harry says he'd rather see ginny's skirt or whatever on the floor made me wonder....
Melindaleo Sunday 30th July 2006 13:46
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Thanks much! I hope I'll find I did hit on a few things when the time for the real thing rolls around. Harry and Ginny are growing up and stretching the boundaries a little, but I'm really not comfortable writing them going any further while they are still in school.
A nice and happy chapter. I'm glad nothing too horrible happened to ruin Christmas Eve... Of course the next chapter may have something awful take place on Christmas Day. Poor . Can we nick off Umbridge now, please? I think Percy is coming back around and that is going to be very valuable in the near future. I'm glad he is taking a turn for the better and reconciling with the family. So... I think that after New Years they should head out for the next Horcrux! Thanks again for writing this great story. Let's find a reason for Fred and George to beat up Harry. That would be so funny. You are getting a lot more comfortable with the direction of your story and the wording, its awesome! Keep up all the great work... I'll be here, waiting for the next chapter to come up.
Melindaleo Sunday 30th July 2006 13:45
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Thanks much. You really want Fred and George to beat up Harry? LOL, somehow, I think those two would be the most accepting of Ginny with Harry. They seem very close to her in addition to being fond of Harry.
you are writing an asome story!!! i read it all the time.and wait for more updates you really write the charicters very well . i love the the story so far!! great job and keep up the good work!!!!
Another wonderful chapter Melinda, and with fluff too. I loved it.
Before I review on some stuff, I have a concern. So far, Hermione and Ron has been hurt on their hunt for the Horcruxes, and they survived. I'm really concerned about when Ginny will get hurt. The way the story is going, it just seems inevitable. I just hope she survives like the others. I don't know how Harry could go on to finish the hunt without her. Okay, having said that, let me review.
I usually celebrate Christmas in July, but didn't do it this year cuz some things have changed at my work place. (more responsibility) So, I was overjoyed to see this Christmas chapter. I'm loving the playfulness between Harry and Ginny. Harry's becoming a bit bold in his banter. I like it.
The Christmas gifts of the necklace and the bracelet were perfect. I've read about the two stones in another story..."In Essence: Undivided". So I'm thinking that this means that Ginny will be taken from Harry. Hopefully for a little while since they both have the stones. (fingerscrossed)
I like the fact that Hermione hasn't openly shown her concern for Ronald. But I know his memory lapses has to be worrying her inside. Poor thing. Will she be taking her wig off anytime soon? All that itching has to be irritating.
I feel for Tonks and Harry concerning Remus. I really don't see him surviving. And it's sad too. Remus has always been a great character in the HP series. I hate to see him go.
Another great chapter Melinda. Loved the comedy relief with Fred and George. It was nice of Percy to show his face. I'm wondering if he has a motive up his sleeve. Glad it wasn't Delores having taken poly juice potion just to get to Harry. All in all, a very wonderful chapter, and I'm looking forward to the action in the coming chapters.
Keep up the good work.
Melindaleo Sunday 30th July 2006 13:37
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Thanks! Nope, it was really Percy who came to dinner, and he's finally opening his eyes. Hermione's wig WILL come off before the story is complete - in fact, I've already written that scene - but it won't be for awhile yet. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
I've been a bit rubbish at reviewing just recently, but I thought I'd drop in and let you know how much I've enjoyed your last half dozen chapters (see I told you I'd been rubbish at reviewing! :blushing and I look forward to each chapter as easily as much as your previous stories.
However, what are these allusions to character deaths you keep mentioning in your authors notes...?
Melindaleo Sunday 30th July 2006 13:34
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Oh! It's so nice to see you're still following though! I'm glad to hear it. As for character deaths - well, we've already had one - Rufus Scrimgeour. You know there has to be others in the final story...right?
LOL. This chapter made me laugh more than is probably good for me. Especially since I'm currently manning the desk at a library! Consider yourself to blame for the disruption of hard-working NZ students, hee.
“Yeah, that’s always the first thing that comes to my mind when I hear the name Malfoy,” Harry said under his breath, but still loud enough to be heard.
*snicker*
And the shrieking mistletoe is the funniest thing I've read in a while. Talk about a mood killer!
I loved the little details in this - Draco and Pansy being playful at the dinner table, Fred and George being Fred and George. And you perfectly incorporated the little hints of darker material - Harry being afraid it might be his last Christmas, poor Remus and Tonks, and the semi-precious stones that I'm assuming will come into play at some stage.
Wonderful to read!
Melindaleo Sunday 30th July 2006 13:31
18: Christmas with the Malfoys (Author Response)
Heh, I'm happy I could entertain you - that it was in a library is even better, lol! What would Hermione think? I think a mood killer is exactly the result Fred and George were looking for when it comes to Harry and Ginny. Hee, I love the twins. I'm glad you picked up on Draco, Pansy and the green beans. You're the first one who's commented on it.
. He's never been one of my faves, but I must admit, I've thoroughly enjoyed him in this one.
. Can we nick off Umbridge now, please? I think Percy is coming back around and that is going to be very valuable in the near future. I'm glad he is taking a turn for the better and reconciling with the family. So... I think that after New Years they should head out for the next Horcrux! Thanks again for writing this great story. Let's find a reason for Fred and George to beat up Harry. That would be so funny. You are getting a lot more comfortable with the direction of your story and the wording, its awesome! Keep up all the great work... I'll be here, waiting for the next chapter to come up. 
you really write the charicters very well . i love the the story so far!! great job and keep up the good work!!!!
All in all, a very wonderful chapter, and I'm looking forward to the action in the coming chapters.
