Again, impressive how well you predicted what would happen, and then gave it your own twist.
I was struck by the poignency of Harry's viceral reaction to Dobby telling him that he would die for him. Harry is so reluctant to take on the mantel of a leader.
Interesting task in order to destroy the horcrux... It reminds me of the video games I use to play (okay...I'll admit I still do!!!:rolleyes where whe had to fight an invisible opponent!!
That's just not cool. They have to find a way to get that thing away from Ginny. Great job in using some of the original JKR ideas to strengthen your plot
Wow, I really hate you right now. Why do you leave us hanging like this. Oh the torture.... I hat you, I hate you, I hate you. Okay, so not really. I can't wait for the next chapter I hope Ginny is okay because she is my favorite. I don't think that you would do that to Harry though, so I am pretty sure that she will be okay. Alright, so... when is the next one? Hurry please!!! I need something to distract me from my stupid homework. Why I am taking two 4000 level courses this semester, I have no idea.... Well. Can't wait Mel!
I continue to enjoy your writing. Your creativity keeps the reader interested and not knowing what to expect next. I like that you have taken the idea of Harry as the seventh Horcrux and really made it the central feeling of the story, especially now in the later chapters. His struggles to write goodbye letters show his increasing maturity but also his fear of leaving them.
Sorry I haven't reviewed the last few chapters but RL has been getting the better of me. Know that I always get excited when I see the email announcing an update to this story! I can't wait for the end because things are really starting to get crazy now.
Melindaleo Friday 15th September 2006 19:14
25: Scars (Author Response)
Thanks! I"m so glad so many reviewers have been commenting on those letters. My original idea was to start different chapters with attempts at the letters, but I think it worked better this way.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know you're still around! I appreciate that.
Excellent job though. You have a knack for writing action. You have all the suspence, all the blood and gore, and pain, without making it obscene or 'perverted'. That is a very rare talent in the fanfic realm.
I also enjoy the way you balance the fluff, action and angst. It helps make it a compelling and enjoyable read. You keep the story moving at a good pace.
I am really enjoying this story. I can't wait for more updates.
Hope your move goes well.
Melindaleo Friday 15th September 2006 19:12
25: Scars (Author Response)
Aww, thanks! One of my prebetas told me I should be very afraid if I'm ever in an alternate universe and come across the dark side of my personality, lol!
Thanks for the luck with the move - I think it's going to kill me!
seriously melinda, you find more twists and turns and obscure items to pull together and bring about one HECK of a story. . . dang, it's really amazing. are you sure your name isn't Joanne Kathleen? seriously!
Melindaleo Friday 15th September 2006 19:03
25: Scars (Author Response)
Heh - I wish! Thanks much though, that's very flattering. I'm throroughly enjoying playing in her sandbox.
Why on earth has Harry not tried to simply SPEAK to this snake?!?!?! I know, I know ... he panicked and will figure out the obvious ... in the next chapter ... or something?
I hope your move goes smoothly--that's one of my most hated things, though I've done it often enough that I can practically pack in my sleep! LOL!
Melindaleo Thursday 14th September 2006 16:24
25: Scars (Author Response)
Heh, give poor Harry a break, lol. He's feeling completely out of sorts - and it's not like he's used Parseltongue in the past few years, is it? He'd have trouble telling you his own name at the moment.
Thanks for the well wishes on the move. Urgh! I hate packing - and I'll have to do it all again in a few months. We're relocating while some renovations are being done to our home. Construction begins in about a week and a half.
Poor Harry, he really is having a hard time ... I\'m pretty sure you wouldn\'t kill him off after all this!!
It\'s a nice theory anyway. You\'re the one with all the power.
xox
Melindaleo Thursday 14th September 2006 16:22
25: Scars (Author Response)
Heh - oh, no! Don't tell me I've got power - that'll go straight to my head! I certainly don't feel a lot of it here with the kids, lol. Heh - I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Yippee!! I wasn't expecting an update yet!
I really hate cliffhangers. I really do, but you do them well! I can understand why Harry wouldn't remember right away he is a parsletongue, I'm a nurse, but when my daughter choked...I froze. You forget stuff in crisis, and panic!
I really want Pansy to get hit with something hard and heavy. Possible a marble bust or suit of armor! I really don't like her very much.
Keep up the good work!!
Melindaleo Thursday 14th September 2006 16:19
25: Scars (Author Response)
Thanks! Yes! You're exactly right in Harry's reaction - we've all felt those moments of panic that override rational thought. It's not like he's used Parseltongue in the past few years, either!
What a pleasant surprise to see that you posted early—I wasn’t looking for an update that soon! I love how you incorporate details from HBP into your story. I was smiling in recognition at your description of the Room of Requirement and the items in there. (“How do you remember all that detail stuff?” asks my family. “No one else does.” Now I can tell them that you do, too!) Of course the room would become like a cathedral when the horcrux was activated—well, from JKR’s description (Sectumsempra chapter) it seems obvious.
I’ve been suspicious of Pansy ever since Harry ran into her in the owlery. Draco knows he’s dead if Voldemort finds him, but Pansy is naďve enough to think that she can barter for Draco’s life. I think that she wouldn’t give a second thought to betraying Harry or any of the Order to Voldemort to meet her goal of saving Draco.
The adults in JKR’s world can be so irritating. Arthur and Minerva knew that the kids were outside the gates, yet no one in the Order seemed to be watching out for their return. The kids almost always come back injured and I know I would have posted myself at the gate since that’s the only way back in to safety. (Yes, I know this is your story and not hers, but you’ve done a great job of inhabiting her world and keeping her characters acting as in canon.)
Melindaleo Thursday 14th September 2006 16:16
25: Scars (Author Response)
Thanks! I'm glad you got a nice surprise (even happier that you think it's nice!) and that you could recognize the references from HBP. As for Arthur and Minerva - to be fair - Harry and the others never said they'd be back that day. That was one of the aspects of their arrangement - that Harry had to be allowed to move about to do what he had to do unhindered.
where whe had to fight an invisible opponent!!
