Hey so I stumbled across this thing while trying to download a copy of the film "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" way back in the summer of '07, when the 7th book was about to come out. I saw "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" as a PDF file and couldn't resist checking it out. I think maybe the best compliment I can extend towards you is that for the majority of your writing, I actually considered that it was the real thing, that J.K. Rowling's real book had somehow been swiped and distributed online. The only give-away was a few grammar/spelling mistakes, but even that could have meant it was a rough copy or something. Anyways, your work was amazing, absolutely stunning. Ever since I read it that first time, almost two years ago now, I've wanted to read it again. I had to have my computer restored to factory specs shortly after downloading the file and had forgotten to back it up. I've been looking for it on and off ever since and it was definitely worth the search.
I won't lie, there are a few sections that give away that it's not J.K. Rowling writing it, but still, that's definitely not something to mope over. Certain passages of your writing are spectacular, specifically the "tear-jerking" sections, such as when Harry visits Godric's Hollow, and even more so, this chapter, Chapter 30: The Locked Room. That entire chapter is utter brilliance, unbelievably emotional.
Do you want to know something? I'm being completely honest here. I have told just about everyone who I've talked to about "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" over the past two years something like this. "Yeah, I liked it, but I was kind of disappointed. I think she (Rowling) could have done a lot more with it. Actually, I read this fan-written version of the book - Like a full length book - around the time the real thing came out, and y'know what? I honestly think it's better. There are certain parts that have grammar errors and things, but the overall flow and the story are far superior." I really mean all those words. This work is unbelievable and thank you for gifting all of us with it. I only with the Harry Potter franchise was continuing so I could enjoy more of this. Thanks to your beta team too haha.
Anyways, I think I'll end with the whole "Less is more" mentality and conclude this very long comment with four words: You have a gift.
Melindaleo Tuesday 7th July 2009 13:24
30: The Locked Room (Author Response)
Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm still blown away by the support this story has received. I'm glad you enjoyed it - I certainly had fun writing it.
Thanks much for letting me know you still hold it in high esteem and refer it to others.
Hey, I actually downloaded your book, thinking it's the Deathly Hallows, and read it right through to the end, with that same knowledge. I only realized it's not by J.K Rowling after I had finished. I've GOT to tell you:
That book is a MASTERPIECE!! I'm serious! It had to be the best I've ever read, and I've read quite a lot of famous books. It was so emotionally engaging, throughout the entire story. I know about J.K Rowling's work. YOURS BLOWS HER VERSION AWAY! Especially the part about what kind of things Harry has to do to succeed, and the pressure and maturity that builds upon him until the end.
One part that really blew me away was at the end of the book, in the final battle against Voldemort. WHERE did you come up with such a genius story? This conflict between Love and Hate? How his Love of his friends gives him the power to defeat one who knows only Hate? I was literally in tears when Harry passes into the Locked Room in the Department of Mysteries. This is the room of the mystery of Love, between Life and Death, where there is nothing but the home he's always had, and where he finally meets his parents and loved ones! You have GOT to show Rowling your book! That story is just incredible. Another aspect of how it's so good is the pure intensity of Harry and Ginny's romance. It affected me even more than it would have, since I was actually listening to "Whisper" by Evanescence while reading the final duel between Harry and Voldemort. Listen to that song, and think of the story, every word in its lyrics makes sense.
And wow again. I knew when I was reading DH that I had read a fanfic that was similar in this regard, but just not which one.
I consider this fic to be what I like to call 'Sevenworthy'. A phrase I coined and used for only one other fic (by mudblood428). I read a LOT of HP fanfic and I am VERY particular. This really is an all time favorite.
I am sorry I haven't been able to comment on any of your stories lately, real life took over, and quickly.
I have never read a chapter of any story that was as meaningful as this one. I had tears in my eyes for most of the time I was reading. I can't even find the right words to tell you how much I appreciate your art of writing.
I know this story isn't over yet, and I know I sound like a blubbering fool right now, but thank you for giving me something totally worthwhile to spend my time on.
Well, since I've finally got my internet working so that I can review (I've still been reading, though), I shall do so.
This chapter made me cry, although it was perfect the way it was written. Very emotional, very moving. I loved the final chat with Dumbledore -- a story never seems right without him. Keep up the phenomenal work!
The final conflict was so completely and absolutely right , I was affraid to read more -- foolish me. You could never disappoint.
To say that the word
Perfect
comes to mind in regards to this chapter is a gross understatement. It was so very ... satisfying.
Now I don't want to continue reading because it will mean this great adventure is coming to an end, and it has been the high point of my life in the last weeks. (I have a pretty great life, so that's saying a lot!) I think -- no, I know, I will feel a
Wow this is the only fan fic that has ever made me cry! I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face. The emotion you put into your stories is fantastic
I don't know what I'm going to have to look forward to when this is over. I think you might have to do another story with the foursome attending their last year of Hogwarts. (Don't laugh, I'm so serious)
I'm really going to miss this story. It was so truly amazing. And Voldemorts death was awesome. I love how you brought everything together.
I was really happy to see James, Remus, and Sirius together! That was great.
Job well done Melinda!
Perfect...just perfect! This has to be how J.K. will write it, and if it is not, I am afraid I will be disappointed. You have done a super job and I can't thank you enough! I LOVE how Harry reunites with the people who mean the most to him and I love how they have been looking over him. His parents...that was just perfect! Thank you for writing this chapter!
