Melinda -
I've been tracking your stories for a while now, okay - it's more like stalking , and this is the first time I'm reviewing The Seventh Horcrux.... Bad Suis!
Anyway, you've got me hooked with the very first chatper of this tale and I've been happily devouring each subsequent chapter ever since. I suspect there is at least one, maybe two, more chapters to go in this story ... just wish you would update a little more often. Seriously, I understand why you're taking your time and I really appreciate the care you take to make sure you have a well-crafted story. Please, please, please keep up the great work and don't hold back if you get inspired to write yet another HP Fan Fic! Your stories are some of the BEST I've ever found on the Internet.
Melindaleo Friday 3rd November 2006 07:29
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Well, thanks so much for taking the time to review! I'm so glad you've been enjoying it. And a new update is up, lol. There is still an epilogue to come before this ride is finally over.
This is my first review. I loved this chapter (well, all of them, really). It was just so typical of Harry to wake up and not want anyone to see him feeling weak. I thought that it was fitting to have Hermione in the room instead of Ginny, because she's known him so much longer. I liked seeing how all the Weasleys in this chapter were so protective of Harry. Ginny's got the healing touch, huh? I do want there to be some redemption to Draco. He seems so lost right now and the fact that he's lashing out again shows how hurt he is. All in all, great chapter. I can't wait for the next one.
Melindaleo Sunday 29th October 2006 06:02
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Hey, I love new reviewers! I love protective Weasleys, so I'm glad to see you do, too. Harry still has that huge pride of his, but that's what makes him loveable. I think there is hope for Draco, but his future could still go either way at this point.
I can't wait to see what happens here. And I like how whenever Ginny touched Harry's arm, it moved or had sensation in it. That's pretty cool. And Malfoy is such a prat. But I can see where he is coming from. Almost done. Very good chapter. I loved it. Stupid reporters.
Melindaleo Sunday 29th October 2006 06:00
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Malfoy is a prat, but I think he always will be. I hope I succeeded in showing there's also some hope for him, too.
Slow is good.
This is how an aftermath ought to be, n'est pas?
I can't wait to see what happens when Draco realizes Harry will be staying with him.
I hope Harry and Ginny find their private time together.
Wow. This is the first time in reading three stories by you that I am caught up and have to wait. I have a feeling I'm going to dislike waiting as much as Harry. However, I know it must ake much time and effort to write so brilliantly.
Melindaleo Sunday 29th October 2006 05:58
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Hee, well, it's a good time to be caught up as there is only two chapters left. I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and and will get their private time next chapter.
I love his recovery. People do indeed seem to favor the battle, and not often do they want to see harry's strength wane. A hero isn't a hero if he or she can't fall. Anyway, it was beautiful. I love the dynamic between the four of them. it illustrates their strenghts and weaknesses perfectly. I would love to see more Molly and Harry, though. I think her concern was a bit played down. I know she was trying not to worry, but i wish I could have seen her there during this chapter. That's the only thing, though. Malfoy was done really well. Normally I don't hope for his redemption, but you've converted me as you have on many ideas, such as harry as a horcrux. Wow, recalling that...what a long road, indeed. The idea of some Harry/Ginny after all this battle is so welcome.
great job.You and JK should have tea.
Melindaleo Sunday 29th October 2006 05:56
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I played up the relationship between Molly and Harry much more in CotD than in this one simply because it hasn't really progressed in canon. It's fanfiction that loves it - me included - but I think Harry has moved beyond the desire for parental figures and is instead latching onto his friends. The same goes for Remus. I think his fanon role is stressed much more in fanon than in canon. I'm glad you enjoyed Draco. I had a lot of fun with him in this story.
This chapter seemed to go by so fast. I was at the end and I didn't even realize it! And it didn't make me bawl like a baby!!
I think this chapter was necessary because not everyone enjoys writing Harry's recovery. His recovery is important because if it was skipped people would think "How did he get better that fast? He just killed Voldemort and a day later he's perfectly fine?"
I loved the scene with Ron, Ginny, and Hermione in the room. Who would have guessed that a pheonix would come out? (I didn't.)
What bit Malfoy in the butt? (...erm...well, it's kind of obvious isn't it?) But to think I actually cried when he helped Harry...(heaven forbid I waste any tears over Malfoy almost dying...I couldn't help it! I thought he really turned good, sarcasm and all!)
I understood Charlie's and Ginny's anger with the reporter. Geez, they're annoying. Their part of the story, but I hate them. When Charlie came in and attacked the reporter... he deserved it.
I was wondering when Harry and Ginny would get to snog again!!! It's seemed like such a long time. They deserve it too!!!
I can't wait until the next chapter!!
~Anni
P.S. Hermione's not the best at comforting Harry sometimes, is she?
Melindaleo Saturday 28th October 2006 05:09
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Thanks! I agree, I love the recovery scenes, and it just seems like Harry CAN'T walk away from the final battle uninjured. He always gets injured, and this is the big one, right? Did you like the phoenix? I thought it appropriate since in a sense, Harry has finally been reborn. Give Malfoy a break (I can't believe I'M saying that, lol. He's lost his mum and girlfrined. He's allowed to feel a bit sorry for himself. The trick is whether or not he can pull out of the downward slide.
"Slowed down" is a good thing in this case. Aftermaths are my favorite and this one is moving beautifully. I'm looking forward to a perfectly lovely scene with Harry and Ginny. Maybe even Ron and Hermione if the planets are aligned correctly!
Totally enjoyable!
christy
Melindaleo Saturday 28th October 2006 05:11
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Thanks! I'm glad you like the aftermaths, too. Plenty of Harry and Ginny to come in the next chapter when they finally get their real holiday.
I like the way you write the aftermath. It's good to have the story of the recovery as well, especially when it means more writing from you. Well done.
Melindaleo Saturday 28th October 2006 05:13
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Aww, thanks much. I love the recovery chapters in all the stories I read.
You can drag the aftermath out as long as you want! I too adore reading the aftermath- there\'s always so much fluff and I always have a huge smile on my face. But this was a great chapter - I squealed quite loudly - I\'m worried the neighbors heard me! And the whole thing with Charlie was hysterical - and I love this part: (it made me laugh like crazy!)
\"Perhaps he looked weaker than he thought, stuck in the hospital bed. He never thought he’d be grateful for anyone thinking him weak, but there you go.\" LOL! The perfect thing for Harry to be thinking after getting caught snogging. Really though, I could quote every word of this chapter and comment on how your brilliant wit and writing talent made this chapter so good . And Harry has feeling in his arm!! Yay!
Really though, I have nothing but praise for this fic! Wonderful work!
~Maria~
Melindaleo Saturday 28th October 2006 05:17
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Hee, I'm glad you could sympathize with Harry's point, lol. I'm really glad to hear you're enjoying it. I always love the aftermath stuff.
Just wanted to let you know that I've been thoroughly enjoying this story. It has a good mix of adventure and romance, plus I'm a sucker for waking-up-in-the-hospital scenes.
Melindaleo Saturday 28th October 2006 05:21
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Aww, thanks much! I'm a sucker for waking-up-in-the-hospital scenes, too.
YAY! He's fully awake now, and ready to snog! Interesting bit with his arm tingling during times with Ginny. Wonder what that's all about.
I love it when Ginny can blackmail her brothers. One of the many things I love about her - that she can be so devious Makes me really wonder about how the both of them (Harry & Ginny) really would have fared in Slytherin.
A beach holiday you say? Tempting.. very tempting. And I know that the bit with everyone while Harry was unconcious will come back into play somehow in the next chapter or two.
Can't wait for the next update!
Melindaleo Saturday 28th October 2006 05:20
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
I dont' think either Harry or Ginny would ever have been placed in Slytherin for real. The Sorting Hat considered Harry for ALL the house, it was HARRY who focused on Slytherin, not the Hat.As for Ginny, being the youngest, I think she would have had to learn ways to take care of herself. I have three kids, and the youngest is certainly the most self sufficient, lol. He has to be.
I promised myself that I would read the remaining chapters all at one go, but every time I see the Author's update in my email of "TSH" I just can't help myself. I click right to PhoenixSong.net to get my weekly fix of another wonderful chapter. Yes, yes, yes! I know I'm weak. When something is this good, you just can't say no.
I love Harry and Ginny. And I love the way you write them. Great job Melinda.
Dee
(looking forward to those one shots)
Melindaleo Saturday 28th October 2006 05:13
32: A New Beginning (Author Response)
Squeee! Ooh, I love hearing stuff like that. I'm glad you couldn't wait, and hope it was worth it. Still two more chapters to come - and Harry finally gets his reward in the next one.
Hope that comes along soon ... I'm not sure my nerves can take waiting!
Seriously, I understand why you're taking your time and I really appreciate the care you take to make sure you have a well-crafted story. Please, please, please keep up the great work and don't hold back if you get inspired to write yet another HP Fan Fic! Your stories are some of the BEST I've ever found on the Internet.
and 
+ 
and 
fluff??
he deserved it.
