Wow, your Harry makes quite an entrance. It was entirely necessary in this chapter, though. You'd be hard pressed to come up with a more dislikeable "good guy" than your Mr. Areids.
But besides the obviously sour taste, I'm not sure what to make of your new auror. Normally the early introduction of Americans into fics raises red flags for me about cliched characters and cliched plot lines, but I very much appreciated the international political tension you used to frame his presence. That's definitely not cliched, and it's something I'm hoping you might develop more. Plus, if Areid's going to become a significant character, the dialogue between him and his "colleagues" could be quite entertaining.
Another thing Areid let you do was tell us a lot about the Coven ... without really telling much of anything. My first reaction to his story was Why is she giving so much away so soon? , but as I think about it, all you've really is done eliminated the first step from the mystery. Perhaps the purist in me would liked to have seen Harry, Ron and Tonks have to figure out who they were dealing with from scratch after the Chapter 1 incident, but I'm sure you've got your purposes and there's plenty of intriguing mystery left in the whats and whys of the Coven -- not to mention the question of how the heck Voldemort ties in. So there's definitely plenty here to keep me thinking. I look forward to seeing what you do with it.
Another major plus for me from this? Ginny as headline fodder for the tabloids. I'm a journalist (or at least I pretend to be when I'm at work), and sad as is, the idea of the girlfriend of a celebrity being made into an infamous figure is all too realistic. But it does make me wonder how deep a rift you've put in between Harry and Ginny.
So anyway, I've rambled enough for now. Thanks for all your hard work!
-KC
wow! i do think that it is kinda funny that Americans are written to be @$$holes! however i do have to admit that i fit the "typical" description that you used. what can i say though, i am hooked thus far!!
An arrogant American Jerk, you wouldn't be British would you? Just kidding. This is great fun so matter what. I like the whole good cops, bad cops thing, but doubt that Ron would let anyone treat Ginny that way. And Tonks, as the Senior Auror, would exert her athority over somoe who is a guest in her country. And of course once the American started in on her, you knew Harry was going to show up some time soon. I was glad to have him show up, but think Ginny is going to be a bit ticked at him for 'Saving' her. I myself would have prefered to have Ginny put him in his place, and Harry merley say, "I was wondering how long that would take."
Still, I really like what you are building here. Keep it coming, and I'm off to the next chapter.
Woo Hoo! And there's Harry! Love his entrance, too. Areids is SUCH an obnoxious man - although I love all the Massachusetts references since that's where I live, lol. Two chapters in, and I'm hooked!
hwimsey Sunday 28th January 2007 20:53
2: Coming To (Author Response)
Wonderful that you are from Mass! It is a beautiful part of the country (well, most of it .
I'm glad you liked Harry's entrance -- and I'm thrilled that you are hooked!
I really liked this chapter because it was so informative and brought most of the good guys together. Areids certainly showed himself to be an utter boor and it was a real pleasure to see Harry bring him to his knees. The story of the Coven is really scary and you have setup a first class mystery environment about this horrific group. We also learned a little bit about Harry and Ginny's past but there is still alot more to reveal.
hwimsey Tuesday 16th January 2007 13:41
2: Coming To (Author Response)
Thank you. Yes, I tried to write the backstory without it living too long in narrative. Areids is an interesting character to be sure. & 's past seems to be driving people crazy -- I'm sorry, but I don't mean to!
There is an author in Potter fandom, whose name is Emily North, who has put these words in Ron's mouth: "Angry Hermione could make Gryffindor himself run for cover, but angry Harry could make a Hungarian Horntail run and hide."
Oh, my! I do believe I have spotted a flock of Hungarians Horntails making a strategic retreat at the end of this chapter I look forward to falling towels...
hwimsey Sunday 19th November 2006 13:42
2: Coming To (Author Response)
Hello!!!! How are you!
I laughed myself silly with your 'falling towels' comment. No, I haven't forgotten. You are the greatest! I tell you what, I'll see what I can do -- but we're going to have to go thru the desert to get to the promised land. I mean, if that towel is going to fall, it's gotta earn the right to fall, and then fall with gusto.
It was wonderful to hear from you! Thanks for the chuckles!
That was really amazing. I loved it. Fantastic job. I'm really curious as to know the exact reasons Harry and Ginny broke up, it seems to me like he is still very protective which is always a good thing. Haha. I loved how Harry saved the day. Fantastic. You can always count on Harry. Love him! I can't wait for the next chapter update when you can!!
hwimsey Thursday 16th November 2006 23:15
2: Coming To (Author Response)
What a great username -- I love it!
Thanks for the kind words, I'm touched. Yes, Harry is protective despite ...... hmmmm, better wait till the next chapter!
I'm really enjoying this story. Very atmospheric and the characterisations are great.
I loved the banter and closeness between Ginny and the other healers; the sense that they know each other so well was very realistically portrayed. Exactly how I'm sure they would be.
I also thought Ginny's emotional reaction to Ron was spot on - she's glad to see him but has this undercurrent of guilt that it's been so long, that she's living her life away from her family. There is a real sense with all the characters that they have been through so much, and are very strong, but still only just coping.
And Harry's entrance at the end - great! Can't wait to find out what he's doing there, and why he steps in. You know you are killing us to know what happened between H & G.
As for Areids, I gather from his character that you are showing that in the wizarding world there is a insular ignorance between wizarding societies, and he clearly has no real knowledge of what went on in the first war. As a Brit I thought this was interesting, and the reaction of the others to him was very realistic. Can't wait to find out about the Coven of Echoes, sounds very "secret society".
I'm counting down the days to the next update. Thank very much for a good read.
hwimsey Wednesday 15th November 2006 13:24
2: Coming To (Author Response)
Dear leiselily,
I must say, I truly enjoyed your review. You have to be a writer yourself. I live for reviews like this. I'm so glad you "got" everything I tried to write -- forgive my wretched English!
This chapter was all about "coming to." Especially in regards to emotions.
I'm glad as a Brit you can understand Areids. I think his attitude points to his arrogance -- he hasn't bothered to study other wizarding societies. I find this in the US often. Most of us honestly couldn't tell you much of anything going on politically in Europe.
I would be honored if you'd continue reading and reviewing. Thanks again for your kind words.
Gah!!!!! As I'm sure you've noticed, oh well, actually, I don't know if you have, hmmm...well anyway, if you've noticed or not, at PS there is a terribly addictive story called Cursed. well the lovely Myth, poor dear, has gone on hiatus and this is JUST WHAT WE NEED!!!! Oh you are the antidote to my withdrawal poison. Please please PLEASE don't go on a break too! lol. this is just so FABULOUS!! If (and dear lord WHEN) Cursed returns, I will still be as faithful as ever to this lovely adventure. So thank you. oh yes, and my favorite line? well, it wasn't exactly in the story, per se...
"What's life without a little romance." Or in this case, lust. "
Ga!! Oo my heart is pounding....that, and
"Healer Weasley knew the man who killed him. Quite intimately. "
Woo hoo!!!
Delani
hwimsey Wednesday 15th November 2006 13:17
2: Coming To (Author Response)
Oh, Delani. I was laughing for a solid minute after reading your review.
First, thank you so for your lovely words. I'm thrilled you're enjoying the story and that I'm providing an antidote for withdrawal poison.
Second, I love Myth. Both her writing and the writer herself. I keep telling her that it isn't fair. Such talented people cannot be kind, funny and warm individuals. If you read her reviews, you'll see my name often. I, too, am suffering.
Please keep stopping by. I'd love to hear how you're enjoying this tale going forward. Plus, you make me smile with such reviews!
Ohmygosh. Once again, very awesome job. The story is becoming more detailed and intricate, which I love. Hate the cliffie, though.
hwimsey Wednesday 15th November 2006 13:12
2: Coming To (Author Response)
Hi Connor -- how are you doing? Thanks for stopping by again and thank you for the lovely review. Yes, I love detailed intricate plots myself. And this is going to get more detailed as we go.
Sorry about the cliffie. But how will I get you to come back for more?
Whew! I had to come back and read it a second time. I do that with all the stories that I LOVE!
You didn't back down on this chapter either, did you? The tension remains throughout the whole thing. The behavior of the American Auror was beyond rude. I know I told you this before, but I am hoping that Ginny can retaliate someday. Only, I don't think just a Bat Bogey Hex will do it for me. You know, she is the Weasley Twins' sister with extensive potion knowledge. That is all I will say.
I loved the tension of the ending and how Ginny just knew that Harry was there. His whole nonverbal behavior was very telling, and I can't wait to learn what has happened between the two of them. Harry's response to the American Auror was also very telling. I think I will enjoy reading about the further interaction between the two.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
(This is me waiting patiently.)
hwimsey Wednesday 15th November 2006 13:10
2: Coming To (Author Response)
Hello dearest you,
Your choice of icons cracks me up. I love the bat one.
The next chapter is backstory and a breather. But you know all about Ch. 4 having supplied so many of the spells.
Ah, I'd like to tell you, but I'd have to kill you.
. 
I look forward to falling towels...
.gif)
You know, she is the Weasley Twins' sister with extensive potion knowledge. 
(This is me waiting patiently.) 
