You paint a wonderful, clear picture of a woman who lies to herself even more than to the outside world. You have a rare talent to write a whole chapter about one character that is so interesting that I read it several times to find all the details. I wonder what Petunia will learn this Christmas!i
Very good start, you've got me hooked. Is Petunia really seeing ghosts or is there something else going on? And why didn't Vernon wake at the sound? I love your writing style and I look forward to more of this. It's been a while since we've seen a new story from you, so this is double exciting!
I love this concept! Great job getting into the mind of Petunia Dursley. Quite the scary place to be! I'm curious about the "save her family" part of the story description. Will that be literally, in a physical sense, or more of an emotional sense? Of course you can't answer, but I'll be reading to find out!
I\'ve been MIA from here for so long! I logged in today and saw this and just squeed!!!!!
You\'ve done a great job depicting Petunia\'s POV...she is definitely one of my least favorite people and you have done much to continue my aversion to her! Wonderful job and I look forward to the next chapter!
Intriguing! Petunia certainly has a lot to rethink, heh.
Nice job with the small hints about big changes or problems, like Dudley being interested in Harry's situation, and the throw-away references to Petunia's sherry and Vernon's weight.
I look forward to seeing where this is going.
Melindaleo Monday 8th December 2008 14:02
1: Holiday Plans (Author Response)
Petunia is a mystery, is 't she? For the life of me, I can't understand how she could treat her sister's child the way she did, but it's a topic that never ceases to intrigue me.
Ah no way!!! That's so cool!! This is an awesome idea, I can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out. I already know you're an amazing writer so this is going to be great!
Among all the spot-on emotions you have depicted in this opening chapter, Petunia ability to delude herself stands out. Her thoughts about Harry are ones we are acquainted with, but you bring us so many more: the hussy, whom Petunia has never met, who is obviously after her brilliant boy. Vernon immediately demanding dinner two step into their entry. Lily always causing messes she had to clean up. But the most telling were the lifeless pecks on the cheek exchanged by Vernon and Petunia, and her rationalization about their lack of anything to talk about during dinner.
In addition to setting up the rest of the story, you've constructed a wonderful look into Petunia's life and the length's she goes to misinterpret it.
Marvelous job, Melinda! Looking forward to the next!
Best, Jim
Melindaleo Sunday 7th December 2008 07:03
1: Holiday Plans (Author Response)
Aww, thanks, Jim! You know this story wouldn't be anywhere without you. I'll be sure to acknowlege that before it's out.
You know I've never cared for Petunia, and I think that woman could rationalize away just about anything. Let's see how she does with ghosts in her bedroom.
One more note....for the Ghost of Christmas Present: Severus? and for Christmas future: Fred Weasley? I'm probably way off.....but their interactions with Pet could be fun!
Melindaleo Sunday 7th December 2008 07:00
1: Holiday Plans (Author Response)
I love seeing everyone's guesses - and I'll be eager to hear what you think as they're revealed.
