Harry may be one of the most famous wizards in the world, but the level of neglect he’s accustomed to – seems to expect, even – makes my skin burn. Sometimes, I feel guilty for what we’ve always had and I took for granted.”

“They weren’t invited,” Bill replied, his lips narrowing into a thin line. “In fact, Dad was pointedly told to stay away.” “What?” Both Ron and Ginny screeched indignantly. “They’re the parents of the groom. How could Percy do this to them? Poor Mum, her heart must be broken. She’s dreamed of a wedding for one of us for so long now,” Ginny cried. “Yeah, well…Percy’s got pretty good at breaking Mum’s heart lately,” Ron said, nearly growling. “Mum took it really hard; she’s always held on to the hope he’d come around,” Bill said. “She’s been obsessing over it since that day at King’s Cross, but now…with this…she’s resigning herself to the idea that she’s lost him."

It suddenly occurred to her as she thought of her mother’s fussing over Ron, and her father taking time to play chess with him, that Harry was acting in much the same way as Ron, yet there was no one there to take those extra steps. In fact, Harry’s behavior his entire fifth year could be classified as a desperate scream for help that all the adults in his life – adults sworn to protect him – had missed. They were all so focused on the big picture that no one had taken the time to notice Harry slipping through the cracks. Not until Sirius had died, anyway.

I love your style.  I think it's mainly the details you put in there.  You follow the books, not other fanfiction or the movies.  For example, you have the ride home, which I haven't seen before.  The description of the room is definitely from the books instead of the movie.  I like that they play football, even though  I'm not sure why.  I also like the pranks Bill plays.  When I started reading, I was hoping Harry could stay with the Dursley's past his birthday and get some revenge, but it's still in there.  I also like how you don't seem to feel the need to stick to the girlfriends from the book.  Just because Bill and Fleur had a thing in the beginning of book five doesn't mean they'll be together forever.  And people generally don't marry their high school girlfriends, so the change with Percy is perfectly justified.  Forgive me if you've put a breakup in the previous story, which I haven't read yet.  I also love how Dudley didn't have a complete change of heart and is Harry's new best friend, but is just trying to figure him out.  Great chapter!

“Engaged.” Ron sounded shocked. “Who’d want to marry him?”

Oh, I like that - the writing on the wall I mean, I didn't think of it.  Besides, I think Petunia would have scrubbed every remenant of Harry from there by now.

Percy has a bigger role in this story, but don't be looking for any kind of understanding or great big family reunion anytime soon.  Percy is still a Fudge supporter.

It exists, but it's extremely rare, that doesn't mean Ginny can't comprehend what was done to Harry.  She knows all the stories, and I think that it's so rare among wizards makes  it all the more horrific to her.

I'm wondering about the Order and killing myself (not the Dursleys).  In the battle at the Ministry, they weren't using lethal spells, it was more schoolyard curses and hexes.  It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next two books.

Another great chapter, I'm intrigued with what you're doing with Duddly. Looking forward to seeing Ginny sort out Harry in the next chapter. Once Ginny gets him alone to talk to the poor boy won't stand a chance.

Wow three kids and you write this well, you have my admiration. Just like your last book, an excellent story, very compelling and Harry (as always) so...well so much a hero...it is the real draw of JKR's booke- a hero when none really exist today. I love the foreshadowing and how you are using Bill (one of my favorite characters), sood I'm not sure I liked Fluer anyway. Go Ginny!!

Heh, writing is my sanity these days!  I keep little scraps of paper everywhere and jot down ideas as they hit me, then when the kids go to bed I try to put them all back together.  I've become obsesses, however, and my husband refuses to let me bring the laptop on our trip!  Can't say I blame him.

I like Bill a lot, too, and he's not so overly defined that you can't play with him a bit.

This was a great chapter.  I especially liked the scene between the Weasleys at the beginning.  You did a wonderful job of establishing how Ron's own healing process was (or was not) progressing.  I thought your use of Ginny's point of view was very effective throughout the chapter.  It gave us another perspective on Harry's summer, from some one both concerned and discerning.  The 'slipping through the cracks' insight was very telling.  She really came across as fiercely committed to Harry, and determined to help him (and Ron as well).  She will not allow herself to ignore the elephant in the room. 

Dudley was an interesting choice as the instrument through which Bill gets a clue.  I wonder where you are going with him.  Harry's embarrassment at the others seeing how he is treated at the Dursleys was very much in character.    The undercurrents of pain that you wove throughout the chapter -- Ron still affected by the battle; Harry as well, with the Dursley experience overlaying it; and Ginny seeing the problems and trying to come to grips with how best to help -- were very effective.  It will be interesting to see them all grapple with these emotions through the summer.  Again, well done!

Thanks!  You're the first one who's mentioned that scene.  I know it was at the beginning and we all tend to review what happens at the end, lol.  I'm still awaiting a reaction on Percy!

Ginny is protective of Harry, right from standing up to Malfoy back before her first year.  I like that about Ginny.  You'll learn more about Dudley's motivations next chapter.

Great chapter.  I really loved the interplay here and particularly the look into Harry's home life. 

The greatest point you make here though is the one about the unheard cry for help and Harry slipping through the cracks.  This is the first time I've seen this expressed and you did well and spot on.

Kudos!

Another spectacular chapter!  What makes your stories so memorable for me is the high number of scenes which are so carefully crafted.  Most good fan fictions have several really special scenes per story.  But many of your scenes are so well crafted, and so touching, that I enjoy rereading them (as you know).  Thanks so much for sharing your talent and these special stories.  Have fun on your vacation! 

Whoa, Dudley's reforming?  That's kind of cool. 

I really liked the fact that Ginny could see that something was wrong even when the others ignored it--and that he was honest with her!

I read this over at SIYE today, but wanted to submit a review here, too.  You're doing great Melinda.  Keep it up!

Another brillaint chapter! I really enjoyed this, as all the other chapters!! I'm glad Bill found out how Harry was treated whenever he left, maybe now he can finally heal properly. I can't wait for the next chapter!! And have fun at Disney World! I wish I where you!

~Maria~

What an stupendous story so far!

In my mind's eye, I can see the psychological battles Harry is going through. First as a P.O.W. (He was interned in Malfoy Manor for all of that time.) and an abused child. You have him coping with everything magnificently!

Just as Blaize Zambini said in your other work,"Word is, both you and the Dark Lord were hurt. So the question is, which one will heal the quickest? From the looks of it, Potter, I think you may be in trouble.”

You are hinting at the troubles Voldemort is going through in healing his injuries...Between Dobby,Ginny and Bill, Harry's physical and psychological injuries will be taken care of wonderfully! Love is a powerful motivator. I honestly don't think that Voldemort would have half the help Harry has, since he is using fear.

I am perplexed about Dudley's motivations. I can see one of two possibilities. 1.(The nicest one) Dudley is finally seeing Harry and wizardkind in general, as people instead of freaks to be feared and disgusted by. Since family is important to me, I hope Dudley is finally seeing Harry as part of his--rather than a thing to be ridiculed and tormented. 2.(The less nicer one.)He is being civil either out of fear, or he is spying for his parents so they can torment Harry even more..this sounds more typical of the Durseley's household. However you end up Dudley's participation in the story,let me say that I am enjoying this little side trip!

Since I know real life happens, May your family have an awesome time at Disney World, and create memories of a lifetime!(But the your fan says--Hurry up and post the next chapter-I'm really looking forward to it!)

Thanks again,

Takon

What an stupendous story so far!

In my mind's eye, I can see the psychological battles Harry is going through. First as a P.O.W. (He was interned in Malfoy Manor for all of that time.) and an abused child. You have him coping with everything magnificently!

Just as Blaize Zambini said in your other work,"Word is, both you and the Dark Lord were hurt. So the question is, which one will heal the quickest? From the looks of it, Potter, I think you may be in trouble.”

You are hinting at the troubles Voldemort is going through in healing his injuries...Between Dobby,Ginny and Bill, Harry's physical and psychological injuries will be taken care of wonderfully! Love is a powerful motivator. I honestly don't think that Voldemort would have half the help Harry has, since he is using fear.

I am perplexed about Dudley's motivations. I can see one of two possibilities. 1.(The nicest one) Dudley is finally seeing Harry and wizardkind in general, as people instead of freaks to be feared and disgusted by. Since family is important to me, I hope Dudley is finally seeing Harry as part of his--rather than a thing to be ridiculed and tormented. 2.(The less nicer one.)He is being civil either out of fear, or he is spying for his parents so they can torment Harry even more..this sounds more typical of the Durseley's household. However you end up Dudley's participation in the story,let me say that I am enjoying this little side trip!

Since I know real life happens, May your family have an awesome time at Disney World, and create memories of a lifetime!(But the your fan says--Hurry up and post the next chapter-I'm really looking forward to it!)

Thanks again,

Takon

LOL, you're supposed to be perplexed by Dudley's motivations, just like Harry.  More on Dudley coming up in the next chapter.

Thanks for the well wishes, I'm really looking forward to it!

That was great!  

I first read The Power of Emotion at Checkmated, but when got logged in today here and I saw that you had it already inished here, and with a sequel on its way I read it right away.

I liked it a lot, and I can't help but loath the Dursleys.  I'd wish Bill could really show them how dangerous magic can be to them.

Take care, and update as soon as you can, but enjoy Disney World!!