First review I've written, but I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading your stories. Just fantastic!
Author's Response: Thank you.
It's always good to hear from a reader.-N-
I was so surprised to see a new story from you! It put a bright spot in what turned out to be a cold and rainy day.
Anyway, this was a beautiful chapter! I sometimes forget the tragicness of Harry's past, since we know so little of what went on, and this was a nice addition that almost brought a tear to my eye. It's quite terrible how the Dursley's treated Harry. I like how you delicately put in the "vulnerable" side of Harry, something we don't often see in the books. It definitely adds another humanizing element to him and is very humbling.
An excellent, excellent job. I'm very much looking forward to more!
Cheers!
- Katie
Author's Response:
Katie
Because of holidays, and other real life issues, it’s been some time since I updated anything. That’s about to change.
Harry tries to keep his vulnerable side well hidden. It’s probably fortunate that Draco never knew about it, because with his ability to exploit weak spots (Ron’s poverty issues and Hermione’s confidence issues) he could have really got to Harry, too. I’ve always thought of Harry as vulnerable, perhaps I haven’t shown it before, but it’s there.
-N-
Beautifully written as always!!
Author's Response: Thank you. -N-
I was completely overjoyed when I got an email telling me that you had posted a new story. :D
As per usual, you did a fantastic job. This really hits home. Harry, based on what we see read about in the books and saw in his Occulemency classes, doesn't let on to anybody about how awful his past really was. This just seems to be a deeper look into what Harry feels. I doubt that he'll ever fully retell his childhood horror stories.
A sad beginning, but I'm curious for more. Will there be a focus on Harry's past, or will the story take a happier turn?
-H.H.
Author's Response:
Thank you.
It wasn’t until I started writing this story that I realised that, by sending James to a Muggle school, Harry was placing James in situations he himself had faced as a child. The decision will stir up a lot of suppressed memories. I think that, over the years, Ginny will find out a lot about Harry’s childhood.
This will be no more than three chapters, and the rest will take a happier turn.
-N-
Bloody Dursleys! We hates them.
But what did happen to James' letter?
Author's Response:
Yes we do.Good question, all will be revealed.
-N-
This is really wonderful! I love it when you end up writing a story you didn't expect to, it's such a treat for those of use who follow your writing. I can only hope you continue to jot down a few notes!
As for the story itself, I have to echo Fenella in saying that you really handled Harry's abusive childhood in such a simple and touching way without making it overdone. Harry really has such a tortured past (figuratively, I hope), and yet he turns out as such a nice guy, but it really completes his character to see him have moments of going back to "that frightened little boy".
Can't wait to see what's next!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review.
This was, as I said, a story which took a twist while I was writing it. The second chapter is only notes.I didn’t want to make too much of Harry’s suffering, as I’m certain that it’s something he downplays. I think that it will be years before Ginny discovers everything.
Next, H&P, probably.-N-
Lovely story, it's great hearing about what happened to Harry before the stories start and it's a bit like a new chapter of "Strangers at Drakeshaugh" ... my favourite story on MNFF!!!
Author's Response: Thank you. I have several stories about the Potters at Drakeshaugh piling up in my head. I hope to at least get one more done before the end of the year. (it may be called A Very Drakeshaugh Christmas, or it may be called Annie Charlton and the Very Big Santa – I haven’t decided). -N-
Seeing a story from you always makes my day, and this did the job! I love how everything fits into your timeline, or 'one big story' as I think you put it on your author's page.
With regard to this, all I can say is wow. I think it can be all too easy to forget the extent to which Harry suffered as a child, and I love how you've managed to convey this in such a simple, concise manner without overdoing the emotion. When I saw the abuse warning I guessed that the story would include a flashback to Harry's own childhood as I couldn't quite see a way you could have needed such a warning for James.
A lovely piece, touching with just the right amount of brutal honesty. I hope this means you might be updating Strangers at Drakeshaugh soon!
Fenella
Author's Response:
Fenella, thanks for the review.
Every so often I make a mistake with my timeline, but the post-kids section is fairly well plotted out now and the one big story (made of lots of little stories) continues.
Harry himself reminded me of his youth. The flashback wasn’t originally part of the plan. But as I wrote, Harry started to get a bit maudlin, and I realised that this story wasn’t simply about James. I hope to update Strangers and H&P within the next couple of weeks.
-N-
