I am an obsessed Harry Potter fan who, according to one friend, "needs rehab." Hehe. I like canon-compliant stories and pairings, especially Romione, which is probably evident from my stories.
You will notice I don't use British spellings. I always strive to accurately portray British culture in my fics and have my characters (and JK's) behaving in culturally appropriate ways. But spelling and punctuation are tools of the writer, and I'm an American writer. :) I always feel incredibly pretentious when I use British spellings (if it's required for a challenge)--LOL.
Right, just wanted to let you know where I'm coming from in case you are annoyed that I spell it color instead of colour. Hehe.
Incorrigible by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years [Reviews - 15]
Summary: It's Halloween and the Head Boy and Head Girl are stuck in the greenhouses for detention. Will they escape the clutches of the deadly Devil's Snare…or worse, one another?
A lighthearted tale for Halloween, not to be read in the greenhouse.
James, Lily, detention, UST, crazy plants, magic... what more could I ask for? This is my kind of story--thanks for the delightful read.
Author's Response: You're welcome - and thanks for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It just popped out all of a sudden and was great fun to write, although I did have to look up a lot about those crazy plants, lol. Thanks again! ~Gina :)
Harry's First Halloween by lucca4
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 13]
Summary:
It's Harry's first Halloween, but the raging thunderstorm prevents an overly eager Lily from taking him out to trick-or-treat. Instead, she, James, and Sirius spend one of their last carefree moments together.
Oh, I really enjoyed this, Ariana. What a fun evening you have portrayed here, and a normal one at that. Kind of ironic because I think Harry always wanted a normal life, and would certainly not remember something like this. *sigh*
Nice characterization and humor, and setting it a year away from what we know happens... you don't have to say much at all to make us feel the weight of the future and what is coming for all of them. I want this little snapshot to be canon. Lovely read!
Author's Response: Lori! Thank you for stopping by :). I'm so happy you enjoyed the story! I was hoping to portray a 'normal' moment in their lives, but I was worried after I submitted it that it might come across as too boring. And that's so funny that you mention Harry always wanting a normal life, because that's kind of what I was thinking of towards the end. It's sad, because he *did* at one point have a normal life, but it didn't last :(. Thank you again, so much for the review - it meant so much :) xx Ariana
Time To Go Home by Gmariam
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 3]
Summary: One man struggles with the holidays after the death of a loved one.
I really liked this Gina. Arthur is too often neglected in fanfic dealing with teh loss of Fred. Beautiful. Love that Ginny resued him. :)
Author's Response: Thanks so much, Lori! I'm glad you liked it, even though it was very sad for Arthur. I don't think he'd really end up like that, but it seemed a bit obvious to make it George at the end. ;) Thanks again, I really appreciate the review! ~Gina :)
For Better or Worse by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 3rd-5th Years [Reviews - 10]
Summary: Sometimes, the past reminds you of how beautiful the future really is.
Holy. Crap. Jess.
All this time, you've been saying what a git Ron is and how you don't like this pairing and occasionally enjoy killing him off and stuff (hehe) ... but Jess, for real, in this short little story of yours, you so completely get him. And that is not a compliment I hand out all that freely, to say the least. You've got just the perfect tone, and the perfect words coming out of everyone's mouths (especially Ron's), and how did you DO that when you don't even LIKE him? Seriously, this is so stinking good. Easily one of the best Romione's I've ever read. This is brilliant. Just brilliant. Nice use of second person and the flashbacks... just, wowowow. LOVE. Sorry for the incoherent review, but I'm just fangirling like crazy right now. (And taking notes.) Happy Birthday, Emma!'Tis high praise, indeed, coming from the Canon Queen. I'll take that.
The thing is...I don't dislike Ron as a character; if I met him in person, I just wouldn't like him as a friend. I suppose I 'get' him, but he's just not my type. *coughstillagitcough*
Glad I could make you fangirl. It's not often I can win over canon shippers, so I'll take that, as well. :D
~Jess
Mistletoe Surprise by Gmariam
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 7]
Summary: I couldn't believe I had to chop down the school Christmas tree with Lily Evans. Little did I know she had something else in mind as well...
Oh, what a fun little romp into the woods! I adored this one, Gina, and did not stop smiling for a moment! Well done!
D by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 6th-7th Years [Reviews - 12]
Summary:
Over fifty brave souls perished during the fight that took down You-Know-Who’s regime. However, not all of the victims of the clash that ended just this morning set foot on the grounds of Hogwarts last night. Numerous family members and friends will be spending these next weeks not celebrating, but planning funerals while raking up the pieces of their lives and wondering where they are supposed to go from here.
One boy was lost and alone -- looking for a lifeline, crying for help. But is anyone listening?
This story was nominated for two 2012 Quicksilver Quill Awards: Best Dark/Angst Story and Best General Story.
Ooh, Jess, this is so good. I am not familiar with the song, but even on its own, I found this so ominous and sad. I knew he was going down, but wasn't sure he would end up dead. I hate to think of him taking his own life, but if he believed he'd killed someone, I can see it happening.
Nice job capturing the 14 yr old voice. I really did think at several points that it sounded just right, sort of depressed and optimistic at the same time (because Colin and Dennis were always so optimistic, or maybe naive?). Anyway, well done with that. I admit I paused at the fact that Harry didn't figure out who this was, considering that fifty people is a lot of people but also not a lot, for someone as close to everything as Harry. And Colin would have been one of those who would have been right up in the front of his mind... and yet, I don't think you could have written Harry as knowing it was Dennis and still not responding. Harry would never have done such a thing. So anyway, just a little thing. :) Well done. This was such a powerful piece. I'm glad I stumbled upon it while it was still on the most recents. I hope it gets the reads and reviews it deserves.This story is a batch of complicated things and feelings all around. We all see who it is; it's so obvious when we think about it. However, the reason why Harry didn't see it until he was replying was because he really wasn't thinking overmuch about it. A lot of things are going on that go unseen but kind of have to be inferred.
For instance, Harry didn't read these letters over the course of time. Rather, he had a giant pile of mail from a bunch of people that he finally sifted through at last, and on Christmas Day — partly because it was the first day he truly had time to think about non-job things, and partly because someone (either Ginny or Hermione) made him sit down and read/reply before the pile overtook the whole room. So he's sorting through these letters in the order they came, reading one after the other, all from different senders, until finally he picks the one to reply to. Remembering the troubled "D", he goes for that one first. He reads, comments, and finally...you know the rest.
Here's how the shooting actually played out. The Prophet guy got it pretty much right; Dennis had instinctively reached for his wand when he saw the shopkeeper and the gun, and his Shield Charm was enough to deflect the bullet back on the shopkeeper. While Dennis was staring in horror at what he'd accidentally caused, the shopkeeper was able to get a second shot off, and that one didn't miss, as Dennis wasn't prepared for it. Rather a pathetic way to die, but such is the way of things.
As I said, a jumble of things that just pile up on poor Dennis until it eventually kills him. He didn't have it coming; he didn't see it coming. Hence why the world tends to suck, because this is the story of many a troubled youth across the world, only with a bit of magic added in. :/
Anyway, glad you could appreciate it. I really recommend the song for a listen. It's beautiful and terrible all at once: beautiful because it was so well done, and terrible because it had that air of something that could easily happen.
Thanks for the review, dear, and good luck deciphering my rambling brain wittering, hehe.
~Jess
Christmas on the Outside by Equinox Chick
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 7]
Summary: At the age of five, Dean Thomas experienced his best Christmas, made memorable by the man who would become his stepfather. Twelve years later, he is bereft of his family with only a handful of near-strangers to keep him company. Will he find any Christmas cheer?
This is Equinox Chick of Hufflepuff and this is my story for the Great Halliday Challenge - prompt 2 Christmas at Ground Zero.
I am not JK Rowling. She is sublime; I merely beg crumbs from her fanfiction table.
Wow, Carole, this is just so lovely. Missing moments from canon are probably my favorite kind of story to read, and this does not disappoint. Wonderful characterization of both Dean and Ted, and really Dirk as well, who I've hardly ever considered at all. I really felt like I was there at that campsite with them, and I appreciate the responsibility and generosity you've given Ted here. I do think he would have been looking out for Dean.
I liked the football connection and the time they had together to play for awhile... especially considering how all of this ends for Ted. :( If you hadn't told us who Dean's love interest was, I would have pestered you on AIM until death! I had it narrowed down to two, and one of them was the right one. I suspected it couldn't be the other, as your head canon for her is quite solidified. ;) I won't reveal more here in case potential readers are scanning your reviews before they read (as I sometimes do). I'm rambling. I did love this, and will drop it right into my favorites. This little story is now part of my head canon for this time period. Lovely stuff.Glass by xxbabewithbrainsxx
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 10]
Summary: 
It’s New Year’s Eve, and it’s the Potters’ turn to host this year’s party. Lily Luna Potter, however, has no idea that they are trying to set her up with a certain someone, despite the fact that Lily already has that certain someone, though her family doesn't know that...
This is babewithbrains of Ravenclaw, writing for the Great Hall-iday Challenge 2011, Prompt Three -- Operation: Mistletoe.
I wasn't sure I could be sold on this pairing, but you've managed to convince me quite easily, Soraya. :) I think so much of how one views a cousin pairing is cultural. It's definitely squicky over here, but I really enjoyed your version of it with Lily and Louis.
By beginning with that very sweet (but not saccharine) scene involving the mascara, you drew me in and made me smile and got me on board with this pairing immediately. It's playful and sexy, and just a good, original way to show how much sense they make together. The party was fun, and I enjoyed how everything unfolded. Lily was understandably frustrated at everyone's efforts to deciper her mood and/or set her up. Am I right in thinking that Hermione had it figured out? I hope so. She hid her own feelings for so long she would certainly know the signs. Another reviewer mentioned that Roxy would likely have figured it out, but honestly, I wonder if the idea would simply not be on her radar. Because the cousin pairing is so unusual (enough so that Louis is as nervous as he is about coming out to the family), I doubt she would have even considered the idea of them as a couple at that point. Anyway, nothing in the fic struck me as unbelievable at all, is what I'm trying to say. I don't read or write very much next gen. Only if a writer I like has written it do I really check it out much at all, and I think the reason is because there are so freaking many of these next gen kids, and they are all in these scenes, and they tend to blend together for me. Sometimes I can't even keep straight which kids came from which Weasleys (not counting trio kids). So it becomes tedious and it just doesn't appeal to me. I only say that because you've really managed to avoid that problem in this. THough several of the next genners are in and out of these scenes, you managed to give each of them a unique personality or quality and keep them distinct. Really nice job with that, Soraya. I particularly liked Victoire, and the idea that she and Lily are close. Lily has a bit of her mother's spunk here, too... I loved that she told Victoire in spite of knowing Louis didn't want anyone to know. She didn't exactly "come out" to everyone, but she didn't totally keep that secret either. Apologies for not be a better reviewer, but I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed this. I will check out the others in this series eventually, I hope. Take care, and happy writing. ~LoriThe Professor and his Landlady by Northumbrian
Rated: 6th-7th Years [Reviews - 8]
Summary: Neville and Hannah make several life-changing decisions. Luna helps, too.
This is Northumbrian of Ravenclaw writing for the Great Hall Cotillion
This was a nice read, Neil. Neville/Hannah has become a close second to Ron/Hermione for me of late, and I like what you've done here. My favorite line, and a concise summary of who Luna is: "The best thing about Luna was the same as the worst thing about Luna, it was her brutal honesty." Well said. Good luck in the challenge!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review, Lori. Neville/Hannah proved to be a lot of fun, especially with Luna in the mix too. Hannah is no fool. You've done an Ernie/OC peice I believe, I must check it out. good luck to you, too.
Neil
Last Man Standing by Gmariam
Rated: 3rd-5th Years [Reviews - 4]
Summary: Charlie Weasley is sitting at his brother's wedding when he meets a beautiful reporter covering the nuptials. Daphne Greengrass is more than she appears, however, and he finds himself quickly entranced. Is she interested in him as well, or is he just another story?
This is Gmariam of Ravenclaw writing for the Inaugural Great Hall Cotillion Challenge.
Aw, poor Charlie. :) And he's such a charmer here, to not get the girl. Then again, not sure he really needs one, you know? I usually want a happy ending, but this wasn't so much UNhappy either. She got what she wanted and he went on with the life he likes. It's all good.
Lovely writing, Gina. I particularly liked the George/Charlie relationship here. It's not one that its often explored, and you gave it a nice spin. Well done!Predictions of Love by Equinox Chick
Rated: 3rd-5th Years [Reviews - 5]
Summary: For the past twelve years, Sybill Trelawney has lived a sheltered life cloistered in her rooms at Hogwarts. But with the arrival of Gilderoy Lockhart, her thoughts turn to love.
But the competition for his heart is fierce. Will Sybill find love with the dashing professor?
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling. Neither am I a writer of Mills and Boon.
Thank you to Kara (karaley Dargen) for being a fabulous beta. More thanks to Alex (welshdevondragon) for linking me to a certain romantic story.
This is Equinox Chick from Hufflepuff writing for the Great Hall Cotillion.
Oh, Croll, how well you write humor! I was grinning from ear to ear from the first paragraph. You really captured Lockhart perfectly--what a self-involved prat! And Sybill is hard to feel anything for, at least to me, and you managed to have me cheering for her. I'm so glad she decided she wasn't THAT desperate, in the end. LOL. Loved his breathing and the bald spot and he turned her stomach. Hehe.
I think the best thing about this fic is how you fit such a light, comedic piece into the serious canon issues that were going on around them at the time. I love the idea that Sybill, kook that she is, does have real predictions... and you used that well here. Thanks for the fun read, friend. Keep 'em coming!Too Late, Too Soon by hestiajones
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 7]
Summary: When he thought it had come at last, what struck Remus about the end of his youth was the abruptness.
DISCLAIMER: I am not J K Rowling.
Oh, this is just heartbreaking and beautiful. There is just something so weighty about Remus, even when things aren't so bleak. *sigh*
I really loved the unusual structure of this Natalie. It felt almost more like a poem, but not too much. My favorite part was Remus in the room so still, and the references to the persistence of the sunlight--it's a theme I always go back to in thinking/writing about grief. And the bit you wrote about him wishing for rain... wow, that so put me in mind of that song from Les Mis called "A Little Fall of Rain." Have you heard it? You should listen. It's heartbeat is similar to that of this little story. Lovely.Coup de Foudre by Equinox Chick
Rated: Professors [Reviews - 7]
Summary: Fleur knew from the first that he was different.
One look. A glance suggesting possibilities.
A look that changed her life.
Un Coup de Foudre - A Lightning Bolt - Love at First Sight.
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling. I am, however, eternally grateful that she created this couple.
I am Equinox Chick and this is my ... um ... fifth entry in the Great Hall Cotillion Challenge thingamigig.
This is for Natalie because she nagged me to write this pairing. :)
Ah, canon romance. Carole, this is so fantastic! I love that the mishap with the steak happened, and everyone had to act normal. Haha. Loved your Fleur so much, and Bill is always divine.
Really, really enjoyed this fic! ~ LoriPicture of You by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 3rd-5th Years [Reviews - 9]
Summary:
A photograph and a slew of memories were all that remained of Remus Lupin's schoolboy romance with Marlene McKinnon. But she was gone, and he gagged on all the things he never said.
This story is dedicated to the gorgeous and always-inspiring Equinox Chick/Carole/Croll of the Dungeon. May your minions never stray in their worship of you. It was inspired by a rather gorgeous song by The Cure, called Pictures of You.
This story has been nominated for a 2012 Quicksilver Quill Award: Best Marauder Era.
Oh, Jess, this is just beautiful. Sometimes I forget how much I love Remus as a character, and then I read something tortured and lovely like this, and I remember.
It's interesting that you chose to make Marlene have that strong sense of right and wrong, idealism bordering on naivete. Not only does it fit, but it seems likely that this would be the kind of woman Remus would fall hard for. I hated that she left without the assurance of his love--so heartbreaking. And I literally gasped when he ripped the photo. Impulsive Gryff. ;) Beautiful, beautiful stuff here. So glad I found it.Yay! I love Lori reviews! I so rarely write anything that falls into your reading patterns that I love when I can write something that fits the angst bill for my tastes but also attracts other readers. Having a lovely banner doesn't hurt. <3 Nadia.
Well, when I wrote this, Carole was going through a rough time and had a particularly bad day, and to exacerbate things, she got a nasty response to a review that ruined her day. That's when I busted out The Cure. I trawled through maybe 30 songs, but when I heard this one, it was perfect. As I listened, I got this mental image of a photograph being torn in half, and I just *knew* it was going to be Remus. The rest just kind of fell into place.
I wanted Remus to fall for someone who deserved him, and it sucked to have to kill her, but Marlene was always going to die and this ship always doomed. To me, it seemed a bit too forceful a reaction for Remus to refuse Tonks; there had to be something that happened before that burned him and made him wary of letting anyone close. Poor guy. :/
Anyway, thanks for the visit. I'm glad you liked the story. <3
~Jess
The Sum of the Whole by Equinox Chick
Rated: 6th-7th Years [Reviews - 11]
Summary: '...Benjy Fenwick, he copped it too, we only ever found bits of him ...'
At school Sirius knew Fenwick didn't like him. Following him around, or docking points, he was always in his face and trying to piss him off. Years later they are paired up on a mission for the Order. Can they overcome their mutual loathing and work together?
This is Equinox Chick from the Badger Sett writing her ... um ... seventh entry for the Inaugural Great Hall Cotillion. One more may kill me, but I shall give it a go.
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling. That should be obvious.
Thank you, Nat, for setting the pace and Alex for joining in. Our padded cells await us on March 1st.
Um, I think its shocking that this hasn't received any new reviews since the QSQs. What the heck?
Well, I'm here now, so all is well. Hehe. Carole, I really, really liked this. And to be honest, I wouldn't have clicked on it because the idea of a story that ends in a massacre is not so much my normal cup of tea, as you already know. And yet, this surprised me, and I was so glad I read. Your Sirius is always a gem, but you also brought Benjy to life very vividly in this. I kept thinking, a Benjy Fenwick centered fic? Really? ;) But yes, really! And it's brilliant! How did you think of the structure? Organizing by section with the pieces of Benjy was a stroke of genius and really a stength in the fic. As a story of friendship and trust and love unfolded, you never let the reader forget how brutally this was all going to end. It contributed to the darkness... very effective. Thanks, too, for the lovely scene between Sirius and Lily. I get so tired of them not seeming like real friends after James and Lily are married. I think that so unlikely, and even erroneous in terms of canon, since we have Lily's warm letter to Sirius in DH. They were obviously close, and you've brought that friendship and the familiarity out here. I like the idea of Sirius as a book Lily has struggled to understand and eventually succeeded. This whole bit really bore the ring of truth. But my favorite part was the almost-end. It was so nice to have the friendship survive, have that conversation between them at the end. And Sirius, in particular... so self-aware! “I’ll be honest with you,” he says as he sips his drink. “I think it is me. I don’t feel things, Benjy, not the way other people do. I see James and Lily wrap themselves around each other physically as well as mentally, and that’s never happened to me. If I want sex, I sleep with a girl, but that’s all I need from them.” “It sounds -” Benjy grasps for the word. “Empty.” Sirius shrugs. “I have James. And Remus and Peter,” he adds. It's really sad, but so Sirius. And because of that, it is somehow less sad. Does that even make sense? I really enjoyed this. Your writing continues to reach new depths, Carole. And it never disappoints. ~ LoriThe Unbreakable Curse by Karaley Dargen
Rated: 6th-7th Years [Reviews - 61]
Summary: In 1993, Bill Weasley is working on a tomb in Egypt with a team of Magiarchaeologists and Curse-Breakers. It is a job like any other ... or so it seems, until members of the expedition start dying, and Bill has to race against time to figure out what exactly it is that they awakened in the tomb of Mentuhotep, and how it can be stopped before it reaches him.
The following are characters from JKR’s creations: Bill Weasley, Ragnok, Agatha Chubb (QttA), and the last names of Deverill and Pilliwickle. I don’t own them and never will!
I owe a large debt to Hannah (coolh5000), Carole (EquinoxChick), and Natalie (hestiajones) for their constant encouragement and help at various stages of this story.
Fair Warning: Some of the reviews (naturally) contain spoilers, especially those towards the end. So if you want to be safe, don't read those before you read the story.
This story just WON a 2012 QSQ Award in the General category, as best chaptered story. THANK YOU!!!
Karaaaaaaa. :) Hello there. Seems I've been sucked into the vortex that is your author page, but I don't mind it a bit. I'm enjoying this a lot, halfway through now, and so impressed with the curse-breaking world you've imagined here. Such attention to detail and layers of mystery and questions... it's fab! I love your Bill almost as much as your Charlie, and there are still six chapters for me to read!
Just really hooked on your storytelling, Kara. Good stuff. I hope to finish in the next day or so.So. Very. Good.
Kara, this story was great--the presence of a curse after all was a great touch, and I love the surprise (at least for me) that Natasha was a thief! I was beginning to think Marcus was involved in some way, but you really got me with Natasha. One of the real strengths here is the detail you've created in this world of curse-breaking, and the overwhelming presence of magic in the story. Loved how much the characters relied upon it... though far from Hogwarts, this was just so very magical and so very Harry Potter. LOVE. The canon tie-in at the end is perhaps my favorite of all the fabulous small touches... what a brilliant way to ground this fic and this curse-breaking universe you've created into Harry's known world. Really, really enjoyed this, Kara.The Lady Doth Protest Too Much by Acacia Carter
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 8]
Summary: Really, must I endure the nauseating burden of owing the tinned twit a favour?
- - -
Written, hurriedly and frantically, for the Inaugural Great Hall Cotillion by Acacia Carter of Hufflepuff.
- - -
As always, the Harry Potter world and everything in it is property of JKR.
Hello there. :) I'm so glad I didn't remember what pairing you'd chosen, as I probably would not have read this. Haha. But I'm so glad I did because it is just so clever and fun! You captured her tone beautifully and handled the language with such ease.
Really nice writing! I liked it! ~LoriSwear it to the Night by ToBeOrNotToBeAGryffindor
Rated: 1st-2nd Years [Reviews - 6]
Summary:
As Ron arrived at Shell Cottage, he soon came to realise that the things that drove him away were not nearly as important as that which made him want to go back.
You know I love this, but it bears repeating. Your Ron is love, and I really think the bit you added after "save going back" is just wonderful. You've captured this moment brilliantly.
Author's Response:
I'm glad you liked it. It was remarkably easy to write, oddly enough. :D
Thanks for the visit/review. *hugs*
~Jess
Summary: Spring, 1979: When both their love and their lives are tested by Dark magic, James Potter and Lily Evans must defy Voldemort for the first of more confrontations to come during the first Wizarding War.
Winner, Quicksilver Quill Award for Best Marauder Era story
Dude, that was a bit too close for comfort. I was seriously afraid you were going to go way A/U and let James die for her. (You have to admit, you put him through a lot--haha!) I was so relieved to found a happy ending in all that angst. Love the Marauders, and even loved Snape in this. I think you handled him just right.
Happy 100th fic! Well done!