Reviews For Stand Tall


Name: Ameripuff (Signed) · Date: 23 Mar 2022 01:51 AM · For: Chapter 18: Of Who You Are

For the Galazy review


Chelts, 


So happy to see another chapter of this pop up.  I’m sure it doesn’t conclude here, but I’m excited to continue with your story.  It only took me a second to pick up where I left off a billion years ago.  


The love triangle that you’ve developed between Alba, James and Ben is complicated and interesting and sad and happy all at the same time.  Just when Alba starts to come around, you have Ben pull away.  Something tells me that despite Ben throwing the welcoming party for her, that this is not going to resolve itself anytime soon.  It’s a great slow burn.


Oh the whole ‘be Chandra for a day’ thing is creepy - in a bad way, but I am intrigued about the backstory on the cup.  There’s much more to be unearthed there.  Thanks so much for continuing.

 

-Drew



Name: dumbledore_wannabe (Signed) · Date: 17 Apr 2021 02:34 PM · For: Chapter 18: Of Who You Are

It's always a great day when I find there's been an Alba update!  I love each new chapter, and this one is so full of emotion and questions.  Your writing is wonderful.  Part of me wants to hurry up and see the next chapter - but most of me hopes it will not be TOO fast, because I don't want it to end too soon!  I'm so rooting for Alba, Tournament-wise and romantically.  (Hoping to see Ben and Alba work it out!)



Name: Ameripuff (Signed) · Date: 22 Feb 2021 01:16 AM · For: Chapter 17: Don't Lose Sight

* Reviewed during the fairy wonderland thingy*

A really fantastic story.  I am definitely interested in where this is going.  Not whether she's going to win the Triwizard Tournament (because of course she is - she's awesome), but how she's going to do it.  And how this whole interesting boyfriend-friend dynamic is going to work out.  And who put her name in the goblet anyway - and why.  I'll keep an eye out for future updates.  Thanks so much for writing this story, coming up with such a great hero and then making her story so interesting and compelling.

-Drew



Name: Ameripuff (Signed) · Date: 22 Feb 2021 01:01 AM · For: Chapter 16: The Land of What-Might-Have-Been

*fairyland review thingy*

 

This is the penultimate chapter and I'm reaching the unhappy conclusion that this story doesn't have one (yet).  Unhappy because like everyone else, I'm going to have to wait to have all of these questions answered.  

For this review, I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your subtle sense of humor, like the way that Alba calls her wheelchair 'The Monstrosity', and this quote, which had me laughing out loud: "It just happened to have the power of rendering her motionless, breathless, and possibly on fire judging by teh way most of her nerve endings felt."  You've managed to sprinkle little bits of mirth throughout, and as a huge fan of humor myself, I've really enjoyed each one.

I have the feeling that you, yourself would have been a Ravenclaw - whether with the witty remarks, or the clever similes ("she always thought of Pembly like a meteor; brilliant, but stoic.")  Living in a house with a couple of Ravenclaws, I've come to appreciate those abilities on many levels.

 

-Drew

 



Name: Ameripuff (Signed) · Date: 22 Feb 2021 12:23 AM · For: Chapter 13: He Could be That Boy

*Fairyland review thingy still*

By your own account, you've put years of effort into this story - and it shows.  It's really highly polished and I love the near constant flow of time as we move from chapter to chapter and day to day.  What I appreciated in this chapter is the character development - especially with the characters that haven't been prominent so far (Maude, Vesela).  As I mentioned before, it's the small details that bring life to these characters - like the way Maude holds her spoon upside down when she eats yogurt (must be a muggle thing - I do that too).  The way she spit on the mirror when Alba asked her about being kissed, and Vesela's backstory - helping to explain her fierce pride.  This is really a great read and I'm glad you came back to it eventually.  I had a similar journey, writing a story and then walking away from it for six years before finally coming back and finishing it.  I'll keep going.

-Drew



Name: Ameripuff (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 10:54 PM · For: Chapter 10: There's a Girl I Know

This is really brilliant.  I'm enjoying this immensely and I applaud your dialogue, writing style and your incredible creativity.  To think that you have two more challenges already cooked up and waiting as clever as this one...

I also like the mystery you've thrown into the midst of the Triwizard Tournament - who exactly did put her name in?  You've already set up (and knocked down) a few of the usual suspects, but I'm expecting some more clever twistiness before too long.  I'm starting to think there might be something larger (and maybe more sinister) afoot, but I'll just have to keep reading to find out, won't I?

Alba is such a great heroine.  I love the competitive fire that's bursting to the surface every now and again - like when she fired back at the Durmstrang Companion - giving as good (or better) than she was getting.  She's also quick to recognize her own limitations and focus on her strengths (like when she didn't try going to the podium to place her chess pieces one at a time and instead used her wiles to confuse or trick her opponents.)  

Your descriptive ability is really impressive as well.  I can really see these scenes come alive and the small details really give life to your narrative. The continuing relationship tension that she's winding her way through between James, Ben and Chandra is a fun distraction as well.  I'm curious to see how that plays out as well.

-Drew



Name: Ameripuff (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 08:29 PM · For: Chapter 5: Don’t Wish, Don’t Start

*For the fairyland review thingy and the inkys*

I'm starting my reviews here and I'll drop one off every five chapters or so.  First off, let me say thank you for writing this story.  There is a profound dearth of diversity in the canon material and I was immediately intrigued and enlightened by this story.  I've had no experience with CP, and had no real appreciation for the challenges that face a person who is living through it. 

I'm sure others have told you how masterfully you've created your main character, and how Alba struggles all the time with appreciating help and not wanting it at the same time.  Your descriptions of the smallest challenges and struggles that she faces every moment of every day really bring her character to life.  You do this in a way that makes the reader feel compassion without pity, recognizing her inner strength and beauty from very early in the story.

I love the struggles that she faces constantly over the first five chapters - accepting some (like the consequences of the wound on the first day) - conquering others (like the freakin' stairs to the Ravenclaw tower) and struggling with others (Ben/James/Chandra).  Perhaps Hogwarts will eventually get a frickin' elevator or at least some moving stairs...

The twist at the end that it was her name that was pulled (and I think I know who put it in too...) was fantastic and I'm excited to see how she goes forward, choosing her Guide and Companion and then managing to compete through these tasks.

I'll also take a second to let you know that I appreciate all the time you put into this story - this is extremely polished, well-thought out and flows seamlessly from chapter to chapter.  

-Drew



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 03:17 PM · For: Chapter 17: Don't Lose Sight

The Rule of Compulsion sounds suspiciously like being Imperio'd lol, you guessed it Alba. Hmmm, also suspicious Tawny. Alba is being forced to do this and they still don't even know who put her name in!! When is someone going to intervene on HER behalf??? 

Oh my gosh they literally have to drink poison? And make an antidote??? Good thing she's been getting better at potions lol. I love how you've described the poisoning, it really seems to be taking over her mind and body. And what does the crow have to do with it? At least she was saved by the bezoar! And Wainscott is there to help her :( Not as successful as the first Task, but she made it out alive, and I am breathing a sigh of relief! 

Can't wait for the next!

blackballet (for the Ice Otters)



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 03:09 PM · For: Chapter 16: The Land of What-Might-Have-Been

She's bedridden, alone, taking classes remotely, this is like the worst state to be in. Hopefully she is at her lowest moment and headed on the uptick! AHHHH of course she is still distracted by the image, mere thought of James. I knew ittt.. Lol Alba asking Wainscott how old she actually is, I cannot. At least she gets to go out to breakfast. I am also waiting for the other shoe to drop in the form of the Second Task. 

Oh and there it is. Today, after lunch. And Ben's disappearance seems to be making more and more sense, as it's starting. Seems like he is involved in the task somehow!!

blackballet (for the Ice Otters) 



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 03:00 PM · For: Chapter 15: That’s the Girl He Chose

Oh her parents are there :)) That makes me happy. And Alba is blushing at the avid talk of Ben, who she probably doesn't want to admit to kissing. 

I want her to just be happy and not be toyed with by these stupid "ancient magic" rules. I feel so badly for Alba here. But they are hashing their feelings out , and I feel bad that Ben still feels inadequate to James, but also I am still afraid that she is in love with James anyway. She deflects again, of course she has a lot going on in her life at the moment. It's like she wants it, but she has excuses, but also in the back of her head is JAMES which is why she can't go through with it really. UGH so stressful

best, blackballet (for the Ice Otters)




Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 02:53 PM · For: Chapter 14: When Reality Sets Back In

Huh, so is Vesela going to say something about it? And Ginny is going to look into it, definitely dealing with some flashbacks to Harry being put into the Goblet. I can't imagine trying to focus on classes and the Tournament at the same time, that's insanity. These professors are so apathetic to her situation, my gosh. 

No no no don't do this to her! I hate this so much, my god. She's certainly going to be in a ton of pain. And has to look out for the Second Task at all times. This is so dangerous. Hambledon has no clue what is actually appropriate. Lol great they can't even control the magic they are administering on all these students.

Oh my gosh, this is so dramatic. So Vivian was supposed to be the champion? And Vesela was meant to be the Companion? Maybe? I'm a little confused but intrigued. 

Oh my god they gave her seizures from the withdrawal? This is insane. 

blackballet (for the Ice Otters)



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 02:39 PM · For: Chapter 13: He Could be That Boy

Oh man, she really leads him on, and then says "and he still didn't want me?" and then KISSES BEN?????? She is toying with this boy's emotions!!! Come on Alba, you gotta think this through! (I like Maude and Alba's friendship!!!) 

But she has to whip herself back into Tournament mode anyway, and that means getting off her potions :/ 

OMG she revealed that someone else put her name in!!! This is going to have all sorts of repercussions, but at least it will potentially start an investigation into who actually put the name in. Also, how does this keep happening???? Lol

thanks again

blackballet (for the Ice Otters)



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 02:30 PM · For: Chapter 12: I Wasn't Born for the Rose and Pearl

Oh, she is opening up more to Maude. I'm still a little hesitant about Maude, thinking she might have been the one to put Alba's name in. Especially because they never acknowledged Maude not getting chosen or anything! Just guesses. 

I'm so sad that her dress makes her feel insecure! Regardless of how others "wouldn't care" as Wainscott puts it, Alba does and that's all that matters. 

Yay, Chandra helping Alba! I really want them to be friends, although I know that's not really plausible. But this is definitely a step in the right direction :)

Benjamin is gushing over her, of course. 

blackballet (for the Ice Otters!)


Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 02:20 PM · For: Chapter 11: He Loves Her So

Wow that was so satisfying! I'm so proud of Alba and James and Wainscott. And she gets first place! I hope the rest of the tasks are as in her wheelhouse, though I'm skeptical to believe that. And she gets to take her potions again. Lol her thoughts on the Yule Ball are hilarious. Surely she can opt out! Or at least just get it down to one dance? 

Oh man, Chandra's back and James is back in her good graces. Can Alba ever get a break from their ups and downs? Oh, this makes sense, Dimitri's explanation for his loss. He had no idea what the pieces even looked like. 

UGH Ben you are being so weirdly possessive. I am honestly not sure if I could be friends with him, no matter how much he insisted it was all platonic. Alright, fine, go with him Alba. She can't really say anything, considering she also likes James. 

Aw, more Wainscott and Alba bonding! I like them so much together. 

back for more!

blackballet (for the Ice Otters) 



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 02:06 PM · For: Chapter 10: There's a Girl I Know

Oh Ginny is here for the interviews! I like that, it will be undoubtedly less painful than Harry's experience lol. I like her analysis of Alba's wand, too, it gives us a little insight into how Alba will work in the Tournament! I like the interview, because it also gives Alba a chance to contemplate exactly what it is she'll be facing. 

Lol I love this mental chess game that James just can't keep track of, it's too funny. Also Nurse Wainscott's reminder that she was the best the school had to offer is another important ego-boost. I am dead at the faculty betting on the outcome of the Tournament, that's got to be a conflict of interest. 

YES that is such good advice from James, and also this is right up her alley, she'd been studying these pieces since the moment she got them! Very smart of her not to submit her pieces at first. YES ALBA YOU FINISHED FIRST AND YOUR PIECES ARE DEFINITELY BEAUTIFUL!!!!

blackballet (for the Ice Otters)




Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 01:46 PM · For: Chapter 9: She Wins Him

Hmm sounds like choosing Vesela might not have actually been his choice. Aw, Ben really wants her to have chosen her...and then he accuses her of not letting him get close. Ben, why does it always have to be a whole thing with you? 

AHHHHH James she likes you, not BEN. Come on boy, use your eyes!! 

Oh no, I can't believe they are being so strict with her medication. I mean, I can, knowing how they were with Harry, but the adults are being SO RUTHLESS. Yes, at least Zhang is sort of on her side. And Hambledon! 

I like all the Potter relatives putting themselves into the mix, asking James why he hasn't written his parents yet. Maybe because they will not be very happy lol. Though Harry will definitely have good advice for Alba. I'm glad the school seems to be supporting her now, giving her the hope she had lost. 

OOooohoh I love the mystery of the chess pieces! I can't wait to see where this goes. 

blackballet (for the Ice Otters)



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 01:22 PM · For: Chapter 8: She's who's Winsome

I'm glad they are getting to talk about something other than the Tournament, but it's mean the way that Alba is eager to hear about Chandra and James' fallout. Clearly James it upset about it, and at least she acknowledges that he looks broken without her. And now James is on a mission to find who put her name in! My guesses are Maude (?), Viktor or Voda, or Chandra (though that is straight cruel). 

Aw more of Alba and Wainscott, I like this pairing. Omg I forgot about Ben, if Ben put her name in, I'm peacing out. 

Ooh, they are eavsedropping on Durmstrang champion!! This is good. I will injure Vesela, I hate her already. Ugh I wish all these female characters were not so mean to Alba!! Ooh but Dimitri is nice! What a good change of pace for Alba. 

great again!

blackballet (for the Ice Otters)



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 01:05 PM · For: Chapter 7: Blithe Smile, Lithe Limb

I like the option of Neville for Guide, but I'm still genuinely so confused about James!! Where is he with an incredibly reasonable explanation? (I love the idea that sometimes students from other houses would try their hands at the riddles and be sitting smugly in the Ravenclaw Common Room). Honestly, the mediator sounds kind of like an egotistical man with a God complex. Not super into him. Evelyn, also, you're a mess honey go away. Clearly there are things that need to be addressed, but you have far too little information to do so. Scurry off, now. 

I'm glad that she is glad about her housemates knowing about her cerebral palsy fully finally, but I feel bad that this is way it had to happen. Away with the Mediator. OH and James is here, and he thinks SHE put her name in!! Wow she is really convinced he did it. Because if he didn't, then who did? But at least he will be her Companion!! What a great chapter

blackballet (for the Ice Otters) 



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 12:47 PM · For: Chapter 6: Wishing Only Wounds the Heart

Oh no, why are they talking like that? And even if they were going to, wouldn't they make it a BIT more private? Lol Chandra is so ignorant sometimes. What is actually wrong with her? That is so mean to say to anyone, never mind your boyfriend's best friend. Like come on. Oh but Alba is not going to take it, she throws back the same venom to Chandra. I can only imagine the havoc this will wreck on friendships. 

OHhhhhh, I see now. This is terrible of James to do to her. Speaking of, where has James been this whole time? Um, no Alba, just say it wasn't you! You don't have to say it was James (even though I would) but say it wasn't you! And even McGonagall knows she and James are super close to each other, gosh. James you realy screwed up on this one. 

blackballet (for the Ice Otters) 



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 12:34 PM · For: Chapter 5: Don’t Wish, Don’t Start

I love her falling head over heels for magic again, that is such a lovely way to put it. (Sidenote: the whole thing between Viktor and Voda seems like its going to be important) Lol Alba analyzing Ben and then telling him he needs to shave. Queen of directness. I like the Companion and Guide thing! And I have a feeling who it is going to be :))) YES Maude get it! Maude is a wild card. 

Also poor Ben again, and yeah Ben, unfortunately she just likes James. Ugh, Ben you really need to ask permission before you lift people up....maybe that's why she doesn't like you? And now he wants to hold her...Why is James so cryptic? What can he take care of? I feel bad that Alba is so scared for him, but I also believe in James somehow. 

OH MY GOD WHAT WHY IS THIS JAMES' PLAN? 



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 12:15 PM · For: Chapter 4: Sudden Heat

This poor First Year! I couldn't imagine breaking my wand, but Alba can, and she has some soothing words for the young Wizard. My heart. Yay the other schools are coming! So much intrigue...And at least Chandra and Alba are speaking civilly. I love girl power. 

OMH James mistaking the Stockholm in Stockholm Syndrome for Sherlock is simply iconic. I love Alba's research into the Tournament also, and Albus is a funny addition to the story, his characterization has been super thorough in the background. And Viktor Krum is back...but not leading Durmstrang? 

Oh rough, I see now. I feel bad for Alba's thoughts on her, thinking that Chandra wouldn't stand a chance, but obviously Chandra has been horrible to Alba so fair's fair. I love Nurse Wainscott trying to have small talk with Alba, it seems like their relationship is good. 

I'm betting it's Beauxbatons, isn't it James?

blackballet (for the Ice Otters) 



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 12:01 PM · For: Chapter 3: Sudden Silence

Lol I love Maude and Alba, especially how you've described her as a typical Ravenclaw, always wanting to know why. Okay, Pimbly is...growing on me??? I know, already, but she does seem genuinely concerned about Alba (and the other members of her house regarding the Tournament), even if she goes about it the wrong way. 

OOF why is James so against Ben Honeypucker? Is he really jealous as Alba described ;) I love this line: 'Blood's fair game' I don't know why I just love it. LOL not BEN SAYING "ALBA YOU'RE DIFFERENT. Poor Ben. I think it's a wonderful idea for her to become a Healer, and she would be so passionate and compassionate because of all she has had to deal with in her own body! Lol Chandra STOP James doesn't want to enter. Ugh, fine, they can be together. 

Excuse me what was that wink about???

blackballet (for the Ice Otters)



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 11:50 AM · For: Chapter 2: Eyes Meet

Oh yay, Gwarp works with Hagrid helping the students in :gushes: that's so sweet. And James is already using his Head Boy status, of course. I love that he is Head Boy, only because he seems like a troublemaker, and of course he would be the second incarnation of such a Head Boy. 

He's the best, literally remembering the notes that the doctors gave her over the summer! And I feel for Alba, because she probably wouldn't have cared about making a stink in front of James, but certainly didn't want to in front of Chandra. I hope their escapades aren't really over since James is Head Boy now! ;) Though I doubt it. 

Immediately I don't like Professor Pimbly, if only because she literally called them the 'contraptions', unless that is what Alba also calls them. Either way, Alba does not seem pleased with this outcome. I lowkey wish James would've threatened her with Pimbly before actually getting her, bc Pimbly is not my favorite. 

This tumble is turning out to be more than either of us thought it would be :( Though I'm glad that James knew to turn her in, because it seems like it could have gone badly otherwise. Oh, Benjamin literally whisked her away from Chandra, I'm dying. But Chandra seems aware at least that Alba and James are close. 

 

blackballet (for the Ice Otters) 



Name: blackballet (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 11:34 AM · For: Chapter 1: Hands Touch

My first reaction is anger at the Headmaster letting Alba know "there are too many stairs for a wheelchair".....you're WITCHES AND WIZARDS???? FIGURE IT OUT??????? I digress. I love how you've introduced things, they seem like such great friends, so balanced! And I am also so excited at the thought of a proper Triwizard Tournament, though there must be something afoot, it is Hogwarts after all. 

Oh no, Alba likes James :/ and Chandra is in the way!! But I'm sure all this will be resolved. Honestly, James does read kind of like a puppy dog who is just ogling Chandra like "woah, that girl's flying!" At least James knows that alba likes to joke about herself falling! I really love him as a friend. Okay, I was giving Chandra the benefit of the doubt before, but she seems like the typical girlfriend who is rude and uncaring and Alba is amazing and will love James forever.

YES Alba tell her!!! I love her.

blackballet (for the Ice Otters!)



Name: magemadi (Signed) · Date: 04 Jun 2020 03:52 AM · For: Chapter 12: I Wasn't Born for the Rose and Pearl

Hi Chelts! 

I realized I somehow skipped reviewing this chapter last year, so here I am remedying that! 

I love the Yule Ball preparations with getting the dress and the hair growth, and all of the little moments you gave Alba with her friends. Maude being so kind as to braid and then instead put her hair into a bun; James being a good friend at breakfast; Chandra fixing her up for the Ball; Ben being an endearing date. It's all good! You end on a bit of a sad note, but I think that's true to form for Alba, and considering how much brevity and positivity she had this chapter, it's not out of place at all. I hope you get back to updating this soon! <3

~Madi



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