Reviews For shenanigans


Name: BellaLestrange87 (Signed) · Date: 21 Feb 2021 06:00 AM · For: missing the feast

 

Hi Branwen! Here for the review event.

 

I loved Professor Goldstein her. I love how you can tell that his behaviour is a direct response to previous Things that Fred and Victoire have done. He’s the perfect blend of commanding but also you can tell that he cares about Victoire’s success. I’m really intrigued by the Bureau For the Control of Dangerous Creatures, especially because I know you expanded on this in later fics but the concept sounds really interesting. I thought the bit with Fred and Juliet was cute (mostly her responses because we didn’t see the actual event – I loved how excited and over the moon she was about it). I also really really like how you’ve changed the dorms around to be more inclusive. And also your addition of other classes, because it is ridiculous that Hogwarts is the be all end all for magical education as far as we know and there should be more focused classes available in upper years? I’m really excited to see where you take this and what shenanigans Fred and Victoire get up to (especially with her stated desire to become an Animagus).

 

~Liv



Name: ShazaLupin (Signed) · Date: 20 Feb 2021 06:07 PM · For: missing the feast

Hi there!

 

I love the changes with the rooms and classes, they make a lot more sense! Especially the class open when you start to look at the career options available, you'd think they'd need other subjects to qualify for them. 

 

Poor Vic, she really did get the short straw didn't she. I like professor Goldstien though, he seems strict but fair, and i suppose he does have to warn her about becoming an animagus seeing as it's illegal. I wonder why she wanted to try that, and Fred as well because obviously he's involved lol. 

 

He does move fast as well though, he's already asked out Juliet. Bless her though, she seems really excited about the date and from the way Vic sees things, it sounds like he's more into a hookup. I hope she's not too upset! 

 

Shaza

Written for the winter in fairyland review event.

 



Name: prideofprewett (Signed) · Date: 03 Feb 2021 03:22 PM · For: missing the feast

Alright, back with more reviews for fairyland (yay)! :)

 

Fred's "Erm we just missed the train," is classic "I know I'm in trouble, so let me just point out the obvious," sort of reaction. Again, you write humor into this so well! This is giving me so much joy!

 

Also LOL at Vic being brainy yet stealth and sneaky in how overly ambitious she is. The fact that she took out every book on becoming an Animagus, and was caught, but is still kind of doing it on the down low is also a "classic Weasley," thing, I think. But also her coming clean and then realizing she'd been duped by her Professor haha. Ravenclaw's are sneaky too at times hah. 

 

I love though how determined Goldstein is to discuss her future with her. Of course, this isn't the best time because she's missing the feast and all, but it feels like something the head of Ravenclaw would do. Can't prepare too much or start planning too early, I guess? ;) 

 

And of course, I love how it gives us a chance to see what Vic's post-Hogwarts plans are and learn more about her character. Also, I really like the suite style dormitory set up you show us here. And the inclusion of Necromancy and Magizoology is such a great idea! I love seeing writers take canon and turn it into their own thing. :)

 

I'm really enjoying all of your OCs too. I love Micah and his friendship with Vic already. He feels very chill and someone I want to be friends with/see more of. I also love how Juliet is kind of "teenage girl silly," for Fred. Again, see my earlier notes on how I think you capture the essence of teenagers really well! :) 

 

<3 Courtney 

 

* team ice otter * 



Name: down-in-flames (Signed) · Date: 29 Jun 2020 04:23 PM · For: missing the feast

hellooooo here for our swap and because team red

 

i looooove all the things you’ve done with next-gen hogwarts here - the changing up of the dormitories (because hell yeah, that makes so much more sense than shoving everyone into the same rooms based on year and gender) and also all of the classes which are just so fucking cool???

 

and omg i love goldstein being super harsh at first but then like suddenly pivoting to talking about classes bc clearly he has a soft spot for victoire - this is one of those moments where i see myself in a fic bc i had a lot of teachers like that in my later years of high school (aka the point where i stopped giving a shit and gradually became a disaster but still ended up at the top of the class in spire of that) - they’d give me shit for the fact that i literally hadn’t been in their class for a week but like, it was always done in a super joking way because they all still liked me for some reason lmao

 

but lol victoire is so snarky i love it ‘she knew better than to tangle with an auror. at least face to face.’ hahaha yes

 

also the animagus thing is hella cool. i knew about this part already (shoutout to reading the chatfic before the actual fic) but i’m excited to see it play out here in the actual fic. :P

 

lmao freddy really wasted *no* time, did he? also i loved ‘she did wish that the blond girl was capable of being thrilled at a slightly lower decibel.’ because i have 1000% been on both sides of that situation hahahaha

 

anywaysssssssss i loved this as always and am gonna get onto the next chapter asap (which could really be 2 hours or 2 weeks knowing me and my reviewing pace lol)

 

<3

 

-taylor



Name: shadowycorner (Signed) · Date: 18 Jun 2020 10:33 AM · For: missing the feast

I LOVED this chapter! It was so so excellent. The talk with Goldstein was so interesting, like I'm absolutely over the moon about all the new subjects you've introduced and also...disbanding of that damned DISPOSAL of magical creatures? YES YES YES! They are live creatures, not to be just disposed of because they're uncomfortable for people. How amazing that there's a proper department actually dealing with them and coming up with solutions instead of swinging axes. And I love that Vic is interested in a career like that.

 

Is Lavender Brown Seamus' war-changed assistant???? I'm trying to figure out who she is, but she's my guess because in my head she definitely survived the war and was affected by Greyback's bite in a way similar to Bill's - she can get very wolfish, has scarring and likes steaks on the blue side. I can't wait to find out, yay yay yay.

 

Also Vic wants to be an animagus? I am so here for it!! because i know she's totally going through with it, you can smell the nerve and stubbornness off of her. my mind is already reeling about all the possibilities of what animal she might turn into? a wolf perhaps? And I'm assuming Fred's in this with her, yay!!

 

I love your new dormitory system, it's very well-thought out :) And then there's something so likeable about Vic, I can't describe it, but she seems so chill and down-to-earth, but also sweet and caring, I'm falling in love and am really excited to read more :)

 

Eli (june rvg)



Name: maraudertimes (Signed) · Date: 15 Jun 2020 02:43 AM · For: missing the feast

I LOVE THESE CLASSES OMG!!!!

 

Also lol Juliet just seems so sweet here. What a cutie!

 

AND GOLDSTEIN MY GOODNESS WHAT A HUNK, MMM MMM MMM!!! <3



Name: grumpy cat (Signed) · Date: 30 May 2020 08:43 PM · For: missing the feast

seamus and a super special magical creature crime groupe thingie honestly sounds perfect for victoire

 

but also, i really like goldstein *_* he's obviously trying very hard to be stern and all that with victoire but i have a feeling he also has a soft spot for her antics because a lot of it comes from curiosity and wanting to *know* things and i think the ravenclaw in him can appreciate and value that even if it gets victoire into loads of trouble :P

 

the way he asked her about classes and advised her was so reminiscent of my favourite uni prof/mentor that idk maybe i'm romanticising him a lil bit right now but he was cool and nice and teachers like that deserve to be appreciated.

 

victoire as an animagus sounds like...total chaos and idk what to think except I AM HERE FOR IT! i wonder what her animal form would be :o

 

and lol fred, yeah, that boy is not waiting for anything in his life, i love it haha and victoire is a good friend to juliet even though the giggles and the volume might be annoying :D

 

kris

 

(rvg, team gold)



Name: Crimson Quill (Signed) · Date: 08 May 2020 08:45 PM · For: missing the feast

 

Hey Branwen, 

 

I really like how readable this story like it's always fun to jump straight back into it. I'm really enjoying the chapter length honestly! I love that chapter is focus on fleshing out Vic a bit more and setting her up for later in the story. Again, I found myself just loving the dynamic between Vic and Fred. I really like that Vic was saying that she was probably going to take most of the blame because it's her turn. I love how they have each other's back like that!

 

I thought the dialogue was good between goldstein and vic. I love how we're seeing more of what the minor characters of hogwarts era are getting up to. I always been a big fan of Seamus' character and interested in his 'difficult' second in command. I'm sure that's going to come up again but you have my attention obviously. It's also interesting that Teddy's name seems to hold a bit of weight like he relaxes when he knows that who she has been with. It's more acceptable somehow? How did Teddy get this reputation from?

 

Vic seems really no nonsense like she doesn't really seem to have time for gossip etc. like she likes Juilet obviously but she doesn't really have much desire to sit around talking about it like the others. I like her loyalty to Fred over the gossiping with Juliet. I can sense that she seems a bit uneasy about Fred dating her roomate so I'll be interested to see how that develops. You've set some interest things up this chapter. I'm looking forward to seeing more from Micah and Lexi in the role as best friends.

 

Abbi xx

 

(Written for RvG - May)

 



Author's Response:

hey abbi!

oh thank god re: chapter length, occasionally i am like "are my chapters too short oh no so many other people's chapters are so long" and i'm glad they work, esp since like... in general with sc&h i'm just going for - well, readable and fun, haha <3

YES seamus i have an unreasonable obsession with everyone in harry's year other than the not-draco death eaters (and seamus's second is lavender)

some of it is teddy (who wasn't a huge troublemaker) but some of it was goldstein like "please tell me you weren't breaking laws like flying a car here or something"

tysm!!



Name: maraudertimes (Signed) · Date: 08 May 2020 02:27 AM · For: missing the feast

Alright, I’m back, again May RvG, all that jazz!


The line “*one* of the DADA professors” struck me - are there more than one? I feel like this was addressed in the first chatfic where I think he’s the NEWT one? But I can’t exactly remember so I’m leaving it as a question.


Oh wow, I thought they were the new Fred and George - they might be on another LEVEL!!! Although I’m pretty sure detention before the Sorting Ceremony is not a new thing for a pair of Weasleys…


Okay, I’m hoping the illegal stuff is just the Animagus training. On another note, I’m really interested to see what animagi their group will become (because I doubt it’s just a Fred and Victoire thing).


Ooh, I feel Victoire in not knowing what she wants to do. And I like how Goldstein wanted to talk one-on-one about it. I really like him, he seems like a great professor already! And now I want to know who Seamus’s second in command is. Based on the language I’m expecting Lavender Brown, but it could honestly be anyone. (but my money’s on Lavender)


Ooh and yup I’m beginning to think the illegal stuff in the summary is just about animagi (thank goodness), but I’m not exactly sure that they won’t at least sneak back into the Magical Menagerie. And I like how Goldstein is very up front about his concerns. And like Vic noted - perceptive. How he was not at all convinced Fred didn’t have something to do with everything.


Oh I guess Micah isn’t in on the animagus discussion. I’m guessing just Fred so far? But based on the chatfic I’m expecting G to come in at some point and I’m expecting him in this insane plot as well. Although Micah and Lexy would be fun to watch in that type of situation I would think.


Okay Juliet is kind of super cute. I’m hoping Fred doesn’t break her heart as Victoire mentioned, although could that be why she’s so skeptical? Maybe not, I guess even just this conversation would also annoy me to no end. I am interested in Pamela - she seems a bit interesting already.


I still love this story, and especially the last little quip about a lower decibel. It was a great way to end this chapter and I am so excited to read more very soon! Thank you so much for writing this Branwen, I had so much fun reading it!

 

Lo <3




Author's Response:

lo!!!

soooo i'm v extra (i know, i know - i mask it so well) i decided i needed to come up with a class schedule for all the years, and it was too difficult to figure out how to coordinate with all the years so i decided to separate the profs out into a first/second years prof, and owl prof, and an newt prof

lololol yesss detention before sorting is def not a super uncommon occurrence for weasleys, they're not the most calm and pulled together people ever

(yes it's lavender +100)

yep, mostly animagi

tysmmmm <3 <3 <3



Name: TidalDragon (Signed) · Date: 02 Feb 2020 01:48 AM · For: missing the feast

Howdy! The event has brought me back to where I should've returned long ago!

 

The interaction between Professors Goldstein and Longbottom and Victoire and Fred is a good one. I think often people write the Neville interactions in particular as just relaxed and different from normal students because of who they are and their D.A. connection with their relatives, but Neville was more as he was in canon - sort of by-the-book. While he obviously strayed from that while he stayed in school and Harry was on the run, I seriously doubt that it just evaporated as part of his character. Goldstein meanwhile, seemed a bit more relaxed and it fell into a nice two-pronged attack. I'm glad he held Victoire back though and really tried to get through to her rather than offer just a token reprimand. Her career path also seems different and unique - you do such a great job with creativity in this story!

 

Another part I liked was the animagus element. It's somewhat amusing since canon is somewhat replete (at least more than one might expect) with unregistered animagi between Sirius, James, Peter, and Rita Skeeter, but I do wonder why Victoire is so interested in it. Maybe I'm forgetting something or it's just associated with her interest in magical creatures, but she's certainly going full bore and (as seems characteristic in your writing of her) risking a lot.

 

The last creative element I enjoyed was the fact that Hogwarts accommodates guest lecturers now. I think it helps take the school in a much more expansive and modern direction and I hope to see how/if any of that plays out in the story.

 

Thanks for sharing more awesome writing!



Name: Chemical_Pixie (Signed) · Date: 27 Jan 2020 02:17 AM · For: missing the feast

Hey Branwen! Back for more!

 

This chapter is absolutely fascinating. I love how detailed everything is in your interpretation of Victoire Weasley's experience at Hogwarts: her rapport with Professor Goldstein, her courses to align with her career interest, her relationships with her Housemates, her desire to be an Animagus. Everything is well thought out. And the way you present all of these details is incredible. I think a lot of beginning writers tend to list these details straight away in the beginning of stoires to establish what their character's daily life will be like. But here, you've taken time letting us know Victoire and the details are inserted into the flow of the story. Of course she'd have to have this conversation with her professor at some point, but having it the night of the feast makes sense. And the dialogue choice you use is also natural-sounding and interesting. I really liked exploring this Hogwarts of yours!

 

And then hearing the gossip about Fred and Juliet... oh my goodness, I was surprised like Victoire about it being so soon, but then, after reflecting a little bit on his character, I'm no longer surprised (that's a testament to your characterization of him, well done!). Poor Vic, having to put up with the giggling prospects of a new romance with one of her family members... but in a tight knit family of the Weasleys, it's part of your existence, I suppose. 

 

Also, considering your author's note on the bathrooms in the dormitories, I agree with you 100%. It's my head canon too, and I'm stoked to find out that someone else thinks this, too! :) 

 

PS I really, really, really hope Victoire becomes an Animagus. PLEASE?! :D



Author's Response:

The good news is that there's quite a lot of animagus stuff in later chapters. The bad news is that you've got to read through mischief/teen drama to get to it. :P

 

Thank you so so much! <3



Name: Felpata_Lupin (Signed) · Date: 30 Mar 2019 12:32 PM · For: missing the feast

So, what exactly would happen if an unregistered animagus was caught? Sorry, but that's just the sort of thing my drama-loving brain likes to wonder about... :P

Anyway, here I am, back for your request! :D

I loved the whole conversation with Anthony, it was so well done! I also love how being an ex-Auror affects his way of being a stern Professor... if that makes sense? :P But, just, it's so interesting to see how all the DA members moved on with their lives, I just love all the little references. (Who is the woman working with Seamus? I'm curious...)

Another thing that I really loved about that first section was all the new classes you introduced. It's so cool to see new elements introduced in the world we know so well and you are doing a lovely job at it! :)

Did Albus and Rose just get Sorted? That doesn't make complete sense if we are taking the epilogue for granted, because of the whole Teddy kissing Victoire thing... but it's not really important, and I'm not going to wonder about all the Wotters and their ages... I'm just going to trust you... :P

Of course, Fred would just ask Juliet out the very first night... *shakes head* Micah offering to host Victoire in his dormitory to save her from all the girlish shrieks was... amusing, I guess... :P She was happy that her friend was so thrilled, but she did wish that the blond girl was capable of being thrilled at a slightly lower decibel. Love this line! :D

This was another fun chapter! Thank you for re-requesting! I'm moving on the next now! <3

Love,

Chiara



Author's Response:

Oh it's drama that I think it makes a lot of sense to wonder about. :P  I think that expulsion from school would be a really significant possibility, and I can see jailtime being on the table. They're definitely playing with fire.

 

Lavender is working with Seamus - I have a couple stories about her recovery after the war, because I refuse to believe that she died. I think of her as ending up with similar injuries as Bill's, plus a lot of mental trauma. But I like Lavender, who I think gets a bad rep but was really brave - she even volunteered to wrangle the skrewts while most of the class hid!

 

Thank you for the catch re: Albus and Rose! I've bounced around with how old Vic and Fred are, and whether or not this is James/Roxanne's first year or Albus/Rose's. I think I've decided it's James/Roxanne's and I'm going to make this canon-compliant, so I fixed it.

 

Thank you so, so much for the review! <3 <3



Name: ReillyJade (Signed) · Date: 03 Mar 2019 10:07 PM · For: missing the feast

I find it fascinating, not to mention entirely plausible, that Anthony Goldstein joined the Auror ranks after the war. It makes sense, given he was a member of the D.A. and in general always seemed supportive of Harry and the Order's cause. I like the idea that he came back to teach DADA; given his experiences, he seems like the perfect candidate! I also like how he obviously cares a lot about Victoire's safety and success, and I'm assuming he's that way for all of his students. I mean, yeah, he's a bit tough on Vic in this chapter, but he has to be, and she did kind of deserve it. 

 

It's wonderful that neither Victoire or Fred protest their detentions. I think it speaks volumes of their character and how they were raised. They know they were in the wrong, so they accept the consequences of their actions.

 

I'm very interested to learn about why Victoire is so intent on becoming and Animagus. Is it just curiosity? Is she interested in the power that it beings? It is, as we know from canon, a very involved process and not one to be taken lightly. Obviously, we know Victoire (and Fred, of course) are always up to no good, but becoming an animagus is leaps and bounds ahead of pranks and general mischief. So I'm very curious about her reasoning.

 

Great chapter, yet again!

 

Cheers,

Reilly

 

 



Author's Response:

Yesssss. My headcanon is that a lot of people in Harry's year joined the Aurors when they finished with school, at least for a few years, and they became fairly close then (Seamus moved on to start the DCB, Anthony and Neville started teaching, and I think I've decided that Dean went to work with dragons [but reserve the right to change my mind :P]. I'm pretty sure Parvati stayed with the Aurors, though). Sidenote!Anthony Goldstein also had a particularly tough seventh year - in All We Are, Astoria mentions him saving her friend Eliza's life, and helping them make their dormitory more secure, and that's pretty representative of his year overall

He definitely cares about his student in general... but that said, Teddy comments in the chapters about their first Hogsmeade visit that Goldstein plays favorites, and while it pisses Victoire off, Teddy's not wrong. Anthony absolutely gives Vic and Fred detentions and (when necessary) stern talkings-to :P, but he also lets some big shit slide later on in the story in ways that most teachers would not. (He's not necessarily wrong, but most teachers would come down on some of their antics much harder.)


AT ANY RATE, Anthony is great and I really like him and have too much backstory about him to not have written more tbh. :P

I talk a little more about Victoire's reasoning later on re: animagus, but part of it is honestly just her ADHD. She sees the red button, and she wants to push it. I'm not sure if you've seen Infinity War, but in it, there's a bit where Thor says that everyone else's bodies would crumble as their minds collapsed into madness if they tried to wield his new hammer, and Rocket says, "Is it weird that I want to do it even more now?" That would 1000% be Victoire's reaction, too.

(I enjoy it a lot.)

Thank you!! <3



Name: facingthenorthwind (Signed) · Date: 08 Jun 2018 09:26 AM · For: missing the feast

Okay I am here and I am going to liveblog a few chapters in one review because the chapters are quite short! 

Omg yes I've always wondered what happens if you miss the train! It must happen, logically - probably every year SOMEONE misses the train. It's kind of odd that they don't take the register as you're getting on the train, honestly, because then they would know who was missing and how much drama it would be for them to get there under their own steam (a muggleborn missing the train!! What would they even do! Terrifying). But whatever hogwarts, we know you're complete garbage at being a functional school and you have no duty of care.

Look, lads. I know we all do silly things in the heat of the moment, but you can't salvage this situation. Just cut your losses and make yourself known to your parents. Why! Why are you like this! Buds! I really hope teddy is home.

Of course they missed the train teddy, it is after 11am!! Get with it! I feel like teddy should have his stuff together and not be eating breakfast at 11am but I frequently do, so....glass houses and all that.

Oooh my goodness, did my phone decide to give me the whole fic in one page? What a legend. I don't even have to turn my wifi back on to keep reading. I loved the first chapter! The ways each of them wasted time in diagon was such a neat way to give characterisation. Is there a reason teddy's block of flats had no numbers? I'm curious.

I was not sure how many chapters I would read but I am enjoying this fic and the bus ride is only half over, so onto the second one! 

GOLDSTEIN. it will surprise you not at all to learn that my soft spot for Goldstein is the size of a small country and I am SO GLAD he is here, regardless of whether he actually says anything. Presumably he will because he's her head of house which means you will have him say more words than he does in canon. :P (two words, it's not a hard bar to clear.) 

So they MUST take the register at some point on the train, huh. I wonder how that works! 

Oh noooo, is he in mourning? :( I hope there's a non sad reason for the covered mirror. 

Behoove is the WEIRDEST word. I don't think I've ever used it. I don't think I know how to conjugate it? Is it a regular verb??? I'm not going to look it up because it's more fun as a mystery. 

What is draining my phone battery so quickly, noooo, I want to keep reading! I guess at 25% I'll stop so my phone doesn't go flat. 

Oooh my god victoire what kind of a Weasley checks out all the books on animagi, that's so suspicious. Stretch it out! Get your friends to borrow some! Plan this better, girl. 

Colour me INTRIGUED about who this second in command is. Interesting that magizoology exists as a separate subject from comc?? I'd love to hear more of your thoughts about that, I'll have to poke you after this review. I'm so glad medical magic is a class, though I feel like it should be compulsory for at least one term, but again. Hogwarts. Bad at being a school. I'm so interested in all of your reasoning for these new classes, aaah. 

I love Anthony and I love that he knows EXACTLY what she is about. 


This fic is SO MUCH FUN and I'm definitely coming back to read more of it soon!!! Vic is obviously a gem and ANTHONY and also NEVILLE and also Fred is good and also TEDDYYYY oh my god be less obvious, boyyyy, your crush can be seen from SPACE. You leave such good and well-thought out reviews and I just...have....thoughts and nothing useful to say but I PROMISE I LOVE THIS FIC. I just am not good at expressing it. 



Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 30 Dec 2017 10:57 PM · For: missing the feast

I love that Victoire's trying to become an Animagus. That definitely suits her, and sounds like something she would try to accomplish. And here we have a mention of the D.C.B., which is really exciting because so many of your characters end up joining that division of the Ministry. Goldstein sounds like a really great professor who perfectly suits Victoire's learning style. I really like him as a character.

 

I can see why Victoire would be uncomfortable with Juliet's gushing; after all, it is her cousin that Juliet's being happy about. I still think she's being a bit judgmental, especially considering she's focusing a lot on how loud and excited Juliet is about the whole situation. But I do understand her discomfort.

 

Your note at the end of the chapter made me think for a bit. I know that everyone puts Teddy at two to three years older than Victoire, in general, but has J.K.R. given any specifics? Because if she has made a statement about a two-three year age difference, then having Victoire snogging Teddy as a sixth year would be...weird. So I appreciate that you're holding off on that lol.



Name: WindingArrow (Signed) · Date: 13 Mar 2017 05:03 PM · For: missing the feast

*salute*

 

Anthony Goldstein, head of Ravenclaw! I love it! I've been meaning to do something with him lately... Pffft, the ministry can't track people trying to become animagi very well if no less than four people accomplished and lived comfortably as illegal animagi for years and years until they died. Or were found out and blackmailed, but you know...

 

I've never seen Victoire in quite this way before and I do very much love it. Her aspirations to be an animagus, her desire to work with magical creatures- it's wonderful characterization. I still don't understand how they knew she wasn't on the train. Did the trolley lady tattle? I'm so confused. Eh. Because Magic, I guess.

 

I will hopefully return to finish reading in the near future, but I can't guarentee it. I have many... Many stories still waiting to be read. They're very distracting from the ones I want to write, actually...

 

Good luck in the Nargles!

-Liz



Name: dreamgazer220 (Signed) · Date: 10 Jan 2017 12:33 PM · For: missing the feast

Hello my dear! Here with your review <3 

Okay, so each chapter has me loving this story even more. I don't read too much Teddy/Vicotire, but I seriously love your characterisation of Vicotire and that she's not this uptight snob.  I love that she's so loyal to Fred and was willing to take the brunt of it, and that Goldstein's form of punishment - for the time being - was to talk about classes and her schedule.  Your characters really do come to life on the page, and this fic is seriously just a nice, well-paced, quick read. 

And I may have squealed when you mentioned Seamus. Because I'm, well, you know. Me. :P 

That branch of the ministry sounds so interesting, though, and might be perfect for Victorie. I also like that you're branching out of the typical "auror" or "healer" career paths that we see so often (and that I'm guilty of as well). And she wants to be an animagus? I'm even more interested as to why... I feel like she'd be able to pull it off, too, and I think Goldstein is worried about that. 

So, I loved her relationship with Goldstein in this, her relationship with Micah, who she clearly is more comfortable with than the girls.  But I also like that she listens to her friends and is excited for them; and you write teenage girls so well.

Okay, so I loved this chapter! Can you tell? :P And seriously thank you for dropping this gem into my review thread because I might not have read it otherwise.

I feel like I need to add this to my favorites if it's not already on there. Either way, I shall remedy that. 

♥ ♥ Jill



Author's Response:

SEAMUS I LOVE SEAMUS.

 

... ahem.

 

no like seriously, I love Seamus. I put him in charge of my baby division for a reason. He's a pretty significant character in a lot of my other stories, but he'll show up here eventually as well. Because he's the best.

 

Goldstein is very definitely afraid that she could pull it off - I think he sees it as about even odds that she pulls it off or that she seriously injures herself, or at least sees the latter as a definite possibility. He also (rightly) thinks that she will not have the sense to recognize when she needs to pull way way back.

 

Thank you so so much! <3



Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 09 Jan 2017 02:50 AM · For: missing the feast

I love the way you write Victoire, as basically Fred's partner in crime. She's a lot of fun, and I don't often see her written this way in fic which is why I love your Vic so much. Who says you can't love books and knowledge and also pranks? They're not mutually exclusive. And here, she's clever and adventuresome, and even a little silly (I laughed at the part where she's getting in trouble but she's also silently laughing at how Professor Goldstein gets a unibrow when he frowns - like, it's such a goofy detail but makes Vic seem like a pretty standard sixteen-year-old girl - it kind of makes her more real, albeit in a silly way)

 

Professor Goldstein is great, though. He seems a little like McGonagall in that he can be strict but is supportive and really wants to see his students succeed, and there is humour under the sternness. And he is very perceptive, which I guess a Ravenclaw head of house would have to be, because most Ravenclaws getting in trouble are probably clever enough to come up with good excuses - but he can see through that. He seems pretty efficient too, how he just had Vic's classes meeting right then and there which is simultaneously getting something done that needs to be done, and also serves as another reminder to Vic to not break rules again because she'll miss important things like the feast.

 

Vic's class selection sounds pretty cool, as well as where she's looking to go in her career. I'm really looking forward to seeing more into that part of the magical world. I wonder if Goldstein's warning was enough to put Vic off from trying to illegally become an Animagus.

 

My guess is that Seamus's second in command is Lavender, based on the short description you gave here, but I've been known to be wrong *cough*basilisk*cough* But I could definitely see her changing a lot after the war, as well as having a job that relates to magical creatures.

 

Haha, Fred really doesn't waste time. :P

 

Once again a wonderful chapter.. but I have to wake up for work in 5 hours so this is it from me for tonight. I'm really enjoying this story! Hope you're having a happy New Year so far. ♥



Author's Response:

YES YOU WIN THE PRIZE. IDK what the prize is but you definitely win it. :P  Lavender is indeed Seamus second-in-command - there's this whole story about how she goes from super traumatized to that. (Like, a story I've written, not just a backstory.)

 

I am super super happy that you like my Victoire. I feel like she's really often written as kind of an annoying priss - almost like people take their (1000% unfounded) irritation at Fleur (who I love anyway) out on Victoire and make her this caricature of a snob. I love Fleur anyway, and I also think that any child of Bill and Fleur would be pretty likely to get themselves into trouble. :P

 

Thank you so much! <3



Name: Elena (Signed) · Date: 02 Jan 2017 01:34 AM · For: missing the feast

I don't mind the story going slightly AU :) I like your Vic/Teddy. You are giving them time and telling their story - also, if it fits YOUR plot and what YOU have in mind - go for it :) I'd rather read what you have planned.

I wasn't sure if I liked the discussion of Vic's future, but as the Professor went on, I felt like he was nurturing her - looking out for her, if that makes sense? It reminded me of some Dumbledore and Harry moments. I ended up having respect for this professor, so well done :)

Ahhhh, the girly chats. I felt sorry for Vic having to endure them, but at the same time, I was grinning. It reminded me of my teen years when my friends got "asked out" by a boy. On one hand you want to sit there, have a giggle and a gossip, on the other, you want to roll your eyes and spare Vic the misery.

I loved this chapter :)



Author's Response:

Thank you so much! :)

 

Yes, that definitely makes sense - and it's definitely the case, and something that will continue to be touched on throughout the story. Goldstein actually really does genuinely like Victoire - she's one of his favorite students that he's ever taught, both because she's so intellectually curious and because she's incredibly dedicated to his subject - but she also really gives him migraines, and he has no hesitation in assigning her the punishments she deserves. I think Dumbledore and Harry is a really good analogy.

 

And yesss, the girly chats. I have giggled and gossipped in them, and I have also wished that people would just Shut Up Already. Victoire is definitely on board the second train at the moment, though we'll see how she feels as she becomes more aware of her crush on Teddy. :P



Name: MegGonagall (Signed) · Date: 27 Dec 2016 04:48 AM · For: missing the feast

Hey again! 

I'm just loving this more and more. When I read next-gen, it's usually Scorbus (because they're my precious little cinnamon buns). But your Victoire and Fred are just great. I'm so happy that when we were talking, you mentioned this story, and I was able to find it again. 

What I really like is that Victoire isn't this little prissy flower and that she has this prankster, reckless wild side to her. You can obviously tell from her reputation with Professor Goldstein. Like when he mentions that her track record of lying is against her. 

I can't wait to see if she tries to become an Animagus. I love reading about that in fic, because the whole thing is just so interesting to me. I'd love to see what kind of animal you would have her turn into. 

I would want to scream if I had to deal with a roommate gushing over my cousin like that. She's a better person than I am. I would have told her that I really didn't want to hear about it. 

I'm really loving the set up. The getting to know the characters in the story and the secondary characters. I'm really excited to read on and see how the story progresses. Already I'm loving it. :) 

 

Tons of hugs, 

Meg 



Author's Response:

I'm so glad you wanted to find this story again! :P  <3

 

I love Victoire's relationship with Goldstein. It's largely not central to the story (although he's definitely the professor who will show up the most and who she tends to go to when she has questions about things she comes across), but there are a lot of things that go into it that ultimately make him her favorite professor and make him proud that she's in his house, even if her antics often leave him with a migraine. :P  She takes DADA very seriously, and Goldstein - who worked on a huge black market dragon blood case as an Auror and is also fairly good friends with Seamus - appreciates her dedication to the subject and her enthusiasm. The Ravenclaw in him can also understand her desire to figure things out and explore them, even if he wishes she'd break fewer rules (and potentially laws) to do so. That also does play in the other direction, too - Victoire usually will push the red button because it's there and it's red and she was told not to so of course she should, since she's kind of ADHD, but there are certain things that she either won't do or will feel guilty about because she doesn't want her favorite professor to be disappointed in her.

 

Her efforts to become an animagus (as well as her heritage) actually become hugely significant in another story of mine. I'll end up (in both this story, DSM, and an additional one about Jo that I've got a couple chapters written about) exploring both of those issues a lot, and it's so much fun to do so.

 

<3 <3 Thank you!!



Name: LunaStellaCat (Signed) · Date: 23 Dec 2016 11:06 AM · For: missing the feast

Okay Chapter three, Beezie, this is slowly getting better.  You're not moving it too fast, which is a good thing, but it could be argued that you can pick up the pace a little.  I ought to point out that Neville apparently also had a brief stint as an Auror.  I use Pottermore as a heavy source in my own writing, and I fact check you if you haven't noticed.  I am a law student - it's ingrained.  I know some don't follow canon - I have to remind myself of that.  

 

The main thing here is that since this is the focus of your piece ""Animagi or Animagus" is capitalized, but I know the Marauders did it but I have since found out why that isn't such an essy feat, and now that I know the details, I am rather surprised Peter Pettigrew pulled that off.  I realize Skeeter did it, too, which is why I can't pass her off as a fool. 

 

You have a slew of OCs here that have thusfar just been names.  They need fleshing out. They can't just be namez if they are central to the story.  If they are not, this is just detail hanging around.  See what that causes as filler for space?  Is it needed? Consider that.  The first part of this is stronger thsn the second.  

 

Also, in the beginning of the punishment of this thing you say, "For each of you."  There are two people, not three or more.  That eould be a "both of you". You need to watch that.  I am waiting for the third said ghost or person to walk in.  The line about Goldstien teaching Defense Aganist the Dark Arts is worded weak and comes off choppy.  

 

I'm going to tell you what a beta told me, and I live by this woman.   I wrote a piece that was solely in St. Mungo's.  There is no medicsl magic.  There are orderlies, mediwizards, and orderlies at the hospital.  It is healing.  Also, I have no idea what DCB is on the first read.  If you're going to add your own stuff to the magical world of Harry Potter, that's fine.  I am asking you to eeave it in so it's natural.  It makes it stronger. Trust me.  

 

I know I review with a strong hand, I do.  This comes from taking eriting courses and being told things.  The story has potential.  It does.  If you want to make it stronger snd collow the books, you might want to consider things.  Well done.  

 

LSC



Author's Response:

Reviews with CC are a good thing, and I always appreciate them - not everyone will love my writing, and that's okay. That said, while I very much appreciate your spending the time on these reviews and the things you've pointed out, I also want to mention that there's a difference between constructive crit and just being harsh, and this verges on the second - you're pretty much only pointing out negative things, and most of them are really small (e.g., capitalization or using "each" over "both"). As an editor myself, I've always found that it's very important to tell people what they're doing well in addition to what they're doing poorly, for a few reasons.

 

One of them is that being largely or exclusively negative can be very discouraging, and I think that's definitely something to keep in mind when you're reviewing fanfic - I've got a pretty thick skin, but a lot of writers are younger and/or just starting to write, and it can be hard to put yourself out there. As importantly, though, it's also not actually particularly effective in helping people to improve, because when one is learning to evaluate one's own work with a critical eye, it's legitimately helpful to know what one should be trying to replicate in the future. It's not just about being nice - it's about being effective.

 

That aside:

 

There are several things about classes at Hogwarts that canon doesn't adequately cover. For example, there's no way for the same teacher to teach every class of a subject without a time turner, but they explicitly say in HBP that all the time turners had been destroyed. It also doesn't make sense that there wouldn't be additional electives - we already know that Alchemy is one of them, and that Ghoul Studies may be another. I've expanded the number of electives further, and I ended up going with 'Medical Magic' over 'Healing' because 'Healing' has specific connotations that I wanted to avoid - the elective at Hogwarts has no direct connection with St. Mungo's, and calling it 'Healing' would (IMO) imply a more direct relationship than there is. There are mediwizards/witches in canon, so it's not like the term is completely foreign. :)  I do see your point, though, and I'll definitely consider changing the name of the elective. I'll also look at my wording a bit and see about reworking some of the phrases.

 

Thank you so much for the review! :)



You must login (register) to review.