Penname: starlitcastles [Contact]
Member Since: 07 Jun 2017
Bio:

Hello! I'm Diana (formerly and used to go by Anni) and one would describe me as a daydreamer, amateur artist, novice writer, coffee lover, cat lover, and a huge pastel colors fan.  Some of my fave Harry Potter characters are Luna Lovegood, Scorpius Malfoy, and The Weasleys especially Ron and The Weasley twins, Harry Potter, and Remus Lupin.  I also have tons of love for other fictional characters and they tend to interest me alot epecially if they're not just relateable and likeable but very well-written. I aspire to write characters like the ones I admire in the media since characters are one of my favorite aspects of the stories.


Outside of Harry Potter,  I like kdramas, jpop, kpop, Disney, Pixar, Laika, Studio Ghibli, Star Wars, Stranger Things, Kingdom Hearts, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokemon, Game of Thrones, The Flash, anime (Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Digimon,  Code Geass, Cardcaptor Sakura to name a few), the rain, bright and pastel colors, sweets, listening to music, working on jigsaw puzzles, looking at photography that's beautiful of nature, animals, and flowers, food, and trying to attempt a drawing or two. I also have such a huge love and admiration for a kpop group called BTS (or short for Bangtan Sonyeondan or Bangtan Boys) due to their songs about mental illness, love, youth, pressures of society, and other topics that aren't normally touched upon and or discussed about. The boys all have slightly helped me to cope when my depression and or social anxiety hits and I always love listening to music and sometimes their music inspires some of my stories. 


I recently started an account to read other people's work and review them to the best of my abilities. Hopefully and eventually there will be a time come where I will able to post my fanfiction and stories on here too.


 


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Reviews by starlitcastles


the rain is grey but the clouds are blue. 


let's go for a walk - why not, after all, why not? 


Characters: Original Character

Pairings: OC/OC

Representation: None

Story Type: Drabble (100-200 words)

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): All Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Fluff, Romance

Tropes: Established Relationship
Completed · Published: 26 Jun 2021 · Updated: 26 Jun 2021 · Words: 207 · Chapters: 1 · Reviews: 13 · Likes: 5 · Reads: 634

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 13 Jan 2024 · Title: Chapter 1: the quiet rain.


Hello Laura! I’m here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event  and because I haven’t read any of your works yet until now!  This is probably later than expected as the event is almost over yet I didn't want to giving up on a review for you!  Anyway, that being said, onward to the review shall we? 



To start off,  I genuinely love how one half of the couple is persuading the other to go for a walk on a rainy day and there’s excitement that you can feel as you read the words which is pretty great!  Despite the fact that it’s not open, there’s also the feeling of love and warmth that comes with how they’re spending time together completely immersed in the rain during this day and that the pair definitely give off the vibes of love which you put into just a few words which is just amazing! The contrast of different pair of shoes stepping in the rain is also just a lovely touch considering you see there’s two different personalities that are spending time together! 


The way you describe the smell of the spring rain to apples is such great use of imagery! The way the main character speaks about being in the rain in a positive manner is another thing that I genuinely enjoy reading as somebody who loves the rain as well as rain days! The way you wrote this entire paragraph is gorgeous seeing how you weaved these paragraphs together to make it descriptive in a way that’s very pleasing to read!


The way you described the couple wanting to go for a walk on a rainy day makes already piques my interest as you can feel the narrator’s want to spend time together with their significant other and while it’s not completely outright, there’s also the feeling of love and warmth that comes with how they’re spending time together completely immersed in the rain. The contrast of shoes stepping in the rain is also just a lovely touch as well! 



Okay the part where you wrote: “we walk through the shops, winding between red-hatted postboxes and hook-headed lampposts and propped-up signboards with their chalk signs crying;”  just makes me think of that phrase: chef’s kiss because that’s how I feel about reading this sentence especially the part where the chalk signs crying.  It’s a multiple of things by the way from how you used the imagery and metaphor as well as how it leads to the couple simply enjoying their intimate moments between each other during the rainy day. This actually reads similarly to how a different couple would be feeling underneath a different blue skies or their feelings are similar in that regard if that makes any sense. 


The joy in knowing that we’re with somebody else and being able to enjoy moments involving something in life that is simplistic on the surface yet it’s completely wonderful with another person getting to experience the joys of what life has to offer is what this drabble reminds me of which I genuinely love! 


Definitely found myself rereading each and every single line to absorb the feelings as well as the imagery of the drabble considering how much I enjoyed and loved it! The way it has a romantic, comforting, and joyous feeling, your use of descriptions, and how it flows making the reader feel as if they’re taking a walk with the characters in a sense, all of it, is amazing! Truthfully, it’s one of my favorite pieces of work that I’ve actually read as far as original fiction goes! Amazing job! :)  


Sincerely,

 

Di/Diana






Lenora was born a princess, but forced to grow up in the outer provinces of her own kingdom after her castle was overrun and family destroyed. She has a powerful connection to runa, the energy that flows through every living thing. It’s such a strong connection that she often gets tangled with the energy of people who get in its path, witnessing the nightmares of their final moments when she rests her head. 

 

After nearly a decade in hiding she stumbles into the thick of the rebellion, stuck with a group of misfits with more ambition than sense.


Characters: Original Character, Original Female Character, Original Male Character

Pairings: None

Representation: None

Story Type: Novel (50,000+ words)

FFT Groups:
Incomplete · Published: 23 Sep 2023 · Updated: 22 Mar 2024 · Words: 56439 · Chapters: 14 · Reviews: 11 · Likes: 13 · Reads: 188

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 13 Jan 2024 · Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Boy Who Laughed at Death


Hey Jacquelin! My sincerest apologies for taking a while to get to this but I am finally getting around to reading this story and reiewing it! I’m also here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event although I’m aware that it’s super late but alot has happened. Anyway, that being said, onward to the review, shall we? 


So we’re starting out with Lenora and from what I learn, she is a Princess who seems to have the ability to be like that of a seer or a seer of some kind, in part, thanks to runa.  However, this is more of a curse than blessing which makes me feel that she’s going to be struggle with the powers or more specifically, an ancient type of magic, that causes her to dream of events as well as bring about fates of many things including things she probably has no control over which is probably why she’s not fond of her powers. That, and the fact that it’s recurring for her especially the nightmares.  

 

I already like that the story actually starts off with Lenora’s disinterest and far off thoughts to her runa as opposed to being focused on the lesson as that’s  relatable because who actually wants to be stuck listening to a lecture or learning things cooped up inside all day? Come again, unlike Lenora, what the Diviner is teaching her actually fascinates me enough to want to learn more about the runa and the kingdom of Syla as well as the other kingdoms in this world.   I do, however, also sympathise for the Diviner too as she has to deal with trying to help educate and teach Lenora important things and Lenora is not willing to be there.

 

Has something happened with the runa involving Lenora possibly or somebody else that her father is objecting to what the Kingsguard and the instructor of Redan are discussing with him?  Definitely can understand Lenora’s curiosity as to what is happening seeing as she’s walked in a discussion that sounds highly important. Ah, so she lives in the Kingdom of Syla, that’s cool then and there’s another kingdom called Lyra.  You know…those are interesting names especially for warring kingdoms. 

 

The conversation about seashells as well as Lenora’s pouch makes me ponder if they live nearby the ocean or a sea based location. Ahhh, so is House Alymere another House they’re affiliated with or are they allies with them? It may be a smaller detail yet I love how you’re setting up the world through such an object such as Lenora’s pouch and the sigil of House Alymere!  The recurring nightmare is a pain in the butt yet it’s also must be difficult to hide it even from a family member that you love because you don’t want them to react in a way that could make the situation worse for both of them.

 

The words that you use to describe Lenora’s actions in the story is one of my favorite things that I’ve been reading so far, whether she’s running out of the castle into the sea or how when she gets knocked back by the waves as she does. Oh no! So her nightmare is becoming reality then.  That cannot be good! I’m guessing this is before she finds out that she’s a seer or has seer-like powers or the timeline of what her runa abilities are. Am I right? This feels like the catalyst of what’s to come.  What significance does this boy in her nightmares, now a reality, hold? Will it be somebody that she’s fated to save then and later on, be an important connection in the future?




 

You know what’s great about your writing? The way that I could imagine the scenes flowing in the depths of my imagination when you described the sensation of her trying to save him only for her to get swept into the waves.  Oh, and when you were saying she, did you mean the ocean whose waves were dragging her feet in as she tried to resist? Or did you mean the boy’s runa? I think that’s one part that had puzzled me somewhat.  I actually enjoyed this scene very much so! Oh, and my favorite part is this: “I kicked my legs again but the blue of the sky melted with the hues of the ocean and I couldn’t tell which way I was swimming.”  The ocean and skies are both similar in blue yet the way you described in here is just chef’s kiss!  I also liked that the boy had smirked at her and she smiled at him in spite of her conflicting feelings regarding that the fact that he was supposed to be her nightmare. Wonder if this is where she was hiding her fear in this moment or if the boy, despite the nightmares, made her feel differently from what had occured.

 

The contrast of past Lenora facing the amber eyed boy with black hair on the beach to the present Lenora who is much older with tangled, messy brown hair and smelly clothes as opposed to the elegant dresses and combed hair as the scene transitions of the timeline is pretty smooth.  It seems like a set of events have lead her to where she is now stripped of her royalty status where she is now instead living more like a commoner which leaves tons of room for speculations and questions as to how she ended up where she is now which is great because who doesn’t love the mystery of what changed from the timeline from then to now? For some reason, I couldn’t help but think in a sense when you described her waking up from the dream that she had as if she actually fell from grace. I hope that made sense!

 

Despite all that’s happened in the past, am glad that she was able to befriend Calia who was able to give her a place to stay in the pub and is trying to help her in own way as well to get out there in the world. Also the way that she’s woken up by the town drunkard must have been annoying to have to deal with considering that it was a rude awakening at that!

 

I love worldbuilding as it definitely spreads out here and there throughout the whole story as opposed to having it being dumped in one whole scene. Whether it’s the way that you describe the streets of Lawric that Lenora walks through to the phrases such as knotted being used here yet with a different meaning, it genuinely shows how thought and care is put into this world. 

 

Ahhhhh the introduction of Sorrin and Jessa! I love it so much as I’m pretty sure that I’ve read about and it’s great to finally see them in action! Oh, who is this mysterious stranger and what does he want? What's his role in all of this? The plan where she pretends to be the vendor’s granddaughter and the way she tried to escape shows that she’s resourceful and somewhat prepared to face the soldiers shows me that she wasn't going to let the soldiers keep mistreating the vendor back there despite it causing a setback for her.  Oh, and loving the way that she uses the black pepper seeds as a weapon to fight against them. The use of runa as self defense and the means of escape is great! I have to ask if the fact that her long hair always getting in the way is something that she's going to have face constantly. I actually chuckled when she exclaims as to why it got in her way hahaha!  

The part where Sorrin says that he’s not allowed to swear yet Jessa is also made me laugh although I have to ask: does Jessa not like it when other people curse or something?


I actually have a question in regards to these two sentences which reads: “The closer the cart go the louder the silence grew, surrounding Lenora like a veil of cold, stale air. It sent a shiver down my spine as the whispers started.” I wanted to ask you if you meant to write in first or third person in terms of Lenora’s point of view and wanted a clarification regarding those particular sentences. 

 

Oh whoa! There's alot happening in these scenes whether it's when she’s trying to escape from the guardsman, the stranger and Sorrin becoming obstacles, and using her runa again were just great! My favorite, however, has to be when she somehow lands into the arms of the mysterious stranger who manages to catch her efficiently while asking her that question had me squealing as to what’s to come! I can’t even! The way he just flirts with her kind of made me chuckle! What a way to end the chapter for sure! Who is this mysterious dark haired soldier with the green eyes and what’s going to be his connection with Lenora? That’s one of the many questions already pacing through my thoughts as I read it!  Nonetheless, I shall definitely find my answer when I continue to read more of this! Aside from that, I wanted to mention the way that you write the action scenes is pretty great and I immensely love reading them even if my brain has to go back and reread it to get a better understanding of it. 

 

Overall, I am very much enjoying this story and want to know more about Lenora, the dark haired, green eyed stranger who caught her, Calia, Sorrin, and even though we got bits of her: more of Jessa too!  The dialogue throughout, the way we got to see Lenora’s past as well as present day, and just everything about the runa and the world is all just great! You definitely pulled me in with this chapter for sure!  I truly hope to find time to continue onward with Lenora’s adventures hopefully from here on out or as soon as possible!

 

Until then,

Di/Diana





In-Light-of-You-2

 

 

 

The war is over, but their story is only just beginning. 

 

A Prequel to In This Darkness

 

*

 

A collection of moments between Harry and Ginny

Written for RogueSlytherin's "I'll Read Fluff If I Want To" Challenge


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): Dying/Grieving, Infertility, War

Genre: Angst, Romance, Smut

Tropes: Drunken Confessions, Established Relationship, Family, Marriage
Completed · Published: 17 May 2022 · Updated: 27 Feb 2024 · Words: 26927 · Chapters: 30 · Reviews: 265 · Likes: 105 · Reads: 3392

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 07 Jan 2024 · Title: Chapter 1: The-Boy-Who-Lives


Hi Quilly! I'm here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event and thought I would check out your stories considering that I haven't read your works just yet and thought I should try and change that! The summary definitely intrigued me so there's also that! Anyway, that being said, onward to the review!

 

The beginning where you describe the angst and heaviness that Harry goes through regarding the events of the war is great way to start out the story.

It’s great that you brought up the subject of Ron, Hermione, and Harry discussing going back to Hogwarts considering how the epilogue never touched upon it and we didn’t get anything apart from what the author told us.  I feel the way that you wrote Ron’s response to Hermione’s comment about going back to school is accurate to him and his character.   It must be very difficult for them to have to go through the process of mourning and burying their friends and family members who died from Fred Weasley to Colin Creevey over and over.  It could also adds to the darkness of their lives, especially Harry who definitely could feel the immense guilt from having so many people died because of everything that’s happened. 

I’m glad that Harry and Ginny also got to spend time alone seeing how they haven’t and it’s definitely been needed especially after the war ended. I also loved the way that while they’re both struggling through the aftermath of the war that both of them find comfort in one another. They definitely balance and complete each other very well! The scene where Harry is kissing her scars on her body to Ginny intensely frowning yet also staring at him captures the moments of their deep and meaningful connection which I also enjoyed reading. The transition where they become intimate is also very smooth! The way you also wrote the last few sentences, especially the part where it reads: “the feeling of her tattooed on every inch of his skin.” is genuinely beautiful and showcases Harry’s inner thoughts and feelings in that moment with Ginny.

 

I love how this fic ends with the line of how he’s the boy who lived which goes with the name he’s given in the books yet it has a very different meaning. Here, instead, it is with Harry feeling alive with Ginny and that she is the person that not only helps and understands him but also loves and it’s very profound in a sense that readers can get a sense of how different he is as opposed to the start where he’s feeling more dreadfulness as well as sadness.  I love that it’s also a story filled with angst at the start then gradually becomes fluffy near the end!

 

They say that less is more and I think you did a brilliant job capturing Harry’s emotions regarding grief to the scenes between Harry and Ginny without being excessive in words yet still leaves an impact on the reader or still gives them something to ponder about.  

 

This has been such an enjoyable read and I’m glad that I was able to get the chance to read it seeing as how much I adore Hinny as it’s my favorite ship in the series.  Definitely looking forward to read more of the other works in this series as well as your other stories! For now, keep up the amazing job!

 

Until then,

Diana/Di

 



Author's Response:

Hi Di! Thank you so much for coming by to check out this story <3 I am so happy to hear that you found the transition from the first part of the chapter to the last was smooth. I didn't want to make light of the grieve because it definitely must've been something heavily felt by everybody involved (and something that I feel Harry and Ginny would, in some way or another, carry on for the rest of their lives and which would later shape decisions that affect other parts of this story as well as In This Darkness) but I also wanted to show the beauty of their relationship and how their togetherness helped them both heal. I love that you love Hinny and I hope you think this story pays them justice <3 Quilly





Banner by blackballet

lj banner

After Fred's death and a series of mishaps, Josephine finds herself posing as Fred's former girlfriend for just one night to help the Weasley's move on. But when she grows attached to the warmth of having a family again, she finds herself unable to walk away and forced instead to live life in her lie.

(George/OC)


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Sexual Content, Substance Abuse, Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): Dying/Grieving, Panic Attacks, War

Genre: Angst, Drama, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, Romance

Tropes: Big Happy Family, Fake Relationship, Family, Forgiveness, Found Family, Friendship, Slow Build/Slow Burn
Incomplete · Published: 07 Feb 2018 · Updated: 08 Feb 2024 · Words: 53616 · Chapters: 10 · Reviews: 72 · Likes: 39 · Reads: 618

Series: Sitewide Stories of the Month, Hufflepuff Golden Chalice Winners



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 01 Jan 2024 · Title: Chapter 1: Introduction: Boxes


Hi Tanya!


I’m here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event! Also I’ve been meaning and or have been regarding this story and haven’t had the chance until now! I also really like the Weasley twins alot and the summary for this one intrigued me so that’s another reason why I’m here as well!  That being said, onward to the review, shall we?


While I have no idea about what fully happened to the main character here and have questions as to what they did to deserve this, I actually liked the opening considering how it pulls the readers in to want to know more about the events that have transpired and why did the main character say that she deserves what happened to her. It’s actually a pretty great start as we’re left with questions!  


The emptiness of the atmosphere as she is dealing with anguish and dreadful feelings can also definitely be felt here as well! Oh, and the line that she says: “But like I said, I deserve this.” truly breaks my heart despite the fact that I have no clue what’s going on. Nonetheless, that’s still a good thing!  It’ll make sense later on as to what she means but it works for now. There must be a significance behind the reason as to why she keeps mentioning that she deserves it. 



I loved the way that you depicted the sunny day in contrast to how the main character is feeling to emphasize how much of a struggle and misery that she is dealing with in that moment. The date I also realized is actually seven months earlier than the beginning of the story. It’s very interesting to see how we’re taken back in time as we move on in the story.  Hmm wonder as to why and what it’ll unfold.  Oh no, Fred Weasley! That just breaks my heart so much reading that it’s his funeral that she was attending.  Was he a super close or best friend to the main character? I wonder what kind of relationship they have with one another.  It would make sense as to why she described a moment of a victory and how it was singular which could make sense to indicate that it was he who had died.  I actually liked that we don't know whose funeral it was at first seeing that it could of been anybody at first!


Overall, this actually interesting way to start the chapter seeing as we’re seeing what happened to her during two separate times. It’s great that you also broke into sections to get the sense of what happened in those two time period and how it changes even it seems like a slight change. With that in mind, I definitely cannot wait to read next chapter and find out more about what's happening and or happened!


Until then,

Diana/Di

 





"I hate accidents

except when we went from friends to this"

~ "Paper Rings" by Taylor Swift

 

Ron and Hermione get a glimpse of what they can be together.

 

It's like 13 Going On 30 meets The Family Man.


Rating and Advisories (required): Teen Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Fluff, Humor, Romance

Tropes: Belligerent Sexual Tension , Big Happy Family, Family, Fate/Prophecy, Friends to Lovers, Holidays, Idiots in love, Marriage, Only One Bed, Parenthood, Time-Travel
Completed · Published: 19 Dec 2023 · Updated: 09 Feb 2024 · Words: 12657 · Chapters: 7 · Reviews: 55 · Likes: 20 · Reads: 453

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 31 Dec 2023 · Title: Chapter 2: Were there clues I didn't see?


Hello again, Melanie!


I’m here again for the Snowlodge/wishlist event and because I actually enjoyed the first chapter as well! With that out of the way, onward to the review!


Admittedly the quote when Hermione asks him where his wand had reminded me of the scene in the Deathly Hallows when she asks for it so my brain went to that for a second.  It’s still a pretty good start because we get to see her and Ron looking around to try and find answers to what would be questions they have. The addition of Ron having his side of the bed as well as the two having their wedding rings on their fingers as well as the way they’re discovering how much older they are in appearance definitely shines a light that they are definitely not in the present or in the past as they were. They’re definitely somewhere in the future, well at least, their bodies are while they’re still themselves and in another timeline.  If that makes any sense? 


I love how the chapter starts out with the dialogue where they can’t decide who goes first and how cautious they are…it makes sense they would want to be cautious. Aww I’m sure the boy is Hugo and the girl is probably Rose!  The way that they get discovered by the little boy is also just so precious although they must be so startled by this.   The way Ron stares after the little boy is hilarious. I think I started actually laughing knowing this is very true of Ron and his facial expressions being like this if I were to imagine it as a movie or something in my head.



Ahhh I love the descriptions you gave regarding the portraits they have especially about them during their wedding, them dancing terribly, and of course them with their children. Also yay for Ginny being a Quidditch player and her cameo and can’t wait to see her future self in the upcoming chapters hopefully!  Oh my gosh, I love how this feels warm, cozy, and very homey!  And they have a black cat too! That’s adorable! What’s the cat’s name? Does it have a name? Don’t mind me, I just love cats, even fictional cats, hahaha! They must be shocked by it all as well as the device in the girl’s hand which I’m assuming is a cell phone. 


The way they’re so clueless on how to act and the girl who is Rose (I am certain!) notices, definitely giving away how they’re going to need to adjust to the future timeline for the time being.  No pun intended by the way. Oh my gosh, I actually burst out laughing when Ron asks Rose what Scorpius is. Oh Ron, you probably wish you wouldn’t ask that once you find out.  If he finds out and freaks out, it’ll definitely be very hilarious!  Ahhh so it is a cell phone!  When in doubt, drink some coffee! I love that and I already do enjoy the way you’re writing Hugo as well! Also made me laugh even more at that. 


I wonder if they aren’t reacting to Uncle Harry in confusion because they know he’s going to be a part of their family or something or at least bound to be married into the Weasleys. Of course, I mean Harry is like a family member to the Weasleys but yeah… I think I just mean in a sense that he becomes the uncle to their family.   The Floo number is very interesting! Is it like an address or something like that? Is it a way for them to access the Floo network or something to get to another person’s fireplace or something like that? It’s quite an interesting concept! Also poor future Harry is seriously baffled by Hermione’s reaction to his question. 



So Hermione doesn’t still believe those children are hers even though Rose is calling her mother? Wonder if she’s either in denial that she’s in Ron’s future or she’s not wanting to jump conclusions even if they are in the future.  I love how Ron also mentions they’re someone’s kids and in a way doesn’t know if they should leave them or not.  I’m guessing Hermione just wants to get to the bottom of answers straight away whereas Ron is trying to live in the moment or at least trying to take the future at his own pace. 



Oh my gosh, the part where Ron says: “Let’s go see if you got me anything good.” This is not only fitting but also definitely something he would say to Hermione in a way that he’s teasing her. Aww Hugo is a Tutshill Tornados fan!  That’s cute. Ron’s reaction to that is hilarious.  Also the fact that it was him that did…I’m dying. Oh gosh. It makes perfect sense considering that maybe his future self probably is more lenient about that team or at least not bothered as he is currently. Aww that’s cool that Rose got a camera too.  


Well that’s a really wonderful note to her future self from Ron and the way it’s affecting her shows that she’s probably unsure as to how to feel about this future which makes sense but the card is just very sweet.  Hahahaha Hugo ruined a moment and Ron having to whack him for it. Very much something he would do as a father, yes!


Okay Hermione getting inkwell with the quill holder is so fitting and the fact that she’s a Chief Legislative Officer? Oh that sounds like a dream come true even though it all seems like a dream to her at this moment.   Not surprised that future Hermione got Ron a 3D chessboard set which sounds pretty cool by the way! Definitely something he would love!  Aww that moment where Hugo put a bow on Hermione’s head, that’s adorable!  Speaking of which, the way their kids show them affection and them being shocked by it is funny but very touching too.  It probably feels way too unreal and weird as to how the future they have no idea about is unfolding right in front of them.


Hermione taking charge and trying to be her future self and as their mother is a great transition from the way she was trying to get away from them earlier. Wonder if she’s doing this for show considering how weird she must be feeling.  Ron’s reaction to Ginny being their aunt is hilarious and also a great way to end the chapter.  I mean, where was this reaction for Harry when they mentioned Uncle Harry?   No, but seriously I definitely loved this part so much!


Overall I immensely enjoyed this chapter because we not only get to be introduced to Rose and Hugo or what they would be in their future but having Ron and Hermione having to deal with it yet also being confused and trying to be their grown up/future selves all while their current selves are still teenagers. It’s very intriguing and hilarious.  Still, I like how you’re exploring this with them and also they’re working together to find out what’s going on. The humor, the dialogue, the descriptions, the way they feel in character, just everything is great! Wonder if they’ll find answers in the next chapter!  Definitely cannot wait to read the next chapter and loved this chapter very much! 


Until then,

-Di/Diana

 



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 31 Dec 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: 'Tis the damn season


Hey Melanie!


I’m here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event and thought I would try and review on one of your stories to fulfill your wishlist requests plus I haven’t read your works in a long while plus I saw the title which I recognize as a Taylor Swift song and was intrigued by it and also you mentioned one of my favorite movies: 13 Going On 30 in your summary about the story so I was like, “Okay, yeah, I have to read it!” and here we are!  Anyway, onward to the review! 


Ahh yes, the birds that Hermione sent after Ron…who could forget them? Okay but in seriousness, I do like the reference from the Half Blood Prince.  I liked that you also wrote a moment between them after she mentioned that she liked good Quidditch players and expanded on his thoughts about what she had said and his reaction to it.  The moment where their eyes met also made me think if it was a movie, I’d be hoping they’d be staring for a bit until Hermione gets the sense to walk away.  Definitely can sense there’s tension and feelings between them. 



The way you start this with the Castle’s POV is absolutely brilliant seeing the way you used personification as if to make the castle alive by making it come alive in a sense that it has thoughts about the happenings and makings of the events that unfolds there which is great seeing how much its witnessed whether good and bad.  Well that, and it’s actually funny thinking how it’s like that of a silent observer throughout the years and through it all and if it could actually talk then it would probably give you so many fascinating stories. The fact that it has to deal with having to endure the ongoing events whether big or small in the castle must be alot for it to deal with. I’m not surprised that it wants to take action or at least do something about it!


Oh my gosh, this whole dialogue, I love it so much! It’s not only very much in-character with them but as an observer who were to meddle in, this would be something for them to tease the two of them about.  You know, Harry, would be weary of them fighting but I’m not.  This is great in all honesty! The sexual tension between these two.  Oh, and how you describe Ron imitating a yowling cat is not only hilarious but also perfectly fitting for him and the way to show how he’s expressing his jealousy! Love, love, love it!  Ooh there’s the tension that is so evident right now! The emotions between the two, oh my gosh, wait, are you serious? A mistletoe? Right now?! No, wait, I actually love it! Oh I don’t know if this is the castle’s doing or if it’s somebody’s doing–either way, it’s great! I love how it stumped for a moment and then they resume back to bickering.  Oh these two…when will they ever learn?  Yet I actually like the bantering and the bickering so far and how you wrote it! They really know what to say and how to go at each other! I can understand Harry’s frustration at them at times in all honesty.  It’s absolutely a joy for me to just read it! It’s making me not only chuckle at how they express their jealousy and unspoken feelings but hey, that’s what makes it great right?  No, seriously the tension, bickering, and the moments as well as the dialogue is great!  I love how it feels connected to scenes!



I actually love how we the readers are pulled into the thought of that he’s going back to the Burrow to enjoy the holidays without having to deal with Hermione (which is probably a huge relief on his end for sure) only for him to wake up from such a wonderful sleep in the same bed as Hermione!  Oh gosh, the fact they’re both older than they last saw each other! I have questions! Is this where the whole 13 Going On 30 portion of the story comes in? Is this what the Castle means by its meddling? How did they come to this? The dialogue in which they’re both being simultaneous in response to one another in confusion is fun to read! It feels like they’re in sync as well in that way. At least they both have no clue as to what’s happened and how they ended up in one bed and it’s probably going to have them solve the mystery of what happened and how and why and maybe who. 


 I love how you’re able to use the “One Bed” trope as it goes perfectly with this story. Oh I’m definitely curious as to where they are now since I thought Ron was back home at the Burrow yet now that seems to have changed or at least that’s what I think so far is happening! Okay I love the line about opening presents without them! That’s actually adorable! Oh, and am I correct in guessing it’s Hugo’s who’s saying those lines? If it’s not Hugo, who’s the boy speaking to them?! 


Honestly, I had not expected Ron and Hermione to end up on the same bed or somewhere in what I think is their future lives or something like that? But hey, I’m not complaining and rather have so many questions instead as to why it’s happening.  This chapter, however, gives it an intriguing start which I like! I hope we get to hear from the Castle’s POV again at some point! For now, I wonder how they’re going to handle the current situation! I’m curious and very eager to continue reading this! You did a lovely job at not only setting this up but also the dialogue and characterizations were on point and very enjoyable to read! Loved it! Can’t wait to read Chapter 2!


Until then,

 

Di/Diana






A series of fluffy Kanthony one-shots, flash fiction et all. Can most likely all be read as stand-alone's and might all differ in settings (be it modern au, regency era, whatnot). 

 

for RogueSlytherin’s I'll Read Fluff If I want To Challenge


Characters: Anthony Bridgerton, Benedict Bridgerton, Eloise Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield | Kathani Sharma

Pairings: None

Representation: None

Story Type: Flash Fiction (under 1000 words)

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): Teen Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Fluff, General

Tropes: Family
Incomplete · Published: 08 Apr 2022 · Updated: 28 Jun 2022 · Words: 4552 · Chapters: 6 · Reviews: 37 · Likes: 11 · Reads: 8401

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 28 Dec 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: prompt: bare feet


Hi Ineke! I haven’t reviewed any of your stories in a long time or if I have, I don’t recall but am here to do so for the Snowlodge/wishlist event! With that being said, onward to the actual review!


The way that you start off this is great because as a reader, I’m kind of curious as to why Kate sounded annoyed at Anthony as they’re sharing bed together or at least she seems to be awake at that moment. I also like that she’s not holding back on the way she feels about the uncomfortable situation between the two of them even though I haven’t had a clue as to yet why she is so. Anthony, on the other hand, is not making it easier for her as he chooses not to tell her the cause of his actions or why he’s acting the way he is. It’s great that Kate also doesn’t give into his ego or at least avoids doing so because of how well she knows him is so in character. I love it!



The cute moment when she lies on his chest and he puts his arm around her and the warmth that surrounds them despite the fact there’s still an underlying problem that Kate’s trying to figure out.  Ahhh, there we go again, something is up and I don't know why Anthony doesn’t or can’t just communicate directly to Kate what his problem is so I understand her frustration and confusion when he moves away swiftly. Honestly, it’s also not nothing if you make it to be something, Anthony (or in his case, moving around too much)! I love that she’s not giving into his request as she’s determined to find out the cause of the movements happening. I mean, if she cannot get a goodnight’s sleep, then why should he? Her not backing down until she gets what she wants or answers in this case is great. It definitely goes along with how determined she is.  The thing is that Anthony’s probably going to have to get used to her demanding answers if he tries as much as to hide something or two from her in the future. It would seem like he couldn’t hide it from her even if he tried!


Ohhh so it was Kate’s cold feet that had kept him awake–that definitely makes sense!  I love that her reaction is to tell him that she’s not wearing socks in bed just because her feet may be cold to him and telling him that he has to deal with the cold feet! This was actually pretty funny in terms of the revelation as to why he was moving about in bed and causing their sleep to be disrupted! At least Kate can get a goodnight’s sleep now that she knows what the culprit of the problem was.


This was such a lovely and cute read and Kathony is one of my favorite ships from Bridgerton actually or at least from what I’ve watched so far! I truly love how you’re able to capture both of the characters in a way that makes it so easy for the readers to step into this fic and feel as if they’re watching a scene between the two of them unfold and how witty and cute this is as well!  Keep up the amazing work!


Until then,

 

Di/Diana





Beatrice Ellsworth would just like a normal, completely average year. Just one. Nothing exciting, nothing weird.

 

And then her friend disappears, and she receives a weird present.


Rating and Advisories (required): Teen Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): Misogyny

Genre: Crime/Mystery, Fantasy

Tropes: Dysfunctional Family, Family, Fate/Prophecy, Friendship, Sarcastic Devotee, School, Troubled, but Cute
Incomplete · Published: 28 Nov 2023 · Updated: 19 Feb 2024 · Words: 8736 · Chapters: 2 · Reviews: 6 · Likes: 4 · Reads: 45

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 27 Dec 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1


Hello Robin!

I’m here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event and thought I would not only fulfill your wishlist request for having reviews on your story but also try and review something of yours as I’ve been meaning to! With that being said, onward to the review!

The start of this story has me quite intrigued considering that the main character is weaving in a dream or rather somebody in her dream who is her dream twin? Doppelganger? Something like that? There could be so many guesses as to why she’s weaving a magical blanket and what it could entail on what’s to come as well.  The fact that the protagonist is watching her dreams unfold but cannot interfere definitely has me pondering as to whether this is something that she’s watching like a scene unfolding or it’s about something relating to her and possibly her future. A sign perhaps? Then again, these are just my own guesses and theories to start with. It's an interesting way to start the story so far! 

From what I gathered reading about Beatrice, the main character, she is a marchioness and she is living with a very strict grandmother who sets many rules for her and she has to follow her ways if I’m not mistaken.  Nonetheless from what I read about her, she does sound like a very interesting character who has to follow her grandmother’s rules, she not only has a mind of her own but she also tends to view the world that she lives in differently in a sense as well. This story also does seem like it takes place in a modern setting considering the way it’s narrated and there are things that indicate it’s more modern rather than, say, in the past. 

It’s quite interesting that she ends up at the beach instead of being at one of the meetings talking about the laws or at least listening in, seeing as that’s something that she is expected to do but doesn’t want to do.  The fact that she prefers misty over sunny days is quite enjoyable to read as I’m mostly the same way although I like both kinds of weather! The misty days do have its charms and it’s great that she’s able to see and appreciate it.  The way you write about both the misty days to sunny days and how they contrast her is great too. I can definitely not only visualise it in my head yet also get a sense of understanding of her thoughts regarding the weather in general itself to help gain a sense of footing of the setting. I hope what I just said made sense. If not, just saying that even if it’s about the weather, it’s nice to get a sense of it and what it’s like there on Avalon island. 

“Even the clouds were always perfectly shaped, like someone had hung cotton balls in the sky.”  Oh for some reason, I genuinely enjoyed reading this! It’s not only descriptive but love that she sees the clouds as cotton balls! What a lovely way to describe it!

So Avalon island is magical then I take it? If so, it must be fascinating and wondrous to live there to somebody from the outside although it may seem too perfect that something could be off about it. As for Albion Island, even if it may not have magic as Beatrice says, it’s a pretty interesting contrast. The contrast one being a magical island while the other one is not.


The summer mansion does actually sound more like an elegant yet also interesting resort or at least one that you could live in!  What with the garden that surrounds it and if it’s award winning then it’s probably filled with alot of flowers and other things that makes it pretty, a silver gazebo, unlimited Wi-Fi, food cooked by a chef who is probably renowned and fancy, a beautiful view of the sea, and even a possibly cute white cat! Desmonda sounds like a very fancy yet lovely name for the cat as well. Speaking of which, how much are we going to see Desmonda? Asking myself as a cat lover myself and it’s always great to see if the cats, fictitious or not, are featured no matter how big or small it is but I digress. 

Cornelia, her grandmother, as I mentioned before does seem very strict and while I understand that she is in other parts of the story when she is despite not agreeing with her choices such as when she tries to get Beatrice’s hair cut or when she wants her to act like a lady and so on.  That makes sense to me.  Her telling Beatrice not to go on the beach feels somewhat off to me or as if she’s treating the beach as if it’s not part of the Summer mansion like her granddaughter is not going to go there.  Does she not trust Beatrice when it comes to the beach?  Could the beach hold a hidden danger that we don’t know about? 

Okay honestly, what’s a good sleepover without at least a fancy meal as well as snacks. Separate of course! It sounds like they’re going to have a fun sleepover with food and wonder what Chef Rene is up to in terms of his cooking for them!  I loved meeting Regina, Wendy, and Hannah and or at least getting to know about them through Beatrice’s descriptions about them, especially Hannah.  So am I correct in guessing that Beatrice was more or less obligated or invited Regina because they had grown up knowing each other then?

It’s great to see that Beatrice also likes the Frog Queen and knows the story at the least.  Despite the fact that Beatrice and Regina seem to have their disagreements or may not be as close, it’s great that they’re able to joke with one another.  Hmm, the way Beatrice mentions that Regina’s beauty makes me ponder if she’s jealous or there’s something more to it.  Wonder if these two will become closer as the story progresses despite them not being that close of friends. Since the rest of the sleepover wasn’t described like the foods they ate or what kind of movies they had watched before they fallen asleep, admittedly I am quite curious about the foods they ate and what movie they watched. Of course, I know it’s not important but are they the kind to watch horror movies and be able to sleep easily or did they watch Disney movies and things like that? But I digress again!

Ooh this dream sounds far creeper than the other one and is raising questions about who’s the girl running and the eyes that are watching the girl run.  Questions like: Why is the girl running?  What caused her to fall? What happened to her after the fall? So many questions, yes, but this is actually interesting!   It’s understandable that Bea couldn’t sleep after that considering how scary it may be to her and it’s good that she has Hannah as company to chat with after not being able to go back to sleep. The little detail about Wendy snoring just  reminds me of that one friend we all have that snores really loudly and loved that bit! The conversation between Bea and Hannah about the glowing of the gazebo–which leads me to ask–any information, history, or backstory about it and how it came to be? Apart from the security measures used with magic and being attached to the mansion, is there any other significance of the gazebo?--is interesting!  Oh, and definitely can understand the stress of AP tests as well as SATs before having to take it!  Okay maybe not AP tests because I never took AP courses but possibly SATs which makes the conversation take a realistic turn. 

Anyway, I definitely enjoyed the start of this story and hope to see more of it unfold! There are so many questions including the ones that have been previously asked yet also some more that I won’t ask for the time being and rather let the story itself unfold. I also would like to learn more about Beatrice as well as Regina, Hannah, and Wendy as well as Avalon Island with its magic as well as Albion Academy and what happens when Beatrice and her grandmother and if Hannah will get to dance with Evan Draper and so much more!  Definitely cannot wait for the next chapter! Great job!

Until then,

 

-Diana/Di






Verity works in a Diagon Alley Shop and has a great deal of fun at her job, but her dream is elsewhere.  Any time she can, she spends her nights drumming in clubs - mostly Muggle ones, at that - trying to get her big break.  She didn't expect the detour she took on that journey, though, or the surprises that awaited her after she followed the new route.


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Sexual Content, Substance Abuse, Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Fluff, Humor, Romance

Tropes: Careers, Friends to Lovers, Friendship, Opposites Attract, Slow Build/Slow Burn
Incomplete · Published: 19 Mar 2023 · Updated: 02 Jan 2024 · Words: 31460 · Chapters: 14 · Reviews: 84 · Likes: 17 · Reads: 472

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 25 Dec 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Playing in the Band


Hello there! I’m here to fulfil your wishlist request with a review for the Snowlodge event and truthfully because I haven’t read any of your works yet or at least until now. Title definitely sounds quite interesting as well!  Anyway with that being said, let’s get to the review shall we?


First things first, I like how you start it as it’s quite interesting to see that we start off with Verity as the main character as I do recall her being a minor character in the Harry Potter books and seeing a glimpse of what she does at her day job at the The Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes which I find rather interesting and fun even if we don’t know too much other than what is shown. That, and I do like her interaction with George as well and seeing their bond as coworkers!  I think it’s great that she also is situated in a flat that’s nearby the Leaky Cauldron but also within Muggle London so she gets the best of both worlds in a sense even if it’s not a sight to see and all which is understandable but also gives a good picture of her living situation. 


It’s actually pretty cool to learn that she is a musician, if not, a drummer to be more specific. Just wanted to clarify but is she playing the drums as a way to unwind after a long day of work? It’s great to see that Arthur Weasley had a hand with the record player knowing his love and fascination for Muggle things!  It’s cool that she’s playing her drums along with Art Blakey’s song. I’m guessing that she’s into jazz music then or plays in a jazz band?  Truth be told, even if I don’t play an instrument or haven’t played one in awhile, it’s always good to unwind with music at the end of the day!


 Her gaining the love of jazz from her mother is a pretty interesting detail as to who she is as well as possibly where her love of music comes from. It's great that she's willing to give magic a chance and attend Hogwarts before getting a job at the Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes even though it didn't turn out well before going into music again especially when she seems to prefer to play jazz music on the drums. Even though we don’t know much about her in the canon, the way you wrote her makes her feel more expanded as a character with a fascinating backstory!


The interaction between her and her bandmates even though it’s a few times in this chapter also seems genuine and lighthearted in that the reader can get a sense of their camaraderie and how close they are to one another. I definitely love her energy that she seems to put into when she’s playing the drums and how you described it making the readers feel as if they could somewhat understand how she feels about the drums even if it’s not fully! I also admit that while I’m not the one to write about music unless I study it excessively or at least feel like I care enough about it in a sense that I want to write about it but even then, you can’t feign the truthfulness and feelings of capturing that feeling of playing music or how the person actually feels unless you, yourself, have gone through that either having played music before or at least experiencing that. I mean does that make sense? With that in mind, does Verity’s drum playing, by any chance come from your own experience or maybe somebody else that you know if you don’t mind me asking? I also love that she seems to like playing her music loudly as if she’s unapologetic about showing the world her love of music. It’s great how the Muggles don't realize it because of everything else going on around them either! 


As for her and Wally, it definitely feels like there’s definitely something going on between them especially considering the fact that she’s reacted to having contact with him and we are given his reaction towards her with one of them being where he’s definitely blushing and acting pretty nervous around her! I’m wondering if Wally is shy of her or shy of her because he may have some kind of affection for her? I think it’s cute seeing the way the two interact seeing his obvious interest in her and her also seeming to be the same even if she’s more open and vocal about it! I also love that she’s trying really hard to also get him to not only look at her but initiate something in which the two of them would hang out afterward as she suggests that he take a coffee on his motorcycle bike which I think she would definitely like to ride on! It’s cute that he’s actually shy around her and totally opposite if and when we compare him and when he does his job as the bouncer at a pub which is definitely an interesting contrast to his character!  


Forgot to mention that it’s great that you had her playing Bad Reputation because it definitely sounds like the soundtrack to her life or at least very fitting for her.  With that in mind, I definitely am looking forward to reading the next chapter to see what unfolds next between Verity and Wally! Definitely enjoyed the first chapter!

 

-Diana/Di 



Author's Response:

Happy Christmas, Diana!  What a nice review to find under the tree on Christmas morning!  Let's see if I can respond properly now that I've gotten past the early morning blearies.

I'm not sure exactly what pointed me toward Verity as a protagonist, but among the thoughts that influenced the decision were that she does exist (briefly) in canon, she hasn't been featured in many fics that I've seen (so I had a reasonably blank canvas and could treat her almost like an original character without the hassles involved in actually creating an original - she has a place in the world I can use), and her job is something where you'd find an aspiring artist such as a musician working to pay the bills while looking for that big break (you meet such folks in shops, bars, and restaurants all the time if you bother to converse with them).  All those things and probably a few others that were subconscious steered me toward Verity, since I was looking for a story that I could use to improve my female character writing (which has never been as strong as I'd like).

I don't know if I'd try to write about the experience of playing music again - I've been playing various instruments in various musical genres since about 1963 or thereabouts, and it's still a chore to make words substitute for the feel of making music.  That some folks thought my efforts were successful enough to be interesting is really gratifying, but I keep thinking I could do better - I think at this stage of the story I probably have one more shot at it, though, so maybe I'll get it right this time ;).

You're right that Verity's ambition is to play jazz, but she throws herself into whatever she's playing at full tilt boogie so when she's playing in a blues/rock trio she's slamming the heck out of the skins and acting like a crazy woman at all times.  Music is music, especially to a drummer whose life is rhythm - the notes don't matter most of the time and lyrics are for wimps!  Someday, though, I see her in a small club setting playing really intellectual jazz.

As for Verity and Wally, chapter 1 is very early days for them both.  Wally, you'll find, is very shy about almost everything except his bike.  Verity isn't.  They have a longish road to discovering whether they're going to be friends or more than that.  I think they're fun, though.

George





Beatrice Holloway renters the scene in the midst of the Goblet of Fire after traveling the world researching various topics of her interest. She meets our favorite werewolf and there’s immediate sparks flying between them. She never attended Hogwarts because her adopted family traveled a lot since her dad restores and sells magical artifacts and her mother is a magical photographer.


Characters: Original Female Character, Remus Lupin

Pairings: Remus Lupin/OC (HP)

Representation: None

Story Type: Novella (under 50,000 words)

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): Bullying

Genre: Angst, AU, Fantasy, Romance

Tropes: Dysfunctional Family, Friends to Lovers, Healthy Exes, Idiots in love, Love Triangle, Mutual Pining
Incomplete · Published: 28 Nov 2023 · Updated: 23 Mar 2024 · Words: 9634 · Chapters: 8 · Reviews: 16 · Likes: 2 · Reads: 74

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 25 Dec 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1


Hello Delaney! I'm here for the Snowlodge event as well as your wishlist so I thought I would stop by and review this story as I haven’t reviewed your works in a long while! With that being said, let’s move onward to the review, shall we?


So to start this off, I would like to say that it’s good that we’re provided a bit of background on the protagonist: Beatrice Holloway after we’re introduced to her. I must say that it's upsetting that she was given up for adoption because she displayed magic. What horrible Muggles indeed for not accepting that part of her! I’m glad that she was, however, adopted into a better family and that she found that in the Holloways and that’s cool there’s already seven children including her–that must help her in conversations about family with others she interacts with! It’s great that she has three older siblings who all sound cool, especially Andie and Jamie!


It’s cool that Beatrice is a magical historian seeing as she’s into history. I definitely would like to see more of how she got into it as well and am looking forward to also seeing how she applies her knowledge of being a magical historian and see where it takes her in the story! It’s great to see that a niffler is making its appearance in this story even if it’s just being its usual self and stealing things! Even so, it’s always fun reading about them or seeing them in the Wizarding World. Just curious, though, as it’s not mentioned but what kind of things did the niffler steal? Jewelry? Gold coins?  I’m glad that she, however, is able to help the man and catch it as well as return the stolen items back to the owners who were probably very surprised and worried about not seeing it again!


I love how we’re shown Remus Lupin without realizing who he was in the story other than by the description of the man with the brown hair as mentioned earlier! I’m glad that we got introduced to him too as I was somewhat curious about who she was helping when she had caught the niffler.   So when he mentions the accent, is he asking her about her British accent, right? Just asking for clarification since I’m wondering if it’s that. It’s also curious and interesting that she has travelled all around the world with her family as well! Wonder what places she’s been to when she did travel with her family and what kind of adventures they went on. 


Her working at MACUSA with their History department does answer the question that I had earlier about her and how she’ll apply her skills as a magical historian or at least somewhat give me a sense as to where this will go. It seems that she must be fond of her family members since she’s bragging about her younger sister! It’s nice to see a proud sibling moment too! It’s interesting that even though her interaction with Remus is short, at least she got to meet one of the Marauders, and do hope they do end up crossing paths again at some point in the story.  


Ooh yes to going to a Quidditch Match especially if it’s part of the job! It’s great that her boss, Kathleen invited Beatrice to go with her and her family! My curiosity definitely piqued when you mentioned that their tent was next to the Weasleys and that we got to meet each of the family members except for Molly so far.  When Ginny asked her if she wanted her brothers as well as Fred and George volunteering Percy definitely gave me a chuckle seeing as they loved to give him grief and loved how you kept that about them here. Poor Bill being disappointed that she’s not his age group but I get the feeling they wouldn’t have worked out anyway.  The part where she mentions that her dad studies artifacts and her curiosity about her being a foster child led her to searching answers about her past and also in general to her career as a magical historian definitely makes more sense and is cool.  It feels like it all ties together in regards to her and her career.  It’s great that she also gets to bond with the younger Weasleys over Quidditch and that she’s also a fan of the Harpies too! 


So we get to also meet Lucius Malfoy although I feel that Kathleen loathes him and does not want Beatrice to interact with him because he is bad news which makes sense but do wonder how that conversation would turn out if she was near him.  It’s good that Arthur also explains who Lucius is to her so she knows what kind of person he is and understands more about him. The way you ended her with getting an injury by tripping over rock as she’s fighting Death Eaters makes me hope that she’s okay and wonder about what happens afterwards. Am definitely curious about what’s to happen when we see her opening her eyes again as she regains consciousness. Or hopefully she does!


One suggestion I have is that while I do enjoy reading about Beatrice Holloway and her story going forward, it would be nice to see more descriptions on the characters not only their hair colors but also what outfits they wore, the expressions on their faces,  their thoughts of what’s happening at the time of the events, and or movements whether they’re conversing with one another or when they’re travelling to another country.  I did like that we got to see Percy frowning at the Weasley twins when they offered him as the sibling to be given away. So if you were to have more descriptions in the story here and there then it would definitely make the story not only more vibrant but also the reader can get a sense of what’s going on in the story or can visualise the mood of the story. I hope that made sense. 


Otherwise aside from the questions and the suggestion, I did enjoy reading this and am curious about where Beatrice’s job takes her as well as the title itself as I have no idea what it means! My only guess and theory is that Lunar may be related to Remus as we know he’s a werewolf and because of his transformation when there’s a full moon as well as the word closely tied to that.  Keep up the good work!


Until then,

 

Diana/Di






Harry bids a final farewell to his friend and mentor, Remus Lupin. 

 

For dreamgazer220's Say Goodbye Challenge


Characters: Harry Potter

Pairings: None

Representation: None

Story Type: Challenge Entry

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): All Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): Dying/Grieving

Genre: Drama, General

Tropes: Family
Completed · Published: 18 Feb 2018 · Updated: 18 Feb 2018 · Words: 327 · Chapters: 1 · Reviews: 7 · Likes: 3 · Reads: 961

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 25 Dec 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: Farewell Thoughts


Hi Meg! Thought I'd drop by to check out this story as I'm here for the Snowlodge/wishlist event and haven't read any of your works yet until now! Anyway, that being said, onward to the review!



First things first, do want to say that I am glad that you went with Remus Lupin for this story considering that we not only hadn’t seen a proper farewell for him in the books but also due to the fact that his connection is just as important as the other characters in the books considering that he was also Harry’s last connection to his parents.  Another thing I wanted to add is that he started out as Harry’s Defense Against The Dark Arts professor to his good, if not, close friend too. The way you captured Harry’s grief of losing him whether it’s crying or the internal dread of the moment that he has to face in that moment at the start of the story is not only relatable and realistic but also definitely emphasises the grief of many people that he lost in his life. To lose so many people in such a short time is devastating and heartbreaking, poor Harry having to go through this after the war must needed time to deal with his grief. 


The addition of magical flowers is a small detail yet quite interesting if I may add.  I do have to ask, while it's not specified what kind of magical flower, what flower would you have on the grave? Just asking as I like to study flowers and it’s interesting to see them incorporated in stories even if it’s a small detail.  Moving on, I do want to also mention that despite the bitterness of having to say goodbye to Remus, Harry does have a bright side to this and that’s Teddy, his godson. He’ll at least have somebody who’ll not only care for him but also tell him tales about his father.  Am glad that at least Teddy will have Harry be there for him to help as well as remind him that he will not be alone.  


I’m glad that Harry not only has a chance to say goodbye to Remus properly than he did with some of the other characters that had left him abruptly in death or never got a chance to say goodbye.  Thinking about how Harry is promising Remus to take care of and tell Teddy about him has me thinking about how this is not only coming to a full circle and how it could definitely bring Harry and Teddy closer in the future seeing as how they’re able to relate to one another. It’s also great how you wrote that he left with Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the Weasley signalling that despite him losing Remus that he still has them in life and they’re going to be there for him in his time of grief and sadness. 


Overall, I liked the way you captured Harry’s feelings of grief and loss over Remus who definitely held an importance in his life.  To lose somebody, especially one who impacted your life as well as was one of the connections to other important people who were or would be a part of your life is definitely not easy and I liked how you showed that in this story. I definitely enjoy reading this as somebody who’s dealt with grief over family and friends so am glad that I was able to find this story. Keep up the good work!

 

-Diana/Di



Author's Response:

Hi Diana!!!

I am so glad you read this story and liked it!!! I wasn't sure if I did a good job with it to make people be moved or touched by it. Thank you so much!

 

As for the magical flowers, I'm not entirely sure. That's why I didn't specify what type of flower was there. I don't know my flowers very well. lol





All the truth about Jimmy Portman

Stunning banner by abhorsen

 

Destiny is the result of people's choices. And any single choice can change it completely.

 

In this AU the Marauders are still alive and free (more or less...), Neville Longbottom is the guy with the scar, and Harry... Well, just read and find out!

 

Golden Chalices 2018 winner: best dialogue

FROGS 2019 second place: best family

Golden Chalices 2019 winner: best completed multi-chapter


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Domestic Abuse, Sexual Content, Substance Abuse, Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): Dying/Grieving

Genre: Angst, AU, Drama

Tropes: Family, Fate/Prophecy, Friendship, Parenthood, School
Completed · Published: 01 Jul 2017 · Updated: 26 Jun 2019 · Words: 104924 · Chapters: 36 · Reviews: 804 · Likes: 233 · Reads: 5328

Series: Jimmy Portman's Universe



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 30 Jul 2023 · Title: Chapter 4: Chance meeting in Diagon Alley


Hey again Chiara!

 

I'm back for another review of Jimmy because I love where things are going and need to read more of it! Okay so I know that I said that I said that I would be reviewing Chapter 4 soon but instead was like, "No, I'm going to review Chapter 4!" because why not? Anyway, onward to the review we go! xD

 


Okay so first things first: the entire nightmare sequence was actually chilling to read about especially when we see Peter being stuck in the house of mirrors in the funhouse to also facing Voldemort who states/says that he should face his consequences before he's being hit with the killing curse and we hear Harry's voice saying it.  I definitely got the shivers thinking about how scary and cold his voice had been towards Peter too.  This is probably Peter's subconscious telling him of not only his deepest fears but also the immense guilt that he carries for what happened in the past when he had taken Harry/Jimmy away to America after alerting James and Lily about Voldemort coming after them.  I also have to wonder if the Voldemort in his dream is a self reflection of himself in a sense that something buried in subconscious is blaming him for what happened with him and Harry/Jimmy.

 

When James and Sirius passed by him, I remember thinking: "How did they pass byt their best friend?!" when reading that. Come again, I feel they're probably too absorbed in their conversation and what was happening with their mission/task although Peter does notice them which is good but also it makes sense that he freezes in fear at the thought of being seen as he stares after them.  Okay so I'm going to also comment on this but I love this part where you wrote:  "The little rat hid behind a wooden column in the pub, not away from the table where the two men were sitting."  It doesn't tell us the readers straightaway that Peter's changed into his animagus form but it shows that he did so and is one right now.  I thought that part was genius as it not only represents his animagus but also it speaks for him not only literally but also figuratively. Hopefully I'm making sense? Just know that I loved this part where you showed that he's a rat either way! 

 

 
I love that Sirius is the one who seems to be making jokes while James is more serious and focused on the task of the two.  It really makes the dynamic between the two fun to read in spite of it. Hmm...I do have to ponder but where's Lupin in this? Will we get to see him later on then? Ooh the Butterbeer break definitely sounds really great! It's great how they also call each other by their Maurader names as well. Love it! Huh, it is odd that Sirius is standing up for Peter considering that he would most likely react the opposite in the canon. I feel that he would have wanted to get back at him or make him pay for what he's done.  So it's interesting to see that he's not wanting to do that while talking to James. 

 


Ahhh I feel so horrible for James considering how much he misses and is worried about Harry yet I'm also happy that he has a daughter now. So Harry has a sister then? Ooh, I do wonder how that's going to affect the future outcome if James ever reunites with Harry again! It's cute that Sirius is also calling her his goddaughter and asking about her as well. He's probably pleased at having two godchildren at this point even though he hasn't had a chance to interact with Harry as well.

 


Their discussion about Gringotts also fascinates me because straightaway when I read this part: "That's some of his followers' style, not his. His style is acting in shadow and leave the dirty work to others. It nearly seems that you have forgotten!" that not only James suspected that it's Voldemort's work and while Sirius seemed to disagree with him, that part just screamed to me:  "It's him! It's Voldemort!"  So yes, I concur with James and his suspicions as to who the Gringotts robber they're speaking about here is or could possibly be. 

 


I have to ask if they're both Aurors who are working under Scrimgeour in this alternative universe which in my opinion would definitely be pretty intriguing especially if they're going after Voldemort and his fellow Death Eaters

 

Whew! There was many things happening and I'm pretty glad to read Peter's side of things in this chapter since I was wondering things like is he sensing that something was off when he hadn't heard from Jimmy as well as pleasantly surprised to see James and Sirius alive and working for Scrimgeour and talking about their current job which sounds exciting! Oh, I also do want to clarify something and ask you about Voldemort in Peter's nightmare. So, when Voldemort calls him a foul for coming back and blaming him for not having a family to come back to in his nightmare then is this version of Voldemort not the real one and instead is actually his self reflection coming back to haunt him for what he's done? Does that question make sense? If so, definitely love how fitting it is and how you wrote it! I'm glad that Peter in this universe is dealing with the consequences of his actions and also how we're left with pondering why he's not taken Harry back to James as well as other mysteries about his course of action which I hope that we'll find out soon! Anyway, have a wonderful day as well as week and month! Can't wait for the next chapter! :D 

 


-Diana/Di





The year is 1997, and an order has gone out from the Ministry of Magic that all students between the ages of eleven and seventeen who were formerly taught at home must now present themselves for attendance at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. 

Howard Sutton, the seventeen-year-old son of sheep crofters on the Isle of Skye, who formerly received his magical education at home, arrives at Hogwarts at the beginning of what will be the calamitous school year of 1997-1998.  The Sorting Hat says, "It's not a matter of which House you need, but of which House needs you."  What can a crofter do for Hogwarts?

Featured Story, Spring 2022 Bulletin

Finalist in the Golden Ink Awards, 2022, for Long-Form Story

Story of the Month, August 2023


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): Animal Death, War

Genre: Action/Adventure, Angst, Romance

Tropes: Family, School
Incomplete · Published: 22 May 2022 · Updated: 19 Mar 2024 · Words: 138048 · Chapters: 31 · Reviews: 209 · Likes: 85 · Reads: 1340

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 29 Jul 2023 · Title: Chapter 2: Chapter 2


Hi again Vicki!

 

I have come to leave you another review seeing as I have enjoyed reading the previous chapter immensely and definitely wanted to give you my thoughts on it! Oh, and did mention in the previous one that I would definitely read more so...yeah! Anyway, onward to the review shall we? 

 

Howard's curiosity to Hogwarts and what's happening during the Sorting is definitely fun to read about given that he's been in the Wizarding World yet somehow it also feels as if he's also a curious Muggleborn in a sense considering his reaction to the whole Sorting Ceremony which he definitely isn't too familiar with. I particularly enjoyed reading this: "Realizing that he was not going to solve the mystery of how speech was produced by the hat, he seated himself on the stool." seeing as he's intrigued to find out how the Sorting Hat functions especially when it's speaking which makes sense. Him also thinking the name calling order along with his friends being skipped as well as him thinking that he'll be alternately be sorted into either Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff much like his friends or his guesses of his friends being sorted into Gryffindor or Slytherin definitely tells me that he definitely would of have never heard about Hogwarts until that day.  I love that he's confused in this chapter as it shows you that not every witches and wizard go to a school like Hogwarts or know hardly anything about it which is quite interesting to read about.  I wonder if he's not the only one to think this either. 

 

Another thing I found myself enjoying was the Sorting Hat's Song here in this chapter, especially the way it describes each of the four houses and gives a warning about the division of the Houses and encourages the students to be united against a greater evil.  I also feel this line in the song: "Divided, we cannot prevail." I definitely love the Hat's line about uniting rather than dividing also because it makes sense to the canon events of the Deathly Hallows considering how the houses definitely needed to be united for the Second Battle of Hogwarts as well.  It would be pretty cool if there were friendships within the differing Houses happening in this story!

 

So, not going to lie, but the brown haired girl from the Slytherin table also piques my interest considering how much she's been staring at Howard. I wonder if she's already noticing him and the other homeschoolers considering they're already pretty much standing out from the rest of the Hogwarts students. I also find myself wondering if she'll have a significant part of the story later and if so, what kind of role will she play? Hmmm. It's interesting how much she's paying attention to him though.

 

The part where the Sorting Hat says to Howard: "Then I see that it is not a matter of which House you need, but of which House needs you." is probably one of my favorite as far as dialogue goes in the story even if it's one thing that he says to Howard when it's trying to sort him. I feel that it is not only getting a sense of what which House that Howard should be in based on the conversation they're having but also seems to probably suggest that maybe, later on, that Howard will be of an importance to the House that he gets sorted in despite what House that he thinks he needs to be in. I hope that makes sense at the very least.  I also love that Howard gets sorted into Gryffindor considering he seems to have more courage than most given by the way that he refuses to listen to Gerald Johnson in the first chapter when he uses the Accio spell to get Camilla's hat in the previous chapter or when he randomly blurts out in response to the Sorting Hat even though he's still trying to figure out how the Sorting Hat is speaking. 

 

It took me a while to figure out that the "tall thin man" that you mentioned earlier was  Professor Snape rather than somebody else who was the headmaster of the school.   It does make sense as to why Howard had no respect for the man after his choice of words to the way he spoke. It seems as though Snape is also going to have a lot more on his plate to deal with considering that he's the headmaster now.  I love that instead of going to the Gryffindor table to join his peers that he instead stops to check on his friends at the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff table not caring if he's made the headmaster upset or that he's making a spectacle of himself in a sense that what he's doing is not the norm at Hogwarts. It's definitely a very Gryffindor thing to do! I feel that his upbringing at the Isle of the Sky also probably is the reason why he feels maybe at ease speaking to his friends in the other Houses considering he doesn't seem to understand the evident division of the House even if it's not outright said apart from the Hat's song itself or at least in this chapter.

 

The fact that he's refusing to wear the pointy black hat is also great considering how in the first chapter he seemed to be okay with it although he couldn't adjust to the way he liked so I was surprised when he did wear it in the previous chapter yet here, in this chapter, he carries it around refusing to wear it due to his dignity. It's an interesting change nonetheless.  

 

I know it's definitely a small detail but I really love that Mackie and Rocco had gotten their dog fur on Howard's robes seeing as we get a small glimpse of what his life was previously like as well as learn more about him as character.  It's not surprising that he does have two sheepdogs that love him and that they're probably missing him as he's away from Skye.

 

Seeing as I finally reached the end of Chapter 2, I must say that I did enjoy reading this chapter considering that I enjoyed reading about the Sorting, especially Howard's since I was curious about which house he would have been in the first chapter. My initial thoughts had either been Gyrffindor or Hufflepuff seeing that he could be in either although this chapter definitely makes perfect sense as to why he's more suited for Gryffindor rather than the latter.  I also enjoyed the Sorting Hat's song, the Slytherin girl, and of course, reading about Professor Snape being the headmaster of the school while seeing some bits of his reaction to Howard. I also enjoy getting into the Wizarding World, or rather your version of it again, and following Howard's Hogwarts Journey (that's what I'll call it for now!) and definitely will be reading onward to find out what happens next!  Hoping to review Chapters 3 and 4 soon!  For now, do hope that you're having a wonderful day, noon, evening, night, and or whatever time it is and that you're having a good weekend as well as week! :D 

 

-Diana/Di

 



Author's Response:

Hi again, Diana!

 

It's completely understandable that Howard doesn't know anything about Hogwarts, its customs or practices, since no one in his family has attended Hogwarts, and I don't imagine that the older wizard crofters on Skye did either.  It doesn't make sense to send your kids to Hogwarts for ten months out of the year when they are needed at home.  But even the kids who are sent to Hogwarts as eleven-year-olds are not told a lot beforehand.  Thus they don't know that the Sorting ceremony involves nothing more than putting on an old hat, not "wrestling a troll," as Ron's brothers had told him.

 

The line you quoted from the Sorting Hat, "...it is not a matter of which House you need, but of which House needs you," will be a guiding motto for Howard all the way through.  With all the other stuff he has to figure out, he also has to figure out what the House needs him for, what he is supposed to do.  Too bad the Hat doesn't give any more specifics or details.

 

Other readers besides you have also said that they did not know at first who the tall, thin man in black was, who was speaking from the staff table.  One can find the infromation on page 225 of Deathly Hallows, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione read in the Daily Prophet that Professor Snape has been named the new headmaster of Hogwarts.  This occurs while the trio are still hiding out at Grimmauld Place.

 

You mention that Howard was willing to wear the pointy hat in the opening chapter, but by the end of this chapter he refuses to wear it.  I think that at first he was trying to be co-operative with the school's odd customs, but after hearing what Snape said about him and his home-schooled friends, Howard no longer felt entirely co-operative.   It's just a tiny gesture of defiance, but he is determined not to let this school change him in any way.

 

Howard has a different background from all the other students, and it is a challenge to think of ways to introduces facts about his life on Skye bit by bit, through natural events, such as seeing the dog hair on his black robes, to introduce the concept that he does have dogs whom he loves and who love him.  I like your conclusion that the dogs back home on Skye are missing him also.  I might have to work that into the story, maybe in a letter he receives from home.  He won't see his dogs again until Christmas.

 

Thanks for listing the particular things that stood out for you in this chapter.  'Howard's Journey.'  That's a good way to look at it.  I love your reviews.

 

Vicki

 



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 29 Jul 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1


Hi Vicki!

 

I'm so sorry that it's taken me such a while to get around to reviewing this story considering the fact that I have read a few chapters of it but haven't been able to review since life has been pretty hectic and or there's been distractions on my end which have prevented me from doing so! However, I still want to stay true to my word and am finally here to drop a review or two for this particular story. Anyway, let's get started with this review, shall we!?!

 

The way you use description is one thing that I happen to notice when you narrate this story whether it's about the scenery which in this case is Hogwarts to Howard's observations about the boats that he and his six companions have.  One thing about me is that I always love it when the scenery is being painted inside my head from the imagination and I love it when stories often feel like that for me. I really liked this sentence that you had described about Hogwarts: "As the twilight faded to ever deepening darkness, the building was scarcely more than a black silhouette against the night sky, although some spots of light marked it near its base."I feel that helps readers capture what Hogwarts is without actually saying what it was until later on.  Another description that I love reading is when you described the way the scene changes from having them sitting on the boat which has a lamp on it to following Hagrid and his lantern that he's carrying be their source of light.  Oh, and of course this sentence here: "The air was chill and damp, with a musty smell as if molds grew on the walls in the dark."  I love how I can not only visualize the scene but also imagine the scent that comes with it and helps me feel as if I'm there with them smelling the same air and feeling the coolness of the weather. 

 

 

Admittedly the scene with bats especially when I read Andrew Wright's reaction to the bat saying that he didn't like them definitely had me concurring with him since I recall thinking: ‘You and me both.' although for different reasons. I think the only reason I'm saying that is because of the negative experience about two summers ago when a bat had gotten in our house and it took some time for my family and I to hang out in the living room since we're so scared of them but also didn't want to harm it and just get rid of it from the house so I'm wary of them in all honesty.  That's not to say that I don't hate bats, generally speaking, but I just don't like them in the house. I do think the bats that are flying in this scene, however, seem to like Hogwarts since there are definitely places around the castle that would be able to help accommodate them and certainly do understand why they hang around here and also can understand why Howard is fascinated with them given that he's never seen one when he's back at home in the Isle of Sky.

 

 

Howard has already piqued my interest as the main protagonist considering he's been a homeschooler for much of his youth until now when he is forced to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  His thoughts in which he feels the urge to speak back against the Deputy Minister of Magical Education Gerald Johnson is enjoyable as the reader can get a feel of his character being confident (or in some cases, overconfident) and slightly rebellious. I like that he's independent in a sense that he can handle himself in spite of needing to be chaperoned by Mr. Johnson who is watching over them on their trip to the school. Another thing I like about him is how he's not only protective of the other younger homeschoolers who were forced to come to Hogwarts like him but how they all have become a family for each other and that he's the eldest. What makes Howard intriguing to me is that he's a sheep herder and the way he interacts with the environment in a way not just in curiosity and fascination but also he's more confident than most people when it comes to something like Hogwarts.  He may not step out of the boat trying to swim in the Black Lake or he's not sprinting ahead of the first years trying to get a sense of the castle as I know he's far smarter than that but what I mean is that most people would be intimidated or scared yet he is not or doesn't seem to exude a fear that most people would have going to a new school. He, on the otherhand, is just in that curious mode with the way that he has questions and thoughts about the things that he sees.

 

I also liked that Howard always watching out over his younger friends whether it's helping Andrew open his caramel treat or making sure that Camilla's hat is dry after having retrieved it from The Black Lake.I do hope that if he's not in the same Houses as they are then he would still be able to further the bond in other ways when he's at Hogwarts.

One thing I wanted to ask since I was curious about this but this scene when you wrote: "Once past the vine curtain, the boats glided along a tunnel obviously carved by man." So did you mean to say by a man or by men? I wasn't sure if I had read that right and wanted to clarify to see your thoughts on that. Another thing that I'm pondering about as I read this is how is Howard going to fare during his time at Hogwarts compared to his original home in the Isle of Skye where he spent most of his life at? There are more questions that have formed into my mind as I read this yet I want to wait to see if my questions will be answered later so won't ask them just yet! If I do have any more then fair warning in advance that I'll definitely be asking for the sake of greater understanding, curiosity, and intrigue!

 

 

It's also great that you made Howard, who definitely feels like a minor character if he were to exist in that of the canon universe, have more importance in a sense that we can feel that he is part of the world even if he's not officially part of the story if that makes sense? That, and while keeping the canon elements of the Harry Potter series, specifically the events of the Deathly Hallows.  I feel that readers such as myself always have enjoyed fanfiction for the reasons that it not only changes but also expands on the things in the story that the author often doesn't or even forgets to include in the story. I actually enjoyed reading about the appearances of both Hagrid and Professor McGonagall who were guiding the new students into the castle before the Sorting Ceremony started.  It's always nice to see a familiar face. 

 

 

You did such a great job with not only weaving what is a missing moment and making it into something greater than what it is by having a character who feels like he's the actual main character.  I also wanted to quickly mention how I also love the pacing so far as it's not too slow nor is it too fast and feels just right. There may be things that I'm missing from this chapter from the review but if I recall or remember then I'll either let you know in another chapter or straightup just tell you but otherwise, pretty much said what needs to be said for this chapter. Apart from that, I genuinely cannot wait to read the next chapter of Howard's journey from here on out! Definitely can't wait! Keep up the amazing job! :D 

 

 

-Diana/Di

 



Author's Response:

Hi, Diana,

 

Thank you so much for this long and thoughtful review.  I really appreciate the time it must have taken you to wrire it.  <3

 

I'm glad that you were pleased with the amount of descriptive detail that I put into the opening scene.  It is always a challenge to know how much to include, and which items to include, to be able to create the best picture with only a few words.  I try to imagine the scene as if I were in it, and how it would look to me, what things would stand out the most, and then write just that.  Like the castle as a black silhouette with a few lights shining at the base of it.

 

That must have been frightening to hve the bat come inside your house (frightening for the poor bat too) because of the way they flutter all around, but I'm glad he finally escaped, and hopefully you can laugh about it now. :) There are bats on Skye, but not a lot because the tree cover on Skye is pretty sparse.

 

I'm glad that you see Howard as confident, independent, and capable because that is how I wanted to depict him.  Allthough he is coming to Hogwarts for the first time, he is essentially an adult, and kids who grow up on farms are noticeably mature for their age because they have to take on responsibility at an early age.  Hopefully every kid learns this sooner or later, but farm kids learn it sooner.  As a farmer you have to be observant and know how to interpret what you observe so as to take the right action; you can't afford to be casual or inattentive.  So Howard is just continuing to behave in the way he is accustomed to do, observing and interpreting.  And there is plenty to observve and interpret here.  He automatically steps into a role of watching out for the younger students in his group, they way he watches out for individual sheep at home.

 

You ask about "...a tunnel obviously carved by man..."  Yes, I did mean to write it that way.  Howard is not speculating about a single man (Joe the miner) or a group of individual men (Joe, Edgar, Wulfric, Johann, etc.) who carved the tunnel.  He is using the word 'man' generically, as one might say "the wonders of nature untouched by the hand of man," or "something never before seen by man."  He is concluding in his mind that the tunnel was not created by magic, nor was it a natural feature such as a collapsed lava tube or a waterway slowly eroded over time by an underground river.

 

Yes, Howard is a very minor character in canon.  In fact, he is not mentioned by name, only by the newspaper article that Remus Lupin reads to Harry, Ron, and Hermione on page 210 of Deathly Hallow.  So we know that it is canon that these students existed, but all the rest -- their numbers, names, ages, backgrounds -- is all free for us authors to imagine and specify.  Crofter/Snake is the never-before-told story of the experience of one of these students, so he is definitely the main character of this particular aspect of that terrible year.  I recall a saying: Every man is the hero of his own story.  Probably every student had their own story that year.

 

Thank you so much for all your comments.  I'm glad you are enjpoying the story.

 

Vicki





All the truth about Jimmy Portman

Stunning banner by abhorsen

 

Destiny is the result of people's choices. And any single choice can change it completely.

 

In this AU the Marauders are still alive and free (more or less...), Neville Longbottom is the guy with the scar, and Harry... Well, just read and find out!

 

Golden Chalices 2018 winner: best dialogue

FROGS 2019 second place: best family

Golden Chalices 2019 winner: best completed multi-chapter


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Domestic Abuse, Sexual Content, Substance Abuse, Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): Dying/Grieving

Genre: Angst, AU, Drama

Tropes: Family, Fate/Prophecy, Friendship, Parenthood, School
Completed · Published: 01 Jul 2017 · Updated: 26 Jun 2019 · Words: 104924 · Chapters: 36 · Reviews: 804 · Likes: 233 · Reads: 5328

Series: Jimmy Portman's Universe



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 25 Jul 2023 · Title: Chapter 3: A new friend


Hi Chiara!

 

I'm finally here to review another chapter of Jimmy Portman as you requested and during this hectic and busy month and do apologize if it's much later than expected--admittedly distractions, business, and trying to write for Camp Nanowrimo has gotten in the way! Anyway that's enough chatter from me, let's go onward to the review shall we?

 

I recall sympathising with Jimmy for not being able to sleep a wink after that whole revelation from the Sorting that occurred hours ago. It's understandable that his is flowing with many questions enough to keep awake such as who was his actual father and why did his father lie to him about it seeing as he's been kept in the dark for many years until now.  Also when he does get any ounce of sleep, it's disrupted by Ron calling him to go to their classes and time slipping by him as well! Can't this poor boy at least get some sleep!?

 

Man, Jimmy is truly not having the great day of his life is he? First, he's got a headache during breakfast and is in no mood for conversation nor has he eaten.  Then when he goes to class feeling hopeful or at least excited for what's to come, it's not what he expected since it's more theory based rather than having the students actually use magic as they're promised from the school. To top it all off, he's disappointed overall considering he's still trying not to think about what happened to him and finding out the truth about his father. It's definitely been a horrible day for him alright.

 

I do also want to mention that I do like that you do show that Jimmy's not having the greatest time at Hogwarts though. It feels realistic in a sense that it shows that a first year would experience disappointment or need to lower their expectations in attending Hogwarts despite it being a magical and wondrous place because in the end, it's still a school and they're also there for education and it's more than learning spells and waving their wands.  Does that make any sense? 

 

Oh, and the mention of Jenny going to the American Quidditch Final, ouch, that would be disappointing. I also will admit that a little part of me is curious as to why it couldn't happen because they're best friends as mentioned in the previous chapters. 

 

The part where he's also copying the notes from Hermione has me suspecting that Jimmy is much like Harry considering that we already know Ron is already part of this story's universe hahaha! That, and sounds like something that he would do!  Aww I love how they're interacting with the twins again and they're reminiscing their first year but also teasing them-they feel like such brothers to Jimmy already! Ron speaking with his mouthful...classic Ron hahaha! Have I mentioned how much I love George for checking up with Jimmy and making sure that he's doing okay. I admittedly felt like groaning when Jimmy hadn't wanted to let Ron know about what happened after his exchange with George.  I feel that he would understand but I also can see why he wouldn't open up to Ron about it yet too.  To which, I'll just say this: Jimmy, I hope you and Ron become closer because he deserves to know!

 

I love that we go from Jimmy to Neville as far as point of view goes and we get to see what's been happening with Neville and his experience at Hogwarts has been going so far. Much like Jimmy, I found myself sympathizing as well as wanting to hug him considering that he's been ridiculed by the mean Slytherins, shunned by other Slytherins, and even those around him treat him either like he's bringing about some plague or staring at him as if he were an exhibition in a museum due to his scar but he's way more than that!

 

I actually love how the interactions between Jimmy and Neville especially the second time when Jimmy sees Neville and reacts more brightly towards him considering that it would probably be the reverse.  It's great that the two can bond in spite of having to deal with their own set of problems such as Jimmy dealing with find out the truth about his father and Neville and his fame due to his scar.  The way you build their friendship is great so far!

 

The conversation where they're discussing about saying Voldemort's name is great too considering they share similarities on saying his name although Jimmy has a valid reason for saying his name.  I even liked the part where Neville tells Jimmy's reaction to him saying Voldemort's name and that he says:  "Usually, when someone hears me speaking his name, they jump like I've just spat fire or something."  I feel the last part of that quote is just a great way to describe other people's reaction to saying Voldemort's name out loud.

 

I don't blame Jimmy for being upset with his father for not telling him the truth and hadn't wanted to reply to the letter despite Peter's worries and love for him.  The wound of him being lied to about who his parent is still fresh and that letter doesn't make things better in all honesty.  Oh my gosh, this is one of the times I want to facepalm and say to Ron that now is not a good time to encourage him a letter.  Come again, he hasn't got a clue as to what's happening in Jimmy's life so it makes sense that his reaction would be that way.  I love you Ron but now's not the time! Your friend's going through something right now!

 

My favorite part admittedly in this chapter is Neville choosing to sit with Jimmy and not caring what anybody thinks as he does while all the other Slytherins and Gryffindors make it a point to actively stay away from the pair of them.  The Interhouse friendship between Jimmy and Neville warms my heart considering that I always value friendships between all of the four Houses although the division and attitudes towards each other is palpable and evident no thanks to the events that have occurred especially with Voldemort and his Death Eaters having causing horrors to others in the Wizarding World before his temporary downfall.

 

Ron hesistating to join Jimmy and Neville in Potions class is understandable as he's still got ways to go with getting to know them especially Neville.  It did still disappoint me that he hadn't joined them in spite of Jimmy seeming to want him to join them though! It's ironic that he was friends with the "Chosen" One in another universe but this one, he's wary and doesn't want to be near him. It's an interesting and good change though in a way! I know that he'll likely be Jimmy's best friend eventually.

 

Neville and Jimmy communicating through parchment with their quills is another one of my favorite scenes considering that it reminds of how friends will communicate with each other by exchanging notes in class. The part where Jimmy writes to Neville: "Here's someone uglier than you." also had me chortling for a few seconds. I love it!  It's truly endearing to see how they're enjoying each other's company and the friendship between them is strengthening. I had expected Ron to be the best friend of Jimmy from the get go but it seems like we're adding Neville in this mix instead which is great too!

 

Ahh yes, here comes Professor Snape and it's not surprising that like his canon counterpart, he stops to give Neville a look after calling his name for roll call or tries to get Jimmy to answer a question since he's being reminded of James in appearance when he sees him. I bet in any universe, unless it's the one where he ends up with Lily or somebody else that makes him happier than Lily, that he'll be picking on Harry no matter what.  The way Snape notes that Jimmy is like his dad, James,  Neville is Remus, and Ron is like Sirius and compares them to the Mauraders is actually great considering that I feel that he would view them similarly to them in spite of how different they are to the Marauders he's comparing them too.

 

Also poor Hermione can't seem to catch a break either considering that Jimmy calls her a nickname in his mind  (Toad Girl, oh gosh...xD) as well as slightly puts her on the spot even if she was raising her hand, Neville scribbling an unkind comment about her hand about how how much her arms will stretch by the way she's raising her hand, and then Snape telling her to put her hand down and calling her a stupid girl. I know this chapter is, however, setting up for their friendship with her and Ron later on but I felt sympathizing for her by the end of this chapter.

 

I hope you also don't mind if I point out a few things that I notice and mostly it's a few errors that I spotted since I did spot one or two. The first that I want to mention is that I did notice this part where you wrote: "Ron had is mouth full," and wanted to ask in this part did you mean to say his instead of is? Also is the imit in this part: "he dipped the quill into the inkwell  imit the girl sitting next to him." in this part of the sentence meaning imitate and in doing so,  is he imitating Hermione in notetaking during class? I just wanted to point them out to clarify with you and also bring your attention to them since I noticed them. I hope that's okay!

 

All that being said, I truly did enjoy reading this chapter immensely especially with seeing Neville and Jimmy's friendship blossoming and spotting more of the differences yet similarities to the events of the Philosopher's Stone. I enjoy your own take on the series by far and enjoying a few of the changes in this AU so far! I will try and work on commenting on Chapter 4 (and maybe Chapter 5) soon but for now, this chapter was a pretty great read! Can't wait to dive more into this story once Jul Nano settles down! Hope you have a great month this month and have a great day! Keep up the amazing job! :D

 

-Diana/Di





Conrelius Fudge after the Battle at the Department of Mysteries.


Characters: Cornelius Fudge

Pairings: None

Representation: None

Story Type: One-Shot

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): Teen Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Drama

Tropes: Careers, Law/Politics
Completed · Published: 20 Mar 2018 · Updated: 26 Jun 2019 · Words: 762 · Chapters: 1 · Reviews: 12 · Likes: 5 · Reads: 815

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 02 Jan 2023 · Title: Chapter 1: Your Truth, or Mine


Hi Pix!

 

First things first: happy New Year! I hope that you have had a wonderful holiday season as well! I'm also here to leave you a review for your wishlist seeing as I haven't done so yet! Onward to the review, shall we?

 

The way you start each section with the headlines sneering at Fudge in each section before we shift over to Fudge realising the error of his ways is brilliant in that it's like he's responding or answering each one of them yet it's not directly even though we get to see more of his thoughts and reaction to it. We can see the error of his ways being not only pointed out but also how it leads to his eventual resignation as Minister of Magic which is great.

 

Another thing that I loved about this one shot is how you not only show the effect that the truth has when it all comes back to what he's done in the past. It's great that you don't shy away from showing how flawed and or the faults his decision was and how emphasised it is in this one shot. It definitely goes back to pointing out how things aren't always black and white as well.

 

Additionally, the small detail about Percy Weasley is one of my favorite things seeing as we get to see that he does care about him and feeling that regret of having to get him involved in the whole situation itself and it gave me a better understanding of not only Fudge's feelings towards his assistant but also Percy as a character as well.

 

It's always a treat when there are stories about another's character point of view of events in the canon that we don't truly get to see and this is one of them. I truly enjoyed reading Cornelius' point of view after the discovery of Lord Voldemort's return and the consequences of his decisions in going against Harry's and Dumbledore's warning. I definitely felt myself understanding slightly more of his feelings even if I can't truly sympathise or agree with his past actions.

 

Anyway, keep up the amazing job and hope that you're having a good 2023 by far!

 

-Diana/Di



Author's Response:

Happy new year to you! Thanks for coming by and reading one of my stories!

 

I don't have any love for Fudge, but he does have an extremely difficult job. Anyone in his position would have had to make hard choices and be under a tremendous amount of pressure. His job now is especially brutal because obviously he has made a graver error and must face the people who trusted him, including poor Percy. 

 

There are always regrets, and I'm sure both Fudge and Percy feel them here. You can only move forward though. Hopefully Percy learned somethingfrom his mentors errors.

 

Again, thanks so much for dropping your thoughts on a story!

 

Hope your future is merry and bright!

 

Pix





All the truth about Jimmy Portman

Stunning banner by abhorsen

 

Destiny is the result of people's choices. And any single choice can change it completely.

 

In this AU the Marauders are still alive and free (more or less...), Neville Longbottom is the guy with the scar, and Harry... Well, just read and find out!

 

Golden Chalices 2018 winner: best dialogue

FROGS 2019 second place: best family

Golden Chalices 2019 winner: best completed multi-chapter


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Domestic Abuse, Sexual Content, Substance Abuse, Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): Dying/Grieving

Genre: Angst, AU, Drama

Tropes: Family, Fate/Prophecy, Friendship, Parenthood, School
Completed · Published: 01 Jul 2017 · Updated: 26 Jun 2019 · Words: 104924 · Chapters: 36 · Reviews: 804 · Likes: 233 · Reads: 5328

Series: Jimmy Portman's Universe



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 31 Dec 2022 · Title: Chapter 2: The Sorting


Hey Chiara!

 

I'm finally here again to review another chapter of All The Truth of Jimmy Portman since it's been awhile and I've been meaning to! Oh, and wanted to spread some holiday cheer and gift you a review for your wishlist! Anyway, onward with the review!

 

First and foremost, I love how you described the reactions with each of the characters before the Sorting had started and I think it's great that you mentioned how each of the characters especially Jimmy and Neville were feeling about it.  I also liked that we get a bit of Ron and Hermione mention at the start of this chapter too!

 

Whoa, whoa, Neville being sorted into Slytherin?! Whaaa?! I didn't see it coming all honesty but okay, cool!  Since it seems like he didn't want to be in Slytherin, am very intrigued by what the Sorting Hat said to him and how he ended up there or moreso, the why.  What was the Sorting Hat thinking when he placed him there? Of course, whatever happens, I still like this idea of Neville being a Slytherin. Definitely a change from him being sorted in Hufflepuff  which I really like! xD Oh, and since he and Draco are in the same House together and with him being the Chosen One, am wondering how that's going to turn out for the both of them. Will they be friends, foe, and or both? Hmm.

 

The Sorting Hat messed up and revealed something personal which not only astounded  Jimmy but also upsets him too! How does the Sorting Hat expect Jimmy to know who his father is or anything about his past?! Also Potter?!  So is Jimmy a Potter or is he, Harry?! I feel bad for Jimmy now having to think that he's living a lie and feeling as if he doesn't know what to do or expect after that happened. Sorting Hat, you had one job!  As for why Jimmy doesn't know of his past, I would have to guess for now it's out of protection and love that he wasn't revealed until now.  Despite Jimmy being upset, am quite eager to know more about his past and what did the hat mean when he said, "Love isn't a lie."  

 

I honestly don't blame Jimmy for running out of the Great Hall after what just happened. It's definitely something that needs to be processed. Also, how can you just move on from that? The Sorting Hat definitely made a mistake with his comments.  The putative father comment also feels irksome too or would if I were in his shoes.  

 

Oh no, Jimmy! :( I understand his mood going from impatiently wanting to be sorted to being confused and upset since he feels that his life may be a lie because of what the Sorting Hat told him seeing that it was all of a sudden too. :(   I may of kind of squealed when the twins came and checked in on him which kind of surprises me since I was hoping for Ron to do so but at the same time, it's nice to see  the Weasley twins comforting rather than pranking somebody.  Not to say that I don't enjoy their pranks but you know,  it's great to read when they're more than just pranksters and have more depth to them! Admittedly the part where one of them asks him if he was disappointed in being a Gryffindor had me chuckling a bit like what they would say.  Which twin said that by the way? I have to ask! xD 

 

I also wanted to mention there was a part where you wrote this: "Unlike Hermione, Ron found the idea of not having to pass a test contorting, even if only slightly." and was wondering if you meant comforting? If so, just wanted to point it out since I had no idea what you meant and wanted to clarify! 

 

Anyway, I do look forward to the next chapter wheter it's more revelations about Jimmy's past including who he is and regarding his family and not only him but Neville being a Slytherin.  Definitely eager to read the next chapter!

 

-Diana/Di





Lily Luna Potter has done it. She is finally hired as an Auror and completes her training without any issue. She doesn't, however, expect to be assigned to a task force investigating a murder of a former Azkaban prisoner who skipped out on probation.

She also doesn't expect the case to involve people she thought were stuck firmly and immovably in her past.

banner by snicket! @ TDA


Rating and Advisories (required): Mature Audiences (Slurs, Sexual Content, Substance Abuse, Violence)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Action/Adventure, Crime/Mystery

Tropes: None
Incomplete · Published: 31 Mar 2018 · Updated: 11 Nov 2022 · Words: 8686 · Chapters: 5 · Reviews: 31 · Likes: 8 · Reads: 318

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 22 Dec 2022 · Title: Chapter 1: he went deeper into black


Hello!

 

I’m here to spread some holiday cheer as well as gift you a review for your wishlist! Oh, and definitely loving the title as well!

 

The beginning piques my interest because you set up a scene quite wonderfully with a mysterious wizard with a not so great track record who is doing his job of standing guard for the shady clients that he’s working for and letting the readers know about what’s happening without giving too much away! I definitely have to wonder if he’s guarding a wizarding world version of a mob or just people who are important like in the Ministry but are crooks and or bad people outside of the job.  If that makes sense? It’s also interesting that he’s also doing this job while trying to not risk being caught by the Aurors that he’s trying to hide from too.

 

I do have to ponder as to what happened with his brother in the past and why he’s no longer alive.  Come again, the job that he’s doing is probably a very dangerous one and maybe it’s what his brother had also done.  I do like that you give us some backstory or detail about his past as well! 

There’s so much tension as the wizarding is trying to do his job yet something disrupts him from doing so and we’re equally clueless as he is to what’s coming which I love as well.  Oh, and I love this part, especially the wording in this sentence: “The force of the spell threw him backwards and he grunted as the ground came up to meet him. He landed hard on his back and felt all his breath leave his body as his wand flew out of his hand.”   I like the wording of how the ground meets him but also the fact that it has the reader get that sense of uneasiness as to what’s about to happen or what’s to come.  

 

The way you ended the chapter with a green light flashing in front of him sends a chill to my bone seeing as we can conclude that he’s going to be a murder victim for a possible mystery case and this event is something that is able to set up what the main story is about.  If I’m not mistaken, I do recall from the reading of the story’s summary, this definitely is not the main character. Still nonetheless, despite that.

 

Honestly such a great way to lead into the start of the story and what’s to come!  Honestly this makes me ponder what it’ll happen next as well! For now, definitely will have me asking so many questions and eagerly anticipating the next chapter! Amazing job!

 

-Diana/Di





Curious things live within the pages of books, and curiouser things live in the woods from whence those pages came.

 

Kikian Dethael is a librarian for the Zenith Library in Crestvale, when an adventurer stumbles in, asking for help with her research and her entire world shifts.


Characters: Magical Creature, Original Female Character, Original Male Character

Pairings: OC/OC

Representation: None

Story Type: Challenge Entry, Novel (50,000+ words)

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): Teen Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Action/Adventure, Crime/Mystery, Drama, Fantasy

Tropes: Found Family, Friendship
Incomplete · Published: 24 Nov 2021 · Updated: 30 Jan 2023 · Words: 8497 · Chapters: 2 · Reviews: 14 · Likes: 4 · Reads: 2405

Series: Sunshire Universe



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 20 Dec 2022 · Title: Chapter 2: Magic Flares and Nightmares


Hey again Madi!

I’m back again to gift you a review for your wishlist. That, and I’m honestly very intrigued by this story admittedly as well!

So completely forgot to mention about the blue light that appears in her hands near the end of the last chapter and how it’s suddenly glowing but is this in a way related to Kikian and her newfound powers that she may or may have not known about? 

Okay so apparently we get one of the most devastating news and that Sionia is actually considered a fugitive according to the government on the posters which is quite devastating seeing as her and Kikian seemed to bond during the last chapter too.  Come again, one shouldn’t have been too surprised due to the fact that we hardly knew anything about her apart from what information she gave to Kikian and from the events that we gathered.  I’m not saying that I suspected her or anything but we can’t truly jump to conclusions just yet.  Still, it’s interesting that the government find her, Strombo, Basinia, and Jerrett a threat.  Wonder if there’s something more going on than what we know.  I wonder if Kikian has doubts in spite of feeling a sense of uneasiness from this sudden news of her new found companions. 

I like that we learn that Kikian also sews as a hobby and something that she does as a hobby.  Well that, and that she’s made as a quilt as you described her room.  I do understand how the news about Sionia and her crew of champions not only is troubling but a distracting matter for Kikian when she does try to not only enjoy but also sleep during the night.  It’s like that feeling of unease that won’t go away no matter what.  I do recall that she also seems to have worried about Sionia in the previous chapter and wondering if now that she seems to know the government is searching for Sionia and her friends that she feels a sense of unease in aiding her and her adventures and being friends.  Come again, I also feel that maybe this is where she’s also having doubts in spite of the official warning. 

The little detail about a giant figure with three humanoids in an undisclosed location that seems like a home sounds genuinely creepy and grim seeing as whoever is laying them down in their home is most likely behind the attacks. I wonder if the three unmentioned figures are Sionia, Jerrett, and Basina and why does this shadowy figure have them?  Near the end of the chapter, does Sionia, is she trying to reach somebody who has the power to activate the necklace and if so, does that mean that it most likely will reach Kikian who seems to have the same powers.  


It’s great to see that Kikian finally seems to eventually realize her mysterious shocks that she’s been having and how it relates to Sionia and maybe, just maybe, there’s a reason why those shocks keep happening whenever they’re near each other and there’s a greater significance to it! I do have a slight theory that it may be involving Sionia’s necklace as well as Kikian’s glowing blue hands that seems to be a recurrence. Of course, this is just me digging at the surface trying to see what information I can gather from my reading so far! xD 

I love how this not only unfolds more about what’s happening with Kikian and relating to the events of Sionia and her group’s disappearance but also about Kikian with her newfound powers and her nightmares becoming something of a vision for the horror of the reality that’s unfolding slowly throughout the story so far.  It’s also good that she also gets to visit Alri and chats with him about her worries for Sionia and her friends as well as her possible doubts and discussing her nightmare visions that she’s had and having somebody who’ll not only be on her side but probably will try and eventually figure out as they go onward trying to get to the bottom of it. 

I still have many questions including if the huge figure that is seen in the shadows is the villain of the story and is trying to prevent something greater from happening? Is the blue light as well as the pendant that Sionia pertaining to the arcane magic that she was researching in the Zenith library? Sionia and her friends are considered fugitives but is there a reason as to why they’re suspected as that by the guards?  Also the way you ended the chapter with Sionia being injured but still alive and activating her necklace which I mentioned earlier just has me pondering what’s going to happen next! I’m loving where this is going and how everything is going to slowly unfold as the events happen! Keep up the amazing work! :)

 

-Diana/Di




Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 20 Dec 2022 · Title: Chapter 1: The Zenith Library


Hey Madi,

 

I saw that you wanted reviews for this story on your wishlist and thought I would leave a review on this story after skimming it and finding it quite intriguing by what I read so far! With that being said,  onward to the review! 

 

Okay, can I just start by saying that I'm actually very much loving this story from what I read?  The way you introduce Kikian and that we get to know more about her as the story progresses from her job as a librarian at the Zenith library to where she hangs out to unwind after a hard's day work at the Sleeping Dragon—which is a pretty cool name for the pub by the way-- and seeing her friendship with Alri alongside her bond with coworkers like Rowan as well. I also like seeing how informative and confident she is in her job as a librarian as well! It definitely makes her job not only easier but more exciting if one were in her position! 

 

It's cool that we get to see Kikian also form a bond with Sionia who the readers learn that she was a student of Nydea who used magic and that she travels a lot to study magic and goes on many fantastical adventures as well or at least that's what's implied from what I've read. That, and that she's there to research about something that seems to be an abstruse topic that isn't given much thought into. I love that we also see how their friendship slowly grows considering that Kikian helps Sionia when she needs it with searching for the important texts regarding the magic and the latter accepts her invitation when she invites her to go to the pub with Alri and her other friends. We also get other characters like Jerrett and Basinia who we get to see bits from when Kikian and her friends have a drink with them as well!

 

I also wonder if the tingle in the story that she feels also has to do with maybe how tied or connected they are with each other whether they realize it or not. It's very intriguing with how you mentioned the tingles happening from when she feels it when Sionia appears in the library to when Kikian heads to dreamland and she has tingles in her hand. I honestly do want to know what that indicates and where this leads to.  Very, very, very curious about this!

 

Also even though Crestvale is set as the backdrop of the story that the readers have been introduced to, I think from the way you describe it feels quite immersive. Whether it's the Zenith library filled with books and scholarly articles for those doing their research and that she helps the readers of the library find what they need or the Sleeping Dragon where she frequents often for her time off and to hang with her coworkers and friends with their drinks. The worldbuilding that you have done in the story definitely helps me feel lost in the world as I read it. It's honestly one of my favorite aspects of reading this story by far! I truly enjoy being transported to Crestvale for sure, thanks to your descriptions! :)

 

The way you describe Kikian's routine along with bits of Sionia's adventures with her crew is pretty great seeing as we're seeing the contrast of the tranquillity of the former's life while also slightly peeking into the adventure that the latter character is venturing on. It feels, again, like their fate is somehow connected even though we're mainly looking into Kikian's point of view for the most part. Seeing from the dreams and shifting the point of view slightly, it seems as if there's a sinister force in the air or behind Sionia's disappearance or lack of visit to the library and that Kikian has been blind to it all the way until we reach the conclusion of the first chapter. Speaking of which, I do have to wonder if Kikian is related directly or somehow part of the threat or the magical forces behind whatever's happeing so far. Oh, and I do want to add that I loved this sentence in the story as well since it feels like a foreshadow of what’s to come: “She doesn't notice the red splash across the dark sky behind her, dripping, dripping, dripping.” 

 

 

In spite of how dark it seems for Sionia and her crew struggling and having a trail of blood from something horrible happening and Kikian’s hand experiencing a shock where her hand becomes blue which sounds very ominous, still looking forward to seeing what's happening next! Definitely can't wait to read the next chapter to see what unfolds next! 

 

 

-Diana/Di





by
Orphan


Characters: None

Pairings: None

Representation: None

Story Type: None

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: None

Tropes: None
Incomplete · Published: 01 Jan 1970 · Updated: 01 Jan 1970 · Words: 0 · Chapters: 0 · Reviews: · Likes: · Reads: 0

Series: facingthenorthwind sampler, Slytherin MFWHATA Winners, 2019 Collab, 2019 Collab, sanctum beach series



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 16 Jan 2022 · Title: Chapter 1: i'm feeling hot to the touch


Hey Kris!

I’m here for your wishlist request for the arctic adventure event. Well, that, and the fact is I’ve been meaning to try and stop by your author’s page and read your works at some point seeing as I haven’t been able to do so!  Anyway, with that being said, onward to the review!

First things first since I wanted to point this out but I’m in love with some of your descriptions and word choices in this story.  I feel there’s a few sentences or paragraphs that stood out to me  that I should mention.  I know that I’m supposed to probably be talking about the characters or plot  first but will  get to that in a bit.  I should mention how much I love how poetic and gorgeous your writing is.  One example of that is this part:  

“I stop in front of him and when he looks up at me, those silver eyes meeting my own, a glimmer of a sly smile appearing on his face, knowing, always knowing that there’s something more, something unsaid between us, and it all goes straight to my head, as if Teddy is a drug, like those white lines in his dorm room, stolen moments of happiness, of euphoria, away from all the chaos of my family, of Victoire, and it hurts to think that it’s even worse for her, and there’s aching in my soul at the thought.” 

Honestly, I cannot get enough of reading a sentence or two just because of how you managed to encompass Dominique’s feelings and desire for him there. Not to mention, as a reader,  it definitely felt like the words seemed to flow by as we’re being told what she’s feeling and thinking in that moment regarding Teddy.

Another thing I wanted to point out that while it’s obvious that Dominique seems to be the one wanting Teddy more than he wants her,  it broke my heart for me to read the sentences where Dominique is going about this in spite of the conflict of wanting him but not being able to have him yet doing something behind her sister’s back when it’s not right. I think it’s because as the reader, you’re knowing what’s going on, and the character doesn’t realize it, if that makes sense? 

Also this sentence just gets to me:

“He fills our glasses, downing his own as he stares at me, a challenge in his eyes and I sit down next to him, taking the glass he offers, the burn of tequila fading compared to the burn in my heart.”

This reminds me of how you’re in love with somebody or love them but knowing that deep down, you truly can’t have them and even if they’re doing something outside of a kiss, it’s still the little moments between you and them that you realize things like these or at least know about it in a sense that it’s still going to and or does hurt.

 

Oh, and I should mention that I enjoyed the tension seeing as it definitely felt that way in the story with how Dominique is not supposed to be with Teddy yet she is and they’re drinking tequila and then he kisses her in the dark and it had me wondering: “Is Victoire going to notice?” and not just that but also if any other surprises apart from the kiss in the dark was going to happen between the pair of them. I do want to also mention that your characters feel like they’re at the forefront of the story rather than just being a couple of pieces in the background at a party.  I definitely felt it when you’re  writing about Teddy and Dominique both drinking tequila and being in each other’s company and having the moment shared between just the two of them.  I almost forgot for a second they were at a party too!

The way you ended this with Teddy kissing her in the darkness and saying that it’s their secret has me pondering if there’s more that could happen between the pair of them and this is just part of the story between them or what? Even so, I think it’s great that you ended this the way you did. Leaving the readers to be hooked by what’s happening with Dominique and Teddy yet also leaving them with something that could be left for maybe an open interpretation or if not that, at least make them want more in the future stories or something like that. I admit that I’m curious!

Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading it!  This was such a wonderful read! Definitely hoping to read more of your works at some point! Fantastic job! 

-Diana/Di





Draco is invited to an engagement party that he doesn't really want to be at. Something changes.


Characters: Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood

Pairings: Unlisted Pairing

Representation: None

Story Type: Challenge Entry

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): All Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Drama, General

Tropes: Forgiveness, Rare Pair
Completed · Published: 30 Nov 2021 · Updated: 01 Dec 2021 · Words: 505 · Chapters: 1 · Reviews: 9 · Likes: 5 · Reads: 651

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 16 Jan 2022 · Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1


Hi Della!


 


I saw on your wishlist on the forums for the Arctic Adventure that you wanted reviews on this story and plus I haven’t read your works yet so I thought why not drop two birds with one stone! Or something like that? Anyway, onward to the review shall we?!


 


The idea of Draco Malfoy having a glass wall especially a metaphoric one is brilliant and the way you managed to convey it slowly throughout moments shows whether  he's standing at the party watching the Potters befuddled as to why he got invited to them to when he sees Luna Lovegood at the same party moments later unsure of why she’s there until he asks her.  I love how you wrote this with mentioning the glass wall he has bit by bit in each of the scenes we see him in too!


 


 


Another thing I wanted to mention that I absolutely loved is that we see more of Harry and Draco's friendship expanded on since it seems like they aren't really friends or seem close in the books. I'm glad that Harry seems to warm up to him and is kind enough to not only compliment him on the curse breaking and healing them during this scene (and am wondering if it’s part of the auror mission or something like that?) to inviting him to a party that he’s attending in the present day of the story. I honestly feel Harry is doing his best to try and reach out to Draco which is great! The two being friends is something I’ve always hoped for. The part where it’s mentioned that glass knock also feels like these interactions between him and Harry shows that he’s definitely noticed a change between them and is starting to open up  but not completely.


 


 


I also love that Luna Lovegood was also the one to break the metaphorical glass and, we see that while it shocks him, it's also him coming to terms with the fact that he can have somebody whom he might be able to open up to and not have a wall all the time.  It’s great to see that he’s also doing so with her as well! 


 


Can't go without mentioning how I loved this part near the end: 


“The wrackspurts are confusing you Draco - they’re making you childish,” she said indulgently, “let’s just go. You’ll have fun. Promise.” She spoke with such soft finality, dragging his sleeve along with her. There was no decision to be made. He went. 


And the glass came shattering down.”


It just perfectly describes the scene not only so well but I love the way Luna also mentions wrackspurts and still manages to get him to dance with her as well. I think the way she also says this is like her way of taking charge and letting Draco know that she won’t take no for an answer or that’s what it seems like to me reading this.


 


Despite not being a huge Draco and Luna shipper, it's always great when people write about them since they seem to have potential quite possibly after the events of the Battle at Hogwarts. They’re a rare pair in a sense that people wouldn't be thinking about them being together romantically and more in line with them instead having forced interactions, while fighting together on the same side of the wizarding world.


 


The way you wrote each of the characters reminded me of them in the canon universe and honestly I am here for it and love, love, LOVE it! I can definitely hear Draco call Harry, scarface in mind rather than using his actual name or how Luna would definitely find a way to get somebody like Draco to join her to dance.  I  also love that Harry seems to remind Draco to call him by his own name since it would seem like something he would do if they’re friends.  Also mentioned this earlier but Luna mentioning the wrackspurts confusing him is not only humorous but still definitely her.


 


Overall, this was such a short yet also very lovely and kind of fun read! You did such a great job of having Draco having his metaphorical glass walls up around others and having somebody like Luna to shatter that wall near the end.  I don’t know if you’ll write more about them or anything else but whatever it is, I hope to read it! :)


 


Wonderful job!


 


 


-Diana/Di





Let the dead rest in peace. 

 

For dreamshadow’s angsty taylor swift challenge


Characters: None

Pairings: None

Representation: None

Story Type: Challenge Entry, Flash Fiction (under 1000 words), One-Shot

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): Teen Audiences (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: Song Fic

Tropes: Destructive Romance, Origin Story
Completed · Published: 02 Jun 2021 · Updated: 14 Jan 2022 · Words: 473 · Chapters: 1 · Reviews: 9 · Likes: 6 · Reads: 580

Series: A Little Bit Yours



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 14 Jan 2022 · Title: Chapter 1: I'll Be The Actress Starring In Your Bad Dreams


Hey Jacquelin!

 


I thought I would drop by and read a work by you as I realized that I probably haven’t done so yet. If I have then please refresh my memory as to which one I’ve done but pretty certain that I haven’t read and or reviewed anything by you.  Oh, and also here for your wishlist for the Artic Adventure event so there’s also that! With that being said, onward to review, shall we?

 

 


I love that we start off with having no idea what’s happening apart from the narrator being upset with the hero of the story who decided to bring them back to life and that it was not the greatest of the decisions.  I feel that in spite of not knowing who this narrator is at all with exception of the fact they’ve been revived by the hero, we can somewhat pick up from this happening they’re not content about this very fact and wanted to keep moving onto the afterlife which is great. I feel this is one of those stories where the narrator is not supposed to be expanded upon apart from what the author wants us readers to know or at least see in that sense.  I will admit that I am curious about who the narrator is a person nonetheless in spite of it! 

 

 


The concept of this story being the hero trying to revive somebody whom wants to be at peace with having moved on to the afterlife yet trying to revive them only to not give them that peace they’ll need but instead are stipped away and causing them to become upset by it is such a fascinating idea in all honesty!  The way the narrator speaks in these sentences: “You chose this for me. You made me into this hollow existence. You took away my chance at peace and filled me with confusion and wrath and this perpetual knowing that something in me is missing.”  is letting the readers know the hero who’s supposed to be the one saves the day in this instance, however, seems to be more of the opposite and instead makes it seem more like a villain or at least somehow paints them in that light which I find is so appealing in that we’re convinced the hero may not be a hero after all if that makes sense? 

 

 


The choice the hero made even if they’re doing the right thing is not the right or good one.  It feels as if it goes against the narrator’s wishes to be at peace in the afterlife and that’s not something one should be awakened from metaphorically speaking.  I should mention that I read stories where most heroes lose somebody important and special to them who goes to the afterlife or they end up reviving that person who died and that person seems gracious and happy they’re alive and everything’s all peachy and dandy This story, however, seems to diminish the usual endings which makes it even more unique and engrossing to read!

 

 



Another thing I want to mention apart from the whole hero reviving the narrator aspect, is that we also get a sense of not just the narrator’s internal thoughts of how they feel about coming back to life but also instead of letting things be or go the way it’s supposed to go or whatever, they’re instead putting themselves in charge and honestly that’s such a great thing to do. Definitely cannot let somebody who forced you to be “alive” or in this afterlife that you ddin’t want get away with taking control of you.  And maybe I’m getting into too much of the story to have said that.  But seriously, I can feel their anger with how their peace was stripped away from them. 

 

 



Oh, and let’s not forget this part:  “I see it, you know? The way you look at me now. The distrust and suspicion in the corners of your eyes. You’re wondering what I’m capable of. Ready to toss me aside now that you know I don’t have to be a corpse to continue rotting.”  This part in particular was devastatingly wonderful. I found myself feeling quite awful for the narrator with going to have no say in the decision that was made for them and then having to come back to the hero who now views them with distrust and scorn instead of realizing what they did was wrong in this scenario.  Honestly I’m all for sympathizing for the hero who lost somebody yet this one makes me instead root for the narrator and forging their own path. 

 

 


Since you mentioned the title is from Taylor Swift’s song: Look What You Made Me Do, I just want to say that while I’m not a huge Swiftie but love this song, do feel that song title is also very fitting for the title of this original fiction!   Honestly this was well written and immensely enjoyed reading it! Hoping to read more of your work eventually! Amazing job!

 

 

 

-Diana/Di




by
Orphan


Characters: None

Pairings: None

Representation: None

Story Type: None

FFT Groups:
Rating and Advisories (required): (None)

Content Warnings (optional): None

Genre: None

Tropes: None
Incomplete · Published: 01 Jan 1970 · Updated: 01 Jan 1970 · Words: 0 · Chapters: 0 · Reviews: · Likes: · Reads: 0

Series: facingthenorthwind sampler, Slytherin MFWHATA Winners, 2019 Collab, 2019 Collab, sanctum beach series



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 11 Jan 2022 · Title: None


Hey Courtney!

 

It's been awhile since my last review but I thought I would try and read this seeing as I've been meaning to do so since I've heard of this story on the forums about a year ago! Well that, and this is also for your wishlist for the Artic Adventure as well! Anyway, that being said, onward to the review!

 

Oh gosh, I don't even know where to start because there's so many things I want to say about this and have questions as well since there's alot that's happening in this prologue. However, before we get into that, I will start by saying that that Credella seems to be intriguing for me as a character because we're not only seeing her dreading of what's to come with the ball that's happening but also by her actioins. For example, the heated debate happening and she doesn't seem to care enough to hear what's being said. She, instead, tries to find Septimus, and seems more focused on that. I think it gives the reader not only a chance to ask questions but ask: what's so important about this scene?  The tension also is very well written as we get to see how calm the atmosphere is but yet that is slowly changing as well to when the fight breaks out and then we see that she and Septimus are trying to escape--which I'll get to--but anyway, I do find it intriguing that she's searching for him when we're first reading the prologue. By intriguing, I wonder what's her purpose for finding him? What does she want with him? Are they going to rebel together or find a way to run away? So the start definitely fascinated me! 

 

I should also mention that when we do get to the part where you described them as ships in the sea, I couldn't help but ponder that if the sea in this case are the witches and wizards at the ball while they're like ships trying to get by in the sea and the tide that is the atmosphere and what's happening at the party.  If that makes sense?  Still it's a very interesting comparision if we're being honest so that was pretty cool to read!

 

Another thing I wanted to mention is the way you introduced Septimus in the scene and you described his voice first and his hair color wonderfully as you introduce him in a way that makes the readers intrigued and I can't help but feel as if I'm in awe of it. I do wonder what's happening between the two of them to where they are now--romantically-- and how they play a role in this ongoing conflict that's happening around them. I couldn't help but find myself swooning a bit when they were forced to separate but then a kiss happens between them. The kiss is also one of my favorite things about this seeing that despite them having to hurry and part ways, they found some time to show their feelings for one another and there's chaos going about if I might add--those are just simply entertaining ones if I do say so myself even if it's not the right or proper time to kiss per se. What happens, am hoping they'll find a way to be reunited!

 

The way you wrote the tensions happening within this scene is wonderful enough to make a reader going into this apprehensive and nervous--at least for me, that's how I felt when I read most of this apart from finding myself asking what's going on and what's happening in the story. I do have to mention that at first, I thought, Charis was Credella's best friend or friend and that they had come together but rereading it again, I believe that's her sister and I'm wondering how she's important to Credella. Does Credella have to look after her while her parents can't? I know that her sister can't apparate alone and that she has to go with her. But like, does Charis play an important part in this conflict just as Septimus and Credella do? Ahhh definitely curious about her as well!

 

 

The descriptions that you put into this story are truly beauteous, remarkable, and vivid seeing as I'm not only reading them and they're part of the story but I'm being pulled into the scene with the characters as well. One could say that it's like a movie being played in the depths of their imagination and it's a highy satifisying one. There's so many examples that I loved as well that it's hard to choose a favorite or which one had marveling the whole time with this chapter and possibly will with other chapters. The one I do think that stands out to me is this: "Dread started to balloon inside Credella's chest as she made a full circle round herself, seeking and failing to find him, like a ship lost beneath the dark veil of night. He was the only source of light that would guide her away from this calamitous debate and onto safer shores. With him beside her, she would feel surer of the future." I like those sentences especially the latter seeing as it describes how important he is to her and why she needed to find him or we get a sense of that through those two things.

 

Despite not having any idea what's going on entirely, I'll admit that I also get an idea of what's going on at other times. I know this scene is just the prologue where things are being set up and or introduced but I love that it's an intense yet exciting way to start the story! Despite not knowing what's happening fully, I will say that I know that I'm so looking forward to learning more about Credella, Septimus, and even Charis! Honestly, you pulled me in with your writing and I want to know, let alone, see more of what's to come!

 

For now, I'm just glad that I finally got around to reading this and that also please keep up the fantastic work, and cannot wait to read chapter two! :D

 

-Diana/Di



Author's Response:

Di! This is such a marvelous review! I appreciate it so much! I am glad you enjoyed meeting Cedrella and Septimus. I know there is not a lot said in this prologue (this story began solely on vibes alone LOL), but I was tyring to show that their romance is sort of forbidden and that everything is super high stakes in this universe. 

 

Thank you for the compliments and the interpretation about the ships and those in the ballroom...it was definitely intended. :) I'm glad you felt that all of those metaphors worked. And yes, I definitely incorporate Charis more alongside these two in the story. So if you do read onward, you will read more of her. 

 

I don't know that I have anything more to say, except I appreciate this review so much! Thank you for taking the time to read the opening of this story and to share your thoughts!

 

<3 Courtney 





A thoughtful gesture is enough to make someone's day. A Post Hogwarts story with both old characters we love, and new ones we learn to love.  


Incomplete · Published: 24 Jun 2021 · Updated: 18 Feb 2024 · Words: 100939 · Chapters: 22 · Reviews: 89 · Likes: 29 · Reads: 935

Series: None



Reviewer: starlitcastles Signed
Date: 04 Jan 2022 · Title: Chapter 1: Food For Thought


Hey Heather! I wanted to drop by to read and review this story as I have not only been meaning to read this in ages but have not done so! This is also for your wishlist for the Artic Adventure event! With that said, onward ot the review!

 

 

 

First off, I really love the dialogue of your characters and how the Golden trio all sound like you would of have read them off the pages of the book! Honestly some of the things that Harry or Ron says just reminds me of them and what they would probably say in the books!  So I guess I should say that props to you on your characterization or at least trying to stick close to canon and capturing their personalities very well! :)

 

 

 

The part about Ginny wanting to be happy that the war is over and that many people she had worried about had was described wonderfully. I particularly loved this sentence: "She stopped next to a window, leaned on the sill, and breathed heavily. The sun streamed inside the dark corridor. The sky blue and cloudless, almost as if it had won a triumphant victory of its own."  It definitely is an accurate description of grief.  I honestly wanted to hug Ginny when she was breaking down and thinking about no longer having a brother with her. George not only lost a twin and other half but Ginny also lost a brother who also made her laugh and one she got along with quite often.  I still wish to this day that Fred hadn't died and that somehow he was still with the Golden trio and his family.

 

 

 

I honestly love that the random stranger who hugged Ginny while she was crying about the realization of Fred's death, was a Slytherin.  I hadn't expected that as I read that and actually thought the stranger was an unfamiliar witch or wizard or a Puff since they're known for their warm hugs hahaha. In seriousness, it's great that the Slytherin was there to hug and comfort Ginny or took some time to do so. The world needs kindness and what's a better gesture of kindness then giving strangers a random hug and trying to help comfort them when they're grieving or going through a horrible time in their life?  It was one of my favorite parts of this chapter so far.

 

 

 

Oh my gosh, I love the fact that Kreacher has become so much kinder after the events of Deathly Hallow and that he is to Harry.  It's sad that Ginny still hadn't had an idea or knew what happened to Dobby. It actually breaks my heart just thinking about Dobby. It's just great that Kreacher has been so willing to do Ginny's requests even though I do think her asking for the fresh change of clothes for not just her and Harry is probably quite alot if you think about it! Still, if he's able to do so, then I don't see why not?

 

 

 

I should definitely mention that I genuinely love all the Hinny moments and can't pinpoint which one I liked best as I love anything with Hinny in it and just knowing they have such a wonderful relationship is my favorite thing to read! I thought her using the Wingardium Leviosa on Harry with The Fat Lady commenting and watching them was quite hilarious! Hadn't expected her to that spell on Harry like that yet that's such a good idea to do so though hahaa! xD  Oh, and of course, I understand why she would angry with him in regards but I'm really glad that they're able to discuss with another and be able to convey their feelings with one another too. Oh, and that kissing scene was not something I expected but do love! :)

 

 

 

I love how we see a bit of Ron and Ginny's sibling relationship in this chapter too and I know that you mentioned her brothers earlier and the twins and that was sad just thinking about Fred whose death I'll never get over. :( I'm just glad that her and Ron are at least still with one another though! It was cute how they got to hug one another and still tease each other or get at each other and in this case about their relationships in a sense.  Ginny's digust with Riomone definitely felt like something Book Ginny would definitely react to even if she loves that Hermione and Ron are now dating as well! I do want to also mention that I'm glad that we got to see some Romione too seeing Ron and Hermone being in love in general. They're so precious together as well. <3  I love how they just wanted to stay in bed and just keep snogging each other. It's definitely so on part with them! ;w;

 

 

 

It's really sweet how Ginny and Harry takes care of baby Teddy after Andromeda goes with Professor McGonagall to see the grave of her daughter and her son in law. I think when Teddy burped on Harry, I can not only envision the scene but also Harry's disgust too hahaha. Poor Harry!  Then again, he's going to have to deal with three children down the line...so yeah! Ginny, on the otherhand, is definitely going to be prepared! It's great that Andromeda recognizes this in not only in Ginny being able to hold him but also Harry. Harry is definitely a parent material along with Ginny. Tonks and Remus definitely knew what they're doing choosing them as godfathers.  It's also nice that you also expanded Andromeda's conversations with Harry and Ginny since we don't see or hear much of Andromeda and the other characters in the book. It's nice that she's the one also taking care of Teddy too.  I also forgot to mention earlier but I love the conversation where Harry and Ginny talked about Lupin and Tonks making both Harry and Ginny being the godparents to their son, Teddy and it's so fitting with whom they have chosen as well.

 

 

 

Ahh yes, it's glad to hear there will be memorials and for parents. I definitely can relate to Harry's pain knowing that despite how the events unfolded and the lives that were lost and sacrifices being made that it still wasn't fair. I feel that it not only makes him relatable and human but it's something that we also have to deal or live with especially in a big event such as a war and also while dealing with death. I know that in his case is more so due to him and his path and journey to where he is. Still, am glad to know that those who died battling against Voldemort, sacrificing themselves, and each other.

 

 

 

Honestly this was a really well written chapter and I had so much I want to say about it but I'm hoping this will suffice for now!  I'm excited to definitely get around to reading Chapter 2 as well!  For now, do want to say that I enjoyed it and am hoping to come back to this story soon and read more!  Awesome job! :)

 

 

-Diana/Di!



Author's Response:

My goodness this is probably my longest review to date! But I LOVE it!!

That is one of the highest compliments that the characters sound straight out of the book! Thank you so much!

Yes, Ginny's grief is real. I have to say, what happened to her, getting hugged by a stranger during her grief, really happened to me. I just characterized them as a friend who identifies as Slytherin and could see her doing the same thing, though she wasn't who hugged me randomly, she would definitely do that though. Also, Slytherins get such a bad rep! Not all of them are jerks!

Kreacher becomes a bigger part of the family and I love it. I can't help but include him after all he'd been through. Remember in book 7, before they left Grimmauld Place, he'd been cooking and cleaning for them because Harry gave him Regulus' Locket and promised to continue his work? Kreacher would then understand anyone who fought with Harry also fought for Regulus. At least that's how I see it.

OMG the Hinny moments are too cute. A long time ago I had the idea of Ginny floating him up the stairs. It was too cute to cut. (and by long time I mean at least 10 years ago lol) But yes, there will have to be the upsets, it was still very rough for both of them over the past year.

Yes, Romione is also going to be fully represented. The chapters will be on rotation between the four of them and we will get the full spectrum of that including Ginny and Ron's relationship, the bromance and Ginny and Hermione. in their sibling type relationships.

There will be plenty of time for everyone to practice their inner parent in the coming chapters, and that's all I'll say. It is very bittersweet here though.

I'm so happy you enjoyed this story and completely look forwards to many more reviews from you. This is truly the story I've wanted to tell for years (it was on HPFF) and I'm glad I get to edit it to where I'm really really proud of it.

As I tell others, this story will also link to With Sirius Black which follows Sirius from after the Prison break to his death :( But you'll understand the need to write it in the upcoming chapters ;)

Thanks again for such a great review!

Heather