So, THANK YOU for writing this chapter.

This had to be coming. Short and simple. It just wouldn't have been "Ginny" if everything would have been immediately honky-dory.

I have some huge issues with Harry and Ginny's relationship in the book, mostly because I think it was severely underdeveloped...or even better, there was little to work with because Harry was too busy scurrying about England. Whatever the case, they had a "thing" and then we're suddenly supposed to come to terms with it after Voldemort has been smited.

You've given a good image into how this occurs! Wonderful, actually. I think Harry is perceptive and certainly not as thick as Ron, but he has his "growing" to do in terms of relationships. It's not like he had time in Hogwarts to do multitudes of dating.

So, all in all, wonderful! I think the scene at the Weasley's is great. It really must be like living in a fish bowl. Poor Ginny.to be the only girl in that mess!

Alright, wonderful chapter, as always. Can't wait to keep reading!!!

Author's Response: You're welcome! Now let me thank you for reading it and reviewing!!! I hope you don't mind that I'm working my way backwards through your reviews in my responses. It seemed easier to start at the top of the list tonight. :)

I have mixed feelings on the Ginny/Harry thing myself. Don't get me wrong, I'm a complete supporter of them together, and I do love the little glimpses of them we get in the books. I was pushing for them to get together since book two, but like you, I wish we would have seen more of Ginny in the books. As for the movies, I have very mixed feelings. I'm not sure the actress who plays Ginny would have been my first choice, and I'm not a huge fan of the manner in which she plays her, but at the same time I've been watching her play Ginny from the beginning so she's stuck in my brain that way. Does that make any sense?

Anyway, when I write the two of them together, I like to try and do it how I wish it would have been done. I hope people like reading it and I hope I don't get Ginny too out of character.

Harry being a bit dumb? That was fun to write - because face it, savior of the wizarding world or not, he's still a 17 year old boy and I work with 17 year old boys every day - love is NOT their forte.

So glad to see you back, and so glad you aren't terribly put out with me for my slow/non-existant replies to your WONDERFUL reviews! I shall get to some more later tonight, but wanted you to know I'm reading and loving them.

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Ok way to go, you brought tears to my eyes. I'm not sure this has ever happened. I'm not even particularly emotional this evening! Bahh. This is a compliment to you, my dear. Wonderful writing as always.

So I could gush and gush about your writing, but you already know that drill. So I've taken to making notes as I go along about what strikes me as I'm reading.

We all know Molly was always the "Mother hen". It's in her nature. What you've done here is created a scene that literally IS canon. (Ironic for an OC story...) This scene is literally what would have happened. I think JKR would have to STEAL this idea from you to make it as perfect. No, not exaggerating. It was heartwarming and simply just beautiful to read.

I can just see Harry, even our strong Harry, falling into the arms of this woman and sobbing. What a war it must be.

Then you go and you pull on my heart strings by visiting Lily's grave. Good grief do I love me some Lily and James Potter. You really show this passion that Molly has as a mother--such a passion that she feels the need to go and talk to Harry's mom. She does so with such a reverence. With such...mom-ness. It was wonderful. Its where the tears came.

Just beautiful, as always. Way to go. Can't wait to keep reading.
-schoenemaedchen

Author's Response: Okay, so everyone keeps telling me I've made them cry when they read this story. I'm starting to wonder if I should post a tissue warning. :) Anyway, I hope the crying didn't make the reading less enjoyable. And thank you so much for the compliment.

I must tell you, from an author's standpoint, I never mind the gushing. Makes me blush, and I'm not sure it's entirely deserved, but I still like it. So thank you!

I love Molly. And I love that what Molly is known for is for being a mom. I love that JKR lets her be a mom and love doing it, and doesn't use that as an excuse to belittle her abilities, make her weak, etc. She can hold her own with politicians, in battle, in the Order, but she chooses to be a mom. I love that. And I had so much fun writing Harry FINALLY getting a little mothering.

Now, can I say how entirely honored and amazed I am for the compliments you just gave me, compairing my writing to JKR. I sometimes get so depressed as I read through the books and then through my own stuff, thinking I can never get them incharacter enough, which is really important to me. I might be writing about slightly AU topics but I want my characters to react just as they would have if it had happened in the books. I think you just gave me the ultimate compliment there! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I've never really had a desire to write Lily and James. I don't know why - I like them well enough, just not big on writing about them. But I have always wondered who Lily would have chosen, Sirius being unavailable, to take care of Harry if she had been given the choice. And I've always felt she would been very grateful to Molly for taking Harry in. I just wanted the chance to show that a little. I'm really glad you liked it.

Well, I will continue working through your other wonderful reviews in the next day or so. I really love reading them! You brighten my day. And I hope you'll keep reading the story. I can't wait to see what you think of what's coming up.

Thanks so much, for everything!

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I really like this story,I found it about 3 months ago and so far every day I have checked up on it to see if a new chapter has been put in... no luck. Please please please write some more. PLEASE

Author's Response: I'm so sorry to leave you waiting so long for more. I assure you this story is not dead, but at the moment, the author almost is. I've just been so busy and stressed with work I haven't had time for anything else. I'm trying really hard to get things more organized so I can have time for writing again, as I love doing it, so please don't give up on me. I just ask for a little more patience. In the meantime, I thank you wholeheartedly for your loyalty and wonderful review.

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Hello again :)

Just stopping by asking how the writing is going. It has been a while since your last chapter.

But don't rush! Take the time you need :)

- Sigrid

( I know you haven't answered many reviews, but I hope you take the time to answer me )

Author's Response: Yes, it has been a long time since I upated, and sadly the writing has gone well lately. Not from lack of ideas or wanting to, I've just been dumped on by real life lately that writing has had to take a back seat. I miss it terribly, however, and promise to get back to it as soon as I can.

Thanks for your patience, loyalty, and wonderful reviews that let me know people still want more of this story.

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Aha, this is what I was talking about in the last review. A unique take on the characters, something that is all your idea, gets my curiosity. Both halves of the chapters, Ron and Hermione's and the Weasleys', were completely original and compelling. I was so hooked.

I liked this line: "have you forgotten that we did just spend ten months living in the same tent? I think I can trust you to stay in the same room as me without worrying you're going to ravish me in my sleep." It's very Hermione and also very true.

Other great Ron lines, they were so... great! Very encouraging, sweet, I got all warm just reading them. :P
"Yeah, I know. No one's trying to kill us this time."
Ron shrugged. "We've had worse odds."
Oh, and this one: "I'm a Weasley. We've never been big on timing," he said with a shrug. "Besides," he added, "you snogged me for the first time in the middle of the biggest battle in fifty years..."

It was quite ironic that Hermione was too good at Memory Charms that landed her in such trouble. Should probably teach her a lesson, but knowing Hermione, it won't.

Just a great chapter overall! So unique, so new, so witty. This is what I was talking about in the last review. This was so highly enjoyable. Fred's attitude was so Fred (puke-a-licious!), and you introduced more Healer-ly concepts about the spells holding up Fred's insides that I began grinning at your cleverness. Really fantastic job here.

Author's Response: So, I must appologize profusely for the tardiness of my reply. I keep thinking I'm getting on top of things, and then something happens and I'm suddenly five steps farther behind than I was before. I'm really, really sorry I have taken so long answering you! I hope you don't think it at all reflects the importance of these reviews to me, because it completely doesn't. Your reviews are wonderful and I can't tell you how good they made me feel.

Now, on to the responses. And yes, I'm going backwards, from the top of my list down.

Thank you so very much. What a wonderful compliment you paid me! I really just write what I wish I could see happen with the characters I love so much, but it tickles me pink to think you find it original and engaging. And to have you hooked! YES! Thank you, thank you!

Write Ron and Hermione can be the hardest for me to do so it gives me all sorts of warm fuzzies to have you quoting the Ron lines back to me and saying they were your favorites. And I'm glad you liked the line about them living in a tent. That was fun to put in.

Yes, Hermione can go a little overboard with getting things right, can't she. And I figured with something as important as protecting her parents, she's go all out. As for it teaching her a lesson, you're right - probably not. :)

I really am glowing from your praise. It means so much to have you like the story like this. I hope, once I get caught up on my reviews, that you'll come back and read more. I'd really like to see what you think.

Thanks again!

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Another solid chapter here. This one didn't wow me as much, simply because it wasn't exactly surprising. Ginny's lines were good, like "talk is cheap", and quite in character. Perhaps because I never once believed Harry and Ginny wouldn't get back together, the ending didn't surprise me at all.

The best part, actually, was the last line. "So Harry, having vowed a while back to stop being so stubborn and start listening to good advice, did." It was witty and cheerful and summed it all up quite nicely.

Another good part was the very beginning, when you described Ron's room. A furnace sounded pretty accurate, and original as well.

Good work here, it didn't pull my heartstrings or completely wow me like the last chapter, but it still moved things along nicely and was good overall. You're doing a good job balancing out the several different characters, but the thing for me is that since Fred's survival was what made this story so cool for me, I want to see more of that now. I can easily picture Harry and Ginny getting back together, but Fred's unique circumstances is all you, and I'm eager to find out more.

~lllb

Author's Response: Thank you. And no worries about it not wowing you. I'm fine with that. :) I knew I wasn't exactly hiding the fact that Ginny and Harry would be together. Of course, if it makes you feel any better, I'm not in any rush to have them married off or anything. They're still teenagers and I think they need to get the chance to act like them.

Describing Ron's room was fun. In fact, anything at the Burrow is fun to me. I wish more things would happen at the Burrow, it sounds like the kind of house I would love to have. :)

Don't worry, there will be more Fred. Fred and George are my favorites, so I will make sure to get as much of them in this story as I can.

Thanks again for reading! I love your reveiws and honestly value your opinions of this story.

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Hi there again! Back with another review...have a few extra minutes.

So, another great chapter you have here. The story is developing logically and not a dull moment.

I love the detail and thought you've put into the post war period. I mean...it never occured to me that there would be so many funerals to attend. As if cleaning the rubble of the Hogwarts castle wasn't enough...or having a family crisis...I mean! Sheesh. Well written though. Really kind of gave me goosebumps as I was reading it.

I enjoyed the interactions taking place in Fred's hospital room. I love George's devotion to his brother, or in general, the Weasley's family devotion to one another. If anything they are one of the strongest families in the series and I think they demonstrate so many important family values--something you've brought about so spectacularly in your stories! (Yes, not just this one).

The descriptions of the healing magic used in the hospital were also pretty neat. It must be interesting to have to brainstorm how a magical ventilator must work...

So as I reading about the hospital scene, a thought occured to me. A quite modern thought, something I myself never would have thought about if I weren't living in Europe. You develop the later part of this chapter (somewhat) around the fact that hospital bills are going to cost quite a bit. Only thing is, most of non-wizarding Europe has social medicine, aka, rather affordable health insurance. In Germany where I live, I have much more affordable health insurance than in the USA... I know the UK has the NHS health plan. You could probably get some more info on the topic by a bit of researching on the boards and asking some of our UK members.

My point is...the wizarding community uses its skills and talents to heal people. Sure, potions cost some money and there is probably a research field, but I think the costs would be much lower than a "normal" hospital in comparison. I think that the wizarding community would have a similar health care system that compares to GB...so, affordable for every person! All I'm saying, is that what you've typed in this portion of the story is to an extent, a very American idea. Though...some illnesses and treatments, even in social medicine, can become costly over time--not to the extent that the privatized sector gets away with in the US, though. (You can brainstorm with me more on this, its a topic I studied thoroughly when finishing my Bachelor's and before moving to Germany!)

This is just some food for thought. I think you can easily argue that any kind of family crisis like this is costly, though. The costs of war restoration too, insane and hard on each and every family.

But as your chapter states, the wages of war...you've really put a great deal of thought into this. Wonderful writing as usual. Can't wait to read the next chapter.

Author's Response:
And I'm back with your final response! Again, I'm so sorry for how long it has taken me!

You are probably the first person to have called my story logical, which I take as a great compliment! Thanks! And I'm very glad it's not dull! That is like the worst thing as an author, to have a boring story.

I love details. I fixate on them too much, sometimes, to the point it kinda gets in my way at times. Glad you like them and don't find them cumbersome! And goosebumps I'll take, as they are again, a great compliment!

I knew the moment I figured out how to save Fred that there was no way I was getting George away from his brother's side for the whole recovery. It was almost as if the stubborn twin wrote that part himself and then dared me to change it. And I totally agree with you on the Weasleys. They are my favorite family in written fiction ever. I just love writing them.

Interesting is one word to use for it. HARD would be the one I would choose. At the time I wrote this chapter I didn't know anyone in the Harry Potter fanfiction world. I had been writing fanfiction for a long time, but not HP stuff. I really, really needed someone to bounce ideas off of, but I didn't know anyone. In the end I just kinda winged it, and no one has chewed me out on it so I guess it worked.

See, once again you have caught my weakness. When I started this fic I had no HP help for bouncing ideas. As such I had NO IDEA about how medical bills and such are dealt with in the UK. I erroneously set up this scene this way. And the problem with changing it is that I've built much of the plot around this idea. This means that even now, after several people have pointed out this error to me, I can't really change it because it would throw off my whole story. I really, really hope you can forgive me for that and it doesn't get too much in the way of you reading and enjoying the story.

I would love to brainstorm with you sometime! I probably am still pretty locked into this bad plot, however, as, like I've said, it comprises a huge chunk of my plot, but I LOVE a good brainstorm session and I'm always open to hearing other's ideas! And yes, I accept the blame for having American ideas in there. Guilty as charged, although not on purpose.

My one justification is (and the story I'm sticking with if I have to explain my error) that Wizarding Britain seems to be rather behind their Muggle counterpoints in some things, often appearing old-fashioned. Maybe they have a much older style of Heath Care? (Yes I'm reaching, but it gives me comfort, so SH! LOL.)

Thanks for reading! And for being willing to overlook my mistakes! I honestly love getting your reviews as they are always so thoughtful and complete! I can't wait to hear what you think of the story from here on out! Thanks again!


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Hi there, here's the next official review for my project on this story :D

Well, honestly, I don't know what to say. I could repeat what everyone else has said in your overwhelming, if not exclusively positive reviews!

There is just something about your writing.

What you certainly have is your own style, which I think is great What perhaps brings your style close to all these comparison to JKR I'm seeing, is how amazingly and flawlessly you engage the reader in your writing. It just flows so naturally from one point to the next and you are able to tell such a great story.

Your characterizations are also marvelous. Here you do feel like your reading a real HP book because they are so spot on. I also love Harry-McGonagall reactions. We all kind of know at this point that old McGonagall can be a big softy under that thick skin, but she shows it more and more as the books developed. You pulled that out very nicely, def my favorite part of this chapter!

Otherwise, its just such an absolute pleasure to read your work. I'm looking forward to the next chapter when I get a little bit of time! Take care!

-Katie

Author's Response: Yes, I skipped a review. I promise I'll get back to it, but I'm tired tonight and it was such a deliciously long one I need to do that one when my brain is opperating on more than one cylinder, otherwise it might not make any sense at all. Hope you understand.

"There's just something about your writing." - You do realize you just made my year right there with that statement, don't you? Because, you did. I'll admit without reservation, I am easily discouraged when it comes to writing. I love doing it, and I have tons of story ideas jumping around in my brain, but life seems to want to keep me from having time for it. Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it. Then I get reviews like this and I know it is. So thank you.

I'm honestly not sure how to respond to such a great review. I'm blushing, honored, humbled by your words and compliments. It makes it worth the time it takes to get the sentences or paragraphs as good as I can get them.

Thank you for the comments on characterizations. That is something I really do work hard on as it's important to me. Always nice to read that people think it's working. And I also love McGonagall. I think she's more fond of Harry than she can or will let on.

Thank you again for such support and encouragement. You really don't know how much it means.

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Hi there, back for more reviews.

So, when I saw how many reviews you have on this story (wow, btw, just wow!) I knew this was going to be a winner. I'm actually extremely excited to start reading a story written by you as I've only read your one-shots at this point and loved every single one of them!

I'm just plain giddy!

So, where to start...well, it was an excellent start. Everything I look for when I read a prologue. It doesn't drone on and on or get too wordy. The reader can really get into your story while still experiencing a general idea of what to come. The beginning is solemn, as it rightfully should be, and then a wonderful, amazing thing happens!! You've written it in such a wonderful way, though, I almost think it's really happened.

There you've gone doing it once again...making me think I'm reading Canon! Although, bless your heart, dear for letting Fred live. Seriously. That was just cruel of JKR.

So you've achieved that I would like to take this on as my official project read, if you don't mind. I just don't think its necessary to keep reposting and reposting review requests. So I'll just keep reviewing until I'm finished :) If you're okay with that. I'll put the info up in my forums if you wish to reply with any "please NOs or YES pleases".

So, I'm excited and eager to read chapter 2. Great job!!

Author's Response: Okay, tardy me is back replying again. Honestly, how do you put up with me and my horrible ways? *hangs head*

I still can't believe all those reviews myself. It's rather humbling, actually. And I'm so excited that you are excited to read this story. I love your reviews! They always make me feel like what I'm writing is appreciated and I should keep going, even when it's really hard. So I should be thanking you for that.

*Grins hugely at the giddy comment* :)

I'm so glad you liked the prologue! They are so hard to write! You have to capture your reader's attention right off the bat or you're doomed.

And you liked the deviation from canon, WOW! That's a huge compliment from you! (And for the record, in my twisted little mind, that IS what happened, JKR just forgot to mention it, LOL.)

Yes, JKR was very cruel to do that. I know she had her reasons, but I still blame her for my broken heart.

Now, I'm STILL flabbergasted that you want to take this on as your project read! Of COURSE I don't mind! I'm in shock! I'm sure you've realized by now that I'm a slow writer. Still want to keep it as your project? *crosses fingers*

THANKS AGAIN!

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Amazing...I'm only now beginning to enter this world of fan's writing their own stories with our beloved characters, and I'll say that some of what I'm reading is just not what I'd hoped for..but this chapter alone is beyond what I was hoping for. Waiting patiently (or not so much) for the next movie to come out and hoping to stay with the characters a little longer in the meantime.
Your writing has an unbelievable honesty and freshness. My eyes were watering and felt like I was reading the next book in the HP series. I can't wait to continue this story!!

Author's Response: Thank you so much! I know I'm a bit tardy replying to this, but I wanted you to know how good your review made me feel. Thank you so much for such wonderful praise and compliments. I hope you did go on and read the rest of what I have up and I'd love to hear what you thought of it.

Thanks again!

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I know you put a lot of thought into the Fred/George interaction here. But you got it. It was very realistic and got Fred to start thinking about things.

Wow, there's a lot of things to think about for these guys, isn't there? And someone had to get Harry taken care of, so good on them. Returning Harry's broom was a nice touch. It was very sweet of them to keep it for him. So thoughtful, those two!

Author's Response: Yes, I'm starting at the END of your reviews instead of the beginning, but I'm weird like that. Deal with it. LOL.

Whew! Glad you think the Fred and George stuff worked here. And yes, it was extremely difficult to write, but I eventually found the best way to do it so it worked. Thanks for your help and support with that!

Glad you like the broom bit! I'd had that plannned for a long time and was excited to finally get it in there. Believe it or not, Fred and George can be extremely thoughtful.

Hope you'll come back when I finally get some more chapters up and see what happens! Thanks for reading.

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The talk with Mrs. Longbottom was great. I don't think you could have picked a more appropriate character, and I'm sure not a more surprising character for George to get insight from. but you were absolutely right with it.

You can't leave ANY of the Weaselys out of this story. We had to see Percy too. And you gave him a sense of humor! You know, you threw a lot of stuff in here. It's hard to focus on just a few things. The spiders... and Harry's nightmare. It's like a transition of sorts. They're all going through it. And at least they have people to go through it with.

Author's Response: I'm not sure I actually DID pick her! I honestly have no idea where she came from. I just started writing and she showed up. Seriuosly. Too bad that only happens like once in a blue moon for me.

Hope I didn't throw you off with all the characters and different scenes. I do that a lot with my stories. I can't seem to just pick a character and stick with them. I like to explore all of them, and because of that I'll jump scenes a lot in chapters. I hope you don't mind.

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I really loved reading Ron and Hermione's scene up there at the start. It was awkward and sweet all at the same time. He'd better not mention the bet. No way!

So then you move the story forward and give the Weasleys something big to deal with. It just flows. I don't know how else to say it. Like wafting curtains in a breeze, gently wafting... and then BAM, something new smacks you upside the head. Gently.

Author's Response: Sweet and awkward. That's exactly what I was going for, so it's great to read that you felt that! Yippy!

I did give the Weasleys a sort of wopper to deal with, didn't I. Poor Fred. But at least I left him alive! And things will get better, I promise. I refuse to leave my Weasleys distraught.

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Go Molly! Poor Harry finally has the opportunity to let it all out and she's there to help him through it. Very touching scene!

And then Molly talking to Lily was wrenching and sweet all at the same time. How you do that is magic. Magical writing. That's what it is. Reading this is like looking at a moving painting.

Author's Response: I really did feel that a huge Harry getting some comfort was in order after the last, oh SEVEN books. It felt like it was time, and Molly was the one to do it. It was so nice to let that boy get some mothering.

Molly talking to Lily just felt right. In all the books no one had ever asked Lily what she would have liked to see done for her boy. I thought it was time.

Thanks for reading, and again thanks for making me blush. Your reviews are ellagant and ego building!

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"Whips AND stings" - man I love those!

Harry's got complications piling on, and that mysterious bruise that he's not talking about. It's nice that you're including everyone in the healing. Makes it multi-dimensional. What a weaving tale.

You capture these characters' emotions so brilliantly. I know people have said it before, but you get to hear it again. It really is wonderful how you bring them to life here. We can see them and hear them and FEEL them. It's great!

Author's Response: Yes! Someone who likes my quotes at the beginning! It's a habit I picked up in a different fandom and now I use it all the time, but no one seems to notice that I actually do try to make them fit. Thanks!

Thanks again for the compliments! I do like including everyone, even though it can be a pain to keep track of them. And yeah, Harry has complications, but then when has he ever NOT had them?

You really have got me blushing with these compliments. You should stop before I get a big head. But I do thank you for them!

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"Wounded but not slain"

I love your opening quotes. And the chaotic scene with all of the Weaselys trying to make heads and tails out of the disappearance of Fred and George and how they almost took out the owl. (which would have been entertaining, but unnecessary!)

Then Harry's struggle with the word "home"... I think on some level, he understands that when he stops moving long enough to let himself think about what actually happened, he's going to have a lot to deal with. You captured that brilliantly, just like I imagined it would be. Not ready to deal... dreading the moment when he will have to.

Yep.

Author's Response: Aw, thanks! I love doing the quotes. It's a habit I picked up in the Andromeda fandom that's stuck with me, although I've noticed it's not nearly as popular here. Glad someone likes them.

You liked the chaos, huh? YES! Score with that one. And yeah, I decided to spare the poor owl. Soft spot for animals I guess.

Also glad you liked Harry's struggle. I've never been one to think Harry would just live happily ever after instantly. (Oh, I think he gets there, I think it just isn't as easy as people think at first.) But on the other hand I didn't want to spend chapters and chapters in angst right at the beginning, so I'm glad you liked the balance.

Thanks for reading and being patient while I slowly get review responses out!

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Hokay. No words. Just lovely brilliance. You know, we all go back and re-read the chapters you've already posted while we are waiting for more of this story, don't you?

Don't you?

Well, you know now. :)

Madame Pomfrey just about gave everyone (including me) a heart attack there with her exclamations. I was jolted out of George's musings along with him. "what the..."

And then he dove in for the shoe...

Snap.

Author's Response: *blushes profusely* Actually, I didn't know that. And I don't know whether that makes me feel extremely blessed or estremely guilty. Maybe a little of both? I shall indevor to write faster...

Sorry for the heart attack. I really don't want to do that to you, but...the muse made me.

Thanks for reading and reviewing! I love getting reviews from friends.

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This is going to be another long rambling review. I can guarantee that my thoughts will be all over the place so, while they are still in some order, let me tell you that I absolutely adored this chapter. Though that is hardly surprising, considering how good your writing always is!

This was a break from the intense emotion of the last few chapters and I think it was needed. I was laughing at the antics of everyone in the family and I loved the story about the goblins. Trust me, when massive speeches like those come out in stories, I normally skip over them because I get bored. I didn't get bored while reading it. And that is credit to you. I absolutely loved all the little things that the family said to one another. The signing of the cast. Fred complaining about the hearts. The teasing. It was all just so real and so well-written. You have such a good hold on the characters and the interactions, it's insane. I don't know how you do it.

I like that Harry is starting to accept that he really does have a family that loves him. He is beginning to show the first signs of healing and it's really nice to see that progression. It seems like a very long time ago when a helpless Harry confessed to Molly that he did not feel like he had a home to go to.

I loved that last scene between Fred and George. It's interesting, because I think it's the first time I have ever read the two of them in a fight. And while it's different to the happy twins we're used to, it was still in character. It added angst to the story (and I absolutely adore angst) and some drama that was very welcome. I think it's almost futile to request you to have more Fred/George interaction in future chapters because, knowing you and your love of the twins, there definitely will be!

The fact that Harry got his Firebolt back was really sweet. Again, it reaffirms that his family is willing to go to such lengths to keep him happy. I like how you still had Harry show an element of surprise over it - it showed that he is getting there, but is not quite there yet; he is still struggling with the idea that he has all these people who love him. And that is really good characterisation.

Keep writing! This story really is something special.

Joop :]

Author's Response: Hey Joop!

So, I'm really, really sory I was so slow responding to this. Life has just been insane lately, as I'm sure you can relate with. But that doesn't mean I don't appreciate this review, because you need to know that this review ROCKED!

Now, your reviews are never rambling! I love them! And I'll never complain about them being long. *wink* I'm so glad you liked the chapter, and you seriously have me blushing from the praise you're heaping on me! Thank you so much!

Writing that scene (with much help from Eldy I might add) with the whole family there, laughing and talking and hearing Bill's story was SO much fun! It was so nice to be able to forget about the war and everything it had changed for once and just let the characters I love shine through for a bit. It was rather like a huge relief for the moment, so I'm really excited you liked it.

The Goblin story? All credit for thinking that masterpiece through goes to Eldy. I really couldn't have done it without him, which is probably why you never felt the need to skip it. LOL. I will take credit for the silly cast though. Couldn't resist that. And thank you so much for the compliment on characterization. I try very hard with that, so it's always nice to have it be appreciated.

Harry needs this family so badly. That's one of the driving reasons for writing this fic. (That and bringing Fred back, but I digress...LOL.) I'm glad see him starting to accept that he does belong. Thanks.

You, adore angst? I NEVER would have guessed. (Totally kidding.) I'm with you though. I've never read anything where the twins had a fight, which I find very unrealistic. Yes, they are one of those joined at the hip set of twins, but ALL brothers fight sometime, and most twins I've known, because they are around each other even more and know every little thing about the other, including which buttons to push, have SPECTACULAR fights when they happen. I just kinda figured it would be that way with Fred and George.

As for requesting more Fred and George interaction, I think you're probably safe with that request. hehehehe

I've been waiting to give that firebolt to Harry since chapter one, so it was really fun to get to put that surprise out there. Glad you approve.

Thank you, thank you for such wonderful support and praise! I really appreciate that!

Farmgirl



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Oh farmgirl... This chapter was so gorgeous and heart-achingly beautiful that my heart just grew - like the Grinch. :-)

Again, it's right from the top that you captivate us. You have the most incredible ability to say so much in so few words; to be so powerful and make such an impact in one short paragraph. For example, the one I'm thinking of at the beginning is the few sentences about the funerals Harry's been attending since Tuesday, and that part of his heart was left in the ground yesterday with Remus and Tonk's bodies... Mine too, Harry... mine too... And Colin Creevey's sermon was that morning and Harry is still in the same suit... Really powerful stuff, even though not much is said. That's takes true talent.

"As the lift dinged and he stepped out onto the forth (fourth) floor, he was just eternally gratefully that he wouldn't be attending a funeral for Fred tomorrow." - FRED's ALIVE! But I'm repeating myself from the last review... :-)

"He was quite sure she was seeing everything from the enormous and painful bruise on his chest left from Voldemort's curse to the fact that he'd forgotten to brush his teeth that morning." - Alright, as much as the idea of not brushing your teeth in the morning grosses me out, I love this line. I love that you chose to do something so genuinely human here... Lucky Harry, though... I have terrible morning breath, I could Never get away with not brushing... :-p

The way you describe Fred in that hospital bed... Oh. Em. Gee. You painted such a clear picture, and such a heartbreaking one at that. What a moment to read about, to experience with Harry... I felt like I was there, seeing Fred: the vivacious, lively, hilarious Fred Weasley, wrapped in cream bandages that circle down to cover his eyes, a breathing charm bubble over his nose and mouth, blue and purple bruises prominent on his torso... What a picture. Stopped my heart. Such a stunning moment.

"...because he willing(ly) volunteered for that fight I started." - Btw, this entire paragraph was so perfectly in character of Harry... you captured his calm, caring side and then switched into his guilty, angered side with the ease of J.K. Rowling herself. I hate you a little bit for that. 0:-)

There is an unending list of great things I could say about this chapter... my favorite so far, by the way. Every moment, every detail, every single word, for crying out loud, is just... it's just perfect! Your writing is very similar to J.K. Rowling's and that makes this story so real for me. I'm not gonna lie, I'm generally a very emotionally stunted person, I don't cry very often since my own dad passed away, but I shed some tears reading this. From the insanely accurate conversations between Harry and the brother's, to being able to feel Fred's desire of wanting to be able to say something quippy, and finally to Harry's outburst of guilt that flows into my heart breaking for the boy who never had a family, that leads expertly into the switching back to George's POV so smoothly... And let's not forget that through all of these tears I'm crying, you also have me laughing with the Weasley's! You are too much. This chapter was perfection; stunning, emotional perfection.

I could go on and on and on and on about how unbelievably powerful and precise and beautiful this chapter was, from top to bottom, but I'm afraid my response would be longer than the story itself if I did that! So let me just say that there's not a single moment or interaction or piece of dialogue or single thought or description that I would alter even in the slightest. This was gorgeous - the entire chapter. You are so talented that it makes me a little sick to my stomach thinking about it.

You have my highest praise. This story is gripping. I don't know what more I can say... I'm just gonna keep talking in circles, praising you for this unbelievable piece of literature.

So, I'll stop my rambling, hoping that you understand how fully captivated I was by this chapter and the story in general, and end on this note: You have such an incredible gift, farmgirl, so truly thank you for sharing it with us all here. This is stunning. You are fantastic. See you in chapter 4.

xTanya :-)

Author's Response: Okay, WYHO, I'm finally, after 6 months, working up the courage to reply to this review. Why must I work up the courage, you say? Because this is a freakin' amazing review and I'm still speechless and at a loss for how to respond to it, but I figure at this rate I'm not getting any new ideas so I had better just go for it.

And see my point? You already have me blushing after the first sentence!

And then I read on, and just continue blushing. I really can't tell you how much all this praise you are heaping on me makes me feel. In all honesty, it's probably not good for me because it makes me big-headed and too confident.

Sorry about the Remus and Tonks reminders, as well as Colin's, but I figure it's better to have them mentioned than to have the fic proceed as though they hadn't even existed. So many stories, when someone dies, just never mention them again. That really, really bugs me, so I wanted to at least pay tribute to their memories. (And again with the blushing.)

Fourth, FOURTH! Ergh! Blasted, evil, nasty typos! They will be the death of me I swear. But thank you so much for pointing them out. I've added it to the growing list of things, in red, that I need to go back and fix. One of these days when I have a few spare hours I'm gonna go through and do a massive edit. Not to change anything, just to fix all these annoying errors people have kindly pointed out to me.

And yes, Fred's alive. I couldn't stand the thought of writing a huge, long fic with one half of me favorite characters gone and the other in perpetual mourning!

Awww, thanks! That's something I really do love doing - making these fictional characters seem real and human. And it's also something so totally "boy-ish." I can't tell you the amount of times I've seen my brother go off on Scout trips, asked him if he packed his toothbrush, and been told in highly offended terms that you DO NOT BRING A TOOTHBRUSH TO CAMP! LOL. Now, as to Harry's breath, I refrain from commenting. You'll probably have to ask Ginny that question.

I'm blown away by your praise of the hospital scene. I struggled so hard with that - how to describe what was wrong with Fred and how he was being treated, but still do it in a magical way that fit the world JKR has created. And I can't tell you what it means to have it hit you emotionally. Really, you've made my day. So, sorry about your stopped heart, but mine is going, YES! It worked!

Will you STOP making my head spin with praise? Seriously, I honestly don't know what to say in return, especially after comparing me to JKR! And there's no need to hate me; I've read your stuff and you're very, very good.

I'm completely honored I made you emotional with this chapter, and that I you would share something so personal with me. I do love writing these characters. There's just so much to be explored, and I agree, there's just something about Harry that makes you want to smother him in family. I'm just so so pleased you like my version of that so far.

Like you say you could go on and on, I just honestly don't know what else to say in response to your praise other than thank you, thank you, thank you! And for the record, I'm not opposed to long reviews, just so you know. LOL.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for one of the best reviews I've ever received. You really are wonderful.



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Yeah, so I just realized I was talking about the Gringotts conversation in the last review when it actually happened here. :P I was so addicted I read both in one go and then got confused about what had happened when! Anyway, I loved the conversation!

The scene between Fred and George was written really well...you have such an amazing handle on their characterizations and their relationship with each other. If there's one thing that really bothers me (okay, there's a lot of things, but this is one) in a story, it's when arguments are written poorly and melodramatically, but the way you wrote this one was so moving and realistic...just perfect. :)

And that's so lovely that F&G got Harry his Firebolt back. One line in this really made me realize something: the one where one of the twins says, "That's what brothers are for. Didn't Ron ever tell you that?" I realized that Ron never really did go out of his way to make Harry feel like he was completely a member of the Weasley family. He never intentionally tried to exclude him; it just goes back to Ron's personality being a bit more on the detached, emotion-avoiding side of things. It was interesting to think about it that way...and it's almost like with Ron not there, Harry is able to bond more with the Weasleys, rather than just being there as Ron's friend.

Anyway, this story is wonderful so far, and I'm definitely favourite-ing it. I never expected that I would love a post-DH, AU story this much, but I really do! Excellent work, and I hope there's a new chapter soon!

Author's Response: That's okay! I knew what you were talking about, so it's all good. And saying you were addicted completely washes any blame away! So thanks!

Now, you are making me blush on the Fred and George bit. You know I love them, they are my favorite characters ever, but that doesn't mean I'm very good at WRITING them. It's always so nice to hear people think I do them justice. And I'm also glad you found the argument realistic! THANKS!

I was so excited to get to a point where I could give that broom back to Harry. The poor kid lost so much, I wanted him to have that back, and it just seemed like something Fred and George would do anyway.

I agree with you. Ron didn't really try to make Harry a "brother" persay, although I think he certainly thinks of Harry as one. But I think that is because Ron just kinda assumed Harry would know - not realizing that Harry, never having experienced that, wouldn't have a clue. But I agree. I didn't purposefully send Ron away to make it easier for Harry to bond with his family, but I did notice as soon as I did that it was a nice plus!

Thank you so so so so so much! I really appreciate these reviews, and that you read all the way through. I can't wait to see what you think of the next chapter when you have time!

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A conversation between Mrs Longbottom and George was an unusual choice--they're not two characters that I would think of throwing together in a scene, just because they had no real contact in the books that we saw. But it worked for me, once I read it, and they do have a very tragic sort of kinship with one another that made their conversation very touching to read.

The sign on Kingsley's door--made by Percy, of all people!--was a brilliant little touch. In fact, the whole story about Kingsley and Bill heading to Gringotts was hilarious, yet also very realistic, what with the explanation of how goblins were so averse to taxes. It really seemed to fit into the HP-verse.

I also really liked that you showed Harry's guilt over having "killed" Voldemort (not that he ever used the Killing Curse against him, of course), and the guilt about other people dying in battle. The dream was very well-written, too--very vivid and realistic, but it also had that kind of odd, dream-like quality to it where not everything made sense. :)

Author's Response: Mrs. Longbottom and George was a total surprise, even to me. I honestly to this day have no idea where she came from. It's like she seriously just showed up and wrote herself into that chapter. I'm glad she did, as I'm pleased with how it turned out, but it still baffles me!

I'll admit to a soft spot for Percy, probably because at my annoyingly worst I see a bit of myself in him and therefore understand him. And it was fun to have him surprise everyone with the sign. And Kingsley and Bill are just such fun, underused characters! I had to get them in there.

Thanks for noticing the guilt! No one else has pointed it out yet. They've said they're worried he's having nightmares and such, but no one has really said anything about the fact he might be feeling guilty for having killed someone. Glad you noticed and that you approve!

Once again, fantastic review!

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So, I guess the other shoe has dropped now. It was clear from the way you were building up to this that Fred was going to have some serious health issues to deal with, and now we know the extent of them. I have this horrible feeling that the whole no-exposure-to-magic thing is going to go wrong somehow...and then Fred's insides are going to fall out. :/

I really liked the part of the chapter with Ron and Hermione, as well. Once again, I enjoyed that you didn't make their task one that was performed simply: it was exhausting, they had little money, and they didn't even know where her parents were. I thought that Ron was very well-characterized, too--his comments about "kerputers" made me laugh. :)

I'm still really enjoying this, and that was a great way to end the chapter, by the way!

Author's Response: Yeah, sorry about that. But I felt I could MAYBE get away with bringing him back from the dead, if I thought really hard, but I knew I couldn't let him come through it completely unscathed. Sorry!

And thanks for that lovely image of Fred's insides, btw. Maybe I won't have that spagetti I was planning for dinner...

As for the no magic thing going wrong, I shall give the classic author response and say, you'll have to wait and see.

Ron and Hermione are fun to write, but they can be oh so hard for me as well, especially Hermione. I can't seem to get that mix of annoyingly smart and headstrong, but loyal and kind. I hope she worked out here. Glad it made you laugh, though! And also glad you like me draging it out a bit. I hate it when problems get solved in two paragraphs in a fic. Once in a while that's refreshing, but not very often.

Thanks for reading! I love these reviews, if you couldn't tell.

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This was just lovely. I'm a romantic at heart, so of course I was looking forward to Harry and Ginny's reunion, and you didn't disappoint.

I love that Ginny was giving him the cold shoulder at first. I love that he was trying to escape, and she cornered him. I love that he was so nervous that he spouted off some incredibly cheesy declaration of love, and I love that she laughed at him for it.

I also thought the beginning of the chapter was hilarious, with Harry waking up sweltering because Molly had covered him with too many blankets. :D That made me grin!

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm NOT very good at romance myself and I struggled very badly with this chapter, but with a little help from theelderwand (my beta) I got through it. It's nice to see someone who likes romance approves of it.

When I read Ginny in the books (not the movies, I'm very torn on the Ginny in the movies, but that's a tale for another day) I see her as a rather tough, straightforward kind of gal, who does have a soft, good heart. So I figured she'd be mad, but she also wouldn't let him hide. Now, the cheesy declaration of love, that was all Eldy. (Sh, don't tell him I said that.) The laughing, that was a gut reaction to said cheesy declaration of love. :) Glad to know it worked!

Glad I could make you laugh after that last chapter! Thanks for continuing to read!

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It takes incredible writing to make me even feel the slightest inclination towards crying, but you managed it. My eyes definitely welled up several times throughout this chapter. You wrote Molly and Harry, and their relationship with one another, with such tenderness.

You're very good at getting to the heart of certain facts in the books that haven't necessarily been pointed out so far, like how no one bothered to check whether Harry had a place to stay, something to eat, and so on. It's true, though, isn't it? Everyone would assume that he had a place to go because he's famous and defeated Voldemort, but they forget that he's famous because he lost his family. And then there was the, "What do I do now?" question. What does he do now? As awful as being Voldemort's nemesis was, the direction and driving force in Harry's life has been eliminated. Now he has to start over.

Molly's conversation with Lily was just...masterfully written. Her description of parenthood was unbelievably moving. I do have a suggestion, though--I personally didn't think that the last paragraph was necessary. In fact, I think it almost would have been better without it. It was touching in its own way, but I think Molly's talk with Lily would have been more effective if it had been one-sided all the way through. Maybe it was just because it kind of felt like you were suddenly changing POVs for just one paragraph? I'm not sure...anyway, that was really the ONLY thing that I felt was off in this entire chapter. It was amazing.

Also, I realized right after posting my last review that I mistakenly wrote "George" a couple times when I clearly meant "Fred"! :P

Author's Response: Wow! I'm honestly flabbergasted at your compliment! Thank you so much! You've quite litterally left me speechless.

Seriously, I can't really figure out how to respond to a review this good. It's one of the reasons your reviews have sat here on my account unanswered for so long. When I have time to respond to reviews I duck in and do the ones that are easy to answer, but yours are so incredile they take much thought and I'm still left wondering how to tell you how much they mean to me. So thank you so much!

I'm excited that you like my interpretation of after DH events. I always wondered it, when all the hype and drama had calmed down, people would still remember Harry, or if, now that he'd fulfilled his "duty" to the wizarding world, they'd just forget about him. And I'm sure most of the wizarding world, having no idea what back ground he really comes from, would assume he had a warm home and open arms waiting for him after the Battle and just not check on him. Of course, he does have a warm home and open arms waiting, it just takes him a while to realize where it is. That's what I wanted to show, and I'm so glad you think it worked.

Now I'm seriously blushing at the second half of your review, about the Lily and Molly conversation. Thank you. And thank you for the suggestion. I'm planning a massive edit of this story (not changing anything, but people keep pointing out silly typos to me that I really want to fix) in the near future and I'll have a look at that chapter again when I do and see what I think about your suggestion.

And no worries on the George thing. Eldy does that all the time. I'm used to figuring out which twin people mean. LOL.

THANKS FOR READING!

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Okay, I officially love this story. I usually shy away from the post-DH stuff for some reason, but you've sold me--your writing is amazing, and you do such a wonderful job with the characters and the situations they're in.

I like that you're taking the time to address the fall-out from the battle. The funerals are a given--being reminded of Colin's death was very sad. But then you've gone and added details like Hermione returning to get her parents, and Harry's Gringotts account being frozen, and even just the fact that George didn't just spring back to life but instead has a very uncertain future ahead of him...it all makes for such a lovely story so far.

I was very touched by Charlie hugging Harry--they had never had too much contact in the books, but the fact that Charlie saw him as family really made it clear that Harry was a part of the Weasleys. I think that, since we saw the books through Harry's perspective, we never really realized how much they had accepted him and taken him in. As you pointed out in the last chapter, Harry was always reluctant to call himself a part of their family, but he really was.

(I noticed one small typo: at one point you wrote "loose" when it should have been "lose". And I furrowed my brow a bit at Harry saying "Heck yeah"...I'm not from the UK, so I really don't know for sure if that phrase is used there or not, but it sounds more American to me. I could be totally wrong, though...and I'm sorry if you ARE from the UK and I'm sitting here talking about inaccuracy. Anyway.)

What I love so much is that, even though the chapter's done, I'm already looking to what's going to happen next--I can't wait to see what happens when Harry arrives at the Burrow, and I'm also very concerned about George's health. I have a feeling that he might not emerge from this very well at all...

Great work!

Author's Response: Yep, I'm back, trying to get a few more review responses in so I don't feel like such a slacker and ingrate.

And I must say, your first line of this review gave me all sorts of warm fuzzies and happy, happy thoughts! You're a writer; I'm sure you know how good it makes you feel to see someone say they love something you have worked hard to create. You honestly made my day, again, just reading it over.

I'm with you on the shying away from post DH stuff, although I do know why. I hate having Fred dead, and so while I would love to see where people imagine the characters going, it's always clouded over by a very missing Fred for me. I can't stand it if people keep mentioning he's gone, but at the same time I get upset with fics that never do and act like he didn't exist. Yeah, I'm messed up. But you probably already knew that. :)

Now, I'm blushing at your compliments on my writing. Thank you so much. It's always something that is nice to hear, and apparently I've sold you as well. Whoohoo!

Thank you for noticing and liking the details. I'm a person who very much likes details, so I do try to be realistic that way in my writing. Some people don't like that, however, and I know my writing can get a bit slow for some. Glad you are one who appreciates them.

I LOVE the Weasleys, and any chance I get to let Harry be part of them I jump at. I just feel like they should be his honorary family, no questions asked. And poor Charlie is like the forgotten Weasley. I had to let him be in here for a bit!

Thanks for the corrections on the typos! I read through these things a million times, but I still always miss them. I have a huge list of things I've missed in red and one day soon I'm gonna go through each chapter and do an edit.

Looking forward to the next chapter is the ULTIMATE compliment! Thanks so much! It means a lot, coming from a well-respected author like you!

Thanks again!

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