Once again, I'm amazed by how brilliant your writing is. It's very inspiring and I really admire it!

I'm not sure if I understood this right, but is the Memory Garden of people who have died in Cliodna's Clock? Although that doesn't make any sense, because Albus and Aberforth's tomb stone said 1899, right? Hm... I guess you'll explain it later on. Anyway, I thought it was a nice touch. I also really loved the fact that we got to meet Luna's mother, and how refreshingly special she is, just like her daughter!

But the best part of this chapter was definitely the part with Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Slytherin. :) Their characters are amazing and it's really intriguing!

Author's Response: Thank you!

The Memory Garden is the reverse of a cemetery - it's for the people left behind on earth. It's a tangible memorial for people who miss their loved ones who haven't passed on yet. Dumbledore and Aberforth's parents were already in CC with Ariana and the only two who hadn't joined them yet were Albus and Aberforth, so they made a kind of tombstone for them; loved ones can go there and 'talk' to them and it can help with closure. I hope that cleared things up! ^ ^

There's so much of Luna in her mother. :)

I'm glad you liked the Founders bit! Salazar was one of my favorite characters in this story to write.

In the next chapter, you finally get to see who was selected to compete in the Devil's Duel!

Thank you for reading and reviewing.

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The part with Tonks and Remus was so sad. Especially them wondering what would happen if she'd just sneak in and hold Teddy one last time... I almost cried when I read it. I'm so eager to find out who gets to participate in the races and who'll win. I really, really hope it won't come down to Tonks and Lily.

Author's Response: I feel so bad for Tonks and Remus. :( I don't even know what I would do if I were in that situation. I don't think I would be able to participate in the races at all just for the fact that I can't imagine seeing my little baby for only 24 hours and then having to turn around and leave again. Sometimes too far is better than so close but not close enough.

You'll find out who the contenders are very, very soon! :3 Thank you for reading and reviewing.

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OMG. I didn't realize Fred and George switched places. Thank you for explaining everything about the photograph as well. I absolutely loved this story. I wonder why the Potters never left. Maybe they're waiting for Harry first.
Thank you for writing this story. We are really very lucky to have writers like you among us. THANK YOU

Author's Response: The Fred and George switching was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment. They physically switched places while embracing each other (when Molly was looking on at them through her window). There was a very subtle change in attitude while he was flying back, since secretly it was a different person, and then finally he tapped his lack-of-ear and said it had been blown off by a greasy-haired git. XD Oh, George. ♥

You're correct, the Potters are waiting for Harry. :) Lily may be out of the Duels now, but she's still hell-bent on seeing him someday. They're going to wait quietly and patiently for him to arrive.

Thank you so much for READING this story! I'm very lucky to have such wonderful readers and reviewers. I'm so happy that you liked 'Run'. :)

- Sarah

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Wow. Your ideas never seize to amaze me. The Battle of Hogwarts? Really, that's the cruelest thing that could happen to those two in their final hours.I hate the Devil's Duel. I really wish Colin could figure out something about the Tower and things got better. I don't want either of them to die. :/

Author's Response: Poor Fred and Colin. :( It would be a really horrible place to possibly spend your final hours - going back and reliving your deaths all over again. Just awful. It was intended to disorient them, make them less powerful opponents to each other.

Thank you for reading and reviewing!

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Wow. This is my favorite chapter so far, and it's probably the best chapter I've read on this site. Everything about it was so incredible!

First of all, the painting thing - how incredibly creative of you, and how beautifully written. I love how you describe the colours "bleeding into her skin". It was really poetic and beautiful.

Also, Lily's love for Harry. I think you've portrayed it so, so well. She really becomes desperate because of how much he loves him, so much that she's willing to go through the races and watch her friends or someone else die. While I can't see the Lily Potter from the HP series doing something like that, your Lily Potter can. I guess after-life changed her, and the fact that she was separated from Harry.

Finally, the Snape part of this chapter. Everything about it was beautiful, and everything about it was perfectly written. You really portray his love for Lily in a perfect way, and the ending, binding it all together was probably what made this my favorite chapter: "I'm coming for you, my love."

It's a shame that you can't get this story published, because it's so great that it deserves to be a 'real' book. As ever, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this story. I hope that you're proud of it and I hope you know what an amazing writer you are. If you're not writing professionally already, you should definitely consider doing it.

Author's Response: Oh, wow! Thank you! There's something about Snape chapters that make the tone a little more poetic than the others. I think he's one of JKR's biggest masterpieces, character-wise, because he's so complex and mysterious. I loved the opportunity of climbing into his head and seeing through his eyes. Alternatively, seeing through Lily's eyes as well and drawing comparisons to them really helped me highlight their different motivators. Severus devoted his life to the memory of Lily, and Lily is devoting her afterlife to the memory of Harry. Neither of them can truly move forward at this point because they're so attached to a world they don't belong to. But now that Severus has joined her in the afterlife, things could get complicated pretty fast. :3

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! It would be nice in a way if this were original fiction instead of fan fiction, because I could get a wider audience for it, but it would lose so much of its magic - literally - if it were to be anything else. That and I love seeing reviews like this that I can respond to personally! I wouldn't have that if this were a real book. But I do write a lot of original fiction on the side and am hoping to be published someday. :)

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This story is absolutely brilliant. It's like no other HPFF story I have ever read, and I just love the whole concept of it. I don't know how you came up with this brilliant idea, but you should be very proud of it.

Not only is the story itself fantastic, so is your writing. It really is a pleasure to read all your amazing description and beautiful language - very inspiring. Thank you so much for this story.

This wasn't exactly my favorite chapter. I didn't quite understand the part about the fifteen-year-old person who arrived. I guess I wasn't supposed to get it, right? I did however like the wonderful descriptions in the beginning of the chapter, the fact that Fred signed up for the Devil's Duel (but I'm a bit worried that it will come down to two people I don't want to see go: like Tonks vs. Lily or Lily vs. Fred - that would be too sad!) The part where a scent brought Fred back to Christmases at the Burrow nearly broke my heart - a beautiful, very sad little detail.

I think you're brilliant writing saved this chapter, because there was too little happening for me. However, I still enjoyed reading it thanks to your fantastic skills. I expect there will be more action and development of the story in the upcoming chapters, so it's fine!

Author's Response: Hey, marauder5! Thank you for popping by my story. :) I'm so thrilled you're enjoying it so far! Originally I had intended for this story to be four chapters long, about a couple of people sitting in a pub in the afterlife. Once I'd decided on one of those people being Cedric, it got me to thinking about the Triwizard Tournament, and the rest kind of snowballed extremely fast.

I can see why Registration wouldn't be your favorite. It's got a much slower pace. There are a couple of chapters - mostly before Round One - that seem a bit more filler-y but are essential for background information that will come in to play later. As it stands, you're getting closer to when the real story begins! I really hope you continue reading so that you can see what all the duels are like. The rounds are very different from each other, and I'd like to think that each of them will suit a variety of action/adventure tastes. Overall, I must own that despite the Devil's Duel this novel focuses more on the development of these characters and how one essentially continues to keep living on even after death. The way they all deal with death is very different.

The fifteen-year-old person will become much more clear very soon! I kept this person vague so that I could shift the focus to something else in the next chapter, and then could come back later and give that the attention it needs.

Eeep, I hope the upcoming chapters won't be too boring for you! The beginning of Run is a tad bit slow, and there are still a couple more filler-y chapters to go. My hope, though, is that it will be worth it. :)

Thank you for reading and reviewing!

- Sarah

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Regulus has friends now! I am so happy. :D

Author's Response: Regulus needs a little bromance. :D I was glad to give them a little bit of laughter before things started to get darker.

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Shuntbumps is amazing. I was worried things might get messier. But i guess its alright. I am happy James is out. Am glad Lily realized how James felt all this time. I absolutely love your writing. I can't wait to find more about the Cliodna Tower.

Author's Response: Shuntbumps was a reprieve from the darker duels. It's the lightest of them by far. They needed something a little brighter, something with clearer goals. And Lily definitely needed to see through James's eyes; it's the way he's always felt when she was on the verge of winning or losing. To experience that anxiety, that risk, over and over, would be so damaging to the psyche I cannot even imagine.

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Wow.wow.wow. Omg,they can't be alive? But they're dead. This confusing. OMG

Author's Response: Eeep! Nope they're not alive. Well, they sort of are. They're alive in death. Which is indeed confusing. XD But there's definitely something afoot! :3

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The story wrapped up beautifully. I was particularly moved by Fred and George switching places - so perfect, only the twins could pull that off! - and the idea of these amazing characters getting to live in an alternate afterlife of their own choosing. I really think you should do a sequel/prequel focusing on Salazar and Rowena, since they were two of my favourite characters, or just a sequel in general because this was so great. Pretty please? :) haha, thank you for this wonderful story!

Author's Response: So glad you liked the George and Fred switch! That was the part I most looked forward to writing throughout the whole novel. Hee a sequel/prequel. Never say never, I guess! No idea what the future holds. If I ever get the plunny, maybe. :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review this story!

- Sarah

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I loved absolutely everything you wrote about Regulus and Sirius. It was perfect.thanks!

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so happy you liked it. Sirius and Regulus really need each other. They're all the family they've got, really, since Orion's wasted away pining for Walburga. They've got a bond in the afterlife that they didn't have when they were alive. A fresh start. :)

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Wow. I am glad i came back and started reading this story from where I left off. Am so glad this story is already completed. This means i don't need to wait. Yay!

Author's Response: Hey, shadowcat2! Thank you for returning. :) Hee, you came back just before things start to get interesting. Thank you for leaving me all of these excellent reviews to respond to! It's so exciting to receive such wonderful feedback on a story that's been finished and posted for several minutes; there's nothing as gratifying as continuing to see new reviewers pop up.

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I really enjoyed this chapter, I love how true to character the story is: with Tonks saving James and making Lily promise to never again enter in return, with Colin being so protective over the Snidget, and Fred protecting the image of his mother. The moment with Crabbe and his father is also a nice touch and gives him some depth. Must say though, that Cliodna's one shady lady!

Author's Response: It was important for me to treat them as individual characters instead of pawns throughout the duels. I didn't want to make them a bunch of bloodthirsty, do-whatever-it-takes people who lost all sight of themselves once they dove into the Pensieve. No matter how much they want to win, their hearts are still present. To hear that they remained believably in-character is a huge relief.

Cliodna's very shady, indeed. :3

Thank you for reading and reviewing!

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I'm completely drawn into this story. The writing is so eloquent and clear, and everything is packed with meaning and resonance.

I especially love the character of Salazar: he's both dryly amusing and intriguing. Its interesting how the dead characters have personalities that go way beyond being idealized by the living, for example the Marauders and Lily.

The idea of the Devil's Duel is so great, I love how the story both expands on the HP world and has a plot all its own. I'm personally predicting that Fred will "lose" and then be re-incarnated as George's son, or even better they find some way to rebel against the whole institution, but I guess all will be revealed in future chapters!

Anyway I could go on about how creative and thoughtful this story is, but... I'd rather keep reading!!! :)

Author's Response: Thank you! That is so wonderful to hear. :)

Eee, Salazar's a personal favorite of mine, as well. ^ ^ He's on the sour side, but somehow he gets away with being a little bit evil because his outlook on everything is so dramatically repugnant. It's his own fault he's so miserable, really. He does it all to himself.

Interesting prediction! I can't say whether or not you're right, but I absolutely adore hearing predictions on the duels. :D

Thank you for reading and reviewing!

- Sarah

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So interesting! These chapters that you have in between the action filled rounds are chapters I find really intriguing.. it really makes me wonder why you've written them and makes me think all the more about the characters and the life they're now 'living'.

Ahh Remus/Tonks are so perfect here, and I feel like I can really believe in their relationship - you portrayed it so well and they're so sweet to each other! I also feel really quite curious about what Lily Potter knows!

Another great chapter.. forever envious of your characterisation skills and the way you can portray someone so absolutely right, if you know what I mean.. ♥

Author's Response: The duels were exciting to write, but the real meat is in the in-between chapters where I get to show how people are getting on with their lives. Or afterlives, rather. :P

Tonks and Remus are rebuilding their lives in a way that some of the other characters who've been here for a lot longer still haven't learned how to do. Even though Tonks is in the tournament and wants those 24 hours, she's slowly preparing herself to let go of Teddy. She can't thrive here if she's still got her heart on earth, after all. Voldemort has fallen, the war is over, and her son has a bright and prosperous future now. Even though they can't witness it, they made that possible.

Aww, thank you. :) ♥ That is so lovely to hear.

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Ahahaha! LOVE the scene in Dumbledore and Grindelwald's place. Had me in tears of laughter! Excellent.

Author's Response: Hehee XD Dumbledore and Grindelwald had totally different reactions to their unexpected guests; Dumbledore's all chill while Gellert just explodes. Can't blame him, though. Rolling down his hallway in cartwheels... lol

Thank you for reading and reviewing!

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This was awesome. I loved this chapter! Now I can stop wringing my hands together in fear of James, but keep massaging my head in worry for Tonks... Great story.

Author's Response: Thank you for reading and reviewing! I'm glad you liked it. James is safe now (whew!) but things are getting closer to the end and Tonks is still in the game. D:

:)

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Absolutely, positively, mind blowingly incredible!

Every chapter was flawless. All the dots connected...everything was just perfect, and I couldn't stop reading. I cannot believe that it's over, but that just makes me excited to see other works that you have done! :)

I loved how you executed each and every character as well. They never strayed too far from the original characters although they were in a completely new environment. I absolutely loved that part of it!

I'm so glad this story didn't become your four-chapter one, as you were planning. Don't you love when that happens though? That happened with a story of mine, it was only supposed to be three chapters, but then turned out to be novel.

Again, a marvelous, flawless job! I honestly can't wait to delve further into your creations (and hopefully you won't mind the pile of reviews I leave)! :)

Author's Response: Thank you so, so, so much for all of your amazing reviews. I cannot possibly convey my gratitude at having gotten such a wonderful response to my story. I didn't think Run would be the type of thing many people would want to read since it wasn't centered around romance, and it ended up being the most-read story on my page. The fact that you stumbled upon it and left me these lovely presents to read and respond to is the cherry on top. :) I hope to see you on my page again!

Thank you.

- Sarah

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What in Merlin's name are you doing to me?! I've had a hard enough time getting through this chapter with my blurry vision, due to my watery eyes; now I'm having heart palpitations with the end! Which, of course, is absolutely brilliant, as was the clock!

Now that I'm done being rude: this chapter was wonderful. I absolutely loved it, beginning to end. Nonetheless, now that my heart palpitations have calmed down and my eyes aren't so watery, I can go forth into the next and final chapter.

Author's Response: And THIS was the reason why Fred won. He's the only one of the contenders who could possibly pull off a switch like this - not just because he's the only one with an identical twin but also because he's the only one gutsy enough to try it. Giving him another year on earth to fit in all the things he didn't have time for, is the absolute best gift George could ever have given him. And George of course didn't think twice about it. Now George will get to see what the afterlife is like - almost like cheating - and experience some adventures of his own. :)

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Simply genius! I hope you know that you very much are!

Unfortunately, I must get to the next chapter though because I'm far too intrigued not to! See you there! :)

Author's Response: Hee, thank you! I couldn't bear to kill Colin. There had to be a way out, some kind of alternative, and so that's what I did. He was simply too adorable to let die.

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Holy Merlin! I need to catch my breath now. That was terrifying and emotional...and oh my goodness!

Once I read that it was Tonks, my eyes watered. I couldn't believe it. I wasn't expecting it, although I should've known to expect the unexpected with you!

I can't believe I'm almost to the end...I don't want it to! :(

Author's Response: Tonks taking his place. D: That would be so, so hard for Colin and Remus to watch from outside the Pensieve. Tonks is so brave and so selfless - I just love her to pieces.

We're nearly to the end! Or really, it's already over for you. I've just got a couple more of your reviews to go now.

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Oh goodness! My breath is caught in my throat, and I'm typing at the speed of light. I must get to the next chapter before I cannot survive from my anticipation, although that sounds absolutely ridiculous...

Author's Response: Eeep! I ended this chapter on a bit of a cliffie. XD I'm a really mean author in that way. Thank you for reading and always stopping to leave a wonderful review!

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Another lovely chapter! Much too eager to get to the next though! See you there! :)

Author's Response: See you there!! And thank you. :)

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Amazing chapter, as always! :)

I continue to say how much I love this character and that character or these two characters together. I just have to admit, I love all the characters in the Harry Potter series, and just simply can't get enough - which I sure you can relate!

I did love this chapter with Fred though, I really did. I loved the connection you have brought to life with Fred and George, that it's still there, unlike most would believe.

Author's Response: I can absolutely relate to that. XD That's why I'm in denial that any of these people ever died. Their story must continue on! ~

The connection between Fred and George cannot be broken by the death of one of them. It's so strong, so impenetrable, that not even being divided into two different worlds can take them away from each other. ♥

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A wonderful chapter and well executed duel! I think so far this was my favorite duel! Threw me for a loop again with having Fred win! I was definitely expecting Tonks to win, although I am glad Fred was the one who won... Now it's just down to Colin and Fred...

Author's Response: This duel was a lot of fun to write. I'm really into spooky funhouse sort of things, so it was a treat. A lot of people were expecting Tonks to win and for it to be Tonks vs. Colin. My favorite thing is hearing that the outcome of duels were unexpected. :3

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