Wow. I'm so glad I read this, its just amazing.

Author's Response: Oh my goodness, thank you so much! I'm so happy you found this story, too -- it must be nice and buried in the archives, and seeing reviews on older stories of mine always makes me so, so happy. :) I'm glad that you read and enjoyed it!

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a review -- seriously, I can't tell you what it means to me! ♥

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Hey.. Are you an expert at writing stories that bring out emotions out of their readers or what?
This was so beautiful. I think you maybe right about us bein in sync. his is pretty much how I imagined the Potters' last Halloween to be. I think you got it all just right. Cute little baby Harry Potter, James' funny moments, and how he hates bein cooped up, and Lily's love for both Harry and James. I especially love the line ' Lily sprang to her feet, clutching Harry to her tightly, and hurtled up the stairs, already crying, knowing what was coming for the man she loved and yet still foolishly praying she was wrong...' This totally captures the very essence of love between James and Lily. And it's all so sad, knowing how brilliant, nice, and amazing these people were, and how they met their end. The bit about Harry and the costume is so cute, and at least, they had happy moments before it happened... :(

Author's Response: I LOVE cathartic stories, so I suppose that's what I tend to write. :) This was the first one-shot I ever posted to this account (although not the first I ever wrote), and I'm really pleased it still garnered a bit of emotion in you. It means I've done my job!

Oh, that line. ♥ I still sort of love that line too, to tell the truth. I like going back and re-reading this, because although my writing's changed drastically since I posted this, and for the better, I still find memories and things I like about writing tucked away in these sentences. It's a sensation too good for words. :)

Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving this sweet and unexpected review! It completely made my day to see you'd returned to my author page. :D Hope to see you back again soon, and I'm glad you enjoyed the story!

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It's so sad.. James and Lily were so amazing, I hate how their lives ended, but I think your fic is nice, it's cute too.. :)

Author's Response: James and Lily have a very tragic story, but their bravery really is quite inspirational. :) I'm so glad you enjoyed this story! It's my oldest one-shot, so positive reinforcement is always a plus.

Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review -- you cannot imagine how grateful I am that you did! Seriously, you're fantastic!

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Wow this was powerful you should be so very proud this was quite amazing beautiful and horrible in the same story. I loved it

Author's Response: Oh, wow -- such a compliment on the oldest one-shot I have on my page really means a good deal to me. Thank you so much for your kind words! I think sometimes I write angst better than humor -- more powerful emotions -- but that's just my own opinion.

Seriously, thank you so much for the review. It completely made my day to see you'd swung by -- I'm really glad you enjoyed the story! ♥

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I think with every piece of your writing that I read, I fall more and more in love with you (in a totally non-creepy way). James and Lily are some of my favorite characters (obviously) and I've read countless stories that details their last night alive and yet, here you are, bringing something completely new and refreshing to a tale we all know the ending to.

Lily, trying desperately to cling to the last vestiges of a world she no longer lives in, by putting up something so mundane as paper pumpkins and bats...it's just something small and silly but it made me smile.

James's teasing, despite his underlying frustration at being kept from the outside world, was sweet and sad, knowing what was coming. Their laughter and jokes, James's lame attempt at creating a costume for Harry...it's beautifully written and it makes your heart ache. You just keep wishing and praying that this doesn't happen to them, not when they're so young and they have so much love for each other.

The moment before Voldemort comes, Harry playing with wisps of smoke? It made my chest tighten because I was already afraid, and then you write Voldemort coming and my adrenaline just spikes. I'm there in that house with them, running into Harry's nursery with Lily, waiting for that moment where her life is extinguished from her. It's just...*sighs* so beautifully written, but heartbreaking, and you do such a fantastic job with my favorite characters. I love this so ridiculously much.

I'll keep pretending that they stuck crooked paper pumpkins on their windows and played with bats and colored smoke all night and lived happily ever after.

Author's Response: I'll ignore the creepy meanings that could potentially be construed. :) Knowing that you love the Marauders, whenever you review a Marauders piece, I always get really nervous, but now I have all these warm and fuzzy feelings and I just don't know what to do with themmm.

This was one of my first one-shots, the first on this account, and yet the fact that you're so complimentary of it is so gratifying. You experienced every emotion I attempted to convey, and there are no words.

This was a completely unhelpful review response, and it just sort of rambles, but THANK YOU. Seriously, thank you so much. :) Best Christmas present ever! ♥

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I just got chills... I need to go read something happy because that was scary! I loved it though. Excellent writing, as usual. 900 reviews, wow. You deserve them! I think have 6 currently, so 900 seems years away. I'll continue to review if you continue to write! Do we have a deal? 10/10
Cassie :)

Author's Response: I'm so glad you enjoyed this! This is the oldest story on my page, excepting the first few chapters for 'Leaping Obstacles', and whenever I get a new review on it it always totally makes my day. :) Thanks so much!

And for the reviews, too! I'll definitely be writing for a very long time, so there's no worries there. You're amazing -- there are no words! ♥ So much gratitude!

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Another beautifully-written piece, dear! You captured the emotions perfectly; from the time they were sitting on the couch at ease to the very end, with Lily's frantic begging for Harry's life to be spared. You really do have a way with words, twinny, a real gift! ♥ 10/10!!

Author's Response: JAYDE! Thank you so much, lovely - it means so much to me, this little unexpected but well-loved review. :3 I am glad you liked it so much, especially as it was one of my first. You are amazing!!

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Aw! That is such an amazing piece, I love Lily/James especially with baby Harry moments in there too. At the same time of this being super sweet is also quite upsetting.

Rest in Peace, Lily and James

Author's Response: Thanks for the review swap! I'm very glad you liked it - I wrote this so long ago, it's cool to think people still do. :)

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^_^ Wow, I can't find any of your work that I don't like! I LOVE this. I wrote one sort of like this, but it wasn't this good! =D It's so interesting...and it should like, win an award! Good job, and don't stop writing!

Author's Response: I am speechless. Thank you so much! :D It shall now officially have the award of "SeverusSnape15's I-Once-Said-This-Needed-An-Award". Sound good? :P

Thank you for your amazingly sweet review!

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OH. MY. MERLIN.

:O

How do I add favorite authors? I need to learn that. I am going to figure out how to add favorite authors, and I am going to add you. Because you absolutely blow my mind, Jane. You compliment MY writing? LOOK AT YOUR STUFF!!! It's brilliant. It's EXACTLY like I'm standing there. My eyes were tearing up because I knew what was coming. And I tell you, I am not an easy crier when it comes to written stuff. I didn't even cry in How to Tame a Marauder. But my eyes were welling up with a one-shot. In this one little piece of writing, you managed to make me fall in love with Lily and James, only to rip my heart out. I knew it was coming. I didn't want to get attached. It would all be so much easier if your writing sucked. But alas, it definitely does not, and now I am sitting here with splotchy mascara. I suppose it is my comeuppance for teaming up with your mascara. I could feel Lily's fear - it was such a different type of fear than I've read before, and so subtly done. You didn't over-write it. It was like being five years old and scared - it was that kind of innate fear, the worst kind. The kind where you don't know what can happen because you think that anything can happen. All of the emotions in this story just shot off the page and bowled me over. Talking about how Lily liked the seasons and how they were talking affectionately to each other - just a loving family on a seemingly typical day. It was heart-wrenching. I just kept shouting, "No! No! AU! Please, give me some AU up in here!" But your story was canon, right down to the last impeccable detail about Harry playing with the puffs of smoke... You didn't even have to describe Voldemort for me to feel fear. And that, my friend, is incredible writing.

Did I mention already that your writing is incredible?

10/10

Author's Response: *sniff sniff*

Of COURSE I compliment your writing - you're pretty much amazing!! I can't believe you teared up - to hear you say that just makes me feel... honored? I dunno if that's the word, but I'm taking it and running with it. =D

Mwa ha ha! I totally planned that, you and your mascara... Erm, yes indeed. ^^

*glomp* YOU'RE AMAZING, SARAH!!! Thank you for such a sweet and utterly amazing review. xoxoxo

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Oh my goodness. You know, while I was reading it, I kind of forgot that it was going to have a depressing ending and was just enjoying the fun, lighthearted banter going on between James and Lily. And all the adorable things with Harry! It was so cute and touching. And then I remembered what happened on Halloween and when Voldemort came, it just broke my heart.

It was a really good story. I think you did it perfectly. We all already feel for the Potter family, but you really solidified that sympathy and then threw the curveball when we were really feeling connected with them.

Very good!

Erica.

Author's Response: I like that so many people rather seem to forget the 'bad' ending to this story - I wanted to portray the normalcy and happy sides of James and Lily, as everyone else just seems so focused on their brutal end. ^^

Thanks so much for your sweet review, it means a lot to me!!

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Hey, what a brilliantly written piece; I loved every word of it.

I love the emotion you put into this; even though the reader knows how this particular scene will unfold, you managed to give the little family a moment of peace and normalcy, almost taking the reader's attention away. Sure we knew it was THE night but still, having the opportunity to laugh at James' poor costume making ability was nice!

I really loved reading this; it flows naturally and the writting is so neat and clean that nothing takes your attention away. Great work!

Akussa

Author's Response: Thank you so much for coming by and leaving a review! I am really glad you liked this piece, and thank you for all your compliments. =) I hope to see yyou around, thanks so much!

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Let me just say this before anything else: wow. Your attention to detail is mesmerizing. It was literally as if you as an author grabbed my attention and never let go. Syntax played a huge role in this; I literally went on an emotional ride in this story. As soon as I recognized the part where James was sending up colored puffs of smoke into the air, my heart skipped and I got goose-bumps.
Truly a brilliant one-shot. I generally don't like one-shots played around this iconic scene, but it was magnificent. This was done so, so well. I literally cannot say this enough!
I'm in awe.
Thank you for that beautiful piece.

-Anna

Author's Response: Wow!! What a surprise, I definitely wasn't expecting a review from you, and that just makes it so much sweeter. =]

Thank you so much for leaving such a wonderful review, it really has made my night. I am so glad you read this fic, it's one of my favorite things I've ever written and I'm really happy you liked it!

I can't tell you how much your review meant to me. =] Thank you so, so much!

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Hey! :)

Another review, somewhat requested :P I loved this. Again, you are a remarkable writer and this was written really well.

Great plot. I absolutely loved everything. I wasn't even expecting the Voldemort thing, I just thought it'd be some happy one shot about Halloween. But I soon realised suddenly that this had no happy ending (well, apart from Harry surviving).

The beginning bits are absolutely lovely. I love all the description about the village and Halloween, and Lily's feelings and how she's still putting up Halloween decorations because it's like her last connection with the muggle world. And then I absolutely ADORED Harry! I wasn't even expecting him. I just thought it'd be some happy light fluffy James/Lily one-shot, so I was really surprised with this piece! HARRY WAS SO ADORABLE. You didn't even describe him, but the imagery with his costume just had me going AWH!

The emotions, actions, descriptions were perfect. I've read one or two of this moment, but I absolutely adore yours. I can't find a single flaw. Just loved this. As I said, I hope you know that you're a really good writer. And now I'm definitely going to have to read your novella some day, if it's up to half the standard of your one-shots it'll be incredible ;) This was just completely enjoyable to read.

Thanks for requesting, I discovered two awesome one-shots and one amazing writer :)
-maskedmuggle / Charlotte :)

Author's Response: Aww! You have successfully made me tear up. =) Wow, I just cannot even thank you enough for the two wonderful reviews you have just left me.

Morbid though it is, I love the fact that James and Lily died on Halloween - I think it gives us fan fic-ers so much creative allowance. =) And little Harry was hands-down my favorite bit to write of this story!!! I have a friend from school who I let read this and other stories of mine, and her favorite thing I've ever written is still the bit about Harry holding onto James's shirt and playing with the smoke. =D

I am starting to believe that I am a good writer, hehe. =D Reviews like yours just help so much in keeping me going, knowing people are enjoying what I'm putting out there. I am so honored to hear you want to eventually read my novella! =)

Thank you so much for your reviews, they mean the absolute world to me. =) Seriously - you are wonderful for doing this for me.

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Once again you blew me away.

The way you portray characters emotions and their love is so gentle and I guess that's what makes it so stirring. I loved their interactions with the baby Harry and it's so nice to think of him as a small kid with all that affection, something he obviously never had when he grew up.

My only thing (this really isn't a critism more just a pointer) is that Harry was born before Hallowean but I'm guessing that was the challenge right?

You're an amazing writer and I honestly think you're amazing, you're stories are so gentle and somehow that's what makes them stand out; simplistic yet beautiful. I will definitely read your other story and review, it'll be really nice to see how you do a longer piece of writing too.

So really I think I should be thanking you! I don't think I would have ever found you if you hadn't requested! Will definitely recommend!

~Roonyskatoony

Author's Response: Yes, this was a Halloween challenge. =) He's supposed to be a little over a year old in this challenge.

Aand there go the tears. =) Seriously, I cannot thank you enough for reviewing. You have done so much for me just in leaving your reviews, I can't even tell you. Like, seriously - you've pretty much restored my confidence. =)

Thank you from the very deepest part of my heart!

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Wow that was amazing. I love James/ Lily one-shots :)

I only found one mistake.

"witches and wizards living there already did." -it's just awkward and seems worded wrong. Other than that! Good job on grammar and mistakes!

I thought it was really well written and that was a very good interpretation of what you thought happened on that night! Excellent vocabulary too I thought!

Overall just, wow, amazing. Your a very good author :D

Please feel free to request me anytime you like!

WhatAboutRegulus

Author's Response: Thank you very much for your review! I will look at the sentence you mentioned. =) I'm very glad you liked the story, and I am so grateful you stopped by to review! Thank you!

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Oh that was so sweet...and then they died. It was really cute and everything :( I liked the paper bats and Harry's costume.

Author's Response: Hehe, thank you for dropping by to review the story! =)

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heya! :) Its me from the forums. . . I honestly loved this story. I could see in my mind a vivid image of everything that happened. I felt myself feeling sad inside reading the beginning though, knowing that they wouldn't survive past the night, but this is truly an amazing story GREAT JOB!!!

Author's Response: Hi!! Wow, thank you for your totally sweet and unrxpected review, it just made my night. :) Thank you for stopping by, I'm really glad you liked the story!

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Oh Jane, you never cease to amaze me!

"Why, Mrs. Potter," said a teasing voice suddenly, "I would hope you'd be more dignified than to use such foul language!"

This was so James! It made me laugh so much!
I loved the background story about the decorations, it was so good! Haha, the pumpkin costume, was just awesome!

I could literally feel, the pain James and Lily were going through, on the couch about being cooped up, and that they weren't safe, and the possibility that they might never be. I literally felt my heart dropped to the pit of my stomach, while they were on the couch, I felt sick to the stomach knowing what was coming...I began crying (see what you do to me Jane) way before that door clicked! And by the end I was sobbing! I'm still trying to get over this feeling, honestly you can feel the love they have for each other and Harry!

Your description, I truly don't know what else to say about it, other than it was utterly breathtaking!

This might be a short and sweet review, but I leave you with the knowledge that this is truly the most meaningful story I've ever read and that you are amazing!

xoxo

Author's Response: Did I really make you cry?! D= I don't know whether to be sad or happy about that!!

The best review I've gotten to date. =D I can't even express in words how happy you've made me, so I will just say you are an amazing person and words do not describe how much I value our friendship! *hug*

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i thought this was so adorable.
im not one for James & Lily stories because i think their story was already told but i love this :)
your a great writer and i really encourage you to write more :)

Author's Response: Thank you so much for your sweet review! It really made my evening. =)

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Oh my God, this is such a beautiful story. I love the vivid description and imagery in the first paragraph and I think you portray Lily and James' behaviour perfectly while they are in hiding :)

It's the small things like Lily putting up Halloween decorations that remind her of her muggle life and James making a costume for Harry that gives these characters a third dimension. You really bring them to life.

Some of the sentences run on a bit too long, in my opinion. If you cut them up into shorter sentences, they would have a harder impact on the reader. However, the last line: 'Another flash - a terrible scream, a baby's wail - and the light from the jack o' lantern guttered and was extinguished, a wisp of smoke curling to the open heavens where Harry's nursery had stood intact only moments before.' is hard-hitting and final.

Overall, a brilliant story and I hope your other stories are this good :D

Sophia xx

Author's Response: Thank you SO much for your sweet review. =) I am very honored to hear that you think I brought Lily and James to life - since we never really see them alive in the series, I tried to make them more vivid in this story. I have a very bad habit of using commas where I should use periods! =D I'm trying to fix that, but thank you for your comment about the final line. I hope all my other stories are like this, too - I was quite proud of your story. Reviews like yours make me remember why I do this at all. =)

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That was a cute little one-shot you had there. I liked it.
It fit well into how what we know of Lily and James' deaths.

I'm not a huge Marauder-Era fan, so I really cannot say anything more, but I liked it. I thought little Harry was too cute! :D Then again almost all babies are :P

lovely one-shot. A good read. Nothing really stood out to me :)

Love
Ak~

Author's Response: Thanks for your review! I think baby Harry might be my favorite part of this story, it was fun to write him. =)

Thank you for your review!

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I loved it!
It was an amazing way to tell what was happening before hand.
It was funny, and sad at the end.
I really liked it.

-Siriuslover177

Author's Response: Thank you for your review! :D

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I loved it :)
I thought you captured how the Potter's would have been as a family perfectly. I especially like the glimpses of James and Lily's characters, with her being the one who clearly wears the trousers in the relationship. Baby Harry was seriously cute and the way James acted with him was adorable, typical man not being able to put a costume together right?

The ending made it so bitter-sweet. They had spent a cosy little evening together as a somewhat new family and then it was torn apart so violently in minutes. The moment that they heard the click of the door was brilliant, in that instant they knew it was him; he didn't need to make an entrance.

Again I loved it :) the Potter family and their tragic death perfectly captured.

Author's Response: Thank you! Wow, what a fast review. =) I'm so glad you loved the story, this is definitely one of my best pieces. If I do say so. =D

I absolutely love James and Lily, and I'm glad I got across what I was aiming too - they were just a happy young couple, brilliantly in love, and fought until the end. Such wonderful characters. =)

Thank you for your review!

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That was so good. I absolutely adored it. The last paragraph was really amazingly done; it gave me goosebumps. I liked the bats idea too, and how it was Lily's only link to her past life. Super fantastic job! I loved it so much!

Author's Response: Thank you for your review! I'm so glad people like this story. (:

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