By Anne B. Walsh
Reviews
Nenya posted a comment on Saturday 28th December 2013 12:37pm
Oooohhh. I really lile this chapter. There's a lot in it that I missed on the first read through. Could the liquid in the rings simply be blood? Who the heck was Peter talking to when he was pretending to talk to himself? And I really love the way you write Lucius in these later chapters; his sudden interest in family history is particularly intriguing...
Nenya posted a comment on Saturday 28th December 2013 6:40am
A thought...didn't Greyback turn to ash when Hermione stabbed him? So those ashes are not necessarily Draco's - because I can't believe that Lucius's magic would really supercede Gryffindor fire-powers...
Nenya posted a comment on Friday 27th December 2013 2:00pm
This is such a powerful piece of writing. I don't think I have words for how much I admire this chapter - yeah, it's upsetting to read, but it's staggeringly good. The images, the pace, the characters' reactions...I can only stand in awe.
Geoffrey posted a comment on Wednesday 25th December 2013 8:11am
The problem I have with Mr. Weasley in the role is that he was never set up as a leader. He may be likeable enough, but he lacks experience and skill. He also has a documented history of corruption (using his power to punish personal enemies, accepting bribes, etc...). From Harry's perspective, he's wise and knowledgable, but I don't know that I'd be comfortable following him myself if I were there.
I actually thought you were setting up Remus as the leader. While the cannon version would be terrible, your version is a well-respected, experienced leader and teacher. Not to mention he's a Lion, which is a not-so-subtle symbol for "King". And while he has a lot on his plate, that's what delegation is for. And besides, that would make Harry the "Heir" (so many bad puns that will now go unsaid!). But, well, it seems the decision is made.
But thanks for the story, I enjoy it all anyways, and Merry Christmas!
Nenya posted a comment on Tuesday 24th December 2013 6:57am
Oh no, the next chapter makes me cry... Question - is this the first time we're explicitly told that the sword of Gryffindor is the Silver Sword? And is there any connection between it and the Narnian version? Really enjoying the re-read, even though I know Bad Things are coming. A very merry Christmas to you!
Nenya posted a comment on Monday 23rd December 2013 5:43pm
Hmm. So Luna has red translucent beads on her handflower. Are these anything at all to do with the potion in the ring she wears after Lucius stabs her with the dagger?
Nenya posted a comment on Tuesday 17th December 2013 1:35pm
Oh gosh. Harry's gift for Hermione makes ne well up every time.
Dangams posted a comment on Monday 16th December 2013 8:52pm
Haha, Highland Hannah. Most amusing. :D
And yay, Sword of Decision. I've been waiting for this moment for years, for the spells on the sword to be shown. :)
Finally: Hail Arthur, King of the Britons!
buffarama posted a comment on Sunday 15th December 2013 3:30pm
wasn't clear, sorry. do like. can see muggles being unhappy and causing problems, though. that was what the 'aww, shande' was for. princess ginevra and the like make me snicker :)
SerenityLily posted a comment on Saturday 14th December 2013 1:39am
Hey Anne!
Brilliant chapter, as always :) I was quite surprised by the choice of Arthur, though, since previous scenes in which the characters talked about how Remus has developed as a leader made me think he would be the Minister... But I'm still glad it's Arthur, though! Looking forward to seeing more scenes of the Ministry in exile!
AND OMG HARRY AND SIRIUS AMUSING THE KIDS IS SO CUTE ASDFGHJKL okay gushing done hahaha but it's such a nice scene to imagine :)
And now, the news.... I'm turning 16 in three days! yay! so then I'll be eligible to open an account with the bank which means... I can soon start buying your books :)))))) I am so looking forward to reading them :D (okay maybe I use too many emoticons???)
Anne B. Walsh replied:
Remus is leading the Order. He wouldn't be accepted by the Ministry at large, because he is still a werewolf. And too many emoticons... nonsense! Happy birthday btw!
Face Toward the Dawn posted a comment on Saturday 14th December 2013 12:13am
"putting on her best 'I know what I am doing and everything will be all right now' smile, as taught by Professor Alice Longbottom the year before.
It's the face that got me through O.W.L.s, but will it work on a war? "
Ah, now that's a good teacher, teaching exam-taking techniques which are very, um, applied. And useful even after you're done the exam.
As someone who's in the middle of finals right now, I focused on that, but the rest of it was good too. :)
Anne B. Walsh replied:
Hey, Alice wasn't just teaching them how to pass O.W.L.s. She was teaching them how to fight.
n4zhg posted a comment on Friday 13th December 2013 4:05pm
"Visualization of the Cosmic All"?
Dating yourself a bit there. :)
Anne B. Walsh replied:
Yep, I sure am... if you take into account that I was reading my mother's copies of the Lensman series, shortly after devouring her stack of Heinlein juveniles.
PreseliAvalon posted a comment on Friday 13th December 2013 3:33pm
OMG! YAY!
I can honestly say that I think that he'll be a glorious leader.
Also, in terms of your origional work--I totally indend on buying...I just need the money first. I'm kinda going through a broke period... :( As soon as I have money, I'm buying A Widow in Waiting, Homecoming, and A Dinner of Herbs.
Anne B. Walsh replied:
I do understand about broke periods, and thanks for letting me know!
jua-chan posted a comment on Friday 13th December 2013 11:48am
Yay, another chapter. Arthur being chosen as leader was not really a surprise for me, but it was still very nice to read. I am really happy that Harry isn't the leader. He may be maturer than most kids but he is still just a kid.
The scene with the Semtex was funny. I like Molly a lot and it does sound a bit like lack of common sence to put explosives into what is esentially a refugee camp.
So Sanctuary is finally being used. I can't wait to seee how that goes and if there is anything its builders might not have taken into account. The scene with the dogs and the kids was cute. Well done.
I am still waiting for the revelation of what Hermione put into her dagger. I am not sure if I mentioned it last chapter but I really liked what Megan did with hers.
So we are moving swiftly to all out war. While I dread the horrible things that are likely to occure I can't wait for Voldemort to get what he deserves in the end (although that is still far in the future I think).
I always enjoy reading your stories and I can understand that feedback is important. Can't wait to see what happens next.
P.S. After 5 months of waiting I will finally get my hands on a hard copy of cat tales. Looking so forward to reading it ;)
Anne B. Walsh replied:
Ah, thanks for the reminder about Hermione's dagger! It will be in the next chapter. Yes, horrible things will happen, but so will good ones.
Nenya posted a comment on Friday 13th December 2013 2:29am
Huzzah, a brand new chapter! Absolutely loved it - although I think the stars were the elder Weasleys, Molly for sorting out the girls and their Muggle charges, and of course Arthur at the end there. I'm not hugely surprised, mostly because of 'A Secret Never Told', but I'm thrilled to see it happen now. I also liked Fang, Padfoot and Wolf helping the children settle in; it was a great 'little' moment before the epic choosing-our-war-leader scene. Yay for Percy and Crystal, too - am I right in thinking that's not too far from happening? In terms of next chapter, though, could we pay a visit to Brian and Corona...? *puppy eyes* thanks, as always!!
Anne B. Walsh replied:
And the fun part about the dogs? Those are OUR dogs. Fang is basically Bruce (sniffle... still miss him) and Padfoot and Wolf are playing much like Buddy and Brando do. Brian and Corona, yes, ma'am!
Phil Boswell posted a comment on Friday 13th December 2013 1:48am
I swear it's true, I was going to mention that wedding even before I saw your Auctorial Note: I distinctly recall wondering whether you intended that to be an older Arthur ;-) Many other authors have taken that option, but you have been kind enough to provide more justification for making Arthur the Minister than "he's a jolly good bloke, not to mention the only good person we heard of from the Ministry" so thank you!
As for people I am missing…you manage to make us care about so many of your "cast of thousands" it would take a truly immense chapter to update us on all of them. I'm wondering what's happening back in the school (and I need to catch up on Defying Gravity to see how those Slytherins are getting along), I hope Evanie and Peter are safe and well (and the latter's redemption is on track) and what is going on with Lucius and Starwing? (I miss the secret messages-to-author feature we had at TFA!) I even want to know whether you have a particular identity in mind for the Muggle bloke who just objected to the use of a sword to choose a ruler (I see what you did there ;-) not to mention what your plans are for the people the Pride would have been partnered with in canon (Hannah and Story, in other words, although I would be intrigued to find out what Rolf Scamander is up to right now ;-) Oh, and talking of blasts from the past, that is Let Halcyon up there, right?
Anne B. Walsh replied:
Story has a very special destiny in this one, which we'll actually see next chapter. Hannah... haven't decided, but she'll get something good. And yes, that's Let! Good catch!
buffarama posted a comment on Friday 13th December 2013 1:40am
aw, shande.
*has visions of 'princess ginevra' and the like.....
Anne B. Walsh replied:
...you don't like it?
Anansii posted a comment on Friday 13th December 2013 1:32am
Grin - at least he didn't have to pull it out of a stone. But I agree, Arthur is a good choice. The name just makes it amusing.
Hang on, here comes the first drop...
Anne B. Walsh replied:
WHEEEEEE
carolebear posted a comment on Thursday 12th December 2013 11:31pm
Having Fang and Padfoot and Wolf come play with the children was a stroke of genius. And while I was thinking that Sirius would be chosen by the Sword, I do believe that Arthur will be a much better choice. As you said, he is so well liked, and he does know how to listen. He has no problems with Muggles and Muggleborns (even if he doesn't totally understand the Muggles). I would say that your Arthur is actually better suited for this task than Jo's. I do see a problem with the dream in LwD, though, as Albus would not be able to perform "father of the bride" duties. Great way to introduce the idea of the Sword of Decision, since Neville was right about Harry being one of the few people that everyone will listen to. And who was the witch in the red work robes? Have we met her before?
I never got around to reviewing the last chapter, and I just wanted to let you know that once again, you are driving me crazy with your "half-told" pieces, such as the message that Hermoine received. I'm sure that the message was obvious to many, but I cannot come up with anything to explain it.
Who am I missing? Strange as it may seem, I miss Peter and Evanie. I know that Peter has been flitting in and out, but we see so little of Evanie. Did they ever get her a potion piece? And when is her baby due? And what about Echo, or is it Cissus? I can't remember which one got kidnapped by Lucius, the cretin. Even if they figure out a way to free Starwing, what would happen, since Luna isn't there anymore?
I'm looking forward to reading Christmastime. And my copy of Kildeer is in the mail... Whee!
Anne B. Walsh replied:
*whistles idly about Albus* Yes, Evanie has her potion piece. She was practicing with it in Chapter 40. Her baby's due in mid-September. Echo was the one taken by Lucius, since she's the adult of the twins, and we'll see her briefly. (Your book package weighed almost six pounds...)
bialystoker19 posted a comment on Thursday 2nd January 2014 1:31am