Oh, Rachel, you have no idea how fast I am rolling down the hill to hug you right now.

I have a huge exam tomorrow, and it's philosophy which I hate, and I was really nervous but now I've read this and I feel so much better ♥

First, I got really excited about your title, because I'd been asking about Bathilda and here she is!

Next, baby Harry ♥ I don't know how you manage to write babies so well. Seriously. Baby Harry is now my headcannon in all his droolingness and chocolate stains. It makes me even sadder to think that soon he won't have his parents anymore, but I'll try not to be sad in such a happy moment.

Right so James. He's always perfect, of course, but here there was something about him that made me really imagine him very clearly, more clearly than before, and again it seems to fall straight into the Potterverse. We've seen him so tense, so nervous about everything, whereas here there was this child-like glee that is so, so welcome considering that it'll be the end soon.

And on the other hand, you've got Lily who's thinking that she has two boys to take care of instead of one, and I just wanted to snatch all you characters out of the computer to protect them but I can't.

THE VASE. I JUST CAN'T. I HAVE LOST THE ABILITY TO CAN.

At last, she slowly turned to face her husband. "I really, really hated that vase," she said at last, and all three of them burst out laughing. Once they had got going, too, it seemed extremely hard to stop; the more they looked at the smashed vase, the funnier it became. Harry was giggling and bouncing up and down in Lily’s arms, just to see the people around him so happy.

I don't know if this chapter makes me want to laugh or cry. Probably a mix of both.

Here, have some hearts because ily ♥ ♥ ♥

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WAH THIS IS WHY LOVE YOU ♥

Oh my. I'm speechless -- I think the last opening chapter that had such a big impact on me was the first chapter of Break Out, which, incidentally, was your work as well.

The you're next, I'm assuming, is a death threat. After George Asher, Lily Evans. I haven't checked the genre of this story yet, so unless it's AU I think Severus is off the list.

Okay. The sender is obviously a perfectionnist, with the necessity to be crisp and perfect. For some reason, I think it's a woman, even though at first read I'd say she was a male (this sentence doesn't make much sense). But there's something -- that I can't put my finger on -- that makes me think it's a woman sending the letter.

I must say this, and I'm sorry, but I must: I got ITB feels for a moment. With the four boys all having breakfast at the Hogwarts table, I went zooming back to when I first read your story (can you believe it was more or less a year ago already/only?) and it just punched me in the feels.

But I'm going to stick to this, or try to at least. As always, your Sirius is perfect.

"You may not have any," he said, waving his fork at his breakfast sandwich, sending bits of egg scattering across the table. [...]

His friend sniggered and dropped a final piece of bacon atop his eggs, reaching now for the boiled tomatoes. "What have you done now?" he asked, popping one of them into his mouth and grinning around it, the juices dribbling out of the corners of his lips.

Young man, you are a pig at the breakfast table. Your mother would be appalled.

What I loved most of all about this is how badly I wanted to give Peter a hug. I know he's going to turn out bad, but you managed to make me forget about that all through this chapter, and I will never congratulate you enough for that.

Also, McGonagall -- well, she was absolutely perfect (as always).

Right, well now here I am shouting profanities at the screen because I am hooked to another of your fabulous stories. Thank goodness it's you and your fabulous updating skills, otherwise I'd die.

Ooh, and I've been meaning to ask: you mentioned at some point you might be writing a sequel to Leaping Obstacles, which I loved (and for which I cried, which never, ever, happens -- feel proud), is that confirmed?

♥

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Hi darling!

Oh, this makes me so sad. I knew how it would end, of course, but I was shipping these two so badly. Originally, I thought the Baron mentioned in the very first chapter wasn't Venn, and that he and Helena would get their (sort of) happy ending, but apparently not.

This has become so dark, without me even realising it. You were just dropping hints, and then bam! The mood is perfect, as is your description. This scene fell into place perfectly. As for your concerns about the readability, I think it was fine -- the language was flawless as always.

The young woman recalled with fondness the days she had spent riding Eostre freely across the fields, with no concern for a husband and unborn children, no doubt that she was exactly who she was expected to be. She did not need a castle, not when all of nature could be her home.

Two things about this. First, the nostalgia that comes across. I don't think a chapter has ever made me this sad. I really feel like we've watched Helena mature, except that instead of being the confident young woman she should have been, she's turned into a paranoid, on edge character.

Secondly, unborn children? Should this be taken in the sense where Helena worries about her duties as wife, or is she pregnant? I don't remember anything happening that could have lead to this situation, but maybe I just forgot.

I think what makes me saddest about this chapter though is the fact that Helena won't be keeping her promise to Isobel. I know it's stupid, but I find it really unfair and it takes away some of the compassion I feel for Helena.

This was such a heartbreaking chapter overall, brilliant job, I suppose! ♥

Author's Response: Hi Val!

Yeah, I do think this one is a little darker. It's finally starting to fall into concrete place that Helena and Venn aren't likely to work out, or even make it together until their wedding day. It was sad for me to allow Helena to realize that, because she invested a lot of hope in this relationship despite her earlier judgment.

No, no, Helena is NOT pregnant. I definitely could have made that clearer. The 'unborn children' comment was just an allusion to her duty to provide an heir and her future as Venn's wife and mother to his children. You didn't miss anything; nothing has happened that would lead to that particular situation :)

Yeah, I kind of meant for the part with Isobel to be sad, because for all she knows Helena will just make up for her promise tomorrow. No one quite realizes yet that Helena is actually gone or how miserable she really is. Of course, it won't be that way for very long.

Thank you for your wonderful review :)

-Amanda

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GINA. &hearts

First of all, congratulations on this story getting a Diadem! I meant to stop by your profile to say so earlier, but I figured I'd cap-bombed you enough already, so yes.

Next, I AM SO GLAD YOU DIDN'T ABANDON THIS. I was worried you'd just leave us hanging, which would have been horrible and basically thank you thank you thank you for not letting that be the case.

And I was planning on making this longer but then I procrastinated and now I can't think straight anymore so this chapter was perfect and I loved it and sort of wanted to cry or laugh or both the entire way through.

Also, I love that Bea stole Scorpius' biscuits despite her conscience, and that Fred is now considering to become an Auror.

Hogwarts was better prepared for these things than him. Professor Pym had placed a temporary ward around the wing to prevent unauthorized access, and upon reaching the infirmary's double doors, Fred turned around to see Miss Galloway's face whump into the invisible wall like a bird to a window. Her spare quill feathers fluttered to the floor, on which her photographer slipped. He subsequently crashed into an expensive heap of former camera parts.

Oh and this made me snort and my brother looked at me like I was mad. Which is true, kind of.

GINA THOU ART FABULOUS.

Author's Response: VAL ♣ (because why not)

Eee thank you c: AND CONGRATS TO YOU TOO. And of course I would never EVER abandon this, thinking about that just makes me sad - it's right at the ending! I've just been very plagued by school and projects ;A;

This fic started as a zany Oceans' 11 style antics fic and I have no idea where all the sadness came from, but here it is. Slapstick though, that's gotta stay, always.

♥ THANK YOU FOR STICKING WITH ME C:

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Ah, my goodness.

(I still haven't gone back to chapter 6 of Resistance and I am so, so ashamed of myself).

What a cliffhanger! I'm going to suppose that this relates back to chapter one, correct?

I'm at loss for words -- again. *insert parrot-squawk* Please don't do anything to Terry. Please.

I need to add this to my favourites. Excellent work!

Author's Response: Hello! :D I'm so glad you took the time to check out this story, and that you're enjoying it! And sorry about the cliffhanger! :P The next chapter is being written, and then all will be explained! Well... maybe.

(And no worries, take your time with the review! :))

This review made me very happy, and I hope you keep reading and enjoying this story and Tor's adventures... and mis-adventures. :)

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Oh, Sam! I've been reading this without reviewing in ages, but this chapter was so perfect that I had to stop.

I appreciate (I won't say I love because I'd probably come across as a cold-hearted monster) the fact that you haven't made everything fine now that Isaac is born. It's made clear that there still will be hardships, and that's what makes the story so normal.

Your final few paragraphs made me kind of teary. Albus is an adorable dad, and I'd missed reading through Lexi's point of view, but the ending of this really made me melt. I can't believe there's only one chapter left... (Seeing as I follow your tumblr though, I know there'll be a sequel so I'm really excited too!)

I can't wait for number 26 :)

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SARAH &hearts

Okay. I have spent my day revising Britain's social and economical changes from 1945 to 2007, or a forty-eight page long poem, so seeing this made my entire weekend.

AND AKSJSKJAJKS I CAN'T JUST.

I think I'll make a list so as to give this review some structure.

1. I'm so happy things are improving for Edie. I never expected Blakeslee to be this understanding, to be honest. There was something about this that really reminded me of The Devil Wears Prada, where at the end the boss is like "I hired you because you reminded of me" or something like that, you know?

2. WHAT IS WRONG WITH JAE. First he flirts with a doorknob, but then (even stranger), he flirts with Mildred. He doesn't need Saint Mungo's, he needs Azkaban! The more he apears, the more I get a blargh feeling about him. Edie can't date him. SHE CAN'T. Plus Jedi sounds a lot less cool than Ediver.

3. Dean and Seamus make me laugh: "What's he got that we don't have?" Seamus pouts. Dean murmurs, "An ounce of sanity?" I love that Seamus teased Edie about Oliver too.

4. Why is Edie defending Rose? She doesn't deserve it! I hope something terrible happens to her -- Edie's flatulent charm could maybe make a convenient reappearance?

5. (I'm rambling all over the place but who cares?) Blakeslee has suddenly become a much more interesting character. I hope we see more of her soon!

Now for my absolutely favourite part of this chapter (though it was very hard to choose):

As Blakeslee leads me round the corner, I hear him try valiantly, "Mildred, is it? May I just say that you look stunning in green-"

"Quiet!"

"Yes, ma'am."

But it was closely tied with this: "And furthermore!" I freeze mid-pace. "What did you just say?"

Also, mini-nitpick: it's either Prior Incantato or Priori Incantatem (I think it would be the first here, as the HPL seems to say that the second is spontaneous when two wands with the same cores duel one another).

Anyway, that aside -- this was such a great chapter, and I'm glad I found the time to review! You definitely deserve those Kecker awards &hearts

Author's Response: Hi again!!

Gaah I keep hearing things about this being like Devil Wears Prada, haha. But I see how the two are similar, so I can't gripe too much. Blakeslee's motivation is actually completely selfish; she wants to sell the most copies of her magazine that she can, and Edie happens to be necessary for that. I think I mentioned Edie recognizing that she'll only go so far as the articles will get her. ;3

Hahahahahaha. I guess Jae was just working with his best asset, which is his charm, to get them in the door and out of trouble with Mildred (unfortunately the latter wasn't having it.)

Dean and Seamus ♥ ♥ ♥ They're going to be on this CI, for the first time since chapter one, and I am weirdly excited for it!

Edie's just trying to be the bigger person. Rose is obviously immature and vindictive, but she's no Voldemort. Also, Edie agreed to write the article. She could have said no to Rose, but she wanted to feel important, and did something illegal. She never signed a contract, so it was all under the table and not legally upheld. I guess I just put myself in Edie's shoes while writing this scene. Edie was getting something great out of the deal with Blakeslee, so why take Rose down?

I actually really like writing Blakeslee! She's a career-driven person, and obviously has enough good in her to remember Edie's name and not fire her on the spot. But, again, WW is the most important thing to her, so I'm afraid she'd always put that first.

I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN I THOUGHT OF JAE TRYING TO FLIRT HIS WAY OUT OF TROUBLE WITH MILDRED. And that's not the only instance where the old broad will be pitted up against a cute boy ;3

Thank you for your mini-nitpick! I have edited it in my Word document, and will correct it when I upload the new CI. Thanks so much for your kind words, Val! ♥

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Hi Jami! I'd forgotten to add this to my favourites and so I didn't see there was a new chapter immediately. But instead, I'm reading this from my computer, which means I can leave a review!

And gosh, you have no idea how much this chapter made my day. It was exactly the dose of fluffiness and lightness I needed, so thank you so, so much for writing this &hearts

Mia and Aidan are adorable. I love reading about children in fanfic, even though they tend to be overdone or satirised, but you, of course, you make Aidan perfect. This story makes me want to waffle on and on, but I won't because I have, can you guess? Homework! I can't wait to read about the Quidditch match (which you will, of course, be writing about in detail, won't you?) and to see what plot twists you have in stock for us.

Also, I really hope this is going to be fluffy throughout, with no cliffhanger displays of angst. I don't think I can handle that and The Steps to Insanity and Before they Fall and Hazardous (which you totally need to update, by the way) -- I think my fangirling capacities might implode.

&hearts

Author's Response: Hi m'dear ♥!!!

I'm so happy I could give you some light and fluffies ♥ And that's such an awesome compliment about Aidan! I really, really love writing kids. I haven't gotten to except in OF, so having a FF with a younger child in it is really fun for me.

I PROMISE TO WRITE A QUIDDITCH MATCH EVENTUALLY! hahahah!

This one will be more of a fluffy story. Of course it will have serious moment, but nothing BTF or StI territory. Umm. Hazardous. I'll try to get my mojo back for that, I promise! And can I just say that I want to hug you to death for reading so much of (all?) my stories?

♥

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Hi Drue!

I'm so sorry I haven't been around reviewing these past few weeks, but life has been hectic and I've been relying on my phone to read fanfiction, which doesn't let me leave reviews. I've still been reading this though, and I had to come back for this chapter.

I've got to disagree with Dominique on this one: I don't think the Pellinors telling Tyrion about his father's death is kind, but rude. Of course, he didn't deserve to be lied to, but there's something about this that I find really unacceptable, for some weird reason.

Right, the rest of this chapter. WHY? I was so happy Ignotus had overcome (to a point) his fears, and I was hoping for a ride into the sunset ending, and now she's gone and he's sad and I'm sad and I want to know what happens next!

This story really has the power to reduce me to a pile of mush. I wonder if Ignotus'll strike another bargain with death to have Dom back? Or maybe he'll switch eras and appear in 2022 (though I have no idea how that would work)? Gah, and I can't wait to see the other Weasleys' reactions.

Fabulous chapter, as always!

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This is reducing me to a pile of blubbering feels.

There was something about this chapter that really hit the nail on the head in terms of characterisation, be it Stan's or Umbridge's. To be honest, I always thought she' be one of those to be judged as well, rather than the one judging.

Another aspect of what I love about this story is the way you convey a sense of what's going on in Britain as well as what's happening to characters. Even though you never insist on it too much, the political and social fluctuating climate is omnipresent, and extremely well done.

I apologise for the shortness of this review, but my mum has just walked into my room again and scolded me because I have a big exam tomorrow, so I'll get to the final chapter of this tomorrow evening. If I forget, please, please remind me that I still owe you a review!

I can't wait to read chapter five, and I'm also very thankful I got to enjoy this (almost) in one go :)

Author's Response: Hi! I'm glad you enjoyed the characterization and the chapter, as it was certainly the most difficult to write. I kept going back and editing things before deciding to just post it and see what happened! I think that JKR said Umbridge went to Azkaban for her hate crimes, but I imagined that she would somehow maneuver and manipulate her way back into power. It just seemed like the kind of unfair thing this wizarding society would allow.

Speaking of that society, I'm happy you enjoyed the addition of the political context. The characters are small pieces of these events, but bigger things are happening around them and affecting everyone. It's wonderful to hear that is coming across well.

Oh no, good luck with your exams! :) No worries, I still owe you two reviews which shall be arriving shortly. Thank you so much for all your lovely and wonderful comments! :)

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Ah, more loveliness!

In one of my Next Gen stories, I see Flitwick as an old man a bit on the barmy side, but I think this chapter has changed my perception of him forever. There was something heart-breaking about the way he remembered everyone, particularly Severus. I don't think I've ever read a story where a member of the staff considers him to be their friend, and it made me sort of teary.

I'm a bit at loss for words with this story, so I'm going to move on to the next chapters before I start to babble, but this is amazing.

Also, side note, but I love the fact that Mrs Norris' tail reaches up to Flitwick's nose. Filch's appearance here slipped in perfectly, and I don't think I've ever enjoyed reading about him as much as I did here.

Which brings me to my next point: what I find so incredible about this is the way you humanise characters who were never given much space to flesh out. Everything is spot on, and most of what I read is quickly becoming my head cannon.

Author's Response: Hi! I'm glad this changed your idea of Flitwick, and that the story gave him some depth. I was originally going to write about Filch, but somehow Flitwick seemed like a more pensive character who would have been scarred by seeing the students he was supposed to protect killed. I'm glad you liked the addition of Snape as well, and I imagined that since they worked together for several years there would be some attachment. Also, Flitwick seems the type to feel guilty for hating and doubting Severus the last year of his life.

I'm so glad you liked Flitwick's characterization, and I really enjoyed imagining the space that he inhabits and what it must be like being that small. Thank you so much once again for this really lovely and thoughtful review! :D

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Good grief, you certainly know how to write your somber characters.

I most certainly was not expecting that ending, to say the least.

Bane seems mentally deranged to me. I don't know if that was the point, but his strive for supremacy reminded me of the Death Eaters, actually. Contrarily to Thanatos, I feel like nothing about Bane gives him a chance for redemption.

On the other hand, Firenze was amazing to read about. There is something very innocent, and at the same time not at all, about his approach to the other centaurs. I think the best word to describe him would be hopeful: he radiates hope, but without being deluded.

Moving on to chapter three -- I wonder who you'll greet me with this time!

Author's Response: Hello again! :) Yes, this collection is rather dark, isn't it? The last chapter is probably the most lighthearted, I think... well, relatively.

That's interesting that you didn't think Bane was redeeming, and I agree. I feel like centaurs, despite being very complex beings, have very neutral and uncomplicated emotions, with the exception of Firenze. So right now Bane is just fuelled by anger and hatred, and there isn't room in his drive for pity or forgiveness. But I loved how you compared Nott and Bane! :)

I'm glad you liked Firenze as well, I really wanted to do him justice and bring him to life. You're right, he's very hopeful that the others will see things the way he does, even though he sadly suspects that they won't.

Thank you for another amazing review! :)

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Hi Lululuna (had to recount the lu's in there)!

Wow. Just wow. The way you got into a Death Eater's head was stunning and flawless. The pace, the train of thought, the way he was persuaded to be fighting for something better... It was all eerily scary, but at the same time, I could understand why and how this man had been lured into fighting for what he believed was right.

What particularly struck me was the opposition between despise of his son for turning around, and at the same time deep love for him. I felt terribly sad when Theo rejected Thanatos and spat to the floor, despite the fact that Thanatos (love the name by the way, and how very fitting for a Death Eater to be named death) is someone who doesn't deserve that we be sorry for him.

Andromeda's inclusion was perfect too -- her anger is competely justified, even though I don't approve of her reaction. She reminded me of Bellatrix there.

A few tiny mistakes I spotted:

"Supporters of the Dark Lord," McGongall begins You forgot an a in her name.

Her eyes tensed into narrow slits, her wand pointed straight at my heart. "You. Are you Nott?"

Slowly, I nodded. This is in past tense whereas the rest is in present tense.

Other than that, this first chapter was, like I said, flawless. The flow was particularly beautiful, in my opinion, and I can't wait to get to chapter 2!

Author's Response: Hello! :)

I'm so excited that you liked the story, and thought the writing style suited the characterization. It was surprisingly natural for me to write Thanatos, and I'm glad that the contrasts which define him came across.

Ah yes, I thought that name was just too perfect to pass up! I'm really happy you felt sorry for him, despite him being a rather awful person. He does have some redeeming qualities, like his love for his sons, and I wanted those to come across. I'm glad you liked Andromeda as well, and that you compared her to Bellatrix! :) I actually imagined an angry Bellatrix fuelled by love instead of cruelty when writing Andromeda.

Thank you for pointing those out, I shall go back and fix them! :) Thank you for this lovely review! :D

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Hi Courtney!

I feel horrible because I really wish I could review your stories more as you totally deserve more reviews, but RL keeps getting in the way and I'm condemned to reading stories on my phone while brushing my teeth in the morning, and I can't review from my phone. Anyway.

I love all your characters and the characterisations you have of those cannon. I'm really picky about Marauder era stories, but this one is perfect and Hogwarty, and I really enjoy it.

Again, the more I see Ruby, the more I like her. Her banter seems to fit in well with the Marauders', and she's much less one-dimensional here than she was in The Dating Game. For some reason though, I wish she wasn't dating Sirius. I think it'd take away a slightly stereotyped aspect of this story (all of Lily's friends dating James'), and I can really see her as a stong single woman, while staying friends with Sirius. I hope this doesn't come across as harsh (I know I tend to be blunt and oblivious, which isn't a good combination), and believe me it doesn't affect my appreciation of this story!

Only if you want to be dead before you even make your thirties!

*bawls like a baby* This is the quote, of course. I hate foreshadowing and knowing how James and Lily's lives end and bleh stabs in the feels.

On a completely unrelated note, before I go back to fangirling myself silly over this, I'm also following Stuck in the Middle and I'll try to review in the coming future... But, alas, I have exams, which is also why I cannot take the hint of updating TCG. There should be more than 24 hours in a day.

Right, back to this. I love the way you manage to include humour in something that should be dark and gloomy considering the context. For now, they're only teenagers who don't know what's awaiting them, and I hope it'll stay like that a little longer.

Also, I found June and Dara particularly sweet in this chapter. I've got a soft spot for June since you first wrote her.

Oh, and I can't wait to see a CI of Professor Hansen! I wonder how he'll manage the class... Which reminds me: I love the fact that you've made Ruby not so good at DADA. She's a character with flaws, and that makes her so much more relatable, and really I can't wait to see where you take this!

Until next time &hearts

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Hi Amanda!

I'm finally here for a long-due review. Speaking of which, apologies for the lateness -- revisions for upcoming exams and RL in general kept getting in the way.

Lily's section at the beginning was lovely and really hit the nail on the head in terms of characterisation (according to my vision of Lily, in any case). Her reaction to McGonagall, and the way she'd see her as a mother-like figure, made complete sense, and I like how you've made her slightly -- I'm trying to think of an acceptable term -- kissing up to the teachers? I don't know how to express this in a way that's 12+. But yes, basically I appreciate the fact that Lily isn't one hundred percent perfect.

I feel horrible for Karen Meriwether and the other Ravenclaw. Even though we all know how Marauder era stories are contextualised, it still made me really sad to be confronted with the war so soon.

I think it's the first time I read about James being so awkward, but it was a refreshing change from the smarmy being he can be. Poor guy. Lily's rejection was also done very well, without the dramatics that are often seen in other stories. I think what I like the most about this is the sense of normalcy you give the characters -- they're only teenagers, after all.

Ah, Slughorn! Your portrayal of the Hogwarts' staff is absolutely perfect. Forcing Lily and Regulus sounds like precisely the type of thing he would do. I think Lily isn't far off the mark when she says Slughorn would think they'd create a Potions genius.

Onto Regulus. The more I see him, the more I like him, but considering cannon, I think I'll continue to hold my judgement.

I'll be back soon for chapter 6 &hearts

Author's Response: Hi Val! Sorry this response is ridiculously delayed. I was traveling and moving apartments and... yeah. I'm going to head back over to Calendar Girls when I get a chance and finish up that last chapter, and then our swap will convert to Reason to Fight.

Yeah, I figured Lily would want to put on a good face for the teachers, even if she has some not-so-nice thoughts in private. The way I see it, a Muggleborn girl in a magical school would want to look competent and well-behaved in order to get to keep her place there and to do well in this new world of hers. She's definitely not perfect, though, as you observed.

This story is a little bit like Yellow in the sense that you are reminded that the people who are dying could be so young, maybe not even considered adults by legal standards. I'm sure Karen never thought twice about pursuing some career experience at the hospital, and yet it would be hard for those who heard of her death to go on as normal in their pursuit of school completion and their future careers.

Yeah, normalcy is what I strive for. The consistently hot-tempered Lily and prankster James really get on my nerves, and beyond that, they bore me. I don't see any reason to get emotionally involved with characters like that. Instead, I tried to make my characters relatable for myself and the readers.

I kind of love Slughorn. He's this one little humorous moment in an otherwise truly dark period in Slytherin history, and I like to think that Regulus can't help but think of his probable disappointment when he considers doing something for Voldemort.

Thanks for your lovely review, Val!

-Amanda

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GAH JAMI SO MANY FEELS AND I WISH I COULD STICK MORE E's THERE BUT I CAN'T SO JUST IMAGINE THEY'RE THERE OKAY?

*flails and flops down like a hippo on stilts*

Okay. I have a greek exam on Monday, the first one of a series that will determine my entire future, so yep, no pressure. If this review is sort of rambly it's because of the stress and the exhaustion and the chocolate I just had (thankfully I never drink coffee because otherwise I don't know how I'd live with myself).

ANYWAY. James being overprotective was so sweet, and Abigail completely deserved that. I loved the pragmatism of Lily's organisation, and the whole opening scene was wonderfully Hogwartsy.

Ooh, this will come as a surprise but I adored the scene in Violet's point of view! I'm a cynical person who enjoys a hefty dose of criticism and snideness, so her train of thought was particularly entertaining. And now she's being manipulated by Alrek... I should probably be sorry for the poor girl knowing what a horrid bloke he is, but Violet deserves being the pawn for once in her life. Also, more importantly, HOW COULD YOU DO THAT? This does not bode well.

LandJ (I read that Land J the first time, I was a bit perplexed) fluff, baaaw &hearts Yes, I did really think you were going to use the Heads' Quarters for that, and the (generally silenced) morally upright part of me was squawking in absolute horror. But of course James is James and he respects Lily too much and nope -- which I totally approved of.

Yes, and about your beta. You should stop using his Friday evenings so he can write Detox instead! (except that would mean no more of this which would be sad and oh dilemma dilemma)

Fabulous chapter as always &hearts &hearts

(I think my absolute favourite part was Violet's comment about Belle's behind!)

Author's Response: Hi m'dear ♥ AH I'm so happy this chapter gave you feels!

Aww I hope you do well on your exams! And that BTF didn't distract you too badly from studying! You had your Greek exam yesterday, right?! How did it go?!

You know how much of a sucker I am for Hogwartsy scenes, haha! It's so difficult not to include more of them. Then I remind myself that this story is already way too long :P.

AH YOU USED CAPS WITH ME. Violet needs to grow up quite a bit and realize that her consequences have actions. So I don't feel too sorry for her either :P. I actually had fun writing in her PoV. I guess I needed to get some snarky out :P.

Woot I'm happy I tricked you! hahah! There was almost about to be a big thing happening in this chapter that starts with the letter L, but then it didn't feel write in the context of all the Violet talk :P. Also, the last message I want to send out with this story to any young girls reading it, is sleeping with a boyfriend is the right way to get them to stay with you. Of course Lily loves James and there's nothing wrong with her wanting to be with them, but under the circumstances and the thoughts that maybe this is necessary to keep them together -- no way jose.

Hahhah I think he's forever crossed Friday Nights off of his 'to write' list. Don't worry, I poke at him lots during the work day to get to writing, so that counts for something, right? :P

I'm so happy you liked this chapter! Thank you for another amazing review!! ♥


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Hi Mel!

Your characterisation of the Carrows is so perfect. I had shivers down my spine the entire time, and I really felt like reaching into the screen and doing something ugly. They're both horrid human beings (do they even qualify as such?), but I love your take on them.

Neville seems so cannon too! He's already standing up for himself, which I suppose will develop even more during the story, but it's done really well and he seems in character all the time.

Your inclusion of other students was perfect. As for professor Sprout, I liked how she represents the teachers' ignorance of waht is happening for now. I suppose things will evolve, but it was a bit frustrating that she sent Seamus to the Carrows without having any idea what awaited him. I can't wait for McGonagall's reaction.

Anyway. This was another great chapter, I'll be around the corner lurking for chapter four (but take your time of course, I know how it is when RL gets in the way)!

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AND CONGRATULATIONS LOVE! I said I'd be getting this one.

I can't believe it's been so soon after review 500, and I'm so happy I got down to reading this in the first place. You deserve each of the reviews you get, each of the nominations, recommendations, favourites, you name it -- even though some people have said otherwise (yes, I have seen that review). I can't believe we're so near to the end of book one already...

&hearts &hearts &hearts

Author's Response: VAL. I know I shouldn't be responding to this out of order, but I have to anyway. THANK YOU. I'm so honored that you wanted to be number 600, and still shocked that I've reached that number. I'm so, so lucky that you started reading this story, and absolutely cherish each and every review you leave me.

THANK YOU, you beautifully, amazing girl, you!

♥

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meep meep fabulous CI.

Lily knows. I wonder what the impact of that'll be, once Alrek finds out.

You sneaky thing, avoiding the match again! You're going to have to write one with your new Oliver story, you do know that, right?

Your Moody was absolutely brilliant, as were Fabian and Gideon. They helped explain how Molly ould deal so well with seven children, including Fred and George!

Anyway, keeping this short because my next review is the big one!

Author's Response: HAHAHAH I know I know but that doesn't mean I WANT TO. Quidditch is impossible to write. IMPOSSIBLE. But yeah, i'll have to toughen up and do it eventually. Boo. haha

I'm so happy you liked Moody and Fabian and Gideon ♥ And Thank you again so much for another amazing review that just makes me want to squish you with hugs!

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First off, I know Ess is really talented and all, but this really beats everything.

BAH THIS WAS CO CUTE. The girls preparing breakfast (that had me craving bacon and eggs and pancakes even though it's half six in the evening here), Mrs Potter chatting with them, the Christmas mood (as of today it's the end of May but who cares?), everything was so light and fluffy and perfect and ack.

I feel so sorry for Alice having to deal with Augusta, even with what we know about her further in the books. Currently, she strikingly reminds me of my grandmother and though I love her very much, she's also quite a strong-minded old woman who doesn't take no for an answer.

Oh, I like the background you've given Remus and Peter's parents. I wonder what they'll think of their son's choice -- unless they die before finding out the truth?

I LOVE THE POTTER PARENTS. LET IT BE SAID AGAIN AND AGAIN.

Haha, that prank was so much fun to read about! How typical. Remus' parents' reaction was lovely.

THE PRESENTS &hearts I love that Lily draws, I think I told you so already, and I know it's inspired from you (I haven't been stalking your author page, just following it closely), and bah the feels. The blanket makes me so sad, because Lily doesn't have a life-time to use it. I wonder if Harry will make use of it as a baby...

Author's Response: This chapter image really is amazing, right?! I can't think of anything more perfect for this chapter. I just want to bottle up her talent and keep it, haha!

I had so much fun writing the Christmas mood for this. You knew I wouldn't spoil the holiday with anything bad happening, hehe. I think Augusta is a very good woman, but not an easy one. I have a grandmother like that as well ;). They're delightful, right? hahaha

Ahh I don't even remember mentioned that I draw! HAHA! But yes, I am guilty of slipping in that tiny shared fact. Usually it's Belle who I sneak in character traits for (I'm the queen of temper tantrums) but for some reason painting felt right for Lily. I'm no where near as talented as her. I compare with a five year old :P but still enjoy it.

OKAY I have to be done blabbering or I melt into grateful feels for all your incredible reviews ♥

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But Katie, I can't afford to read another of your stories! They tend to meddle with my brain, and I've got a feeling this one won't be any different.

I'm really excited to read this, and I wish I could leave a longer review but physics homework awaits me...

I'm favouriting this and keeping tabs on it though &hearts

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I've been trying to sit down and review this all day, but I keep getting distracted by work and my very loud family... Anyway, I'm here now!

I loved your beginning. I hate writing them, because I never seem to get them right, but yours was intricate and simple at the same time, and so perfect in terms of flow and description.

I was a bit hesitant, to be honest, if this was James or Severus speaking (and yes I'm very much aware that that's a strange type of question), but now I'm pretty sure it's Snape. Then again, I'm also known to completely mix up in my interpretations, so I'll wait for confirmation!

See? Third paragraph playing with my brain again. That aside, your description of Lily and of love is amazing. You also injected the necessary dose of James' stubbornness here for me to know it was him this time, and congratulations on that because he sounds spot on.

Ah, your war-time mood! (I'm fawning all over this chapter, I hope you don't mind.) I could really see the scene as Lily saw it, with the body and the Aurors and Moody and her panic. Fenwick seems a little bizarre, give the situation, but he sounds like a nice guy.

Right well your ending definitely confused me, but I'm assuming that was the point? I'm really curious as to what happens next, so I'll be adding this story to my favourites! Also, I'm very picky about Marauder stories, and the fact that I'm enjoying yours so far means that it's really good (well, in my limited opinion, anyway). Plus your grammar, spelling and flow are flawless, which is always a bonus.

Sorry, this review probably wasn't very helpful. Whoops.

Author's Response: Loud families? I understand loud families :')
But thank you for the exchange!

I hate beginnings too - and I honestly wrote this months ago and just slipped it in with desperation, but I'm pleased to see it worked out.

I realize that now looking back! As a writer, it all seemed very obvious to me, but now, I can see it's not as obvious as I liked. I went back and edited names in, so thank you so much for pointing that out to me!

The war time mood is difficult to get. I've read so many well-written ones capturing it (your's included) and I can only hope I got somewhere close. Fenwick... was drunk, the silly boy. The circumstances will be explained later on, but I'll have to leave it at that for now.

It waaas, but I slipped in a name now. I need to stop with the confusing lack on name mention and switching of perspectives.

Thank youuu for this amazingly helpful review - it really helped me fix things up c:

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Hi Jami! I'm so sorry I never got to reviewing the previous chapters, but RL stuck its nose in the way. Speaking of which, I may not be reviewing the coming chapters either because revision and exam period is starting, and I think the computer will be a no-go zone until the end of June. The prospect makes me want to sob.

Right, moving on. I loved the appearance of Bellatrix at the start of this: as always, she was very disturbing to read. I don't know if this is just me, but have you changed your way of writing her? I feel like before we saw things through her eyes while still being exterior to the scene, whereas here I was completely in her head, without the sense of detachment I usually get. Does that even make sense?

I'm so happy Alice and Frank managed to solve their argument. If this wasn't you scrupulously sticking to cannon, and if I didn't know how the story went, I think I would have died seeing them angry at one another because they just fit together so well. Please don't throw anything at me, but I think I might almost, almost prefer them to James and Lily.

Ugh, revisions, following me even here. LEAVE ME ALONE EXAMS, PLEASE! I think I'm actually going to use the technique for myself though.

Violet is a character I had forgotten about, to be honest. I think she worries me more than Bellatrix, and I was persuaded her sandwiches would be spiked with love potion. And now she wants to do what? Huh, not a chance. I loved Mary appearing here, though I don't understand why she'd be friends with someone like Violet.

Aw, it's finished already... I can't wait for next Saturday!

Also, just me nitpicking: it wouldn't be ca, it would be cette or quelle. That being said, I think the more I see Belle, the more I love her. And on that note, I adored Alice thinking back to how the group came together, and at the same time it made me sad because they haven't got much time left.

Right, and that reminds me: it breaks my heart to still see Peter being nice and loyal and part of the group -- we all know how that ends. And I also wanted to cry when you mentioned Margaret's sister marrying Gideon, because he dies and I'm pretty sure you'll stab us in the feels with that.

I'm very, very conflicted about this chapter. Amazing work, as always &hearts

Author's Response: Oh oh oh VAL! I can't tell you how scared I was that you got bored of BTF! YAY. HI!

You know you never have to leave me long reviews or any at all, just knowing you're still reading makes my week ♥ and definitely focus on school first. BTF isn't going anywhere!

You know, I think you're absolutely right with how I write her and that changing. I think it may have actually changed with all the characters, I just didn't really realize it. I hope you like this way, without the sort of detachment, better!

Hahah I can't throw anything at you, you're too sweet! I really like Alice and Frank as well. Probably not more than LandJ, because, well, you know. But I love how level headed their relationship is but without lacking passion. They're actually based very loosely off my sister and her fiance. Those two met in HS, and they're the sort of couple that just seems normal together. They don't act or seem like they're head over heels in love, but you know they are. And Alice and Frank sort of reminds me of them.

Hahah Violet is so much fun to write as just an annoying bratty girl. We'll see a different side to her in a while, and I think then you might be able to tell what draws Mary to her.

I knew I should have asked you! Thank you, I'll fix my French ♥

I'm sorrry :( that's all I have to say for how everything all ends. You know if I could change it I would. I've been so tempted before to give them a happy ending... but I just can't. BUT I do have a plan to sort of make it all feel happy by the time we get to the end. Except for Peter. because as sad as it is, he can never take back what he did. Or will do.

AH sorry I'm talking gibberish. THANK YOU for another amazing review and for still being into BTF and gah ♥ You're awesome.

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I'm not even attempting to make this coherent.

BUT. I'm very happy Beth has forgiven Sirius, and I love seeing those two interact. I'm just hoping Sirius doesn't harbour more-than-friends feelings for Beth anymore though, because knowing how his life is going to be in a few months, I don't want to see him unhappy before that.

Sunday will never come fast enough, I'm afraid!

&hearts &hearts

Author's Response: Beth and Sirius interactions are my favorites. ♥ Although he never did harbor any romantic feelings for Beth -- not really. He was lonely, and he wanted what James had found in Lily, and thought Beth was his best chance at that. But poor boy, he has never been in love, and although he thought he could grow to fall in love with Beth someday, he never did in ITR. :)

Sunday will be here before you know it, I swear! ♥ And once again -- thank you, thank you for all these incredibly sweet reviews!!

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AH THIS IS IT. (One of the its. No matter.)

Wow, I hadn't realised it had been three years. This makes me sad.

Minerva is one of my favourite characters, and I love seeing her appear in Marauder-era stories. I loved James' reaction to her, as opposed to Sirius who's completely at ease talking to her.

Oh. I've reached the end of the chapter and this review has no real content. Well, onto chapter twelve then, and then I will probably be absent for a long period of time again, or maybe just not reviewing, but I am going to come back to this even if it is the last thing I do.

And also, this wasn't completely it. How reassuring, to a point, to know that this isn't over yet!

&hearts

Author's Response: There are rather a lot of "its" to this story, aren't there? I'm always paranoid I won't address them all, too! I'll have to take a survey at the end to see if I have. ;)

I loved writing McGonagall in this chapter, and I love writing her in general -- she's full of spunk and sass and has a great voice to her. And don't worry about how often you return! ♥ The fact that you do at all is truly awesome, and I'll actually be going on a two-week hiatus around the end of the month because my family's going on holiday then. So you'll have a couple of weeks to catch up to wherever you missed -- or not to, and that's perfectly fine, too!

It's definitely not over yet. Much more to come, and I'm so excited for you to read it!!

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