Oh, I don't need to give it a CHANCE to like it... I LOVE IT ALREADY!!

Author's Response: Hi, welcome to the story. Hope you like it. Let me know what you think.

 Report Review

I'm sorry man. This is not what would hav occurred and completely against the nature of these characters. This whole thing with Ginny upset? N. Thats not how the story went and this immaturity isnt her personality. And Harry grabbing after her? WHAT?? That just wouldnt happen. This whole Ron punching Harry, and Ginny punching Harry?? SERIOUSLY? I think you need to re-read the books.

Author's Response: Is this chapter a little extreme? Maybe... But, they just came home from a battle/war seeing their brother killed and many of thier friends. After these type of events, you don't always think straight.

As for Ginny being upset, its well documented in the books that she has a temper, so why is it so hard to beleive she might be mad at Harry. Sure, at Dumbledore's funeral and at the start of DH she says she understood, but that was before he was gone for almost a year and then seeing him play dead, after walking in to the forest, fully expecting to never return. You don't think that the love of her life walking to his death without saying goodbye would make her mad?

Why is it we think two people who love each other can't be angry or fight? It happens, every day, and it doesn't mean you don't love the person. Usually it means you love them so much you don't understand what they were thinking. Doesn't that seem to fit?

As for Ron, his stance with Harry/Ginny is also well documented. He was mad at Harry after the kiss on his birthday. His anger is a result of Ginny's cry for help, so I think its plausible as well.

As for Harry/Ginny two stubborn people are bound to have disagreements, especially after being on the run/walking to face death/seeing family members killed, friends murdered. Harry grabbing Ginny was his attempt to stop her from going inside so they could talk more. It wasn't meant as an assault. Read that section again. All he wanted was to try and talk, and the only way he knew to stop her was to try and grab her before she got away.

Last, I'll ask. Have you ever been in a situation where you are faced with such trauma. Seen someone shot? Seen the aftermath? Come back from a war? Killed another person? These type of events mess with your psyche, with your reasoning. Thats what these characters were faced with. To think they'd all be 'oh lets go have a party' or 'the war is over, lets be happy' isn't realistic at all. So while it is a bit extreme, I'm closer to reality than not.

I'll add this now as well. If you're looking for a story where the characters are perfect and never make a mistake, find another story. Part of life, part of growing, part of recovering is making mistakes and then learning from them. Characters in this story will do that. They will make mistakes and learn(or not learn) from them. This is what makes characters grow/change/evolve which is what drives plots and story lines.

I hope you continue reading, and I do thank you for the review. Discussion is always good.

 Report Review

A great story, some of your favorite parts were mine as well, most was the interaction between Harry and Ginny you made them come to life. I also felt the last book ended way to soon, it did not have closure. Some of the stories here have brought that and this one is at the top of the list.

I remember when book 5 came out my grandson who was 10 at the time asked me if I would get him a copy as well, they had extras so I did. What a joy to give a book to a kid knowing they will not only read it but remember it. He thanked me again not to long ago.

I look forward to reading more of your stories, you are very good and I loved the who done it, I had Dowlish figured out but missed the goblins, nice.

Thanks for a good read,

River (Tom)

Author's Response: Thanks for taking the time to review, I appreciate you taking the time to read it all. Enjoy the other stories I've posted. Some are tied to this story and others arent.

Have a great day.

 Report Review

I have read this story three times and the first time I finished in about a day. I am at the moment considering writing my own fan fic but keep thinking all fluff. I can't seem to bring myself to write anything angst I so admire your ability to write all kinds of emotions. I love every aspect of this story when i first read it I screamed and nearly through the computer out the window when Ginny refused the ring but it's come to be my fav part. Strange huh? Your such an excellent writer and I love your other stuff so please if you can write more. I promise you'll have at least 2 fans (my friend will be one too). Anyway thanks for all your hard work it really paid off and good luck for the future.

Author's Response: Go ahead and get started on your story!

Some advice, have it most of the way done before you start posting. I was a full 1/2 story ahead when I started posting and still caught up to my writing by the last 10 chapters or so.

Find a good beta, a really good one and let them help. If you go back to my story I'll bet you can find the exact chapter I got my beta.

Try something you haven't done (angst, action, suspense) maybe this time it won't be your best, but the next time it will be better.

As for Ginny refusing the ring, that happened because I was in a really bad mood that day. My notes all had her saying 'yes' and closing out the story a few chapters later, but I was in a bad mood and typed 'no' just to feel a bit vindictive. Then I changed it to 'yes', stopped and thought about it and decided 'no' or at least 'not yet' might make a pretty good story line. So I redid it and like you, that part of my story is one of my favorites. Especially writing out the meltdown of the relationship, and the varrious peoples reactions.

As for writing, I don't have much time. I'll be doing some more shorter stories and challenges, but don't have tme for another novel. I do however have 2 very good ideas for novel length HP stories that I do hope to get done some day, and of course the many-times-delayed sequel to this story.

Thanks for leaving the positive note, glad you've enjoyed the time spent visiting my little corner of the HP world.

 Report Review

Really hooked on this story! So much better than most of the other sunshine and rainbows stories set after the battle, this is much mroe believable! And love the interactions between Mrs and Mr Weasly in this chapter

Author's Response: Welcome to the story. Glad yo are enjoying it.

I didn't think everything would be all rosy after the war/battle so this story explored that. Another thing you'll notice through the story is that the characters will make mistakes. Sometimes they learn from the mistakes and sometimes they don't. To have the characters always do the right thing isn't realistic.

Hope you like the rest of the story, and thanks for taking the time to review.

 Report Review

Another great chapter. Although I doubt Mrs Wesley would give up that easily lol

Author's Response: I think if it was the twins, or another boy with Ginny then she might have not been so easy to give up. But, its illustrated pretty well in the books what a soft spot she has for Harry and due to that soft spot I think she'd let him get away with a bit more than anyone else. Or at least that's how I wrote it :-)

 Report Review

Another perfect chapter . I like how you did the sex scene , felt more like a novel and less like porn compared to other fan fiction, great job

Author's Response: Hi there, thanks for taking the time to review. In order to keep the rating where I wanted it (Originally it didn't even need the age disclaimer) the descriptions couldn't be too graphic. My intent was to write the scenes without ever mentioning a specific body part. This way it is more up to the reader's imagination than anyhting that I've specified. So it ends up being a pretty hot scene, but it never crosses the line.

Thanks for reading, enjoy the rest of the story.

 Report Review

I totally thought it was a ring in the box too!!

Author's Response: So did I! Oh, wait maybe I didn't... Glad you're still enjoying the story. Have a great day, and spend some time reading fan-fics.

 Report Review

Yup, definitely read this before. I don't know if I ever finished it though...I do remember that I thought it was very good =]

I like that Ginny's mad at him. It really bugs me the way in most post-Hogwarts stories they all have Ginny running into Harry's arms and saying she loves him etc etc. It's not realistic and not in Ginny's character to do that!

Author's Response: Just because she's mad doesn't mean she doesn't love him does it? For two kids who are still teenagers, they have a lot to work out.

I agree I think Ginny would certainly not be happy with Harry's behaviour in pushing her away. I think she understood it, but that doesn't mean she liked it.

Thanks for taking the time to review.

 Report Review

I think I may have read this before...I'm not sure..

It's not on my favourites list and I don't think I've reviewed it before...maybe it was before I became a member...

Better read on and find out =]

Author's Response: Well, maybe it will become a favorite? I suggest reading it and finding out :-) Welcome to the story, let me know what you think.

 Report Review

i absoloutely loved this story. i see ginny and harry in the same way. please write more.

Author's Response: Hi there. I posted a response to this a couple days ago, but now its not here. :-(

Thanks for leaving the kind words on the story. Check out the other stories I have posted here. Thirty-One Bottles is a sequel to this story, and Am I being Silly is kind-of a sequel although it could be a stand alone. Charcoal Memories is a one shot that was done as a challenge story on another website, but I posted it here after the contest was done.(t won).

Thanks again for reading.

 Report Review

Fantastic! I really, really enjoyed this. It didn't feel like a soap opera, it felt like a realistic 'next chapter' to the story we all know. You really did well capturing a wide range of emotions, and I really, truly enjoyed the ups and downs of the Potter/Weasley families through this section of their lives.

Like I said in my last review, the only thing this benefits from is a good editor - you have a talent for delivering the logical next part on a story we all know and love; yet making it all your own and giving us surprises that are J.K. worthy.

Well bloody done, Sir :)

Author's Response: Thank you for the praise, it means a great deal. My goal for the story wasn't to write the best romance story, or the best drama, or have the most action. I wanted the story to encompass lots of different elements so it would appeal to many types of readers. I also wanted it to close the open ended Harry/ Ginny storyline.

I hope when folks are done reading they can sit back and say 'Yeah, it could've happened like that.' Again, thank you for the compliments. Check out my other stories as well. You just might like them.

 Report Review

You have a way with dramatic storyline! Fantastic turn of events. Will review the full novel upon my completion, at this point you have me fully hooked!

My only point of constructive criticism is that you need a good third-party editor, and there are certain aspects of character that are out of place given our collective knowledge of previous behaviour (Arthur Weasley for example).

Well done :)

Author's Response: hi Subrina, thanks for reading! When I first started posting the story I did not have a beta reader. Part way through, right about the part of their abduction I was able to get a very good beta and he helped me a lot. The last third of the story is much better because of it. I have toyed with the idea of redoing some of the first part so it isn't so choppy, but I also like it the way it is because I felt like my writing got a lot better as I progressed and it shows up in the writing.

Yes sometimes the characters do stray a little from canon, but it is part of the fun of fanfics too. I do have Arthur with a bit of a hard edge sometimes in regards to Harry/Ginny living together but I think most fathers would have an issue with it. But he does come around. :-)

Thanks again for reading and taking the time to review.

 Report Review

So You went to Purdue...Im guessing you work at Lilly as well? LOL i live in indy so i not going to far out on the limb there.

Author's Response: Hmmm. I may have spent a night or two over at Harrys or Tri-Chi... Don't work for Lilly though... think more along the lines of "I can't believe I ate the whole thing."

As for the Circle City, I drive through it a good dozen times a year. I race at the track in Clermont every once in a while, and I have buddies in Carmel.

Hope you liked the story, check out its sequel and the two one-shots I have posted. Have a great day and thanks for commenting.

 Report Review

I take it that you are a cubs fan since you mentioned tinkers evers chance and sandberg

Author's Response: Nope, not a Cub fan. In fact I don't even follow baseball, but I do know some of its history. The Tinkers, Evers, Chance was actually a tribute to one of my loyal readers and fellow author who is a huge Cubs fan.

 Report Review

This was so AMAZING! It was cute and funny the only thing was at times it was a little deppressing but it worked out well. I especially liked Arthur and the compooter and the Teddy moments, I have to admit he is my favourite! Once again I say it was great!!!

Author's Response: The Arthur parts were quite a bit of fun to write. Since he's not a super-developed character in JKR's world it gives a little more license to enrich his character in fan-fic. Teddy is fun too for the same reason, he's an open book that you can do about anything with.

Glad you liked the story, thanks for leaving a comment.

 Report Review

So I uh saved my review for the end. I thought about doing one a couple times but changed my mind. But here it is :D
OMG WOW absolutely amazing. This made me almost cry a couple of times. I started reading it about a week ago and I couldn't stop once I started. I read alot of fan fiction but I have to say this was one of the best written ones I've come across. Great work and I'll be sure to read your other work :D

Author's Response: I'm glad you enjoyed the story, its nice to know others take pleasure in falling into my bit of the HP world. Remember, authors live for reviews, its kind of like our paycheck. So if you feel like reviewing, do so. Even if its just a 'love it'. If you disagree with an author then tell them (nicely) and support your view with facts, most authors will be more than happy to explain their thinking or why the character behaved a certain way.

In any case, glad you enjoyed the story and hope you like the others as well. Have a great day.

 Report Review

You're a middle aged man?? All i can say is damn. Until you let me in on that tidbit of info i could have sworn you were a woman in her late 20's... Kudos

Author's Response: Uhhh, let me check again... yep, still a guy, and unfortunately stillg etting older. Thanks for taking the time to read the story, and then taking the time to post a review. Check out the sequel 'Thirty-One Bottles' and have a great day.

 Report Review

Talking about the beaters you say "neither were single, like Ron and Harry"...umm I didn't think they were single??

Author's Response: Hi Hazel25. First thank you for taking time to read the story. For the text in question is "Both were single, like Ron and Harry, but neither had a girlfriend or family...

Which implies that all 4 men are single (Which they are, nobody is married or engaged) but that Harry and Ron have girlfriends (which the beaters Marcus and Andre do not). Without the qualifying statement about the girlfriends it would be in error.

Thanks again for reading and taking the time to review.

 Report Review

A very well written and thought out story. A little stop/start in places and some of the JKR characters outside Harry and Ginny were a little...under cooked...for me but these are minor criticisms in what was generally a very enjoyable read. Some beautifully described moments and some laugh out loud lines. Something I may well read again.

Maybe one day you'll follow up with the full fledged sequel this deserves :-)

Author's Response: Hey, thank you for reading and reviewing. It was always going to be a HG centered story. I did have a lot of material for the other characters but the story was already so long that adding the content was just too much.

As for the sequel, I would love to get it finshed and some day I will, but family stuff has to come first. My kids are all active and I'd rather make time for them than write, so all I can promise is "someday".

I'll be travelling more for work this year, which may give me more writing time. I would really like to get back to writing if I can get time enough to put out something that I'll be happy with.

 Report Review

One of my fave stories on here! Love it! drama and information on the 19 years! you need to keep it going - follow on with a sequel :)

Author's Response: Thanks for the positive comment. There is an often mentioned sequel about 1/3 done but... It needs some serious work on the time line and supporting plotlines, and as my kids are older, I have less and less time to write. Which means it will be a while before it gets finished to the point I'll start posting it.

In the mean time I did a couple of one shots that don't really have much to do with this story 'Am I being Silly' and 'Charcoal Memories'. For a continuation of this story read 'Thirty-One Bottles', it follows this story as a sequel, it's just not the next novel length feature I have in the works.

 Report Review

I just want to say that the cannons the harpies puddlemere ect. Are not in the same leage as Bulgaria and scottland. Scottland ect. are in the QWC but the cannons are in a cup only for Britain Ireland scottland and whales
I understand this would stuff up the story line but i like to presise

Author's Response: Yeah, the quidditch stuff is off. When I wrote the story I had no idea how a quidditch league (or soccer world cup that it is modeled after) worked, and didn't know JKR had written quidditch through the ages either. By the time I found out the story was about 80% complete and I couldn't change it ebcasue I needed certain events to happen to fit the time line I'd created.

I have thought about changing it but I'd have to do a re-write to at least half the story, so I've just left it be. I make mention of it in some of the author notes, and in the reviews as well. It's also mentioned in the very last 'chapter' of the story.

Thanks for reading and commenting. Hope you like the rest of the story.

 Report Review

Woah! To say the very least I have been mesmerized for the past two days reading this story! Its truly amazing and I loved it!

Author's Response: Thanks for the nice words. I'm glad you liked it. I like it, but I may be biased :-)

 Report Review

Hey,
Semester = Term
Sweat Pants = Trackies or Tracksuit bottoms
Pants = Trousers
Sorry for being picky but I really love the story xx

Author's Response: Picky is good. I wish I'd have had a beta to do my 'Brit picking' as its called when I was writing this. Would have been easier for sure.

 Report Review

I LOVE IT! Aww love that Hermione and Ron are getting married! But when is Harry going to ask Ginny? And I really want Ginny to become a professional quidditch player to :(
xxx

Author's Response: When is Harry going to ask Ginny? Well, that's up to Harry isn't it. As for occupations stay tuned...

 Report Review