wicked chapter. please update soon (:

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Oh no, what a cliffhanger! That's mean!

The opening with James and Brigid discussing his options for other teams makes me think that he's a shoo-in for the England position, because if they're asking for him even before he's made it known that he's available, then he's got to be brilliant. I'm interested to know what he'll do with those teams. Do world cup players go and play abroad as well or does the competition take place during that time? And I wonder how Carlotta will affect his decision as well, since they're not at a stage where she would automatically go with him to Australia or anywhere.

I love Lily in this - she's one of my favourite characters. She's so hardworking and ambitious and has done so much to get to the position she's in. It can't be easy for any Squib, but in a family like the Potters it must be even harder to deal with. It's great that she has such brilliant friends and has learnt to deal with it and move on with her life like normal.

The part with Maddie trying to hide all the quaffles and chocolate frogs from her parents was hilarious and I could picture it all so vividly! I hate packing as well so I can definitely understand why they were all desperate to be able to use magic but had to avoid the Muggles seeing them. I'd forgotten about the wardrobe as well, but the idea of Harry doing something like that which he's not really supposed to is funny - I can easily imagine that happening!

Carlotta is really becoming more comfortable with the wizarding world, isn't she? I really enjoyed seeing her go to Diagon Alley by herself and gaining by it because she's a Muggle. I love that she's so fascinated by everything that the wizarding world holds and what she can take from it - including the cooking. I'm not entirely sure that pumpkin would go with fish, but she might as well try... :P

And the phone call! That was a cruel cliffhanger to leave this chapter on! I'm convinced that James is going to get the offer to play for England, because he was chosen once before and everyone can see how talented he is. He really deserves it! And why else would he get a call if it wasn't a call up for England? But I'm still nervous in case Demelza is worried about his past behaviour and decides to go for someone else. Now I've just thought that it might not even be a call about quidditch...you're messing with my mind here!

I'm really looking forward to the next chapter and I hope you update soon!

Sian :)

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Ahhh, the phone... I kinda get the feeling that the next chapter will have a huge anti climax... because of the whole phone ringing... you know? Maybe that's just me.
I loved this chapter, love Lily and her friends, I think their little story is so creative and well put it. But the mention of Al... we haven't really seen much of him in a while, or Freddie really? Just wondering if either of them will turn up soon?
Okay well there's not really much else to say, I'm pretty sure you know by now that I'm in love with this story, James is just the cutest person in the world. And everything is so believable, i'm so jealous of how well you write.
Well done and I can't wait to read the next chapter :)
~Char

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cliffy!
Waiting for the nxt chapter.

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That bit about Lily and packing was HILARIOUS! The way that she really wanted Ginny and James to pack for her and how Maddie had to run into her room with the Quaffle and the Chocolate Frogs. I really had never forgotten about the wardrobe, but it was a shame that Lily couldn't just put everything in there because that's what I would have done.

I loved reading about Carlotta going to Diagon Alley by herself. It's so interesting because she's a Muggle but yet she's by herself in a completely magical place. I suppose it's a sign that she has really gotten used to magical things?

AH! THE CALL! OH MY GOSH!
I really hope James gets it. He really deserves it.
I don't doubt in his abilities; only the fact that Demelza might have reservations about his behaviour earlier. But everything considered, I really think he will get it.

Awesome chapter! I hope you update soon!

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this chapter was really well written! i love how you balance the magic and muggle worlds making it seem so convincing. and i love the parts with lily- she's such an intriguing character, i just want to get to know her more!
i'm looking forward to the next chapter of wonderfulness!
~M

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the library scene was brilliant! i love that you mentioned lockhart and his books :) the banter between james and harry was just perfect. i really really enjoyed this chapter and i'm looking forward to what comes next!
also, i'm super excited/nervous for James!
~M

Author's Response: The book scene was so fun to write! Especially the Lockhart banter. And Harry and James are so lovely now they get on, aren't they? :) Thanks for reviewing!

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I think this is review 300 on this story! Yay!

James is such a great protagonist because he's so likeable. Of course, when he did go off the rails I kind of wanted to slap him and tell him to sort his life out, but he's so humble about his talents and abilities and that makes him so nice to read about. I think, realistically, Demelza will have to pick James for the squad again because she knows how good he is and everyone can see that he's matured and improved recently - other players just wouldn't be as good. I like the fact that he was reluctant to say it, though, even though his family are confident of his chances. It'll be interesting to see how this decision affects his feelings towards the teaching position at Hogwarts.

The part when Carla was sifting through all the books in Harry's office was really fun to read. I liked how you incorporated all the canon titles into the story and added your own comments about them. It's strange to think how much Carla still has to learn about the wizarding world and she can do that through reading through some of the books. I could really picture the excitement on her face when she found the baking book - I can imagine her begging James to help her in the kitchen while she makes things!

As ever, I love the interactions between Harry and James. They seem very real, the way you've portrayed them in this story, and they have had problems with their father-son relationship, which is only natural, but I think that makes it more authentic and believable to read. I love the jokes between them and the way that they tease each other about things. I'm pretty sure Harry met a vampire once at Slughorn's party, but that's nothing major.

I'm so interested to see what happens next, and what Demelza's choice actually is!

Sian :)

Author's Response: This is indeed review 300! Crazy, crazy stuff! This makes me a very happy author. :)

I had to make James likeable right from the start, just to make sure people wouldn't totally turn against him when he went off the rails. I'll be honest with you, I wanted to slap him at times while I was writing him during that phase, even though I knew he'd come out of it okay! So I'm really, really glad that worked out in the end. :) He's reluctant to say he has a chance of making the squad again because he doesn't want to get his hopes up in case he's NOT picked. Of course he has a chance, but he's not overly confident about that chance and he'd rather prepare for the worst than expect the best. His family have a slightly more objective viewpoint, so they're more likely to talk up his chances. Even if he doesn't want to hear that!

I absolutely loved writing that bit with the books. I forgot that so many of them existed - like Enchantments in Baking, I think that got a fleeting mention in CoS or GoF - it's one of Mrs Weasley's books in the kitchen in the Burrow, unsurprisingly. :) Carlotta will of course nag James to do the spells for her. And if not, Freddie will surely be willing if there's food at the end of it. But yes, those books will teach Carlotta so much more about the wizarding world, things that haven't even crossed James' mind as worthy bits of information.

Once more, Harry and James' dynamic was an utter joy to write. I think Harry would be SO laid-back with life as an adult, and when James isn't an insecure nincompoop he's almost horizontal, so they just bounce off each other now they've sorted out their issues. Which is lovely. :) I had forgotten about that vampire at Slughorn's party - but yes, that wasn't a major moment in Harry's life, so that's my excuse ;) Thanks for review 300! :)

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well, please update soon, because this story is getting damn interesting now.

Author's Response: Glad you're enjoying! The next chapter should be up soon. :) Thanks for reviewing!

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I loved that bit about the books. It's rather interesting to see the things that Carlotta learns about the magical world just by reading the titles of the books. It was funny, that bit about James saying Carlotta doesn't need to read "Hogwarts, a History" becuase Hermione can regurgitate it all.

That bit about Carlota being super scared of having dragon pox and everything made it very real that she was still a Muggle. An unknown illness potentially spreading around the Quidditch League has got to scare her. It was cute how excited she was about the book Enchantments in Baking. I can imagine Carlotta already asking James to perform some spell or make a potion or something like that whilst she's cooking so that she can test it out.

In all reality, I think James will make the team again. He was Demelza's first choice; obviously he's going to be put on a very tight leash once he's back on the team but I just can't see that Demelza would rather risk her chances with someone less experienced than taking back James after seeing that he HAS become a lot better with his behavior and everything.

It's just another thing that I love about James; he's just so humble about his achievements.

Author's Response: Carlotta going through Harry's books was an absolute hoot to write! Glad you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. :) And yes, she will DEFINITELY have fun with the baking book! With help from James, or whoever she can persuade to help her. Freddie, of course, would do anything if he got food out of it.

Yep, dragon pox is NOT the kind of thing that Carlotta would be totally blase about! Of course it freaks her out, and James' reassurance really isn't enough on its own. She still has so, so much to learn about the wizarding world, bless her.

James DOES have a chance of making the team again ... but can Demelza overlook what happened last time? ;) Thanks for reviewing!

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harry met a vampire at slughorn's xmas party in 6th year, but other than that I'm excited to see whether he gets the call!

Author's Response: So he did! I forgot about that. Still, that was more of a fleeting moment than a big part of Harry's life story, so I think James can get away with that comment. ;) Thanks for reviewing!

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The book part was amazing, and the Lockhart stuff was brilliant! I love this story! Thanks for the update! I hope James gets in! xx

Author's Response: The Lockhart banter was a sheer joy to write. As was that whole book section, actually. :) Thanks for reviewing!

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The dragon pox?! Does this mean what I think it does? Does James have a chance of getting back on the England team now that Joshua Wadcock has the dragon pox? Okay, that has made me quite confused, because the last chapter made me think something completely different was going to happen...

The school dance was so cute, and I really enjoyed reading this chapter. James and Lily have a really cute brother/sister relationship and it's nice to see them spending time together. And it was so sweet that Lily saved the last dance for her older brother, when he was worried he wouldn't get a chance to dance with her!

Lily is such a brilliant character. The hand she's been dealt is really horrible (it can't be easy as a Squib growing up with all the other Weasleys) but it's great to see that she's made the best of her situation and is thriving with her friends. She's so modest as well - definitely the sort of person I'd want to be friends with, especially since I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her!

The awards made me laugh a lot. It reminds me of the same sorts of awards we got when I left school, although our accessories were nowhere near as funny as the ones that the girls got here. Maddie with her snorkel!

And Leggy Allegra came back! I actually really liked her when she was in this story before, because she did seem different to most of the other girls that James seemed to attract. She's definitely not someone that fits into the bimbo category, anyway. I love the fact that you add some depth to minor characters, and that we found out more about her and her background and thoughts. Hopefully it helped James to realise that not everyone has always been after him because of his father's fame or his own. I hope Allegra appears in this story again, because I can imagine her being a good friend, and even getting on with Carlotta.

That ending - it's not exactly a cliff hanger, but you've left me so curious about what's going to happen next and how events are going to unfold now!

Sian :)

Author's Response: I loved writing the school dance. It wasn't necessarily important to the plot, but it was nice to give James and Lily some sibling time. And of course she saved her last dance for him. :) My own school prom had those kinds of awards and tongue-in-cheek presents - and actually, the 'most vain' moment was completely lifted from my own prom, right down to the winner refusing to get up to collect her prize. But yes, Maddie and her snorkel made me laugh a little as I wrote it. :)

Allegra is indeed back! I'm glad you like her, because she'll be more important in the sequel (so yes, she will be appearing again! I'm not sure how much she'll feature in the rest of this fic though, but she's VERY important in the next one so hopefully that makes up for it). She's a genuinely nice person who tells James something that he really needs to hear.

DRAGON POX. James' future really is up in the air right now, isn't it? Tee hee. Thanks for reviewing!

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I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get round to reviewing these chapters, but this is the first real opportunity I've had! There's so much interesting stuff in this chapter...

I love the detail and thought you put into each chapter of this story. Everything is made so much more believable and interesting with the effort you obviously put into writing this. Even little things like the basic magical theory behind the existence of Diagon Alley are really interesting, because they offer answers to questions that HP readers have probably had at some point.

Another aspect I love of this story is the way you're sort of reintroducing us all to the world of magic. I think it's so easy for us to forget how wonderful the things that all the characters can do are, because we get so immersed in reading the world that it seems normal to us. Carla kind of helps to show that all of this is really amazing. I can't imagine James possibly trying to describe The Burrow to her, and how astounded she must have been when she saw all the magical things there.

The scenes with all the Weasleys are some of my favourite scenes in this story. They're just so fun to read and I love how close they are as a family and the way that they all interact; each of them has their own definite character that they seem to remain true to throughout. The increased understanding between James and Harry is great as well - it really shows how well parents know their children, even if the children don't think they do.

So, James enjoys teaching kids and inspiring them to become Quidditch players? Hmm, that's interesting. Is he going to take the post at Hogwarts, I wonder? But then he wouldn't be able to play for the Falcons - is there a way he could be a part time teacher and play Quidditch professionally?

Sian :)

Author's Response: This chapter was a fun one to write, if I remember rightly. I've actually found that having a Muggle character has forced me to think about the magical world from a more non-magical point of view, if that makes sense ... we're all so used to the world of Harry Potter now that we don't think twice about it, but now I'm thinking about things from Carlotta's stance I'm having to think of the basic magical stuff like how Diagon Alley fits, and how crazy the Burrow actually is. It's fun. :)

I struggled at first with developing all of the Weasley cousins. I've always known how I envisage them all, and that's obviously how I portray them here, but there are so many of them that it's hard to demonstrate each individual character without cramming the story full of them! But the scenes with all of them present are really fun to write, because I love every one of them. Even if I do have to make a list of every person in the room to make sure I don't forget someone.

I'm making absolutely no comment on James' future I'm afraid, you'll just have to see how things pan out! :) Thanks for reviewing!

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this story is amazing and i'm really upset that i hadn't stumbled upon it up till now! i love your characters, and the way in which you tell their story. this is such a great story and i can't wait to read the next chapter!
~M

Author's Response: Thanks very much, I'm really glad you're enjoying the fic! The next chapter is in the queue. :) Thanks again for reviewing!

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Hello, it's me again :) I've returned to tell you you're amazing. I loved this chapter (I mean I love pretty much every chapter you write but still). The school dance thing was nice, Cato as eye candy, I can totally imagine that. It was so cute.
And oh my days the dragon pox??? What is this??? are you trying to kill everyone or something? I was looking forward to that happy ending but you are slowly making that seem less and less likely!
It was also good to see the reappearance of Leggy Allegra, I was actually wondering the other day if she'd turn up again. You write her really well!
Ok well that's all from me, except that you write amazingly and I can't wait to read the next chapter!
Happy Writing :)
~Char

Author's Response: Glad you liked the school dance inclusion. It didn't necessarily serve a particular purpose, but I wanted to write it in anyway. Besides, it gives James and Lily some time together :)

Dragon pox is most definitely not my way of killing off all hopes of a happy ending! Au contraire ;) Allegra is actually one of my favourite characters, I have a sequel planned for this and she has a larger role in that. I'm really glad you like her. :) Thanks for reviewing!

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/cries because the relationship between James and Lily is so sweet; they're the best brother/sister pairing in the whole wide world.

James is so sweet! I just love him so much! He's so nice to Maddie and Lily and she was so adorable when she called out her own name! ieufhkjcgdf

And Maddie with the snorkels, omg. I couldn't stop laughing at that. I could totally picture it and it made me want to go snorkelling. :p

I just keep reading her and James dancing together and it makes me so happy that I just want to cry. :'D

But oh mY GOD. JOSHUA WADCOCK HAS DRAGON POX. DOES THIS MEAN JAMES MAY GET BACK ON THE TEAM?! I REALLY HOPE SO, HE'S BEEN A GOOD BOY!

[SCREAMING]

So yeah, I just loved this chapter. I love the way you write James, it's just so perfect and I want one.

Where do I order him? Ebay? :p

Anywho, loved this chapter, as always, and I can't wait to read the next one! :)

Author's Response: I absolutely adore writing James and Lily's moments. If I'd had a big brother, James would be the one I'd want. :) And yes, Maddie was utterly ridiculous as usual in this chapter, the snorkel moments made me laugh when I came up with them.

Wadcock does indeed have dragon pox! The saga will unfold in the next few chapters, and your question should be answered satisfactorily. The next one is in the queue. :) Thanks for reviewing!

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awsome chapter. please update as soon as you can

Author's Response: The next chapter is in the queue. :) Thanks for reviewing!

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amazing chapter. please update soon

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing!

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Aww. Liking it. I think James should go play Quidditch in Spain, if he wants to go abroad. And he wants to teach kids? Oh -oh, oh, he's going to take the post at Hogwarts? No way. Well, I'm curious. We'll see...
I like all the Quidditch stuff, and that there's so much Carlotta and Weasley in that chapter. Lovely writing. I thoroughly enjoy reading this story.

Author's Response: James could go to play Quidditch in Spain, but that would only help him in terms of proximity to Carlotta if she were to go with him, and she's not likely to do that even if it IS Spain! I will make no comment on his future. :) I loved writing all the Weasleys in this chapter, they're some of my favourite scenes to write :) Thanks for reviewing!

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I really liked this chapter. It was well written.
Lily and Maddie are my favourites.
I think I know what he is going to do, he's going to teach at hogwarts isn't he?
Looking forward to the next chapter xx

Author's Response: Glad you like Lily and Maddie, I have far too much fun writing them! I couldn't possibly comment on James' future, but the next few chapters should reveal a few more clues :) Thanks for reviewing!

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YAAAY! They won! I'm so hapy I can't even think straight. It's all good and happy-ever-after-ish... there is going to be a happy ever after right? Because if there isn't I'm going to cry and that won't be very good for anyone right...
Ok well as usual, I don't even know why I bother saying this time after time, but your writing is amazing and inspiring and I honestly wish I was as good as you. You make it sound believable, like it's really real. It's just so good. And you seem to think it out so well, like the whole match - it was very sweet that Della got captain, very believable too, - it flowed and it made sense and it was really good.
And your characters are just so loveable and amazing, and Carla, I am sososo happy that she and James are together, it makes me smile.
Anyway that's all from me, well done for your incredible writing and update soon.
~Char

Author's Response: I couldn't possibly whether there will be a happy ever after or not ... but I can say there's another eighteen or so chapters to go before any sort of ending, so we've got a bit more to go yet! I'm also planning a sequel, so if there is a happy ending it may be short-lived ;)

Della getting the captaincy was snuck in for the opportunity it provided Ryan to be a total babe. But it also let me expand on her character a bit (as well as making things more dramatic, of course) so on the whole I'm glad you liked that bit. The match was a nightmare to write, but I'm pleased with how it turned out in the end. I'm really glad you're enjoying this fic, thanks so much for your lovely review! Next chapter is in the queue :)

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James is such a real character that it's really hard not to like him, even after seeing the terrible way he behaved to all his family and friends and the reporters. I think it's great that you can see such an obvious change in him from the very beginning of the story - quidditch used to be the main focus of everything in his life, while everything else was a pleasant distraction. Now he has multiple things that are important to him, and that's made him even more likeable as a character.

I love the idea of Harry and Ginny taking bets on whether Carlotta would be there with James. It's something I can definitely imagine them doing - in fact, I can imagine the whole family running sweepstakes on it. It's great to see that James not only shares this ritual with his mother, but his father and girlfriend now too.

Another thing I enjoyed was the way we got to see more of his family here - even Uncle Charlie, who knows James is settling down, no matter how much James tries to deny it. The bit where Freddie introduced Carla to Ingrid and Mark was a nice touch, too. Even if Brigid doesn't forgive him and they don't end up together, I can see them starting to at least communicate properly in the near future.

The build-up to the match was so tense. James feeling nervous and freely admitting to it - no matter how good you are, when your game has such an important result at the end of it, there's no way you're not going to be nervous - and then Alfie having to pull out of captaining at the last minute, leaving Della to take over. No wonder, with all that pressure on her, that she turned into a nervous wreck and had some sort of breakdown!

The match itself was intense and really well written. I liked the fact that while we knew they were planning to take out one of the Lynch brothers, you left out the details about how it would be achieved, so there was still something new for us to read as we saw that plan played out. Della's decision not to take out their seeker was the right one, I think; they wouldn't have seemed very sporting to 'kick the man while he's down', so to speak. Not many people can manage to write quidditch as excitingly as you, and I'm really pleased that the Falcons won the league!

Another great chapter and I'll look forward to the next update! I'm guessing the Weasley dinner (which Carla has to go to) and maybe Lily's dance are next?

Sian :)

Author's Response: There was definitely a positive effort to make James as likeable as possible before his little breakdown, so that people wouldn't completely hate him even while he was being so horrible to his family. He's probably the most developed character I've ever created for a fanfic; I have a fully formed image of him in my head, more so than possibly any other character including those from canon, and he's definitely my personal favourite. So it's really nice to know that other people share my love for him, and it's also reassuring to know that his character is coming across in my writing. :)

The breakfast ritual serves to show how James' priorities and relationships have changed over the course of the fic; it's a literary metaphor, if you will. And that's enough pretentiousness for the day! I get far too much amusement out of writing a post-war Harry/Ginny, because I think they'd be ridiculously laid-back and playful. Of COURSE they place bets on their kids :)

Alfie pulling out was done purely for the opportunity it provided to stick a bit of Ryan/Della development in. James' nerves can sometimes be hard to write, so I'm glad you enjoyed that. And the match itself was a nightmare to write! I left out the detail of the Falcons' game plan before because I didn't HAVE one, their tactics came from nowhere and so when I sat down to write the match, I first of all had to figure out how the heck they were going to actually go about doing it. It was proving hard until I remembered I had a third dimension to play with! And the Falcons were always going to win, weren't they? ;)

Next chapter is in the queue - the Weasley gathering is included, and Carlotta is of course there - but it doesn't quite get to Lily's school dance! That's the chapter after. :) Thanks for reviewing!

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yegidukfvuzigydkjgiujkdslgjrnsfbhnhodjkvUYFHGKSFNGOLF

feeLINGSSS

SO MANY EMOTIONS

*screeching*

CARLOTTA AND JAMES

GET MARRIED PLS

I LOVE HOW YOU WRITE OMG

You can write /people/ so well! All your characters are believable and I love that! And poor Della, she's a trooper though. :p

JAMES IS SO ADORABLE THOUGH

THE END PARAGRAPH THOUGH

[SOBBING]

I JUST LOVE THIS STORY SO MUCH

I am so sorry I haven't been reviewing lately - school is a pain. :/

Just, the last paragraph made me a wibbly mess of emotions omg

I loved how Charlie knows that he's settling down, even though James is denying it haha. Naw, Jamesy you shouldn't be denying it, it's a good thing! :p

I'd be in the same boat as Carlotta if I ever met someone who worked with dragons. I'd be so excited haha. :p

Amazing, amazing, amazing chapter! This is definitely one of my favourites so far! :D

Just perfect! You wrote James' nervousness really well and that tension when Stefan hadn't caught the snitch. I was nearly yelling at my computer for him to get a move on! :p

845128564318543164512786532165123856412 x infinity/10. Ratings need to be higher on this! :p

Can't wait to read more! :D

Author's Response: That last paragraph was a total cheese-fest, but I absolutely loved it anyway! I'm a sucker when it comes to romance, especially when James is involved because I can't bear to be cruel to him for too long. And I was definitely projecting when I wrote Carlotta's chat with Charlie about dragons, because that would probably be my reaction too! She still knows comparatively little about the wizarding world, so lots of things that seem mundane to James will surprise her. :) Glad you liked the match itself, because I really struggled to write it! And you definitely don't need to apologise for not reviewing; you have my fullest sympathies, I'm completely buried under exam revision right now! It's lovely to know you're still reading though :) Thanks for reviewing and good luck with the school-work!

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I freaking LOVED this chapter!
All of the intensity when it came to the match and how Della had a breakdown too because she was forced to become captain since Alfie wasn't going to be there. AND the fact that Alfie LAST-MINUTE couldn't make the game was just INTENSE!
Not to mention the actual game itself and trying to take out one of the Lynches.

I love how incorporated Carlotta is with James's family; the bit with Charlie was so funny when Charlie confronted James about it and how Carlotta was so fascinated with dragons. Molly Weasley would have a complete fit if James didn't invite Carlotta to their Weasley lunch; it seems like exactly the type of thing that Molly would do xD

I loved this chapter!!! It was a great update(:

Author's Response: I must confess, Alfie's no-show was totally contrived (mind you, isn't everything in fiction contrived? But I digress) so that I could move the Ryan/Della storyline on a bit, and I think it also develops Della's character a bit. I certainly enjoyed writing it! But on the whole it's really reassuring to know you enjoyed the match because it really was a slog to write!

I'm a bit concerned of running the risk of almost 'forgetting' that Carlotta is a Muggle - just because she knows about James' world doesn't mean she's suddenly going to become fully integrated into it, she's always going to be coming across new concepts. And for her, it must be the most bewildering thing in the world to meet a dragon-keeper! She's definitely incorporated in the sense that she gets on with his family and vice versa, but it will take a while for her to become fully accustomed to being in the magical world, and the next few chapters in particular have a bit of focus on that. Thanks for reviewing! :)

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