HAHA! Found you! I read your story over at ff net. I am FashionablyHospitable there. I am glad you are still on this story, as I had feared it was abandoned. Thank you so much.

Author's Response: Hahahaha, thank you for the review. I have a bit of an issue over there where I forget my password and then lock myself out for two weeks. Thank you so much for reading!

Ellie

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Emotions.
Emotions everywhere!
I haven't been on hpff recently as the layout is annoying, but I really like this story. I just read the last three chapters you've posted, and am super glad. You stopped updating for a while and I got all scared.
Update?

Author's Response: First, thank you so, so much for being the 150th review. *dies*

I know that it's really dark right now, but I can't say it's going to get lighter. The next three chapters are with a friend, so they should be back and posted very soon. Thanks again!

Ellie

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this made me tear up. seriously. you are absolutely brilliant. and i love this. i can't wait for the next chapter!
~M
ps- i updated No Second Chances :)

Author's Response: Wow. Thank you so much again for reviewing. I'm glad that you're sticking with the story, even after all I've put the characters through. (and I have a few things to take care of, but I should read the update within a day or two)

Ellie

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ahhh i love this!!! going on to the next chapter but this one gave me chills and its so great and im rambling so im going to stop right now and go on to the next chapter!
~M

Author's Response: Thank you so much for the review!

I'm glad you like it, but be warned for the next chapter...

Ellie

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I've never watched the Breakfast Club. I've got no idea how many references I've completely missed. I will say, however, having done an hour and a half of training yesterday in terms of identifying and supporting vulnerable children, that Flynn's story is getting harder and harder to read. I can feel a suicide attempt is coming. Merlin, let him survive.

I can only imagine that this is getting darker, again. There are so many avenues down which you have the potential to make things miserable, even having allowed a flickering of the light this chapter: I have the feeling detention won't go well.

Sheriff

PS - Thank you for the entirely unsolicited advertisements for the Lion, Eagle, Badger, Snake series. All readers more than welcome to visit my profile and read away!

Author's Response: The only bit that was inspired by the Breakfast Club was when Creevey and Albus were going back and forth about detentions. That hour and a half might have done you too well. I can't tell you exactly where you're right, (BKL8008/Keith knows) but be very worried for Flynn. (I'm worried for your first years right now, though. They aren't in the best places right now. :/)

Oh, this is definitely getting darker. I'm currently writing a chapter that is making me want to cry, but you are right when you say it's heading in another downward spiral. Especially for Albus. Thank you so much for the review again.

Ellie

P.S. no problem. More people need to read it - it makes my stuff look like crap.

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OMG IT'S JUSTIN FLINCH FLETCHLY!
I NEVER LIKED HIM HURTING POOR NICK
Bastard…
Any way Very good

Author's Response: Yes. It is Justin, and he is a horrible person in this. Thank you so much for the review, and I'm glad you're liking it, Cat!

Ellie

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Honestly, this is perhaps one of the most brilliant stories I've seen on here. I love that you don't just assume that everything was all hunky-dory after the war which nearly all of the Next Gen stories (mine included) do. It's a completely different, yet completely plausible, series of events. I'm honestly in tears at some points in your story, I'm so attached to your characters.
And I would just like to say thank you for portraying Slytherins as real people with real problems. Too often they are just labeled as the bad guys and are given no personality whatsoever.

Wow, just listen to me gush, haha. I can't tell you how much I love your story and I'm on the edge of my seat to see whet it ends up!

Author's Response: Um wow. Just a warning, I have a really difficult time responding to compliments, so I apologize if anything sounds more awkward than usual.

I don't know if I'm just a freak, but I have honestly never seen Next Gen as hunk-dory. I think there would simply be too much pressure on the Potter-Weasleys, and if it wasn't that there would definitely be some prejudice regarding the Slytherins. (If you want something more about that - Sheriff's Lion, Eagle, Badger, Snake makes my stuff look like kindergarten work).

I am a Slytherin, so I may be a little partial to them. :) I just think no one gives them enough credit, and I'm glad you like them. I am so attached to what I call them - the family - that it's really hard to write this sometimes.

Thank you so much for the amazing compliments, and I just *melts into a puddle*

Ellie

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I enjoyed the parallels with "The Breakfast Club"; it was well done. Now I will have to dig out my copy and watch it again.
Your capture of Al & Lily was spot on for siblings at odds with one another. It's never a comfortable or easy position in which to find oneself. Yours turned out exactly as it should have.
I also can't help but see a bit of disastrous foreboding for Flynn. Poor kid...
Anxiously awaiting the next chapter(s), as always!

Author's Response: I love the Breakfast Club. So, so much. You should definitely rewatch it. I'm really glad you thought the Lily and Albus scene was reasonable, because I'd had that scene in mind for months, but I wasn't sure how I was going to make it work. I also really feel bad for what's going to happen with him, but I feel even worse for giving the readers some hopeful chapters before. I'm glad you like it, but the next chapter might not be up for a week or so. I'm stuck on the middle chapter of the next set of three. As always, thank you so much for the review!

Ellie

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Ah!! Very nice, well played, everyone caves just a little for the baby sister!!
Loved the Creevy part!!

Author's Response: Thank you so much for the lovely review. :) I just needed to show that Lily and James weren't indestructible, but stay on edge. You have to know that this chapter is too good to be true.

Ellie

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That makes sense about Albus not confiding in his family. I can't remember, what caused the split ? Was it just him being sorted into Slytherin ? My memeory fails me !!! Also, I would like to piggy back on another reviewer and say u have covered some delicate topics very well!!! Keep up the good work

Author's Response: Yeah. Albus really just isn't part of the family. Well, what they call a family, anyway. The split was initially caused (mostly by james) when he went to Slytherin, but over the years as the bullying and situation got worse he started to realize his father's deep flaws and then got angry when Harry didn't believe him when he tried to tell him what was happening to him. Thank you so much for the review, and I'm glad you like it!

Ellie

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I am so happy about the fast updates! And I'd love to leave a longer review to show that, but I've got a train to catch so I'm makong this fast.

I adore your take on Slytherin against the world. Normally, it's cheesy and stereotyped and unjustified, but you make it so accurate and heart-breaking, it almost makes me sick to read what the students are put through.

No, my feelings to James haven't changed. He has a lot more apologies to offer and I still want to see him stand up against his housemates for Al. Yes, he's improved, but he was still trying to sneak stuff out of Flynn, and for now, he's still not doing enough.

Rose was great -- she brought in a nice touch of the outdoor world, and it's good to see some of Al's family still cares. I wish we'd see a bit of Lily though?

In any case, great chapter and I can't wait for the next one!

Author's Response: There will be an update in the queue tomorrow, so watch out for more in the next few days. :)

I know that Slyth!Al, as well as Misunderstood!Slyth, are becoming somewhat of cliches in Next Gen verse, and I find that extremely sad, because I love reading them. I'm glad that I managed it, though, without going too far. On James: believe me, he's not suddenly butterflies and sunshine, but I'm asking you to give him half a chance. Within the next few chapters he might just surprise you...

And Lily is coming up. I promise. :) Thanks for the review!

Ellie

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An update to "Snake Bites" and "RTS" all in the same morning? What will I do?!

I won't say too much, as I sent you most of it in that email.

You have an amazing talent, and your characters go above and beyond anything that I've read, with very, very few exceptions.

I am surprised at the turnabout in James, and the last bit with him running into Flynn was foreshadowing at its best. That, and he and Rose have finally realized that Al is in bad shape. On all counts - this surely cannot bode well. Masterful.

I keep seeing this "Lego House" you mentioned, built just so - until a bigger kid comes and kicks it to pieces. It's enough to make the reader want to see one of the flying blocks hit an adult in the eye, you know, so to say?

Author's Response: That update to 'Snake Bites'... it must have been quite the morning for you after that.

I know I haven't replied to the email, but I'm trying to figure out how. I'm speechless, because that sort of compliment coming from you... it's just not something I can say 'thank you' to, but I don't have the strong enough words to accurately say how grateful I am, for reading and leaving all of these reviews. (You also hit so many of the scenes I was already planning for that chapter that I was scared/amazed)

I know James's part in this is a little shocking, and I promise there's more with him to come. The Gryffindors aren't purely evil, just like the Slytherins weren't during Harry's era. It's all a mess of gray.

The lyric ingeniousness of Ed Sheeran gave me the Lego House idea, but it's true. They're building their hopes up only to have them knocked down again, and I promise at least one adult will be hit in the eye by a flying piece. :) Thank you so much for everything - all the help, the ideas, the support - but especially the review.

Ellie

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hi again, i like how your filler/build up chapters are still significant because the characters are always learning something new. change is slowly creeping up on them; doesn't it always?

I really meant it when i said that i loved your story. i know what it feels like to live in a society that turns a blind eye because its easier to ignore the big problem and pretend that its not their responsibility to care enough to fix it. that stubbornness of peoples minds is so accurately portrayed here. it is so real to me.

i read this fanfic all at once just locked up in my room the other day. and then today when i read this new chapter i just couldn't take it anymore, i burst into tears. i dont care if you went the extra mile with the abusive background of nick. the fact is, that extremity is what allows the reader to blatantly recognize how far society has fallen.

your fanfic is a social commentary so relevant to todays world. once again, thank you so so much for writing this. i have never felt such a strong emotional connection to any writing before. thank you.

Author's Response: Hello, lovely anon. :) I'm glad you haven't been bored during these past few chapters, but you have caught on. Nothing ever stays still; little things build up to the bigger things.

I know personally, too, the stubbornness that's present within society, and while I'm not glad that you can relate to this, I'm thrilled it's relatable, if that makes any logical sense. And I'm really sorry you cried, but I have done the same thing (multiple times) while writing this. It's in the dramatic portrayal that makes the theme impossible to ignore, no matter how much the reader wants to.

Just thank you. Thank you for all the amazing words and support of this story. :)

Ellie



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these chapters are so short, i just, ARGHH. but its okay i suppose bc i love you any way. LOVE. YOU.

Author's Response: I know they're short, but bear with me. a 5k+ one is coming in a few chapters, but these are necessary. Thank you so much for the review, though, and I'm glad you keep reading!

Ellie

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A peak of productivity at 2:44? Well I'm leaving this review at 2:03, so I guess our body clocks are on similar rhythms. Although I did just try to spell our as "are".

I know this was 3000 words long, but it felt like I was over it in seconds. It just sucks me in and draws me onwards. I'd love to believe that James has a decent side to him, but like Albus I can't reason or rationalise why he's made a sudden change after seven years of sin.

Also, if there is nowhere for Flynn to go at the end of the story then you can write me into the epilogue and I'll adopt him. You can't beat 11-year-olds up like that... and I say that, fully aware of the plot of LEBS & Snake Bites!

Sheriff

Author's Response: We nocturnal creatures must stick together, it seems. :)

I know that the James side is slightly confusing, but as I believe we start to explain in the next chapter, I'll say a bit now: James isn't suddenly loving the Slytherins, he's only trying to seem that way for Albus. With albus's spiral into what Keith accurately diagnosed as severe depression, James finally realizes how bad of a place is brother is in, and that sets off a chain of reactions. So he's not changing sides, but rather saying 'screw this, I need to help Albus', if that makes any sense.

Of course you may adopt Flynn (if even in a joking manner)! I'm doing a sadistic writer laugh atm because what happens to him I could very well see happening in one of your fic.

Thank you so much (once again) for the amazing review. I promise to keep up with Snake Bites.

Ellie

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Child abuse or abuse of any kind is an extremely controversial, touchy subject. Usually it is something I would try to avoid. But the fact is, it's out there. It happens. Kids get bullied every day because of things they can't control (being in slytherin). Your execution of the kids/teenagers (?) reactions to the abuse is heart wrenching but flawless. Nick, Albus, Piper, Owen, Rose, even James are all in a difficult yet realistic situation. Despite pain or massive amounts of guilt fear often prevents kids or people in general from taking an active role in stopping abuse. I guess what I'm trying to say is, your story while still being a fast paced read, has managed to draw fascinating, horrible parallels to society and humanity.
How is that for extremely dramatic... Ha I promise I'm not trying to be overly pretentious in reviewing and there is a good chance I'm reading too far into it but it really is a great story and you are a great writer.

Author's Response: I knew when I started this fic that I was covering an extremely delicate subject, but like you said, it's something no one wants to talk about. I wanted to put some exposure out there, and using Potterverse, a universe that some see as a Utopia of sorts, I think made the theme even more sharp and touchy.

I can't say how glad I am that you think I handled it correctly, and I know from experience writing this is hard. I have cried a few times writing this. Thank you so much for the amazing review, and you didn't read too far in... you hit it right on the head. :)

Ellie

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Trying to figure out why no one has gone to Harry/Ginny or Ron/Hermione ? Liked the Rose part it really was time for someone in the family to question Albus. Hope Albus/Piper make it through!! Hoping for a big Potter/Weasley battle royal!!! Great work can't wait for the next chapter!!

Author's Response: You forget, lovely reviewer, how much Albus resents his parents, and that by going to them Rose (or someone else) would only be saying what they had heard before. They still can't wrap their heads around the idea that all this is happening, so they aren't an option to go to, unfortunately. I'm glad you liked the Rose bit, though, and I can't give anything away, except for that the Potter blowout is coming. It's in three chapters (and written) but I have to write one before that before I can post that one.

Thank you so much for the amazing review!
Ellie

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Welcome back!! I thought James (maybe) and the Gryffindors had kidnapped you and were cursing you to oblivion. Characters controlling you is good, though, that often feels like the bulk of a story.

Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things with this one, and read the last two chapters thinking "I don't want this to end". I remain hopeful that justice will prevail and Nick will be given the chance to live a life of her own - with Owen at her side. As for James and Albus, though, they've grown too far apart to reconcile. I think a civil truce might be as much as can be expected. I hope Flynn's alright...

Sheriff

PS - It is eleven months and fifteen chapters since you reviewed Snake Bites. Not that I'm counting...

Author's Response: Funnily enough, I have Snake Bites open in another tab. I have to reread it, and I promise to leave a smashing review. I had no idea it'd been that long, and Im really sorry.

Ahahaha I promise I wasn't kidnapped by thr Gryffindors, though, and I don't want this to end, either. I have no idea what I'll do when it is. And don't give up on James and Albus yet...

Thank you for the lovely review, and for not giving up on me. :/

Ellie

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I like happy endings. Pwease?
( /)
( . .)
c(")(")

Best Case Scenario: The Potters forgive each other. Nick and Owen. Albus and Piper (by far the best pairing). Everyone sees how much the Slytherins have suffered. Nick is NOT send to Azkaban. Nick is also not rendered insane and comes out completely fine. James and Albus reconcile. Creevley... well don't be too harsh, but a nice prank on him perhaps?

Worst Case Scenario: Nick dies ...and that alone is pretty depressing.

P.S. Can we see a little glimpse of Lilly? Just a little one would be fine.

Author's Response: Happy endings? What are these mythical creatures you speak of?

I believe I can speak without spoiling when I say the best case scenario can't happen realistically with this story. I can't say how it will end, though...

And lily will be in the chapter after the next. I promise. :) thank you so much for the review!

Ellie

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this is one of the most intense fanfics i have ever read and it is keeping me on my toes and at the edge of my seat! im absolutely absorbed in it. thank you so much for writing this, i feel so much for every character in this story. it's so raw and real and i can relate. it's amazing. thank you.

Author's Response: Thank you so much for the amazing review. :) I honestly have no idea how to respond to it, except that I can't say how thrilled I am that the characters make sense. I just... thank you for taking the time to read it and write a review. You've rendered me speechless.

Ellie

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Great to see an update!
Also good to know that you have an ending. I usually like happy endings, but I don't know how you're going to pull it off here. I can't see the Potter's making up. I think it's all gone too far. Been there, done that...
As always, great characters that are so real that one feels for them. Can't wait to see the next chapter!

Author's Response: It's been a while, hasn't it?

If you wish to be put out of your misery regarding the ending, shoot me an email. :) I can't say much about the potters, but I promise you whatever happens will be major. And Albus isn't a forgiving person.i know it was a filler chapter, and thank you so much for sticking with this story and never failing to review.

Ellie

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I am hoping for an all out Potter brother brawl that will leave Harry & Ginny speechless and forced to take a closer look at what is happening with the Slytherins. Rooting for Nick and all the ships. Glad ur back great chapter!!

Author's Response: I can't give too much away, but in exactly 5 chapters you will see what happens with the Potters. It may not be what you expect, it may be. ;) I promise you it will be dramatic, and it won't suddenly go to a happy family (that would be absurd), if a resolution of sorts were to occur. I'm glad your rooting for Nick - she needs it - and I can't thank you enough for all of your reviews. They make my day.

Ellie

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LOVE LOVE LOVE! poor nick though :( James seems to be on the road to redemption, which I really like!
keep it up, and update soon- pretty please?!
~M
ps- my first chapter of No Second Chances (Slytherin fic) is up!

Author's Response: Nick is really in a bad spot right now, isn't she? We'll see how far James goes on this particular road, and how Albus continues to react. I do suspect he's a little bitter, and I know one reader who will bloody murder me if they simply make up. Thank you so much for the review, and I'll go check out that fic!

Ellie

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So I just wanted to say, I absolutely love this story. i adore Nick and the rest, and I can't wait to read more.You're an incredibly talented writer, and your characters are really well developed. I'm working on a Slytherin-ish fic and would love your feedback on it.
Please update soon!
~M

Author's Response: Thank you so much for the review. :) I honestly don't know how to respond to review like this, because I'm blushing and smiling too much. The next chapter is in the queue, and all I can say is I love these characters so much. I cried when I - last week - wrote the last chapter of the story. I just needed to know how it ended, and before I knew it I was a sobbing mess. Thank you so much for the amazing review, and I will take a look at your piece!

Ellie

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This is incredible. A heart-wrenching, tear jerking, well written piece with exactly the right amount of happy moments to perfect the whole thing. A true work of art. I would love to see more, hopefully soon. You are a wonderful writer. Keep up the great work.

Author's Response: Wow. Thank you so much for the review. :) It is very dark, but I'm glad you liked the more light-hearted bits. I'm actually writing the next chapter today, and it may be up just as soon!

Ellie

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