By Abraxan
Reviews
IceBlades posted a comment on Thursday 23rd February 2006 9:27am
Wow, I can't believe its finally over. Amazing!!
Abraxan replied:
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it!
Abraxan
Ben Russell-Gough posted a comment on Thursday 23rd February 2006 5:25am
Well, as the next few parts are going to be epilogues, is it safe to call this chapter a conclusion?
Overall, I think that you got Harry and all the other characters just right. Harry's embarrasment at the award ceremony and his general inarticulacy when asked to speak is fairly in his nature.
You weren't able to avoid some clichés which are common to H/G stories, most notably in your characterisation of Ginny, but they weren't too intrusive and generally fitted with the atmosphere of the story.
If I have one objection it was some of the side plots in the early chapters, which could have been left out or condensed without seriously detracting from the story, especially Petunia's obsession with James (shudders).
Overall, this is a great story. It is hardly amongst the best but it is far above the average.
BenRG's Rating: 7/10
Abraxan replied:
Glad you liked the story.
Abraxan
minervakitty posted a comment on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 2:48pm
How soon will Harry get the students up to speed? I'm not surprise about how some of the Slytherin ended up as.
Abraxan replied:
Up to speed on what? Flying? He starts teaching in the fall, and he has already shown (through the DA) that he's an excellent teacher. What do you mean "how some of the Slytherin ended up as" -- as what?? I'm confused.
I'm glad you were able to join the chat last evening! It was nice to get to know you a bit better! We have the chat every Wed. at 9 PM there, so come again!
Abraxan
Trey1 posted a comment on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 5:18am
One more question, I forgot! Can you tell me a little bit about your original novel?! I'm sure you have written a bit about it somewhere here in all of these thousands of reviews, lol. You have an original character that looks like Dan...or harry without the scar and glasses, and there will be a character like Casey. Thats about all I know. Is it Fiction? Please inform me!
Abraxan replied:
Of course it's fiction!! heehee. Its working title is "Star Sons: Children of Destiny" (that second part may be changed, but the "Star Sons" will stay the same). Right now, I think it may be a trilogy (three novels with the same characters) -- I haven't finished the first one yet, so I won't really know until I get further along with it.
"Star Sons" is about two brothers, Ethan and Jake, who are mages (wizards) born in Britain but, through some circumstances in their lives (some circumstances were fortunate, some unfortunate), they grew up in the American west (in the present time), which means I don't have to write the story in strict Brit English, YAY! (although my Brit-picker has already offered to work on this one as well! I also have betas who've volunteered to help me out, bless them!).
In my world, so far, anyway, mages don't develop real magical power until they're 17. Then they need some training to control it. They don't use wands nor incantations. The story is pretty cool so far (at least, IMO! LOL!). I haven't worked out a good name or "goal" for the bad guy yet (beyond his goal of ultimate power and dominion). Suggestions are welcome!
The boys will find themselves back in England at some point. It's a "hero quest" story similar to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, but with two heroes, not one. Jake, the younger brother, is based on Dan Radcliffe's portrayal of Harry (in looks -- without the scar and glasses) and a combination of Dan's and Harry's personalities (Harry's short temper, Dan's sense of humor, Harry's stubbornness, Dan's charm - that kind of thing). Ethan is based on Tom Welling's portrayal of Clark Kent in Smallville on the WB (my fav. TV show - I love anything to do with Superman!! And Tom fills Superman's shoes very nicely!) I don't know anything about Tom Welling as a person, but the basic decent, sweet, noble, self-sacrificing nature of Clark Kent as Tom portrays him is where this character resembles Clark -- and he looks a LOT like Tom, down to the size 13 feet! LOL! (I know Tom's 6'3" and has size 13 feet and is married -- that's about all I know about him as a person.)
When I say my characters are "based on" these actors, I'm merely using these guys as a way of envisioning my characters to start with, much as I used the actors for the same reason in RF and ToD. But I evolved the characters from the actors and from canon, and that's what I'm already doing only 100 pages into the novel. The basic personality traits will be developed, just as happens with anyone as they grow, have more experiences, and change in reaction to those experiences.
People who know Dan, Harry, Tom or Clark won't recognize them when I get through with them, most likely, but those of you who've read my stories here will recognize bits and pieces here and there -- and I'll also be using ideas I created in these fics, since they're my original creations. Casey will show up as a character, as will Merlin, although I'm changing how he manages his life as a 1000+ year old man in phoenix form, LOL! The Land of the Phoenixes will probably show up, and I imagine that, once the novel is complete, other things you read there will make you go, "Ah-ha! I read something similar in Refiner's Fire!" (Or Destiny). Anyway, that's all I'm willing to tell for now. I'll post ordering info here WHEN (not *if*!) it gets published!! Thanks for your interest!
Abraxan
Trey1 posted a comment on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 5:10am
Hey I just got through chatting with you! lol. Well this chapter was a bit more fluffy, if you catch my drift! There are so many good things about your story! I hope that during the epilogue that we learn the extent of Harry's powers and what all he accomplishes in his life. It would also be wild if he did in fact have those 5 boys and 2 girls like in his dream! I can only imagine trying to name all of them. James, Sirius, Bill, Lily.....and so on! lol. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to read again next wednesday!
Abraxan replied:
If you read my Christmas story, you already know the names of the children! And I think there's a part of the story that shows some of the extent of Harry's powers. Nobody else coudl do what he does then, anyway! I'm glad you're enjoying my story! Thanks for writing! And it was nice chatting with you! Try to join us in a future chat! They're every Wed. at 9 EST (or EDT when Daylight time applies).
Abraxan
dadofdj posted a comment on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 3:40am
This was truly one of the best stories that I have read. I enjoyed this one and the Refiner's Fire. I can't wait to read what you come up with next.
Abraxan replied:
Thank you very much! What I'm "coming up with next" is an original novel aimed at real-life publication (why should JKR make all the money, after all??? heehee). I have some Harry Potter plot bunnies running around in my head, mostly inspired by things in the epilog (episodes I can fill in there, as I did with the Christmas story). I will write those when I need a break from the novel. I'm so glad you enjoyed my stories! Thanks for writing!
Abraxan
Ryu Son Goku posted a comment on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 2:26am
Very nice.. Thank for writing such a great story. Please keep up the outstanding work.
Abraxan replied:
Thanks a lot!
Abraxan
MarinePotterfan posted a comment on Wednesday 22nd February 2006 12:44am
The end is near, what a great ending to a great story, It just wont be the same not wait for your updates. On a lighter note you should of had Harry open his frog card and have Ron on the card. He would of passed out to have his own card. I await your final 2 chapters.
So until next week.
MPF
Abraxan replied:
That's a great idea, Ron on a frog card! Who knows what the future holds for them -- maybe they'll all be on cards at some point, who knows?? (I sure don't!!) You have two more weeks of Destiny to read (the two-part epilog), and then you'll just have to watch this site for short story announcements and (hopefully before I'm too hold to enjoy it!!) ordering info for my original novel! Thanks for writing, and for all your lovely reviews!
Abraxan
James Benfield posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 10:06pm
Great chapter! Glad to see Hary finally having some fun. I like how you had the ministry creat an award for him, that seems like something they would do in the book. Keep up the good work.
James
Abraxan replied:
Thanks a lot! Yes, he certainly deserves a "one of a kind" award, doesn't he? I hope JKR lets him have one! I'm glad you enjoyed my stories!
Abraxan
Lira posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 8:02pm
Great chapter. Just wondering how little Harry on the new Chocolate Frog card can talk. I thought those cards only could talk due to the communications spell they were using on the cards?
Abraxan replied:
I honestly don't know! Maybe I made a mistake and all the betas missed it! It's happened before, but not very many times. Ah well, too late to fix it now! JKR has mistakes in her books too, so I don't feel too bad about it. Glad you liked it.
Abraxan
Voldemort is Dead posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 6:29pm
Excellent!! You did a terrific job with this story, and I am looking forward to reading the sequel!
Abraxan replied:
WHAT sequel? What do you know I don't know???? :-) There's a two-part epilog and that's it. I'm done with the story after that. I'll write some short stories that will fit in with the epilog from time to time, but right now, I'm concentrating on my original novel (aimed at "real life" publication). When I need a break from that, I'll try to do a Harry short story. Glad you enjoyed my fics!
Abraxan
Anthony3 posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 5:55pm
I know this story is two chapters from completeion, but I need to say this now. I rarely come across a story so good. I've been reading fanfiction since the hiatus between Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix. I was just an HP Newbie then....Anyways, I've searched for fanficts since, and come across many to pass the time. There are those, however, that are so good they stay with you like the books do. Yours is one of them. My days as a teen have been really involved with Potter stuff. Those days are drawing to a close....but, reading your two stories will stay with me for many years to come. Creativity without bounds. A STORY WORTHY OF IMMORTALITY IN THE HALLS OF FANFICTION. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!!!!!
Abraxan replied:
WOW! Thanks a lot!! I'm honored!
Abraxan
The Resident posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 5:12pm
As always a lovely chapter. Nice of you to bring Casey back for a 'ghost' appearance. -grin- Have you ever thought of maybe an AU of this where Harry and Casey end up together? Remember, I'm still a Casey fan.
Looking forward to the Epilog chapters. 'See' you at 9 EST tonight.
Abraxan replied:
Oh, you're coming to the chat? YAY! That was a really good idea of Asad's! I'm looking forward to talking with you guys as well as my Yahoo gang!
As for AU stories -- nope. This is my Harry world and I'm sticking to it. And I'm not writing any more HP novels. I'm working on an original novel aimed at real-life publication, and Casey may very well make an appearance there (someone with her appearance and personality, anyway -- and I'll probably name her "Cassandra" and call her "Casey" so you guys will know that's who she is). I PLAN to work her into the novel, but until I get to that part of it, I don't know exactly how her part will turn out. She's intended as a possible girlfriend for "Jake" who is modeled (in my mind) on Dan Radcliffe and Harry Potter both -- no glasses or scar, but he looks like Dan in "Harry" mode otherwise and has a bit of both of their personalities -- Harry's temper, Dan's quick sense of humor, etc. It helps me create personalities to have an actor or someone I know as the original model to start with, and then as I write, the character takes on his or her own personality. Casey was based on how I WANTED to be as a teen, if I hadn't been so shy and backward (honest!) -- but in looks, she's a generic pretty girl (again, who I wanted to be. . .oh well!). Anyway -- thanks for writing, and I look forward to chatting with you!
Abraxan
Imp posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 4:44pm
Usually my reviews are quite long, but there's just too much that I'm impressed with in this chapter to go on and on like I often do. Poor Harry, having to learn to use first second and third year spells all over again. You just can't get through one single chapter anymore without putting someone in the hospital can you? At least it wasn't Harry this time. Why do I get the feeling that some how, (I don't really know how; BUT DEFINETELY SOME HOW!!!) Harry is still going to see a lot of Madame Pomfrey even though he has graduated? This is the strangest thing I have ever found myself typing,but I was also hoping for some sort of reunion with the Dursleys at the end. Dudley finally seemed to be on the road to getting along with Harry. Maybe even Vernon too. Harry and Ginny's excuses for being late are quite realistic. OH NO!!!! SO MANY WEASLEYS AND POTTERS ALL IN SNAPES CLASSES IN THE SAME YEAR!!! HOWEVER WILL HE MAINTAIN HIS SANITY?!?!?! I like that Harry will be able to visit Ginny whenever he likes. Becoming a teacher makes that school rule quite ineffective. He'll also have unrestricted access to Grifindors Chamber of Knowlege now too. Will Harry continue teaching flying? Or will he quit when he gets the Defense Against the Dark Arts job? Couldn't he do both? Oh look.....I said I would keep this short and look what happened. *sigh* There's no helping it I guess. Whatever. Once again, exelent job on this chapter, as well as both Refiners and Destiny as a whole.
Abraxan replied:
Thanks a lot! As for your questions -- they'll be answered in the epilog, so keep reading! I don't REALLY want someone to be in the hospital in every chapter (and I had a lot of chapters where nobody was in the hospital at all, honestly -- I think!!), but Ron and Hermione needed some "end of the book" excitement, something to make the day they got engaged (FINALLY) "memorable" LOL! When I got engaged, there was a blizzard, which snowed my boyfriend (now my hubby of 35 years) in at our farm. I'd just bought a new horse that hadn't been ridden in years (so he was a bargain!) and my hubby and I rode him in 18 inches of snow - bareback since I didn't have a saddle that would fit him. So I have wonderful memories of that day beyond the proposal itself - a real adventure, since my brand-new fiance (who didn't ride at all) got on the horse by doing a "Roy Rogers" over the horse's rump! heehee. Everyone was fine, never fear, but what fun to have an exciting memory like that to cherish along with the proposal. I thought Ron, in particular, would love having such a story to tell in the future, LOL!
And yes, poor Snape! All those Weasleys and Potters in the same year! LOL! What a thought!
And no, I don't see Harry seeing a lot of Madam Pomfrey on his own behalf, since he's graduated. heehee.
I LOVE long reviews!! I'm so glad you enjoyed my stories! Thanks for writing!
Abraxan
agent fisher posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 4:11pm
*Stands up and starts slowly clapping, picking up speed*
Sir, thank you for your wonderful stories, they have entertained me for a long time.
Abraxan replied:
Thank you very much! And for your info, I'm a "ma'am" not a "sir"! Don't worry, it's a common mistake, and is a kick for me - that means my writing isn't too "flowery" for male readers and doesn't label me as a "female writer"! Cool!
Thanks for writing! I'm so glad you enjoyed my stories!
Abraxan
Hannah2 posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 3:22pm
The perfect ending (/beginning).
You put so many wonderful and amazing things into this story and I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me. It really helps to know that there are fics like this one out there.
Thank you.
Abraxan replied:
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed my stories! Thanks for writing!
Abraxan
ridmania posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 1:02pm
MAN I LOVED IT!!!!! KEEP UP THE FANTASTOIC WORK YOU BLOODY LEGEND!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!
Abraxan replied:
ROTFL! Nice to know I'm still a bloody legend!! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for writing!
Abraxan
freakyfinger posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 11:32am
Man, that is one good story. I stumbled across the first part, I've been a loyal reader since last December. But you know what they say . .'All good things must end.' Its stories like this that I wish I could find more often.
Abraxan replied:
Thanks! There's still the two-part epilog, so it isn't COMPLETELY over, just MOSTLY over! LOL! I'm so glad you enjoyed my stories!
Abraxan
DJ posted a comment on Tuesday 21st February 2006 11:30am
What a story thanks so much for your work. I hope that you continue to write because I would love to keep reading.
Abraxan replied:
Thanks so much! I'm currently working on an original novel called "Star Sons" -- a "hero quest" type of story, a fantasy set in the current day. I'll post ordering info on here WHEN (not "if" -- thinking positively here!) it gets published! In the meantime, I'll do a Harry Potter short story from time to time, whenever I need a break from the novel, so stay tuned to this site! Thanks for writing!
Aaran St Vines posted a comment on Friday 24th February 2006 2:26am
Abraxan replied: