Disclaimer--The Potterverse and its inhabitants don't belong to me, I'm just borrowing them with grateful respect for those who brought it into being for us to visit. Any influences from the books, movies, or fellow fanfic writers are not intended as copyright infringement, only the sincerest form of flattery.
Author's Notes--"I agree with BEE11's comments about the reviews - I always read each one, and have found many insights in them that I had overlooked, making me appreciate your stories even more, if that is possible. *hugs* Plus they are simply fun to read, as well!" --Bill. Sounds like you guys are a big hit with each other! Once again, I couldn't say it better myself...our "discussion" of the stories as if we were one big book club united over characters we know like old friends has made the last two stories a great experience. Thanks to all you "regulars", and a wide-open invitation to anyone else who reads this story and enjoys it! *hugs*
Strawberries and Blueberries--Oops...sounds like I've accidentally gotten you into trouble...maybe Professor Snape can help you with that hex...though it might be more pleasant to ask Professor Lupin!
Bee11--I like the idea that Crookshanks kept trying to explain his problem to Hermione and her friends, and no one really understood. Nice catch on the reference to Scabbers in relation to the trouble in the Tower! *winks* Thanks for the compliment on the dialogue *blushes* *hugs*
Adrienne--You have a point, but now I almost wish Ginny had come down that way...or at least one of the twins--I'm roaring with laughter! Thanks for commenting on Hermione's reaction to Ron; I was wondering if I'd paid enough attention to it. *looks sheepish* It is nice to see Ginny make those leaps...I have to admit I kind of like the idea that in my story the character keeps ALMOST solving the problem and never quite does--it seems to be a nice counterpoint to the version where the characters have trouble solving it and eventually do. *winks* I found Crookshanks a bit off-putting the way he is described in the books, but the more I write about him, the more I forget I didn't always think he was cuddly and adorable! *purrs too* Sorry about the Gobble-de-gook...it confused me as much as you! *hugs*
EEDOE--Somehow that just seems so much like the Creevys...and it's so cute. *grins and shrugs* It was pretty hard on Neville, and it's nice to see not everyone shuns him because of it...on the other hand, writing down the passwords probably was a bit of a mistake. *sighs sympathetically* Ginny does have the ability to relate more than most...which might explain her protectiveness of Neville. Like you (and possibly Ginny?), I think Neville is going to grab attention and become quite the knight in shining armor in the future. Hmm...you have a point about the staff...that is rather an interesting hole, isn't it? My feelings on Crookshanks in one. *winks* mmm...images...*grins* *hugs*
Bill--It would be quite a challenge...*shudders sympathetically* EEDOE's "Vanilla Whispers" is actually a prologue to Ginny-as-a-Mum, and I think she paints a pretty realistic picture. *grins* I agree with you and Bee11--the reviews are wonderful! *hugs* Exactly...Neville once again proves his mettle. As you say, he and Harry aren't that different...perhaps Harry will come to realize that even more in book six (he appears to have had an inkling at the end of five). I think Ginny's words to Neville (like their train ride together) are a good prelude to him feeling comfortable enough with her to ask her to the dance. He knows he can trust her not to laugh at his fears and sorrows, and that's a very important part of becoming friends (as Ginny has discovered with Bill/Lupin and Hermione has discovered with her). I have seen a few Ginny/Neville stories, and I have to admit I think the match actually has quite a few merits to recommend it...the main drawbacks are that Ginny is connected to Harry in some intangible way and Neville deserves someone who never has to compare him to anyone else...even favorably--which is a long-winded way to agree with you. *grins* I'm glad you caught Crookshanks' role in the chapter. *winks* *hugs*
**********
For the first time since they'd begun, Ginny's Occulumency lesson did not go at all well.
"What happened?" Professor Lupin asked, a faint furrow starting between his eyes as he looked at her.
"I...I'm just having a hard time clearing my mind with all the strange thoughts about Sirius Black that keep cropping up," Ginny said awkwardly. She was tempted to stop there, but, feeling as though she had just taken a long dive on her broom, she plunged onward, "I guess...I can't help remembering what it was like to write Tom...there's this feeling all over again of...of having someone nearby that I can't quite see, someone who wants to do something bad, but I don't know what and I don't know when, so it's like I have absolutely no way to control it, even though I know it's going to happen, you know?"
"I know," Lupin sighed. "I can't help wondering if I'm somehow responsible for what could have happened to your brother...to any of you...I used to think I knew Sirius Black better than anyone, but I never dreamed--"
"Just because you were friends with him...that doesn't make you responsible for what he does," Ginny said, trying to pull herself together a bit.
"I could say the same to you," Lupin said lightly, though Ginny knew neither of them felt completely convinced or reassured.
She smiled crookedly, gathering up her books. "I'll be better next time, Professor. I'm going to practice."
"You've already made remarkable progress," Lupin reminded her with a smile of his own that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Ginny nearly asked him if he was sure Harry was what Black was after, but she didn't think she could stand to add any more weight to his grey eyes.
"How did the apology go?" She asked Hermione the next morning at breakfast.
"Your brother is absolutely impossible, and I don't care if I ever talk to him again," Hermione sniffed a bit too indignantly.
Ginny sighed. "That well, huh?"
"I never even got a chance to start. I went over to talk to them and I heard them planning to--" Hermione broke off suddenly, very still.
"The more things change, the more they stay the same," Ginny muttered darkly, rolling her eyes. "I'm never going to know what my brother and Harry are up to."
"I...If it were up to me, I'd tell you, but..."
"But it wouldn't be fair to tell secrets that concern them without their agreement," Ginny said wearily.
"Maybe I'm being silly," Hermione mused bitterly. "Why should I keep secrets for them when they aren't even talking to me?"
"Because they're still your friends and you're not going to sink to their level by selling out your loyalty." Ginny said firmly. "Curse you...and curse me for being noble enough to respect that."
Hermione snickered into her cornflakes. "You're wonderful, Ginny."
Ginny hugged her briefly. "You're not so bad, yourself."
That alone would have brightened her day, but not long afterward, an owl arrived with a note from Bill.
~~Ginny,
How goes it at Hogwarts? All well?
Tell Hagrid I will be wishing him-and Buckbeak-well at the Hearing. I'm sure they have a good shot with you and Hermione to help them out.
Here's a copy of that article I told you about; it isn't quite what I expected, but I suppose it is good for a laugh.
Keep your nose clean,
Bill~~
~~"Curse Breakers-Timeless or Out of Date?"
By Rita Skeeter
It's an old story...the magical economy depends on its currency to get things done...and where else does any self-respecting witch or wizard put their money to keep it safe and make interest? Gringott's, of course. In the care of the Goblins. After all, no one knows money like Goblins, right?
But how many witches and wizards know the interest they make on their investment isn't handled by the Goblins? That, my dear friends, is what Cursebreakers are for. Cursebreakers take money invested in the bank, and use it to finance expeditions to retrieve magical treasure from countless dangerous and exotic locations. The investors are then repaid whatever capital was used as well as a fractional share of any treasure received. Nice, neat, and clean.
Sexy, swashbuckling, solvent...what's not to love about Cursebreakers? Gringotts' Cursebreakers are, however, a most unusual cast of characters. The few I was introduced to as representatives of their various branches were an ill-assorted and untrustworthy lot. When asked why British witches and wizards should appreciate financing his work in Egypt, long-haired pillock Bill Weasley replied, "Gringott's has been the major international wizarding bank for years for a reason, and that reason is simple. Gringott's knows how to make money, and how to keep it. People know that...so they trust Gringott's. And Gringott's knows cursebreaking is a solid investment. It's as simple as that."
I say the only thing simple about that answer is realizing Weasley missed his calling in politics. From now on, you may want to keep your money under your mattress.~~
Ginny made a sound that was half indignant snort, half chuckle. "Charming," she said dryly.
Hermione looked at her inquiringly.
Ginny handed her the article.
"What bunk!" Hermione said so loudly Harry and Ron turned to look at her before remembering they weren't supposed to know she was alive.
Ginny tried not to think about Harry's eyes lingering on her face from the other end of the table, but her hand was shaking as she picked up her coffee cup again.
Author's Notes--"I agree with BEE11's comments about the reviews - I always read each one, and have found many insights in them that I had overlooked, making me appreciate your stories even more, if that is possible. *hugs* Plus they are simply fun to read, as well!" --Bill. Sounds like you guys are a big hit with each other! Once again, I couldn't say it better myself...our "discussion" of the stories as if we were one big book club united over characters we know like old friends has made the last two stories a great experience. Thanks to all you "regulars", and a wide-open invitation to anyone else who reads this story and enjoys it! *hugs*
Strawberries and Blueberries--Oops...sounds like I've accidentally gotten you into trouble...maybe Professor Snape can help you with that hex...though it might be more pleasant to ask Professor Lupin!
Bee11--I like the idea that Crookshanks kept trying to explain his problem to Hermione and her friends, and no one really understood. Nice catch on the reference to Scabbers in relation to the trouble in the Tower! *winks* Thanks for the compliment on the dialogue *blushes* *hugs*
Adrienne--You have a point, but now I almost wish Ginny had come down that way...or at least one of the twins--I'm roaring with laughter! Thanks for commenting on Hermione's reaction to Ron; I was wondering if I'd paid enough attention to it. *looks sheepish* It is nice to see Ginny make those leaps...I have to admit I kind of like the idea that in my story the character keeps ALMOST solving the problem and never quite does--it seems to be a nice counterpoint to the version where the characters have trouble solving it and eventually do. *winks* I found Crookshanks a bit off-putting the way he is described in the books, but the more I write about him, the more I forget I didn't always think he was cuddly and adorable! *purrs too* Sorry about the Gobble-de-gook...it confused me as much as you! *hugs*
EEDOE--Somehow that just seems so much like the Creevys...and it's so cute. *grins and shrugs* It was pretty hard on Neville, and it's nice to see not everyone shuns him because of it...on the other hand, writing down the passwords probably was a bit of a mistake. *sighs sympathetically* Ginny does have the ability to relate more than most...which might explain her protectiveness of Neville. Like you (and possibly Ginny?), I think Neville is going to grab attention and become quite the knight in shining armor in the future. Hmm...you have a point about the staff...that is rather an interesting hole, isn't it? My feelings on Crookshanks in one. *winks* mmm...images...*grins* *hugs*
Bill--It would be quite a challenge...*shudders sympathetically* EEDOE's "Vanilla Whispers" is actually a prologue to Ginny-as-a-Mum, and I think she paints a pretty realistic picture. *grins* I agree with you and Bee11--the reviews are wonderful! *hugs* Exactly...Neville once again proves his mettle. As you say, he and Harry aren't that different...perhaps Harry will come to realize that even more in book six (he appears to have had an inkling at the end of five). I think Ginny's words to Neville (like their train ride together) are a good prelude to him feeling comfortable enough with her to ask her to the dance. He knows he can trust her not to laugh at his fears and sorrows, and that's a very important part of becoming friends (as Ginny has discovered with Bill/Lupin and Hermione has discovered with her). I have seen a few Ginny/Neville stories, and I have to admit I think the match actually has quite a few merits to recommend it...the main drawbacks are that Ginny is connected to Harry in some intangible way and Neville deserves someone who never has to compare him to anyone else...even favorably--which is a long-winded way to agree with you. *grins* I'm glad you caught Crookshanks' role in the chapter. *winks* *hugs*
**********
For the first time since they'd begun, Ginny's Occulumency lesson did not go at all well.
"What happened?" Professor Lupin asked, a faint furrow starting between his eyes as he looked at her.
"I...I'm just having a hard time clearing my mind with all the strange thoughts about Sirius Black that keep cropping up," Ginny said awkwardly. She was tempted to stop there, but, feeling as though she had just taken a long dive on her broom, she plunged onward, "I guess...I can't help remembering what it was like to write Tom...there's this feeling all over again of...of having someone nearby that I can't quite see, someone who wants to do something bad, but I don't know what and I don't know when, so it's like I have absolutely no way to control it, even though I know it's going to happen, you know?"
"I know," Lupin sighed. "I can't help wondering if I'm somehow responsible for what could have happened to your brother...to any of you...I used to think I knew Sirius Black better than anyone, but I never dreamed--"
"Just because you were friends with him...that doesn't make you responsible for what he does," Ginny said, trying to pull herself together a bit.
"I could say the same to you," Lupin said lightly, though Ginny knew neither of them felt completely convinced or reassured.
She smiled crookedly, gathering up her books. "I'll be better next time, Professor. I'm going to practice."
"You've already made remarkable progress," Lupin reminded her with a smile of his own that didn't quite reach his eyes.
Ginny nearly asked him if he was sure Harry was what Black was after, but she didn't think she could stand to add any more weight to his grey eyes.
"How did the apology go?" She asked Hermione the next morning at breakfast.
"Your brother is absolutely impossible, and I don't care if I ever talk to him again," Hermione sniffed a bit too indignantly.
Ginny sighed. "That well, huh?"
"I never even got a chance to start. I went over to talk to them and I heard them planning to--" Hermione broke off suddenly, very still.
"The more things change, the more they stay the same," Ginny muttered darkly, rolling her eyes. "I'm never going to know what my brother and Harry are up to."
"I...If it were up to me, I'd tell you, but..."
"But it wouldn't be fair to tell secrets that concern them without their agreement," Ginny said wearily.
"Maybe I'm being silly," Hermione mused bitterly. "Why should I keep secrets for them when they aren't even talking to me?"
"Because they're still your friends and you're not going to sink to their level by selling out your loyalty." Ginny said firmly. "Curse you...and curse me for being noble enough to respect that."
Hermione snickered into her cornflakes. "You're wonderful, Ginny."
Ginny hugged her briefly. "You're not so bad, yourself."
That alone would have brightened her day, but not long afterward, an owl arrived with a note from Bill.
~~Ginny,
How goes it at Hogwarts? All well?
Tell Hagrid I will be wishing him-and Buckbeak-well at the Hearing. I'm sure they have a good shot with you and Hermione to help them out.
Here's a copy of that article I told you about; it isn't quite what I expected, but I suppose it is good for a laugh.
Keep your nose clean,
Bill~~
~~"Curse Breakers-Timeless or Out of Date?"
By Rita Skeeter
It's an old story...the magical economy depends on its currency to get things done...and where else does any self-respecting witch or wizard put their money to keep it safe and make interest? Gringott's, of course. In the care of the Goblins. After all, no one knows money like Goblins, right?
But how many witches and wizards know the interest they make on their investment isn't handled by the Goblins? That, my dear friends, is what Cursebreakers are for. Cursebreakers take money invested in the bank, and use it to finance expeditions to retrieve magical treasure from countless dangerous and exotic locations. The investors are then repaid whatever capital was used as well as a fractional share of any treasure received. Nice, neat, and clean.
Sexy, swashbuckling, solvent...what's not to love about Cursebreakers? Gringotts' Cursebreakers are, however, a most unusual cast of characters. The few I was introduced to as representatives of their various branches were an ill-assorted and untrustworthy lot. When asked why British witches and wizards should appreciate financing his work in Egypt, long-haired pillock Bill Weasley replied, "Gringott's has been the major international wizarding bank for years for a reason, and that reason is simple. Gringott's knows how to make money, and how to keep it. People know that...so they trust Gringott's. And Gringott's knows cursebreaking is a solid investment. It's as simple as that."
I say the only thing simple about that answer is realizing Weasley missed his calling in politics. From now on, you may want to keep your money under your mattress.~~
Ginny made a sound that was half indignant snort, half chuckle. "Charming," she said dryly.
Hermione looked at her inquiringly.
Ginny handed her the article.
"What bunk!" Hermione said so loudly Harry and Ron turned to look at her before remembering they weren't supposed to know she was alive.
Ginny tried not to think about Harry's eyes lingering on her face from the other end of the table, but her hand was shaking as she picked up her coffee cup again.