Petunia's small spark of kindness saddens me a bit in this chapter, but I'm not really sure if I feel sympathetic towards her or not. It's kind of odd, really. But that moment is one of my favorites in this chapter.
You do really well with building suspense. You have a lot of patience as a writer and lay out all of the important details in such an interesting way. I love the multiple perspectives as well in this story. Great job :)
Author's Response: Thanks Jade. I am hoping the multiple perspectives remain clear and don't become confusing. I liked the Petunia scenes as well. . .I'm not sympathetic to her at all, but I felt that after a year at Hogwarts, Harry should have gained a bit more courage in challenging her indifference. The scenes were written primarily for Harry's development. . .an indication that he is beginning to understand that how he has been treated by the Dursleys is neither normal nor acceptable. I didn't give much thought to her responses - except that I believe that she, like the other Dursleys, is a bully - and bullies are usually cowards who back down when challenged by their victims. I've always felt that if Harry contested her neglect, that she would give in a bit - which is what I had her do. I'm not sure that she's actually kind - but I like to think his mild demands may have forced her to acknowledge, in a small way, that a child in her care is entitled to basic necessities like food and water.
Thanks for reading and for the kind, thoughtful reviews!