Thanks so much ^^. I'm really glad people like Tom; I wanted to try something different with his character and writing a non-psychopathic Tom is definately interesting. (Although, on the balance, things are far *more* dangerous for Harry this way, which is going to be a lot of fun!)

I agree, Hagrid was definately a loose canon and I doubt that he would have stopped with aragog. After all, he always wanted a dragon and, I expect, Slughorn covered up for him more often than not- valuable potions ingredients could be harvested!

Thanks; I'm really glad that you're enjoying it. This universe is, of course, different from that of 'When the Boat Comes In' but I do like to keep some important issues consistant, like Salazar's character and parentage (although, in this instance, his mother was Japanese rather than Saxon). I hope you'll continue to enjoy the back story; most of it's going to be explained but, as there's also going to be a lot of action when Harry returns to Hogwarts, some facts are going to come to light later as well.