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Reviews For The Poor of God
(a) you write such good English - there is nothing distracting in your prose so I can just get on and enjoy the... (b) characterisation, which is very believable, not only Harry and Snape, but the others, too. It is good to be able to read their thoughts as they are passing through their minds - a function of the present-tense thing, I think, and a welcome one. It makes the characters seem more real and perhaps also more vulnerable. (c) ...and the plot, which is focused enough to be compelling without losing the extra details and asides. I really like this kind of chapter, because my favourite Harry-Snape interactions are in situations necessitating that one has to rely on or quickly learn to trust the other. These are especially satisfying when Snape has an opportunity to get 'parental'. I'm pants at reviews, but I was very pleased indeed to find this story last week and very much look forward to the next installment, the sooner the better! Thanks again, Ally Author's Response: Madam: I must protest, with all violence, the notion that my behavior towards Mr Potter might in any sense of the word be characterized as "parental". The boy is my student; I am his teacher. My duties are quite clear, and the fact that I have not yet devised a means of shirking them honorably does not mean I would not seize the chance were it presented to me. Furthermore, it is hardly any compliment to me to imply I had any hand raising a child who flinches at sudden movements. As the position of Potter's Uncle is shortly to fall mysteriously vacant, I may consider fulfilling it, under the condition I never be mistaken for avuncular in nature. Regards, S. Snape
I especially LOVE how you don't bash Ron in your fic. In so many stories I've read, Ron's ALWAYS being a git when it comes to Snape - why can't he be more like the best friend we see in canon? Oh, and I especially love Snape's thought processes throughout this chapter - it made me very happy... I so cannot wait to read the next chapter - I'm anxious to see how the Draught of Waking Dreams will play out! Please update soon!!! Author's Response: Madam: The practice of "bashing", as you refer to it, is the sign of a petty mind, unsuited to subtleties. I eschew blunt instruments of every kind; a realistic appraisal of my students' abilities and deficiencies is essential in my line of work. Mr Weasley is neither without fault nor without virtue, and I should not dream of pretending otherwise. Sincerely, S. Snape
hehe. oh my chest ached during this chapter.... i love stories that do that. I love Snape's scarcastic reactions to Harry's basically low self esteem and not wanting to bother people. Whenever Harry has some sort of typical-of-abused-Harry reaction, Snape's got a snarky little comeback that also shows he cares. Great job. Author's Response: Miss Rosworms: May I suggest an infusion of murtlap and pennyroyal brewed as a tea for your aching chest. With best wishes for your good health, S. Snape
I'm glad I came across this story. I normally don't like stories where the Dursleys' abuse is taken quite this far, but you write both Snape and Harry well, and I like how you're not neglecting any of the secondary characters too - your Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore are all alive on the page, and so is Luna! (very excited that you have her playing an increasingly important role in Harry's life - dare I hope, a romantic interest?) But anyway, it would actually be pretty cool if Luna could be one of the people who helps Harry with his nightmares. Ron and Hermione I don't think would be able to handle it all that well; even if Hermione's more level-headed, seeing Harry's nightmares would just make her fall apart after a while I think. Luna would also be pained, but she has that calmness and acceptance about her, and I think she'd be able to handle dreams and dreamscapes much better than anyone and maybe connect to someone in that state. But I don't know if Snape and Dumbledore would want to expose another student to Harry Potter Living Through His Nightmares. I wish you the best of luck with the next chapter. So far you've kept the story from becoming melodramatic. It's lines like these that help - "The relief that blossoms over his teacher's face makes Harry feel rather warm inside; of course, he might be hemorrhaging." You have a playful sense of humor that comes out in the story and really strengthens it. I have no idea how you'll weave it into the coming nightmares (if at all), but I'm looking forward to reading what you come out with, even if I'll be sitting here shivering. And yes, I'll enjoy watching Snape doing his penance. I love seeing Snape realize how mistaken he was about Harry and then try to set things right in his own Snapeish way, all the while discovering that he does have a... what's that thing called?... a heart. The professor may reply to me anyway he likes. Author's Response: Madam: I do not know what sort of score you may have obtained on your Potions NEWT, but my own accomplishments in the field need no explication, and therefore I refuse to be browbeaten for my decisions by someone who clearly would not know the difference between a temporally modified, class two Transfigurative potion and a wild bunch of runespoor growing on a misty moor. I chose the Draught of Waking Dreams in accordance with the availability of ingredients in my store cupboard the known ability of my 6th year NEWT students. If I were to devote all my time attempting to think one step ahead of the sort of blind luck and ill chance that hounds Mr Potter, I should never have time to do anything else. I suggest you try it some time, and tell me what sort of fortune you enjoy. Sincerely, S. Snape
Author's Response: To Whom It May Concern: Naturally any story in which I am a primary character will demand a higher level of language, as you put it. I won't be seen associating with just anyone. S. Snape
*handle a chocolate bar* Author's Response: I am particularly fond of chocolate, Madam, and therefore I thank you. Regards, S. Snape
I'm very much enjoying your story and really enjoyed the long chapter, though I know it's a bit hard to do that everytime. To be honest, I never really mind cliffhangers, they just make me excited most of the time rather than frustrated. I'm intrigued by this admission at the end of the chapter; is Severus admitting that his childhood was similar to Harry's? The effects of the Waking Dreams potion sound potentially horrifying and I'm sure will make for some interesting reading. The range of emotions is sure to be a challenge for Severus to deal with. I feel badly for Harry though, he's already been through a lot and now more! I like your Ron and Hermione, they were in character and I'm glad that Ron surprised Severus a little. It's always a good thing to see him surprised. Well I hope this is sufficient and I hope that you don't knock our two boys around too much. Though of course, what's good fic without a bit of angst I ask you? Best of luck and I can't wait until the next chapter! Author's Response: Madam: My childhood, or lack thereof, is certainly none of your business. Undoubtedly, the Draught of Waking Dreams is quite unpleasant, particularly to those who, like Potter, are uniquely susceptible. Thank you for pointing out the blindingly obvious. I take violent exception to the suggestion that Mr Weasley has ever taken me off guard in any way. ...the young woman into whose service I am temporarily indentured informs me that I should tell you to have a nice day. Do so. Or else. S. Snape
Great mix of snark and remorse. Great line: "The relief that blossoms over his teacher's face makes Harry feel rather warm inside; of course, he might be hemorrhaging." Your Harry is very much in character. I like how he just doesn't quite get everything at first, or later, but he managed to finally get it now, in the end. I want to smack Snape for just leaving Harry on the table, and chatting with Hermione when he should have been trying to start healing him. The waking dreams potion is a nightmare. I'm terrified even. Thanks for the update! Author's Response: Dear Miss...AQ: I should like to know precisely what you think you would have done had you temporarily believed yourself to be responsibility for killing the walking embodiment of a decades-old guilt complex. Snape --- I'm glad you find the idea of that potion quite as scary as I do. Writing it is going to be...interesting. ^_^ Branwyn (what did you think was coming, then?)
Dear Professor (snarky!) Snape, I thank you for the wonderful opportunity of corresponding with you! Ooh, I feel a little like Harry! (Only, seeing as it's past midnight, I don't think I'm up for thinking of many 4-syllable words...sorry.) :( I simply have to tell you that I loved how concerned you were about Harry. I always knew you had it in you! I am so eager to read about Harry's dreams, though I know it won't be any fun for him... Just take it easy on him, ok? (Silly me - I know you will, you big softy in disguise, you. Too worried to even remember the burn salve! I would say shame on you if it didn't show how distractedly concerned you were.) Hmm...can't think of anything I hated. Sorry...though I'm sure you won't mind that. Say hello to Branwyn for me! Sincerely, Kirby Author's Response: Miss Lane: While I must confess I would prefer my personal affairs had not become meat for your speculation, I feel myself impelled to recognize that you intend to pay a compliment. However, I should like to point out that your tone of surprise is hardly flattering; as the inimitable Princess Anne once said, one hardly need like children in order to wish to help them. I would hardly ignore the distress of any student or child within my purview. I shall pass your comments to the young woman who hoodwinked me into this enterprise. This is the last time I allow myself to be tricked by a Portkey in the form of a topless photograph of Narcissa Malfoy. Sincerely, Severus Snape ---- :) :) :) Yeah, writing Harry's dreams...that's going to be rough. Wish me luck! Branwyn
Snape and Harry are so in character it *hurts*. They're human, the way you portray them. Flawed, vulnerable, and yet still redeemable in the way that only comes with good writing and characterization. Snape was brilliant here, playing his dual roles to a T, while Harry doesn't *quite* get the nuances and subtitles and *still* puts himself between someone, who he isn't quite sure he trusts at that moment, and an exploding cauldron. He could have died, he was probably quite aware of that (he usually is), and yet he shielded Snape. That's why I love Harry. His selflessness. And you write it wonderfully. I hope I wasn't the only one who grinned like an idiot when Snape couldn't help but be proud of Harry's potion. That was a *perfect* Snape moment. Perfect. And Snape verbally tearing into Harry? Very, very well written. Nasty yet sly, encompassing all of Harry's sore spots. Pure art. Hurtful, malicious art, yes, but art nonetheless. Kudos. *applauds* If not for Harry's misunderstanding and the potion mishap, that would have been quite the bit of acting on Snape's part. I love it when Snape has to put on a performance. ^^ And Luna. Luna! There are no words. *happy* Honestly. Stories like this are *why* I read fanfiction. I'm not one for leaving reviews usually, but I'm making a point of following this and letting you know that I am. Please continue; you're doing fabulously on all counts. Polite-Through-Gritted-Teeth!Snape, please. ^^ Author's Response: Madam: Charmed as I am to find that I have coaxed you from your usual habit of reticence, might I point out that encouraging Potter in his reckless bravado is hardly conducive to his welfare. I am pleased that my artistry has not gone entirely unappreciated. Perhaps one day you would care to see my etchings? Sincerely, S. Snape
--- *g* I'm glad you like Harry's selflessness, and I'm delighted you saw Snape's pride in him. I wondered if anyone would pick up on that, in amongst all the rest of it. I confess, a part of me rather enjoyed writing that nasty speech. Catharsis, or something. Much more Luna to come. :-) Bran |
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