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Reviews For Life as Dictated by a Talking Hat
The Sev/Harry part is great, but the plot in this section doesn't quite finsh it's arc (like the Kallie section), perhaps that's why it feels somewhat unsatisfactory? Maybe because this level of consistant discipline and rebellion is just awkward for everyone? Harry is distrustful and pushing at boundries; Snape has to follow through everytime with all of his rules and punishments. The tempering part of this kind of interaction (I believe) is some level of emotional connection, which Snape is avoiding. Dumbledore (or Poppy) show some kindness and compassion. Realistically, this is more difficult for Snape, who may feel very strongly about maintaining his authority. Still, he seemed jealous of Harry's connection to Poppy, and he saw the difference between his behavior and Poppy's. The next step is to be nice, offer some positive-- praise,information, a reward, etc. And yet, their relationship started out so negative, maybe Sev is right, though to wait. Harry is so suspicious, they have to build back to feeling neutral. Author's Response: Hi! Thanks for the review! Yes, Harry has Hedwig - I mentioned her in the first or second chapter (after the prologue.) You're right that I should mention her again, though. I agree with you that the plot arc seems a little unfinished. Oh, well. Once I have another chapter out that won't matter so much. Yeah, Snape needs to figure himself out. He seems to have NO clue what to do with a kid outside of a strict teacher-student relationship. I don't think Harry would react well to Snape being affectionate in any way at this point anyway, though, so, as you say, maybe it's for the best. They'll get it figured out.
Great chapter! V. Author's Response: Thanks! I kinda liked that, too. :-)
I do want to say, though, that I have found these last two chapters hard to read in a way. I'm uncomfortable with the punishments that Snape leveled on Harry initially. The detentions seemed excessive since mostly what Harry did was unthinking and unplanned. The later detentions and the mouthwash were earned (in my opinion) but I wonder if the initial ones could truly help Harry to come to trust Snape or even to stop feeling resentful that another adult in his life would take the opportunity to try to make him miserable (taking away free time, quidditch, etc.) I know Snape didn't make him write all of the lines and even gave him some balm, but that doesn't seem enough. Snape is not explaining to Harry why he cares -- just insisting that he does. I would think it would be impossible for a boy in Harry's shoes to understand that an adult does care about him without some rather concrete proof -- and detentions and other punishments don't count as proof. But that said, I also realize that Snape would characteristically go for punishments to try to "fix" Harry's behiavors. It will be interesting to watch their relationship evolve. And I did catch the fact that you said the tooth growing potion was Harry's last prank on Snape. So either he's given up or will decide the war is not worth fighting. Author's Response: Thanks a lot for the detailed review! Yeah I agree with you about Snape - he's going to have to figure out how to soften up, if he wants Harry to ever actually like him. Also - thanks for your comment about the 'last prank' - it pointed out a mistake I made. This was in reference to WWI, not WWII. Harry's not beaten yet! He's still angry, unfortunately, and also still hasn't managed to anger Snape enough to convince him of the man's sincerity. I'll have to make that more clear. Thanks!
Author's Response: I'm so glad you like it! I figured it was time to lighten things up a bit. :-)
P.S. love the Monty Python allusion Author's Response: Thanks! I'm glad you like it. :-)
Best parts: Harry accidentally frees a house elf, and then bonds her! Snicker. And the When pigs fly bit, understated and still understood by both of them. A beginning of understanding between them? Author's Response: Woot. Thanks! Yeah, poor, confused Harry. But he's seen another side of Snape, so...maybe things are looking up?
I wonder if Snape will ever get through to defiant Harry. LOL! Well done. Can't wait to read next chapter. Author's Response: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I don't know why, but I just didn't feel confident about this chapter.
Th only thing I don't like is how out of character Harry seems from canon, but that is because of his life situation. It's just a little too different for me. Too much thinking - but I guess that just makes him more Slytherin. Author's Response: Yeah, Harry's really ooc. I made no attempt to make him similar to the canon Harry, other than a certain Gryffindorish impulsiveness and dumb bravery. I'm glad you liked the chapter, though. For some reason I had a bought of self-consciousness about it. :-)
Thank goodness for that salve at the end (not to mention Snape moving when asked). With all the punishment, I was wondering when he was going to get around to offering some incentive to trust him. The line writing is somewhat positive, but I know as a child, I wouldn't have beleived it for a minute (and my childhood wasn't anywhere near as difficult). I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Author's Response: Thanks!! No, Harry certainly won't believe it (or anything Snape says) for awhile, but he'll get there. Snape's doing his best, but doesn't know how to get past Harry's misbehavior, I think. Who knows, maybe he'll loosen up a little? I honestly don't know - he hasn't told me, yet, either!
Are Theo and Blaise going to be helping Harry save the Stone? Author's Response: Thanks so much! Yeah, I wasn't originally gonna take it this slowly, but I now I've gone through 8 chapters and not even gotten to Halloween yet! No way Harry's going to warm up in less than a month! It's looking like it's gonna be a really long fic, though, since I want to get through all of first year by the end and there's no way I'm gonna abandon it before it's done. I already have plans for a couple random scenes in other years, too, so with any luck there'll be a sequel eventually! About the Stone - that will depend entirely on what happens before, and I don't plan nearly that far ahead. They're as important to Harry (if not more) than Ron and Hermione, though, so they'll likely be involved somehow! (I can't imagine Theo knowingly staying behind, little idiot that he is, can you?) |
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