Great chapter! I really do love Neville. However, I've noticed that Harry makes him uncomfortable sometimes. Does he consider Harry his best friend the way that Harry claims him?
Don't consider this a priority. Whenever you get the time, I wouldn't mind a reply. You're always very thoughtful in your replies. I appreciate that but don't want you to exert yourself for me.
The house elves are wonderful and so is Storm. I love any little mention of them. For some reason they make Harry seem really gentle and loving and I like the way you write that side of him. But I've noticed that he's a lot more oily and soft than canon. Or maybe that she just my interpretation.. I was wondering what your thoughts were on that?
Thanks again for a lovely chapter!

Excellent work as always. Had a few chapters to catch up on, and am looking forward to seeing what goes down at the world cup. Also, if you're still looking for non-English European names, I kinda like Thomme Sondstrum... Or Par Bröden.

Very nice bit about Neville and the Black's garden, I really do think that Neville would love a deadly garden more than a boring normal one.

Man, I could read about Harry's friends talking about the odds and ends of the wizarding world forever. Everything is so darn magical that literally can't get enough. From dragon bleedings to Immortality Peaches I seriously enjoyed immersing myself in the world you've created/borrowed-and-then-vastly-improved.

Hopefully now that the cat is out of the bag about how Draco is cut out of the Black line of succession Mr Mortalem can stop trying to murder Sirius so much. I wonder if Wizarding law would give them a better legal challenge if Sirius had left him with a single knut or had completely disinherited him? Sad to say I don't actually remember which is the more solid position in real life.

Man, I think I had a bunch of things I wanted to write in my review, but that last scene really knocked the wind out of me. I know I was going to say something about the scene where Neville talked about his parents, how understated and yet brilliantly clear the emotions expressed were. I also wanted to talk about how much I loved the gardening scene, how I don't understand why I never feel like you are wasting my time with a scene that, in the hands of another writer I might skip entirely. Of course I was going to mention how the true story can begin now that the rescue of Gilderoy Lockhart, Order of Merlin (second class), honorary member of the Dark Forces Defense League, and five time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile award, can get under way.

But now I'm not going to say any of that. This series has always been great, and has certainly affected me before, but not like this. From someone who had a not-so-happy childhood, thank you.

No reply required :)

I love Neville coming over and helping with the garden! Out was wonderful. And Neville is such a Hagrid when it comes to magical plants, so cute. And I liked the explanation on why Hermione is going to the world cup with the Bulstode family. Made good sense.

The end of the chapter was real good (the whole chapter was good as always) with Sirius recognizing what Harry was doing, trying to earn his keep, and giving him that sweet little talk. Poor Harry. Wish he could be given all the hugs and get comfort from them.

No reply required!

Oh now you've gone and made me cry. Nice last passage.

I love Harry and Neville's gardening passage. Though I guess I was hoping for a bit of mortal peril, but Neville's too smart for that!

I really enjoyed this chapter. I have mixed feelings about Sirius and his actions, and I have a feeling Harry might feel the same. Sirius is very kind to Harry, but the way he treats Kreacher (whether Sirius has his reasons or not) is pretty...abusive? I grew up in an abusive home with some similarities to the Dursley's (though much better in that one of my parents was loving), and I know I get very tense when people around me get angry.

I'm always a little wary that they will turn their anger on me, even if I haven't done anything to incur it. I imagine, hearing Sirius screaming verbal abuse and Kreacher might make Harry wonder when that anger might be turned on him. Just like any anger at the Dursley household would somehow be turned on him. Sirius is pretty messed up. He means well, but he's still a bit of a bully, and he has a ton of issues, including anger issues.

No reply needed.

ooh wizengamot discussions

Great chapter. Awaiting more.

The decision about taking sides in the war (or not) is drawing nearer, I see. And no matter which way Harry decides I'm afraid he will lose friends over it. I'm amazed how he is able to enjoy his holydays with this momentous changes so close. I know I would be constantly panicking over the future if I were him.
I like how Sirius talked to him about not having to prove himself. It shows very well how Sirius is trying to be a good guardian, even though he has loads of issues himself.
(Nor reply required)

...when I read this part with Lockart's letter, I was like: FINALLY! xD
I totally understood why you did it, but man, having this message actually understood and not forgotten is *so* satisfying! You can't imagine how happy it made me. :D

The gardening scene was also pretty interesting (I noticed reading a lot of world building / info dumping isn't as bad as I felt it was if it's coming in smaller dosages... Maybe reading it chapter by chapter will help :p) and I rather liked Sirius' 'story time'.
I do wish Kreacher and Sirius would get along better, but it's somewhat obvious why that's no the case, so I'm not going to put my hopes up for any fast changes. I sure wonder how things will keep going between Walburga, Kreacher and Harry though, as well as this adoption subplot. Hmm. We'll see. :)

No reply required (though if you'd get around to answer my other review whenever you've got some time - no priority, just in general - I'd be super happy :) )

nice tid bit there hope to see you update soon

love the garden, great chapter

This chapter is amazing. The subtlety of Harry buttering up Sirius like he would Uncle Vernon. The enthusiasm of Neville. And Sirius knowing exactly what Harry needs to hear. Absolutely amazing. And no response required ;)