(#) brad 2007-11-04
Thoroughly enjoyable story, although I'm a bit miffed about the very last part. You had me convinced - contrary to my expectations - that Harry had truly snuffed it, as the chapters rolled on and he didn't reappear. But that final revelation ... hmmmph. I don't like the idea of Harry being back, but again with no magic, this time for good. And I don't really accept that he'd let the rest of his friends believe him dead.
That to one side, very enjoyable story. The 'Pyjamas in Terror' (was that it?) joke was great. The 'wedding' was lovely. Luna's seer ability, being limited/channeled to just her own lifeline, was excellent. The joke about Lavender's hairstyle was cute. And I loved what was bequeathed to the twins in Harry's will.
Thank you for the story!
Author's response
My ultimate goal for the story was to grant Harry his fondest wish, to be just plain Harry, or in this case, Marcus. In truth he almost died, his friends had mourned him, his will executed. His actual survival is aside the point. Including Harry 6 humans know he's alive (Fleur, Bill, The Grangers and Hermione) That is far too many to actually keep a secret. It is better for Harry, and Better for his friends that Harry Potter is no more. It's not like he's out of their lives, as shown Marcus is socially known to the Weasleys et al, they just don't know that Marcus is Harry.
'Pyjamas the Terror' was the most amusing output I got from an anagram generator when I input Harry James Potter. It tickled a lot of people, other authors have even used it.
A lot of authors use Luna as a seer, I just decided to keep the gift limited to herself. It seemed to fit.
The Lavender thing came from needing to have the Quibbler article report something really dumb as important...
I was especially proud of the bequest to the twins. It seemed in character to both Harry and Gred&Forge, the bonus of their horrified realization of their burgeoning morality was just icing on the cake... Oddly you are the only reviewer I can recall commenting on it.
Thanks for the review.