*blinks* Remember Millicent's cat? Can't say I do ... Must have been something useful though. Guess I'll find out in a later chapter.
Liked your description of how Sirius took dowm Filch *grins* Even in a dark situation like this, it made me laugh.
Lucius The Voice is becoming really scary. Just the thought of someone messing with a/my mind gives me the creeps. Avada Kadavra and Crucio I can handle, but not being able to do what you want, having someone else that connected with and in control of you, and not being able to trust your own senses and deceisions (in the books, the Imperious is described as being very tempting at times) ... Uhhh *shivers*
After this, does Lucius knows that Filch can sense magic building? If he does, I trust Lucius to find a way to use it.
Lataradk 6/8/02 . chapter 4
*raises eyebrow* Argus has one solid backbone! Taking the decesion to kill himself must have been very hard, especially knowing he would have to keep "the voice" unaware of his attentions for some time. Unselfish and brave. *shivers* And poor Ginny. It must have been quite a shock for her to be the first to see Argus like this.
Sirius did a very Sirius (and Gryffindor)-like thing. *grins* I hope you haven't punished him too hard (as in Red-and-Gold giving him the treatment that Snape and Alastor got).
Poor Draco. (I always seem to start my reviews by expressing sympathy for someone, don't I?). He obviously suspects/knows that his father put the memory charm onhim, and can't tell anyone because he doesn't want to get Lucius in trouble (or make his father mad at him). But at the same time, he obviously needs to talk to *someone* about it, or he wouldn't have sat there pouring his heart out to Winky (on the other hand, telling a house elf-in Draco's mind-isn't the same as telling a person...). I loved his question about whether he could still play quidditch (made him sound very much like a teenager) and the way he kept protesting to Filch that he hadn't hurt Winky (either he *has* hurt house-elves in the past and feels guilty about it, or he knows how people see him).
Severus as detective? *smiles at thought, then goes and bangs head against wall like a house elf until the lingering memories of reading "A Study in Scarlet" twelve times in fourth grade go away and stop prompting mental comparisons* I wonder, would that make Pomfrey Watson? *obvioulsy, did not bang head hard enough*.
You had to scrape melted cheese off a *ceiling*? How the h*** did melted cheese get on the *ceiling*? (let me guess-someone threw it). Hopefully, cheese comes off more easily than petrified bubblegum.
Poor Neville and Callandra. They must feel horribly guilty that they didn't stop Filch from trying to hurt himself (they *couldn't* have stopped him from trying to carry out the curse, but that's not going to make them feel any less responsible). And poor Ginny. I never really thought about how horrible it must have been for her to be controlled by Tom Riddle.
I'm so glad that Minerva managed to talk some sense into Filch (that bit about "being strong for her" made me want to melt into a little puddle of shippy happiness). When are they going to get together? (i.e., when are they going to over come their own reservations and self-denials and admit that they love each other?).
You are actually begining to make me concerned for Draco. I hope he turns out alright (I also hope that he doesn't end up choosing Voldemort, but that, like you said, is up to JKR).
That bit about Sirius and Argus and who owes who a wizard's debt made me realize that the two of them are actually alike in a lot of ways (Yes Filch, I can here you vehemently denying that you were ever such a reckless trouble-maker OR that you were ever brave). Both of them (whatever Filch thinks) are brave, tend to be self-sacrificing, and feel guilty over things that are not really their fault. Actually, I guess you could throw Snape in on some of these as well.
Ah... Branaugh and Rickman dueling. I can't wait. They're the entire reason that I'm going to go see that movie (Kenneth Branaugh is going to do a *wonderful* job as Lockhart).
Lataradk 6/8/02 . chapter 3
Oh. I've missed a lot of chapters being uploaded, haven't I? Sorry about that.
Good point about Harry possibly catching the similarity between Argus and the late Crouch Senior. Hadn't thought about that. Callie and Neville make qutie a team, eh? *grins* I loved the comment on riding hippogriffs! It's always good to see "your" Pansy, especially backed by Draco. They deserve each other *fond smile*
Argus is fighting quite bravely IMHO, and I think that between him and Draco, Filch is the one who'll "break" the Obliviate as the first. He's strong-willed, patient, and has a strong sense of duty. His sanctuary sounds like a nice place to be. I like the idea of the Founders having added their own personal touches to Hogwarts.
The kittens are adorable. Somehow I can't get around the picture of Azoth in his basket. I just keep having this scene playing in my head where the little kitten changes into Snape, hissing at anyone who goes near _his_ basket ... Ack. It's too late. I'd better go get some sleep.
Aw, poor Draco. This was a very sympathetic chapter. It felt short for some reason though. Oh well. Since I couldn't resist, the tombs in Orkney will actually be appearing in the Uric and the wild hunt sequel...Hmm, wonder what the question is. Something about wizarding debts maybe? No clue really. Ooo, Sev and Siri next chapter. Yipee.
Lizard of Fire 6/8/02 . chapter 8
I love those flippin' kittens. *giggle* Aww! Poor Draco and Filch. At least Draco's suspicions have been confirmed. Poor Filch is still bedridden... with kittens "cavorting" around him... (Sorry, I loved that sentence to death). Draco has it rough trying to please Snape and Lucius at the same time. Mmm.. Anyway. . Can't wait for another chapter!
Good chapter for Draco. I'm glad you've managed to knock some sense into the little git. (Honestly, going to Harry Potter on the train ride home at the end of GoF and taunting him, "The dark lord's back and you're gonna be in trouble!" with Crabbe and Goyle providing the fifties hay nonny na chorus has always struck me as being intensely immature - or uninformed!)
Got to the author notes and nearly fell off my chair with the crack about Sirius and Severus cooperating! I know the feeling!
Waiting with bated breath for the next chapter... I still want to see the effects of the PJP and now I want to know what the question was!
Ah, it just gets better and better. Please don't torture Filch for much longer! (Because you'd hate it if one of your readers died of a suspense-induced heart attack, wouldn't you? No, don't answer that.) I'm looking forward to what's going to happen with the Polyjuice Potion - preferably to Lucius. Call me a sadist, but that man DEFINITELY grates on my nerves. And your Filch/McGonagall interaction was just adorable. Are you going to do a story that focuses on their relationship? I can see it now: "The Squib In Love." Awww. *Puppy eyes*
Speaking of puppies, what are you going to do in the way of Sirius and Snape's relationship? I've always found it rather amusing that two men who are so much alike should dislike each other so intensely; when you get right down to it, after all, the only real differences between them are largely based on what they focus their innate intensity on. They're both intense, stubborn, brave, honorable, and both have a distinctly paternal streak - Sirius with Harry, and Snape with his Slytherins. The only real difference, as I've said, is that Sirius focuses on external things, whereas Snape is a very private person - although even that probably has a lot to do with upbringing.
What time of year is this set in, by the way? (I mean, fifth year has got to end some time...)
Here's something that's been niggling at me for awhile: What are you going to do about Harry? I mean, is Filch going to play a large role in Harry's fulfilling the Great Destiny that J.K. Rowling's been hitting us over the head with ever since Book 1?
For that matter, have you considered doing another point of view besides Filch's as a side story? There are a lot of fascinating people in this world to work with; my personal favorite to write as a narrator is Voldemort, although I understand if that ain't your cup of borscht...
Whew! Sorry about the large number of questions; I'm a bit of a compulsive thinker. (Yes, before you ask, I do tend to seriously confuse my English teachers.) I absolutely love your work. Keep writing!
All right! Lucky Chapter seven! Yes, ‘Soup Planet.’ Now, Squib Planet might make more sense. That would go well with the Squib Tricks.
Of course, Argus doesn’t owe Sirius a Wizard’s Debt. He’d owe a Squib Debt! (Speaking of titles.)
Glad to see Filch recovering. Nasty nightmares, poor thing. I think he might have considerable sympathy towards Harry next time he finds him wandering around at night.
Loved all his visitors, especially the Dream Team sneaking in to see him at night. I liked how Mrs. Norris tried to scold them, but was distracted by a quick cuddle from Hermione.
I liked Ginny, Neville and Callandra coming in to see him during the day, like good children. Poor Ginny, yes, she would be the one who could really sympathize with Argus' ordeal. I also liked the image of Hagrid knitting something large and ugly. I wonder what it was.
Poor Snuffles, there are times when even adorable kittens aren’t welcome. Love the mental image of the cat blanket, and loved Pomfrey using the cats as a diagnostic tool. (Must be one of them CAT Scan things.)
Loved the smiles between Argus and Minerva. I think he’s already the man she sees. Now, all he needs is a little convincing of that.
Speaking of Bertha Jorkins, I was under the impression the damage occurred when the Memory charm was placed on her. Voldemort broke through it when he tortured her.
Looking forward to that Polyjuice potion! (Speaking of looking forward to the next movie, how about the Quidditch match from Book Two? You know, with that crazed Bludger chasing Harry around?)
I do like how Poppy uses Mrs. Norris and the kittens as barometers of Filch's health. :) And I really felt for Sirius when the kittens started playing with his tail!
I really liked that scene with Minerva. I think that she's probably going to be the one he'll be most likely to believe about that he isn't a horrible person for what he was forced to do... I'm pretty sure she has an idea that Argus has strong feelings for her. The description of her taking his hands in hers just was wonderful... I could visualize it perfectly!
Looking forward to Chapter Eight!
Pendragon 6/6/02 . chapter 7
IT RAINED TODAY!
sorry, just thought I'd share that ...
Good chapter, as always. I know I've already said that but I'm obviously still waiting
for a new chapter ...
Am I bugging you? Huh, huh? Excellent . *evil Mr Burns look*
Sorry about that bit, just a little high on rain ... mmmm. sweet rain in poor, drought-ridden Sask.
Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :)
Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :) Good story. :)
Poor Filch certainly is popular, isn't he? What a nice touch that he's upset at how Harry and Co. are able to sneak around the castle at night. Instinctive reaction kicking in, I suppose, but it's very accurate.
And the interaction between McGonagall and Filch made me melt. It's so sweet that he values her opinion of him so highly. "I longed to be the person that she saw when she looked at me." ::dreamy sigh:: I'm sure she knows it, too. _
I can't wait to see more of Draco next chapter. Cheers!
It says a lot about Filch's evolution that he had so many visitors. When he was in the hospital wing way back in "The Squib And The Death Eaters," I'll bet no one was there but Mrs. Norris. He's really grown when it comes to forming relationships with other people.
I'm glad Minerva was able to talk sense into him. He seems to respond so much better to firmness than cajoling. (I can understand, being like that myself - sympathy only makes me snivel more.)
And oh! I'm very curious to see what Snape willl say to Draco, and what he'll do to counteract the effects of the Memory Charm. I'm glad Filch was able to tell him that Draco tried to defend him. I think he must have done that more to relieve Snape's mind than to get Draco out of trouble ... it would make Snape very happy to know that Draco hadn't mindlessly followed along with his father's evil party.
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Lataradk 