"I swear on my magic" is just too broken. Like if you have a way to prove that you're telling the truth all of the time, or to ensure some measure of guaranteed loyalty then so many of the canon problems are solvable, and so many problems that authors might dream up in a fic are solved too. Being able to verify information like that (and whatever people say about the consequences making it so that people are afraid to swear on their magic, there are exactly zero consequences if you're truthful, and that fear actually increases the weight of doing it, making it even more effective) removes a very human dimension to the relationships that people build, and the work that goes into it.

I'm glad it isn't canon (although plenty of things in canon are fairly game breaking in the same way, like Veritaserum, Legilimency, Pensieves, unbreakable vows, the list goes on. Mostly JKR just ignored the implications of these things, which fanfic authors largely either emulate, or else use these contrivances to lazily short circuit important story scenes.

Bravo! A more-than-excellent story. I'm adding you to my Favorite Authors list.

The way you dealt with Lockhart was, in retrospect, genius. I think you are better at plot-weaving than I, and I look forward to the next installment with great relish.

Also, Harry is waking up to the dirty truth of his familial circumstances. It's about damned time.

Thanks for sharing your tale!
Con

Um ... Harry? Storm doesn't smell-taste any LIVING creatures down there, and yet you heard a hiss? Does the concept of an undead snake not occur to you? Have you never seen a zombie film?

... Huh.

Okay, then. Nice plot twist there. I can't recall how Lockhart would have gotten hold of the diary, but I feel sure you left clues. I was simply too dull to note them at the time.

This should be QUITE interesting. Yes.

Dang, even changing your username and waiting 60 days doesn’t fool FFN into allowing duplicate reviews. I suppose that’s for the best, though my jimmies are fairly rustled about having to wait a few days for my AO3 account code. First world problems

Anyway, another installment begun! I vaguely remember that this one was really great, but I don’t recall the specifics. I’m excited to rediscover them!

I kind of have a theory that how a fic handles the pre-second year Dobby plotline is very indicative of a certain kind of future problems. Argh! I have so much to say about fine tuning railroading levels, but some other time. I need to sleep now.

I’m really enjoying this! It’s a new spin I haven’t read before.

To me, one's swearing on one's magic and/or life seems like a logical corollary to the Unbreakable Vow, which most definitely IS canon, except that it doesn't involve other witches/wizards in the execution. It probably would need to be witnessed, however, to be valid. I would use it in a story, and not give a second thought to its use in someone else's.

Now I want a short story of Tom's interactions with Lockhart!

Ah! I love your writing! Very attentive to both detail and the big picture! I absolutely adore your portrayal of Harry and his friends! I especially like Snape’s gruff concern.

If you don't like Hermione, don't include her or if you're planning on bashing her, let everyone know in the description.

I am greatly loving this series, and am heading on to the sequel. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

What an excellent explanation for why the train is the way it is! Thanks!

Have to say, really liked this story. Just started out Reading the series a couple of days ago and it’s great!

On the subject of fanon versus canon, warming charms are a fanon thing.

Linguistic quibble - Voldemort would say muggles are envious, not jealous. Someone who is jealous will not allow others to have what is theirs, while envious refers to someone who wants something (belonging to someone else) that they do not have.

Voldemort is jealous of power and envious of immortality, for example.