[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:19 am Title: What Sonnagh Saw
03-23-2007 18:13 Rated 10
A great fresh new point of view. I have to admit, I've been wondering about this Sonnagh characer since Remus first mentioned him as someone Calyxa might have married instead of the prince (back in one of the first chapters). I guess he wasn't sweet on her, he was just a nice guy.
I'm assuming that the charming little scene he witnessed was Remus and Calyxa making up after their terrible disagreement (misunderstanding?) in the previous chapter. Was he in the hospital because of the full moon? Maybe his wolvish tendencies made him a bit less gentle than usual while they were making out?
Sirius is absolutely precious! Hanging kids out the window by their ankles! I knew guys like that when I was in school. Did he really promise to stop hexing people? Is Remus ever going to go after him to leave the girl alone? Does something romantic or physical happen between Sirius and Calyxa?
I’m dying to find out what happens next!
Author's Response: How very astute of you, as usual.
Yes, he did witness them making up, and yes it was the time of the full moon. Sirius really did give his word that he would stop hexing people to defend her (that won't last long, though) And Remus will eventully lose his temper with Sirius's meddling, but that might be differnt than you'd expect.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:19 am Title: What Sonnagh Saw
03-21-2007 17:39 Rated 10
Bravo, as always! I was a little taken aback by the summary for the chapter, thinking Sonnagh meant his girlfriend, not Sirius'. I was half expecting him to think he and Calyxa were an item. Upon reading, I realized my mistake. I like Sonnagh. He's a very well developed and likable character. I must admit that I gasped when he saw Remus and Calyxa. I also loved his conversation with Sirius and James. I could just see Sirius, the stern expression in his eyes. I laughed at Calyxa and Sirius' row in the library. I hope you include that in a chapter soon. I do so love this story!
Author's Response: Thanks, Jynx, and sorry about the initial misunderstanding. I changed the summary slightly to avoid that problem with other people.
The next chapter backtacks slightly, and someone does witness the very end of their argument in the library. It wasn't necessary to write out the whole thing, but be assured that his hexing of anyone who badmouths her is only half of the problem. He's angry with her as well. Of course, Calyxa would never START a quarrel in the library though she has no qualms about finishing one... ;-)
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:17 am Title: What Calyxa Saw, Part 2
Lady Legrace
03-23-2007 18:00 Rated 10
Oh, God, this is just heartbreakingly beautiful! Poor Remus! Poor Calyxa! You've captured the scene perfectly!
You know that I adore Sirius, and he's absolutely spot on as far as characterization, but I have to say, I wish remus would kick his butt for manhandling poor Calyxa so much! He really is too fresh with his pal's girlfriend!
Exceptional chapter!
Author's Response: Thanks. I actually wrote this scene while I was waiting for my flight in Nassau's airport after my winter holiday. It only required a little editing afterwards. It's mazing what we can accomplish with two uninterrupted hours in the midst of a busy schedule!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:16 am Title: What Uncle Alphard Saw
03-23-2007 17:57 Rated 10
First of all, the character of Uncle Alphard is absolutely brilliant! He obviously cares deeply about Sirius, but he's also definitely a Black, through and through. Checking out his 16-year old nephew's girlfriend! Almost a pedophile! And completely familiar with the way the Blacks operate. I like this character a lot.
The way Sirius is having fun with Calyxa while she frets over him is typical, and he's certainly that kind of kid. On the other hand, it seems odd that she's completely oblivious to what he's doing. She's been portrayed as someone very knowledgable and expereinced with men's attentions, so I'd think she'd realize that he's enjoying having her squirming around on his lap just a little too much!
Anyway, another fun chapter.
Author's Response: This is told from Uncle Alphard's Point of View, so he sees Calyxa as being in love with Sirius and innocently oblivious to what his nephew is doing. Neither of which is true, of course. She's far shrewder than Alphard realizes.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:15 am Title: What Uncle Alphard Saw
02-12-2007 15:42 Rated 10
I just happened to be over here when I got the email saying this was updated. Needless to say, I *squee*'d with joy. Each chapter of this story gets better and better. That sounds pretty impossible, but it does. I love Uncle Alphard. He's so sweet. I hope he tells Wallburga and Orion about Bella. It does work well for the future, her hatred of him. And Sirius, you little flirt! Remus will bite your head off for being so forward with his girlfriend! Oh wait, no, this must be the turning point, why Remus thinks she had more feelings for Sirius. Poor Remus. (yes, I'm speculating 'out loud') I simply cannot wait until the next chapter. Hooray for Zen Lady!
Author's Response: I like Uncle Alphard as well, that randy old goat! He must have seens omething special in Sirius to have left him so much money.
Let there be no mistake - Sirius told his parents who had hurt them, and Calyxa confirmed it. Bellatrix will be very sorry about it, that's for sure.
Remsu will actually eventually get angry at Sirius, but that will happen in time.
Glad you're enjoying this!
Zen
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:13 am Title: What Sirius Saw, Part 2
03-23-2007 17:41 Rated 10
Wow! Good for the bird! What a great scene! I was thinking that Sirius was going to save her and that she would develop affection for him...
And wasn't it interesting that Sirius was feeling jealous of Lucius. I'm wondering what kind of dastardly love triangle (or square or rhombus) you have in store for the future.
Author's Response: A love triangle I've heard of. A love RHOMBUS, however, is new to me.
Thanks, Lady Legrace.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:13 am Title: What Sirius Saw, Part 2
01-24-2007 20:57 Rated 10
*gasp* Oh my.... I'm... wow, I don't know what to say! This chapter has totally taken my ability to think clearly. It's so beautiful. The "altercation" was splendid. You played Bellatrix and Narcissa perfectly. Wow!
I wanted to make a comment. I've begun doing a bit of betaing for memory and I've come to realize that Calyxa's English is so incredibly like memory's. It actually made me chuckle when it came to me.
Anyway, brilliant chapter as always. I can't wait for more!
Author's Response: He he he. I taught ESL for about 16 years, and I lived abroad for 8 of them, so I have a pretty good idea of how people speak when English is not their native language.
On the other hand, Calyxa's incredible memory makes it possible to speak grammatically perfect English all the time, as long as she speaks slowly enough.
You may notice that she never uses contractions in English, only when she's speaking Italian. I got that idea from Data on Star Trek: the Next Generation
Otherwise, I'm glad you're enjoying it. If you're a Remus fan, look out for Chs. 28 & 33...
;-)
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:11 am Title: What Sirius Saw
01-14-2007 14:14 Rated 10
Hilarious. They're very clever and resourceful. It's nice to see that Remus is the ringleader sometimes.
It's also refreshing to see that Sirius is the one who is kind of naive and that the poor girl knows what the score is. I can't imagine what Mr & Mrs Black are going to do when they find out that Calyxa is not going to marry Sirius.
It's interesting also to go back to the previous chapters and read what happened in the past when Calyxa was thinking about this! I can't wait to see what's going to happen!
Author's Response: Yeah, Remus WAS a Marauder (though I think that's a silly name for a bunch of teenaged boys), not the always obedient student that one might expect...
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:11 am Title: What Sirius Saw
01-12-2007 21:27 Rated 9
“Kreacher wasn’t spying,” complained the old house-elf. “Just bringing wine so the princess will be easy.”
This was my favorite line in the whole chapter. It cracked me up. Do you think Sirius would've figured it out with that line if Calyxa hadn't of told him? hehe...anyway, great story. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Author's Response: He he he he he....
I was wondering of anyone would get that. I thought the beta-readers might "correct" that. Or comment. I was waiting for someone to say something! You're the only one. I think it's hilarious too!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:10 am Title: What Sirius Saw
01-12-2007 19:45 Rated 9
Oh my goodness... this chapter... Oh, I hate Sirius' parents even more now! Wow, you just... I'm speechless! I really love this story and your characters and your characterization of canon characters. I never suspected that Remus had been Balthazar! That was wonderful.
I saw one word somewhere that wasn't quite right and now I can't find it! It was just missing a letter that would make it the word you were actually meaning. If I find it, I'll let you know.
Keep up the excellent work!
Author's Response: Thanks for finding the typo - it slipped past me, 3 beta-readers, and the Sycophant Hex staff....
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:09 am Title: What Alvise Venier and Peziza di Janarra Saw
12-19-2006 16:15 Rated 10
I have to say that the quotes when the Italian ladies were gossipping about Remus reminded me of the scenes in the opera where there is a little comedy relief while a tragic plot is playing out.
Peziza is very believable and real. You've written someone who wants so much to help her child and there's so little she can do.
By the way, this is twice you've mentioned that Dumbledore doesn't like Prince Alvise. Is there any reason we should know about?
Author's Response: Nothing worth mentioning. DUmbledore is a human being, and there are certain things about that prince that might annoy another wizard. That's all I can really say!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:08 am Title: What Alvise Venier and Peziza di Janarra Saw
12-12-2006 06:32
Ah, how is beautiful to read these lines again. You know I love the way you write! Just a little friendly "hello" from me. Mariaemilia aka mep.
Author's Response: Hi, Memory, I'm sure you recognize many of the Italian names that I used.
I'm glad you're enjoying this!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:07 am Title: What Alvise Venier and Peziza di Janarra Saw
12-12-2006 02:43 Rated 10
Oh wow... tears in my eyes yet again. Happy tears. This chapter is so beautiful. I love Peziza and Alvise. They are wonderful. The talk between Sirius and Peziza is wonderful and then her views of Remus and Calyxa together... Goodness, when you go back to the present, I'm going to have to re-read the earlier chapters to remember what happened! I really love your writing, Zen Lady. I love your characters. You are one of my very favorite authors!
Author's Response: Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. I'm glad you're enjoying it so much.
In many ways, I find this chapter to be incredibly sad. We know that Remus and Calyxa don't end up together becasue she eventually marries Prince Borodin, has Amanita, and gets divorced.
We also know what happens to Sirius, and it's pretty clear that Peziza is not going to live much longer .
I guess the word I want is bittersweet. (One of my favorite feelings while reading!)
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:05 am Title: What Mrs. Black Saw
11-21-2006 16:40 Rated 10
Yikes! Where is Remus in all this?? Very worried that this is going to drive them apart. Poor Remus! He just wants to help his pal!
As always, a delightful, well-crafted chapter. Can't wait to see what happens!
Author's Response: Remus was there in disguise... you'll find out more in Chapter 25.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:04 am Title: What Mrs. Black Saw
11-20-2006 21:47
My, aren't you the sneaky one, dear. Excellent chapter, as always. Calyxa and Sirius played things perfectly. Mrs. Black was dreadful, as she should be. I loved James' little appearance.
I wish to apologize for the missing review for the previous chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed it and was in tears while reading. I had reviewed, but it disappeared! Another thing that made me happy about that chapter was that it was updated on my birthday. It was a brilliant birthday present.
Can't wait for the next chapter!!!!
Author's Response: Thanks, Jynx. I'm glad it was posted on your birthday. It actually sat in the queue for more than a week (and needed no corrections), so it was pure luck!
I think this was one of my favorite chapters to write. Mrs. Black is such a wonderfully horrible character to write!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:02 am Title: What Remus Saw
11-14-2006 05:31 Rated 10
YEAH!!! and that's all I'm gonna say!
Author's Response: Heh! Thanks, Druidess. That's kinda how I feel, too.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:02 am Title: What Remus Saw
11-13-2006 21:55 Rated 10
That was so endearing and tender. Remus is just the sweetest guy. I wonder if this plot with Sirius and his mother is what eventually drives Calyxa and him apart.
Good job, as usual!
Author's Response: Thanks, Lady Legrace. The plot with Sirius and his mother is going to get longer and more complicated. Stay tuned!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 10:00 am Title: What Regulus Saw
10-28-2006 07:52 Rated 9
Oh what a great story! I'm loving it! I sure hope that you're not a mean author and don't make the ending happy! I can't wait to see what happens next! Thanks for writing!
Author's Response: I don't think I've ever written an entirely happy or sad ending. I like endings that are emotionally satisfying, which means "bittersweet" to me.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, Druidess!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 09:58 am Title: What Regulus Saw
10-26-2006 17:40 Rated 10
I must admit, Lady, that I gasped when I saw the title of this chapter. Regulus! It was a wonderful chapter. I can just imagine Calyxa and Sirius dancing like that. There were so many beautiful images in my mind during this chapter. Dear me, I cannot wait for the next chapter! Brilliant.
Author's Response: I think the next couple of chapters are really going to thrill and delight you. It's going to be action packed fun!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 09:57 am Title: What Peter and Severus Saw
10-18-2006 19:15 Rated 10
The characters of Peter, Sirius, and Severus are exceedingly interesting and very well drawn here.
"Peter felt a jolt of excitement. Was he going to resort to violence?"
This really caught my attention. Is he the kind of person that enjoys seeing violence?
Severus is just perfect. I wouldn't imagine he'd find Calyxa attractive, and it makes perfect sense that he'd ask her out when she was very new. "Before anyone else got to her". What a perfect way to say it!
Author's Response: I have to admit that one very hot evening at a beer garden near my university, I asked some of my brother's friends what they would have done in the same situation when they were in high school. I based a lot of Severus's reaction on what one of them said. So, I should really thank my brother's friend, Matt!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 09:56 am Title: What Peter and Severus Saw
10-16-2006 20:35 Rated 9
Oh, that was a brilliant chapter. Your Peter is very interesting. I'm actually glad you've included him in the story. He's quite the little rat. The scene in the library was spectacular. Sirius was so incredibly Sirius. Severus was his usual Slytherin self. And I am beginning to love Caylxa even more, if that is possible. She is such a wonderful character. I cannot WAIT to see the Ceremony of the Dead and the Halloween dance. It should be so wonderful! Keep up the excellent work, Lady Zen!
Author's Response: Sorry about not portraying the Ritual of the Dead. On the other hand, we will hear about it from several people's points of view. I think Severus actually reminded her of it way back in a chapter called "In the Dungeons". Go back and take another look at their conversation.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 09:54 am Title: What Calyxa Saw
10-18-2006 19:11 Rated 10
Very sweet. So being too near Sirius is actually physically painful for her? Or is it emotional pain?
Remus is absolutely adorable. No wonder she fell in love with him!
Author's Response: It's physical pain, that's why her eyes bleed when she gets injured.
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2007 09:53 am Title: The Doge Who Could Not Speak English
12-19-2006 16:06 Rated 10
How sweet and funny Amanita is! I love how you tell the scene from her point of view. It tells us a lot.
The quarrel between Remus and Calyxa is perfectly done. What is it that she senses? That Remus knows that the dog is dangerous?
Author's Response: She knows that Remus is terribly frightened and worried, but she doesn't know why. She makes assumptions based on what Remus is feeling and hits close to the mark, but she never suspects the real truth!
[Report This]Date: 04/10/2007 09:36 am Title: What Madam Pince and Professor Flitwick Saw
Ooooooooh. Sassy!Calyxa is cool! I love how she explained why she backtalked Madam Pince. I'm hoping there's a "What Lily Saw" chapter coming soon to explain what was said in the library between Calyxa and Sirius. Or perhaps "What Madam Pomfrey Saw". Or both. :) Keep up the fantastic work!
Author's Response: Unfortunately not. Between what Sonnagh saw, what Madam Pince saw, and what Sirius eventually told Dumbledore and Flitwick (which was the truth), it's possible to piece together what really happened. But there are more fun & games to come before we go back to everyone being adults!
[Report This]Date: 04/25/2007 09:31 am Title: What Severus Saw, Part 2
Oh my. Young Severus is even more devious than older Severus. That chapter was brilliant. You play him up so well. I just can't believe Calyxa agreed to his terms! Ah well, I can see where this might lead with Severus. It also explains a lot of his actions in the "present".
Author's Response: Heh! Calyxa can be pretty devious when she needs to be, which is why she agreed to his terms so easily. And what's going to happen is inevitable, but it might not turn out the way you expect!