For the most part, this page will hold pretty much all reasonings for some of the things I say each book chapter, though some things might not be book only notes.
Prologue
Alright there you go. I hope you've noticed the first thing to change is who reads. I only have two out of three of the Golden Trio reading, along with a character that isn't introduced until the fifth book, and another who is only mentioned in the third book and dead by the end of the fourth. The second thing to change is the fact that I've made it obvious that the epilogue of the seventh book is not going to be used. The idea of this series is that they read the books, but have plans to change a lot of what happens, which also includes who Harry and Hermione end up with, though that is more of a just happens deal than any actual intentional thought on their part - they are, after all, going to be more concerned with Voldy, Dumbles, and important things like that, not their romantic interest.
This story isn't going to be a big priority story for me, though I will still work on it. This is just a posting while going through writer's block story, unless people really like it. Then, I'll pay a little more attention to it.
Also, I will say this right now, some of the reactions the characters have will probably be OOC, so I will apologize if you wish otherwise. I am taking a bit of an artistic liscence towards some of them, especially towards Luna - because she's younger and hasn't had time to build up her shields that she has in the books - and Cedric, who, because not much is known about him, is a character who I can mold a bit into whatever I want him to be. As for Harry and Hermione, well, as the books go on, it'll hopefully become clear as to why they act the way that they do.
The Boy-Who-Lived
Harry's Skeptism. Though he was told that the books were about him, it doesn't mean that he's going to believe it right away, so him not thinking it's true until after mentioning where his aunt and uncle lived - after all, they're could be other Dursleys in the world - is very possible.
Yeah, I know that, once she gets to school, Hermione does that a bit, but she doesn't do it for gossip like Petunia does, and she rarely does it compared to Harry and Ron.
Yes, Luna is pretty much saying that Dudley isn't a fine boy, but, considering what has been said about the Dursleys already, plus Harry's few comments about them, makes it hard to actually believe what they think of their son, and have it actually be true.
Yes, they are starting to wonder if any good could come from these Dursleys. I know that most RtB writers have it mentioned that unDursleyish isn't even a word, but, truthfully, I think it's an overused idea, and doesn't really have anything to do with the story other than to be just a comment mentioned, so I skipped having it there.
Oh, and the addition of the note, which is new, is just basically said because of the fact that, for those watching the reading doesn't want them to even consider getting into the habit of saying Muggle over Mundane. It's one of the edits that were made for the story upon me going over it and realizing that it was needed. It could, of course, really only come to being mentioned either in the first letter - which wasn't actually something that I felt made sense all that much - while having it mentioned upon the word Muggle being mentioned sounds better.
Yes, I do think that the Dursley's probably thought that Dudley might end up as a wizard himself - oh the horror - if he was around Harry, something completely ridiculous, because otherwise Petunia would have gotten her wish on going to Hogwarts if that was possible, since she would have gotten some of Lily's powers.
Yes, Hermione's unasked question is something I'd want to know. If it was me, I'd be exhausted in having to deal with a screaming baby. In fact, when I did it for my sister, I was exhausted from having to deal with it, though I wouldn't change it for anything. I love my sister.
Luna and Cedric both note that there is something wrong since Vernon is seeing people in cloaks all over the place. After all, I would imagine that among the first thing they learn is keep the secret, which having wizards actually wearing cloaks around Muggles kind of breaks it. And, of course, this would bring Cedric to wonder and then think he might have an idea of what was going on.
I would imagine that some of the Muggles who saw it would mention it later to their children, particularly if they had something to remind them of it - which, of course, possibly seeing an owl at the zoo would do.
I know that it may be a bit overused, but, one, as the Potters were pureblood, it would most likely mean that most other Potters in the wizarding world would be related and Harry would have a family, so it had to be mentioned. And, considering that Harry is a hero, it's very likely than most pure-bloods and half-bloods who had children after October 31st, 1981 would name their children after him - and maybe, his parents, though mostly after him.
Yes, it's confirmation on what day it is.
Of course Cedric and Luna would recognize who Dumbles was, and tell the other two who he is, based on what they've been told. As the reading goes on, however, that is going to change...
Yes, it is surprising to hear that a cat is a professor, when you don't know about Animangi. Also, for those who don't think I have it right on what year Cedric is going to be starting, reread the third book. It clearly states that, in Harry's third year, Cedric is a fifth year. I know most people get that wrong, since he's Hogwart's champion in the fifth book, and you have to be seventeen to compete in it, but like Hermione, he has a late birthday, and therefore, is in the year bellow what his actual age group is. It's always annoying to read a story that's canon up until fourth year, and they completely forget this fact and say he's a seventh year.
Yes, Hermione thinks it's ridiculous not to call Voldymoldy by his actual name. And, of course, she's going to hate it when her book self does it.
Overused plot about the blushing about the earmuffs, I know, but I don't think that any student wants to know certain things about their headmasters, and I would imagine that's one of them.
Yes, it's being mentioned that it's hopeful that the books are not seen by anyone else, particularly if they're a Voldy supporter. I mean, can you imagine how bad that would be.
Cedric may have looked at Harry, but he didn't really do it, and now, seeing how the Dursleys are, he does so, and what he sees isn't good.
Originally, I had it where Cedric knew about Lily based on what his mother said, but I've since decided that it wouldn't make that much sense, I've decided to take it all out in general.
Yes, while learning that his father had a big head isn't a good thing for being the first thing heard about his parents from a non-biased sort, his happiness mostly comes from learning something about them in general.
I know, people are probably surprised to hear Hermione of all people say that Blind Trust isn't a good thing. This is mostly due to the fact that, just based on the first chapter alone, along with some of Harry's comments, she knows that the Dursleys are not the best place for him to be. Hermione can not believe what is said about Dumbledore being true, because people who have the blind trust of others can manipulate them. As it will be seen in later books, this is something that happens.
The Vanishing Glass
Yes, the title would automatically make Harry think of what he did Dudley's birthday. Wouldn't you think the same thing if it was you?
Most people say something like how someone might've rescued him when it mentioned that there was no sign of Harry still living there. I, however, do not plan on ever saying that in stories like this - if I should write the sequel to this series that I've been thinking about writing, after all - as, between any comments Harry would probably say in the first chapter - if he's one of the readers - to the fact that there is no reason to dedicate a chapter solely to them, and start the next chapter about them as well, if Harry wasn't still there. Plus, it's kind of an overused piece of dialog as well, no offense to anyone who has it in their story.
So, instead, I have Luna mention that she wishes the lack of signs that Harry is there was because that he was rescued.
Most times, people react strongly towards learning were Harry sleeps. While I do have them do that a bit, it's not to the overdone point that others tend to do with it - or course, most often, they have a lot more people, so it makes sense that they'd have an explosion like they do. And I know have them reaction is something almost every fic like this I've ever read is an overused thing as well, but it's kind of impossible not to have it, without making the characters seem like they don't care.
Most people have someone say that it better not be Harry when it comes to Dudley's perchance for punching peope, but I think it 's kind of an automatic response thing. That being said, as you can see in my fic, it's only a thought thing, not something said.
While I do think that living in a cupboard might have something to do with it, since Harry would be shown having more problems than he actually does, I think magic helped keep him healthy, therefore it makes sense to say that Harry is small and scrawny because of genes. I mean, we know that Harry's eye site could come from his father, why not anything else?
Yes, the mention of Harry being punch is not something that sits well with Hermione - it doesn't sit well with any of them, actually, I just used Hermione as the one who reacted. Also, no, Hermione doesn't actually have control over her magic, it just appears that way towards Cedric. Anyone who has gone onto my fanfiction profile, Strange Hearts, and looked at my story Observation, will knows exactly what is happening, once I get the next chapter posted up. In case your wondering, Observations is a companion to this series, a basic how they got the books and the four together, along with watching the reactions of the readers, among other things. The fic is going to be short but long at the same time - other than the beginning and ending, I don't plan on having any of the chapters under fifteen thousand words.
Anyway, the reaction of what Harry was told about his parent's deaths is mostly calm because of the lack of people, though I do have the overused line about how Harry would ever learn if he couldn't ask question from Hermione said. I couldn't help it - it is something that i would see her saying, no matter what.
I don't think anyone would feel sympathy towards Vernon, so it's easy to imagine that sarcastic comments about what bugs him while wishing that more things that would bug him would happen.
The minute Dudley mentioned that he got two less than the previous year, you just know that he's going to complain about it, and, of course, with his parents being the way that they are, is going to get more presents to make up for it. It's just another sign that Vernon and Petunia are not good parents, at all.
Yes, Hermione think that Dudley should be punished for being so greedy, but then, this is Vernon, so it makes sense as to why he hasn't been punished.
Most people tend to have someone - most often Hermione - upset about Harry's comments about Mrs. Figg. Sad thing is, if they noticed that Harry knows the names of the cats, then it's easy to see why he doesn't like it there. I might be a cat person, but that doesn't mean that all I want to do is look at pictures of them and hear their names repeatedly. That would be annoying, hence why I had Hermione be more understanding about it.
As dentist, Hermione's parents would most likely impart on her what to do if she suspected someone was abused - in fact, I suspect that any kid of police officers and doctors probably would. Which, or course, makes me think that there might be something on Harry that makes those who should see signs of abuse ignore it. After all, if they report it, then Harry wouldn't have had to stay with the Dursleys. And yes, while the books can help, their main point is not to show that Harry is abused.
And, on that case, the deal with the Accidental magic is mentioned a bit, and Hermione makes mention of some other cases she's done - like Harry, I would imagine that Hermione would have some spectacular outbursts, since she was bullied like he was, though not to the same degree. In fact, I would imagine that all Muggleborns were like that, since they wouldn't have a clue what was strange about them, and would be around others who would have no problem bullying them if something went wrong around them.
Also, they're told what accidental magic is, as well as what Muggleborns are.
I decided that not everyone who knows and is friends with anyone in the Dursley family is horribly evil like them. I know that many of them probably are, but there has to be a few nice ones, who are only friends because they just are. And not all of their friends have to be horrible and worthless like the Dursleys are.
I know, it might seem like Hermione is being mean, but, as it ends up being explained, you can see that I'm not having her say that to be mean, but to, hopefully, get people to realize that there is something terribly wrong with the Dursleys, and that Harry is being abused. I don't think any good hearted person would ignore the fact that a little boy is sitting in the car, while at the zoo, while his family is most likely enjoying themselves. I know I wouldn't. As for the comments about Dudley, while I'm not a big fan of his, I can't really blame him for being the way he is in the books. I mean, just look at the way his parents act towards him, that right there says why he is the way he is. Add in that his 'eat whatever I want' deal is going to kill him someday if he doesn't wise up, and well, it shows that Vernon and Petunia should not have any children in their care.
Yes, the girls going brain dead around him is a mention of the fact that he's good looking. While I know that, in the books, he goes for Cho, I think that's more of a happanstance than anything. I mean, people probably expected him to go out with Cho after asking her to the ball, and he, not wanting to disappoint them, or Cho, did it. Plus, in my story, there's another reason why he agreed to do so as well. Also, I know that it says that Cho's hot as well, but that feels a little too generic to me, like Cedric has to like her and be with her because they make a good looking couple. No, for this story, as well as the unshown parts of canon HP, the Cedric/Cho deal isn't because Cedric wanted it, but because it was expected after he asked her out.
Hence why he's also having some of the thoughts that he does, which he also stops because she's too young. That right there is a bit of a show towards the fact that he is a teenager whose hormones are awakening, as well as an acknowledgement towards the fact that he is aware that she's a bit young for him at the moment.
I really doubt that Dudley is the only person who has done fake crying to get something they want. I know I did it once or twice, for the same reason that Hermione does, in fact. Only, I usually wanted to bring a book home with me when I did it. So it makes sense that it would be commented on, mostly from Hermione as i don't see Cedric saying it, Luna's too easy-going for it, and Harry would have gotten in trouble if he tried it.
Cedric's reaction to a man crying is something I would imagine most men to think.
Most times, people will say that Vernon's threats are only empty promises and things like that. Me, no. If Vernon threatens to stick him in the cupboard till Christmas, he will try it.
While Petunia might take a swing at Harry, I believe that she is more likely to ignore Harry than anything, unless it has to do with magic, so it easy to say that she's more willing not to do any punishment.
Yes, they're debating which Harry did. Personally, I would imagine that he flew, since it's what his mother did, and apparation makes a loud noise, but that's just me.
Most people are okay with the explanation about Harry getting dangerous ideas - that, or some, usually the Weasley twins, as where they can get some. Me, I imagine that there is another reason for it, once that, as you can see, Hermione points out.
Yes, Cedric would notice the Parseltongue ability while reading about it, and be a bit wary towards it.
And yes, I decided that Hermione was visiting the zoo when this happened - it's a testimony of just how close Harry and Hermione were too meeting each other. And it's something that I actually haven't seen in a RtB yet, the mention that a Muggleborn/raised student was at the zoo themselves when this happened. So, I decided to have Hermione be there - mostly because she's one of the readers, and therefore able to talk about it.
Remember, this Hermione hasn't gone to the magical world yet, so she doesn't know that Parsetongue is considered to be a dark ability. And yes, the only reason why Harry isn't happy about having the ability is because of it's reputation, as well as who could use it. As you will see later on, I have my own reasons for Harry to have the ability.
Hermione's bit about how teachers don't like punishing the good students is a bit from me - I was considered to be one of the good students during school, and my teachers hated punishing me - well, the ones who liked me, anyway. There were one or two teachers who weren't impressed with me, for no reason that I could see.
The Letters From No One
First off, I decided that, since Vernon's threat isn't empty, the reason for Harry being let go is different. In order to appear more normal, they, unfortunately, couldn't keep Harry locked up, else they might have had problems that would have brought some kind of scandel down on them. Can you just imagine the horror? Oh, and I also gave you a hint as to aroudn the time this is - it's a few day before he gets his first letter, which, according to my calculations - which are probably not completely accurate to a real calendar, and are accurate to the HP calendar (after all, it has to be noticed that JKR got days wrong quite a bit in the books, keeping dates from matching up with the actual day on a real calendar) - he gets on a Tuesday, one week from his birthday. So, basically, you can just say that this takes place the weekend before his first letter.
I know, I called it something else in the first chapter, but I'm pretty sure it was obvious as to what Dudley and his friends were doing while chasing Harry.
I know that, in the bit of background information that has been given, that Hermione supposedly lives somewhere in Kent. Well, since it's not book canon - in case your wondering, there are a few things that I'll count to be canon outside of the books - epilogue not included, since I just hated it - I'm changing where it is she lives in this series. I kind of want her closer to Harry, so that there is a reason why she and Harry could know each other.
I've decided that the way Harry acts is going to mostly be his mother's gene rather than his father's. I mean, in all honestly, from his father, he has his looks, horrible eye sight, Quidditch and broom skills, and ability to get into trouble. However, from his mother, he's only got her eye color and curiosity, which is shared with his father. So, in this story, he's also got her wit, and there will be some other things to go along with that.
Most people give Harry trouble for running away, if they say anything about that. It kind of irritates me, but they completely disregard the way Dudley is, and forget the fact that, had Harry stayed, Dudley might decide to stop wondering about what Harry said, and do something to him.
If they have sticks as a part of their uniform, it's obvious that Smeltings should be closed down. And, before anyone says it, the 'stick' that Harry has to get actually is essential for his schooling.
From the way Hermione acts - her infallible belief in rules and authority figures - I would have to say that she did not have friends in school, and that, because of that, she doesn't really have social skills that she needs in order to make friends. In truth, the only reason why she's getting along with the three reading is because they're reading the books, and slowly getting to know each other, and, once she starts reading how she is in the book, she will want to change. Plus, her belief in authority figures was shaken already by Dumbledore in the first chapter.
Harry's famous, right? So peope are going to write to him. Yet, outside of his friends and being at Hogwarts, he doesn't get any letter, or anything, which strikes me as odd. So, I decided to go with the standby that Dumbledore has kept these letters from Harry - with no plans of ever letting him know about them. After all, keeping the letters away could breed a bit of resentment towards those who wrote them when they go unanswered, as if Harry thinks he's too good to write to the 'common folk'. Particularly since we already know that the wizarding world all believes that Harry is living a perfect life. Which, now that I think about it, I wonder, just like with how people found out about Harry and Voldemort, how they figured that. Oh, and I'm pretty sure it's easy to figure out who the twins with the little sister who writes almost hourly is.
And yes, I did have it say that Luna and Cedric wrote some themselves. They would have heard a lot about him, after all.
How would you react if someone actually wrote that out, and did not have any reaction to it? Would you want to put yourself in the care of someone like that?
Yes, Hermione is going to use the Muggle way to talk to Harry. Not only should there be no reason why she doesn't, but I don't believe that mail addressed and sent the Muggle way could be effected by the wards that are probably around the house to keep wizarding mail out.
Yes, Cedric mentioned how Hogwarts gets some of it's students. Oh, I kind of forgot to mention that you only get a letter during the end of June and during July. At least, for first year. I don't care for the whole 'you get your first letter on your birthday' deal, because I don't see it as being plausible.
Can you honestly see anyone saying okay to Harry Potter not going to Hogwarts?
Can anyone honestly see the twins not wondering what'll happen if you don't answer the letter straight away?
Yes, I have them wonder what would have happened if Dudley had gotten a letter, along with wondering why Harry didn't have anyone come to him. I mean, really, they shouldn't believe that Harry would be told anything, particularly since only McGonagall knows what they're like, and her experience shows that they are not good. There is also a hint about the whole trying to keep your blood pure deal that the fanatics tend to take overboard with. There is more on that as the series goes on.
Yes, Hermione plans on writing a few time to make sure Harry gets her letter - and, if he doesn't, she plans on visiting them. And will not be taking no for an answer, either.
Yes, only getting one letter after the first, in my opinion, is because of the room change. They most likely just want to make sure that he didn't get his first letter than to send more than one straight away.
Most people have it commented that Harry's plans don't work unless thought up when he's in danger. However, none of the people reading would have this knowledge, so I'm not having them say anything. However, I did point out that it is a possibility that Harry wouldn't be the only one to realize this fact.
I would imagine that, after the fourth day, Mrs. Weasley would make them reply, hence the not knowing if someone would be sent to help Harry.
Cedric's thinking is along line with the fact that Harry is Harry. Because they really isn't a way they wouldn't let him go to the school, it makes sense that they would have sent someone in question as to why it was taking him so long to respond.
Yes, I want it clear that, while he doesn't like them, Harry can feel sorry for some of the things that happen to him.
Technically, as far as I know, no matter what a person age is, others are not supposed to mess with other people's mail. However, I decided to have a reason why Vernon could do so with Harry's in the hotel.
I have to say, I honestly think that it was only the deadline given towards Harry that kept Dumbledore for continuing his fun. Also, I get the feeling that they purposely waited until Harry's birthday before actually doing anything to make sure he gets his letter.
In case you may be wondering, I do not plan on letting Harry stay with the Dursleys after he gets his first letter. What will happen won't be in such detail, but something will be happening to the Dursleys to make them unable to 'care' for Harry after that.
Yes, they're getting hungry already. Around the time they got there is noon, and it's after one at this point in the chapter, so of course they're hungry. However, they are going to wait until they finish the chapter before eating. It will be this way for every chapter done around the time they're ready for lunch or dinner.
Yes, Luna shouted the word. She's not going to be the only one to do that, either. They will have some fun with words in capital letters.
And you are giving a hint as to what time it is when they finish eating. The resulting discussion of how many more chapters to read until dinner and then when they go back to the reading room is about ten minutes.
The Keeper of the Keys
As you will have no doubt noticed, they have begun to bet a bit - I didn't do it earlier, because I didn't see any reason to do so. The only reason why it's done in this chapter is because it just seemed appropriate. The bets are harmless, and might seem to be a little OOC for at least one of the characters to some people, but then, despite what one might think, betting isn't something that is against any rule, so Hermione actually would have no problem with it. As for the 'Bet Paper' that's mostly for me, because I don't have a good memory for something like that - I'm not one for bets, really, and there probably won't be a whole lot of them in the series.
Also, as you can see, Hermione's beginning to become suspicious about why the knick knacks on the tables are breaking whenever they feel extreme emotion - AKA, anger. Also, Harry has pretty much said that he's not going to care for his fame, and there has been some thoughts about Ron and Ginny from Cedric and Luna, both who know the Weasleys prior to the reading - you'll see some more evidence to that throughout the books.
Diagon Alley
First, the mentioning about other Potter vaults. They never say if there are or not, but I suspect that there are. I doubt James and Lily would have been bringing everything they own with them while on the run, especially if they had to hurry, so it makes sense that they would put some of their things into a vault for safekeeping. However, they never mention of their being anything but money in Harry's vault, which leads me to believe that it's just a trust vault for him to use until he come of age. You have to admit, it does make some sense. As for the funding system. It makes sense for Muggleborns to do that so that they don't have much to worry about it in their first year, and it gives the parents more time to get used to everything - I've realized that most of the Muggleborns usually don't know anything until their told, which doesn't happen until they get their letters, a rather stupid practice, if you ask me. You'll probably hear more about my opinions on things like this later on.
Second: Hagrid. While Cedric doesn't personally know Hagrid like Harry does in the books, he does know enough about him for what the others have said that he does have knowledge about those things mentioned. So, of course, he will mention that Hagrid's not someone you should tell you secrets to.
Third: The teasing about robbing Gringotts. That's all it is. They are just teasing Harry about it, but they do believe that, at some point, he will attempt it. Also, Hermione's feeling is mostly do to the fact of what's mentioned for reason why you shouldn't even try.
Fourthly: Harry's Vault sharing. In the series, their is mention that he was willing to share with Ron's family, though there was nothing about him sharing with Hermione. Maybe it's because of the fact that the Weasley's were poor, maybe he did offer Hermione and they just didn't mention. I do think, however, that upon first mention about it, had there been someone else with him, he would have probably offered to share, so I had him offer to share with Hermione...and, as you have notice, she herself is kind of worried about getting through the school years.
Finally: Blood Status, Political Dealings, and Inability to Change. The first mention about the pigheadedness of some members of the wizarding world, the fact that the Minister isn't chosen so much for the better of the people than popularity and knowing what to say to those who have the money, and the fact that they don't like change that much - in truth, I think that its the fact that wizards - particularly, the purebloods who are set in their ways - fear change, which is why they don't like Muggleborns all that much. Muggleborns are willing to leave the world they live in to join the Wizarding one, and they bring ideas when they do, ideas that would change the way the Wizarding world is if given the chance to do so.