Kris! You updated and I didn't even notice, I don't believe it. Sorry it took me so long to leave you feedback. This chapter was great. As Kathleen said, you did manage to pull forward quite well. Daniel's character is very interesting (and just between you and me, one of my favorites) I can't wait to see where he will end up. It's quite sad that it's almost over...and the cliff-hanger, gosh I really want to know who it could possibly be. Can't wait!

Update soon,
-Karina

Kathleen: I haven't left you all with much of a cliffhanger in awhile, so I thought it was about time!! I thought that everyone needed to be confronted about their behavior, and my favorite line in the entire chapter is "I quit." I think it was really powerful and will give the students a lot to think about. And don't worry. We'll see plenty more of Daniel!! I really wanted to show my readers that he really isn't that bad of a guy, even though you only see the negative parts of his character.

I really don't want to give anything away, but I can safely say you are completely incorrect in who is sneaking around Hogwarts! We'll find out soon enough, though!

Karina: No problem. I will share the mystery guest soon!

Everyone: I am so, so sorry. I knew this past week was going to be bad, but it ended up being much worse than I ever could have imagined. I took the weekend and just sat on the couch (with a little bit of baking and movie watching in between) and read. I needed to get my mind off my job for awhile. And I didn't want to write while I was so upset/drained in fear that I might kill off a character I have no intention of killing. I doubt I will get much writing in this week, but I PROMISE you a chapter sometime next weekend. That is a full promise I intend to keep. Thanks for sticking with me!!

Kristin

I'm surprised I haven't received any feedback for the latest chapter. I fully expected someone would have some comments regarding Maisie being exposed as the one who has been sneaking around Hogwarts and working for Dedrick. It's been a busy couple weeks with Easter. But I plan to have the next chapter up sometime this weekend!

Kristin

Kris,
Oh my gosh! I am so sorry for not leaving feedback. But like you said, it's been crazy busy. That chapter was really something. When I found that out I really had to go back and look again to make sure. And as always you outdid yourself on the characterizations...the main reason why I love this story and don't want it to end. But at the same time, I can't wait to see how it does.

Update Soon!
-Karina

Karina: Thank you! No problems...I know how crazy life can get. I really liked adding the whole Maisie twist, and I'm surprised no one picked up on it sooner. Though I did like hearing everyone's theories on what they thought would happen! Still...Maisie.

The next chapter is finished and submitted to my wonderful beta. So, as soon as I get it back, I'll post it! Sorry for taking so long, but things got crazy at work (again). Oh, the life of a social worker, I'll tell you!

Kristin

Thanks for letting me know that you updated! First off, I liked the subtle hints of humor in this chapter. I know how you say you are shy but you can be funny too even if that is not your original intent. I really liked how you ended off. It sort of made me feel the same way that Neville must have. I wonder where things will go from here... Can't wait. Update soon!

-Karina

Maise? Maise? Never in a million years would I have guessed Maise. What a great suprise! The mystery deepens, though, as to what Maise's connection is with the Death Eaters, and how she got sucked into all of it. I am going to have to re-read some things to find some clues to that!

Now everyone is being re-recruited. The DA was always one of my favorite bits of the books, and I am so glad you are bringing them back together again. Brava!

So the second end begins. You build up the plot so well. It keeps me on the edge of my seat. Great writing!

So sorry I didn't reply sooner. I have been on vacation and at grandparents for a while. But I am caught up now, and eager to see what the next chapter will hold.

~Kel

Karina: Thanks for the wonderful comment. I don't necessary add a lot of the humor on purpose, so it's nice to know you it's there! I'm glad you felt the same as Neville. He truly loves her and he is ashamed of himself for letting her go alone, but he loves her enough to let her make her own decisions. It's scary and hard. I love it!

Kel: There are definitely some hints earlier in the story (ie, check out when the first years are creating Christmas Cards for the Death Eaters) that Maisie was connected somehow, though it was pretty subtle. There is/are also some hint(s) about how she's connected, but not really any about why. I'm hoping you'll be surprised (and pleased) by the end result.

I honestly couldn't have a final battle without bringing back the DA! And I didn't think it would be appropriate to go off to battle without notifying Seamus, either, seeing as Matty is his little brother. I absolutely love how all of this is finally tying together! I can't believe it's almost been a year since I started this sequel.

Don't worry, I completely understand! Yes...the second end begins, but it definitely is really exciting, and I'll be sad when it ends.

Kristin

P.S. The next chapter has been posted! Can't wait to hear your feedback!

That was positively, nail-biting, teeth clenching, detail absorbing wonderful chapter! It is chock-full of everything.

Maisie and Dedrick are evil. Maybe not Maisie as much, but her mind has been corrupted. At least they aren't all dead...yet.

Why were there two portkeys, and why did it matter which one Maisie took?

Great chapter, and I am dying to see what else you have in store.

Kris,
Oh my gosh that was excruciating! I cannot believe it took me this long to leave feedback. I'm sorry, I didn't get to read your chappie til now. Gee wiz, is that really even still the same Maisie??? That was scary...and exciting at the same time! Just when I was thinking I had it mostly figured out you add a new twist. I mean, wow! So, same question as Kel, how does the Portkey play into the story? Well, on the bright side, at least they aren't dead...yet?!? Can't wait for the next chappie, update soon, I'm breathless!

-Karina

Kel: I wouldn't necessarily say Maisie is evil..but then again, you don't have the entire story. The chapter I posted this afternoon will clarify what happened to make Maisie the way she is. Honestly, though, it's my specialty to only provide enough information to give you a false impression! It's great!

The two portkeys were minorly significant. If you'll notice, Stephanie's was a photo album, similar to the one Dedrick had stolen from her bedroom and had Maisie replace on the first day of school. It was more symbolic than anything. That, and it took them to different locations in the cave.

Thank you!

Karina: See above for the explanation about the portkeys. I'm really hoping that it makes it more clear for you guys. There are so many misconceptions about my characters and I love it! I am so, so, so happy you enjoyed it.

Thanks so much for your comments!!

And no worries, the next chapter has been posted!! I hope you all like the little twist in the new chapter!

Kristin

My jaw dropped to the floor. Seriously. What a cliffhanger!!!



The fight was interesting as well. The spells Stephanie invented certainly are useful. But the effort to produce them must have been overwhelming. It helped though.

And the ending! Girl, what have you done? You must get the next chapter up soon!

Okay, I get the part about the Portkeys now. Thanks for the clarification. ALthough, I never really know what is going through your head, because as you said, you like to givve false impressions

Hey, I am so sorry I didn't leave you feedback earlier. You are truly ah-may-zing! I mean wow! Do you always have to leave us so desperately waiting for what comes next. Okay, seriously now. Good chapter. As soon as I saw the title I knew it was gonna be a great one. It was all so vivid. So many new things....Stephanie's spells...and the cliffhanger...nailbiting! I am just dying to see what is going to happen.

Oh, , I get it now, two different portkeys, two different places. Why do I suddenly feel as if that was the most obvious thing in the world?

Anyway good job,
-Karina

I got that same feeling too!

Anyways, I just read the story again, and I picked up on some of the little clues you left about Maisie. Now I don't know why I didn't guess it earlier. Ah well. It must just have been one of those things.

I am so sorry it's taken me so long to reply to your feedack. Last weekend, I started the process of purchasing a house and that has taken up quite a bit of my time all week. But I finally took the time to sit down and write the next chapter. It has just been sent to my beta, so as soon as I have it returned, it will be posted!

Kel: The spell was very difficult to maintain for all of the people there, but if you think back through the entire story, it makes sense. Her powers have been tremendously great through most of her life--for example, if you'll remember, she killed Marcus Flint using the Cruciatus Curse.

I do tend to give false leads...and also subtle hints about what is to come. So I am always glad to explain where I was going with things (if I can!). I also wanted to say that the character who was killed in this past chapter was destined to that fate since the first time he/she was introduced. It was always great to read the reader's reactions to his/her character knowing that's how it was going to end!

Karina: Thank you. I think I do a good job keeping my readers wanting more...and we all know that cliffhangers are my specialty!

Kel: I wanted to point out those hints earlier, but I didn't want to give away anything! Everyone's theories were so far off base that it was really entertaining for me! I can't believe, though, that no one picked up on it. I thought those hints were more obvious than others throughout the course of this story.

As I stated before, the next chapter will be up soon!

Kristin

Hey, just read the new chapter. I liked this one, I am pretty sure I have said this about most of your chapters, but it's the truth. You really are good at having and keeping reader's attention. I especially enjoyed the conversation between Stephanie and Abby. It was very cool, very real. I also like how you ended it.

You're right you are the queen of cliff-hangers, but you always do a great job of answering our questions in the next chapter and you do a tremendous job on putting us in the characters' shoes. I guess that my only question now is the same as Abby's: Will Steph really leave Hogwarts?

Update soon,
Karina

I like that it was Neville to off Dedrick. Neville has had so much wrong in his life due to DEs that he needed to finally kill one. Bellatrix' house just wasn't satisfying enough! I know Stephanie didn't want him to experience that, but I really think he needed to do it.

I did like the light-heartedness of the Burrow conversations... very homey feeling. It's easy to see why Hermione wanted to be there even if Ron wasn't.

I am glad Hermione remembered Stephanie's protection charm and was able to save Stephanie. I was sad when Daniel died, especially since you had made him into a more likable character (despite all his flaws).

The conversation between Abby and Stephanie was very good. I hope her dad heard some of it and will allow her to have a more bearable summer. I can't wait to read what you have in store next... and I can't believe it's almost over!

Kathleen

First of all, I have to say "YAY!" I got another vote!

Okay...onto comments about feedback.

Karina: No worries. The next chapter will be posted soon! I just finished it and shipped it off to amazing beta-er ChannelingGinny. I loved the scene between Stephanie and Abby. I felt it was so real, honest, and raw. It shows the bond between the two has grown significantly over the course of the school year. I don't know how to answer your question about Stephanie leaving Hogwarts...

Kathleen: I originally wrote it that George and Bill together killed Dedrick, but I thought it was more symbolic for Neville to do it. He has suffered for so long over Stephanie's suffering, and it just seemed right for him to kill Dedrick.

I like adding lighthearted portions during difficult times. It shows the level of friendship and bonds everyone shares. The Burrow was a fun scene to write, but it was kind of difficult without Fred and George constantly cracking jokes.

Poor, poor Daniel. He was destined to lose his life the very moment I wrote his name on my computer screen. That's why I kept encouraging the readers to look past his flaws!

Next chapter should be posted soon!

Kristin

Heavens! That was so sad and happy and awesome all at once! I really liked this chapter, it had a lot of emotions in it. All of which you conveyed very well. I can't believe that it's just about done! You did great with tying things together. I love how Neville and Steph are so happy. And his proposal ...that almost brought tears to my eyes. You did well, Kris. Can't wait for the next (last? ) chapter.

-Karina

Karina: Neville's proposal almost brought tears to my eyes, too, and I tried to convey all the emotions that everyone was feeling. I am really happy that you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope that you will like the next (and last) one even more. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I really appreciate them.

Kristin

Thank you for letting me know you updated. I can't believe it's over. I really like how you wrapped it up, I was engrossed from the moment I started reading. Haha, Ally that was so cute! I loved it, Kris, really. Great job I almost feel like going back and reading the whole thing all over again! Hey, you know what I just might! That was awesome! Again good job! Congratulations!

-Karina

Even though I was your beta, and had read the last chapter 2-3 times already, I STILL had to get the tissues out when I was reading the final chapter. You truly do have a wonderful gift for writing and I hope you will continue, even if it isn't HP fan fiction. Just let us know if you publish it anywhere. But until then, enjoy your life! I suppose the frozen tundra is thawing out, and I hope you'll have a lovely summer.

I will certainly miss reading new installments, but I can always go back and re-read it all (hey, that's what I'm doing with the HP series now in honor of the 6th movie). Just make sure to let TPTB to archive this one as completed.

Thank you, again, for sharing the last two years of your life with us. That took courage, and I'm glad you took the chance.

Kathleen

It's..over? I still can't comprehend that this marvellous story is over. Really, it was brilliantly brilliant. Like Kathleen, I had to get the tissues out, the last chapter was so lovely.

The last bit was my favorite. So beautiful and sad at the same time. It is always nice to know how everything turns out.

Even though this series is over, don't stop writing. Thank you for taking all of this time to write a story that you shared with us. Brava.

I apologize it has taken me so long to post a reply to everyone's feedback! Life has been crazy, what with the weather FINALLY warming up!! I have a feeling summer is here for awhile.

Anyway...

Karina: Thank you so much!! Since I finished the story, I have gone back and re-read most of the HP books (well, starting with 5..and now I'm almost done with 7) and I keep thinking how well I incorporated everything. But the downfall is that i keep thinking about things I should have added. Like Neville's parents should have been at the gathering at the end...Oh, well. Thank you for taking time to share your thoughts!! I really appreciate everything you've written.

Kathleen: A couple weeks ago, I wrote to you about the story that was in the back of my mind. And I did start it, and plan on writing it...but I think I may have another HP fanfiction in the works...It really has been consuming me and I think I'm going to have to put on the front burner, so don't be surprised if there's a new one up soon!! Thank you for sticking with me and helping make the story as good as it could be! I really appreciate all your wonderful feedback.

Kel: It really makes me feel good to know that I made people cry! It sounds horrible, but I feel like I've completed a life goal! Don't worry, I won't stop writing...and, like I told Kathleen, I have a feeling another HP fanfiction (with another original character...Scrimgeour's daughter if I decide to go in the direction I'm thinking) will be coming up soon... Thank you for all your feedback!

Thanks again to all my wonderful and loyal readers...until next time. Thanks a bunch!

Kristin

I’m so sorry that it took me so long to read this! Also that I never kept up with it. However I’ve made it my goal to read the entire thing start to finish until I’m done. I know I was on page 2 somewhere, but I can’t remember and so it’s only right to start at the beginning to make sure I understand and remember everything. I don’t want to bore you too much with my comments, especially since you’re on another story already! I’ll keep it to a minimum haha. I actually wrote everything down in a word document and then I copied and pasted into here so I’d remember!

I love Stephanie and her character. The detail and reality in the early chapters after she is freed from Draco and all her feelings for Fred and how lonely she is without him is so striking to me and it really struck me. It’s a really wonderful aspect to her character. You really made me miss their relationship from The Unknown Potter!

You give all your characters a breath of life and you make them seem so real. You have a wonderful talent for writing and creating a magical world that feels like it could actually exist. I’ve always been hooked, from beginning to end.

I think it’s Chapter 16... If I was George, I would’ve written the exact same thing to Stephanie. She is the negative that people think about themselves, and he is the positive that we hear that helps us get by. And in Chapter 19, thought I understood his motives for telling her about the dangers to her, I would’ve preferred it if she had stayed in the dark about the Dedrick’s army.

The “Five Strong” is cute. I can just picture those little first years getting together and planning. Three Slytherins – David, Sammy, and Abby, and two Gryffindors – Lauren and Matty. They’re just adorable!

Dedrick read Stephanie so easily, how she pushes everyone away and doesn’t confide in anyone. His letter to her (around chapter 20) was rather creepy, but so well-written. The pictures were an excellent addition.

Also, you are just way too good at switching POVs. It doesn’t matter which character it is, you give us a full scope of who they are, none weaker than the rest. Evil characters, good characters, they are all amazing.

The holiday cards for the Death Eaters in Azkaban were a really good idea. It really seemed that you thought out the pairings of which student would be with which Death Eater, and I like the stories behind that.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN! Stephanie’s encounter with Draco in Azkaban. Did I not wonder if she had feelings for him back in the Unknown Potter? It sure seems like it again. I haven’t read anymore, but I am interested to see if you cover Draco’s release trial or whatever it ends up being. I can’t wait to read more! On I go...

Chapter 30, the attack on St. Mungo’s, was excellent. Healer Sorenson actually brought tears to my eyes when he was dying and telling Stephanie not to cry. I love reading your battle scenes, they’re always very descriptive and like every aspect of your story you make them seem so real. I know from experience that high tension scenes for characters can be difficult to write, especially to get all the emotion out there, but you do a wonderful job!

Chapter 33 – Dedrick is so scary!

Chapter 35 – Abby and Matty are adorable.

Chapter 37 – Absolutely brilliant detail, I actually enjoy Dedrick’s character, quite honestly. There’s just something about him that is so compelling. I chalk it up to his manipulative nature; he’s even influencing me!

Daniel Blaiser is a rather interesting character. I loved watching his development throughout the story, and seeing his relationship with Ginny. When he was so honest with her during chapter 43, it just brought to a head everything that was building up. Ginny developed a bond with him that no one else had, even if it was a bond of convenience.

And Maisie...it’s always the quiet ones that you have to watch out for haha. I definitely wasn’t expecting that. I have to admit that the first-years going to “save” Stephanie reminded me of in OotP when Harry was convinced that Sirius was in danger and rushed to protect him.

Aw, poor Daniel. Chapter 47 – The Battle Begins; excellent explanation of how Maisie fits in. Little Abby is reunited with her father. Stephanie getting hit with the ‘green light’ was expected, but nevertheless it was quite sad for that moment. Matty and Abby confessing that they love each other was cute too.

Oh and then what do you do to throw me off track in chapter 48?! Hermione saves the day again and Stephanie is saved. I have to admit, you’re good. Even after all this time you still surprise me. The battle was somewhat anticlimactic but that was to be expected with that super counter-curse. Still amazing, as always.

But easily, the greatest and best chapter you have ever written was the Chapter 50 – Epilogue. I will be perfectly honest with you; I haven’t cried so much in a long time. That chapter was beautiful, and as I sit here writing my comments the tears are still pouring down my face. It could be part of the fact that it’s four in the morning and after spending all day reading it I am utterly and completely exhausted. But I know that it’s not for that reason. It was beautiful, absolutely stunning. You filled in all the gaps, and the emotion was incredible. All the family, how happy she must have been after not having anyone for all those years! And then she passed on and went to be with all her loved ones that had passed on before her. When she saw Fred again, that just brought on a whole new round of tears. I was always more partial to their relationship than with Neville, but nevertheless it was amazing. I could go on and on praising this chapter because really I have never read a fan fiction chapter that moved me so.

I can’t believe that Stephanie’s story is over. You did an amazing job with it, and I wish I could have stuck with the sequel like I did with the first one. I think I’m crying so hard because I felt a connection with Stephanie, like her character and the story you wove were so real. It was like I actually knew her and everyone else. You are an amazing author Kristin, thank you so much for sharing Stephanie Potter and her story with me. I am sure that I will never forget it, and I will probably read both parts again one day, albeit I won’t read it all in one day!

--x Lauren

PS: I apologize for the novel I've written you haha. I love your writing so much, in a day or so I'll start on your new fic, and perhaps I can be a more loyal reader this time around.

PPS: And thank you for naming a character after me! What an honour.

PPPS: There's a lot of these aren't there? But I just realized, I started reading this yesterday (the 10th) but I didn't finish until early early this morning so the time stamp wrecks it, but I find it funny how I chose to read your story on the day of my 2nd VTM anniversary! It's already been 2 years since I've joined and not long after that I was immersed in the world you created. So thank you very much for that!

Lauren: I am so sorry for not responding quicker. Life really caught me by surprise and I've been extremely busy. But I thank you so much for taking the time to leave so much feedback, especially since you had quite a few chapters to read!

I thought and debated long and hard about keeping Fred alive so their relationship could continue, but I just couldn't bring myself to stray that significantly from JKR's story. It was hard enough for me to kill him that I can only imagine how JKR felt. And because I felt that pain, I was able to convey it through Stephanie. Fred was really the first person to love her in that way (well, besides Neville, but she didn't know that).

Though it was difficult for him, George felt protective of Stephanie after Fred died. He was able to pick her up when she was down, and he felt that she needed to be prepared. I didn't see any other option when he told Stephanie about Dedrick's Army.

I have to say that Lauren was supposed to be similar to Sammy's character, but she didn't develop that way. I love Lauren's character.

Thank you on the characterization. It really comes easily to me and sometimes I don't even realize that I'm portraying them so well. So, thank you!

Almost everything in my stories are carefully thought out, and I'm happy that you noticed that with the Christmas Cards. I wanted the pairings to be significant later in the story (most importantly, Maisie/Sarah).

Stephanie always had feelings for Draco, but it was not in a romantic way. She was witness to him growing up and, though he was torturous of her, she was able to see that was not who he truly was. Draco is a seriously misunderstood (at least in my eyes) character, and (with my being a social worker) is a product of his raising.

Two types of scenes are very difficult for me to write: battles and Quidditch. Healer Sorenson's death came to me in a dream, if I remember correctly. I felt they would have somewhat of a bond since she was in St. Mungo's so long in the previous story.

I know!! Little known fact: Dedrick's character is loosely based on Damon from the Vampire Diaries.

Daniel's character was so much fun to write. I wanted everyone to see him as this evil character, or "bad guy." But deep down, he really wasn't so bad.

Again, I'm glad that you noticed the similarities. I also tried to drop subtle hints throughout the story about Maisie's true colors, and I'm sure everyone that has read the story can pick up on them in hindsight! Sneaky, Sneaky!

I know and I apologize about the ending battle being anticlimactic. Stephanie's curse was a big part of the story and with it in existence, I couldn't think of a way to get around it!

Chapter 50: Thank you so much. I was crying throughout the entire time I was writing it. It was something that had been in the back of my mind since I started writing the original Unknown Potter. After re-reading it several times, I realized that I left out Neville's parents. But that would more have been for Neville than Stephanie.

Well thank you for celebrating your 2 year anniversary with my story! I feel honored and privileged! I still can't believe that I spent almost 2 years even writing this story. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and enjoy it with me!!

Kristin