To Fight the Coming Darkness

The 'Black Family Advantage' is clever and it makes sense that wizards would go beyond wards to try to give themselves a 'home field' edge.

Harry really needs one of those t-shirts that read 'Chaos, panic, and disorder... My work here is done' and to wear it anytime he has to sit in on the Wizenwhachacallits.

> Sometimes there is no difference between hero and monster.

A little foreshadowing? Heh.

I'm really enjoying the story so far. The deteriorating situation with Dumdassdore is spot on. I'm used to Harry exhibiting healthy dosages of angst, so the whirlwind with Susan feels a bit off. Perhaps we will discover that this is more end of line magic, or perhaps just rebound. I'm also waiting for Rufus to turn evil ...

OMG, I had no idea politics could be this awesome.

Thanks.

Your take on the Wizengamot is very interesting. Also, another cliche you've busted: McGonnagal automatically siding with Harry in his power struggle with Dumbledore.

I really liked your scene with Bellatrix's portrait as well.

Thanks.  As you can tell, I like taking the normal expected cliches and doing something interesting with them.~Jim

This is a favorite moment in Wizengamot activities in Harry Potter fanfiction - the ousting of Fudge and/or voting for his successor.

Great Fun!

Far too many authors make politics so one dimensional in their stories.  I always like to make it more interesting with different factions and what not.~Jim

I find it interesting that Harry is derisive of Dumbledore's attempts at waging a "political" war. It is particularly interesting because I had just finished a reading for my class on the American Civil War. This reading emphasized that the major failing of the generals of the Civil War was that they failed to recognize the importance of politics and public opinion in the waging of "modern" war. So in fact by playing the politics, Dumbledore is in fact showing qualities necessary for a leader in a time of war.

You have an interesting point.  Harry is learning more and more what it takes to really wage war.~Jim

You and your lovely swervy plot twists. I'm getting spoiled rotten, I am. It's all I can do to hang on tight and try not to get thrown off! What a great ride. Thanks for the rapid rate of updates - this has been spectacular.

As long as I don't stray into the twists for the sake of being ridiculous.  If I wander into that territory please let me know.~Jim