Patches posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 7:09pm for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

This is really a good chapter. I like the way that Harry dealt with Mrs. Norris. That needed to be done. The old cat was always a problem with an attitude. Filch liking the power he received from the horcrux is not surprising. He was a bad tempered element at the school from the word go. I was really sorry to see McGonagal die. She is one of my favorite characters. She was always a voice of strength and truth even to Dumbledore. She actually cared for Harry and although she didn't always back up his actions she was dependable. It stands to reason that Hermione would be upset over McGonagal's death. Hermione always respected the teacher and McGonagal appreciated Hermione's intelligence and performance as a student. I'm glad Harry has Kwan to bring a shot of reallity to discussions. Kwan has a way of pointing out things in a basic light that can be overlooked with Dumbledore around. I like Hack. Wearing Mrs. Norris pelt is a little over the top but as Harry says, he has style. I'm glad Harry got to see Luna and they had a good meeting. Luna of course is playing up her "Loony" act. She gets a lot done in that venue. Something Harry is beginning to appreciate. He let Ron know that he is not off the hook as far as Harry is concerned. I look forward to more of that discussion. I like the way Harry handled Snape in Defense. He actually taught Snape something. That and the way he walked out using a wordless, wandless spell as an answer to Snape was great. I look forward to the next chapter. Thanks for writing. I look forward t the conclusion of Darkness! All your stories are great and I really enjoy the snarky Harry in the Jungle series. Thanks for writing. pms

JBern replied:

Thanks.   Glad you continue to enjoy the story.   Sorry for the delay in responding.   Harry used his wand to cast that spell.   It wasn't wandless, just wordless.   Next chapter of this one coming after Lie chapter 8.   I hope I continue to impress.~Jim

catpaw posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 5:51pm for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Ohhh! New chapter - just the thing I needed right now..

On the whole, good as usual. Bit did you have to kill Mc Gonnagal? And, more importantly, why was she defeated so easily? A transfiguration master should not be an easy target. Offensive transfiguration! School trophies and awards changed into Norris sized bear traps! Miscellaneous debris turned into sharp and nasty things.. An opportunity missed, I tell you.

Ok, now that its off my chest, thanks, and keep up the good work. :)

yours truly

catpaw

JBern replied:

I didn't have to kill McG, but I did need to demonstrate that my version of the Horcruxes aren't going down like chumps.   They will be defended and those defenses will test Harry to his limits.  

She was in her cat form, carrying her wand in her mouth.   Mrs. Norris caught her by surprise when she was vulnerable.   End of story, or at least her part in the story.   Considering Voldefilch had all the objects in the room doing his bidding, she'd have had a rough go of it.

Hope that clarifies my position on things.   Glad you liked the rest of the story.   Actually in the original version Poppy died as well.   I was convinced that that was too dark.~Jim

Wolfric posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 5:27pm for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

I enjoyed the chapter. Won't miss Filch, might miss McGonagall She is sometimes kind of a constipated maternal figure to Harry. As for Snape; what is the difference between Snape and a deatheater? You might learn something from a deatheater. Sort of adolescent, I know. Thanks for writing. W.

JBern replied:

I think  maternal Minnie is a product of Fanon.   She's more like the strict aunt you visit and you're afraid to do anything while in her house.   I'll try and provide just as interesting version of Snape as I have of Dumbledore in this story.~Jim

oldman posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 1:30pm for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

you continue to write in surprises and 'how do I get out of that' situations. Fall in love with HG? Use her as suggested but strengthen Harry as ruthless? Out Dumbledore for deviousness? I would prefer the last option.

JBern replied:

You'll see where this is headed eventually.   The fact that I can inspire that much thought in my readers is a pretty high compliement.~Jim

PerfesserN posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 12:59pm for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

I wonder what Harry's mental age is at this point? His demeanor is like that of a thirty year veteran who has seen much too much of war and suffering.
At some point I hope he gets a break, he's had his childhood stolen from him and now he's giving up his young adult years. At this rate he'll be a sage by the time he's twenty.
Perhaps he can live vicariously through the lives of his children.
Speaking of which, did he leave any in Brazil? Or maybe back in the Indian Nation?
Excellent chapter, as always.
I'm guessing that Harry will get around to forgiving Hermione, later rather than sooner, and that the grim reaper will be coming for one or two Weasleys.
Am I close or do I need to polish my crystal ball?
Don't rush, update when the time is right - only paying markets can give you a deadline.
Write on, write on.
N!

JBern replied:

Well Lauren may or may not be pregnant as indicated by the end of Bungle.   Karina probably would have told him if she was, or he would have heard from the Colastos family by now.   Amy, he used precautions with, so hopefully, that answers your questions.

It's tough to gauge Harry's mental age right now.   When the going gets tough, he's a predator and a survivor.   When things slow down, he sometimes vents himself by acting immature.   I think you'll be surprised with what I have in store for Hermione.

Next chapter coming soon, but I need to put out a chapter of Lie first.   When HJ really gets his introduction to Fleur - I'm certain fireworks will occur, but probably not in a good way.~Jim

dwilken posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 12:01pm for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Jim, I retract my comment on Dumbledore's believability in my review of your last chapter - we had to wait for your Harry to begin to see that the Grand Warlock and Headmaster is a man of exceptional political talent and a wizard of tier-one skill and power.

So I'll give chapter two another look. Second person narrative, stream of consciousness. Right. It's damn weird but your fight scenes are so effing entertaining, I keep reading.

BTW, Filch utilizing the horcrux as a magical core - nicely innovative.

Harry/Snape interactions were ... interesting. At this point their professional relationship could go either way you want it to go, co-belligerent or enemy. But definitely not neutral. Nice setup.

The Hermione scene was well-played.

Dialogue with Luna - good. Been watching Caddyshack or Back-to-School for Rodney Dangerfield inspiration? "Lou, don't knock Vanessa - she gives great headache." Heh.

I'm also going to have that silly Hack/Mrs. Norris carcass scene in my head all through my deer-hunting weekend. And no one will understand why I keep laughing.

-Doug

JBern replied:

Good lord that's a review.   Sorry it's taken a while to reply.   I figured you'd back down from your view of Dumbldore.   Hopefully, I can deliver an interesting dynamic between Harry, Dumbledore, Severus, Kwan and many more.

Hope you did well deer hunting.   Those damn deer!   They're just asking for it!   Next chapter coming soon, though I have to do Lie 8 first.~Jim

xeromercy posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 11:54am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Awesome update. Will any past characters from the Bungle in the Jungle be making a serious appearance? Serious as in important to plot btw. Can't wait for the next chapter, whichever story it's for.

JBern replied:

Good question.   The answer is perhaps.   Hows that for definitive?   Sorry it took a few weeks to respond.   I was finishing up one of my other stories.~Jim

Chuck posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 10:49am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

I like this one the 2nd person perspective makes it very interesting to read and I really like this Harry. so please disregard the 'butt nuggets' and keep up the fun stories at your own pace ;-)

JBern replied:

Thanks.   Next chapter in a few weeks, but I need to put out a chapter of Lie first.~Jim

Matthew Blair posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 8:55am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

damn I need to stop reading this for a while so when I do I will get a few chappters at once is much better then this, it is killin me. Great chapter just wish it was longer.



But then again i am greedy

JBern replied:

Greed is good.   I'd write faster, but I do have a life outside of this.   It's not much, but it's something.   Next chapter coming after I write a chapter of Lie first.~Jim

MonkeyAxman1302 posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 6:32am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Great chapter. The action stuff didn't change all that much but the little changes made it flow easier.

The rest of the chapter was superb. Most of the stuff with Luna was also really great, especially all the broom stuff.

The stuff with Snape was also ver, very good.

As every thanks for writing.
Monkey

JBern replied:

Glad you liked it.   I'm finally finished with Darkness except for last edits and posting the final.   That means more time for other projects!   Yay!~Jim

Terry Swain posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 5:24am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Great chapter. :)

JBern replied:

Thanks.~Jim

ben morris posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 4:34am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

hee hee butt nugget, I like that.

Excellent chapter. Thanks, can not wait for the next installment

JBern replied:

Thanks.   It was a childish insult, but trying to rile up my fans is even more childish.   Next chapter coming soon, but I need to write a new chapter of Lie first.~Jim

Jim_xinu posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 3:56am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

While a great fight, it seems really weird that LV (or just the Horcrux) would have that much power and just hang around the castle spying. It could have killed Harry when he was in detention any number of times.

McG dying is a bit of a surprise. Not pulling any punches, I see.

"The fur ends and scales begin towards the feet." Holy <expletive>! A jagu-lisk? :-)

"...adjusted to a life of conjuring and vanishing paper-based products." Heh. Nice to see a better reason for improved skill than 'read a lot of books and practiced reeeallly hard'.

Good scene with Hermione. All-in-all, I think he was very nice to her there.

The scene with Luna was good, but it was a pity they didn't get some time to talk. I like action, but I'm a sucker for good mushy stuff, too.

Very good chapter, thanks for sharing it with us.

JBern replied:

Would you want me to pull punches?   I didn't think so.   Still, I wanted to make the Horcruxes worthy opponents instead of just something to pickup along the way to the next deus ex machina that the actual books used.   The Horcrux's power was limited in scope, and it needed a willing ally in Filch to carry it off.

I won't shoe horn Luna in and make it too forced.   Both she and Harry are emotionally stunted, though Harry seems to be working his way out of it nicely. I fear there are rough patches ahead, but not nearly close to what I have in store for Harry and Fleur in The Lie I've Lived.   I've been waiting to write the next chapter of that one for a while now.   With Darkness all but done, I can finally get back into that one!~Jim

dogbertcarroll posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 3:12am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

You don’t have to wonder how the Daemon blood affected you anymore.

More like a chimera by the day! Excellent setup. Since he was in animagus form when exposed he is primarily affected by the blood in that form with a little carryover and some traits from things he's run into.


"Harry! You can’t let your troll wear Mrs. Norris as a pelt! It’s disgusting!"

LOL! I love that troll!


I like his interaction with Hermione. Tho' making her earn the title 'Head Girl' would have been more entertaining if not nearly as realistic. Of course he doesn't have to take her literal virginity, she has other holes.

I like the end scene. A lot of what he's there to learn he'll probably already know. I expect he'll need to find out what they are teaching in advance to see if he already knows it in the future.

JBern replied:

I think you'll like the direction I'm headed.   I have to write a chapter of Lie first, but I'll be back to this one shortly.~Jim

Meteoricshipyards posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 3:08am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Poor Prof McGonagall. Still and exciting chapter. The parts with Luna were great. "randomly expel white fluid from all parts of his body" and the scene with the brooms :-) very good.

Thanks for the update!

Tom A.

JBern replied:

Glad you like the humor.   I'm going to do my best to prevent this one from becoming as dark as TFtCD and Luna being "Looney" should help immensely.~Jim

Zvoni posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 2:56am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Errmmm... Head Girl as a sixth year?


Did i miss something?

JBern replied:

It was part of her "deal" for going along with Dumbledore's plan.   Of course now you know why Dumbldore was so willing to offer it to her.~Jim

Wolf550e posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 2:47am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

spelling and grammar notes:

Minerva’s knows where the real fight

No, you’re first instinct is right.

the fumes in the in the Infirmary have dispersed

You’re foreclaws rip at

fanged jowls lock onto

It was a paper thin at best

Snap pounces,

your hand?

beyond there reach

Room of Requirements.

review: good action. I wonder whether you're setting Hermione up for character growth or satisfactorily gruesome death.

JBern replied:

Thanks for the grammar patrol.   I still need to improve.   I'll add them to "the list".   Good question about Hermione.   Answers will come in ensuing chapters.~Jim

uthamm posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 2:15am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Look, just one thing - can you put up a spew warning before dropping a classic scene like HACK WEARING MRS. NORRIS AS A PELT!!! I wondered why Hack seemed to be contemplating something. Awesome. Just . . Awesome. 'Hack wondered why it was all sticky' (cut scene to Herms barfing). Then to top it off you have to casually drop a line like 'think of me every time you put it between your legs'. I love one liners, I collect one liners, but YOU are the Master.

I seriously love this story.

I really don't have anything to offer other than my thanks for sharing your talent. . wait, how's this? Get BN's address and we'll bag him for you. Don't let the haters get you down.

JBern replied:

If I warned you that a spew worthy scene was coming, it wouldn't be anywhere near as funny.   Next chapter coming after I finally write the HJ gets to interact with Fleur in The Lie I've Lived.~Jim

Ravenclawchaser68 posted a comment on Monday 29th October 2007 12:57am for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Wow. Another fantastic chapter. I had to stop reading for a couple minutes because otherwise I was going to burst out laughing in the middle of the law library. The bit with Hack wearing Mrs. Norris was the best.

I like how you dealt with Harry's interactions with Hermione and Luna. She's got a point that she's not the only one Dumbledore ever tricked, but Harry still didn't get convinced to directly harm one of his best friends. So I'm glad she's on the path to redemption, but I don't see any reason to hurry. Luna of course was wonderful too, especially when others were present.

So- top notch story. This is really one of the best, especially when you consider how consistently interesting it is. Almost every scene is either full of action or hilarious or both, and the few that aren't like the conversation with Hermione are still interesting and not so long that they really seem to drag. It was more like just a pause to catch my breath. Thanks for writing!
Jay

JBern replied:

Yeah, don't get in trouble for laughing in the law library.   Hopefully, I will continue to deliver a quality level of story for the duration of this on and keep you on your toes.

Remember Fur is murder!   So, bad Hack!   No wearing Mrs. Norris!   Then again it does make a fashion statement...

Next chapter after I write chapter 8 of Lie.   See you then.~Jim

Puck posted a comment on Sunday 28th October 2007 4:49pm for The Craziest Boy You've Ever Seen

Good work. And thats a nice twist... He was a Jag when he drank the blood so its as a Jag that it effects him most. I am guessing that in your universe Phoenix song effects Dark and not just evil beings... Or is it the Demon blood that is making Harry cringe..

JBern replied:

Glad you liked it.   Sorry for the delay in replying.   I've been extremely busy.   Phoenix songs affect those not pure of heart.   What does that tell you about Harry?~Jim