Jearom posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 3:13am for Every Rose has a Thorn

Great chapter update. The broom race was captivating and I'm glad to see that HJ isn't going to win every event as in canon. That said I'm looking forward to HJ smacking Krum around some. You've really stirred the cannon pot up with this story. Its refreshing after reading to many Triwizard re-writes with Harry talking to Dragons, etc.

Any hints on what the final task is going to be or what Voldemort is going to do now that his "most loyal servant" got caught?

JBern replied:

Glad you enjoy the departure from canon.   It's why I prefer the AU tag to the simple redo tag for this story.

Can't tip all my hands about the later tasks now can I?

Jim

Wonderbee31 posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 2:46am for Every Rose has a Thorn

Really well done here; Harry is doing his best, but even with he and James together, it's still hard to go up against treachery all the time. Loved that little part with Fleur at the start, and am still wondering how Harry might be able to break through her ice barrier? Hermione is sparkling at times here, she really is one of Harry's friends I think, and with that said, I will never understand how she wouldn't have been the person Harry missed most in the canon task, just don't see it. Can't wait for the duel, and to see what all Harry will do to win it.

JBern replied:

Things should have been harder in the tournament.   He's competing against the five best students the three schools have to offer.

As for Fleur, keep reading...

In canon, Hermione appearing as Krum's captive was engineered to show the "blossoming of Hermione Granger."   I think she can be developed in better and more believable terms.   If I end up using the Lake task, Hermione probably will be HJ's captive and certainly not this "vile Viktor Krum" as Hermione aptly said.~Jim

DrT posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 2:40am for Every Rose has a Thorn

I wasn't thrilled by the broom race, but I think you did it as well as anyone could. It's too bad HJ was that damaged, but I guess you don't want us to feel sorry for Krum if HJ smushes him into jelly (Viktor is so often a good guy in fanfics, after all).

And come on, HJ -- Hermione is probably less than 2 years younger than Fleur. (Actually, their friendship is very welldone)

"T"

JBern replied:

Sorry you didn't care for the race.   I thought it came off pretty well.   I said in an earlier reply that everyone writes Krum like he's a Quidditch playing Tiger Woods.   In a physically competitive sport, I can't see the analogy.   He should be more like those high schoolers who skip college to go right into playing pro basketball.   For the last few years, he's been told that he is the greatest thing to happen to Quiddicth in decades.   That's got to bloat his ego a bit.

Anyway, that's my take on Viktor in this story.

As for Hermione, HJ probably could date her, but she reminds him too much of Remus and Lily and that just doesn't sit too well with HJ.   Glad you like how they can still be friends even without Ron in the mix.~Jim

Heir of Gryffindor posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 2:15am for Every Rose has a Thorn

You did a great job on this chapter. I have a question, and don't remember reading it. How far away is the academic event? Will you go into detail on the debates? I just figure if Hermione is going to ruin her future, we might as well get the enjoyment of reading it.

Also, I loved the broom race. Who knew there was so much strategy and thought put into a broom race?

Can't wait to read the next chapter,

The Heir

JBern replied:

I haven't really specified the academic events.   They'll run in a side story along the way.   HJ won't really be paying that much attention to them with his own challenges ahead, but I'll try to slip in Hermione's creature rights debate along the way.

For the broom race, I tried to picture NASCAR on brooms.   Seems to be fairly well received thus far.~Jim

mathiasgranger posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 1:58am for Every Rose has a Thorn

I imagine it's going to take quite a bit for HJ to get past Fleur's defenses. Let the pursuit begin....grotto indeed.

Ron is a dead weight and honestly should be dropped before he drags HJ down. Blokes deal with Ron's attitude one of two ways, you drop him as a friend or you beat the piss out of him until he pulls his att out of his rectal cavity.

At the moment I favor the former, simply because seeing his ass beaten isn't nearly worth what not dealing with his whiney bs is.

Thanks for writing,
Matt

JBern replied:

There will probably be a nice little scene where HJ kicks Ron off the "bandwagon" as Weasley tries to climb back on.   You obviously liked how HJ and Hermione can still be friends without Ron in the mix.

HJ has his work cut out for him when it comes to Fleur.~Jim

Quizer posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 1:58am for Every Rose has a Thorn

Liked the broom race. Too bad Harry didn't win, but with five tasks left that doesn't mean anything. I'm looking forward to seeing Krum getting his butt whipped in dueling. And the Puzzle Room is right up the alley of the 'once and future Marauder' (which is a very appropriate title, I think).

I also liked the scene with Fleur in her secret sanctuary. However, I can't imagine this will go over well when it comes out. Reminds me too much of black little piglets with yellow bandannas, if you catch my drift. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing more interaction there.

Same for Hermione. I like how they still get along in this story. I just hope the hat won't corrupt her too badly.

Until next chapter! I'm very much looking forward to more!


Quizer

JBern replied:

Actually, there are a total of ten tasks not five.   Don't know where I gave you that impression.

I'm sure when it comes out that HJ is the Pronghorn, it will be an interesting scene.   Notice that I didn't say if, I said when.  

The hat corrupting Hermione.   Could you imagine a foul mouthed Hermione Granger?

Jim

busted posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 1:44am for Every Rose has a Thorn

Damn the time differences this is the second time I see a new update and am about to go to sleep. Its now 1:43am in the morning.

JBern replied:

Sorry about interrupting your sleep like that.~Jim

Loopy Dane posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 1:41am for Every Rose has a Thorn

awesome chapter. Interesting resolution to the broom race! HJ is struggling under more challenges than just his age, he also has to be careful just how much of his "advanced" abilities he reveals when the spotlight is on. Since he is not taking runes, how will he justify heavily runed items? since he has not studied enchantment, how can he justify advanced enchantments? I really look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Thank you for sharing your time and talent with us!
LD

JBern replied:

Thanks for the comments.   As for the Trial of Ingenuity, you'll just have to wait and see...~Jim

jono74656 posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 1:36am for Every Rose has a Thorn

Marvellous as always, HJ is fast becoming my favourite of your Harry characterisations.

I have to admit the idea of Fleur nude in a grotto is enchanting, although it's kinda sad she's so provincial she has to take France with her wherever she goes.

Krum's a git in your world then? You'd think a Quiddich player would at least accept that occasionally they're gonna lose.

As always- Hat rules!!

Keep up the good work! J.

JBern replied:

Krum is a 17 year old sports phenom.   He doesn't like to lose.   Most authors write him like a "awe shucks" kind of guy along the lines of Tiger Woods.   It doesn't really work in the physically competitve world of Quidditch.   The people around him can lose, but Krum is a fierce competitor.

Interesting observation about Fleur there and it keeps along with the character I have in mind for her.~Jim

Crazy posted a comment on Friday 25th January 2008 12:47am for Every Rose has a Thorn

Cool very fun indeed.
Harsh of Krum, but he does want to win at all costs.

JBern replied:

Krum and all the others are "in it to win it!"   Glad you enjoyed the chapter.~Jim