Given that. I have to assume that Cannon is correct to this point in that he did go to Azkaban, but that he did not die as in Cannon, but Harry went to live with him.

Please tell me this bombastic and overly formal speech won't continue throughout the story.

I like the premise of the story and have enjoyed others along the same vain, however I must say that I hate the pure blood Harry. He is rarely likable so I'm really hoping you will dramatically tone it down as well as the bashing of everyone that is not pure blood.

If he grew up with his godfather I find it very hard if not impossiable to believe that his character would be changed so drastically as Sirius hated that aspect of his home life and as for it all being because of Bella...I just do not buy it. Harry can act the part when he needs to but by making that his actual personality you are taking so much of what makes Harry such a likable character. You may of well of made this story about Draco as that is exactly how he is acting and it is not becoming.

You did not make it clear. Has Harry never attended Hogwarts? The way Bella talked this is the first time Harry has attended?

I'm not so sure that I like the back handed compliments to the Weasley's which are really mild insults. Is you story a reversal of cannon in that the good in cannon is now bad and the bad in cannon is now good? I surly hope not.

For now I lok forward to more as I may have jummped the gun in my thoughts and if not then well the story had potential.

I’m really interested in knowing what happened to cause the Weasley-Potter betrothal to be arranged. What kind of a disgrace would necessitate such a drastic pact? I’m a bit confused as to who is the debtor. From the prologue I thought it was Cyriac, but in chapter 1 the “pound of flesh” would come from Harry if the debt is not settled, making it sound like Joshua Potter was the one in debt. Or is Black just saying that Harry would suffer if he rejected the payment? I’m hoping that more of the backstory will be revealed in later chapters.

How long has it been since Voldemort was defeated? I’m asking mostly because, like Harry, I’m wondering why he wasn’t told about this marriage arrangement prior to the evening before leaving for Hogwarts. Or maybe that was why -- tell him at the last minute so he has less time to hex Black.

“This marriage is unavoidable; do not let your anger destroy any chance of love before it has had the opportunity to flower."

Great nuggets of wisdom from aunt to nephew. I really like Bellatrix (never thought I’d say that!) and, considering how Black and Dumbledore have treated him, I can understand why she’s so important to Harry.

“Was she not the one who had equipped him with the skills necessary to negate the handicap of his mixed parentage?”

Interesting…. So why did Harry fight Voldemort? Apparently ideological differences weren’t part of the picture in this version of Mr. Potter. Was it because of the murders committed by Death Eaters or was he pushed and manipulated into being the instrument of Tom’s demise?

The characters and relationships are so interesting after only one chapter, reminding me of why you’re one of my favourite authors. I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ve done with the Weasleys. Thanks for an intriguing new story.

saw through the kindly grandfather image the headmaster liked to project and recognised him for what he was: a manipulative and secretive schemer.

True, his accomplishments are many - I'm sure that dragons all over the world thank him for hastening their extinction

Hi Richard,

I've really been looking forward since I saw that very early draft so long ago and ala the wonderful 'and on the eigthth day' it looks to be a piece not to be missed. Any chance of a sneak peak

Can't wait to see where you go with this especially with Ginny's introduction and reaction to all this.

Well, I'm a lousy friend and an absent beta, but... I don't see a single thing that could have been improved by my input. I like the Victorian formality, and you write Harry's frustration very believably. Well done, my friend!

Hmm, Bella as a good aunt--not a normal plot device.
I have to say, I just about laughed at Bella\'s description of Ginny as being calm and quiet. Granted, you haven\'t shown us Ginny yet, so it\'s possible that you\'ve changed her character enough for that to be an accurate description, but somehow I just can\'t see that.
Anxiously awaiting more...

Wow! What a wonderful beginning to an interesting story. I love the formal, archaic nature of your words. I like Harry with a slight attitude and the transformation of Bella is intriguing. I look forward to seeing what you have done with Ginny.

Very interesting beginning. My curiosity is instantly peaked regarding how this very different situation from the canon has arisen. Not the marriage contract, as you explained that in the prologue, but rather the seeming differences in Harry, his family, and the wizarding world as a whole.

I'm going to be watching this story with keen interest.

(snip)
Which I find to be a most pleasant divergence from the books. I do hope Ginny's character doesn't change overnight (like it did in HBP) once Harry activates/satisfies the marriage vow!

(snip)

I'm a little surprised - and disappointed - that Harry is not seen as being superior to Sirius - sorry, 'Black' - in duelling ability, despite his magical power. I guess it's a matter of skill and spell repertoire?

(snip)

(snip)
Which I find to be a most pleasant divergence from the books. I do hope Ginny's character doesn't change overnight (like it did in HBP) once Harry activates/satisfies the marriage vow!

(snip)

I'm a little surprised - and disappointed - that Harry is not seen as being superior to Sirius - sorry, 'Black' - in duelling ability, despite his magical power. I guess it's a matter of skill and spell repertoire?

(snip)

Now see, Brad, I had to respond to a couple of things you said here—not that we haven't discussed several of them already at great length in other venues!

Ginny changed overnight in HBP? Really? I didn't experience that at all. My expectation in this story is that—as in canon—the first impression of the 'gentle,' delicate, docile girl is in fact a mistaken, incomplete assessment. But Parakletos has the final say here.

As for Harry's power and his dueling ability... Well, the author's told us this is Super!Harry, which is to say, he has nothing to do with the skinny, gawky boy from canon, whose greatest powers lie in his courage and his ability to inspire loyalty in others, not in his ability to cast spells. Nonetheless, even Super!Harry isn't necessarily the fastest wand in the West. (Or the North—though I suppose if they're in London it would be the South....) As anyone who watches sports on a regular basis knows, raw talent is only part of what one needs to become a great player!

Though somehow I am less than certain that Ginny will be as... gentle as Auntie Bella seems to think she is.

Wow, *massive* AU departure from canon!

Including this bit:

> From what I understand, his child is not only fair of face but, as is normal
> in a filly bound in this way, gentle of nature. She is not one given to loud
> opinions but instead applies herself diligently to the tasks befitting of a lady.

Which I find to be a most pleasant divergence from the books. I do hope Ginny's character doesn't change overnight (like it did in HBP) once Harry activates/satisfies the marriage vow!

I'm a little surprised - and disappointed - that Harry is not seen as being superior to Sirius - sorry, 'Black' - in duelling ability, despite his magical power. I guess it's a matter of skill and spell repertoire?

You had me worried with Harry's internal turmoil at the end there ... his 'louder' voice being to take revenge against Bellatrix, who seems to be guilty only of a lack of empathy/sympathy with the boy's plight. I guess we should all be glad Kreacher came along and 'derailed' his anger.

Very well written and an interesting 'period' feel to the chapter, thanks for the new story!