Though this story branches off a bit sometimes, Harry's feels a bit too old and the motivation of James/Lily are dubious at best I can completely suspend my disbelief here as the story is entertaining, exciting, surprising twists, inventive, has actual world building depth and quality characterisation. I really enjoy this even with some strange parts and give it at least 4/5 for now.

 

It's a new chapter, and, if I remember correctly, it should be the last of the "Reactions & Overreactions" arc.

The Sinister Man reveals a secret, and heavily implies another. For the first, I personally find the fact that

Spoiler

Snape is Mr. X to be kind of lame? The reveal was cheesy as hell, especially Snape's strong reaction to the statement that Sirius is innocent. It doesn't fit the image of the character I had so far.

Even though the scene of dialogue that followed was pretty good, especially Reg's parts.

The set-up for the second major theme of the chapter at the ancestral home of the Selwyns practically screams

Spoiler

"VAMPIRE!"

from the very start. I wonder if that is actually the case, though, as

Spoiler

vampires seem to be relatively respected in HP canon, best illustrated by the presence of a vampire at Slughorn's party in HBP. I can't recall whether TSM changed something about that in his world, though. Perhaps it's something even more *ducks and hides* sinister?

My biggest gripe of the chapter was, once again, the veritable flood of OCs. I am seriously contemplating making a list, and that is never a good thing. Of course, the times between updates don't help, either.

Overall, not one of my favourite updates, nevertheless POS remains one of my favourite fanfics that actually update once in a while.

And yes, I am aware that the acronym is rather poorly chosen.

 

I had the same idea about the Selwyns but they seem to be a pretty interesting adversary for the future. I hope the author will pick up posting regularly once again the last half year or so it went to slow.

 

When I read it my first thought was something related to the Unseelie court. Vampires would work too, but then again you never know with this author we've got sorts of wheels within wheels going on with the plots.

 

To be honest I kind of wish that I had just skimmed the first book as I spent half my time cringing. Thankfully the author's writing improved dramatically in time for the second book, and it includes one of my all-time favourite Lockharts. Despite the promise in the description, this fanfic does suffer from some common clichés, but I really enjoyed the author's efforts to turn some on their head. For example I've never found fics where Harry immediatly accepts at the age of eleven that he is the one destined to kill an evil Dark Lord that has murdered God knows how many people particularly realistic, even for hp. Let's face it, he may have a bit of a hero complex but no kid is going to except that without having a nervous breakdown. It's one of the reasons why I found Jim's reaction to hearing the prophacy quite refreshing. Overall it was quite entertaining, even sometimes laugh out loud amusing, and I really hope when the author finally completes the fic they take it upon themselves to re-write the first book, but as it stands it is a necessary evil.

HP&POS 2/5

HP&TSE 4/5

HP&DEM is still in its early stages but I'm enjoying it so far even if the pacing and update rate is slow so 3.5/5

 

My only true regret with this story is that I found it when it's nowhere near finished. First year was a slog, but The Secret Enemy was an absolute pleasure to blaze through. Wild Magic, the menacing basilisk, the Prince's Lair, Lockhart - it was all amazing. And without a doubt, Luna's memory scene was by far the most jaw-dropping twist in this fic.

4.5/5, Heartily recommended, but only if you can bear to get through some thirtyish chapters of cringe. It's worth it though.

 

It's getting increasingly harder to care about this story. The author could have easily not written years 1-3 and picked up right after the prologue. I wish more people did that. It would get rid of the issue of writing children and the series of endless training montages. It's been nearing a year since the summer started, and Hogwarts is barely in sight. Literally.

I saw there was an update and scrolled down to see if there'd be more, and it turns out there's another Hogwarts Express chapter? The fuck?

This story is such a letdown. No signs of improvement in sight.

 

I slightly disagree with this, mainly because the story wouldn't have the proper setup. Knowing now what Second Year was like in the story, I'm completely happy that TSM didn't skip it. The first year was a bore, horribly written, cringy as hell - but it was needed too. The story simply wouldn't flow or be the same unless it set it all up.

But I can definitely agree that the summer interlude between second and third year is weighing the story down way, waaaaay to much. I don't need a chapter on every character to see how they're doing. The fic needs to get back to Hogwarts, and quickly at that.

 

Have you read Control (Anonymous58) or Joe's An Unfound Door? The author dumps you in the thick of it and there's no immersion issues.

Training montage can suck it.

It's OK to have multiple plot points, but there should still be some kind of end-goal. Otherwise, it's just worldbuilding for its own sake.

If somebody were to be very liberally inspired by this (pick the better ideas), we'd be left with a much better story.

TSM bit off more than he can handle, and the funny thing is there wasn't much of a point. He has enough original ideas that he didn't need to try to make contrived tropes better.

 

I can definitely agree to that. TSM started a little bit too much and went a little too far. It seems every character has their plot and agenda. While realistic to the world he's written, it doesn't work a hundred percent of the time. There's simply to much to keep a hold of I think, and its bogging down the progress of the story. It's been in development for two years now - I don't want to be still reading it for another five more.

And I refrain from touching anything that isn't completed or updated regularly. I hate getting a taste of what's written only to have it dropped.

 

I thoroughly enjoy this story, mainly for its world building. But I also agree that it really needs to catch up to the third year arc and stop flopping through the summer interludes.

 

If that's true, then all the power to him! But there seems to be just a little to much time spent lingering on Ron and his recovery. I know the next chapter is supposed to be the Hogwarts Express or something similar. I just really want the fic to get back on track. It seems to be at its strongest when based around the school - and I'm pretty hyped to see how he handles the third year. TSM's writing definitely gets better as time goes on (second year was proof of that).

Personally though, I'm all in it for the Lovehart/Sirius/Remus characters. But most of all, I'm invested in Luna's story arc. Talk about fucking awesome.

 

Yeah, I feel the same. Hopefully the author will get onto a predictable update schedule.

 

New chapter posted!

Edit: I finally got to read the new chapter - and to say I'm hyped for The Death Eater Menace is an understatement.

TSM is very good at hinting and promising awesome twists in his story. Look at the basilisk from Second Year (which is in no doubt in my mind the best written version of the creature), the snake paintings that wouldn't talk, Lockhart, the Wild Magic, and Luna's storyline -

I cannot wait to see what Rookwood and Selwyn bring into the mix. And I cannot wait to see what happens going forward with this story.

 

TSM just posted an 18,000 word update. Jeez.

Will update the comment with my thoughts later on.

Edit: Really enjoyed the new content! This story really shines and does its best when based within the school. Super excited to see what TSM does with the plot of the new arc - though I can't see how it'll live up to Second Year.

 

Just took a look at that update. They're still not back in Hogwarts.

This is a meme at this point. You could write a fanfic of that fanfic. "The Prince of Slytherin and the Hogwarts Express Time Loop". But I'm sure r/HPFanfiction will salivate over it.

 

I am still enjoying this, and this fic has my favourite rendition of Regulus Black, but yes, I fear at some point POS will collapse under its own weight. With everything going on, 12,000+ words per upgrade might have to become the new norm to touch all relevant bases per chapter… And at that rate, we will arrive back at the prologue by the time the Fantastic Beasts franchise ends.