Owen...

Wow!!! For one of your shorter chapters, it was well worth the read. You had an awful lot of information in there for us to digest.

Okay, so, the first paragraph was so dark, very intriguing, almost hypnotic! Very well-done. I loved how you used Lily's answers to Neville's questions to draw the reader in. It was one of my favourite parts. I don't think I'm liking Nevile much though; he sure has changed from the Neville of old, and how does he know about Lily and Cei? I mean, I don't even think Lily and Cei know what's going on yet! He's become quite a 'know-it-all' in his old age!

The use of the blood-draw has now been made a lot clearer in Chapter nine. I like how it has completed an idea, concerning the test of a 'pure-blood', but you have only succeeded in drawing me even farther into your plot and causes many more questions. Could it be that Cei cried out, not in pain, but because it has now been proven that he could be a death-eater if he so choses?

Okay... paragraph two... WOW! It brings nothing but questions to mind for me. I was enchanted by it. So, you did answer one of my questions, I think. Cei is still ALIVE! Right? So, it was Mundungus who was watching from the bar, right? I do dislike that sleezy man, with a passion! A typical rat! Hmm... it was goblins that came in and took the injured man away, right? I mean, although you called him a man, could it be a goblin that was injured and/or bled to death? And who, I'm wondering, was the older man that said the curse? For that matter, who was the younger man? Was it the infamous 'Septum Sempra' curse... just wondering... Nothing but questions here, Owen. Well done.

Next... why was Harry so mad at Mundungus? I mean, if it was me, I'd want to know who the heck those two mystery men were. I need to know who the tricky older man was that tricked the younger smart alec!

I loved the use of 'poncy' to describe the french restaurant! lol. For 'poncy' and 'frou-frou' it may be, but mighty delicious as well. Great use of humour there. I also loved the mention of Ron's 'expanding waist-line. I guess Hermione must be a pretty good cook or Ron is getting lazy in his old age OR does Ron finally have enough money that he is able to go out to fancy restaurants regularily!

And lastly... what's up with the black sheets and empty bird cages? Are they from the crows we heard 'cawing' at the beginning of the chapter? Did they die? Does it signify death for three people as well? AND why the religious aspect in paragraph one? The sign of the cross? Grrr... more questions Owen!

A great chapter, Owen. I'm really looking forward to the next one. There are just too many unanswered questions, and the suspense you've created is fantastic! Keep it up!

Katie