Dark_Alchemist

Okay. If you're talking about what I think you're talking about, I did notice the first time that while you used the female pronouns I had left from Gwen and Beatrix for Shruikan, you changed them to male for Shadow and Astarael, but for Phantom, you reverted back to female. I found that very curious, but didn't remark on it. Mostly because I figured you were either giving me a clue of a very subtle nature, or you'd made a mistake, and I wasn't going to say anything in case I worked upon one and it happened to be the other. xD; But is that right?

I GOT FALLING INTO FEAR AND IT'S AMAZING YES. AND I AM IN LOVE WITH ALL THE AMAZING STICKERS IT HAS.

I finished S&N today! It was good! Except in some ways it left a little to be desired. But in other ways it was a little overwhelming. It was a curious thing. I thought it was kind of funny that the climax of the book was actually rather anticlimactic. The thing with Stephen and the gentleman was long-coming. I was like "YES GO STEPHEN YOU ARE SO COOL." Lady Pole annoyed me. She was always so angry. I mean, sure, she had a right to be, but she didn't even want Arabella to talk to Strange! What a dog. Sheesh. But I liked Arabella the more I read about her. She was cool. Oh, and I had also guessed that Vinculus was going to be the book... That was cool. And I totally got what John Uskglass was doing with Childermass. Wait. That sounds dirty. Although, I had kind of expected a little more of Uskglass himself, because he was so busy reviving Vinculus and whatnot. We didn't really get to see a whole lot of him. But that's okay.

Anyway. I could probably rant about it for a long time, because I tend to want to do that after I've finished a really good book. I need to talk about it. Preferably with someone who's read it already, but I can make do without, because I talked pretty much nonstop to my dad about it both in the car and at dinner. Mostly I was just rambling, but my dad knows my habits well enough to know when it's okay for him to nod and make appreciative noises occasionally to make me think he's listening, when in fact he's just zoning out. But it's okay. Because mostly I just need to talk after that. And I got a ton of sleep last night because I was out at midnight, which was weird, woke at two-thirty because I was thirsty, and was asleep again within five minutes. Then I woke at about two-thirty in the afternoon. And then thought about stupid things (as I tend to do for a while after waking up) until about three, then read until four-thirty. So I was in bed a long time. And after I finished I thought of the absolute best simile to finish my story. Oh. It's just perfect. I love it. You'll read it one day, no doubt, but for now I'm keeping it under wraps. ;D

And I'm going to go and read the things now. Because it's driving me nuts.

Okay. You cannot tell me something like that and then not clarify. Because chances are that if I missed something the first time I'm not going to be able to notice it again unless I know specifically what I'm looking for. So you have to tell me what it is you wanted me to notice or else it will drive me crazy.

I am giving myself a short amount of time on the computer for a break, because I have been reading all day. I am ALMOST DONE FINALLY. I have less than one hundred pages until I'm done. Let me count, actually, hold on. I have 76 pages left. I'm on 770 and there are 846 in my version. I still haven't gotten the thing about Vinculus because even though I'm good at predicting things in books usually, this book throws me. And I've also realised why I'm having such a hard time with it. I'm used to books that bring forth emotion when they are read, because the emotion is what brings my attention into it, but since S&N reads so much like a history novel, it's a bit barren when it comes to real character emotion. Actually, and this isn't saying much, the most emotional parts of the book, to me, were when Strange was talking to someone about how Arabella's drawings had more life than his own did (thus to point out the shadow of Childermass), and when he had just drunk some of the tincture (which, for the life of me, is a word I just cannot seem to wrap my mouth around when attempting to say it out loud) and seemed to step into third person, and was, again, talking about Arabella (when he first summoned the gentleman with the thistle-down hair). So while it's a very good book, and very entertaining, I wish there was more emotion to it. And I don't mean it has to be sad, but it's told very straightforwardly. There's really very little emotion at all. Not that that's particularly bad, or anything, just a little bemusing.

And by the way, if it helps at all, I'm past the part when Lascelles shot Drawlight. That surprised me, actually. I wasn't expecting it. Oh, and, another thing. I had guessed that Stephen and the gentlemen were going to use the creepy log to make a doppleganger of Arabella, but I wasn't sure how they were going to pull it off. Your question confused me a bit. xD

God I'm tired. Why am I so tired? I need to go to sleep... I'll likely fall asleep on my book. I was nodding off onto it about two hours ago, before my shower... Then I slept for a bit, took a shower to wake myself up again, and now I'm tired again. Grrr. Hallows will be a challenge, especially since I've been reading so much lately. My brain is all worn-out and short-cicuited.

Falling Into Fear is the BZG artbook. xD It apparantly has stickers and whatnot in it. And I want it really bad. And I think I shall be getting it tomorrow. And Eclipse comes out 7 August. And I want it. And they had better stock it before I have to leave, because if I don't get it for the flight, I will seriously be mad. :D

Oh my gosh. I laughed really hard at the Lockhart one. xDD I only just got why it's funny. Oh my gosh. Yay puns!

WHOA YOU'RE RIGHT. GUESS WE'RE GUNNA HAVE TO KEEP TABS ON WHOMEVER IS DADA TEACHER IN HALLOWS HUH. THEY WILL BE BIG PART OF BOOK I BET.

... Sorry. Couldn't resist. xD; But that's weird. I hadn't noticed that. And then I couldn't remember who was teacher in Goblet, and I spent like a minute thinking about it and finally remembered OH YA MOODY DUH. Because I'm having trouble thinking tonight.

I've been sort of rereading Bleach. Except not really, because I sort of just read the first couple chapters and then started skipping around. Except I read most of them. And I got up into the sixties or so before I got tired of it. Blurn. I have to get up early tomorrow for the picnic because we found out it starts at like eleven. But I'm going to see if I can convince my dad to get me Falling Into Fear before we go. I was going to see if I could get volume 3 but apparantly it's NOT OUT UNTIL AUGUST -fumes-. Oh well. I can live. I guess. Except it had better be out before the tenth so that I can get it and read it in Europe. Dammit. But at least I'll have Eclipse, Hallows, and Bizenghast to amuse me on the plane... Ehhh...

I'm so proud of myself. I know where they're all from. xD Then again, you'd be pretty hard-pressed to find a quote that I wasn't familiar with. If I weren't so drawn into S&N I think I'd reread them all... Well, I would anyway, but seeing as all my copies are strewn about in random places I don't know where they are. In fact, the only copies that I know the current location of are Goblet and Prince, so I could have difficulties. But I just got back from seeing Pheonix again. It was definitely better the second time. The first time I was so blinded by spectacle that I could hardly remember what was going on. Then again, that might have something to do with it being midnight, and Harry and the Potters being there, and the clapping and ooing at every available opportunity.

I have a picnic to attend tomorrow. And I'm sort of not looking forward to it since even though it's a family picnic, it's all extended family and I won't know anyone. Not that I have a problem talking to people I don't know (as you may be aware) but it's dreadfull dull. I don't know why no one else in my immediate family ever seems to go. It's not fun when it's just a bunch of old people I don't know. I'll just have to bring S&N and plan on reading a lot...

Read this and try to keep the excited squealing to a minimum. I know I had lots of trouble with it. I cannot wait until winter 2009/spring 2010. Wow.

Bored. Very bored. I want to make Quinn's profile. But I don't want to at the same time. But I do. But I don't. But I do. But I want to read. Urgh.

The sun hasn't risen yet. :D Let's do... Ginny.

Does she have a secret wish that she's told no one (and if so, what is it)?
She sometimes secretely wishes that she didn't have all of the responsibilities that she did, and that she could go back to being cared for by August. She was happy then. She's happy now, too, but then things were so much easier.
If she could forget one thing that happened to her in the past, what and why?
August walking in on her while she was showering wasn't nearly as mortifying for her as it was for him, seeing as she was ten, so she doesn't care so much about that memory. The thing she'd probably forget is when she was eleven, she heard noises from the loft when she woke up in the middle of the night, and since that's where August sleeps she worried he might be in trouble, and so she went upstairs to see what was wrong, and found him connected firmly at the mouth with a girl. Both their shirts were off, and the girl's bra was on the floor, and Gwen was mentally scarred for years afterward. She still teases him about it.
If she could change one thing that she did, what and why?
She wishes she had listened more closely when her mentor was breezing over the finer points of magical healing. It wasn't covered in depth, but she wishes she had at least been paying more attention.
If she could change one thing about her physical appearance, what would it be?
She wouldn't mind being a bit curvier. She's got what she calls a boy-body. She's a bit jealous of Beatrix.
What one thing would she change about her personality, given the chance?
She'd probably want to be more patient. She has very little patience. She also wishes she had some of her brother's compassion, because she's always admired that trait in him.
What one skill does she most wish she had?
She thinks she's pretty well-rounded, although she wouldn't mind having the ability to teach, since she can't do it very well.
What does she think of intimate relationships?
Hard to make, hard to keep, and quite special.
What does she consider rude above all else?
People who don't even bother to follow the simplest of niceties. She can't stand people who don't say their pleases and thank yous. It's a very small act, and so to not take the time to do so is very insulting.
What does she think of revenge?
She's somewhere between August and Quinn. She knows that getting revenge against someone who has wronged you feels great, but isn't practical.
Which of the challenges at the end of book one would she find the easiest (with his current abilities)?
The keys. She has perfect eyesight and good concentration for that kind of stuff.
Which would be the most terrifying?
Devil's Snare.
The hardest?
The troll, since she's quite willowy and while she's strong for her size, a troll could probably snap her in half without a lot of effort.
What position would she most like to play in Quidditch, assuming she had to pick one?
Seeker. Though I could see her being a chaser too.
Which house would she most likely be in?
Gryffindor most likely, but it would be close with Ravenclaw.
Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, or Drumstrang?
She could probably fit in in either Hogwarts or Beauxbatons, though she would choose Hogwarts because of its atmosphere.
If she were a witch, what might she do for a living?
Professional Quidditch player... Perhaps seeker for the Hollyhead Harpies or something. (growing up with a boy made her appreciate sports.)
What muggle job would she have, of those that actually exist in the time Potter takes place?
Probably a professional artist or photographer. Or an actress. (She was raised by August, after all...)
What Harry Potter charactere is she most like?
Ginny Weasley. Without a doubt. Though she's got a bit of Luna and Hermione in her too.

And hell, the sun is starting to rise, but let's do Beatrix to even out the group.

Does she have a secret wish that she's told no one (and if so, what is it)?
She wishes she were as secure as Quinn when it comes to hair colour, because even though it doesn't seem like it should be a big deal, they were the blunt of some nasty teasing. She still feels a bit self-conscious about it, but less so now, because it's quite obvious to her that August loves it. That makes her feel a bit better.
If she could forget one thing that happened to her in the past, what and why?
Some girls beat her up and rubbed snow in her hair because it was red when she was a little kid, and they said they wanted to make it lighter. She caught a cold because of it, and it upset her a lot. She wishes that she could forget all the teasing her hair earned her, because maybe it would make her less worried about it as an adult.
If she could change one thing that she did, what and why?
She wishes now she'd stuck up for herself a bit more back then. At least, in a way that people knew she was sticking up for herself. (you'll understand when you hear her version of revenge.)
If she could change one thing about her physical appearance, what would it be?
She's accepting of her hair colour now, but back then she would have definitely wanted to change to blonde hair.
What one thing would she change about her personality, given the chance?
She's shy around people she doesn't know. She wishes she always knew the right things to say, like August seems to.
What one skill does she most wish she had?
She's not very good at all with a sword, or hand-to-hand. She'd like to be able to defend herself a bit better.
What does she think of intimate relationships?
They can be life-savers, and she definitely values them. Especially her relationship with August.
What does she consider rude above all else?
People who are judgemental, and treat you as something you're not because of how you look. (noticing a pattern with her a Quinn?)
What does she think of revenge?
If you're going to get back at someone, it has to be done the right way. If the person you're getting back at did something really nasty, you have to be even nastier back. For instance, the girls that beat her up, Bea poisoned them. Not fatally, but enough to make them very sick for a few days. It made her feel much better about things.
Which of the challenges at the end of book one would she find the easiest (with his current abilities)?
Fluffy, since she's quite musical.
Which would be the most terrifying?
Chess.
The hardest?
The Troll.
What position would she most like to play in Quidditch, assuming she had to pick one?
Chaser or Seeker.
Which house would she most likely be in?
If it weren't for her wicked streak and love of mischief I would say probably Hufflepuff, but because of aforementioned traits, Gryffindor.
Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, or Drumstrang?
Hogwarts! Durmstrang is too gloomy, Beauxbatons too uppity.
If she were a witch, what might she do for a living?
I could see her working somewhere like Madame Malkin's, Flourish and Blotts, or Zonko's/WWW.
What muggle job would she have, of those that actually exist in the time Potter takes place?
She'd probably be a good writer, since she has an active imagination.
What Harry Potter charactere is she most like?
There's definitely Hermione in her, along with some Luna, and some Lupin.

Okay. The sun is rising. Sleeps time now.

My friend Micah just said the funniest thing ever on Myspace. Oh my gosh. I laughed so hard.

"Jocks are the gayest of them all. Seriously, if playing a nice, sweaty game of football, complete with man-on-top-of-man action, then taking a group shower, and running around the locker rooms nude, while snapping each other with towels, isn't gay, I don't want to know what is."

We were talking about the pros and cons of being a nerd, and he eventually said something like anyone who says that nerds are bad is gay. Especially jocks. Then he said that and I laughed really hard.

Okay. Auguuuust. Durr.

Does he have a secret wish that he's told no one (and if so, what is it)?
He's not really the type to have a secret wish, or anything of the sort. He's very happy with his life, and there really isn't anything he'd do to change how it is. Maybe he would wish that his parents hadn't died and left their children alone at such a young age, but at the same time he wouldn't want to wish that, because the fact that he had to care for Gwen for so long is what made them so close.
If he could forget one thing that happened to him in the past, what and why?
He's not one to want to forget anything. Each experience shapes one's character differently, and he wouldn't want to forget anything that's made him the way he is.
If he could change one thing that he did, what and why?
There's nothing major that he'd change if he could, but he did accidentally walk in on Gwen in the shower once. That was a bit awkward. He'd probably want to go back in time and remind himself to knock first. (The walls in their house are practically soundproof. If he'd been listening he probably could have heard the water going, but he wasn't really.) Likewise, he'd remind himself that Gwen wakes up at weird times during the night, and that he should not have girls over at any time that she is there, regardless of how hot they are.
If he could change one thing about his physical appearance, what would it be?
He feels a bit too tall sometimes. Seresan men are tall, but even so, he's quite lofty. So maybe he'd like to be an inch or two shorter.
What one thing would he change about his personality, given the chance?
He feels a bit overprotective sometimes. He wishes he weren't, and that he could give Gwen her space sometimes, even though he does try.
What one skill does he most wish he had?
He wishes he could draw. He draws cute little stick people, but compared to how Gwen or Beatrix draws, he feels like he's a kid again.
What does he think of intimate relationships?
If two people have an intimate relationship who care for each other, love each other, and respect each other, he thinks it can be one of the most beautiful things in the world. An intimate relationship is, of course, not constricted to lovers; he has an intimate relationship with Gwen, and Quinn. They can occur between family and friends too. Of course, his primary intimate relationship would be with him and Beatrix, but I think that goes without saying.
What does he consider rude above all else?
Besides not saying please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, and things of the sort, probably when someone is talking and someone else interrupts them. It shows that the second person doesn't have any regard for the first at all. It's very rude.
What does he think of revenge?
It's a very tempting notion at times, but not very practical in the real world, unfortunately.
Which of the challenges at the end of book one would he find the easiest (with his current abilities)?
Unexpectedly, he would find the logic puzzle the easiest. He can think and work under stress (because he has to be able to in his line of work), but he does much better when he has time to calm down and think about things. Plus he's good with logic puzzles like that.
Which would be the most terrifying?
Assuming he was with friends like Harry was, the chess scene. Not that he's not good at it (again, with logic puzzles), but he'd be afraid he'd have to sacrifice one of his friends to win. Especially since it's wizard's chess.
The hardest?
Probably the Devil's Snare, because his first impulse when captured is to struggle. He'd have a difficult time telling his body not to, and then on top of that, to stay calm long enough to think about a way to get out of its clutches, while he and those around him are in danger of slowly and efficiently being strangled to death by a plant. It would kill his nerves.
What position would he most like to play in Quidditch, assuming he had to pick one?
I could see him being a beater or a chaser.
Which house would he most likely be in?
Gryffindor. Definitely. Though, based on wits, he could definitely qualify as a Ravenclaw.
Hogwarts, Beauxbatons (xDDD), or Durmstrang?
Hogwarts, though he could definitely appreciate the women in Beauxbatons. And he'd probably impress them since he speak fluent French.
If he were a wizard, what might he do for a living?
I could definitely see him as an auror.
What muggle job would he have, of those that actually exist in the time Potter takes place?
MALE MODEL. Um. Being serious, he'd probably like being a fireman, because he gets to save lives and help the public. However, since he doesn't like heat very much (and fire, I hear, gets pretty hot), I could see him being an actor, since he tends to be a bit larger-than-life sometimes in the ways he portrays emotions.
What Harry Potter charactere is he most like?
He's a mix of Sirius, Dumbledore, and Ginny (yes, Ginny).

Now for Quinn since you hardly know anything about him, it would seem.

Does he have a secret wish that he's told no one (and if so, what is it)?
He wishes he hadn't been so selfish and thoughtless, and that he'd been there. (you'll know what i mean in a couple questions when i explain it.)
If he could forget one thing that happened to him in the past, what and why?
Same answer as August.
If he could change one thing that he did, what and why?
The night August was nearly killed, Quinn had taken the night off, telling his mother that he felt ill-- since she's very protective of him and all that, she made sure he was tucked securely into bed, hot soup and warm milk at the ready. However, he wasn't ill at all, and snuck out of the house to go drinking with some friends. He was about two months from his seventeenth birthday, and while it is legal in Seresu for kids his age to drink, he knew his mother wouldn't approve of him skipping Guard stuff to goof off. He proceeded to get smashed and stagger back into bed, sleeping soundly through the night without either of his parents being any the wiser. The next day he woke up with a pretty bad hangover, but he went to do whatever it is they do in the Guard anyway. He noticed that August wasn't there, but put it down to him sleeping in too long. But when August wasn't even there after lunch, he asked Gedric if he had any idea where he could be, and Gedric told him all about the happenings of the previous night. Obviously, Quinn was quite devastated, since August is Quinn's best friend. He beats himself up about it all the time, less so now than then, but he won't let himself forget it. August, of course, has no idea.
If he could change one thing about his physical appearance, what would it be?
He used to hate the fact that he had dark hair, because it made him different from the rest of Seresu, who has blonde hair. That's actually why he and Beatrix are good friends; they were both ostricised as children from their peers because they were different. Back then he would have wished for blonde hair, but now he thinks his dark hair combined with white skin and green eyes is cool and suits him much better than blonde ever could.
What one thing would he change about his personality, given the chance?
He tends to be a bit of a loner because he doesn't have a whole lot of social skills. He's very nice, but he doesn't know how to start conversations with people or how to introduce himself. Once he knows someone he's fine, but he has difficulties in social situations.
What one skill does he most wish he had?
He wishes he knew magic. He has elementary skills, but no more than is necessary to do more than the basics. He wishes he were more profficient in it. It would make certain things easier.
What does he think of intimate relationships?
He hasn't really had much experience in them, so he values the relationships he has.
What does he consider rude above all else?
People who judge others primarily because of appearance. It's not only rude, it's hurtful.
What does he think of revenge?
Satisfying.
Which of the challenges at the end of book one would he find the easiest (with his current abilities)?
Incapacitating the troll. Piece of cake.
Which would be the most terrifying?
Snape's. Quinn is very smart, but he's more street-smart than book-smart. He could probably figure it out, but it would be intimidating.
The hardest?
The keys. There would be so much movement going on at once that it would throw him off.
What position would he most like to play in Quidditch, assuming he had to pick one?
Beater. Definitely.
Which house would he most likely be in?
Gryffindor, though I could actually see him in all of them. Yes, even Slytherin, because Quinn is quite cunning and very good at lying.
Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, or Durmstrang?
Hogwarts.
If he were a wizard, what might he do for a living?
I could see him in St Mungo's, with really gored and messed-up patients. He's not squeamish at all.
What muggle job would he have, of those that actually exist in the time Potter takes place?
Again, he'd be a good doctor. He's very calm and level-headed in (most) crisis... es (I cannot figure that out), and so he'd be good with emergency room patients.
What Harry Potter charactere is he most like?
He's a bit of Sirius, Neville (more for his awkwardness in social situations that anything), and Ron.

I want to do more... Except it took me like four hours to do those because I kept getting side-tracked. xD But uh. I'll probably do more before I go to bed. Hopefully that gave you more insight to Quinn. I really love him as a character, even though he has such a small part in my story...

Yep, same thing.

You'll probably get another one, too.

... Possibly.

See? They're idiots. I totally guessed right.

Okay, my mum is going to dinner with her friend for her birthday and I'm jealous, because her friend's hot son is going to be there. But I can't go because my mum couldn't drive me out to your house afterward... And plus your mum is already on her way. D: But oh well. xD

Anyway. I haven't drawn your picture yet because I don't have any good pencils and I don't want to mess it up. So I will probably have to drawn it at your house. Using your pencil. :D