An Excess of Phlegm
chapter five of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Dumbledore drops Harry off at the Burrow, and after onion soup and a quick night’s sleep, he’s awakened by Ron and Hermione (and Fleur Delacour, now engaged to Bill). He tells Ron and Hermione about Dumbledore and the prophecy, and they then receive their O.W.L. results.
Harry looked around and saw that Mrs. Weasley was not alone, despite the lateness of the hour. A young witch with a pale, heart-shaped face and mousy brown hair was sitting at the table clutching a large mug between her hands.
(by lberghol)
“Are you hungry, Harry? … Sit down, dear, I’ll knock something up.”
(by lberghol)
“What do you like me to call you when we’re alone together?”
Even by the dim light of the lantern Harry could tell that Mrs. Weasley had turned bright red; he himself felt suddenly warm around the ears and neck, and hastily gulped soup, clattering his spoon as loudly as he could against the bowl.
“Mollywobbles,” whispered a mortified Mrs. Weasley into the crack at the edge of the door.
(by Sullen-Skrewt)
Mr. Weasley dropped into the chair beside Harry as Mrs. Weasley set a bowl of soup in front of him, too.
(by Leela Starsky)
But his question was answered before he could finish it. The bedroom door flew open again, and Harry instinctively yanked the bedcovers up to his chin so hard that Hermione and Ginny slid off the bed onto the floor.
(by gerre)
“‘Arry,” she said in a throaty voice. “Eet ‘as been too long!”
(by Amanda Grazini)
“No, no, silly boy,” said Fleur with a tinkling laugh, “I mean next summer when we – but do you not know? … Bill and I are going to be married!”
(by Heather Campbell)
“She only wants me there so she doesn’t have to be alone with Phlegm!” said Ginny crossly. She swung her long red hair around in a very good imitation of Fleur and pranced across the room with her arms held aloft like a ballerina. “You lot had better come down quickly too,” she said as she left.
(by Cambryn)
“Nobody knows what [the prophecy] said though,” said Hermione quickly. “It got smashed.”
(by Amanda Grazini)
“The Prophet’s got it right,” said Harry, looking up at them both with a great effort: Hermione seemed frightened and Ron amazed.
(by Loleia)
Harry looked back down at his results. They were as good as he could have hoped for. He felt just one tiny twinge of regret…. This was the end of his ambition to become an Auror.
(by Drew Graham)
about the chapter
I love the conversations Ron and Hermione have with Harry when they’ve clearly been talking about him beforehand, like when proposing the D.A. or, in this case, asking him about Sirius and the prophecy. Harry always realizes this is happening, of course, thanks to Ron’s indiscretion. But I’d love to hear what Ron and Hermione’s conversations are like when Harry isn’t around – after all, through seven years’ worth of books, we never once hear the two of them talking alone. From Harry’s perception in this particular conversation, I’d have to guess Hermione gives Ron a lot of stern instructions, wouldn’t you think?
Come to think of it, I bet the reason Hermione came to the Burrow when she did was so that she’d have a chance to talk to Ron before either of them saw Harry. After all, she showed up just after they all would have learned when Dumbledore was bringing Harry by.
Something You May Not Have Noticed
I love the fact that, as the trio anxiously awaits their O.W.L. results, Hermione casually mentions a conversation she had before school let out in the spring:
“Don’t, don’t, don’t! said Hermione, flapping her hands hysterically. “I know I’ve failed everything!”
“What happens if we fail?” Harry asked the room at large, but it was again Hermione who answered.
“We discuss our options with our Head of House, I asked Professor McGonagall at the end of last term.”
Really? Hermione asked McGonagall what would happen if she failed everything? Can you imagine McGonagall’s reaction? I’d want to laugh at the girl and cry for her all at the same time. I bet either way, McGonagall had a pretty good story to tell next time she was in the staffroom.
Life at Hogwarts
One thing that’s interesting about the O.W.L. scores themselves, once they arrive, is that Hermione didn’t manage an ‘O’ in Defense Against the Dark Arts. It makes sense, in a way, because the class did have five different teachers, only two of whom were really competent. But after practicing defensive spells for a year with the D.A., what would she have missed on the exam? Certainly not anything on the written part, I wouldn’t think. At any rate, Harry doesn’t think about it, but if Hermione didn’t manage an ‘O’, it’s certain nobody else did – meaning he was most likely the only student in his year to score so highly on the test. It might be the first time that’s ever happened for him (though it may not be the last)!
The Boy Who Lived
Molly mentions when Dumbledore and Harry arrive that Dumbledore had told her “not to expect [them] before morning,” to which Dumbledore replies that “Slughorn proved much more persuadable than I had expected.” This is one of those statements that just makes questions start firing off in my brain. First of all, had Dumbledore really planned to spend his entire night at Slughorn’s place, convincing him to take the job? And second, how did Dumbledore know when Slughorn had been persuaded? Was he simply listening in on Slughorn’s conversation with Harry while supposedly in the bathroom? Or did he perhaps use Legilimency on an unwitting Slughorn?
I think the most interesting thing about this comment, however, is how much Albus Dumbledore – again – underestimated Harry Potter. It can’t have taken Harry more than half an hour to persuade Slughorn to return, and he literally wasn’t even trying. To be fair, Dumbledore may have underestimated the draw that Harry would have for Slughorn, and his desire to “collect” famous people. But Dumbledore himself acknowledges that Harry ultimately convinced Slughorn to return by showing him “exactly how much he stands to gain by returning to Hogwarts.” Even with all his wisdom, and even with having seen Harry find the Philosopher’s Stone in the Mirror of Erised, defeat Riddle in the Chamber of Secrets, free Sirius, and make his way through the Triwizard Tournament and the Department of Mysteries, Dumbledore still doesn’t give Harry quite enough credit. He’s a pretty amazing kid.
Oops
The original edition of Half-Blood Prince had Hermione receiving eleven O.W.L.s – an interesting result considering we only knew her to be taking ten classes. It was updated for subsequent printings, but in the meantime made for some interesting conversations about what other class she might have been taking, or whether some exams might qualify someone for two O.W.L.s. Still, it’s a pretty impressive result: O’s in Potions, Herbology, Transfiguration, Charms, Astronomy (despite the interruptions!), History of Magic, Arithmancy, Care of Magical Creatures, and Ancient Runes, and an E in Defense Against the Dark Arts. The only two classes she didn’t take? Muggle Studies and, of course, Divination.
A few students have managed twelve O.W.L.s with the help of time-turners (including Percy Weasley and Barty Crouch Jr.), though given her perfectionism, that seemed a little much for Hermione. But we don’t know what Percy and Barty’s actual scores were – and it’s not hard to imagine that Hermione’s nine O’s may be just about unprecedented. It’s too bad she didn’t sit Muggle Studies, too. I bet she could have gotten an O on that one without even taking the class.
Hermione in Loleia’s picture… shame on you! Don’t you know you could lose a buttock if you store your wand there!
I love all the art in this chapter, especially Molly and Fleur. I feel a bit bad for Fleur, though, because you come to see that her heart’s really in the right place. She DOES care about Bill, she’s living in another country, where everyone speaks a different language, and all the women in his life don’t like her one bit. That’s got to be hard on her–and on Bill.
Spider said this on February 21, 2010 at 11:14 am
I just love this chapter so much! It’s hilarious! Especially that little scene between Mr and Mrs Weasely at the door (“Mollywobbles” LMAO) I always sort of imagine Harry choking on his soup as he hears this lol. The art is amazing as usual can’t wait til the next chapter
Irene said this on February 21, 2010 at 11:45 am
Cambryns Ginny made me smile.
I always assumed DD was listening in on the conversation between Harry and Slughorn.
Oh, hey, I didn’t even spot the Oops with Hermione having achieved 12 O.W.L.s.
John, I believe there’s one word too many in Life at Hogwarts: “… because the class did have had five different teachers.” You probably meant to exchange had with did have and forgot to take out the had (or the other way around).
Kim said this on February 21, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I always thought Hermione got a time-turner because she had two lessons at the same time, not because she had so many classes. It might be that Percy and Barty Jr.’s timetable was different and they didn’t need a time-turner at all.
ST-DL said this on February 21, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I always ache for Fleur in this book. Molly and Ginny are supposed to be kindly, generous characters, and usually they are, yet they don’t give her a chance. (Nor does Hermione, but of course Fleur doesn’t yet know that Hermione will be her sister-in-law too.) The other women prefer Tonks, but that’s no reason to reject Fleur. Whatever Mlle. Delacour’s faults, the family ought to give Bill some credit for taste; and they ought to welcome his fiancee because she’s his fiancee. It just doesn’t reflect well on Molly or Ginny that they take this attitude.
I suspect the O.W.L. curriculum was changed between Percy’s year and Harry’s (since this is fairly common in the Muggle world). Perhaps it used to be fairly standard for the best students to sit all 12 subjects, but in the end the exam board decided that taking fewer subjects in more depth was a better preparation for N.E.W.T.s. Perhaps the timetable used to allow three periods a week for each subject, but now allows four periods each for the seven core subjects.
Now, the TEACHERS’ timetables… That’s a topic of despair that we can save for a later chapter…
Grace has Victory said this on February 21, 2010 at 2:53 pm
Yes, poor Fleur. But it does make for a nice literary device so when we DO learn her heart’s in the right place we are pleasantly surprised. Also, it took me until only a few months ago to “get” Mollywobbles. Not an expression I was familiar with.
Anna said this on February 21, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Love this chapter. I also love Makani/Heather Campbell’s .gif showing Hermione’s flailing arms as she says, “I know I’ve failed everything!” but I can see how that piece doesn’t necessarily match the tone of the rest of the artwork.
I also love that Molly tries to help Hermione get rid of the bruise without really batting an eye–Fred and George really did run her through nearly everything in the book and it makes me wonder how early they started experimenting with their concoctions. :)
Natalia said this on February 21, 2010 at 5:04 pm
hmm.. I don’t agree with the reactions people give on Ginny and Molly being mean to Fleur. I actually quite like the fact that they react the way they do: their flaws make them more realistic. Besides, I would get pretty annoyed if my brothers/husband/father would get under her spell (though it is never mentioned by fleur, it is said in book 7 that mr. weasley was under the veela-spell from Fleur’s mother)
And isn’t it also a bit of empty-nest-syndrome from Molly? This is the first daughter-in-law she will have…
i’m making this a bit long, but John, I don’t quuiite agree either with Dumbledore not giving Harry enough credit. Couldn’t it also be that Slughorn was just easier to pursuade than Dumbledore had calculated? Like you said, Harry didn’t do that much on purpose to get Slughorn to Hogwarts, so how can dumbledore underestimate him in that, when he didn’t do anything? I hope you get what I’m saying, that last sentence is a bit complicated :P
kim said this on February 21, 2010 at 5:45 pm
As I read the epilogue to book 7, I wondered how Molly was dealing with life as an empty-nester.
Billie said this on February 21, 2010 at 6:40 pm
Billie, I’m sure Molly found plenty of good works to do in the community. Ever since Ginny was eleven, she’s lived nine months a year with no children at home, and a witch can’t have THAT much housework to do. Book IV mentions a Witches’ Institute (the wizarding version of the Women’s Institute, of course) so I expect the pure-blood matrons regularly gather to pool their knitting and casseroles to help the Less Fortunate.
Grace has Victory said this on February 21, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Grace has Victory, my assumption has always been that the O.W.L. system hasn’t changed, for two reasons. The first is that it’s simply more elegant this way – I don’t like having to “invent” magic that isn’t in the books to explain something, and I similarly don’t like having to “invent” a system of classes that we don’t really see evidence for. The second reason is this quote of Hagrid’s, from HBP:
This has always made it sound to me like Time-Turners are a fairly commonplace solution for students wishing to take more classes, and I think it makes sense that Percy and Barty would have used them. It’s only been four years since Percy… why would things have changed since then?
John Kearns said this on February 21, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Do we definitely know that Percy Weasley and Barty Crouch Jr. used Time-Turners? I always found it odd that Hagrid mentioned Time-Turners so casually, because of all the secrecy surrounding them in the third book. It was such a huge secret and a special case just for Hermione, and she wasn’t allowed to tell anyone – even her best friends! That made me think it wasn’t such a commonplace solution.
Also, this is a small quibble, but in the Something You May Not Have Noticed section, I’ve always interpreted that section as Hermione asking McGonagall what would happen if you fail a single or a few classes. Like how Crabbe and Goyle (I believe) had to retake OWL level DADA class. While Hermione is insecure, I can’t possibly imagine her and McGonagall having a serious conversation about her failing every single exam! :)
Anna said this on February 22, 2010 at 12:32 am
I’m not sure about the frequency or rarity of time-turner usage, Anna, but either way Hagrid does have a tendency to casually mention very secret things.
Inky Squirrel said this on February 22, 2010 at 8:48 am
We do see conversations between Hermione and Ron, in the first book, quidditch matches were partially told from their perspectives; these conversations aren’t particulary interesting but they do stand out as one of those rare occassions in which we are not looking at everything from Harry’s perspective.
When I first read this chapter, I felt the Weasleys were being unfair to Fleur, but after having to live with my sister’s boyfriend, I understand their attitudes better. It’s not easy living with someone you don’t know; specially since Fleur, as a foreigner, doesn’t share their culture which would make it difficult to find topics to start a conversation.
Martin said this on February 22, 2010 at 9:18 am
Well, with this chapter I had to go to the dictionary to see what the heck was “phlegm” (argh, is not a nice name to call someone) but I did’nt catch until now that was also a second meaning to Mollywobbles, thanks for mentioning it :)
Jose Lopes said this on February 22, 2010 at 10:26 am
Grace has Victory, thanks for pointing this out. Molly’s already had experience with an empty nest. And I’m sure that her nest wouldn’t have been any emptier when the last child left home than it was during the school year – visits from children and grandchildren must have been a regular part of life.
Billie said this on February 22, 2010 at 11:28 am
Anna/Inky Squirrel – I guess my thinking was that the time-turners wouldn’t be commonly known among students – think how they could/would be misused! So Hermione was instructed not to tell Harry or Ron, and the penalty for misuse would likely be having to hand it in. But among the teachers, it would have to be commonly known. It wouldn’t take them long to figure out that Hermione was attending incompatible classes, and they’d know enough to know how. Plus, Dumbledore would want the staff to help him keep an eye out in case the student with a Time-Turner gets into trouble, or does show signs of misusing it. In other words, just because students don’t know about them doesn’t mean they aren’t given out semi-routinely (like once every few years or so). And like Inky Squirrel says, Hagrid trusts the trio more than he should – he’d know Hermione was aware of the Time-Turners, but from his perspective Harry and Ron still shouldn’t.
Besides – Hogwarts has existed for 1000+ years. It’s hard to imagine Hermione Granger in 1993 would be the first time this problem has ever come up.
John Kearns said this on February 22, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I really think that we need to cut both Fleur and Molly/Ginny some slack Truth is, they’re just very different women, and I would’ve been shocked if they had gotten along. Fleur makes no attempt to gain the favor of her future female relatives, but Molly doesn’t exactly welcome her with open arms. My cousin just got married a few months ago, and I’m seeing first-hand what kind of mother-in-law issues always abound. The Weasley situation doesn’t really get bad until Christmas, which is when Fleur just turns rather obnoxious.
hpboy13 said this on February 22, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Okay, what is the second meaning to Mollywobbles? I thought it was just a cute little name Arthur calls Molly, does it mean something in the UK? I am missing something I think!
Jennifer C. said this on February 22, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Parental Guidance for this one, I think, Jennifer C!
Well, Molly is plump and after all those pregnancies her muscles would be slack as well … so when she moves, she does more than just wiggle – she wobbles. All credit to her and Arthur for still finding her middle-aged body attractive in the bedroom; and Harry would naturally be embarrassed, not just because Molly was as well, but because they are the closest to parents he’s got and his feelings are those of any child contemplating the on-going sex life of its mum and dad.
Deborah Hubbard said this on February 23, 2010 at 12:11 am
I found this at the nine muses:
“Mollywobbles”: Pun on “collywobbles”, meaning “a state of nervousness, usually accompanied by a rumbling stomach.” — The Phrase Finder. Also most likely a reference to Molly’s figure.
Jose Lopes said this on February 23, 2010 at 3:32 am
Deborah Hubbard-LOL! I am 37, and guess I have the mollywobbles myself a bit! JKR has used “collywobbles” before, I think it was Stan Shunpike who says it, but couldn’t think why Molly would like a reference to herself like mollywobbles. Arthur says it’s what she likes to be called. Good for her for not caring so much about her figure to accept that nickname, of course, but I wouldn’t like it for me! After all the comments on the name I thought it must mean something more than a bedroom nickname!!
Jennifer C. said this on February 23, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Oh, so that’s the second meaning of Mollywobbles.
I can just see McGonagall rolling her eyes as a hyperventialing Hermione leaves her office after asking what happens when someone fails their O. W. L.s. Ha, ha!
Roonil Wazlib said this on February 23, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Oh damn, THAT’s the meaning of Mollywobbles? Dear Merlin, I can just imagine what poor Harry must have felt like! I wonder if any wizard rockers have caught on to the name yet?
hpboy13 said this on February 23, 2010 at 7:34 pm
hpboy 13, you mean something like:
From the early, early morning to the early, early night
You can see Ms Molly wobblin’ in the House of Blue Light …
Hermione could provide the blue light at the swishy flick of a wand!
Deborah Hubbard said this on February 24, 2010 at 2:17 am
Are you guys sure Mollywobbles isn’t just a nickname?
As for the issue of Fleur, I agree with hpboy13. They’re just different people. I think they could try to be a bit nicer, even if they didn’t get along, though.
Mickey said this on February 24, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Of course Mollywobbles is a nickname! We’re trying to work out how it arose. OK, it rhymes with Collywobbles, but so what – there’s no other connection; she’s a good cook in good health. But the meaning of both parts work together to make a meaningful and mildly funny unit.
Deborah Hubbard said this on February 25, 2010 at 12:27 am
I just wanted to comment on Dumbledore finding out about how Harry and Slughorn’s conversation turned out. I’m absolutely convinced Dumbledore listened in on them. Using a Weasley Wizard Wheezes’ Extendable Ear :)
Lupinia said this on February 25, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I’m afraid I can’t spare much sympathy for Fleur. She doesn’t wait until Christmas to put down her hosts – in this chapter, she says she was glad to hear Harry was coming because there wasn’t much to do at the Burrow unless you liked cooking and chickens. With one sentence, she dismisses all the other inhabitants of the Burrow as not interesting enough to make her visit endurable, and throws contempt on Molly’s domestic responsibilities.
Billie said this on February 26, 2010 at 4:33 pm
this web site is so amazing the effort put into these pieces of art is mind blowing
alex said this on February 26, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Billie, she’s just saying she’s bored by chickens and cooking – I dn’t blame her, that wuld bore me to tears as well. She acknowledges that she doesn’t find the Weasleys’ lifestyle interesting, what’s so wrong about that? It may nt be too PC, but I don’t find it that offensive.
hpboy13 said this on February 28, 2010 at 11:33 pm
hm, hpboy 13, I don’t know, but when someone invades my household and then has the nerve to dismiss it, I wouldn’t get along with this person either.
Besides, Fleur is from France. As in: the arch-nemesis of England.there hasn’t been a single century without those two countries fighting. I liked the symbolism behind that :) (though it could also mean that I, as an historian, search to much behind it…)
BTW, John, when’s the next update?
kim said this on March 1, 2010 at 1:50 am
I like the England/France thought, kim, and I echo your question.
Hope all is well, and we can have the next post pretty soon!
Natalia said this on March 1, 2010 at 3:32 am
Hmm.. I got curious after reading the Oops section and decided to check my books, since my HBP (reading copy) was an original and my decoration copy is brand new (as of December), but I was shocked to find that both are the same and have the mistake. I wonder how that happened? Has anyone else checked their books?
Lilly said this on March 1, 2010 at 9:00 pm
I like this chapter since we’re introduced to the fleur/molly relationship and learn of fleaur’s engagement with bill it’s been a while since we hear of flear but it was a good way to bring her back anyone want to bet she and bill met during the tournament yrt
john if you can read this update the site some more i want to see some more chapters y
seekerbillpotter said this on March 3, 2010 at 4:01 pm
“France. As in: the arch-nemesis of England. There hasn’t been a single century without those two countries fighting”
Actually, we’ve been very good and not fought against each other at all in either the 20th or (so far!) 21st Centuries – in fact not since the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The Rambler said this on March 6, 2010 at 9:01 am
Anyone else bored out of their minds? Waiting really sucks!
Lilly said this on March 8, 2010 at 4:37 pm
I agree Lilly, it’s like waiting for an update on the Lexicon (except hopefully this site will stay active for a long time to come!)
hpboy13 said this on March 8, 2010 at 5:25 pm
We’re all addicts, waiting for our fix! But I can’t imagine John is just sitting under a palm tree on a tropical island … he’ll be back as soon as he can, and I hope nothing has gone wrong in his life, apart from ordinary human things like being busy.
Deborah Hubbard said this on March 9, 2010 at 5:05 am
Well said Deborah Hubbard. John might have just gotten really busy since he posted this chapter.
Jeremy said this on March 10, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Homenum Revelio? ;-)
Roonil Wazlib said this on March 10, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Trying not to be too antsy for updates…we know you have a life… :)
Anna said this on March 10, 2010 at 9:36 pm
What is this “life” you folks speak of?
hpboy13 said this on March 11, 2010 at 10:13 pm
I hope everything’s alright, and that it’s just some triviality (like the above-mentioned life) that’s keeping you away.
Inky Squirrel said this on March 12, 2010 at 11:22 am
John, I wish you well in your endeavors right now. I’m going to use this interval between chapters to return to the first book and enjoy everything again from the beginning.
Loader Lady said this on March 14, 2010 at 6:00 am
John, I hope all is well. I’m beginning to get concerned, especially given that you’ve got a newborn at home… I know how crazy the first year can be! So, I hope there’s nothing seriously wrong. I’ll just keep sending positive energy in my thoughts.
Aine said this on March 14, 2010 at 12:12 pm
…and prayers.
daddybug said this on March 14, 2010 at 8:07 pm
Accio John?
Roonil Wazlib said this on March 17, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Like a lot of other people, I’m starting to get a little worried over here. I hope you’re doing OK.
Mickey said this on March 20, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I hope all is well for you, John. We all miss you and your updates. I hope to see you back soon.
Sheri said this on March 20, 2010 at 3:25 pm
I really am getting curious, but I’m sure you’ll have your reasons, John. But I’ll keep waiting till you come back~^^
Jason Argonauts said this on March 22, 2010 at 7:32 am
John, we love you and your wonderful site! hope everything’s okay! please come back soon!
Julia said this on March 22, 2010 at 5:36 pm
John, im starting to wonder, are you like in the hospital dying or something? its hard waiting for an update. should we like start a fund to get you out?
Soraya said this on March 22, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Hi John, I hope you’re ok. Please give us an indication that you are.
Ness said this on March 22, 2010 at 8:00 pm
John, SPEAK TO US, please! I’m really worried now, it’s been a long time!
hpboy13 said this on March 25, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Agreed! As much as we’d love one, we don’t need a whole chapter…just a sign of life…
Anna said this on March 25, 2010 at 8:41 pm
If any of John’s real life friends or family are reading this, could you please let us know what’s happened to him? Is he all right?
I hope you’re just really busy John. We’re worried now!
childfreekey said this on March 26, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Adding my well-wishes John, wherever you are.
Jim said this on March 27, 2010 at 7:09 pm
I’m not on very often, but I’m also adding my voice into the “I hope you’re all right” camp. =/
Toby said this on March 28, 2010 at 10:08 am
I only know John through this web site but it seems quite out of character for him not to respond. This is getting scary.
Caroline said this on March 28, 2010 at 6:28 pm
I join the chorus and hope that everything is alright with you John.
Jose Lopes said this on March 29, 2010 at 2:51 am
By the way, about any John’s friend or relatives, he was a former staff member at the Lexicon: maybe Steve Vander Ark has any mean to contact him other than e-mail, do you think we should send an e-mail to Steve requesting that he tries to find out whats happened to John, or do you think this is pushing things a bit too far?
Jose Lopes said this on March 29, 2010 at 5:15 am
I think it might be an idea at this point. This doesn’t seem right, I mean, he’s put a heck of a lot of effort into this site, he wouldn’t just abandon it or forget about it unless he had a really good reason. And pretty much the whole readership is worrying about him.
childfreekey said this on March 29, 2010 at 7:38 am
I know that I am worried…
Tallnerdygirl said this on March 29, 2010 at 5:10 pm
It’s been well over a month since the last post. I know that there are life situations that come up and he has a new baby at home, but I agree with Jose–he put a lot of effort into this site and if he left us hanging for more than a few days, he’d at least post a quick update saying something was coming. I’m worried, too. I say go for contacting anyone we may know that is may be in contact with him.
And John, the next time you are able to check this site, know that you’ve bonded a lot of “strangers” together with this beautiful site and we’re all hoping for the best for you and your family.
Natalia said this on March 29, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Jose, are you going to email Steve? I think it’s a good idea.
Anna said this on March 29, 2010 at 7:59 pm
I don’t think it’s going to far, at this point, to send the email requesting Steve to contact John. I think it’s a good idea. Worry seems legitimate, and if it were me, I wouldn’t be offended by the viewers of my website trying to find out what’s going on in real life under these circumstances. I can’t see requesting communication after a month of unprecedented silence as an invasion of privacy.
Inky Squirrel said this on March 29, 2010 at 11:10 pm
I’ve just emailed Steve, now is a question of waiting for answer.
Jose Lopes said this on March 30, 2010 at 5:28 am
I emailed Steve yesterday as well. HOping we can get an idea as to whether John is okay. I’m glad someone else emailed too, maybe Steve will be able to contact John and let us know if he’s okay.
Jennifer C. said this on March 30, 2010 at 8:21 am
Awesome, thanks Jose!
Roonil Wazlib said this on March 30, 2010 at 10:03 am
Yes, thanks. Now we wait.
Anna said this on March 30, 2010 at 10:07 am
No reply yet to my email to Steve. I hope he replies soon. This is really strange.
Jennifer C. said this on March 30, 2010 at 4:54 pm
I really hope he’s just really busy but otherwise doing well.
Sheri said this on March 31, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Does John have a Facebook page by any chance? People might have left comments there… I can’t access FB from here ^_^
Helen said this on April 2, 2010 at 4:58 am
Hey everyone – I’m soooo sorry to have disappeared! Reading all the comments makes me feel really guilty for letting you all down. But I really appreciate the concern, and yes, everything’s okay – just busy and a little burnt out. Regardless, THANK YOU for the well-wishes – hope to be back posting chapters very soon. :)
John Kearns said this on April 2, 2010 at 8:19 am
Glad you’re alright, John!
Inky Squirrel said this on April 2, 2010 at 10:35 am
Why couldn’t she have sat the Muggle Studies exam and that be her 11th OWL? That’s what I always assumed.
Nate said this on May 19, 2010 at 3:12 am
Yay, John is back! I hope you don’t feel too guilty =)
Toby said this on May 21, 2010 at 11:14 pm