Harbinger
Bambu179 Reviews | 6.72/10 (179 Ratings, 0 Likes, 151 Favorites )
Severus Snape has been pardoned by Ministry decree, but not everyone is pleased that he has returned to teaching at Hogwarts.
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About Bambu
Author
Bambu
Member Since 2005 | 27 Stories | Favorited by 542 | 117 Reviews Written | 1,029 Review Responses
I have loved the written word since watching my mother’s fingers trace the lines of a book, luxuriating in riveting tales and well-turned phrases. Many a night I read until dawn, a plastic flashlight hidden under the covers to light the pages as I raced the rising sun to finish my latest must-read.
Since joining the HP fandom, I've been privileged to receive more than 50 awards, including Best Author (Quill to Parchment Awards) and Best Classic Author (Most Potente Passions). Among others, my stories have won awards for Best Hurt/Comfort (Spoils of War, Morning Has Broken), Best Novel Length (Calling Card, Guard…Check…Mate), Best One Shot (A Beach in Ireland), Best WIP (Saving a Death Eater, The Summoning), Favorite Overall Story (Complexities), and Readers’ Choice (A Quest of Paladins).
Aside from a judicious polish for formatting and egregious typos, I don't plan on revising my early work. Those stories are the stepping stones of my writing journey. Please note some stories contain adult content. None is more graphic than equivalent scenes in the television shows True Blood or Game of Thrones, and age appropriate warnings are posted.
I no longer write fanfiction prolifically. Like many fanfic authors, my focus has shifted to original work. A member of the Romance Writers of America and the Southern California Writers Association, I write under my name: Lin Thornhill.
My original story Verisimilitude published in Thoroughly Modern Monsters (Story Spring Publishing, 2013) reached the top 100 fantasy anthologies and broke into the top 10 in the UK the first month of release. Ben and Christine’s story will continue in 2016.
Fixation, my latest short story, slated for publication in J. Aldis’ anthology Immanence, with a winter 2015-2016 release, is particularly exciting as it anchors the Messengers of Inari novel series I’ve been developing for the past year.
9/2015
Reviews for Harbinger
"In someone’s demented imagination..." Yes, I wonder just who that could be. Certainly not me.Ron does walk out, though there is the hope that eventually he would grow up and accept responsibility, there is no indication that he would.I am leaning toward a vampire bat. Maybe one with a love fixation on Snape's animagus form.I was thinking about the way a cat will "pay the rent" with a valuable kill left on the door step. But if Snape is a blood drinker, why would an admirer leave a bloodless corpse in tribute when a blood-filled corpse would be more tasty for him? If Snape has bloodless eggs benedict waiting for him, why would he be turned on by another bloodless meal? The Baron seemed to think that the boar would make a good meal - you have to drain a kill before you can cook it anyway - so maybe his admirer is just delivering food ready for roasting rather than just some intact dead animal?It is interesting that the "tributes" are getting larger. What's next? The giant squid? Can you imagine that in the hallway? It is almost like the admirer is saying "What will it take to get your attention? How much more noticeable do I have to make it?" But seriously, if you want to get someone's attention, why be so mysterious? It seems like quite a narcissistic approach to think that your beloved would figure out it is you.The thought that a giant mosquito may be responsible is just disturbing and a little too "The In-Laws" Similarly some vampiric owl is a little too creepy. This story is so intriguing. Thanks for holding back and letting us speculate along with the characters
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Wow! What a marvelous and thoughtful review. Thank you.It isn't that Ron can't grow up, it's that the epilogue illustrates that at thirty-eight, he hasn't. I take that to mean his bad habits have pretty much been cemented in place.I would love to comment on all your thoughts, whether they're close to the answer or not, but I really don't want to give anything away. A giant mosquito? I'd never considered that, so you may count it as the one theory I'm debunking. ::grins::Thanks, again.
Response from mikimoto (Reviewer)
Thank goodness the mosquito is OUT 
I don't want you to comment on my ideas. They are just craziness anyway. I love the puzzle of it. Your stories always make me think. It is a treat to ponder them.
Everybody else has already said so, but in four sentences you summed up exactly what was wrong with that gawd-awful epilogue. I'll never understand how someone able to create such a fantastic fictional universe and people it such compelling characters could have fumbled it so badly at the end. Anyway, I'm having fun examining all the little tidbits of story elements and trying to figure out how they fit into your mystery.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I used to be on the fence about a Hermione/Ron pairing, even if it wasn't my cup of tea, I could see it happening. For me it was too boring, too easy to write. But then book six happened and I absolutely and completely can't see it at all now. They are equally wrong for each other.I do hope you continue to play with all the details to see how they work. Truly everything fits together -- even the book about Bast.Thank you so much for coming along for the ride.
Response from Riposto (Reviewer)
A-ha! I knew it. Hmm. Septimus... Septimius... Severus... brothers and sisters... Princes... royalty... <scratches head>
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm chuckling over your thought processes. Once all is revealed ... or as it is revealed, you'll see where all the puzzle pieces fit.I'm quite confident about that.
Love the jab at the epilogue. I am with you, they just don't fit. Good chapter and great suspense. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
A meaty and intriguiging chapter. This mystery just gets more and more mystifying...Great job. I love how Snape and Hermione interact.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I realize you can't see it, but I have a huge smile on my face. Thank you so much.
Another wonderful chapter! loved the demented imagination line! it really makes sense, though. Hermione and Ron would make much better friends than spouses. You've set the reasons and arguements out very nicely. "Ron walks out." it stopped me cold because it would always be there in the back of Hermione's mind. Even if Harry is correct, that he always comes back, it would be there in Hermione's memory. thank you for sharing this with us!-Wahoo
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm very pleased to have given you food for thought about Ron. He does walk out, and while it might not be such a terrible thing in a friend, it's devastating in a spouse.Thank you very much.
"Someone's demented imagination..." WONDERFUL jab at the epilogue! I'm really enjoying this story. Very intriguing, as well as a great chapter.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
::grins:: Thank you, thank you! I'm delighted you're enjoying the story, and forgive me for my dig. I couldn't help it.
This is such an intriguing story. I love Hermione's interactions with Snape. Her diamond in the rough comment was a brilliant comeback, just as his coal to diamond under pressure comment let her know of his lack of malice.Great stuff!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm delighted you're enjoying my Snape/Hermione encounters. They were a blast to write. Thank you.
what a lovely and interesting exchange between hermione and severus. great stuff! thanks muchly
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thanks so much.
wow! that was phenominal! this is a most intriguing story. thanks so much
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
And thank you very much for the compliment. I'm thrilled you've found it intriguing.
Have you gone and made Snape a vampire? Cheeky author!If that is the case, it's funny because there was so much speculation over his vampiric nature: very pale, lives in the dungeons, bat-like tendencies.I'm hooked on your story. Great job.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm so glad to have hooked you on the story, and I hope you continue to find it intriguing. Vampire? Snape? Me?Only time will tell.Thanks so much!
You write beautifully. Your imagery is exquisite! I love that you've fleshed out the characters of Flitwick, Filch, Vector and Pince - there's much more to them than meets the eye.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you.I'm absolutely delighted you're enjoying the story, and I had so much fun playing with the secondary characters in this story. They're so often seen as place-holding cardboard constructs, I wanted to give them a little dimension. Hopefully.
You're a very good writer. I"m looking forward to reading more! :)
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much.
Hmm. Severus' "condition"... I am wondering now if Severus is a vampire, but he's somehow managing to sate his thirst while in his Animagus form? That would definitely be an interesting twist, and would explain a lot. As to the dead vole, I have a theory about who might have left it, but I'll keep it to myself for now. I will say that I don't think it's a student prank at all. Superb update, Bambu. I have to admit, I have a real weakness for mystery/suspense... I am so hooked!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
As you're so gracious to keep your dead vole theory to yourself, I'm equally hesitant to answer your conjecture about whether he's a vampire or not. I'm absolutely delighted you're enjoying it so far. It's my very first attempt at a mystery. Believe me, they're much harder than they look.
I think I am confused. I can't figure out what it is that Snape wants, ... besides secrecy.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
He wants to keep his secrets hidden, and his friends want to make sure he knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they have not betrayed him.Thank you for leaving the review, and explaining that it was confusing to you. I'll be more careful as I proof-read the rest.
Ooh, a mystery! Definitely a different sort of fanfic, and I am really enjoying the family feel of the teachers after all these years with Snape on the outside. This is a great story so far, I am looking forward to more.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
It's my first try for a mystery, and after having finished it, I have a whole new appreciation for mystery writers. They're not easy. I do hope you enjoy the rest, and thank you so much.
How mysterious. He looks like an owl, but he only drinks the blood of the creature he kills? Does he also eat people-food at the high table? I must admit that I find this all a bit disconcerting. Did it have to do with Nagini's bite?I must only assume that all will be explained eventually.A very intriguing tale.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I do hope you'll find all the answers you seek as the story unfolds, and I love all the questions you have; I'm only sorry to have disconcerted you.Thanks for leaving me a review.
I am completely enthralled with this story, and I'm so, so grateful that you've updated it!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
It's my pleasure, and I'm delighted you're enjoying it. Thanks.
Good grief - my bad - I was in such a hurry to tell you how absolutely HOOKED I am on your story that I left my reivew on the wrong chapter - but no matter !!! ALL of them are wonderful - I am panting for more !!!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm not bothered at all, it just expresses your enthusiasm, which is a marvelous compliment in itself. Thanks again.
This is a grand and wonderful story - I applaud you with ENORMOUS enthusiasm !!!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Why thank you so much. I'm thrilled you're enjoying it.
Wow! Beautifully written. I look forward to more.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you very much. There will be more later today.
severus is an owl and madam pince is his mom! yes? what a wonderful begining. thanks so much
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Perhaps, but the information will unfold in time. I do hope you'll enjoy it despite having these two potential facts at your fingertips. Thanks for letting me know what you think.
Favourite quote: Good Gods! Look what the cat dragged in! - HA! That really cracked me up!And I loved your reference to the Black Forest - after all, that's my home. :)I'll stay tuned, I like how the story develops so far!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
::grins:: I'm so pleased you liked that line. I had a blast writing it. Truly. I worked for that one.You're the second person who's left me a message because they live near/in the Black Forest. All I can say to that is you're so lucky. It's beautiful and diverse countryside.I hope you continue to enjoy the story, and thanks so much for letting me know what you think.
Brilliant! I'm enthralled already and it's only Chapter one. There's something about your writing that always draws me in completely - almost like stepping into a friend's home. I truly love your work and can't wait to read more about the new Severus Snape. Oh, and I loved the way you recapped the essential facts in conversation. Being a fly on the wall watching to Hermione and Minerva was delightful.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you, thank you, thank you.What a gorgeous compliment about my writing. I'm blushing a little. Thanky ou.I really wanted to move away from an info dump in paragraph after paragraph of exposition, so I thought a conversation between the two women might work to show their personalitie and their relationship while still dumping all that info into your lap. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Very well written. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thanks so much.