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
Very peaceful. I think you are right; it is a beginning. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm so thrilled you liked it. Yes, exactly. I wanted to capture that idyllic feeling of peace in this epilogue, so that you believe there is a future for them, and it's a good one.Thank you.
Such a lovely ending. I hate to see this story come to a close; there were many wonderful moments here. Great job.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, and what a wonderful compliment. Thank you!
You'd given us enough clues to figure out that Severus is a sanguinarian, but holding back the details about the different types still left us with a nice surprise. Although I notice he didn't exactly tell us much of a story - he just let Hermione and Harry guess it out. And doesn't explain Madam Pince's reaction when she saw him in his owl form for what was supposedly the first time. But what was that contact shock between Severus and Hermione at the end? She wasn't shuffling around in her socks, so it couldn't have been static electricity.
Response from Riposto (Reviewer)
And I neglected to say, I enjoyed this chapter very much, as I'm enjoying the entire story. Many of your small details, like the puppyish ottoman and little James' name for Hermione, add whimsy to the story and make it much more interesting than a plot driven mystery. And I'm enjoying your portrayal of Ron and Harry as responsible and likeable adults, grown into the men they had the potential to be all along.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you very much for your lovely compliment, especially about the details. Adding them is one of the joys I get from writing. The plot can move itself along, but the skeleton of the plot should be clothed in style!The contact shock is something that occasionally occurs between sexually compatible people. It's not rare, per se, but it is unusual. I think Snape and Hermione are surprisingly compatible in many ways.Thank you for such a thoughtful review, and especially for coming back to make me blush.
Very well written, I like the mix of magic & Muggle investigative technique. If Striga are supposed to live very long lives (no age bracket info given) the other owl could stand to be one of his Roman ancestors...Can't wait to read more!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you very much. I had never before considered that idea about the Striga, but you make a most excellent observation. It could indeed be one of his Roman ancestors. Hmmmm. I'll have to consider that.
I love stories with lots of everyday commonplace magic. I hope you allow that cute little ottoman to make a guest appearance again sometime!This is a detailed, tricky, and well-thought-out story, a sharp difference from most stuff. Glad you explained exactly what Sanguinarians were and how they act - I thought I'd missed the bus at some point.I also love realism. Flashbacks are a reality for veterans of wars, and it makes sense that Hermione, barely a grown woman that last year of VWII and possessing an excellent memory and vivid imagination, would have particularly acute ones.It also makes sense that Harry would consciously break with his past as much as he could. That side bar was well written and brief, and I think it made a nice short break from the action.Excellent mystery, I'm having a hard time guessing at the stalker's identity. Can't wait for more! Thank you!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you, thank you, thank you.Because this was my first attempt at a mystery my outline was more detailed than usual, and I'm very pleased you think it's working out fairly well. And because I've, in real life, worked on a WWII documentary and interviewed a number of veterans, I try to make the post-war years a little more realistic.As for Harry, well, I wrote him as I hoped he could be. I laughed at your comment about the side bar because, in the first draft, it was about a page long and I hated it. I ended up distilling it into this final form, so I'm delighted you took note of it.
this is really interesting and I love that you are mixing the magical and muggle investigative methods.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I can't imagine that Hermione wouldn't hybridize, and there are so many inventions which are like that in the magical world (the Hogwarts Express, for one.) I'm very pleased you're intrigued by it. Thanks!
facinating, absolutely facinating. love your take on the adult trio. great stuff! thanks muchly
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you so much. I really enjoy writing them as adults, with little foibles.
My money is on the other owl he saw, conveniently at dawn, whereas most real owls hunt at night. Great mystery/suspense. I keep thinking of his short list of who knows about that hidden castle entrance and that it opened into the place where Hermoine's cloak suffered malicious owl damage... mmm....I do love your furniture. The sideboard literally groaning and the ottoman craving to be used are far more interesting than talking mirrors. Though I guess it could become rather too PeeWee's Playhouse if it goes too far.I hope your arm is all healed.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
If you had a Hogwarts house, I'd award you points! That's a very astute comment about the timing of the other owl's hunting, and you're quite right. Most owls do hunt at night.The cloakroom was also accessible to students, just in case you were limiting your suspect list. ::grins::Oh. EEEEEWWWW. PeeWee's Playhouse? No, I don't think I would go quite that far. ::shudder::My arm's much better, thanks. Physical thereapy continutes, but it's a true work-in-progress.
Severus is a Strix and a Sanguinarian, check. I'm glad that it turned out that his latent genetic ability kicked in to save his life. And what a clever and unique way to save Severus Snape from his ignominious canon fate. I mean, really, a brilliant Potions master being caught unprepared by the Dark Lord and his pet snake?!Three cheers for Bambu!!! 
As to the investigation, the nature of the gifts continue to suggest that Severus' stalker is female and possibly a Sanguinarian herself. The way the culprit has been able to access certain areas of the castle (like Severus' office) and leave their gifts undetected, strongly suggests that the culprit has an intimate knowledge of the castle's secrets and is someone most would consider above suspicion. Based on this and a couple details from this chapter, the case against my number one suspect appears to be strengthening from my POV. Even if the evidence is, so far, largely circumstantial. I'm really enjoying the chance to play detective/auror along with Hermione and Harry... this story is really fascinating and an absolute joy to read. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
My recipient at the SSHG Exchange wanted him to be a vampire, and I didn't want to go the standard route, so I did some research, and this is what I came up with. I really loved mixing true classical references with this story.I think you might be quite right about your number one suspect, but then again, maybe not. We'll see how it pans out. I can't tell, cause that would be telling!Thanks for such an enthusiastic review.
Thanks for another amazing chapter of this captivating story. I especially love all the speculation the storyline is inspiring. It reminds me of the heady days between GOF & HBP before everything went to Hell in DH!Anyway, I love how Severus and Hermine are already developing their own couples shorthand. Even Harry seems to be noticing and catching on to the chemistry between them. And what's with the electric charge every time they touch going unmentioned? Hmmm.Regarding the mystery, I'm really intrigued by Filch and Pince. They're a really odd pair to be part of the secret 5 in on Snape's deepest secrets. Surely one of them must be closer to Snape than we know and my money's always been on Pince. But that leaves me thinking about Filch. Would Snape trust him simply due to him marrying into the family?? Somehow I doubt it which leaves me stuck in circles!And blaming the stalking on the Headmistress seems too obvious but she's still my #1 suspect. Unless you're about to intoduce us to some long lost spurned member of the Prince/Pince family out for revenge?? See? I love the speculation. Now that I know Snape is a Sanguinarian due to the prompt I can sit back and enjoy the fun - while my thoughts drive in circles! Well done!!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
What a great review. Thank you so much!I had a lot of fun -- challenging but really enjoyable -- weaving all sorts of ideas into this story. I'm delighted that you're you've found so many avenues to drive your thoughts down.As for Filch, I remembered that he always supported Snape in canon, and seemed actually friendly with him. I just sort of elaborated on that.
Ah, finally, Harry and Hermione are in on the secret. His new Patronus makes perfect sense.I would have thought that Hermione would have made it clear to Snape that she and Kingsley were no longer an "item." Perhaps Minerva has divulged that tid bit as well. I am still at a loss as to who could be behind this. Someone we have not met yet? Someone who helped him with Muggle physical therapy in Germany?
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm so pleased you're still curious about the culprit! I can't tell you how pleased; it's one of those things where I wasn't sure if I was too subtle or too obvious. Whew!Poor Hermione; I suspect she was a little dithered by his knowing about her dating Kingsley at all! I really had fun writing Harry in this story; I think he's the closest to mature of the two boys (Ron and Harry.)Thank you for your wonderful comments.
Oh goodness! I'm sending you get well thoughts from Texas, where it is hot and sunny. I don't know why that would be more healing than cool summer days up north, but somehow sunshine and injuries seem to fit together in my mind. (Probably because I manage to avoid them both.)
I have read in the other reviews that this isyour first mystery. it's very good! *****
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Sunshine and injuries do go well together, and my arm is much, much better, if stiff and sore and weak. Still, I've got the next chapter open on my desktop and I'm working through it, doing the final bits and pieces of proofreading.It is, indeed, my first mystery, and it was a real challenge. One I enjoyed, and my cold readers were very, very helpful.Thank you, again, dear Pookah, for letting me know you're enjoying it.
Another wonderful chapter. You have obviously put a great deal of thought and planning into this story, and I am so happy you haved shared it with us. Thank you so much!
The part about the office intriuge and jealousies, and how Percy and Romilda are now allies against Dawlish was supurb.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I did spend a lot of time planning this story, which isn't my normal modus operandi, but because it was a mystery and about vampires, I needed to do quite a lot of research, and I didn't want to err too much on the info-dump side of things. I'm delighted by how much you're enjoying it.Thank you.
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THIS TALE:
Snape's friends being so loyal to him!
Floral tributes to Fred at the vestigial swamp.
The professors comparing Hermione and Severus as youngsters.
Snape has window seats in his quarters. -- and a balcony!
The walking coat rack meeting Severus.
You have carefully worked out your ideas about Penseive memories. Excellent job!
The end was sort of creepy, but it fits in, so altogether, you definitely get five stars for this brilliant tale.
I love this story and am so pleased that my summer excursion (almost entirely sans internet) has given me multiple delightful chapters.
Thank you for this tale, although I generally do not read tales of vampire types.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
You've made me grin this morning ... no little curving of the lips or a full-fledged smile, but an actual grin.I do hope your summer excursion was wonderful, despite the lack of i-net, and I'm thrilled you're enjoying this. I, too, don't usually read vampire-type stories in general, but I make exceptions every now and then.Thank you!
Ah-ha! I was on the right track: blood sucking owl! I like how much research you've put into this work. It's really well done. It adds the extra details that I really enjoy in stories - it feels more authentic. And I'm still upset it's almost over. :( But I'm going to read some of your other stories when I finish so I guess I shouldn't act so put-out.
I must ask, as it has been bothering me, are you, by any chance, a Star Trek: Voyager fan? The use of the name Seven is used for one of their characters Seven-of-Nine. Just wondering. I love all the mystery and subtle humor - it's really a great read. :) It makes me sad that it's half over. :(
I'm just reading through. At first I thought he was an owl (after all, they found an owl in the shack all bloodied up and whatnot) and now I'm thinking it's a bat. But there was an owl in the shack and an owl who flew over Hermione. Was it a large bat? Is there such a thing as a blood sucking owl? Is it a cross breed? It's very interesting and I can't wait to find out! :)
The nuances are so beautifully done in this chapter: smooth, subtle and biting, by turns. It was such a pleasure to read. Your writing gets more sophisticated with time!
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
I'm blushing as a result of your gracious and extremely gratifying compliment. Thank you!
This is a beautifully written story, and I can't wait for it to unfold.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you so much.
I've just begun reading your story, and am really enjoying it. You've some very creative explanations for the battle and its aftermath, and it all works very well. Your writing flows well. A joy to read.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you. I do like to tweak things so they're different than what people might expect.
What a mystery!Has the post of stalker been filled? If it hasn't, then I'd like to apply for the position. LOLGreat writing again, Bambu. Loved the stuff about Cleopatra and Ubasti. Was he flirting with her in the library? 
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you so much. This was my first attempt at a mystery, and I'm thrilled you're enjoying it. I do think, however, that Snape's stalker wouldn't take kindly to competition.Flirting? Why indeed,
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
, I think you do your name proud.
Intriguing story. Looking forward to the next part.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Thank you. I do hope you enjoy it.
Dearest Bambu! Excellent work, as always! I can't wait to read more. I have a couple of ideas of what's happening, although I don't want to say in case I'm wrong OR right, but of course it's going to be exciting either way. I think, and have always felt, you to be one of the better fan fiction writers, and Harbinger just proves it! Lovely.
Response from Bambu (Author of Harbinger)
Oh, my dearest Wickedly Wanton, even after all these years I still think of you as one of the hundred. The first hundred people who encouraged me to write in this fandom. You were amazingly supportive, and I thank you for that. And now I thank you for enjoying this piece too. You've totally made my day!