Trading Spaces

Trading Spaces by Snippy and Snarky can be found at http://www.fanfiction.net/s/1082327/1/ Warning, there is slash in this story.

Trading Spaces is a hilarious well written story that will have you wanting more from these authors. A collaboration between Snippy and Snarky that is funny and has a good plot.

Harry and Hermione, along with the other 7th year prefects are called to Hogwarts early before 7th year. Where they find out that they are going to be prefects for Slytherin not Gryffindor as they had thought. No this is not another Harry sorted into Slytherin story. Dumbledore in his ever present quest to promote inter house cooperation has traded all the prefects to the opposing house. They will live in that house but be able to play Quidditch for both teams equally if on their house team.

Who are the Slytherin prefects? You guessed it Draco Malfoy and Pansy Parkinson are now residing in Gryffindor Tower. While Draco plays a large part we don't see to much of Pansy in this fic. Not only do the Prefects Trade Spaces so to speak but Hermione has to work with a slightly OC Professor Snape and Harry Has daily Aerial Rounds with our favorite bad boy Slytherin. I think we can all see where that's heading. Harry's a bit more sarcastic and the one liners just fly in this fast reading fic. The laughs just get better as the other students return for the year and find out the news. Gryffindors invading the Slytherin table, Snape with his own private Zen Garden, and House Mascots oh my.
You won't want to stop until the end.

Add in the house mascots and you have a hilarious year in the making. Snippy and Snarky are the sarcastic, amusing, candy thief Parselsnakes of Slytherin House and isn't Harry just lucky he can understand them. Draco has to deal with the lofty Griff Gruff the Griffin of Gryffindor. Hazelheart the hippiest badger you'll ever meet resides in Hufflepuff and Rune the know it all eagle of Ravenclaw. Add in Sheldon, The Blackest Magic Ever, book written by Gilderoy Lockheart to make for an amusing supporting cast in this story.

Don't make the mistake that this story is all laughs though. There is a character death in the story so it isn't all humor. Come along to find out about conjoined magic, what side Draco will choose, if the Dark lord can be defeated, and see Hermione start her career as a spy.

While the laughs roll throughout this humorous fic it also has a well thought out plot and serious moments. So if your looking for something humorous that isn't just humor this is the fic for you.

Saving Connor

Saving Connor series by Lightning on the Wave can be found at
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2580283/1/

The Saving Connor series is a 7 story series that is set in the Alternate Universe category of Harry Potter. In this story Lily and James did not die and Harry has a twin thought to be the boy who lived. Harry is raised to be the protector of his brother by being ordinary but things start to go awry when he is sorted into Slytherin instead of Gryffindor. Befriended by Draco Malfoy and mentored by Severus Snape who are not willing to allow Harry to be so ordinary.

This story shows us many glimpses of the childhood that made Harry what he is upon his arrival at Hogwarts. It allows us to journey with Harry throughout his school years as he learns just who and what he is. Lily, James, and Dumbledore are not the quintessential good guys in this tale. I've read many fictions where Harry suffers abuse by the Dursleys, or Lily and James and must say this has to be one of the most original stories I've ever read in this category. The author drags you into the story heart and soul. You will cry at the sadness, feel anger on Harry's behalf, and rejoice at his triumphs.

This series is not for someone wanting a feel good or quick read. Each part is novel length and very detailed. While it does have some humorous and joyful parts you must remember this is the journey of an abused and neglected child breaking free and finding his true power and independence. I recommend this story whole heartedly as it is a great read. I believe it is what every author aspires to. It is suspenseful and gripping, sad and heartening, joyful and mournful, in essence it is life.

A Second Chance at Life

A second chance at life by Miranda Flairgold can be found at http://www.fanfiction.net/s/2488754/1/A_Second_Chance_at_Life

Independent Harry, AU, Adventure

A second chance is an AU Independent Harry Potter story full of original characters, creatures, and abilities. Voldemort calls on assassins to take care of Harry and so he decides to take his life into his own hands and disappear. Harry makes plans, trains, and finds a school to attend outside of Hogwarts and the United Kingdom that will help him with his fight against Voldemort. Journey with Harry as he attends a new school, meets new friends and usual and unusual creatures, learns, does a little time travel, and generally becomes a whole new person.

This is my number one favorite story series. Miranda Flairgold has completed this story and continues it in the second part of what is to be a 3 part series. This is a long story with lots and lots of original characters, creatures, and magic. While this starts out with what you see in many of the clichéd Independent Harry stories do not let that fool you. This is one of the most original stories I have read in Harry potter fan fiction. There are no ships or major romance’s, though the author states when she is done she may go back and rewrite it with some. It’s not very angsty but if you like good battles there are plenty here. She writes some very good battle scenes.

Survival of the fittest is a definite theme to this story from the school Harry attends to the time travel scene through all the battles. While Harry gets new abilities, new magic, and talents he is not a super unbeatable Harry. I think the author is able to very convincingly portray him as human while giving him talents and other abilities. I fell in love with the world she wrote and the characters and creatures she introduced in this fic and I believe you will as well. Not only does she insert very original characters without making Mary sues but she also gives a link to a webpage where she has listed all the original characters and creatures and given a little more info on them.

The story had me on the edge of my seat like any good book or movie and has me still waiting anxiously for updates on her sequel. The characters as rich and full of life as any of the characters in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Unlike so many fics I’ve read where the author has turned Harry into a different person (personality and outlook on life wise) she does it in a manner that is true to life. Harry doesn’t just wake up and bam he’s someone else. You watch him grow and see why and how his opinions and idea’s change. You see him adapt to his new environment with some stops and starts as anyone would have in reality if put in a new situation.

The plot in this is also very original. While destroying Voldemort is a main goal of Harry’s that is just a part of the plot. The plot so far is well thought out and very well written. I’ve read novels from published authors that were less than this story. Miranda Flairgold should definitely consider a career in writing. I would have to give this story a 10 of 10. I’ve read this work at least 12 times now and wait impatiently for the next chapter. If you read any work this year at all make it this one, you will not be disappointed. She has everything you could want in a story right there in one fic. Well unless your heavy into romance fics. There is not much romance. I promise though you wont miss it among the elves and the Fae, the Vampires, and the Werewolfs, the Travel back to an ancient civilization, learning new types of magic, and the battles with old Voldy.

I highly recommend not missing this fic. If I was asked to recommend just one work of fiction this would be it. I would recommend this before any books you could buy from a published author. Before I read this I would have recommended the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan as my all time favorite. I believe Miranda’s writing skill is right there on par with his. This is a highly superb read.

Goblin Conspiracy

Goblin Conspiracy by Loralee1 can be found at http://www.fanfiction.net/s/3347249/1/Goblin_Conspiracy

Independent Harry, AU, General fic

Goblin Conspiracy is an Independent AU Harry Potter Fic. The summer after Harry's 5th year a solicitor shows up at the Dursley's to discuss Sirius's will and his wishes for Harry. After convincing the Dursley's to sign emancipation papers Harry is swept away to Gringott's where he finds the solicitor is a goblin in disguise and they are offering him an alliance. Harry gets training from the goblins and finds a bit of independence in his quest to rid the wizarding world of the dark lord.

While I greatly enjoy many of the cliched Independent Harry stories this doesn't have many of the typical plots. He doesn't have superpowers or every talent known to wizards and while he does have an alliance with the goblins they don't treat him as if he is their best friend, have their undying respect, or any of the other usual goblins love harry plots. There is no Dumbledore is evil or manipulative ranting and angst. While Dumbledore isn't an angel in this fic it's not the typical plots I have been seeing. It's a well written fic with a very decent plot and held my interest until the end. It's a good story for when your in the mood for a lighter read.

If you like independent Harry but want a break from the usual cliche pick up this for a good read. I added it to my favorites to read again myself.

I would rate this a 7 out of 10. It's well written. I didn't see any glaring spelling or grammar mistakes. (Keep in mind I don't look for those. If they pop out or are bad enough they interfere with the read I'll let you know. I have stopped reading stories when the mistakes were so bad I couldn't appreciate the story) The plot was interesting and easy to follow. I was able to feel for the characters and laughed, frowned, clapped at the appropriate places as a good read should make you feel. The plot tied up nice and clean at the end. Overall it was a well written story that I will read again and keep in my favorites and one that is suitable for most ages as well. Loralee1 is a talented writer who I will have to read more of.

The Professional's guide to badgering people.

This story is written by Maya and is housed at fictionalley.org in Riddikulas. http://www.fictionalley.org/authors/maya/TPGTBP01a.html

Humor, Romance

Zacharias Smith is the central character in this story along with Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. This is a humor fic and very funny as far as I am concerned. It is told from the viewpoint of Smith and while it may be OC it is interesting as can be. Zacharias Smith is unimpressed and almost emotionless at times and his shrugging is funny as can be. Draco Malfoy is Sarcastic and clueless. While Harry is portrayed in a somewhat unfavorable light. I love Harry but this story had me rooting for Hufflepuff all the way. It is a short 3 part series containing the sequel Crouching Lion, Hidden Badger, and the last story How the Badger has fallen.

Zacharias Smith, an apathetic Hufflepuff who is unimpressed by most people finds Draco Malfoy to be amusing. He approaches Draco who is rather clueless and innocently evil in this story and they start a friendship which develops into a romance. But why does Harry Potter seem so upset every time he sees Zacharias and Draco together? Is he really just angry because he's thinking of the Dork Lord as he claims? Can this Hufflepuff hold onto his Slytherin or will the "hero" win the day? And will Zacharias do more than shrug if he does?

If you enjoy mocking sarcasm, crazy conspiracy theorists, weird trivial dark lords, and a little romance thrown in this is a great series for some laughs. It's lighthearted and fun even with all the sarcasm and it pokes fun at seriousness. There is no great angst or big battle to defeat evil. Even the evil in this story is rather clueless and crazy. For those not enamored of boy love this story is not for you but if you don't mind give it a go. There is not much detail whatsoever so if your looking for lemons or pwp this isn't for you either. I have this saved in my favorites and it is one of the stories I pull out when I need some lighthearted laughs.

Book Review.

I've decided to change this whatever I felt like talking about blog into a harry potter fanfiction review. Since I love to read fanfiction and do so on a regular basis it works well for me. I will post reviews of my favorite stories and new ones I read. I'm not going to be reviewing for the writer but for readers.

Watch out for new Trojan

A new trojan virus Symantic antivirus has dubbed Trojan.Silentbanker has hit the internet. If you bank online this is definitely something to watch out for. According to PC World this virus silently redirects banking data and sends it to the attackers account. So your making a transaction thinking it is being sent to where you are directing it but it is actually being sent to the attacker. Symantic has dubbed this a low level threat and stated it is easy to remove but that it is a danger because of it's ability to work without being detected. I would recommend doing an updated virus scan before doing any banking business online as well as after. That is what I intend to do.
For more information check out the Symantic website for updates or instructions on how to get rid of this trojan.

Britney Just your average housewife?

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin, Rollers! Has the 50's housewife look come back into season? Right now the pop star doesn't look so glamorous. According to the latest celebrity news she is planning to marry photographer Adnan Ghalib, convert to the Islam religion, and move to Pakistan. Maybe this look is in style there? Maybe with her 3rd marriage she is planning on having a few more kids and settling down to be an average housewife. If we didn't already know Britney was a crazy Hollywood diva she's also interested in Scientology. She'll definitely fit right in with loony Tom Cruise and company.

Dragons, Fire, and Vista oh my!

I just got the new Windowblinds 6.0 and it rocks. They have this skin called Molten that has this awesome animated fire and dragon at the top of the start menu. Plus it has flowing lave down the right side of the start menu and in the title bars.

I'm a sucker for themes and since I bought Vista Home premium back in January most of my themes I had didn't work and there hasn't been a plethora of really good ones for Vista unless you had Ultimate and were able to use dreamscenes animated wallpaper. I can't wait to see what other animated themes people come up with for this.

I spend alot of time on my computer and every couple months I want a new look. I can spend hours looking for themes, logons, skins for firefox and my desktop sidebar. I think I will be happy with this theme for quite awhile though as it absolutely rocks.

Check out Windowblinds 6 from Stardock.com and look at the Molten theme. It is a program you have to buy but you can trial it free for 30 days and see if ya like it or not. You can also see a you tube video showing it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ktW29MVcQw

It's a dogs world

Have you ever seen a fifteen pound Pomeranian hanging by a 100 pound Rottweilers ear? I've gotta tell ya it is one of the funniest sights I've ever seen. We have 3 dogs ruling our house right now. The female Rotti named Nika, A male Pomeranian named Alex, and a little Toy Pom named Louis Vuitton.

Alex and Nika play together and she lets him hang off her ears and jowls without a care. She is so gentle with him too. I was very surprised with how gentle she could be with him. She must know he would break easily even though she's just a puppy herself.

Everyday is an adventure with my dogs. You think you've seen it all and then you get up, get some caffeine and stand at the patio door only to see a little dog hanging from a Rott's ear flying around the backyard.