Inevitable, Harry, Ginny, and the fandom

[mhalachai]

I think I've been spoiled a little, coming from a fandom like Anita Blake, where there doesn't seem to be any canon paring that people rabidly and loudly avoid. I'm not one chapter into the Hogwarts section of Inevitable, and someone has already told me they're done with the story because they don't like Harry/Ginny. (Who is unimportant, and this is not an attack. I suspect several of the non-commenting readers may have the same reaction. I'd like you to stick around, obviously.)

I was wondering if anyone would do this, and I have to say that I'm not shocked, given the nature of the Harry Potter fandom, but it's still a bit of a surprise.

Here's my opinion: It doesn't matter if this story will have aspects of Harry/Ginny. It doesn't matter if this story has aspects of Ron/Hermione, either, because that's not the point. This is a story about Harry and his friends, his enemies, his goals and aspirations. Ultimately, it's entirely about him.

We're 46 chapters in. Harry had one late-night conversation with a girl he's known since he was 12, and who has battled Voldemort since she was 11 years old. I will still continue to tell the story I created before HBP came out.

This isn't an angry, off-the-cuff rant, it's just my thoughts on my story, and HP fandom in general. I was wondering if this would happen after the die-Ginny-die calls started after HBP.

That's all I have to say.

Comments

[dryad-duinath.livejournal.com]

*petpet*

it's a very nice story, I think. I would, as always, love some slash, but I think your story is going where it needs to go. if that makes any sense at all.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Thanks :) It does make sense, and that's totally how I view things.

[houses7177.livejournal.com]

See, this is why I don't really consider myself as part of the HP fandom. Too touchy. I think you're doing a masterful manipulation of Harry in all his forms, and it would be remiss of you to completely ignore the fact that he's a 17 year old horny teen. He just is. To leave any note of this out of the story wouldn't be true to Harry.

But to have a rabid reaction because of some pre-conceived notions about whether pairings should or shouldn't be done? That's insulting to you as a writer. You've sold us on much more out-there things than Harry having a relationship with Ginny, if that is where you go with this. Heck, I'd buy your Harry/Luna or Harry/Jason or Harry/Anita if you threw your efforts into it. But that's because I trust you as an author.

*Grump*

I should also add I'm two chapters behind because I've not been able to devote time to reading since I'm traveling. When I get back though? rowr.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I think having gotten past the point where I sold a HP/Ab cross in the first place, I thought the rest was a given, ya know?

As a reader, I'm less likely to *start* a story where, for example, I'll know it to be Anita/Edward. But I'm also unlikely to drop a story once I've started for a pairing. If the story loses my interest from characterization changes, that's one thing. But this... oh well.

I look forward to seeing what you think of what I've done, when you get a chance to read it.

[denitta.livejournal.com]

I really need to catch up on this fic (as in haven't read 42, catch up), but I wanted to comment to say that that is so sad. This story is awesome in my opinion and to drop the story for such a small point is well, shallow.

Pay them no mind, and please don't change a thing.





*cough*thisiswhyIshipHarry/Draco*cough*

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

You like H/D b/c they are awesome? I agree. As an aside, what I want is one post-HBP H/D story that deals with what Draco did. Any suggestions?

since chapter 42, I've written far too many words to count. I'll slow down for you :)

[cgilmore.livejournal.com]

Me too!

Er... That is to say, I agree with other people making comments here that getting twitchy over Harry/Ginny, much less what actually *appeared* in the last chapter, is just plain silly. I commented elsewhere that I'd like to see it stay relatively relationship neutral, and that kind of reaction is pretty much spot on why.

There are a lot of pairings that just bug me, but I can be sold on given a good author. There are even more that I'm utterly indifferent to, and a few that I enjoy. I don't really identify myself as part of the HP fandom (nor the AB fandom, for that matter), so I don't have a banner to wave nor a 'ship to crusade for. There also aren't any that I'll read just because of it being X/Y - either I'm sold by the plot or not at all.

Anyway, my point is this: It's your story. Tell the story you want to tell. You won't please everyone, but then, you're not supposed to.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

The G/H relationship won't become the story. Harry being Harry will remain the story. It's like, in 20 years when I'm rich and famous, and someone writs my biography, they won't focus on that relationship I had when I was 21. That's sort of what this is.

You won't please everyone, but then, you're not supposed to.
But I still want to. When I get told I'm doing it wrong, I get all twitchy. and defenseive. And slightly over-reactive. But hey.

[whoyouinvent.livejournal.com]

stopping reading now would make as much sense as closing hbp on page 499, never to pick it up again or find out what happens, as soon as "Harry looked around; there was Ginny running towards him...Harry kissed her."

personally, h/g doesn't bother me (although i felt it was a little too predictable, but hey, 16 year olds tend to the predictable) that much. i still love your harry, and want to know what he does with himself. not to mention all of the other characters in your world, which is one of my favourites.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

"Harry looked around; there was Ginny running towards him...Harry kissed her."

maybe if I had a stroke from WTF... you have to admit, it was out of nowhere. But then, teenage hormones.

I think the idea of H/G is predictable, but I hope to take it in a non-predictable direction, if that makes any sense.

[eavling.livejournal.com]

There isn't so much pairing turf warfare in Anita Blake, because Anita's making noises under the covers (and in the bathrooms) with practically everyone...er, almost. But you do have a point.

E.A.V.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

So the solution is clear: Have Harry sleep with everyone. Now *that* would be an interesting story.

[iamabee-buzz.livejournal.com]

Regardless of where my own shippership may lie, I think it's utterly ridiculous to stop reading a story because you don't like a pairing that appears. Unless the only reason you're reading it is for a specific romance...which is completely stupid considering the fact that romantic relationships are only one small part of all the elements that make up the focus of Inevitable...
Whatever. If someone stops reading, it's her loss.

Besides, just between you and me...although I love Harry/Ginny (and Ron/Hermione)...I think even thus far in your fic you've done a better job of establishing those connections than J.K.R. did in HBP. It just makes SENSE. At least, I think so.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I trust, that if it stops making sense, you'll all call me on it. I have no problem with people telling me I'm incoherent -- in fact I encourage it.

Like I said, this isn't a shipper story. It's the tale of one little boy (well, not so little) in his struggle to save the world. Minor thing, that.

Didn't see that coming...

[(Anonymous)]

Wow,
I could care less who hooks up with whom.. (or is that why Ron is so sulky.. he has the hots for Harry? <kidding.. don't shoot!) Just keep writing characters that are true to YOUR story and "themselves". I love it! I think most of us do cause you rock!! Could Dean and Seamus be a couple?? I would not think someone who writes Anita stuff would have a problem with M/M?? the still lame shopteacher guy.. who will open an account.. honest!

Re: Didn't see that coming...

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Heh. No, Ron's not got the hots for Harry, but he is rather jealous of his friend. He keeps coming back to this.

But I digress.

[kyani-no-kokoro.livejournal.com]

I love what you've done with the story so far, and I trust where you're taking it, whatever pairings you do or don't include. Keep it up! ^_^

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Glad you like it, and thanks :)

[silver-venus42.livejournal.com]

I just want you to know that, even if I don't personally like H/G, I support you because you happen to be awesome. Can't wait for the next chapter!

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Thanks. What's important is that the story is working out. I suspect that it is, and plan on keeping it that way :)

[catherinecookmn.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry that you've had to suffer the slings and arrows of certain folk. All I can do is pat you on the shoulder and say "Honest, Mhal, we're really not all like that. Some of us actually made it past puberty.")

The Harry/Hermione 'shippers can be pretty crazed people. They nearly went ballistic when HBP came out! (I myself used to hang out a lot with the SS/HG 'shippers, and while some of them can be pretty wacky, none of them was issuing death threats against JK Rowling for failing to canonically link Snape with Granger.)

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

If JKR had canonically linked Hermione and Snape, I'd have burned her in effigy as Hermione is SIXTEEN and that's not LEGAL.

I want to know what JKR's most squicky pairing is, of all the really popular ones. You know, Harry/Draco, Snape/Hermione, Snarry, Harmony, Wolfstar (all names I learned today, actually, except for Snarry).... what are the others. I'd put Lily/Snape in there, but that's past.

[(Anonymous)]

Shippers in general can be very kooky ;) Myself included.

My opinions on H/G are neither here nor there. Ginny, as a character, doesn't really motivate me to like her or dislike her. What chapter are we up to? 46? To stop reading now just because they 'think' they know how the relationship game is going to be played is really just silly. I think you've established by now that this isn't going to be a ship centered story.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I think you've established by now that this isn't going to be a ship centered story.

I think you captured the thesis of my overhead ramble. Thanks for making that a bit more coherent :)

[rosefyre.livejournal.com]

...

It doesn't surprise me, I suppose, but...

I read all ships. I enjoy all ships. I don't get squicked anymore by pretty much anything.

And a nice, normal relationship involving a boy and girl of approximately the same age who have definite chemistry?

Is not a cause to go all crazy.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I tend to get squicked by twincest, but that's about it.

Nice normal relationship for Harry... can you tell things will go boom?

Your icon's really neat. I'm a huge fan of teh_indy's work.

[az-anneliese.livejournal.com]

What really matters is the story and the quality of the author's work, not the pairings. For example, I generally do not like Dawn as a character but I love 'Mind the Gap'. You are that good of a storyteller. Period.

Now I, like your reviewer, am not fond of the Harry/Ginny thing but that will not stop me from reading this fic. In fact, I'd just like to say that the latest chapter has been my favorite one that I have read in awhile. I am in deep with this fic, I've read all 46 chapters of it. That one thing happens that I don't normally like does not offend me. You are not writing this fic to my or anyone elses specific preferences - you are writing it for yourself (I'm assuming at least).

Anyway, from what I understand you are trying to write according to cannon. I didn't stop reading HP book 6 because I don't like Harry/Ginny and I won't stop reading your fic either.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I'm not trying to write to canon, per say, at the expense of other things, but I'm trying to do something specific with Harry's character. It fits with the Harry/Ginny angle, but that's not all that will be happening.

It might interest you to know that I really didn't like Dawn either until I began writing my first Dawn-Centric fic, Any Given Tuesday. Having to focus on her character really helped me change my perspective and realize why I wasn't a fan of her in season 7. It helped me realize something about the way I view media, as well, which was a bit of a revelation :)

[child-labor.livejournal.com]

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

if you'd stated in the first chapter that Harry was going to end up with Ginny

There's a reason I didn't do that, which is that it's not going to end up quite that way. But at the same time, I can't go and say "It's going to be Harry/Squid! Don't worry about Ginny!" Looking back on today, I think that's what's bothering me in part, and I have made an utter mess of trying to explain that.

Generally, my issue with canon H/G was that it seemed like JKR was thinking about it, got caught up in the rest of the story, realized she'd forgotten about it and just kinda crammed it into HBP where she thought it would fit.

I am *exactly* the same way. The whole Ginny/Harry part of HBP felt like an utter afterthought, as if her editor told her, "Doesn't Harry have a girlfriend?" and JKR went back and changed a few lines to suit. It fell flat, in my mind.

As the first Harry Potter-centric chapter, it turned out very well

Thanks. I was rather worried about, to be frank. Writing in the "Anita" world for so long, then switching to Harry's world. He's trying to fit back in, too, so I think I have a tiny bit of leeway. He's always sort of been an outsider in the Wizarding world, never fitting in, that Anita's world was so new and like home to him (an outcast in a large family of outcasts).

Anyway, next chapter soon. Harry's off to the races! Or maybe just Hagrid's :)

[tienriu.livejournal.com]

Here here [cheers]

Not because I ship any pairing in particular but because sometimes the story is about MORE than teeny-bopper love... (even if I am hoping quietly for Nathaniel/Harry =)

Follish mortals!!!

[(Anonymous)]

Oh gosh, I cant stand people who only hold very strict ideas for couples in fanfiction. I mean isn't the whole point of fanfiction allowing one writer to create his own story in another mans setting. Always seemed silly when people mock certain couples as unrealistic, or unlikely to occur when real life just ain't like that. Good on you Mr Mhalachai, if you feel the story evolving to go the Luna route, or even the much hyped Ginny road go for it. Most of your fans will still be here patiently waiting the next read. Cheers :)

Shezmania

[maeglinyedi.livejournal.com]

I'll be honest with you. I don't like Harry/Ginny. I don't like it at all. Mostly because I find Ginny an unpleasant character (at least the way JKR wrote her in HBP) and therefore she doesn't interest me much. This means I don't go looking for Harry/Ginny centric fics. I avoid them as much as I can.

Now, does this mean I'll stop reading your story just because you might throw in a bit of Harry/Ginny on the side? Hell no. I'm here for the story, not for any pairing that will or won't happen. Should you suddenly change this story into a Harry/Ginny centric fic (meaning that anything that happens from now on is centered around their relationship), I might eventually throw in the towel. But as long as it's a relationship on the side (much like we saw it in HBP), I'll happily continue reading, and I suspect that's the direction you're taking this story in.

I was very pleased that Harry also noticed how beautiful Luna was in chapter 46. That made me quite happy, since I adore Luna as a character. Perhaps I can hope for a little Harry/Luna on the side. Anyway, it's your story, meaning you can write it however you want, and I'm enjoying it far too much to give it up over one minor thing I'm not interested in. :-)

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Should you suddenly change this story into a Harry/Ginny centric fic (meaning that anything that happens from now on is centered around their relationship), I might eventually throw in the towel.

Don't worry, won't happen.
But as long as it's a relationship on the side (much like we saw it in HBP), I'll happily continue reading, and I suspect that's the direction you're taking this story in.

Yup :)

I was very pleased that Harry also noticed how beautiful Luna was in chapter 46. That made me quite happy, since I adore Luna as a character.

As do I. Luna's a fascinating character and I do hope she'll have a larger role in the last book. But I can certainly guarantee that she'll be all over this fic.

[sabriel-0405.livejournal.com]

Obviously, I've commented backwards to your entries. But...

I have no problem with Harry/Ginny. It seemed to be a natural progression to me, though I personally think he'd be a better fit with Luna. But Luna, right now, is more emotionally mature than Harry. Ginny is about his speed.

I would disagree with your assertion that there isn't canon pairing that people dislike in AB. Richard/Anita, still a valid pairing, isn't appreciated by many. Laurell, however, really doesn't care. She's writing the book she wants to write and there are times that Anita/Richard feel right.

You are writing the story that you want to write. Though it is AU HBP, it also felt right, felt true. It's hard when someone disagrees with something you've written. It's harder still when they are irrational about it. But you are not responsible for how someone else feels about a world that you are borrowing or a world that you've created.

The die-Ginny-die calls are no different from the die-Micah-die calls. I thought those were wrong too. But then, I liked Micah from his first appearance on stage. Everyone has a different take on what "should" happen. Most of them are frustrated writers who would rather rant than write.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I agree with you about Harry being a better fit, emotionally, with Luna in many ways. But Luna's a bit of a wild card, to Harry, while Ginny comes from a familiar place, and has an edge of stability to her. I read an essay once that did a great job of explaining how it makes sense for Harry to be interested in Ginny, because with her comes a ready-made family who likes him. He has a place there.

I forgot about the Anita/Richard hate, as well as the die-Micah crowd, although I think some people are starting to warm up to the idea of Micah, judging by the "I'll read Miach, even if I hate it!" It's a start.

As always, thanks :)

[(Anonymous)]

I lurk a little--I'm Mari at TTH, and sorry to intrude, but, well, here goes. I'm not quite one of those "Anita's a slut and I will no longer read her because sex is bad" people. I don't mind a little smut in my reading. I do feel a little cheated, though. I want more plot. If given a choice between a book with a really interesting, tight plot, and graphic descriptions of someone's sex life, I'll go with the plot. The last couple books have felt like LKH has had a mental conversation that went "Wrap up that plot or have more sex? Plot? Sex? Plot? Sex? Don't be silly! Of course it's sex!" I just wish that she'd gone "Plot" more often. It would make for a better story.
Mari

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I think at one point, in her blog, LKH joked about getting a t-shirt made up for Incubis Dreams that said "plot called on account of sex". ID was a little.... much. But I'll keep reading until the cows come home. Considering I live in the city, I'll be reading a long time :)

thanks for stopping by.

[cissasghost.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm not much of a Harry/Ginny fan .. don't hate it outright, but I don't quite see the chemistry either . . and you know I'm sticking with Inevitable regardless. At this point in the story, if you made it Harry/Giant Squid, I'd probably keep reading just to see if you could pull it off.

But I can sympathize with someone being bothered by a 'ship, or absence of a 'ship, or their OTP being broken up, whatever. I did stop reading a friend's fic once because the relationships portrayed (which heavily influenced the plot, btw, it wasn't necessarily just the pairings it was how they were written) just *bothered* me. It wasn't badly written, it was in fact very well-written, very in-character and very believable. The person in question did nothing "wrong" as a writer - no OOC, no implausibility, etc. It was just that I identify with certain characters in certain ways, and what was happening in the story was genuinely getting to me in a making-me-depressed sort of way. And real life does a good enough job of that, so, yeah, didn't finish the story. I felt badly, as I know this person put a great deal of effort into the story (and is probably reading this, so I hope they're not bothered by my using the example). But, it just bugged me too much.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that while I do get your protestations that it's just not *about* that and it's vaguely silly to stop reading a story you've invested 46 chapters worth of reading time in 'cause you don't like this one little bitty aspect .. on the other hand people are involved in fandom at all in the first place because they're highly emotionally invested in the characters. If they didn't care, they wouldn't be here. What exactly that means in terms of how they view the characters, is going to vary. A lot.

You may know your story isn't all about Harry's love life, but you don't know what Harry represents in your reader's head, or Ginny. So, I wouldn't take it too personally or get too offended (or think that you could possibly write it well enough to convince folks of the 'ship, or even that the 'ship doesn't matter - because odds are their leaving has nothing whatsoever to do with your story, and a whole hell of a lot to do with their own lives and what they're getting, or looking for, out of fanfic).

-Sonya

[lady-addiction.livejournal.com]

Shouldn't really comment on Harry/Ginny since I've been dreading it ever since I started wondering as to who was JKR's likely partner for Harry. I'm still of the opinion that she probably wouldn't have put an official pair if it weren't for the fact that there were so many people who want to know and got all uptight over it.

I'd still read your fic because it's got great characterization of Harry. Your Harry really comes across as a teenage boy to me, and your AB characters are also extremely well-handled. I have to admit I'm rather glad though that the romance is not the major part.

Actually, for some reason, as I was reading this fic, I had always thought that you would make it slash or gen. Even with the hints that Harry likes girls, I still thought he'd be more bi than straight or that they would just remain hints---nothing overt. I wonder if maybe that's part of why some people took umbrage on the pairing, because you didn't mark your pairings or likely pairings clearly (or I didn't see any markings) and they started developing expectations otherwise.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

Even if the story has aspects of H/G, that's not going to be all. I've got a twist planned in a couple of chapters.

Not sure what "gen" mean in the HP fandom, but the story's not going to be focussing on a specific, romatic relationship. It'll focus on all of Harry's relationships, with his friends and his enemies and with himself. If that makes any sense.

Glad

[(Anonymous)]

I'm one of those non-commenting readers (well, I was), but I'm glad to hear that you are ignoring that particular reader. While I can accept that someone may not like a particular pairing in a story, that does not give anyone the right to question the way that an author may tell that story.

It is a privilege to read a well written piece of fiction, and I feel deeply privileged that you want to share your tale with us.

Re: Glad

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I'm ignoring the sentiment, not the reader so much. It was the concept, which I've seen echoed in the HP fandom, that a hint of pairing will make a person stop a previously enjoyed fic.

I'm glad you're enjoying the story, feel free to come back anytime :)

[laney-1974.livejournal.com]

It's aspects about the HP fandom like this that makes me shake my head in wonder. I don't understand why someone would want to abandon a great story just because of hints of H/G.

I just don't get.

[mhalachaiswords.livejournal.com]

I can understand not starting a story that's going to be a shipping story (I for one just can't bring myself to start a Xander/Spike story.... ever), but this isn't a story about how Harry and Ginny fall madly in love and that one true love will defeat Voldemort and make the world safe for puppies. It's a very different story.

Anyway, yeah.

[epona34.livejournal.com]

I found a new AB-HP xover for your list: It's kirallie's New Family

Will be Anita/ Jean-Claude/Richard, Anita/Micah, Asher/Nathaniel and some other pairings eventually. After the death of his godfather, Harry recieves a startling letter. Deciding to take an active part in his own life he leaves England to search out his sole remaining relative in St. Louis, a second cousin he's never met and who has just lost his entire family. How will Richard Zeeman react to this strange, magic weilding cousin?

http://www.mediaminer.org/fanfic/view_st.php?id=108045&submit=View