drgonzo2 posted a comment on Tuesday 9th October 2012 12:44pm for Chapter 7

"Brass Monkeys" is a contraction of the phrase "Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey". This was a common naval saying back in the wooden ship era, when cannonballs were held "at the ready" (by the cannon) in stacks of 4 - 3 as a base, 1 on top. As cannonballs are round and have a tendency to roll away, a triangular brass frame was used to hold the base of the 4-stack - the so-called "Brass Monkey".

As to the 'freezing the balls off' bit, brass and cast iron have differing coefficients of thermal expansion(and contraction). In severely cold weather, both the balls and monkey shrink, but the brass monkey shrinks more than the iron balls do, leading to the balls falling "off" their stack onto the ships deck.

Hence; Cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey = really fuffin' cold...

Cheers... G

supergirl3684 posted a comment on Tuesday 9th October 2012 12:19am for Chapter 7

every man's fantasy! LMAO! GO HARRY!

LOVED it! Melissa did wonderful to get Harry off! And Hermione's parents!? Brilliant!!

dogbertcarroll posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 5:30pm for Chapter 7

Great chapter, the drunken food fight was the high point of the chapter!

Slytherin66 posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 3:48pm for Chapter 7

An outstanding chapter will a bit of everything, a joy to read.

Thanks for the chapter I am glad you are enjoying Scotland even with your poor internet speed, which is unusually slow I live in Scotland and get about 54Mbps. Thanks for not letting a frustratingly slow download speed put you off my homeland.

Gabrielle had to miss Harry terribly and she does give nice and much needed hugs to Harry which I think he would miss also. A very nice moment/reunion. I now think Veela can search souls it would be a useful and necessary skill for a Veela and a child most of all.

I am glad the Sorting Hat got to say something as Harry is the best chance of achieving House Unity before he leaves.

The bone crushing hugs were unexpected but a nice gesture from Crusher and Smasher. It’s nice to see a friendly side to them.

The hug from Fleur was a bonus but I think her sister gives the best hugs of the two.

Squisher could end up with an Order of Merlin for what she did to Snape.

An unusual but welcome twist regarding Dobby but it makes sense he wanted to be free so long to give it up so soon even to be bound to Harry. Tilly will be a good elf, getting Hermione to give up s.p.e.w now that is magic and worthy of an Order of Merlin, an award to the school or a chocolate frog card.

This insult was new to me "A yeasty, hedge-born, foot-licker?" so thanks for that always good to lean new things.

Waving to the Headmaster, brilliant and very funny it takes away some of the awe he inspires which I thing he is not worthy of, people seeing him as a man rather than an icon or Hero will be for the greater good.

Well said and done to Snape, lets hope Albus has hand wash in his office.

Harry giving a big hug while welcome was most unexpected, I wonder if Fred will gloat he got a big hug from Harry and if George will want one too.

Everybody wanting out of the Tournament is a wonderful twist, Snape suffering is a bonus and no more Snape’s will benefit the whole world. Gabrielle won’t want to sleep with anyone else if she can sleep with Harry as he recovers from the night before.

Getting people to wave at Albus every time they seem him could become a new trend, the group waving to him makes it even funnier. If the elves, ghosts and portraits start doing it too, waving to the Headmaster could be a new Hogwarts tradition that lasts for ages. A pity the Sorting Hat can’t wave, maybe a body could be made for it or arms so it can.

Perfect timing for Gabrielle to way up, I am pleased the war was won before she did, she is a lady after all and should not have to witness such horrific warfare.

It was sweet how Harry put Gabrielle to bed; Harry will make an excellent father. She is the ideal person to wake him as he would never be grumpy or angry at her and if she made a fuss he would be up in a second or move mountains for her, as he should he does have the power to.

Well done and said by Olympe, I never thought of it before but Hogwarts really does treat the students like children, the use of points which is largely useless if you or a teacher don’t care about them, pointless detentions and really nothing to do or look forward to as you get older or are a teenager like Balls, parties or even trips.

Good names for the Grangers and a change from the usual.

Sirius will want and treasure the memory of what was done to Snape and the food fight for the rest of his days, he might even want his portrait to remember it or be able to watch it even after death.

I loved how both Minerva and Albus were talked to by the Grangers and what was done to Albus I have always been curious as to what would happen if Harry or another Champion left or refused to take part I am so happy Albus will find out.

Sirius given a trial is good news.

I am so happy for Melissa I really like her the distilled Slytherin Creed was perfect.

Thanks for having Gabrielle glow had she not had the chance to I would have been disappointed. Harry carrying her always makes me smile such a simple act that can mean so much and let Gabrielle feel she is loved.

Some truly impressive skills Harry has, which is fantastic as usually he is so shy or passive. Harry really must have a Veela girlfriend and wife only a Veela could withstand his power and enjoy it without loosing herself.

An excellent end to the chapter, it’s good to be Harry Potter. The Churchill quote is one of my favourites as is Brass Monkeys.

Dale Dietzman posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 11:45am for Chapter 7

If you really don't know about "Brass Monkeys" the full expression is "Cold enough to freeze the balls off of a Brass Monkey", which is why it goes with the Witch's Tit remark, which in full is "Cold as a WItches tIt, in a brass bra, in the middle of February."

If you did not already know these, then I have been able to contribut to your education/corruption.

Uldihaa posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 6:47am for Chapter 7

Chocolate lava cake IS better than sex, or so I'm told by chocolate lovers. Even those that just like chocolate declare it a 'must have' experience. It really is a distillation of everything 'chocolate'. Yay, more Kate. The drunk students scene and overly long gag of waving at Dumbledore was hilarious.

Jenara posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 6:33am for Chapter 7

I absolutely loved this chapter, excellent portrayal of a bunch of happy drunks, as well as getting the better of Bumblebore and Snivellus.

"Hey it's Dumbledore! Everyone wave to him!"

ILikeToRead posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 5:29am for Chapter 7

Great chapter and wonderful to see the results of the party. I was laughing for a long while! Nice of Kate and Rhiannon to pay the debt. Thanks for sharing!

NWL posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 5:20am for Chapter 7

Substitutiary Locomotion: Wow, a Bedknobs and Broomsticks ref. Damn, I feel old. What's next, a shopping trip to Portobello Road? Using a bunch of knights in shining armor to beat up on Death Eaters? Anyway, great work. This is just a wild ride, and the story's there to take us along.

Meg posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 4:07am for Chapter 7

Awesome chapter! Thanks!

I need to email you soon.......anyway.......

Finally, we're at a point where things are fresh to me, so yay! Loved Harry's words at the party after, and once again LOLed through the waving to Dumbledore and Hermione's hippy parents. (I am still embarrased about the whole 'fic search' thing on the old forum that was THIS SCENE no matter how long ago that was.)

Brass monkey - always heard from my grandfather that it was the nickname for the brass contraption that held cannonballs on a ship. When it got really cold, the brass contracted and the cannonballs fell off.....cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. No idea how true, but that's the story from my WWII US Naval grandfather. LOL

Can't wait to read the next one, but have to work in 5 hours so, night!

Heliosion posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 3:52am for Chapter 7

I love this story and your works to keep an account here for it. Such fun are your stories but I pout at how long I have to wait for an update lol but I enjoy what I do get anyway

joeBob posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 3:37am for Chapter 7

Entertaining chapter, except Snape's still alive. Thank you for the update.

Tracy0652 posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 3:04am for Chapter 7

So glad you're writing again - this story makes me laugh :) Thanks - can't wait for the next chapter. I loved the 'get Snape to be expelled' part!!

gara5289 posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 2:19am for Chapter 7

Thank you for an absolutely hilarious chapter. and now i will shamelessly BEG for your next update to be to Konoha's Legion, especially since i think you indicated it is almost over.

Riegert8 posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 2:18am for Chapter 7

This is a very good chapter

mrrlyn posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 2:13am for Chapter 7

Another awesome chapter... even thought you left it hanging at the good part :)

Davideg posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 1:10am for Chapter 7

thank you for sharing this fantastic chapter now onto the next chapter

The Seeker posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 12:55am for Chapter 7

I wish I could live in (most of) the worlds you create! In this one, Harry's friends have epic parties, help bring the bad guys to justice with more to follow, find their perfect mates, are able to excel in what they do best, and are greatly appreciated. It was so much fun reading about these activities and cheering the good guys that I went through several tissues caused by laughing-induced tears. Your writing continues to be amazing. Thanks for writing two more chapters this time. Best, The Seeker

Tumshie posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 12:49am for Chapter 7

Excellent chapter, loving all the fun, and welcome to Scotland too.

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/cold%20enough%20to%20freeze%20the%20balls%20off%20a%20brass%20monkey.html

AngelQueen posted a comment on Monday 8th October 2012 12:21am for Chapter 7

LOVE! This is so awesome! I was cracking up through pretty much the entire chapter! :D Heh, Snape finally got what was coming to him, Dumbledore got served, and someone finally came out and said just how lacking the Hogwarts education is.

Oh, and the Ministry is in for Round 2 of Melissa schooling it. *smirk* Totally looking forward to that. They'll be penniless when she's done with them. ;) Of course, Britain's going to be losing out when all of these amazing people decamp to France. They really WILL be the sheeple of Magical Britain.

Great chapter! Loved it! :)