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James Potter
Harry's First Christmas
Takes place during the holiday before Voldemort's attack on Harry Potter's home in Godric's Hollow.
18 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
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3882 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 4, 2012
I like it when Lippert writes about the Potter world. It suits me because I don't want to let Harry Potter go.
My favorite line in the story was by Snape: "Really, Potter,” the voice of the newcomer drawled, “You should try to learn some new spells”.
I don't know why, but I feel like Lippert really does a great job on portraying the Potter characters and it's sort of easy to fall back into that world again.
My favorite line in the story was by Snape: "Really, Potter,” the voice of the newcomer drawled, “You should try to learn some new spells”.
I don't know why, but I feel like Lippert really does a great job on portraying the Potter characters and it's sort of easy to fall back into that world again.
May 11, 2014
I didn't like this at all as I felt there were too many things wrong with it that didn't fit with the Harry Potter books. These are a couple of my issues.
Firstly, If at this point Snape had indeed turned spy for Dumbledore, secrecy is vital and he would NOT have hinted to his arch enemy James Potter that he was doing dangerous work to keep him and Lily safe. If word of his spying got back to Voldemort Snape would be dead, and Dumbledore already knew that there was a spy in the Order. Snape and Dumbledore would have kept that between themselves. I doubt Snape would have been following Lily all over the place is such an obvious manner or referring to her as Evans.
In the prisoner of Azkaban, Sirius admits that he and James chose to secretly change from Sirius to Wormtail as Secret Keeper because they suspected Remus of being the spy. In this book it indicates that Wormtail has been approached for the task already, so Remus must already be a suspect. So would you really let him babysit Harry while you go shopping? And would Sirius have gone for a run leaving the suspected traitor with Harry and only Wormtail for protection? Doubtful.
The scene where the Death Eaters catch Wormtail is highly unlikely. I think if Voldemort wanted to get him on side, he wouldn't be grabbing him with his friends so close by in animal form and able to sniff out their known enemies.
It also looks as if events aren't in the right timeline. If they know about the prophecy should they not already be in hiding instead of shopping in Diagon Alley where any wizard can see them? It says they are living in Godric's Hollow yet no Secret Keeper has yet been put into place so they can't be hiding yet. So does that mean Dumbledore lets them live there for a while then tells them to pick a Secret Keeper and then hide in Godric's Hollow again? If they are meant to be hiding they're not doing a very good job of it with Remus the alleged spy in their house, them out shopping and Snape able to follow them!
It was also billed as Harry's first Christmas yet we barely see him in it!
There are just too many plot holes here for me to have enjoyed this read. I get that this is fan fiction but it needs to fit in with the characters that JK Rowling wrote and I don't believe it delivers on that score.
Firstly, If at this point Snape had indeed turned spy for Dumbledore, secrecy is vital and he would NOT have hinted to his arch enemy James Potter that he was doing dangerous work to keep him and Lily safe. If word of his spying got back to Voldemort Snape would be dead, and Dumbledore already knew that there was a spy in the Order. Snape and Dumbledore would have kept that between themselves. I doubt Snape would have been following Lily all over the place is such an obvious manner or referring to her as Evans.
In the prisoner of Azkaban, Sirius admits that he and James chose to secretly change from Sirius to Wormtail as Secret Keeper because they suspected Remus of being the spy. In this book it indicates that Wormtail has been approached for the task already, so Remus must already be a suspect. So would you really let him babysit Harry while you go shopping? And would Sirius have gone for a run leaving the suspected traitor with Harry and only Wormtail for protection? Doubtful.
The scene where the Death Eaters catch Wormtail is highly unlikely. I think if Voldemort wanted to get him on side, he wouldn't be grabbing him with his friends so close by in animal form and able to sniff out their known enemies.
It also looks as if events aren't in the right timeline. If they know about the prophecy should they not already be in hiding instead of shopping in Diagon Alley where any wizard can see them? It says they are living in Godric's Hollow yet no Secret Keeper has yet been put into place so they can't be hiding yet. So does that mean Dumbledore lets them live there for a while then tells them to pick a Secret Keeper and then hide in Godric's Hollow again? If they are meant to be hiding they're not doing a very good job of it with Remus the alleged spy in their house, them out shopping and Snape able to follow them!
It was also billed as Harry's first Christmas yet we barely see him in it!
There are just too many plot holes here for me to have enjoyed this read. I get that this is fan fiction but it needs to fit in with the characters that JK Rowling wrote and I don't believe it delivers on that score.
January 31, 2018
Far better than its first part. Very nice adaptation and fine retelling.
I am very amazed at the way it is been told in comparison to what was stated in its first part. Story plot connecting to Potter has always been enjoying.
Poor Severus, friend-zoned by Lily. But his predicaments regarding the safety of Harry were so true; as Lily said, "You can hate the choices I’ve made, but don’t hate what I love. Use what you know to protect him. You don’t owe me anything, but if you ever really cared for me, turn that care over to him. He may need it more than I ever did. Please, Severus."
Enjoyed the content and feel good for it. Would Love to read the next part soon; hopefully in continuity.
For me its: 4.0/5.0
I am very amazed at the way it is been told in comparison to what was stated in its first part. Story plot connecting to Potter has always been enjoying.
Poor Severus, friend-zoned by Lily. But his predicaments regarding the safety of Harry were so true; as Lily said, "You can hate the choices I’ve made, but don’t hate what I love. Use what you know to protect him. You don’t owe me anything, but if you ever really cared for me, turn that care over to him. He may need it more than I ever did. Please, Severus."
Enjoyed the content and feel good for it. Would Love to read the next part soon; hopefully in continuity.
For me its: 4.0/5.0
October 15, 2014
J. K. Rowling may have given Harry Potter life and a voice, but G. Norman Lippert has given voice to the previous generation in this booklet, James and Lily, Sirus and Remus and to the next generation in the James Potter series. He follows the original perfectly without a catch in the voice, you would swear it was the same author!
This small book gives a little insight into the first Christmas, just before James and Lily were killed. You see the deep friendship between James, Sirus and Remus. You can understand Pettigrew's seduction into being tempted to give them up, and there is a brief encounter with Lily and Servus.
It just fills in what you have probably already imagined in your head would have been happening, but it is enjoyable to read it.
This is fan-fiction, which means that this book is free to anyone. You can download it from Goodreads or from the authors website for free, he can not sell it. A link to the website is: Harry's First Christmas. Also all of his James Potter books are free because they are fan fiction, thus it takes him longer to write them since he still has to pay the bills somehow. So this is my soapbox speech, if you read any of the fan-fiction and enjoy it, support the author and buy some of his other works so that he can continue to give us the fan-fiction. I do, and I really want more James Potter books.
This small book gives a little insight into the first Christmas, just before James and Lily were killed. You see the deep friendship between James, Sirus and Remus. You can understand Pettigrew's seduction into being tempted to give them up, and there is a brief encounter with Lily and Servus.
It just fills in what you have probably already imagined in your head would have been happening, but it is enjoyable to read it.
This is fan-fiction, which means that this book is free to anyone. You can download it from Goodreads or from the authors website for free, he can not sell it. A link to the website is: Harry's First Christmas. Also all of his James Potter books are free because they are fan fiction, thus it takes him longer to write them since he still has to pay the bills somehow. So this is my soapbox speech, if you read any of the fan-fiction and enjoy it, support the author and buy some of his other works so that he can continue to give us the fan-fiction. I do, and I really want more James Potter books.
December 19, 2019
Que feliz me ha hecho leer éste relato!!
A parte de las fechas en las que estamos, es todo un gustazo volver a ver a los personajes de mi saga favorita, especialmente a "quejicus", 🤩EVER.
Pese a ser un breve Fanfic a modo de precuela, lo recomiendo totalmente a los fans de la saga. Os hará sonreir sin duda.
A parte de las fechas en las que estamos, es todo un gustazo volver a ver a los personajes de mi saga favorita, especialmente a "quejicus", 🤩EVER.
Pese a ser un breve Fanfic a modo de precuela, lo recomiendo totalmente a los fans de la saga. Os hará sonreir sin duda.
December 5, 2018
Cute story.
October 29, 2012
It’s been a while since I read the first James Potter book. At that time, I wasn’t that much interested in finishing the series because I still had a terrible hangover from the Harry Potter series. I couldn’t quite accept that it’s finally over, both the books and the movies.
I can’t exactly remember how I first found out about Lippert’s stories. (That’s actually the first time I learned about Fan Fiction! Haha! Such a loser!) I liked the first James Potter, but not as much as HP. So I didn’t continue with the second book.
Now a few days ago, I happened to visit Lippert’s site and saw his short stories. Then, all my HP fan days came rushing back to me! :D I had to finish the other series I was reading before starting with this collection of short stories, starting with Harry’s First Christmas.
Now after my sort-of-long-and-unimportant prologue, I’m gonna give my verdict.
I wasn’t satisfied with it. :( I was looking for something about Harry’s first Christmas, but I wasn’t able to find it (though I’m not sure what it was... I think I wanted something fun and amazing and special and magical).
For such a happy title, the story isn’t that happy. Actually, I think it is gloomy. I wasn’t able to imagine Harry enjoying his Christmas. All I saw was the soon terrible incident that would befall the Potter family. It would have been better if it was 50-50, like 50% happy and 50% sad to make it balanced, but it’s more like 10-90. :(
Now it’s time for me to read the second short story. Hope it’s a lot better than this one!
I can’t exactly remember how I first found out about Lippert’s stories. (That’s actually the first time I learned about Fan Fiction! Haha! Such a loser!) I liked the first James Potter, but not as much as HP. So I didn’t continue with the second book.
Now a few days ago, I happened to visit Lippert’s site and saw his short stories. Then, all my HP fan days came rushing back to me! :D I had to finish the other series I was reading before starting with this collection of short stories, starting with Harry’s First Christmas.
Now after my sort-of-long-and-unimportant prologue, I’m gonna give my verdict.
I wasn’t satisfied with it. :( I was looking for something about Harry’s first Christmas, but I wasn’t able to find it (though I’m not sure what it was... I think I wanted something fun and amazing and special and magical).
For such a happy title, the story isn’t that happy. Actually, I think it is gloomy. I wasn’t able to imagine Harry enjoying his Christmas. All I saw was the soon terrible incident that would befall the Potter family. It would have been better if it was 50-50, like 50% happy and 50% sad to make it balanced, but it’s more like 10-90. :(
Now it’s time for me to read the second short story. Hope it’s a lot better than this one!
November 15, 2016
When it comes to story involving James and Lily, my expectations are usually high. Maybe thats the reason why I wasn't much impressed by this short-story. I also felt that the chemistry between The Marauders and also between James-Lily was lacking.
Moreover, the story is not much about Harry's first Christmas as the title suggests. I know, I know, the world wasn't very Christmassy back then because of Lord Voldemort's threat but they (The Marauders, Lily and Harry) were all together and I think, in spite of the dark times they would be happy, there would be laughter, there would be gifts and other typical normal Christmassy stuff.
Also, I don't think anyone would know about Snape helping Dumbledore to protect the Potters. I mean, he concealed that information and made Dumbledore conceal it too. He would especially never want James to know that he was actually on their side! It is out of character for Snape!
Anyway, it was not a very enjoyable read for me.
Moreover, the story is not much about Harry's first Christmas as the title suggests. I know, I know, the world wasn't very Christmassy back then because of Lord Voldemort's threat but they (The Marauders, Lily and Harry) were all together and I think, in spite of the dark times they would be happy, there would be laughter, there would be gifts and other typical normal Christmassy stuff.
Also, I don't think anyone would know about Snape helping Dumbledore to protect the Potters. I mean, he concealed that information and made Dumbledore conceal it too. He would especially never want James to know that he was actually on their side! It is out of character for Snape!
Anyway, it was not a very enjoyable read for me.
May 11, 2015
I loved the Harry Potter series and wish there were dozens more stories and books in the series. Until I read G. Norman Lippert's work, I never expected anyone to write on Rowling's level. His James Potter books are amazing and I always find myself wondering how someone could write someone else's story so well that you feel as if it's part of the original story. In Harry's First Christmas, Lippert again goes beyond the story and gives us details that enhance the original story and feel as if they belong there. I hope there are more books to come - or that I'll see some of his work at myhogwarts.com once term starts!
January 30, 2014
It should not be considered as a book. It's the short story story indeed. Being a die hard fan of J.K Rowling I am not suppose to tell any other writer 'well done' for writing a story about Harry or anything related to HP,still like this one because of giving a chance to see the other side of the mirror in a new way. Hating peter petregrew is fair enough, but the reasons behind his betrayal were no one's consent and GNL just brought the a glimpse of that side. Though there was not anything about Harry's first Xmas in details so the title got an 'O' from me, but I can give the writer a high five for writing a well build fan fic.
August 17, 2013
The calm before the storm; how things were before tragedy struck.
Very short, but well written with all the significant players mentioned. A very apt prequel, that one would likely nod and say, "so that's what happened..."
Very short, but well written with all the significant players mentioned. A very apt prequel, that one would likely nod and say, "so that's what happened..."
June 28, 2017
Harry squealed a happy baby sound and stretched in his mother’s arms. He was too young to know it, but he was content. All was well with the world. All around were comforting faces and loving sounds. It was warm and wonderful in the cottage that was his world, and his belly was soon to be full. Time didn’t mean anything to such a tiny baby, and that was good. All that mattered was the moment, and the moment, while it lasted, before the world changed once again, was absolutely perfect. As far as baby Harry was concerned, the moment could last forever.
August 26, 2012
Harry First Christmas
A Marauders Christmas Story
See what I mean? How could I ever say "no" to the Marauders? So, while I'm not a huge fan of the fanfiction universe, I read this having just finished another short story from the same author about the founders (which I must admit I rather enjoyed) Link: Merlin's Gift
Spoilers ahead!
I have to write this! I LOVED the small references everywhere! Especially the one about Fred and George (who have been mentioned as being capable of giving some of the marauders "a run for their money") and how one of them tried to slip a zonko bomb in James' pocket. And there was even a mention of the incident in that short story Jo Rowling had written about the marauders! *reminisces*
Alright, now that that's out of my system, on with the review. Maybe this is just the Potter dork in me struggling with this, but there were a few things that just didn't feel right. For starters, the conversation between Severus and James and the latter talking about the former being the next Potions Master. This was a secret arrangement and there's no way the Potters could've known about this. And even if they did, I highly doubt Severus would confront them out in the open where his cover could be blown. To be honest, the entire conversation bothered me. They were just too... civil to each other. Haha, maybe that's the part that felt weird.
There's also the fact that Severus kept talking to Lily as "Evans" which, as far as I can remember (and I could be wrong) he never did.
Oh well. Must remember this isn't by Jo Rowling.
Like with the other story, it was well-written, and enjoyable as well. The author really did try to stick to the original essence of the characters (for the most part) which I'm grateful for - I really do enjoy reading about them. A good read and very good for something that's written by another fan.
A Marauders Christmas Story
See what I mean? How could I ever say "no" to the Marauders? So, while I'm not a huge fan of the fanfiction universe, I read this having just finished another short story from the same author about the founders (which I must admit I rather enjoyed) Link: Merlin's Gift
Spoilers ahead!
I have to write this! I LOVED the small references everywhere! Especially the one about Fred and George (who have been mentioned as being capable of giving some of the marauders "a run for their money") and how one of them tried to slip a zonko bomb in James' pocket. And there was even a mention of the incident in that short story Jo Rowling had written about the marauders! *reminisces*
Alright, now that that's out of my system, on with the review. Maybe this is just the Potter dork in me struggling with this, but there were a few things that just didn't feel right. For starters, the conversation between Severus and James and the latter talking about the former being the next Potions Master. This was a secret arrangement and there's no way the Potters could've known about this. And even if they did, I highly doubt Severus would confront them out in the open where his cover could be blown. To be honest, the entire conversation bothered me. They were just too... civil to each other. Haha, maybe that's the part that felt weird.
There's also the fact that Severus kept talking to Lily as "Evans" which, as far as I can remember (and I could be wrong) he never did.
Oh well. Must remember this isn't by Jo Rowling.
Like with the other story, it was well-written, and enjoyable as well. The author really did try to stick to the original essence of the characters (for the most part) which I'm grateful for - I really do enjoy reading about them. A good read and very good for something that's written by another fan.
February 12, 2013
Just a little story, more of the Marauders than of Harry himself. But still quite enjoyable.
I loved how the Weasley's were mentioned, and the "twins" up to their usual tricks. And how several main characters are mentioned or have a part in it.
A few things stood out to me, though.
When Lily is speaking about stores catering to witches and wizards, she thinks about her father referring to them at "Diagon Alley Run Offs". Though I was very much convinced that neither of her parents knew anything about the Wizarding World until Lily got her letter. They were proud, but she was not a pure blood or even half blood. So it struck me as odd that we father would know enough about it. Though, after reading the series many, many times through I may still be wrong.
I also found the run in with Snape odd, I just didn't see that being something he needed to when he was very much in the middle of two sides. But it obviously turned out okay.
This is Rowling's work so I can't expect it to go along perfectly. But being the Potternerd I am, I couldn't help but notice.
It was a short inside look at what life for the Potters and the Marauders was like right before everything started.
I loved how the Weasley's were mentioned, and the "twins" up to their usual tricks. And how several main characters are mentioned or have a part in it.
A few things stood out to me, though.
When Lily is speaking about stores catering to witches and wizards, she thinks about her father referring to them at "Diagon Alley Run Offs". Though I was very much convinced that neither of her parents knew anything about the Wizarding World until Lily got her letter. They were proud, but she was not a pure blood or even half blood. So it struck me as odd that we father would know enough about it. Though, after reading the series many, many times through I may still be wrong.
I also found the run in with Snape odd, I just didn't see that being something he needed to when he was very much in the middle of two sides. But it obviously turned out okay.
This is Rowling's work so I can't expect it to go along perfectly. But being the Potternerd I am, I couldn't help but notice.
It was a short inside look at what life for the Potters and the Marauders was like right before everything started.
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October 14, 2013THIS WAS AMMMMMAZZING! I am such a HP dork but I really wish that there were more HP books. I cannot understand why anyone would ever want to stop reading HP!!! I just wish J.K. Rowling would write more, unfortunately I don't think she will. This author did a phenomenal job of mimicking her style and I had imagine James and Lily to be just as they were described in this story! I thought that the description and thoughts about Peter Pettigrew were so well done! BRAVO! I am so happy to have been able to read this genius story! I BEG YOU DON'T STOP WRITING! You are such an expert with HP and you seem to possess the very same writing style as J.K. Rowling as well.
February 20, 2014
This is 5 enjoyable stars for me. Short, fun and refreshing read.
I really dig this one..and this is not even a J.K. Rowling book. Literally the title says, Harry's first christmas but the story revolves around everyone James and Lily, Severus, Remus, Pettigrew and Sirius and a little bit of Harry.
I do hope they made a book that was written in Severus POV. I am a bit curious of the way he thinks, acts and everything. I just thought he is a tad bit lonely.
Wishing for James and Lily, Sirius and Snape's POV.
I really dig this one..and this is not even a J.K. Rowling book. Literally the title says, Harry's first christmas but the story revolves around everyone James and Lily, Severus, Remus, Pettigrew and Sirius and a little bit of Harry.
I do hope they made a book that was written in Severus POV. I am a bit curious of the way he thinks, acts and everything. I just thought he is a tad bit lonely.
Wishing for James and Lily, Sirius and Snape's POV.
March 20, 2012
AWESOME!!!!! This is going to be a good book to read. Harry First Christmas would be one of the thing I want to read bout. I am a big Harry Potter fan. It is cool he did have written this story on Harry's first Christmas.
August 29, 2012
I liked this. Feel the Author has really studied Rowling, so he has a good feel for the characters. This short story fits with the others, and I will be reading his other Potter books. Well done, Mr. Lippert!
June 19, 2013
Very well written.Harry's First Christmas and that too almost perfect.I only wish Snape would have joined Harry and his family for Christmas dinner. He seemed so lonely. Nevertheless, i enjoyed the 12 pages thoroughly. Thank you once again G.Norman Lippert for an excellent piece.
December 2, 2013
simply beautiful yet too short!!!! :((((((
i miss them all, too!!!!!
i miss them all, too!!!!!
January 30, 2014
It's conspicuously weird how I gobble up anything with Harry Potter's name on it!
November 1, 2016
Nice for a very short story.
August 7, 2012
Extremely short, but quite nice.
November 5, 2017
Hmm, this is an interesting short story. First off, I tend to avoid Harry Potter fanfic. Simply because one cannot match Rowling's style and voice. Since I am reading a fan fiction about James Potter, by this same author, I decided to read this short story in spirit of the upcoming holiday season. Overall, 3 stars because I simply liked it. Not crazy about it, yet it wasn't "bad." His writing is good (I'd probably give this 4 stars it wasn't based off of Rowling's story), but his writing is nothing like Rowling's.
**side note**: his writing does seem to match Rowling's in the James Potter fan fiction that I am currently reading.
**side note**: his writing does seem to match Rowling's in the James Potter fan fiction that I am currently reading.
January 21, 2025
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I’m a sucker for all things HP. however, with that being said, I don’t know if I can read any more of these. They seem to be so well written that I don’t want anything to stick in my brain and overwrite what is real vs fanfic.
With that being said, if you want a great story, this is 10000% for you!
With that being said, if you want a great story, this is 10000% for you!
September 30, 2025
This short book is about time in magical world when voldemort is finding his hunt to kill innocent people for his hocrux, Just time before the voldemort attack, sirius ,remus, james, lily and little harry having dinner and Severus Snape become guard of the house this is what we read in it and how thing escalate afterwards
December 7, 2017
This was emotional, but well written
February 8, 2018
4 stars.
this short story was sooo fun to read and the writting style is so beautiful.
you have to read the original HP series before you jump into this one or you'll get spoiled.
this short story was sooo fun to read and the writting style is so beautiful.
you have to read the original HP series before you jump into this one or you'll get spoiled.
July 5, 2018
A nice bit of backstory as to why Wormtail betrayed the Potters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews