Ahhh, the Neville essay-- I remember thinking 'that's Neville' too, but still not the aspects of Neville I'd naturally focus on, so I guess I forgot that when I said 'but Maya doesn't seem to have any bits of Neville stuck in her teeth!' and such. I really do do these really straightforward right-along-with-authors-intent readings, don't I. I think I do that with fanfic too-- the most common comment I get on my feedback is 'wow, you got exactly what I was -trying- to say', ahahah. Not that I ever -liked- Neville in particular, but yeah, I just basically accept all that common-view stuff automatically and automatically distrust any overly negative -or- overly positive views on him (meaning, people who worship him as The Woobie freak me out, but then people who worship -anyone- as The Woobie freak me out, even though most people might not believe me what with all my squeeing about Harry-- but I swear I don't really think he's an actual woobie!!).

Ahh, you're probably right about my uncle, though IT REALLY HURTS MY BRAIN to say that. We all have those relatives that we'd rather eat dirt than be around right? (...well, I'm hoping so, anyway, y'know, just so as not to be alone, haha). I think in a way, this is the horrible sinking stomach-churning feeling some people get when they realize they're turning into their parents. Like, secretly, you were your parents ALL ALONG. And that's probably why they drove you up the wall! But it. It's still. *laughs* It really takes some doing for me to accept it, which I guess is natural. I've always thought a Shadow would somehow be more-- meaningful? Interesting? Like any reflection/mirror of me or someone/something I like, I'd have to find -some- merit in. Am probably just being naive, ahahah. -.-