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okay, so how would everyone express the burn of exasperation, if not through the eyes?

Thank you, Amy, such very kind words. I have booked a Skype call with my agent for tonight and sent her all that I have done recently (all versions...) and I will rely on her to tell me what to keep and what to chuck away. I don't have clear eyes at the moment, I guess.
(Cat isn't better yet, still at the Vet hospital, but she can't be in better hands, so I have to stop holding my breath and get on with it all. I am not good with stress, I catastrophise too much. Excellent word in this context.)

I suppose I am better off doing the annual company accounts, so I shall make my mind concentrate on those! (BORING)

I am also sad you have a lot on your plate as well. It never rains but it pours, does it?

I know that is looked at with disdain, but really, what is wrong with it?

for me, although I often use the eyes as the windows to the soul, burned isn't the right word here. If he is scowling, his eyes are probably 'chilled with exasperation', or 'exasperation bleached his blue eyes to flint', kind of thing.  Colder, you know?
I know in some circles the animation of body parts is frowned upon, I can't see much wrong unless you are writing highbrow lit fic.

well, they could sub a short walk, but they can also travel across the entire planet.
I might just call it Jump. As Escoffier said 'Faites simple'

I think I might be taking the crits too much to heart, tbh.  I have written about eight different versions so far, some of them have been total rethinks, ditching the original chapter, trying desperately to build in more action and verve. (not all here, btw, some of these rewrites were ante-TNBW) I take out the descriptive passages, as I hear I am too passive, I add in more action, but then people don't understand what's happening because the descriptive passages were the ones that gave context to the world. And I'm asked, what about the worldbuilding? But the world isn't that different to ours, it is only what people are doing within it that is terribly different. Likewise, the race is similar, until you notice odd differences.
I am here to hear other people's thoughts about my writing. What is the point of being here otherwise? But is it wise if it simply confuses the matter?

I agree. Worldwide, we need politicians who actually care about the people they are mandated with caring for, instead of worrying about lining their pockets.

not necessarily. As a Londoner, I would say 'This group is made up of several people' not 'This group are made up of several people'.  HOWEVER, I might say 'I met a group who claim autonomy.' Saying 'I met a group who claims autonomy' sounds wrong.

It's a minefield!

I find this a problem as well. I always want to use 'are' because like you I add up the number of people who are in the group. But like 'group' itself, couple is a singular noun, and so should be 'is'. But it sounds horrible.

Well, in fact, Harry starts with being left on the doorstep of the Durnsleys, and then goes briefly into his life in the cupboard under the stairs. But I agree, the REAL story starts with the letter from Hogwarts.  So I agree, I need to bring in my problem rather more quickly than now. Look out for lots more foreshadowing I think.

I'm not sure if it helps or hinders that I didn't read the earlier drafts. Well, I just have to jump in where I am and work from here. I'll check out chapter two shortly.

Hang on, by havingt Alda the first person we meet, and being fairly fully fleshed in personality,  I had assumed it WAS her story?