
Oh wow! I really thought he was going to spring a wedding on her, haha. I honestly believed he was going to go find a way to stop the prophesy, come back, and have all her loved ones at the cottage ready to celebrate a wedding. ...God, I'm a sap. xD
I was so happy to see in your Writer's Journal that my reviews have helped inspire you to either write a sequel to this or to write a new Dramione. Either way, I'm excited for you!
This story was honestly so fun to read. I could see a lot of the tropes that marked our OTP from so many years ago, but you made them really original with the absolutely unique plot this story had. I love old-school Dramiones, and this one was written a long time ago (correct?), yet it feels really fresh in so many ways.
I'm almost certainly going to go to your WJ and pick your brain about what you think would have happened in the rest of this story (if you decide not to write a sequel, of course! I wouldn't want spoilers. ;) ), but for now, just...all the compliments. I rarely read something with a plot that feels completely original, but this story definitely did it.
I'm glad you've enjoyed my reviews as much as I've enjoyed leaving them. Just one correction in this last chapter, and it comes right at the end—instead of Draco telling Hermione that he's marrying her, you've accidentally written, "I'm marring you." xD Quite the typo!
But really, good job! This chapter tied things with a nice bow, even if the story is never continued past here. There's something really sweet about seeing the life that Hermione and Draco will build together and the happiness they bring each other.
Thank you for a great read!
Best,
Emily
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:I'll respond to the other chapters in a moment, but just wanted to say - YAY!!!! You got here!!! Thank you :)
I love it when people get to the plot twist.
Oh, I have plans. Yes, this story was written in 2006, I'll pop over to my WJ and leave a bit of a present there. I just have to find where I have hidden it. But back in the day I never quite got the the sequel, but one is definitly planned. I sidetracked to Draco/Ginny for a long while, so I'll be glad to get the rest of this story done and finished.
Thanks for sticking with me until the end. This story is my favourite because it's my first ever fan fiction and it has my growth in it. Back in the day it was write and post without too much thought, then as I grew, I realised I had a little plot of my own forming and ran with it.
Thanks for picking up on the Typos - I have many!!!
Okay. Wut.
At the beginning of this chapter, I honestly said, out loud, "what the fuck is happening?" Because like...why isn't anyone else freaking out after what they learned the night before? Like...I would be devastated. If I were Hermione, I would be in the library trying to figure out everything I possibly could to prevent my daughter from being taken from me. There's no way I'd just be so carefree like Draco and Ginny and everyone else.
When Ginny said, "We'll have sixteen years with our daughter before the Prophecy takes place; I have no intentions of wasting any of those years being angry about it or fighting it. What must be done, has to be done, Hermione, we can't stop that.", I was legitimately shocked. I can't believe how incredibly CALM she is about this. The hell does she mean, "what must be done must be done"? Girl, you are talking about LOSING. YOUR. CHILD. WHY ARE YOU SO CHILL ABOUT THIS???
And then she has the audacity to be mad at Hermione for being "so damn sad"?! WHY WOULDN'T SHE BE SAD? I don't even have children and I'm sad at the idea of Hermione and Draco losing their daughter!!
But maybe Draco has a plan. I hope he has a plan. It seems like he's trying to work something out with the Ministry and Dumbledore and who knows what else. I hope so. Because so far all I can figure out is that he's going to spring a surprise wedding on Hermione over New Year's. But like...that is the least of their worries. They haven't even talked about how she's pregnant. THEY LITERALLY HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT IT. WTF IS HAPPENING???
Okay. I'm calm. Mostly. This story is griving me crazy, haha. I literally can't wait to see how it ends. I'm so excited for the last chapter. Great job!!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:I love it!! I was laughing at your reaction - because yes, you raise very great points.
I had a big plan to address all these things in its sequel that never happened. Perhaps it'll happen now?
I have Uni and moving to deal with along with my 5 children, so we'll see what I can manage between now and then!
This chapter is straight-up wild. I have so many thoughts. I honestly...I don't know the last time I read something that threw me for such a loop!!
First off, I have to start with saying that I kind of forgot Arthur was there during this whole thing, but then he jumps on the beginning of Dumbledore's story with, like, "Oh, how could Lucius and Derrick have been friends?? They were in Slytherin and Gryffindor." As if there have literally never been inter-house friendships, haha. Glad you're here, Arthur.
Then we move on and we are finally going to hear what the prophecy says!! But first, I was surprised that Draco was okay with the whole Weasley family hearing it too, especially since he doesn't know yet what it says. It could be anything. But maybe he's just too eager to know its contents that he won't hesitate for any reason, even privacy.
When Draco and Hermione's prophecy was read, I was happy to hear that they were soul mates...but the end of it was so sad. Thinking that they will lose their daughter when she's only 16 is so terrible. And then we get Ginny's prophecy too and it sounds like she and Harry will also lose their daughter? This is so tragic! Especially after all they've already been through. (Note: I was confused by the phrase "Savior of Darkness" referring to Harry. I think "Savior from Darkness" makes more sense. The first sounds more like he's saving darkness itself.)
Then we get Dumbledore's "explanation" that he could only come back to life after Hermione was pregnant with Draco's child. Which, like...wtf. Why on earth is that the condition? Ew. And what on earth does he have to do with the prophesies? Why is he able to be alive again at all?? I still have so many questions!! And I also definitely want to slap Dumbledore. (Not even just in this story, though. In general. Because I actually think Albus Dumbledore is an astoundingly terrible person. But that's a rant for another day.)
But seriously, when he told Hermione that "the fates" would replace her and the others if they had to...wtf. Like, prove it. You don't know shit, Dumbledore. You have a very, very small sample size. It's just one. Your entire experience with prophesies like this is ONE. (1) ONE. You can't go around telling people they'll legit die if they don't go along with some stupid prophecy. Gtfo.
I have so much rage at this situation!!! I just want Hermione and Draco to be able to be happy ffs. THEY HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH TO BE TOGETHER. JUST LET THEM BE HAPPY, UNIVERSE.
This paragraph, though, was stunning:
"My name is Hermione," she shouted, "and how could you know what we are going through? You put us through hell, we thought you were dead and it took all our strength to carry on and help Harry. Then you miraculously reappear and dump all this stuff about prophecies on us and tell us that our first-born children will be taken away from us by a 'being' that no one knows of, and you expect us to just be okay with it, because it is written? I don't think so!"
That is 100% my favorite Hermione moment in the whole story so far! It's just so very her. I love how strong and kickass she is there. She's got every right to be angry and to be outspoken about it. I adore her.
Okay, I have to know how this is going to end!
Reading on!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:This is just the BEST review ever!!!
hahaha! Yes! Arthur kinda just seems to be in the background and pops up here and there. I think back in 'their' day, when the Dark Lord was rising, people took sides and if you were Dark - you were evil. So that line about Lucius and Derrick was more about how can 'light' and 'dark' be friends?
I had to laugh at your reactions to Dumbledore. Because it's all pre-DH, I had none of the history on him. But because he understood given Casseil went through the same thing, he also knew he needed to be 'dead' for Harry to win the war but come back when the next prophecy required him - hence how he's tied to it.
Ah, Hermione finally finds her feet :) Yes, if I get to that sequel, there's more of that to come.
Okay, I just said that I was so happy no one in the Weasley family died in this story, and then you wrote something super similar in this chapter! :D "She was so glad that the war had not taken anyone from this family." Me too, Hermione. Though, that totally twists the knife of Fred's death in canon. D: I REFUSE TO THINK ABOUT IT NEVER MIND.
OKAY. Back to the chapter. xD
Even though I'm still mad at Ron (and probably will continue to be, lbh), I laughed at his line, "I didn't think you were going to knock over a jewelry store!" Because I'm sure with how extravagant Narcissa's taste was, Hermione probably does look like she's just robbed someplace, haha.
Ginny's excitement over the engagement was so sweet! Though, I'd probably have lost my mind if someone suggested a double wedding to me. Planning my own wedding was more than enough stress, thank you very much. xD
And then, we finally get back to the situation with Dumbledore! I was...shocked doesn't really begin to cover it. The fact that he showed up at the Burrow, on Christmas, dressed as Santa Claus, is such a Dumbledore thing to do! But it also made me want to smack him. Like, dude, what are you thinking??? You've been dead for 5+ years. Ain't nobody want to find out you're actually alive in this quirky way. And why the heck is Mrs. Weasley so chill about all of this??? I'm way more on Harry and Draco's side that this situation is so bizarre and confusing. I'd be freaking out just like they did.
Reading on! I'm eager to find out what happens next!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:I see Molly as "all knowing". She knew what was going to go down before anyone else, hence she's all calm and accepting.
But this was also pre-DH and I was very much in denial that DD could be killed so easily. If Voldemort was most scared of DD, it just wasn't suppoed to be like it was.
Well, I'm glad that Hermione and Draco were able to have their moment to calm down, but I do wonder why, when they go back inside, everyone is acting "as if nothing had happened." 'Cause, like...that was kind of a blow-out fight.
Well, I guess we do get acknowledgment of it though! I grinned like crazy when the twins thanked Draco for punching Ron. xD They were definitely right that he had it coming to him. I love Fred and George, haha. (Have I mentioned how happy I am that they're both alive in this story? Because I really am. :D )
The scene when Hermione and Draco exchange gifts back at their home was really sweet. Hermione's gift to Draco was so personalized and well chosen. I could tell it meant a lot to him. And his gift to her! Narcissa's jewelry sounds stunning. I doubt I could really wear it every day with how pretty it seems.
But most importantly: he accepted her proposal!! It felt like a long time coming, so I'm really glad they worked things out. I'm sure their friends will be thrilled for them too when they break the news. (Well, maybe not Ron, but I'm still mad at him, so I don't care. Hmph.)
Reading on!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:Yes, I have a thing for the slow burn. But I also felt they needed this time :)
For the briefest moment, I'm happy I was able to let Hermione feel aristocratic. I may saome day just write a Dramione where Hermione's not all "good".
Out of all the deaths, Fred, Sirius, Remus, and Tonks are the ones I never understood. So, if I can bring them back to life - I will :)
Oh man. I know that Ron was playing some sort of role with Cassiel and the prophecy and all, but I'm still so mad at him for how he acted towards Hermione. His explanation—"I'm so very sorry for what happened the last time we saw each other. I did not mean for it to go that far. I was supposed to scare you enough to push you to go to Draco. I never meant to hurt you."—was totally not good enough for me! I'd never have talked to him again if I were Hermione, no matter how many apologies he gave!
So I'm sure you can predict that I was happy when Draco punched him. xD At least Ron knows he deserved it.
I'm still really eager to know exactly what the prophecy says! I hope Hermione doesn't get upset at Draco for "hiding" it, since he really wasn't hiding anything. But I'm glad they seem to have made up after their huge fight. I was so sad that they weren't getting along. I really hope things are good between them now.
I'll read on soon!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:The juicy bit is around the corner and it all will fall into place :)
It's great reading all these reviews as you learn each bit of the story.
The plot thickens! So, I think the missing files were probably taken by the Minister as he and the others prepared to resurrect Dumbledore. I'm not too sure why they'd need those files, but since we know they know about the prophecy and Draco and Hermione's important connection...hm. I'm sure there's a reason.
I was surprised in this chapter that Draco was so forgiving of Hermione after the things she said to him. She was really cruel, but he seems to have let it slide, as he's rearranging his room to make space for her and things.
I was surprised that the Weasleys invited Draco along for Christmas. I don't remember fully, but I thought there was a big blowup fight after Ron assaulted Hermione and then went missing. Isn't that why Harry and Ginny moved out and started living with Draco and Hermione? I guess it must have calmed down there, but it's interesting to think the Weasleys would welcome Draco.
I'm so close to the end! I'm excited to read on.
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:I don't know if it's really about letting things slide, but more about listening - understanding. He's trying to understand Hermione's POV.
Ah....There's always reasons....Christmas at the Burrow is no exception...
Oh dear! This was quite the chapter.
Well, when I first read that Draco didn't answer Hermione's proposal, I was really sad for her. A yes or a no would be better than nothing at all. But the more the chapter went on, the more I thought she was being pretty unreasonable. When she smashed the ornament, I felt like she was throwing a temper tantrum.
But then we find out that Hermione is puking. Which I'm pretty sure means she's pregnant. So maybe her over-reaction is because of that. I didn't think it was fair of her to say that she would understand if Draco feels rushed, but then to lose her temper when he said he didn't know if marriage was right for him. And it would seem Draco agreed that that wasn't fair of her! I was glad he called her own on being hypocritical. But it's also sad if they've broken up because of this...I guess we'll see as I read on!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:Love and hormones ;)
Well...there is literally no way I could have predicted this. Honestly. The fact that somehow this story has led to the resurrection of Albus Dumbledore is something that I'm definitely going to have to reread to understand. You did a great job with this chapter in showing the creepiness of the room and the scene Ron witnesses, but then also explaining just why Dumbledore is back.
I was surprised to learn that he's Cassiel's father! (Especially since we know in canon he's gay.) I had been thinking she was some sort of immortal being. I wonder if she really is and Dumbledore is too. Or maybe it's not really him who was resurrected into his body?? I have no idea!!
I'm really interested to finally figure out what the prophesy is! I think it's going to clear up so much. And I also wonder if it's going to lead to Hermione being pregnant. We shall see!
Reading on soon!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:This story was written Pre-DH and I think Pre-HBP? Hmmm...In 2006. So, before JKR released anything about Dumbledore. But, yes, this chapter was fun to write.
This chapter was so soft! I loved it!
There's something so sad about Ron watching from outside the window, but I hope whatever he's gotten himself into with Cassiel doesn't prevent him from being friends with Harry and Hermione after it's all over. I'm curious as to how she knows McGonagall too! I'm interested to find out as I read on.
It's precious that Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Draco are starting to create a little family together. I love the idea of them decorating a tree and Draco being straight-up baffled by Hermione's pasison for it. So cute. :D And I also love that Hermione got them all ornaments! (Though, if I were Ginny, I might've smacked her upside the head, haha. Let the girl get married before you start talking about babies, Hermione!!)
The proposal was so surprising! But I really hope Draco says yes. I think it's obvious that there's a really deep connection between them, so getting married wouldn't be absurd at all.
Fingers crossed!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:Ah Ron...You'll soon see what's going on with him.
Yes, I kinda fell in love with this chapter :) Hence Christmas lasts a while ;)
Whoa whoa whoa. What???
Okay, so I know you said everything was going to come together after the last chapter's revelations, but I'm now more confused than ever!
First of all, yuck at Snape for being the peeping Tom. (Also...I'm far from a fan of his in general, so...bleh.) But also, I'm intrigued by his role in this story. So now we know that it's been twenty-five years since he's seen Cassiel...but he would have been only a child that long ago. So maybe he's also some sort of immortal being? I guess we'll see!
I'm also still completely baffled by the meaning of the "fertility plant." Sounds...crazy.
Finally, I'm glad Hermione and Draco have finally realized their feelings for each other! Though I'm a bit skeptical of Hermione wondering if there was the potential for love back when they were at Hogwarts. Sorry, girl; things were a bit more complicated then, haha.
I'll read on soon! Good job!!
*for the Fairyland review event*
Author's Response:Snape...*shugs*...I can't say much more right now. He's Snape - He always has reasons.....
Oh, yes. It's easy to forget about Ron...But, not so much soon :)
A fertility plant - *shrugs* creative license - a plant that helps with fertility or grows because of fertility....Sometimes I think when it comes to love and all that stuff, we always feel young or look back in life for signs. Being in your early 20s, there's not much to reflect back on yet and school dominates much of your younger life - So, she's reflecxting on what she can. But no, there's not much chance with the way that story went :)
Whoa! What??
This is quite the turn of events for this story! I have no clue what's happening all of the sudden.
So...I kind of forgot about Ron. I guess in the three months he's been missing, he's been with this Cassiel woman/immortal being? But I don't know if I believe a word she said. It sounds a bit too convenient to be the truth. And I wonder what exactly she wants to do to Hermione, Draco, and Ginny to "bring back the balance." Will she kill one of them so there is more evil in the world? Or something else sinister?
I don't trust any being so mysterious, that's for sure!
I also wonder why she can't touch the amulets. That seems a bit sketchy. I'm surprised Ron accepted everything she told him so easily. I wish he had asked more questions.
I can't wait to read on and figure out just what's happening with this dramatic change in the story!
*for the Fangtastic Grimtown Carnevil on the forums*
Author's Response:This is the turning point where it all comes together.
Again, I can't say more, you need to keep reading :)
Hello again!
WOW. What an escalation of their feelings for each other! I'm so glad that Hermione has finally admitted that she loves him too. I'm surprised they feel that strongly since they haven't actually had much of a chance to talk as more than friends (this chapter being only their second date), but I think there's some sort of magic between them. The "invisible thread" linking them, the feeling they get when they're close, etc., seems like fate.
I will say that I laughed at how surprised Draco was with the idea of a breakfast picnic, haha. He seemed genuinely perturbed. But their actual picnic and time in the gardens was so sweet (and then so steamy!).
I wonder who's watching them, though. :O I think it's someone who has bad intentions, not just a creepy voyeur. I hope they don't hurt Hermione and Draco!
I'll read on soon!
Best,
Emily
*for the Fangtastic Grimtown Carnevil on the forums*
Author's Response:hahaha...Well, everything has a reason....
Oh wow!
So, Narcissa and Lucius's revelations weren't as significant as I'd thought they would be, but that's okay! I was thinking they'd tell him he was adopted or something, haha. But instead they just admitted that they were wrong and that they should have done better by him. In a way, I think that's even more significant than some huge revelation or other. It's deceptively simple, even—"We were wrong. We're sorry."—but it really shook Draco's foundations.
His anger at the fact that his parents never told him those things, and that they loved him and were proud of him, while they were alive was so realistic. I think it's common for people to want that sort of reassurance, and they essentially were admitted that they knew he wanted that from them, but they waited until it was too late.
I love that Hermione is finally accepting that Draco has changed. I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses from here. I'm really happy that she went to comfort him. He laid his reality bare for her and their friends, and he definitely shouldn't be alone after something so difficult.
I can't wait to read on!
*for the Fangtastic Grimtown Carnevil on the forums*
Author's Response:Ahhh :)
You got it there. Draco was raised to believe in purity and hating Muggles - but sometimes its the basics that get us. Sometimes we just need an apology or to be told 'I love you'.
Draco's world was shattered and then having to live with Muggles - It made him have to start all over again.
This was amazing! I love how you've described Draco's isolation and the difficulties he faced being secluded and trapped in the Muggle world. I was surprised he never tried to steal back his wand, but the explanation he gives of how he fell in love with this place was so beautiful. And the situation itself is beautiful in a way! It almost has a Beauty and the Beast quality to it, that sort of "enchanted grotto" type feel, if that makes sense.
And I love how perfectly you've explained why he decided to go back to the magical world! It wasn't because he missed magical society or anything like that—it was because he was in danger of losing the place he'd come to call home.
I'm so curious as to what the letters say. I can't imagine what would be so earth-shattering that it would change how Draco saw his identity and his childhood. On I read!
*for the Fangtastic Grimtown Carnevil on the forums*
Author's Response:Having Draco in the Muggle world was difficult. It was everything he was against, but that was why I wanted to do it.
Ah, the letters...
Draco's tale has begun!!
I'm almost tempted not to write you a review for this so I can read on like...now, but of course I can't do that. So, thoughts!
First of all, I love that they're finally addressing how little magic they've been doing. I think I noticed that, but hadn't really thought about it. Now that I think back on the previous chapters though, it does seem that our little quartet here has hesitated to use their powers. I love Harry's explanation, though, and I'm really interested to see the rest of Draco's.
It was really clever of him to think of a way to get Hermione to ask about his past so he can finally be truthful! I do wonder why he was so hesitant before though. Hmm.
I forget, does this story take Deathly Hallows into account, or does it assume that the last time anyone saw Draco was after 6th year and Dumbledore's death?
I just have to read on now! I'll be more verbose in future reviews, I'm sure. :D
*for the Fangtastic Grimtown Carnevil on the forums*
Author's Response:This was written Post HBP and Pre DH :)
This is where Draco puts it all on the line. If Hermione doesn't trust him after this, she never will.
Hello again!
I keep letting months go by without reading and reviewing for you. I'm so sorry! I promise that I will get through this story and keep my goal of reviewing every chapter. :)
So, my first observation about this chapter was a passing thought—namely, "Huh. So, Draco can drive. He's just full of surprises in this story!" XD I actually like that element of his mysterious past. I'm so curious as to where he was while he was away and what he was doing. I can't wait to find out more.
Hermione frustrated me so much in this chapter! She kept flip-flopping in her thoughts as to whether or not she wants to be closer to Draco. First, she was like, "Well, my heart is definitely his," but then they have a chance to talk in the cottage, and she's like, "I have to keep my distance." Girl, no. I love you, Hermione, but you gotta figure yourself out. I know you're curious about Draco's past, but at least give him the chance to tell you before you run off again!
I hope this trip gives them the opportunity to talk! I think they definitely need to! I'll read on soon!
Best,
Emily
*for the Fangtastic Grimtown Carnevil on the forums*
Author's Response:*nods* Yes, Hermione was most frustrating. I wanted so badly to just jump into the romance, but she was being very stubborn.
Oh, a time jump! I wasn't expecting that!
So, I guess in this story Grimmauld Place doesn't factor in. I really do love that Ginny and Harry went to stay at Draco's house though. It was really nice of him to let them do that on such short notice. And I'm glad they've become better friends from living together.
I was surprised that Ron has been missing this entire time. I wonder where exactly he went...I hope he isn't planning anything bad against Hermione and Draco.
I was so sad to hear that Hermione is still keeping Draco at a distance. She clearly likes him still (and it says that he "loves" her already!), but I can understand how she wouldn't want to get too involved until she understands his past more. I'm excited to find out what exactly he's been keeping a secret! And what he's brought along that his mom left him. Hmmm. (I wonder if it's an engagement ring! That would seem very sudden, though, so I don't think that's it. We shall see though!)
Okay, I'll read on soon! Good job again!
--Emily
Author's Response:Everything has a reason for happening ;)
This gives everyone a chance to be comfortable together.
Oh dear. This is definitely a worrisome development!
I think the big takeaway from this chapter is that Harry and Ginny are fantastic friends! Really. They're both such strong individuals, and I really do think that they're a power couple. The movies didn't do Ginny justice, but this story certainly does. She's such a badass, and she never backs down from what she believes. I love that she stood up for Hermione (even against Ron, her own brother!) and I especially love that she backed Harry. When she says, "Why would Harry lie about this?" I was like, YAAAS GIRL STAND UP FOR YOUR MAN! XD It was just such a fantastic moment of Harry/Ginny solidarity, and I adored it.
I wonder how Hermione will feel when she finds out that Molly threw Harry and Ginny out because they stood up for her. I think she'll feel really guilty, but I hope she comes to see that it's not her fault. I guess Harry and Ginny will probably go stay at Grimmauld Place? (Which, actually...why are they living at the Burrow right now anyway? Hmm.) We'll see!
Okay! Time to read on! Another great chapter. :)
--Emily
Author's Response:I agree the movies did very little for Ginny's character, which is such a shame. Canon wise, I love her with Harry. They bounce off each other so well and Ginny will always be loyal to Harry.
Oh wow! Things have clearly taken an interesting turn in this chapter!! I can't believe that Draco lives as he does!
Let's see, where to begin?
Okay, so, first: Draco is so sweet! I love that he's so kind to Hermione and that he draws her a bath. And I love how you described everything that Hermione sees in his house. It was so vivid of a scene, and I could feel her confusion mounting as each thing raised more questions.
I felt so sorry for Draco when she pulled away from him, but I also understand how confused she's now feeling. It's hard to feel like you know someone when everything you thought you knew gets turned completely on its head. I wish Draco would just tell her the truth. And I feel like he will...but I wonder if she'll feel like he's pushing her away if he takes too long to do it.
I'm so curious about Draco's past now. You've really set up an intriguing mystery, and I can't wait to read on and find out what happened to him.
Great job!
--Emily
Author's Response:I'm glad Hermione's confusion came through, especially after the night she's had.
Draco is being as patient as he can. He just wants Hermione to see him.
Whoa!
First, I really want to know what the Malfoy prophesies state! I wonder how much of Draco's life has been unknowingly influenced by what was laid out in the prophesy about him. But also, I wonder what the prophesy about his firstborn will say. I hope it doesn't make their fate something bad...
The characterization in this chapter was a little iffy for me. I think I was mostly confused at Harry's jealousy when Draco was holding Hermione. Sure, her attachment to him has come on fast, but I'd think that would cause him to be more cautious or protective, rather than jealous. And then Draco felt jealous that Harry was comforting her! Just...guys, chill!
But Hermione's distress felt very real again. I was glad she escaped Ron, and surprised (but happy!) that she wanted to go home with Draco for the night. You could tell how upset she was by Ron's attack, so I think time away from her home (which Ron somehow was able to break into!) would be good for her. I wonder how her night at Draco's will go. ;)
I can't wait to read on. I'll do so very soon.
Well done!
--Emily
Author's Response:Ahhhh...The jealousy!
I think I was writing from a place that Harry was used to being the friend she leaned against. The one to help her through her toughest times. To relinquish that almost overnight for him was hard.
Oh wow! This was so scary!
I had thought the figure in Hermione's kitchen might have been Ron, but I hadn't expected him to lose his temper so thoroughly and try to hurt Hermione. It's such a control-based attack that I was horrified by him. He doesn't actually love her, he's just mad he can't control her anymore. And I wonder if the reason he came by this particular night is because he'd heard that she was going on a date. I can't imagine how much worse it would've been if he'd known the date was with Draco.
I felt so bad for Hermione, though. She tried to stay calm and tell him she wasn't interested anymore, but he wouldn't take "no" for an answer, and she finally had to use force to defend herself. She was so brave!
I could feel the tension and fear in this chapter, which is really impressive. And Hermione's desperation to get away from Ron has her apparating not to a place she knows that he might also know, but to a person who's made her feel safe. That's really sweet.
I can't wait to read the next chapter and see the aftermath of this confrontation! Great job!
--Emily
Author's Response:This was a hard chapter to write. But there's a reason for everything ;)
Hello again!
I'm thrilled that I've finally reached the date! And what a date it was. :D
It's definitely in-character for Draco to take Hermione to a fancy restaurant and dance with her. There was such romance in that date! I was surprised Hermione was comfortable telling him about her breakup with Ron, though. But I think you balanced it out with Draco being reluctant to tell her about his past and where he was when he was "missing."
The escalation of their feelings for each other seems a little abrupt. It makes me wonder if there's more going on here. Maybe a spell or something that's making them fall for each other faster than they otherwise would. But I'm glad Draco is still trying to be a gentleman and not push things too far too fast. I suppose we'll see why they've fallen so quickly in future chapters!
Finally, what a cliffhanger! I'm so excited to see what's going on with the figure in Hermione's house. I'll read on soon!
--Emily
Author's Response:I loved writing this chapter. I miss writing Dramione. Shhhh - I have another I'm working on to post.
Again, I can't say much. You just need to keep reading :)
Hello again!
It's been far too long since I last reviewed a chapter of this story! I'm back now and happy to be!
So, I have to start with my excitement over how the plot is moving forward. I think it's important to compliment you on the fact that there are two competing storylines and you're weaving them together really nicely. The mystery over the prophesy is good as a backdrop, but then we also have foreground plot of Hermione and Draco's relationship. I'm so excited to read about their date next chapter!!
This chapter was also good for showing that the "spark" that Hermione and Draco felt last chapter is a real thing and not just a metaphor! I wonder what it means! Is it a soulmate connection type thing? Or something to do with the prophesy? Or maybe something else entirely. Hmm. I'm excited to find out what!
Compliments again on your characterization of both Hermione and Draco! I can't wait to see them grow together. I'll read on soon!
Best,
Emily
Author's Response:Catching up on all of your reviews :)
I really miss this story. It's my first Dramione and first HP fanfic and I wrote what I wanted to read.
It's hard trying to think of how to respond because I know you aren't at the end yet and there's more to come.
Well...things are definitely moving quickly in this chapter! I wonder if there's a reason for that...hmm.
So, I have to start with a brief moment of constructive criticism. I hope you understand. :)
The CC that I mentioned is about your characterization of Hermione and Luna in this chapter. Hermione losing focus at work and writing about Draco in her report felt totally out of left field for her, unfortunately. I just couldn't picture her letting her work suffer because of a crush...And Luna's response to Hermione's distraction seemed so harsh! I think a lot of other bosses would react that way, but I can't imagine Luna scolding Hermione in front of the entire office...
I think maybe you'll explain the Hermione aspect, though. There's the intriguing part when Hermione and Draco kiss and there's that spark that passes between them. Is that just attraction, or something more? I'm excited to see! It seems like it's implying something magical connecting them. Hmmm. :D
This was a good chapter for the questions it made me ask. I'm really interested to see what happens next. On I read!
Author's Response:Luna really is OoC in this story. I don't think I put enough focus on her, not like I would now. When I wrote this, it was all about the Dramione aspect. Sometime characters were the because they had to be, some were because I weanted them to be. But back in the day, it was purge and post without a care for anything else. They were some of the best times in the fan fic world, before everyone got so serious. It was fun and we just loved reading each others work. Some days I miss those times :)
Thanks for the R&R :) You are making me reminise. I'm still friends with a few of the people who followed this story. I never knew that back then, that I would make life long friends from this story.