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Back again for a little Halloween treat :D
Poor Hermione... this ultimatum is just so unfair, and it's also so unfair that Henry is being forced to "abandon" her to keep his job in turn? Poor Henry, too. He's feeling so guilty right now, but he's only doing what he needs to do, and he does deserve better too, doesn't he? I'm very angry at Gringus Alabastor right now (and probably at the Ministry in general, because, yeah, they are so bad at doing... anything at all, really)
“Make the wizarding world a safer place.” Safer for whom? Safe wasn’t necessarily fair. Certainly not for these missing people. That sounds very poignant. Sometimes what's done in the name of safety is actually harmful for some minorities, and I bet Hermione knows it... btw, now I'm curious about what's going on in the wizarding world in this time period... what happened to these missing people? Is it the work of the still wanted Death Eaters or is there something else going on? How does it all fit with the vampire plot, if it does? There's a lot I'm still trying to figure out about your world, but I'm sure I'll find out in due time ;)
So, Hermione is going to meet Draco? If she manages to get to the appointment on time, at least... sounds like it's not going to be easy, but if anyone can do it, that's Hermione, right? Anyway, I'm very curious to see how this encounter will go...
So much to look forward to! You have a way to keep your readers engaged, your plots are always so original and detailed, wonderful writing as always!
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hello, Pix! Here for some Halloween reviewing (and this is a fitting read for that, right? :P)
Oh, we get to meet Draco! :D I really enjoyed this glimpse into his head, and it looks like we are getting a few answers here? Maybe? Is this woman the same who "welcomed" Hermione in the first chapter? Hermione's blood curse affected the vampires somehow, it seems, and maybe it's because of the curse that Hermione hasn't turned into a proper vampire? Don't ask me why, but I love the idea of Draco traffiking with the vampires... it's so dark and twisted but also fascinating in a way... I like the idea of wizard blood as a sort of panacea for vampires and Draco's own formula... I'm just very intrigued by it all...
Poor Draco, what a sad life he's had so far... and what a depressing birthday, too... a vampire interrupting your birthday party doesn't seem very fun, but it doesn't seem like the party was very fun to begin with... who are these "friends"? Old schoolmates or new people? Either way, it doesn't sound like they are such great friends, which is, again, very sad... Draco is so alone, I do really feel bad for him here :/
Speaking of which... desperately in love with the one person in the world who believed him capable of redemption, and drove a stake through their relationship by stubbornly consorting with the deep dark undercurrent of the magical world curious about who this person is (Astoria, maybe?), and what happened between them. I suppose that, too, will come up in later chapters? Again, so sad...
Then, out of nowhere, a speeding parchment airplane hit him right between the eyes. Is this Hermione contacting him? Now I'm even more curious to see how this collaboration will turn out. It's going to be very entertaining, I'm sure :P But yeah, poor Draco again... this birthday just keeps getting worse! :P
The plot is thickening, and I'm looking forward to see what else you have in store for us! Wonderful job as always with this chapter and the story in general! I'll hopefully be back soon! :D
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
I'm going to persist in believing you won't give Draco what he wants, Pix, cause I know you find him as deplorable as I do. I reckon Hermione's not thinking straight or maybe she just doesn't know you very well and that's why she's going on the run and expecting the twerp to die any moment now. I'm confident you know how to maintain his misery for a while longer though, cause you just know stuff.
That was a fine chapter, though - I really liked how desperate Draco sounded and at least for a moment or two Hermione seemed to be using more than a couple of her considerable complement on brain cells, too. I'm impressed that she can be a compassionate vampire and fight against the dark magic even in her despair at the loss of her own magic. This has, as Vicki said in her review last chapter, turned into a mighty fine piece of work for something you insisted was a dumpster fire. Thanks for keeping me entertained for such a long time.
G
Hi, Pix.
I've been reading your story steadily as the chapters appeared one by one, and I was thinking that I was only a little way behind in writing rviews, but i suddenly see that i am very many chapters behind! What a shock. Well, all I can ssay is that I have thoroughly enjoyed this story, and I sense that it might be coming close to the end, since Draco is putting together some dark magic spell (salt circles are always suspicious) that he has learned from a book of Begllatrix's, and surely all the spells in that book are horrendous.
Full of curiosity as to what this savior will turn out to be.
That was an impressive scene with Hermione in Dr. Metzker's office in the previous chapter. You are constantly showing us aspects of Hermione's personality that we never dreamed of before. Not to deny that Metzker deserved it, of course. Hermione talking to the disembodied head reminded me of Tom Hanks talking to the vollelyball Wilson, on which he had painted a face in blood, during his stay on the deserted island in the movie "Castaway."
When this story is finished, I will have to read the entire thing over again in one go, to untangle in my mind all the plot twists. A very impressive story you have created out of what you first characterized as a goofy tossaway.
Well, it's very different, that's for sure!
Vicki
You're getting more intense all the time, Pix. And on top of that, I'm a bit surprised that you've allowed Draco so much spirituality at this point in his miserable existence. What's next, more cake? Seriously, though, it's interesting to see him torturing himself because he realizes what he's done to Astoria. Of course the more revealing bit is his total lack of empathy for Hermione's situation - all he cares about as far as she's concerned is what he can get from her. Twerp.
Thanks for another riveting chapter! This story has grown in my estimation from the very first line of it I read.
G
Hi Pix! Here for our swap :)
Thought I'd check out this one because I'd heard so many good things about it, and right from the beginning, I can see why. You've managed to capture such a sense of dread and anticipation as Hermione is struggling in the taxi cab. I love that you pepper the backstory without info dumping us - Hermione doesn't have magic anymore, but we don't know why. We know she's using it within her career to help others, which is fantastic. I also love the intrigue that we don't know where she's going - and now that I do know where she's going, I can't help but feel like the therapist is somehow responsible for not sending her without backup. Or sending her there at all. Or maybe they've got their own agenda for sending Hermione and they're part of the assembly. SO MANY POSSIBILITIES and it's made me eager to see where this story goes
(So does the author's note about this not actually being a romantic Dramione fic. You've got me there :eyes:)
Ugh, poor Hermione. Not only was she struggling with her identity and sense of self without magic and the use of one of her arms, but I have a feeling she's going to be having another identity crisis shortly
Also, I can't help but wonder who the woman is. Connected to Draco, and that's why she's familiar to Hermione? Someone from Hogwarts or the Ministry, perhaps? SO MANY QUESTIONS!
An excellent opening chapter with a unique premise. I am curious to see how this pans out!
Thanks for the swap <3
I feel so much better now, Pix. Hermione has gotten rid of that smarmy therapist in a most emphatic manner. Of course she's also still lost and hopeless, but I don't see how she was going to escape that fate no matter how she dealt with Metzker, so what the hell, eh?
I reckon Hermione will need some time to rebalance herself, but surprisingly enough it seems like she might just manage it now. I dunno what she'll do with the Draco situation but I guess it won't be anything that leaves Draco with cake on a regular basis. If she's got any good karmic energy left maybe she winds up working for what's his name - Bass? Might be something to restore sanity. If she considers that important.
Anyway, this was a brilliant chapter (again), so thanks! See ya soon for the next one.
G
Hey, Pix, hi! Here for our swap! (Sorry for the lateness...)
I thought I'd come back and see how Hermione's doing... not so well, it seems... still wondering how exactly the vampires' attack affected her, but I guess we'll find out in detail in later chapters, right? What's clear is that she's been affected and that it isn't good...
And her job isn't too good at the moment either... what is Alabastor planning exactly? He clearly doesn't have the wellbeing of magical creatures at heart the way Hermione does... and it's so sad to imagine that all her hard work so far could have been for nothing... I suppose what she has already achieved will stay, so that's a good thing, but still...
And this ultimatum sounds so very unfair, too. He's not so subtly trying to get rid of her, isn't he? But we know Hermione is determined and won't go down without a fight... but urgh, her bad luck continues... now she has to collaborate with Malfoy... I mean, I suppose that's what you were aiming for in this story, and I'm very curious to see where you take this Dramione thread, lol! Guess I'll have to read on and see! (You have to feel slightly bad for Draco, btw... you don't get to choose the family you're born into, and he might've been a better person if he'd been raised in a different household, but still, he isn't exactly the most pleasant of people, is he? :P)
Poor Henry, too... it must be so frustrating for him, being stuck in this position as Hermione's assistant, when he has the capabilities and the ambition to do much bigger things... but he seems to genuinely care about her wellbeing, and about their cause as well... and I bet it's also incredibly frustrating for him to be powerless with their boss's new agenda... an interesting character for sure, and I'm curious to see if he'll have a bigger role in the story, too, and what it will be.
I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention something important, as usual... anyway, great chapter as always, and I'll hopefully be soon back for more! :D
Thank you so much for the swap for now!
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
I gotta hand it to you, Pix, when you say you're going to deliver something, you don't flinch from it even when it's a rip your soul out agony thing. Hermione's revenge, such as it is, hurts to read - not because her boss (and all the other bigots) don't deserve it - but because it does her no good at all. This story has really been an excellent read - you pulled me along just enough that I couldn't quite guess all the good bits until you decided to spring them on me, and every time I think I know where you're going next you juke things in a whole new way. At least I've learned not to expect I'm ahead on the next twist! I just hope she gets to deal with that vile excuse for a therapist before you wrap it up, even though it's probably not karmically favorable for her.
Not sure I'm as forgiving of Henry as Hermione seems to be, though.
Hi Pix! Stopping by with a li'l review for you :)
OMG Ronald indeed. Seeing that light on in her flat after the evening she's just had must have nearly given Hermione a heart-attack. TF it's *just* Ron, although if he shouldn't be using that key then that's a bit off of him, regardless of whether he's worried or not. And the way he messes with the kettle and decides what Hermione's going to drink is...ugh. Yeah, I'm glad she's out of that relationship and he's an ex-fiance. Those controlling types of men get worse when you're married to them.
Umm...yikes, so Hermione's been missing for LONGER than a couple of hours? Okay, that's weird. And it seems as though she's remembering a few details about fangs, when her attacker told her at the time that she wouldn't remember any of this so I'm curious how/why she can...and ha she been turned into a vampire. And now she's hungry :eyes:
This was a fun chapter to read, and the mystery's ramping up. I am SO CURIOUS to see where Draco fits into all this although I could possibly guess...
Pins <3
Hi! Here because I couldn't resist continuing <3
"Hermione's head pounded with the force of fifty gavels" - I love this description, especially given she's a member of the department of Magical Law, haha. I can really feel her confusion yet need to get herself safe. Her worry that something might have happened to the people she was supposed to meet, obviously completely unaware that they were the ones to do this to her. It's naively touching that she doesn't even stop to contemplate the possibility that they were involved. How she must be missing her magic more than ever at this moment.
Then the woman's words 'they've gotten to you' and the light that Hermione definitely did not leave on in her flat...yeah, I'm creeped out too :eyes:
And I can't just stop there...
Pins <3
Well, Pix, you've provided another outstanding chapter here. The opening seqiuence is pretty intense with the stacatto language you employ - it beautifully conveys the frenetic pace of Hermione's thoughts as she's powered by the wizard blood.
At Ron's entrance the scene suddenly shifts to grand opera. Ron's complete inability to comprehend the meaning behind Hermione's behavior is classic, of course, and the contrast between Hermione's desperate need to chase him away before she gives in to temptation and kills him and her usual lack of patience with his obtuse personality would be hilarious but for the reality of her hunger. Dayum! This is, as usual, great stuff. Thank you!
G
Hi Pix! I'm here for our review swap, but also because I've been away from your AP for faaaaaar too long and it's high time I remedied that. The premise of this fic has me massively intrigued but also makes me a little nervous because, you see, I am that dreaded person who ships Dramione and this is obviously written to destroy that ship :eep: That said, I love everything you write so even if you do tear my heart into tiny little pieces with this, I will probably still love it...
Hermione, one-armed and magicless?? What on earth has happened to the poor lass? I love this line "Some days, it was hard to keep up the fight when you were destined to lose." because isn't that the truth? She's taken the loss of magic and the use of her arm hard, I can feel the frustration emanating from her with every lurch of the handbag out of her lap and with all the movements she could once perform unconsciously and now can't, and she was so proud and confident in her magical ability. Without it it's understandable she fears everyone else must notice the way she can't do things like she used to (even if they don't).
I'm curious about this Dr Metzker and his unique approach and how Hermione ended up with him as her therapist...and then whyyyyyy he's lured her to this particular fate, knowing that she can't defend herself, that she's powerless in this situation? And the woman who she thought she recognised...is this someone from her past, from school?? :eyes:
And okay, I've got to read on now...
Pins <3
Hey Pix!
Hermione's melancholia defies romance beautifully. Draco's version can't find romance with both hands and a pack of dogs. The vampire thing has really settled into Hermione's Gryffindor soul, hasn't it? Draco has just accepted defeat in every element of his life. You've really given us a great contrast of characters and found their common ground - too bad for both of them that that ground is a trash-strewn vacant lot, eh?
This was a rough chapter to read - was it as difficult to write as it feels like? It's really good work, either way. Thanks!
George
Finally here for your review! I'm so sorry for the delay my friend! <3
This is so noir and so Pix of you and I am thoroughly enjoying this! I love your choices in weaving in the backstory regarding Hermione's experiences of the war, the way her relationship is sort of faltering with Ron, and this curse she had! We dive so much deeper into her head space, all the while she's limping along and just trying to get home.
I seriously felt for her here. Injured yet determined to find her own way. I can relate heavily to that. The interaction with the people in the middle of the night just show us the type of neighborhood she's in and always show us that she is capable. And she's more than her magic.
I am really digging the way you convey her character here! And the ending is a total 'oh shit,' kind of cliffhanger.
Also, there's something cozy about this too believe it or not. Like there are instances where she's seeking comfort from her present pain/circumstance. Of course those feelings are dashed by reality, but still you balance a lot of feelings and vibes very nicely in this chapter.
~ Courtney
Hiya, Pix! So you and Draco are back on speaking terms, sort of (okay, I'm pretty loose with my requirements for speaking terms and sundry vulgarities and curses count). He must have recouperated pretty quickly to do all that Magnolia Channel crap to the bar, though. I guess it's comforting to see he's still a twerp though, and treats his new admirer accordingly.
And his reaction to Hermione's arrival was classic. You didn't even need to waste time describing her outfit. A handful of sentences and you had her become the center of the universe again. That was really fine minimalism. I know this is moving in a really messy direction, but damn if it isn't a triumphant mess - better than the remains of Mardi Gras. Still reads great!
G
Nice cliffhanger, Pix! Especially after all the information you revealed in this chapter to answer so many open plot questions, that was a snappy finish indeed. Metzker seems to have really underestimated Hermione's logical ability - perhaps sheoverlooked her muggleborn status (after all, Metzker probably didn't know anything about who solved the potion puzzle to find the Philosopher's Stone, eh?).
I love how Hermione's new vampire powers help remind her of her friends, too. Another move backfired on the evil therapist! Now Hermione's got enough to go on that will let her fight back - can't wait to see how effectively she does so. A pissed off Hermione is nobody to mess with. Thanks for another fine chapter!
G
Mercy indeed, Pix. Despite all the bumps you found on the road to get here, you've made the turn wonderfully subtle. Now that she's undead Hermione seems to have regained her kindness, at least a bit, and at least as far as Ron is concerned. I dunno if she'd be kind to Burns if she thought she had the chance to light him up for a while. And that sneaky so-called therapist might need to be careful where she parks her coffin once Hermione gets settled into the shadows.
I really admire the way you've shifted gears after hitting the beat last chapter that started Hermione's journey to her new home. Undead or not, Hermione seems to have recovered her personality now and I look forward to how she'll take the future to task in resolving her situation. Again, thanks for this chapter - it's a pip.
George
Author's Response:Hi!
I'm glad you found the turn subtle. I'm still mostly in denial about the last few chapters, but here, Hermione is finally getting to the point where she's accepting her new normal. I'm not sure how I did in regards to making Hermione's change feel like she's changed, but still like the same person, if that makes sense. There were a lot of decisions I had to make, and maybe I did okay with some of them. Maybe I'm still overthinking others.
At any rate, it's interesting that you mention Metzker. here..
Pix
Hi, Pix! Here for our swap! :)
I will go back to Five and Saira, but I really wanted to take a break to see how Hermione was doing instead... hope you don't mind... also hope that I'm not missing too much by starting here instead of going back to the beginning after your edits... :P
Well... definitely she isn't doing too well... poor thing... but at least, it seems that she hasn't been turned, after all? Not fully? Unless the "bursting in flames when hit by sunlight" thing is a false belief, which is also possible, since I bet no one really knows much about vampires... uhm... but I suppose we'll find out more as the story moves on.
Ouch! You don't know what you're missing until you lose it, right? I didn't even think about how getting to the Ministry without magic might be complicated... and now Ron isn't there to pull the chain for her... or simply to be there for her in general with his supportive smile... But that's what she had wanted, right? Mmmh, not so sure...
For a moment I wondered if the vampire bites had somehow given her the magical power to make the entry appear for her, but then the nice, unknown witch appeared and offered to help, so we'll never know... :P interesting moment, though. It's strange to see Hermione so lost, her brain coming up with alternative solutions, because Hermione's brain will always be hard at work no matter what, but the rest of her is just there paralyzed... it's a side of her we don't often see, but that makes total sense in context. And then the solution arrives, and she accepts it, but something's just off... not sure if I'm making any sense here... :P
Double ouch! That stare from Ron, and then him simply walking away, finally realizing that she does neither want nor need him... right when she's starting to realize that she both needs and wants him and fighting with herself if she should run to him or let him go... it's just so painful to see, honestly... :(
Great chapter as always! I'll be back hopefully soon!
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
Hey Pix,
For once, I can't tease you much about a chapter of this story, cause you snuck in a serious (at least semi-serious) one on me. Hermione's got such intense feelings about her self-image, doesn't she? True to canon-Hermione, she's more upset that she can't be what she pictured herself to be - a paragon of virtue, I guess - than she is that she's really and truly stuck with this for eternity.
Gotta love Burns, though. No sentimental bones in that guy! He'll take care of her because he can use her but he is clearly not impressed by anything about her. What a wicked bugger you've given us! Between the two of them, you've provided us a good, solid beat to turn the story towards home. Fine chapter! Thanks as always.
George
Hey, Pix!
You're doing such a great job piling on more intensity with every sentence of this story. It's really beautifully done and it has me reacting like a kid at a Saturday matinee - I was quite literally on the edge of my seat reading this chapter. Once again you've managed to create a visual impression even though the darkness hides most of what humans could see.
We finally get the reveal of wicked old Dr Metzker, who turns out to be even more evil than we expected! At least Hermione gets her teeth in the vile trickster before everything really hits the fan, but I reckon those boots she recognizes are our old buddy Burns so we can only wonder if he's going to grant her plea.
Really fine work, Pix. Thank you.
G
Pix! You do like Draco! Astoria still loves his sorry arse? That poor kid. And Hermione is still deluding herself into thinking she isn't a vampire forever? Pix, you wicked old softie.
Draco has taken her to St Mungo's to try and save his skin from Burns but he has to know that dude has no mercy. He doesn't seem to notice what he's putting Astoria through, either. He is such a twerp. I'm really wondering why Hermione wanted him to take her back to the warehouse, though, and I'm even curiouser about what good she thinks she can do there. Not do mention what Draco thinks his leaving her there will do him with Burns. You got me yanking my hair of again, kiddo!
Thanks for another fond chapter. I'm loving this story as usual.
G
You’ve done a great job setting up Hermione’s challenges, both physical and emotional, here. You’ve taken what we think of as a “typical Hermione” and adapted it well when faced with this tragedy. I like how you flow between her challenges in the taxi and her conversations with Dr. Metzker, back and forth as if he’s sitting on her shoulder commenting on her daily activities.
However, I’m really questioning Hermione’s intelligence here-going to an (probably abandoned) warehouse late at night when she has no way to defend herself. What was the doctor thinking sending her there?
The woman was just eerie and the danger alarm begins to ring in the my head especially when she says that Hermione is exactly what they need?
Great introduction to grab out attention. Definitely makes you wonder what will happen next.
Pix! Another lovely chapter! Hermione dancing with all those vampire dudes is a a trip. Too bad Draco is such a chickenshit that he missed all the fine choreography of fangs and blood so all we got to see was the aftermath. Sigh. She did look incredible when she was coming for Draco, though - right up until her magic charge ran down. Well shite, indeed!
Another fun chapter. Always good for Draco to wet himself. Thanks!
G
hah i kinda love that draco is supplying vampires with his own lil mix of blood - reminds me how he was quite good at potions while at school. i love even more the mysteriously dangerous vampire lady because she oozes danger and i love that, can't wait to see more of her :D maybe i'm deranged, who knows :P
i also kinda laughed at the vampires who are seemingly having problems with hermione's cursed blood lololo serves them right
i wonder whether her not turning immediately has something to do with that or maybe she won't ever turn for real? but it sure would be fun reading her dealing with vampirism if she did turn
draco meeting hermione is bound to be interesting, especially if he manages to figure something out about her/the curse/her condition :eyes:
kris
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