Name: Unwritten Curse (Signed) · Date: 26 Feb 2022 10:45 PM · For: Chapter 5

This is beautiful. Thank you for writing this. I appreciate your Author's Note. I think it's important to realistically portray the dysphoria, etc. but I appreciate that it was kept mild and that the focus was on Dike's happiness. This is a story with a lot of heart and hope.

 

The fact that Harry proposed again?! *sobs* We stan a supportive husband (to be). 

 

I love that Harry got her a new ring, that Dike said it matches Harry's eyes, and that you ended with the line about Dike not worrying about how it will look, because so much of the first few chapters was her caught up in her head, her fears, her concerns. Now that she can be herself and she has the support of the people she loves, she can just... be. 

 

Beautiful

 

- Gina

for the galazy event

Name: Unwritten Curse (Signed) · Date: 26 Feb 2022 10:19 PM · For: Chapter 4

Literally crying happy tears. And it started in the first line when Draco said SHE. <3

 

One quick detour for a not-so-happy thing, which is Lucius. I was wondering how Draco's family reacted to the engagement to Harry. I almost mentioned that in a previous review. Well, now I know. Bless Narcissa for loving Draco unconditionally but screw you, Lucius. You've caused more damage than you can possibly know by being so bigoted.

 

Anyway, NARCISSA. I already told you how much I love Andromeda, and it looks like I can make room for her sister as well (not so much Bellatrix...). YES MAMA. Barely even misses a beat before asking if there's a new name to call Draco. AND THEN OFFERS TO HELP HER PICK A NEW CONSTELLATION NAME. *sobs*

 

I would've loved to see Draco come out to Harry. I know Harry would be nothing but supportive and I need some more of their cuteness in my life.

 

- Gina

for the galazy event

Name: Unwritten Curse (Signed) · Date: 26 Feb 2022 10:13 PM · For: Chapter 3

Okay, am I imagining things or are there no pronouns used for Draco in this chapter? If so, major kudos to you for making that so natural. That feels like another positive step forward!

 

Also, Andromeda is so underrated. She "betrayed" her family to marry Ted, was completely disowned, adopted Teddy after her daughter and son-in-law died, and NOW THIS?! She's my hero. I love how easily she talks about gender. It's clearly a non-issue for her that gender is a spectrum and that her daughter was so fluid. This is what Draco needs. 

 

Also, the sweet scene when Teddy imitates Draco's hair. <3 The acceptance. The love. It's too much for my heart.

 

- Gina

for the galazy event

Name: Unwritten Curse (Signed) · Date: 26 Feb 2022 10:06 PM · For: Chapter 2

I hate that Draco is so unhappy. Being cis, I can only imagine what it's like to fully embrace yourself as trans, come out to everyone, step into your truth, etc. I'm sure it is painful as much as it is beautiful. As an outsider looking in, all I want is to tell Draco that Harry is accepting, safe, loving, but of course there's so much more to it than that. Especially considering Draco's family has such "traditional" beliefs about family, bloodrights, etc. I'm sure the internalized transphobia is difficult to overcome.

 

I did get excited when Draco's internal dialogue shifted pronouns for a second, but then it was shot down so quickly. I feel like this is progress, even if Draco doesn't feel that way. Also, that last line about leaning into Harry's hand like a cat. AHHHH. They're adorable.

 

- Gina

for the galazy event

Name: Unwritten Curse (Signed) · Date: 26 Feb 2022 09:59 PM · For: Chapter 1

The way you start this chapter halfway through a sentence is compelling. We're thrust into a journey that Draco seems hesitant to begin, but has truly already begun. The questioning is done well and is truly heartbreaking. The jealousy over Pansy's ring (that is promptly pushed down), thinking about dresses and veils, that last line... Draco has become very skilled at self-deception, and I understand that it's the desire to fit society's definition of a man (among other things) and that's what makes it so heartbreaking.

 

There are also some genuinely adorable moments here, like Draco getting all heart-eyes over the wedding plans, the hint to Harry making their engagement rings. LOVE. I know Harry hasn't been physically present in the story yet, but I'm already imagining him being super supportive of Draco's transition.

 

I really love the idea for this story. Thank you for writing it. I'm looking forward to reading more. :)

 

- Gina

for the galazy event