Name: Felpata_Lupin (Signed) · Date: 26 Oct 2021 06:58 PM · For: 3. safely make the landing

Hey, Catherine! Back for review tag! :D

This was another great chapter, and it was interesting to learn a bit more of the Selwins' backstory! So the reason they weren't too well considered in the Pureblood society was because her father didn't want to be a Death Eater? Or is there something more we still don't know about? And, oh... so Alida was the one to marry Regulus because Evgenia can't have children? That's sad... :( And it's also sad that Evgenia is a bit envious of Alida's new life, it's kind of ironic how both of them would be rather be in the other's shoes and better suited for the role. Side note, I really like the idea of them having an apothecary! And other side note, I suppose Alida is lucky, all considered, that she's been allowed to still work, even if Walburga doesn't think that's proper...

Malfoy Manor sounded so impressive! Once again, you have such beautiful descriptions! I really enjoyed all the details of the place and also of the guests, I'm very curious to see what kind of relationship you'll build between Alida and Narcissa, I have a feeling it's going to be an interesting dynamic. I also really enjoyed Regulus here, how in control he is and how he directs her. He clearly has much more experience with these gatherings than she does. I'm still a bit annoyed that they just don't communicate, will that change eventually? Guess I will see in the future chapters... :P

I feel like I'm forgetting to comment on something, but just know that I'm really enjoying this story, Alida's character and all the complicated dynamics surrounding her and I can't wait to learn more and see where her life is headed (I suspect towards tragedy, knowing where Regulus' life is headed, but again we'll see...)

One last side note: so Regulus wasn't wrong when he was thinking of how much Alida despises them all... I chuckled a little when she was thinking that maybe she could've ordered Kreacher to poison the champagne... :P

Great chapter!

Snowball hug,

Chiara

Author's Response:

Hi Chiara,

Being a family of the Sacred 28, it's kind of like eat or be eaten. The Selwyns basically hadn't made a proper stance yet, and this was the way to do it. The Blacks aren't all Death Eaters, but they've given enough family to Voldemort to be accepted mostly...not that Walburga wants to admit she bows to anyone lol. Yeah, the Blacks are pretty desperate to produce another heir that will carry on the family name. Another thing that will reveal itself :/ Ahhh all the impending relationships!! I am excited for you to read more, and I won't put any more spoilers here :)

Catherine

Name: prideofprewett (Signed) · Date: 25 Oct 2021 01:25 PM · For: 2. delegated to most unreachable depths

Well seeing as you are the last person in review tag and this story had me totally drawn into it...I figured I needed to immediately check out chapter 2. So here we are! ;)

 

It's interesting that the wives are present at Death Eater meetings, but they have no real function. Perhaps as observers or to pass along what is presented to them to their children or others, so that no one strays from Dark Lord's directives. Whatever your rationale, I really just enough the image of Alida and Regulus sort of sizing one another up in this scene. They're noting one another's weaknesses (him, seeing everything she's thinking on her face; her seeing him as young, and perhaps "inexperienced,") and it makes me wonder as a reader if they will use those things against one another or if they're union is one of "we're in this together, and let me make your weaknesses strong, by showcasing my strengths?" I can't wait to see if you choose either path, but that's my jumbled up assumptions lol.

 

"...because the staircase has a tricky personality that can somehow tell she isn't a true Black." Ooh, ok, I love this detail too. Whether imagined or canon, I just love it. :)

 

And the exchange between Walburga and Alida is TENSE. Deliciously tense in a high bred, elitist sort of way where women snip at one another. You know I live for shit like this. ;) And an autumn banquet, I love it! Give me all the lavish parties with all the lovely, magical details and I am there!

 

And speaking of magical details, I LOVE that that little portrait of Regulus makes an appearance. And that Alida's like "some way to treat your future wife." The whole thing was so comical, but also I wonder how meddlesome it would be for this to consistently happen haha. 

 

And shit, well, I can tell their kind of marriage isn't going to be option number two of what I thought above haha. But I mean, it just adds to the realism of this story you've created here in this oppressive society. Well done as always, my dear!

 

<3 Courtney

Author's Response:

Wow, I am so incredibly flattered by your back-to-back review!!

I want to explore this more, but I think Voldemort likes having them there. He is super paranoid and loves having numbers. I like your assessment about their weaknesses, it is very accurate to the way they see each other. Regukus is right to fear how defiant she is, and Alida is right to fear how young they both really are. I would wait on your judgment of how they will eventually come to view each ither.... :)

Lol I love writing the townhouse as a living thing. It just feels right to me. Young Regulus will pop up now and again, but that's all I'll say on the matter.

Thanks for a another review!

Catherine 

 

Name: prideofprewett (Signed) · Date: 25 Oct 2021 01:04 PM · For: 1. none of this is for Alida

Hi Catherine, here for your review request!

 

Gosh, I love the hook in your opening paragraph. Wanna write all of mine for me? Just kidding. No, but seriously, you are very skilled at them.

 

Immediately we get this sense of foreboding and darkness that just encapsulates high bred society under the Dark Lord's rule. And it's all through the characters looks, dialogue, and movements, which is marvelous! You're quite adept at evoking moods through your characters without having to bring in many details regarding the setting. This just had my full attention from start to finish. 

 

"These things are supposed to bring good luck, and Alida supposes they are cursed in the same way she is." I really loved how this underscored the belief that "traditions are good." Traditions can be good, but in this case, traditions are not very good. I know that sounds juvenile, and you totally expressed that thought in a better way than I just did as is evident from that line there. 

 

And the moment between Evgenia and Alida at the end is somber yet a little bit comforting. They have one another to get through this less than ideal situation. I like how you've portrayed their relationship in this so far.  

 

And this line, of course was stunning, you know, in a way that makes you feel anxious for Alida: "Her fingers slip against the satin, and she is trapped, unable to remove the fabric that binds her to Regulus." 

 

This is such a great start! I am totally enamored with this story, the style of your writing, I most definitely will be checking out chapter 2 now!

 

<3 Courtney

Author's Response:

Hi Courtney!!

Thank you for this great review :) it's so nice to hear what you find compelling, as it will help me move forward with the story! As for the darkness, it's all about how Alida views her surroundings and situation...I'm glad that came through

Catherine 

Name: Felpata_Lupin (Signed) · Date: 24 Oct 2021 01:11 PM · For: 2. delegated to most unreachable depths

Hey, Catherine! I thought I'd come back for more (since no one jumped in the review tag yet and I was curious to see what would happen next in this story anyway :P)

Oh, Merlin, Regulus! Chill down! It wasn't even Alida's fault that the portrait of young Regulus got upset, it wasn't like she told him what happened to Sirius... (why even make a portrait of a child in the first place? It doesn't seem very wise, having a talking portrait of someone so young, especially in a household so full of lies and subterfuges like the Blacks'... but whatever...) I do wonder how adult Regulus feels about his brother, does he hate him or does he secretly still feel affection for him? I'm also curious about why the Selwyns need to get back into the Dark Lord's good graces... what happened to their family?

The first scene from Regulus' point of view was so interesting. I'm always fascinated to see people's interpretations of the Death Eaters' gatherings and dynamics. I love the portrayal of Regulus you're giving here, how he tries to keep a low profile, almost invisible, but watching everything around him, his boredom/resignation but you can detect a point of rebelliousness at the same time. And how he's able to keep his mind inaccessible because his thoughts are so intricated and layered... I love that image, it's fascinating.

And then Alida is just a fish out of water, who doesn't belong here at all, but I love how she's observant too. And I think it's interesting how she and Regulus are both watching each other. I wonder if Regulus is right and Voldemort knows how much Alida despises the "cause". I'm also still keeping the hope that they will become allies of sorts at some point, even if right now there is a coldness between them that almost feels like hate... (I think they could be friends, if they only tried, and I want them to try... but I suppose my wish is irrelevant... :/)

Walburga is a scary woman... not that I'm surprised... that interaction was so full of tension and I loved it! I have to say, I can't even blame Walburga too much... after all she's only asking to keep up appearences, right? Although I wouldn't want to be in Alida's shoes, it does feel like she's a prisoner in Grimmauld Place... Walburga clearly has her tied around her finger, and that's definitely unsettling...

I'm so curious to see where you're headed with this, it's really fascinating so far! Lovely job!

Big snowball hug,

Chiara

Author's Response:

Hi again, Chiara!

This is such a sweet surprise, thank you. 

So while we adore Regulus, he does have that major chip in his shoulder. And especially when it comes to Sirius...we will see a little more about the history of portraits throughout the Black Townhouse. I'm glad it struck you so powerfully, even though the reaction was negative lol. Also, more about the Selwyns later. Most of the questions will be answered with....time will tell. haha

I personally felt it was important to include his pov in this story, as it helps the audience understand the way he acts in certain scenes. In the next few chapters, the importance of that will become abundantly clear. Especially because, so far, Alida and Regulus don't really talk :/ Also, yes, very keen observation about the way Regulus guards himself. 

I love to hate Walburga, what can I say? She is really settled into her life, and wants Alida to basically become her. If Alida can manage a say in that, she won't have it. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on how the relationships deepen!! 

Thanks again, Chiara!

Catherine

 

 

Name: Felpata_Lupin (Signed) · Date: 22 Oct 2021 08:10 PM · For: 1. none of this is for Alida

Review tag! :D

I mean, you had a new Regulus story, could I stay away for long? (The answer is no... :P)

Poor Alida... how terrible that she has to marry someone she feels no affection for, I can't blame her for being angry at her father... and I hate that this is a way to get back into the Dark Lord's good graces, it somehow makes the whole thing even worse... :/ To be fair, though, I think Regulus is not quite as bad as she thinks? (But I might be biased, I've always had a soft spot for Regulus... and I sort of hope that they might get to... respect each other, if nothing else? But I suppose I'll find out later on...)

It was a bit of a pain reading through the events of this chapter (I mean this in the best possible way, because you really captured the atmosphere, the hollowness, Alida's resignation and desperation so well that I was just suffering through the whole thing alongside her). At the same time, your writing was delightful, I just loved all the descriptions and the naturalness with which you transitioned from one scene to the next. So, so well done!

Another thing I really, really liked was to see the dynamics among the Selwyn family! I got the feeling (maybe wrong, but it felt that way) that even if he was asking something terrible of Alida, her father truly cares for her. And the sister bond between Alida and Evgenia was also so lovely to see, I'm always so soft for good sibling relationships and they really have each other's back here, don't they? I just love that!

This was a great opening chapter, I'll need to come back and see where you're heading with this! Great job so far! <3

Big snowball hug,

Chiara