That was a really sweet chapter, not at all dirty - which I enjoyed tehe
Author's Response: If you like this chapter, there's another chapter I have written for the sequel that is even better. :)
This story was completely and utterly riveting. I sincerely hope you post the sequel; I love your characterization of Ginny and Draco, and the plot is captivating.
Author's Response: Thanks so much! Ginny was a challenge for me in this one, so I'm so happy that she came through! :) First chapter of the sequel is written, but I want to have the story more complete before I start posting.
Hugs!
-G
I forgot to add: something that I really liked was how affected Ginny was by Fred's death and also that she didn't like Hogwarts because of the hard Sixth Year. It's easy to forget just how easily the latter would have affected her and too many people dismiss the former.
Author's Response: I agree. As soon as I latched onto that emotion, the grit and the heart of the story came alive for me. It was pretty lost until then. Thank you again. You are so sweet for leaving such wonderful feedback.
Hugs!
-G
This was such a fantastic story - I loved it! It's a shame it was written with a word restriction and in a time frame, because it would have been even more brilliant had it been longer, with a chance for things to be really developed and less rushed (which I got the impression with in the last chapter?) Nonethless, this story was something I'd be hankering for: an original AU, mystery, passion and UST and drama. The first few parts were my favourite- I found the passion between Draco and Ginny to be electrifying and couldn't blame Ginny for going home with him!I loved that Draco had had a thing for her for a couple of years as well. I loved the last part too - with the trolls and giants!
Such a brilliant story and I'm glad I stumbled across it!
Author's Response: Thank you! Time frames are good though. It really motivates you. :) I wouldn't have posted this story otherwise. For some reason, the prompt was rather difficult for me, and I don't think I would have created this particular story without that little kick in the pants. I definitely would have liked to stretch out the mystery a bit further, though. I am particularly happy that you liked the giants. I really love a good use of the magical aspects of the HP universe and I'm glad that others do also.
Flint survived -darn. :P Great story. It brightened up my evening!
Author's Response: hahaha! Yes, he did survive, but he does get to go to prison. He is a total sleezebag, though. LOL. I think, long term, Ginny is better off for not dealing with the trauma of killing someone. Good thing that Draco was there to stop her. I kind of wanted the bum dead too. :) I am so glad you enjoyed. First two chapters of the sequel are done, tho I won't post them until I'm further along. I think you might enjoy them. :)
That one was a shocker.. Complete perfection! :D
A sequel?! AWESOME! This was an amazing story: a great plot and very nicely written. I love the idea of a sequel :D
Thank you for sharing your talent with us ^_^
Author's Response: You are most welcome! Knowing that it was enjoyed really means a lot. I seem to have already finished the first chapter of the sequel. Not quite sure where it's going yet for a longer story. I keep bouncing among about four stories right now, but I have kind of grown attached to this one, so it might get priority. :) Thank you so much for the lovely feedback!
-G
I liked it! :) I can't wait to read the sequel. The story was written well! :)
Author's Response: I love hearing that it came across as well-written. I wrote it in such a rush! :) Thanks for letting me know you liked it. The feedback really means a lot to me.
-G
I love this. Awesome is an understatement. I can't wait to read the whole story now! Good job! :)
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm so glad to know you enjoyed my work.
Best wishes!
-G
I really loved reading this story. I felt the characters were written in a way that was both original and refreshing. The whole idea about Moody having his own department was both genuis and truly unique. I'm looking forward to the sequel ;)
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!! This story was a stretch for me, based on the prompt I was given, and it's wonderful to know that the emotion came through. Moody is totally one of my favorite characters in the original series.
Best wishes!
-G
I liked the story. Moody was great. I also liked seeing a different side to Ginny. Thanks for writing. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Author's Response: Moody was fun to write. When the prompter requested "grit" he was the first character to come to mind. I definitely wish I found a way to put him into more scenes, but I think he needed to step back so Draco could come into the story. Thanks so much !
-G
I'm really loving this story. Ginny's motivation to hunt the Death Eaters may not be entirely healthy, but it's certainly understandable. And you've created a very nuanced characterization of Draco. I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Author's Response: Oh, it is really isn't healthy, but she's hurting and not making the most sound decisions. Draco has a bit going on also, that I'm hinting at, but, since it's primarily from Ginny's point of view, we're just getting his side of things in glimpses, for now. Thanks for letting me know you are enjoying my work!
I really love this story. The characterization of both Draco and Ginny is fitting. When they met at the pub, the chemistry wasn't there at first and then bam it was. I can't wait for the next update!
Author's Response: Thank you and I'm glad you like it. I think that it appears this way because it is from Ginny's point of view. Draco has "noticed" her in the past, but she has no idea of this yet, but he has a mixture of attraction along with his dislike of Weasleys, so he's perfectly willing to argue with her. I'm glad that the chemistry did come across, because normally I take longer to build things up between them. Thank you so much for letting me know you like it!
Very suspenseful. I feel sorry for Draco. So alone. So sad. :(
Author's Response: Oh! I love how you picked up on that. It's very difficult to get his emotions to come across, since the story is from Ginny's point of view. Both of them are quite alone but they don't fully realize it, but at least Ginny has Moody looking out for her a bit. :)
I'm really liking this story so far! The first chapter and the first part of the second chapter were great... I really like the murder mystery element. I feel that this third chapter really should have been a part of the second chapter as it really is a continuation of the scene, but that's just me. The "dare" was just perfect and very well written... Exactly how I would picture them. I kind of wish that there had been a bit more dialogue and/or interaction between Draco and Ginny before the "dare" scene though; not because it moved fast but to allow for more of feeling of Draco's character in this story. You've laid a bit of the ground work for his back-story but I just would have liked a bit more before the dare was initiated. I'm hoping that this will be another long fic, as it has the potential and all the right elements to be a great decently long read!
Well done so far. This is definitely a story to watch. I look forward to the next chapter :)
Author's Response: Thank you for such thoughtful and constructive feedback. I adore reviewers like you!
I agree with you on the chapter break. The reason I did it this way was because I had posted the fic in an exchange, and chapter three was not included in the original posting. I decided to break it out on its own because of that.
I also totally agree with the need for a little more depth in the conversation, because I have an idea of where Draco is coming from. Perhaps I will try to rewrite this at some point.
Again, thank you so much. I totally value your input and hope that the rest of the story lives up to your expectations. :)
I love this. Definitely not just a sexy scene for entertainment. Ginny's point of view in this is great, and you see a more understanding side of her. I can't wait to read more! Thanks for the chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I am not typically a fan of smut for the sake of smut. There can be such powerful emotions involved. I'm glad it came across. Thanks for the review!
Best wishes!
G
At first I wanted to say, "Hot!" about this chapter. But that is such a "blah" way to describe it. It was so much more than that. It had an intensity that made it more than just smut. Really well done. I'm really looking forward to more.
Author's Response: Oh! Thank you so much! I'm so glad the intensity came through. This chapter took me longer than the entire rest of the story to write and revise.
Hugs!
I appreciate how you built up the background to allow for Ginny's reaction to Draco's kiss. It makes it so much more realistic.
Author's Response: :) I felt she needed a bit of a reason to not hex him. :D I'm sure she really wanted to.
Such a fresh plot! I'm enjoying.
No need to worry about your smut-writing abilities, dear. It was beautiful, well-written, and sexy as all get out. :)
Author's Response: Oh! Thank you so much. This one scene took longer to write than the entire rest of the story, so I am so happy to hear that it was appreciated.
Best wishes!
G
"(...) he wasn't as rough or harsh as she'd expected. If anything, his actions were deliberate and unhurried and his touch held a hint of gentleness and reverence combined with raw need."
LOVE this. Scenes where Draco is being gentle with Ginny are always my favorite.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm really glad. I see Draco as a very complicated person, and I don't think he opens up easily, but in situations like this, his real feelings come out. I'm so glad you enjoyed.
Best wishes
So much suspense! And Draco's being protective of Ginny is so excellently done that it doesn't feel out of character at all. On to the next chapter! :)
Author's Response: I suspect he's not trying to be obvious about it, but I think he's not all that fond of Flint. Glad you are enjoying! :)
I do love good mystery, and you definitely have me captivated. Please update soon!
Author's Response: As I was writing, I had so much more that I wanted to add! A nice long mystery, with twists and a few suspect characters to choose from is my fave. :) Thank you for reading!
Best wishes!
-G
SO many things to love in this chapter! (And WHY are there not more reviews of its fabulousness?)
1) Ginny assuming Draco's entrance is yet another Mad Eye training scenario - and Draco's irritated reaction to her 'constant vigilance' stance with him.
2) The typewriter annoying Ginny with its unwanted cooperation. :))))) And Ginny annoying Malfoy with her ultra-precise intake interview.
3) This line:
“To find who's behind ol' Lucius's death o' course,” he replied, with a glint of mischief in his eye that reminded her painfully of Dumbledore.
*guh* knife to the heart with that Moody/Dumbledore reference.
4) The whole entire bar scene just sizzles. SIZZLES. Do you remember an art piece from a dgficexchange a few yrs ago with Ginny in a skirt and fitted blouse (and many, many buttons), chin defiantly up in the air, and Draco in her space, fingers on her leg, annoying smirk on his face? Well, this scene IS THAT ART WORK. I swear.
5) The unwitting admissions from Ginny about her emotional reasons for taking her job, and the understanding from Draco - guh - just layers emotional sympatico onto the already smoking hot physical chemistry between them. With the friction of their argument, of course it explodes into a fireball of lust and connection. *fans self*
In a nutshell: you rock.
Author's Response: Oh you are such a darling! :)
I did go in search of the drawing you mentioned and I think you are absolutely right. It matches this scene perfectly! Thanks for giving such a great visual to embellish my story.
Gosh, I love Moody and I am so very happy that the readers saw him the way I'd intended. I see him as someone who understands Ginny's feelings very much. Despite his harsh exterior, he cares deeply. He's lost friends over many years and I see him as someone who feels each loss right through his soul. He sees Ginny's grief, even if she doesn't see it herself and he can strongly relate to the pain she's going through. So, he's easing her along, helping her find her way. I'm sure that he and Kingsley are sending back reports to her parents on how she's doing almost every step of the way. ;) Ginny thinks she's alone, but really, it's quite the opposite.So, thank you again for your incredibly thoughtful comments. Gosh, you made my day.
Hugs!
Great job. :)
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm so happy you are enjoying it! :)