Name: Anise reviewed
Chapter 13 on Jul 13, 2013 03:25 pm
So, you should know that I have NO business reading and reviewing any more fics!!! (Anise waves the single visible hand sticking out of a pile of fics that must be beta'ed on all sides. :P And I have to write a critique for this month's novel in the novel critique group... BUT... I'm going to review this chapter!
Because it's really good. :)
I don't know what it is with all the fics I'm having to read for this writing group. They're just not very good... and the authors could learn so much from reading the fics here. This is such a great chapter, and so much is developed here-- plot, theme, characters, relationships. We still really do not know what Draco feels for Ginny, only that his feelings are very complex. What would really happen if Astoria turned up alive, for instance? What's going to happen now? It doesn't seem likely that he'll look at her actions as anything other than a betrayal. And was Ginny right when she thought that if Draco didn't even try to understand her motives, then their relationship couldn't work out? Is she acting from all those years of anger and a desire for revenge, even a little bit?
Anyway... I hope there's more soon!!
(and now, back to that horrible sci-fi novel for the writers' group. :P)
ETA: And, oh yeah... I didn't know what you had in mind for the actual Draco/Blaise backstory, but in Aniseworld, they've always had that one drunken fling back in the Hogwarts days. ;)
Author's Response: My poor busy Anise!
I am so glad that you liked this chapter. I was actually not sure if I thought Ginny's character was a bit off - a little more whiny and emotional than I normally prefer to write her - but I am so glad you thought it worked because, given what she is going through, I did not know how else to write her. What you wrote was /exactly/ what I was trying to convey. Ginny loves Draco - absolutely; this is something that we know - and it's pretty apparent (I hope) that Draco feels some kind of emotional connection with her, but does he really understand it? There is just so much that could happen to make him change his mind, and Ginny has finally come to the conclusion that her relationship with him is in no way a fairytale. She knows that she isn't perfect, that she can't be everything that he wants or needs all the time, and the fact is... unless she pisses him off occasionally, Draco is going to have unrealistic expectations of her because there is no way that she could please him all the time, no matter how much she would like to.
I am really really trying to finish this one up because I have a few WIPs that I'd like to make some headway on, so updates soon definitely! And I always pictured one night in the Slytherin boys' dormitory with a bit too much Firewhisky, myself ;).
Name: pitzi reviewed
Chapter 12 on Jun 30, 2013 08:39 pm
Oh, how wonderful that you updated! I've been really waiting for the new chapter!
I like Blaise. So he's been keeping tubs on Ginny for Draco or was it his own idea? It wasn't really clear to me.
And Ginny should have learnt that she won't get an answer out of Draco about what she means to him if she asks it straight to his face. She needs to find a roundabout way to learn what she wants.
The end of the chapter was a real shocker to me! I mean Hermione demanding that Ginny turns Draco in. I suppose she will do it (though obviously she didn't think things through when she turned to Hermione for help. She could have expected something like that). I'm really curious as to how she's going to go about it. Will she just alert the Aurors without any explanation to Draco (I hope not, this will be ugly), or is she going to explain her reasons to him? I don't think Draco will react lightly to that in either case. Will he believe her that she's not doing it out of revenge but for his own good?
That being said I actually think that it is very wise to remove Draco from Ginny's flat while she is investigating. He distracts her and she can't think clearly around him. She'll also have enough stimuli to put all he efforts to this so that Draco doesn't spend too much time in holding cells.
Anyway, and whatever happens, I'm really looking forward towards the net chapter!!
Author's Response: I'm glad you're excited for the update! It took me a long time for me to be happy with this chapter, but hopefully you found it worth the wait ;). Blaise is one of my favorite characters in this story - to be honest, I think I like him more than Draco at this point ;). The idea was that Blaise was doing Draco a favor by keeping an eye on Ginny, which was why Draco was upset a few chapters ago when Ginny said that she had been meeting up with Blaise - he didn't want Ginny to find out that he was worried about her! As far as what's going to happen next... obviously, I can't just tell you whether or not Ginny is going to follow through on Hermione's demands, but in any case, it's pretty obvious that Draco will not be happy with her - she ultimately did exactly what he asked her not to, regardless of whether or not she thought she was doing him a favor. And definitely, Draco is a distraction to her, as demonstrated by the conversation Ginny had with Blaise at the bar after her row with Draco. She is in love with him, and he really does cloud her judgment. I hope to update soon, and thanks for being such a faithful reader ;).
Name: justwish reviewed
Chapter 11 on Apr 22, 2013 08:19 pm
loving the story- couldn't sleep until I was caught up! Liking the direction, but that Ginny runs hot and cold!
Author's Response: Ginny is a bit of a weird one. I guess it's different when you read a story in first person because we get all of one character's thoughts, but I just feel like a passionate character like Ginny /would/ be a bit over the place, knowing what's good for herself on one side, but then again not entirely able to control how badly she wants Draco, so she lets herself go a bit whacky. I'm glad you're enjoying the story though! I hope to update again very very soon. :)
Name: justwish reviewed
Chapter 8 on Apr 22, 2013 07:45 pm
Great ending to the chapter. Nice to see laughter, not all the weeping! Like how you brought Pansy into the story.
Author's Response: I hate making Ginny a weepy character by any means because that tends to pull her out of character, but she definitely has some conflicting emotions so I did have to show another side of her. But she's back on track now! :)
Name: justwish reviewed
Chapter 6 on Apr 22, 2013 04:46 pm
Oh that was just mean!!!!
Author's Response: :) Heh, it was a bit. Thanks for the review!
Name: justwish reviewed
Chapter 5 on Apr 22, 2013 04:24 pm
Oh, what could it be!!
Author's Response: :) Thanks for the review!
Name: justwish reviewed
Chapter 3 on Apr 22, 2013 09:47 am
I am loving this story!! I love Stephanie Plum so this is a natural to me. Hope you keep it up!! Thanks!
Author's Response: Oh, thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying this story. I am a big fan of the Stephanie Plum books as well, so I am glad not to disappoint! :)
Name: Prolific Wonder reviewed
Chapter 11 on Apr 19, 2013 12:19 pm
"And Draco does feel something for astoria"... yes but my interpretation is less romantic than people would think. Maybe there was more to they're realationship in auror training then met the eye. Maybe something to do with Marcus etc. don't think what draco feels for astoria and ginny can be in the same categry. think both are real just dfferent. one is romantic love and one is not, but is steep in loyalty, trust and comapassion. Could be wrong, but with draco/astoria i just get that vibe in this story. Btw in a earlier chapter when astoria's sister makes that comment to Ginny its odvious she's trying to get an reaction and why.
Author's Response: There will be more about Draco and Astoria and the relationship that they have/had in the next chapter. As for Daphne, she was definitely fishing for a reaction from Ginny. Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)
Name: Anise reviewed
Chapter 11 on Apr 15, 2013 05:01 pm
Great, great chapter!! The plot progressed, and so did the issue of the D/G relationship. SO good to see that Ginny is being realistic at this point. This seems to sum it up:
I wasn’t really sure how to answer him. Was everything all right? I certainly felt good – satisfied, pleasantly exhausted, and sated of my pent up desires – but how could I know what a conversation between us would bring? The thought that Draco could tell me that it meant nothing crept into my mind, as did the fear that what we’d done had been simply another way for him to manipulate me. It said a lot about our relationship – or lack thereof – that, after hours of being wrapped up in each other, I still couldn’t be sure that what we had shared had been real."
I don't think that she can or should be sure at this point in the narrative. And Draco does feel something for Astoria-- is it that he cares for her as a person who once meant something to him, or does it relate to his present feelings about her? We know (and Ginny knows) that Draco isn't just a totally insensitive jerk, but she's smart enough to understand that this doesn't mean he actually wants a relationship with her. And that's just where she should be.
More soon, I hope! :)
Author's Response: Thank you! I thought you'd be happy to see Ginny not just jump back to being head-over-heels in love with Draco without considering that what he had said to her might be his way of manipulating her. Don't get me wrong; she's still absolutely in love with him, but she is being realistic... and I think that's a lot healthier. I'm glad you're enjoying this story! I actually have the completed first draft of the next chapter written already (yay!), but both of my betas disappeared on me, so I am giving it a little time before I post it so I have some extra time to go back and see what the hell I wrote before I post it ;). It should be soon, though. And there is actually an end to this story in sight, which is also exciting! :) As always, so glad you're enjoying this story. :)
Name: pitzi reviewed
Chapter 11 on Apr 14, 2013 05:58 am
Oh, and I forgot to add that perhaps ginny should realize that when Draco said a few chapters earlier that he was never honest with her, it means that he also wasn't honest when he said their relationship was just a fling for him.
Also I think that Draco actually feels some strong emotions towards Ginny but he's not entirely sure what they are and how to deal with them. I think he's kinda afraid of the intensity of them and would prefer a safer ground for himself.
Author's Response: I would have to agree that Draco is a little boy emotionally, so any deep and complicated feelings he has for her would feel rather dangerous to him. Thanks again for your insight! :)
Name: VioletJersey reviewed
Chapter 1 on Apr 14, 2013 05:11 am
PPPS: I meant Ginny's love for Draco is NOT enough for the both of them. It's saying she wants more out of him, & if he's not going to give it to her then she's done with him.
Author's Response: I knew what you meant ;). Thanks again!
Name: VioletJersey reviewed
Chapter 11 on Apr 14, 2013 05:04 am
Ever since I've read your fic, I've been meaning to write you a review so here it is! :)
Let me say that I absolutely love how romantically dysfunctional these 2 are, especially with each other. With Ginny, it's pretty clear that he loves him & pretty much wants him to feel the same way. It's only now that she realises that maybe her love for him is enough for the both of them. She's slowly realising that she deserves more than that. Draco on the other hand, knows that he loves her -- he just doesn't know how to deal with it, so he just keeps on pushing her away until he figures it out, knowing that no matter what he does, she'll still love him. It's only when Ginny said that she's done with him, that he shows a flicker of sadness & worry over it, thus his whole speech & then making love. It's like he loves her but he's so sure that he'll continue to muck it up & hurt her, & he's afraid that he'll truly lose her in the end, & he's not sure if he can really handle that. Too far-fetched?
Either way, I absolutely love reading your fic & I hope you'll update this very soon!
PS: wouldn't it be amazing if you can write a version of this fic in Draco's POV. Like a companion fic of sorts?! That'll be just awesome!
PPS: I do animé RP & for some apparent reason I've unconsciously wrote my character based on your Ginny (she too is in love w/ a guy whose unsure of what he wants with her! Hehehe!). That's how good of a writer you are!
Author's Response: Wow, thank you so much. It's so exciting when a story I write inspires so much insight! I don't want to comment /too/ much on your theory because I wouldn't want to spoil anything about their relationship. But I will say that Ginny will test him and find out with complete certainty whether or not he has real feelings for her or if he is just using her to get what he needs. They way Draco feels is easily more complex than how Ginny feels -- she is pretty much an open book because it's from her POV ;). But I am so excited that you are enjoying this and that my characterization of Ginny was so appealing to you! I think that is the biggest compliment I've ever gotten as a writer. And actually, I would love to write something in this world from Draco's perspective. I don't know that I'd want to write the whole story with the same events, but definitely /something/ from his point of view, I think, would be loads of fun to write. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
Name: pitzi reviewed
Chapter 11 on Apr 13, 2013 09:43 pm
First of all - thank you so much for the new chapter!!
Ginny really has to work on her timing - she really brought Theo up on a weird moment. But I can understand Ginny's insecurities now that the passion haze has lifted. You really capture her emotional state very well and I could understand her going to sleep on the couch. I'm glad she is thinking about the fact that they never talked about where they stand with each other.
And I'm glad that Harry is being helpful - Ginny is too emotionally involved in this case and harry helps her to keep the right rational perspective on things.
Author's Response: I don't think that Ginny actually meant to bring up Theo when they were in bed. I think she wanted to talk about their relationship - since that was what was really on her mind - but instead that came out, but if you think about it, this case is really straining any relationship that they have/could potentially have because as long as its going on, she can't really be sure if he genuinuely wants her or if he's using her to further his agenda. So, be sure that Ginny will do something to find out what he's feeling, one way or another ;). As for Harry... I'm not a great fan of him by any means, but I feel like he would love Ginny enough that even if she's broken his heart, he still wouldn't be able to walk away from her. So I plan on him having a key part in the upcoming chapters ;). Thanks so much for the review! I will try to get more written and posted as soon as I can.
Name: Anise reviewed
Chapter 10 on Mar 05, 2013 03:12 pm
What a fascinating chapter! I don't think that we really see Draco being made into an unrealistically nice character here-- I wasn't sure at first. I'm still not sure how far Ginny should trust him. Maybe not because of what he would actually choose to do to her now, but because it has been in his nature to hurt her without even meaning to, and he might not be able to change that part of himself. Certainly not so quickly.
Also, I actually think that you've pulled off the feat of making a likable Harry believable-- and that's saying a LOT.
Author's Response: Thanks, Anise! You pretty much hit the nail on the head with your analysis of Draco. Simply as a character in canon, we really don't see a whole lot of instances where Draco has people to depend on. His mother may be the exception at times, but be he doesn't really have a great support system in his family. In this particular story, Ginny is even a bit overbearing with how supportive she actually wants to be, and he doesn't really know what to do with that. You'll see in the upcoming chapter or so how each of them deal with this. The important thing to remember here is that, at this point, no real exchange has happened in terms of "relationship" dialogue. Draco never said that he wants to have a relationship with Ginny. He only apologized for how he'd treated her in the past, but that still does not necessarily mean that what just transpired between them is the start of a fresh, healthy relationship. The tricky part is that it's all from Ginny's perspective, so we want to believe what she thinks is true, but that's not always the case. We have to remember to separate what Draco says and does from what Ginny /thinks/ he means by it. Hopefully that makes some sense!
Name: pitzi reviewed
Chapter 10 on Mar 03, 2013 12:21 am
Thank you, thank you for the update!!!!
Because it's been a while, I reread the previous two chapters before reading this one. And I was glad because that made me enjoy 3 great chapters instead of one.
I think part of why Draco left Ginny nine years ago was his meeting with Nott that night before he left for the Academy. I think it reminded him that he has no right to taint Ginny with his past (it is shown in the episode were Ginny touches his Dark Mark and his reaction - a very touching scene).
As for this chapter - I was glad that Ginny and Harry had this talk. Harry deserved to hear what she had to say. And I always believed that Ginny can be sarcastic but she is not bitchy. And I'm glad you showed it.
Also I liked how Ginny caught herself and didn't storm out on Draco.
And the ending scene surprised me. Of course I hoped for it to happen but wasn't expecting it so soon.
And to sum everything up - The chapter was great and I'm soooo looking forward to the next one (soon hopefully)...
Author's Response: Thanks for the lovely review! For Draco, his reasons for why he left Ginny nine years ago will be delved into further as the story ends. It's not any big secret, but there will be a finality to it (as will there be with all loose ends in this story). It is important, for me personally and in terms of this plot, for Ginny and Harry to be on good terms. I want it to be unfailingly clear that they will not be a happily ever after, but they aren't enemies and I don't want him to come off that way. But as with any breakup, there are ill feelings regardless of how good the people are. For DG, don't be too excited just yet. They really didn't talk about anything in terms of their relationship/how they feel about each other. Keep in mind that they shared a kiss and then had sex in a moment where they were both a little bit vulnerable. It's not end of story quite yet! I'm glad you liked the chapter! I have the first 2000 words of the next written and I will try to get it done and posted very soon. :)
Name: Braewyn reviewed
Chapter 1 on Jan 05, 2013 01:55 pm
Please, please update soon... It's far too long now. We have to know more about what is going on. ;-) The story is just great.
Author's Response: Soo so sorry for the long hiatus! Chapter 10 is up now and 11 is in the works :).
Name: coneveronica reviewed
Chapter 9 on Dec 01, 2012 08:25 am
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE update soon!! this story is so great!
Author's Response: Thanks :). I actually just sent off chapter ten to my beta, so hopefully I'll have a new chapter posted within the next few days. :)
Name: dmgirl1 reviewed
Chapter 9 on Nov 13, 2012 06:24 pm
HOMAGAD THIS IS AMAZING :)
Keep up the good work please! Thank you!
Author's Response: Thanks! Update should be soon. :)
Name: Anise reviewed
Chapter 9 on Nov 10, 2012 10:20 pm
Another very good chapter. I HOPE that Ginny isn't going to give in just yet, though. She shouldn't forget the past nine years so easily, and hopefully, she won't. I do have to say that your Draco is a lot more realistic than many of the fanfic Dracos are. This is what he would *be* at this point; there was so much darkness in him, and it would not have led to considerate or nice behavior towards anyone, even if he really did try to change. Basically, I still think that Ginny should smack him around for awhile. ;) But it will be fascinating to see what happens next.
Author's Response: Thanks for your review! I am so glad you think my characterization of Draco is realistic because that it something that's really important to me. I won't give too much away in my response, but I will say that there is still a ways to go in the story... plenty of time for Ginny to smack him around if she so chooses. ;)
Name: coneveronica reviewed
Chapter 9 on Nov 10, 2012 10:10 pm
LOVE THIS STORY!! please, please, please update soon!
Author's Response: Thank you! I will update as soon as possible, I promise! :)
Name: Braewyn reviewed
Chapter 1 on Nov 08, 2012 01:41 pm
I really love your story. And I like your Draco. I hope that he was honest this time... At least most of the time ;-)
I noticed that he did not really tell her everything about his past with Marcus?
I hope in the next chapter there are more of this Ginny/Draco moments.
Author's Response: Thanks so much for the lovely review! You're absolutely right, though, there is much more to know about his past with Marcus, and all will be revealed by the end of the story. And there will certainly be more DG in the next chapter. Earlier he was in every other chapter, but from this point on, he will be there much more often since he is staying on her couch ;).
Name: VioletJersey reviewed
Chapter 9 on Nov 07, 2012 01:54 pm
Call me absolutely crazy -- but every once in awhile, I would read a fic that leaves me feeling so emotionally invested in it that after reading each chapter, my mind keeps making scenarios jn my head that's just drive me insane! Your fic is one of those!
Honestly, I'm so torn about their relationship. I can tell how much Ginny desperately wants whatever it is that's going on between them to be real, but at the same time, she's smart enough to know although she trusts him w/ her life, she'd never let herself get her heart broken again... which makes me love/hate your Draco so much! Does he really care about her or he's again trying to manipulate her just because he can? I know he's gonna make her miserable, whether he intends to or not -- & it's killing me just thinking about it -- hence the driving-me-crazy sentiments I have about your fic!
I have this paranoia that Draco's gonna break her heart again, & I don't think Ginny's strong enough to handle another heartbreak like that... so I hope that you prove me wrong! I want them to have a happily-ever-after romance... but something tells me there's gonna be a lot of emotional turmoil along the way before that to happen...
Author's Response: I shall not call you crazy. In fact, I take what you said as a great compliment. It's absolutely lovely to know that you're so emotionally invested in my story. I'm not going to say much about what is going on between them because the last thing I would want to do is spoil it, but I will tell you to remember that Draco is still a Slytherin. However, he did say some things to her that were very honest. As to whether or not he'll break her heart again we'll just have to wait and see ;)... but if you've read any of my stories, you will know how I typically like to end them! Thanks so much for your absolutely wonderful review!
Name: tenna reviewed
Chapter 9 on Nov 07, 2012 08:11 am
I figure that Draco is being genuine but I can't help but be suspicious because he kept saying her name and that's totally manipulative behavior but anyways :)) I like that they're getting to the same page and Ginny does need something honest though may or may not be true (?) she can believe in from Draco. She doesn't give in to him. Good for her! But I also like how both of them are thrown when it comes to each other and I suppose eventually they'll find some middle ground maybe. I just really really like the title of this fic right now :) How We Pretend to Feel. Sooooo feeling it. Thanks lovely! :)
Author's Response: Thanks! I am not going to say whether or not he's being honest, but I will say that he is still a Slytherin. We mustn't forget that. ;) And I actually debated over the title of this story. I had three chapters written before I knew what I was going to call it, so I'm /so/ glad you like it. I think it's appropriate for this story because there's a whole lot of pretending going on with a lot of characters... and that may or may not be a hint of some kind ;). Thanks a million for your review, darling!
Name: pitzi reviewed
Chapter 9 on Nov 07, 2012 12:43 am
This was a very emotionally charged chapter and you made a great job of it!!!
I rooted for Ginny and I was very happy for her for standing her ground. You managed to convey her difficulty and struggle to keep her emotions in check really well.
And it looks like Draco is seeing Ginny in a new light. We'll see how much he likes what he sees. He is obviously attracted to her but now something else might be starting too.
And it is so like Draco to try and convey his gratitude in a phisical way because emotional isn't something he knows how to do.
Thank you for the fantastic read and I hope to read a new chapter really soon.
Author's Response: I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I wasn't sure how people would take this chapter. I wanted their relationship to move forward a bit, but I wanted it to be progress realistically. And I agree, Draco isn't great at saying what he feels, so he has to show it. I am hoping to update soon, and thank you so much for your review! :)
Name: Anise reviewed
Chapter 8 on Oct 29, 2012 10:30 pm
Sorry it took me so long to review! I'm prepping for NaNo. So Ginny really DID figure out at least a bit of what's going on... I won't say what, because I hate it when people leave spoilers in reviews. ;) I love Pansy. After canon was closed, I actually started writing her differently, and I think that you, too, are creating a more accurate portrayal. (She was the only one who showed any common sense right before the last battle of the war, correctly pointing out that if they shoved Harry out of the school, then Voldemort just might, um, NOT KILL THEM ALL.)
I loved Ginny's reaction at the end. Don't just give in to Draco! (realizes that characters in fanfic can't hear you. It's kind of like yelling at a movie screen.) I'm so glad to see that her first instinct isn't just to forgive. This Draco has some serious, serious issues, and I hope he proves to her that he is really willing to change and show her some genuine consideration before she just dissolves into a puddle at his feet. Looking forward to more!
Author's Response: Haha. Yup, Ginny is starting to make sense of things, even if she is a little bit scatterbrained and lacking in common sense. There will be a little bit more on why and her reaction in the next chapter. I'm really glad you enjoyed it! And I'm glad you like Pansy in this chapter. I was really nervous about whether or not people would think she was OOC, so I'm glad you liked her characterization!