All Ginny wants is to get the upper hand just once with drool-worthy hunk of man candy and callous playboy Draco Malfoy before he moves on to his next careless conquest. So how did this simple plan lead to time travel, nefarious plots involving the most infamous whorehouse in the wizarding world, and the teenaged Draco’s achingly sweet, chocolate-flavored kisses? Even Draco Malfoy was innocent once, as Ginny learns all too well…Category: Long and Completed
Chapter ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN Quote of the Day:
THE LAST CHAPTER
The minutes ticked by, long enough for Ginny to know that against all reason, all common sense, she still wanted impossible things from him. But she would leave. Even after today, even when her body ached from him and for him, when she could feel that he had begun to shape her to him, she would turn around and leave him. I will, I will, she thought.
“You don’t understand,” said Draco.
“Oh?” Ginny said stiffly. “At least he hadn’t touched her, she thought. She would not be able to find the strength to pull herself away from him, and she knew it.
Sweetheart??? Oh,well. Kinda hard to picture Draco saying it but,as Ginny says, it's much better then Weasley.
You are the queen of writing dirty talk!
But I really liked that there was more to it than just smut. We saw Draco's darker side there for a while but he seemed to take ahold on himself. And I really liked the episode where he got emotional and the fact that he's not as in control as he wants Ginny to think and that Ginny caught on on it.
While I'm enjoing their stay in Crystal Palace I also think about when they finally leave. They'll have to part again, won't they? All the original reasons Draco had that made being with Ginny dangerous are still there, aren't they? It makes me sad.
Waiting for more and more!
Author's Response: This WAS a smutty chapter wasn't it? ;) But as you said, there's more to it on both ends. More soon... and another thing I can promise is that we'll keep seeing Draco for a LONG time, one way or another. ;)
Well... As far as the action in this chapter - I'm speechless.
But! I'm really intrigued by Draco saying You’ll see—you’ll understand soon—“ what will she understand? And he keeps telling her to imagine and do things "for now".He allways says it. It really makes me wonder why for now. Is it because they won't be able to have a physical relationship when thy are out of CP (because then Astoria will know)?Something's gonna happen in the end. You sad it yourself. You also said there won't be an Obliviate but will there be something else to make her forget? I just hope whatever happens in the end isn't something evil or simply bad!
I'mso happy with the frequent updates. Hoping you'll keep them up for a while!
Author's Response: Thank you! (More of The Happy Dance.) Yes. Draco is leading up to something specific here (and I obviously can't say what it is.) But I *can* promise two things.
1.) We'll find out what it is pretty soon, before they leave and
2.) Ginny won't forget what happened in the CP. More soon! :)
Well,who thought I would be happy with just one word. But you made it! This last word, Ginny's name from Draco's lips was absolutely beautiful!
It's so interesting to see how either of them tries to cinvince him/herself that the other doesn't really care. We see it in Ginny's thoughts and in Draco's questions. They are both afraid of emotional intimacy at this point. Hence the reluctance to use their names. That'sa why I was happy when Draco said "Ginny".
I'mso intrigued by Ginny's wisions of Draco in Azkaban. Is she seeing them because of the bond? Whether they are memories, or something from the future or just some kind of warning, I can't figure out now and probably never mill.
I find that I await each next chapter more eagerly than the previous.
Author's Response: Thank you! (Does One-Word Happiness Dance. :) You're right about the issue of names. That's very important. The times when they do (and don't) use each other's names... well, that's significant. Now, about Azkaban... there's a lot that I just can't answer there. But Ginny's visions are all tied up with plotty goodness that has been planned from the very beginning, and Marie (I haven't forgotten about Marie) is VERY much involved. Trust me, you *will* figure out exactly what the visions are eventually, because we're going to see what they are. (But not for while.) More pretty soon...
Oh well, I expect them toput a stop to all their physical activities towards their reentry back into the world but I just hope itdoesn't turn nasty and that he doesn't hurt her again. I dread to find out why he brought her to CP in the first place. I have a feeling Ginny won't like it.
That inner Draco coming out at those moments when he's rather unconscious was really touching. I wanted to cry with Ginny. When do we see him again?
Author's Response: Yes, we don't really know if Ginny will like Draco's reason or not, do we... (insert smilie of foreboding) But I think that from Draco's POV, he's made choices that have moved him far beyond the point of just being downright nasty/mean to her (remember that I'm just the author, though.;) He *thinks*, at least, that he's being incredibly sweet and generous and good. We'll see if Ginny agrees. I can't reveal any more, or that would give too much away.
I actually check every day to see if there's a new chapter! Especially now,when something wicked is going to happen!
I have really wild guess that Draco is going to try and convince her to be his mistress and he probably had the room or even the entire wing rented forthem because CP is the only place they can indulge themselves without Astoria finding out. I assume if this is the case, that Ginny won't be thrilled (well, a part of her would,but then the sane one will take over).
See what you are doing to people? I really need to see what happens next before I have some other guesses.
Author's Response: Will there be a new chapter soon? (shakes crystal ball) Signs point to yes, and that's all I'll say. :)
He-he (saves points and looks around for portal to the sixty-fourth dimention).
Oh, dear, I so felt for Ginny! Here she thought for a moment that he wanted to be assosiated with her other than sexually and he just went to confirmthat he's only after her body (perhaps he's even convincing himself that's all there is). I don't believe Ginny will accept such an offer,not until he proves she means more to him than just physical intertainment!
I think that's the big problem Draco has with the attitude he shows Ginny. He only uses seduction and relies on his abilities in that area and failes to see that Ginny needs something else, and this will not be enough for her. He needs to see Ginny for who she is,not for what he makes of her.I realise that he thinks he cannot give heranything else,but has he tried?
All that said I think they really need a time off now fromall the physical to get to know each other on other levels.
Wasn't he supposed to be the Junior Undersecretary of Culture or something? If Ginny gets to construct the new statue in theMinistry it could be a great opportunityforthe kind of interactionthey need now I think.
But no matter what you have planned for themI know it'sgoing to be really really interesting!
And your talent for escalating the suspence with each chapter is absolutely remarkable!
Thank you again for this fantastic story!
Author's Response: If I ever find that portal, I'll tell you... hm hm hmmm.... it's possible that you might be getting some more points in the future, not that I'm promising anything one way or the other. ;) More very soon and thanks for another wonderful review!
Oh, this was so heartbreaking! I nearly cried while reading the episode where Ginny is at the portal and Draco is begging her to return.
But as sad as it was I think Ginny did the right thing here. He never offered her what really matters. I just wish she would explain him what she needs seeing as he doesn't seem to get it (or perhaps he is in denial?). I don't think asking him to leave Astoria was enough for him to understand she wanted all of him.
Also Ginny assumed that he was talking about Astoria whenhe said "her" but I'm not sure. And he nearly did say something of what Ginny wanted to hear but stopped himself and,as Ginny pointed out, he never really explained why he wanted her.
I see there's a lot of work for Draco with himself to be able to open up to her. I really hope he doesn't give up and allready has another plan to get her. Please!!!
Oh, well. Thank you for this emotionally charged chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you! :) And you're welcome.. and, well, you know. It was sad, but you're right. Ginny couldn't do anything else and still keep her self-respect. But she was holding some of herself back, too, because she didn't explain everything to him either, as you pointed out... but she was too afraid she just wouldn't get what she wanted... well, anyway. MUCH more to come. ;)
I can't calm down.Still. So here's a message to Draco: Ditch Astoria already!!!!
Also is that "her" that Ginny thinks is Astoria actually Narcissa? I'd think she's the only other one Draco cares about.
And I'm so curious what Draco is thinking and feeling now,after Ginny left. Has he told you?
Author's Response: Yes, we don't really know who "she" is, do we? ;) Nope, Draco's keeping pretty quiet so far... there MIGHT have been a few hints, but he told me not to tell anybody-- oh, here they come again. (I wonder where you'd even get butterfly nets these days?)
Oh, I think I could bake Zacharias a huge thank you cake!!!I really like the whole family!
Poor Daphne trying to save her sister from doom. I hope Dean will be there for her. And what did Draco think bringing Astoria with him! I can understand Ginny not wanting to do anything with him but just how long will this resolve last?
And the next chapter is the Opening at the gallery right? Will Draco be there? Not with Astoria I hope. Just tell me, is he angry with Ginny for refusing him after all the hard work he did and the risk he took in coming back (though apparently he didn't only come for her)??
And Colin was really cute as always in this fic.
Thanks a lot!
Author's Response: Zach is great, isn't he? And Daphne really is trying to do the right thing. I think I'll spell this out more later, but the backstory with Dean and Daphne is that they had a very short relationship at the end of their seventh year at Hogwarts that they both tried to forget. They parted because Daphne knew that her family would never accept their being together; now, of course, she doesn't care too much what the Greengrasses think anymore.
Draco didn't actually know that Astoria followed him to St. Mungo's until he saw her in the tunnels; he thought he'd tricked her and managed to slip away by himself. The fact that he did see her was why he took Ginny to the CP then, and it explains why he said that he hadn't planned for them to go there just yet. Now, as to exactly why Draco came back to London after four months... that can't be revealed yet. And he doesn't want to say anything about how he feels right now, so I just can't tell anybody else. ;) But more soon.
Oh and when can we strangle Harry?
Author's Response: Harry still has a lot of things to do in this fic, so he can't be strangled yet, but maybe we can all think of a really, really horrible fate for him after that. :)
I really liked the epigraph! It was so fitting. And "tall blond unmentionable" - ha-ha! Iliked that.
Ginny engrossed in her art is absolutely hillarious, she doesn't even notice the days passing by (by the way, I noticed that you like to have Ginny as an artist in your fics. Any particular reason?).
I'm glad she's o.k. with Daphne.
I'm so curious about how her working with Draco will turn out. I suppose there's going to be alot of bickering. And can I have some cookies for the guess???
Also, I'm probably entirely wrong, but I think that deep down Draco knew that Ginny won't accept his offer (He himself pointed out several times that she's not like the other girls he is used to) and getting them to work together on that project was his Plan B.
Harry will probably freak out once he learns Ginny and Draco will be working together. Will he try to interfere?
Can you please please update soon again?
Author's Response: Thank you! :) I'm not even sure why Ginny is an artist so often, but it's something that just seems to fit her. She's a contradiction in some ways, because I see her as being very extroverted and very introverted at the same time (and I think it's supported by canon.) And artists are often like that; I think that Andy Warhol was as well.
Draco doesn't tell me everything, of course. ;) But I wonder if you might be right about his knowing, but not wanting to admit, that she probably wouldn't accept his offer. Now, as to why and how the project came about, that can't be revealed! The Harry fallout is going to be nuclear, as you've probably guessed, and it will trigger so many things from here on in. Updating shouldn't be TOO long, because I'm still interviewing for jobs, and I have a lot of time... and...
A Cookie Crumb for Pitzi, for Guessing Right
Draco had finished a second bottle of wine by the time they left, and Ginny wasn’t feeling too steady on her feet either. He hadn’t asked her what Astoria had said to her. Yet. Of course, why else would Malfoy walk me home? she thought. It's one of his standard-issue evil plots to get at the truth while I'm in a drunken state.
Except that maybe he really didn't see Astoria at all, a voice slyly whispered in her head. Maybe it's got something else to do with an evil plot and Ginny's drunken state...
"Evil voice! I’m not listening to you!"
“Come on, Ginny. I’ll get you home.”
“I already said I’m not going to listen to your evil voice,” insisted Ginny.
“I haven’t even started in saying anything yet, but warning taken, I suppose,” said Draco. “The wine’s all gone, Ginny, and a good thing, too. Up.”
His hand clamped onto her arm, and Ginny got to her feet a bit dizzily. They reached the nearest Apparition point.
“It's a very nice night,” said Ginny, feeling a sudden need to get away from Draco’s hand as soon as possible. Each one of his fingers just felt so… so separate and distinct. She couldn’t stop almost-remembering what each individual finger could do, and that was decidedly not supposed to happen. “Goodbye," she added firmly.
“You’re not Apparating by yourself in this state,” said Draco. “You’d splinch yourself without a doubt. There’d be bits of orange hair everywhere.”
“It is not orange—“ said Ginny, but it was too late, and she felt the squeezing sensation of side-along Apparition.
“Please tell me you’re not going to be sick,” said Draco, when they had reached the front step of her flat.
“Of course I’m not!” Ginny said indignantly. Then she remembered when Draco had seen her get decidedly sick after a number of scotch and sodas, and that it was the first time he’d brought her home. This made the second. “Let’s get back to the main point. My hair is not orange, Draco Malfoy. You take that back.”
“Right, right. Let’s see—it’s copper and gold, red and bronze, even some strands that look almost blonde—“ Draco somehow had guided her away from the very front of her flat until they were almost in an alleyway, and Ginny wondered exactly how he had done it. It just seemed so much more secluded… He picked up one of her curls, near her forehead. “Here’s a long streak right at the roots, and it’s every bit as pale as mine. However did it get there?”
“It’s always been there,” said Ginny. “It’s my blonde streak. It’s why I do dreadfully stupid things sometimes.” It seemed extremely important to explain this point, especially when Draco was standing so very close to her and holding her hair and she could smell the chocolate on his breath. Why was his face coming closer and closer? No. We can’t do this sort of thing again. Never, ever again. It belongs to the past; that’s over and done with, and even the memories of it are gone, buried or burned or drowned so deep that they could never be dredged up again. She pulled away.
Oh, thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!
You're amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is this from the next chapter?
Author's Response: Nope, there are a few chapters between this one and the one where the cookie came from. But OTOH, there aren't *too* many. :)
Oh, intrigue!!!! What is so important that should have happened? Wow, so Draco didn't pick the date randomly! You really are The Master Of Plot! You have surprises everywhere!
Arggghhhh!!!!! I HATE ASTORIA!!!! THE MEDDLING ....(INSERT AN INSULT!) She just had to show up!!! Draco, don't give in to her!!!!
And I really liked how everyone tried to stop Astoria and help Ginny! I'm happy to see Luna back. Is she staying for a while?
I wonder what Ginny has in store for her meeting with Draco. I hope she's not too vicious, because I can only pity Draco after the night with Astoria trying to sink her claws into him.
And now I'm trying to figure out about the Halloween night and what Draco wanted from Ginny. I really do pity him. But I probably won't figure it out anyway. So I'll just wait for what's next.
Author's Response: Well, you KNOW I can't reveal that exactly... but we know that Astoria has really, really been trying to consummate that marriage. There are some important clues as to why in the Field Guide. If pureblood marriages aren't consummated within a certain period of time (six months), then Astoria could lose everything. It's getting closer and closer to the deadline, so she's getting desperate. Yes, Luna will be staying for awhile. :) I do feel sorry for Draco too... but he *could* have shared things with Ginny much more than he has, and told her the full truth about some things, and especially told her that he Oblivated her in the past, and he's chosen not to do that. So, much more to come!
Aunt Walpurgia is hillarious! How do you come up with all those names? Have you found the Hillarious and Witty Names Storage Closet?
Well, I wonder how long Ginny's Ground Rules will hold when she herself is having trouble with rule number1 (especially when she sees his fingers) and she ALREADY broke the rule of "no physical contact" by offering a handshake! I suspect Draco knows the rules won't hold for long.
I'm very amused every time by Draco's reaction to mentioning Dean. Does he really think that every man is out to get Ginny into bed? He's more worried about Dean than about Harry!
I wish they'd just talk openly to each other about everything, but knowing them, we are in for a wait! I'm really looking forward to watching them interact during this fountain project.I hope they make a lot of progress on the soul bonding level. That laugh they shared in this chapter is definately a step in the right direction.
I'm nervous as to what Harry is going to do, he obviously already read the article too. And Astoria! They relly could use that pit from the Murshmallow peace you wrote for their evil plot against Draco and Ginny. (By the way,that short story was very convincing as to why fluff can't happen at this point of DDD, but it will happen sometime I hope.)
Ginny putting Ron in place was very satisfying!
I congratulate you on your new job but feel sorry for myself because the updates might slow down now.
Author's Response: (looks for closet) Around here, who knows? ;) This house was built in 1885... anything's possible... Actually, that does make it one of the older surviving houses built by European settlers in this state. So you never know*what* might be hidden in these closets. But anyway.
Yes, that's the question, isn't it... just how long will those rules last? But Ginny's going to try. Actually, Draco will too, because he knows how much Ginny could be hurt if he doesn't. (Cookie Chip Secret: When Ginny told him that under Ministry rules, she could have refused to work with him, he actually thought about letting her do it for her sake. He couldn't follow through, of course.) There are some adventures coming up with Harry, for sure... more reasonably soon! :)
All right, what was wrong with that frog curse? I assume it's not completely faded? Does Ron need to be kissed by someone now?
Ha, Draco just had to make his own list of rules! He couldn't let Ginny have the upper hand here, now could he? I suspect when he talked about not discussing each other's private lives, he meant he didn't want to hear about Ginny's private life (not that she has any) .
Well, as much as it sounds cheesy blaming evrything on Loci, we can't ignore the fact that Loci actually does have a big say in setting all this into motion, so Draco is not completely bluffing.
I wonder why really Draco wanted this Job in Arts Ministry when it appears he knows nothing about art. I suppose it's not only because of Ginny?
And with them spending so much time together now, that she also volunteered to teach him art in addition to working on the new fontain, their resolve for business only relationship will go down the drain pretty quickly! But, as long as it's only business they have a chance to learn more about each other, so their relationship will hopefully benefit from it.
You said Draco is trying to protect Ginny here, and that's the reason for his behavior. Well, what can I say, Draco is a real jerk when he tries to be noble!
Oh, and every time I see a new chapter i'm dreading to find a furious Harry lurking in dark corners spying on our couple!
And I just remembered Marie. When is the whole issue with her going to come between them? I'm so curious what Draco learnt about her while away from London and why was he looking up information on her in the first place! Or did he stumble upon it accidentaly while learning about ways to make Ginny safely his? She did work in CP," the safest place of them all"! And yes, I still stubbornly refuse to aknowledge that Ginny and Marie are the same person despite the evidence!
Author's Response: Oo, those are some good theories about the frog curse.... we'll learn more about it later, and it WILL be important to the plot. ;) Actually, Draco meant the "no private life discussion" to go both ways, but he's going to regret it. He's trying to be noble (by his standards), but that can only last so long. And that's a *very* good question about exactly why he wanted that job. By the end of Part II, we'll know the answer. We'll learn more about who might be spying on them too...
Oh, and Marie! We have NOT heard the last of Marie.;) I can guarantee one thing: no matter who she really is or was, the answer to that mystery definitely won't be nothing more than "oh, Ginny, or whoever, is actually Marie, and that's all there is to it, mystery solved." I hope that it will be similar to the classic ending of a mystery novel... one of those things where readers see that what seemed to be incredibly complicated was actually surprisingly simple. (I HOPE, anyway.)
Yay, a new chapter! I so waited for it!
Draco seducing the lift is hillarious, only I wish he didn't call it sweetheart for Ginny's sake.
And that scene when they searched for the file was done brilliantly! I think Draco guessed that Ginny was remembering the fight in the department of mysteries and switched to seductive mode to distract her. And when he succeeded he stopped. Well,he did mention the broken ankle (I wonder how he knew).
And finally Harry. It doesn't seem like he actually got something on Draco. I just wish Ginny wasn't so afraid of him. Though can't blame her.
Thank you so much again! Isoenjoy your story!!
Author's Response: Thanks! :) And I always like your theories, although as usual I'm not confirming or denying anything... ;) But yes, Draco had rather intriguing timing there, didn't he? We haven't heard the last of Harry, unfortunately, but that's probably not a surprise. More soon...
Wow, Ginny what a right mess. I wonder what Draco had to do with it. Though even remembering what happened in the Department of Mysteries could overwhelm her I guess. So that part of the dream about Lucius she has with him standing over her (confused with dreans of TM) is a memory from the battle in DOM.
I imagine Draco felt quite horrible having to kiss Astoria (I prefer ASStoria) in front of Ginny! But their moment together earlier when they held onto each other was beautiful and it is heart warming to see Draco worried about Ginny but trying to conseal it. And what is this revulsion he has for the "unmentionable" word? Is it a remnant from Marie? (I won't forget about her!!!)
And the part about different eyes was done really beautifully!
Was Hermione there spying on her own accord or did Harry send her?
More,More,More please! As soon as you can!!!
Btw, how is your new job,are you enjoying it?
Author's Response: Well, that's a question now, isn't it... what exactly is the relationship between Ginny's recurring dream about Lucius/TR in the CoS (when she was 11) and her memories about what really happened in the DoM when she was 15 years old? In this chapter, she had an uncontrollable flashback about what happened then, but what was she remembering accurately about what Lucius might have done to her? Anyway...
Nope. Don't forget about Marie. She will return again. And we'll learn more about what Hermione is really doing, too. Oh, and I love love the new job! (so far. crosses fingers, but it's all going really well. We all went bowling today! :)
Oh, I forgot to ask, did Draco now Hermione was there spying?
Author's Response: Now, THAT question I can answer. No, Draco didn't know that Hermione was spying on him and Ginny at that particular time. He was very.... distracted, let's just say, and not really in the best shape to notice everything that was going on. ;) What I can't do, of course, is to get into the specifics of exactly what Hermione and Harry are up to, and how much Draco knows (or doesn't know) about any or all of it. However, one thing I *can* say is that Draco doesn't know everything Harry is planning.
While waiting for another update I've been thinking (I rarely go into deep thinking about fics but your story is obviously a nice exeption). So here are some random questions that i've been turning over in my head:
1. About the time gap of Draco's disappearance. He obviously thinks he was away for 6 months being obliviated and all, but how come no one told him anything like "Hey, Draco, where have you been for the last year and a half"? Or was there some kind of a confundus charm at work?
Also,well, we were hinted that there is some Draco/Ginny obliviated past, so did it happen in those months that are mysteriously missing from Draco's memory? And,this will probably not be answered but do those Ginny's Azkaban visions have somthing to do with this time gap?
2. I was thinking that because the story is narrated from Ginny's point of view we, the readers, are led to falsely believe that we know everything Ginny knows and remembers and that the mysterious things that pop into her mind and dreams are mysterious to herself at this point. But I have a feeling (perhaps a wrong one) that Ginny knows more than we do and that she too is hiding things (and I don't only mean her not telling about the Chamber).
3. I was curious if the magical objects in the story pick up the traits of their owners, like Percy's watch is efficient and Draco's is flirtatious. Also, Draco's crate and the lock (Obfrimo) have a thing for Ginny's hair and pick on it to determine her identity, and,well, at least from that cookie you posted for me I gather that Draco himself is fascinated with her hair.
So there,some of the thoughts I have. I hope I don't bore you with all my speculations.
Author's Response: I LOVE speculations! (Does the Happy Speculation Dance. :)
1.) Basically, nobody was suspicious at that time about where he'd been because Draco had a cover story for the lost time, so that part of it isn't really very mysterious. As for how that's even possible when he also thought he was only away for six months, well... for people who have the capacity to be very dissociative, which Draco does, that kind of thinking really is very possible. They just kind of hold both things in their head at the same time.
2.) The answer to this question of what really happened to Ginny in the past, and what she knows... well, it's kind of the point of Parts 3 and 4. I will say that Ginny isn't deliberately hiding things at this point. When we find out everything she actually does know from the past, though, we will know all about the mystery of Marie. I can't say anything more!
3.) I like this idea. :) I really hadn't even specifically thought of this, but it does make sense! And I love that you picked up on the detail of Ginny's hair. It's very important, and I planted it for a reason.
Oh, finally a new chapter! I was so thrilled!
I absolutely love your jelous Draco! He's ready to freak out even at a hint of a name of Ginny's past boyfriend!
"She looked up to see a face matching the face of that man, maybe in the way that an impossibly beautiful waking moment mirrors a sliver of screaming nightmare." This line is so beautiful! I love that your story is so multicolored - it's sometimes angsty, sometimes humorous and sometimes so lirical (like in this line).
I can definately understand Ginny's reluctance to give Draco art lessons! I wonder why he insists so, well, beyond the obvious reason. I mean, he goes onabout how he doesn't understand art and doesn't know anything about it and then goes and mentions names or terminology which suggests that he'snot as ignorant as he pretends to be!
The dream is as intriguing as Ginny's other dreams. I believe she's starting to remember things.
Ginny and Hermione in the lift - I could picture the encounter in my mind. It seemed so real!
And you say the end is a cliffie! I wonder if that means that something awful's going to happen.
Author's Response: Thank you! :) Yes, Draco does have trouble with hiding those hints of jealousy, doesn't he? Draco has a few different reasons for wanting art appreciation lessons from Ginny(he never does anything for the obvious reason, of course. ;) But there's one very special reason. All I can say is that when Ginny learns it, she'll learn the central mystery of Part II. And cliffies don't always mean that something awful is about happen. It can just mean something... drastic, shall we say.
Oh, there's definately a development of some sort! Poor Draco! being trapped by Astoria! What a fate (shudders)!
i'M REALLY INTRIGUED by Draco's interest in art. He knows something about art but still asks Ginny for lessons (and I don't think he desided to end the arrangement like Ginny seems to think here). As for now, I have 2 lines of reasoning.One is where Draco actually does need those lessons because his knowledge is not enough for something he needs to find/figure out. The other is that he doesn't really need the lessons but needs a way to keep Ginny by his side as often as possible either in order to protect her or for some other reason.
You said Draco has several reasons for wanting those lessons so perhaps i've got at least something resembling the truth. Who knows?
I absolutely love your inanimate objects and i'm glad Ginny learnt to appreciate them. They might prove themselves useful to her!
I'm sad that Ginny is finding it hard to be close to Luna right now, but that's understandable. Also, i wonder why today is not a good day for a visit as Colin says.
And what does Hermione want? I hope we wo'nt have to wai too long to find out...
(Chases Astoria with a broom: "release poor Draco, you...")
Author's Response: We'll know much more about Draco's reasoning soon. :) And I can reveal one thing-- Colin only said it wasn't a good day for a visit (to Andy's new Factory) because he was trying to get Ginny to go back home. More news is coming about the Inanims... and the Hermione reveal is coming right up! As well as what Astoria's up to at the moment.
Big surprise, here's me again... Yeah, I know, I'm pathetic like that.
I was just thinking that for someone so in control of things as Draco makes everyone believe, Astoria has quite a hold on him. He's pritty much dragged by the collar and Astoria's pulling the leash. He goes everywhere she thinks to drag him to and he doesn't really stand up to her. I suppose the marriage ties are stronger than him. Although I think there's one thing he didn't give in. I think She hasn't succeded to get him to consummate the mariage.
So is Draco working on getting Ginny to the Regency Ball as he promised?
Author's Response: Oh, come on! It's ANYTHING but pathetic, so don't be silly. ;)Yes, Astoria has some things going on that we don't know about (and actually, that Draco is far from fully aware of, either.) As for the consummating-the-marriage issue... I neither confirm nor deny. ;) We'll find out more about Draco and Ginny and the ball very soon...
Oh, wow! Don't they have any "the most awesome use of inanimate objects in fction" awards somewhere? You definately deserve the 1 place! Loftia is fantastic!
Poor Colin, always drugged into things he'd rather stay away from. but he is so adorable!
Ginny seems to have decision making problems again. But of course she's worried about the Chocolate Prince. He really should appreciate all her concern though he might not know about it. Why did he stay at the Ministry? Was he trying to avoid Astoria?
Speaking of Astoria, why can't she just leave the poor man alone! Doesn't it hurt her pride that he despises her?
And poor Daphee. I feel so sorry for her. I don't think there's anything she can do to save her sister from doom (that I'm convinced is coming for her).
Thank you so much, I enjoyed this chapter a lot. Waiting impatiently for the next! Might we see Ron and Percy?
Author's Response: Thank you! :) We'll find out more about what Draco was up to eventually, trust me. As for Astoria's reasons... well, those can't be exactly revealed, just yet, but we'll at least find out a little more about those too. I have plans for the next time we'll see Ron (evil snickers and froggy thoughts), and there's actually a plan for Percy too. And don't forget about George... More soon!
Yes! A new chapter so soon!
I'm glad Hermione desided to stop following Harry like a puppy though I can imagine how furious he's going to be. And there was murder in his face. Creepy!
Poor Daphne! I feel so sorry for her.
Colin was great!
The loyalty of the inanims to Draco is so touching! And how they all want to protect Ginny for him, so that his heart won't be destroyed. I do hope Ginny will get more help from the inanims in the future.
Ginny is still trying to convince herself that she and Draco are better off apart. How does she think it's even possible? Even now she is going after him, when it's as dangerous as it can get, what with Harry lurking about and knowing she is looking for Draco!
Also, about the previous chapter, when Ginny talked abou creating this new fountain with Draco I just thought that it sounded so very romantic - them creating something beautiful together. She was talking artwise, but I hope it's also symbolic as to what kind of a relationship they could have once they deal with all the secrets and myseries and learn to be open with each other.
As always, waiting eagerly for more!
Author's Response: And I'm at home with the flu today too (ick), but... that means that more writing just might get done. :) Yes, Hermione is having some issues with Harry, but it's a little more complex than that. We'll find out more eventually.
I've thought a lot about Ginny's character. She is very dissociative-- which she was in canon, too, but that was never really explored and was swept under the rug. People with this kind of symptomatology (waits for prize for six-syllable word. Okay, nobody's giving out the prizes, so we'll just move on... ;) really can believe things like what Ginny is believing at this point-- that detaching herself from Draco will really work. (But OTOH, that's not really so far from the kind of dumb things that any of us can think.) Also, Arthur Weasley has always worked for the Ministry, and Ginny was raised with that ideal of wizarding justice during her entire childhood. I think that deep down, she can't bring herself to believe that the laws of the Ministry won't work the way they should. If they actually *do*, then Draco will be okay as long as they can actually prove that they're going to end up turning out good art. Because then Harry couldn't say that he's only using the Junior Minister of Art and Culture thing as a cover, and he would have no excuse for starting the investigation up again
Anyway... more soon!
i was thinking about what obfirmo said and what I understood from the Inanim business is that they operate on loyalty. Now Ginny is loyal to Draco but also has a strong bond with him so she's let inside. Astoria has a bond of marriage with Draco but I don't think it's that strong since it wasn't consummated. Also, Astoria is definately not loyal to Draco, yet obfirmo let her in. That suggests to me that when obfirmo was talking about it's loyalty being devided he meant Lucius. The lock has to be loyal also to Lucius and that's where I think Astoria's connection is. She has something with him obviously. Hope that made sence.
I'm glad Ginny finally stands up to Astoria instead of hiding from her.
Also, Ithink Draco will be angry with Ginny for not listening to him.
Waiting to see what happens next...
Author's Response: Mm, very very interesting theory about Astoria and Malfoy loyalty! Well, I neither confirm nor deny anything. snerky snerk ;) Yes, Ginny finally just couldn't take it anymore with Astoria, and I think she realized that the placating/hiding approach wasn't really helping anyway. Lots coming up, and we're going to find out more about what Astoria is *really* trying to do...