In a tale of forks, golden tassels and cake, Ginny endures an uncomfortable meal at the Malfoys.Category: Completed Short Stories
Oh my goodness. This was hilarious. The whole premise was priceless, the writing wonderful and the ending just made me grin. Perfect!
In his fifth year, Draco was moving towards a dark destiny... and slowly, inexorably, he began to pull Ginny in. Find out what *really* happened between those two during the events of Order of the Phoenix. Harry didn't know the half of it...Category: Long and Completed
This story was simply incredible. I started reading it with the intention of breaking it into pieces, but once I'd begun, I couldn't stop. I ended up going to bed rather late, but I don't at all regret it, because this story was incredible.
Perfectly plotted, incredibly well written and very, very addictive.
The scene in the luggage compartment was amazing. I continue to be impressed by it, actually, because in the hands of a lesser writer it would have come off as awkward, stilted and forced. But not with you. It was beautifully written and incredibly touching. (Sorry about the pun. =P)
On a whole, though, this was simply amazing. I maintain that this has to be some of the best work I've read, online and in real books. Pretty much, you're an amazing writer.
I'm going to read Heavenly Creatures as well, because I simply must know what happens. I mourn the fact that it's not completed, and probably never will be, but I still have to read it, even if I end up going mad with not knowing how it ends, it'd be worse if I didn't read it, knowing it was there.
I'll just say it again, this was incredible.
Author's Response: Thank you thank you thank you!! :) Actually, I was pondering an idea the other day... there was a very specific and SHORT plotline that I originally had thought about giving KCOtDT, and what did happen obviously ran away with me completely. (While I do like a lot of the places where it went, it got very out of hand, and that was actually the impetus for writing so much of the content of DDD before I posted it. DDD will end up being every bit as long as KC, but it WILL follow a coherent plotline, and it WILL get finished.) My point (and like Ellen, I do have one), is that *Man In Black*, the planned 3rd fic in the BB and HC trilogy, was supposed to basically have the KC short-version plotline. So I was thinking about redoing HC as a short fic and then writing MiB as a VERY short one (well, for me). In that case, it's not impossible that everything could get done. :)
Draco found Ginny in an abandoned classroom just after the Christmas holidays in Ginny's fifth year, and he did something unforgivable. But then, later on, she found him... and they both found that their combined fates could not be fought.Category: Long and Completed
Alright, so I finished reading this a few days ago, and it's taken me until now to review because had I reviewed as soon as I'd finished reading it, I'm fairly certain I wouldn't have said anything coherent.
This was, by far, the most horrible, hearbreaking, appalling, depressing, obscene stories I've ever read. I still don't know whether I love it to death or hate it beyond reason. But whichever it is, I know this story is going to stick with me for a long, long time. It was too tragic not to.
Actually, it reminded me a very good deal of those ancient Greek tragedies, where the subject matter of this story probably wouldn't have been as shocking, because that's just the way they are (with the exception of the epilogue/chapter 10, of course).
But I really can't get over it. There was some perfectly appalling quality to this story that makes it hard for it to like. The tragedy was so absurdly tragic that part of me almost wants to mock it for being so unlikely. But the thing is, I can't. I can't, because it was too tragically beautiful, too romantic to be mocked. I don't think I can fully express what I mean by beauty and romance, because this was not, in any way at all, a beautiful or romantic story. But the thing is, all good tragedy is beautiful and romantic. That's just the way it is. So I suppose what I'm saying is that you did an incredible job at writing the most horrifying, depressing tragedy I've ever read, but I can't decide whether or not that means I like it.
I know for certain that I won't read it again soon, but read it again I may, because hopefully it won't hurt so much the second time.
This was honestly, truly amazing. I just wish I hadn't made the mistake of reading it directly before bed.
Author's Response: Wow, I never read this review until now... wow. What a review it is! Yes, this is a disturbing fic, and I honestly don't think that I knew how disturbing it really was at the time that I wrote it. Out of all the Dracos I have ever written, this really is the most unredeemable one (is that even a word? Well, it is now.) Even the QatD's Draco, as unspeakably creepy and not-quite-sane as he is, isn't as bad as this one. So I think that given what this Draco did, this is the only kind of ending that this fic could have really had. He could not be forgiven, and as often happens, someone else had to pay the price for his crimes. But then, for the rest of life, he paid that price too. The only part that is beautiful is that he realized just how profoundly he loved her, and she him. Anyway, it's the most depressing ending I've ever written. It's all uphill from here! :)
Since childhood, Pansy has known that she's destined for Draco. Trouble is, she hates him, he despises her, and his frustrated desires are turned towards Ginny Weasley, the one person on the face of the earth who is most forbidden to him. This doesn't fit into Lucius Malfoy's plans at all. So one autumn afternoon at the manor, he teaches Pansy a lesson in seduction, lust, and the twisted paths of power...Category: Long and Completed
This was just...wow. I don't think I've ever really read a story about Pansy, and whenever she is around, I've never really seen her portrayed very sympathetically. She's always the evil villain at worst and just neutral at best.
But this, oh this! I've honestly never given much thought to her, but here she seems so real, so fragile. And that makes everything all the more depressing.
The unicorn motif, though, was really well done. And in honesty, that was most of the reason I felt so bad for her. The poor girl has always liked unicorns, and now she's had to give them - and all her innocence - up because of Lucius. =(
Oh, it just depressed me to no end.
But all that melancholy aside, this was really well done. For you to have made me feel so deeply about this is a real testament to your genius.
Truly marvellous. =)
A silly drabble about what would inevitably happen if Harry and Ginny ever got (God forbid) married. Anyone expecting intricate plotting or vast character development will be disappointed, but leather pants are involved, however tangentially.Category: Completed Short Stories
LOL! This was incredibly funny. Excuse me a moment while I chuckle.
This was completely absurd, really harsh on Harry and I'm still not entirely certain why Ginny was dressed like that, but whatever. This was an absolutely enjoyable read. =)
I know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a sun in somebody else's sky-- but why...why can't it be mine? One-shot for the Christmas Fic Challenge issued at The DG Forum.Category: Completed Short Stories
Oh. Wow.
So I've been left a bit breathless after that. Maybe it's just because it's so late, but that REALLY affected me. I mean, it sort of hurts, rowan. Inside. =(
What can I say? I thought this was beautifully written. I always like to say that opening and closing lines are most important; a strong beginning to hook you in, and a sharp ending to take your breath away is what authors should aim for, and it's exactly what you did here. The opening line of this was, quite honestly, beautiful. The description drew me in, and the dark revelation that came shortly after kept me there. I swear my breath actually caught on the line, "Could it be that he was losing her already? The part of her that he’d sworn to himself would always remain locked away somewhere inside of him, secretly?"
And then the ending. Oh, the ending. Noble and cruel at the same time, and Ginny will only ever know after its too late, so neither of them will get a happy ending. That hurts, it really does. But it's the most beautifully romantic sort of hurt I could imagine. Sacrifice, love, and pain -- the perfect ingredients for a tragedy.
Even when Draco is being noble, as he is here, I very much liked the fact that he very much retained his 'Draco' essence; he's done the noble thing, but he hasn't had any epiphany about what else he's doing -- no change of heart, no sudden desire to change everything, he is still Draco, even while saving Ginny, he is still the same prejudiced and cruel boy, shown equally in the way he saves her.
Now, I've mused on beginnings and ends, but lets chat middles, shall we?
This was a good one.
Ahem. Anyway. More specific. In terms of exposition, detail and description, I don't think this could have been at all improved. We see the story fan out and bloom before us, getting snatches of the story through memory and musing, which was a wonderful way to do it.
Now, a question. Perhaps I wasn't dilligent enough in reading, but the first time Draco turns Ginny away -- is it for the same noble reason as the end, or is it because, in his broken psyche, he really doesn't know how to love properly, and just pushes Ginny away, even though he doesn't mean to? (That's initially how I read it, before I got to the whole 'war' part.)
In closing, I thought this was beautiful, painful, tragic and wonderful. I very much enjoyed reading it, even if it did hurt.
Author's Response:
My dear Lizz, I can't tell you how happy you've made me with this lovely, lovely review. It's such a pleasure to get detailed feedback from an insightful reader, and that is exactly what you are. I love how easily you grasped the nuances of the fic and Draco's character - a prejudiced and cruel boy, you called him, and he is. One who is very much in love. Yes, this has the sacrifice, the love and the pain, you're quite right. Some of us are taught that love means sacrifice, and to Draco he IS sacrificing himself, in the only way he possibly can because a betrayal of his family is not an option for him.
"We see the story fan out and bloom before us"... look at you, you have such a way with words! That's lovely. See why I want you to write D/G?
Anyway. In answer to your question, if you perceived at all that Draco was incapable of loving at any point in the fic, it is a shortcoming in the narrative and not in Draco's character. Because he is in love with her, he will protect her however he can, even from her own love of him, which will ultimately be a danger to her. At least, that's what he believes. And the reason for that is that he will never switch sides while his family doesn't, and Lucius won't at this point. It might sound too logical written down like this, but when I was in Draco's head as I writing this it made complete sense to both of us. I think people make hard decisions in real life based on this terribly logic. As you pointed out, Ginny will never know unti after it's too late; in essence, and though it might not seem that way, this is a fic about bad timing.
In closing on my end, you said reading this caused a bit of hurt. When I set out to write this, I was aiming for something that could easily fit in canon and the aftermath of the final chapter of DH. Something they could both remember during their brief meeting on the platform of 9 and 3/4. That spells hurt for any D/G lover. :(
I am very happy that you found this beautiful and that you enjoyed it. Again, thank you for your lovely words of praise.
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.
Oh my goodness, you've done it again. (Not that there was any doubt, but still.) I'm absolutely enamoured with those brilliant scientists. Not that I'm much of one to speak, but I think you did a brilliant job with explaining the science-y stuff.
Anyway, I'm kind of glad that Ginny's starting to distance herself from Draco. Not because I don't like seeing them together (I like it rather quite a bit, actually) but because I'm looking out for Ginny's best interest, and when I see her making choices that are, arguably, not all that brilliant, I feel awful for her, even if I do love reading about the outcome.
Finally, I must say that this line really struck me: "...a silvery-gray butterfly soared above a burning sea of tears. She wondered if it would reach the other side." It was just pure poetic genius. I'm going to start fawning again, but you really do have a way with words. A brilliant way with words, in case that wasn't clear. =P
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! :) Yes, Ginny really needed to start the process of Draco-distancing here. (As you may have already guessed, it isn't exactly what you'd call a smooth process... but I think that she does begin to become her own person here.)
So, first: holy shit! 59 chapters? =O
Like, when I popped over her from FF, I knew that you'd be ahead by a bit, but OMG.
And now I have a conundrum. You have no idea how addictive your story is. I just want to keep reading ir forever, but do I binge read this version or torture myself with waiting? I don't know, maybe I'll do both. =P
Second: WOW. That was dark and dirty and just...wow.
I know now what you mean about it being too...NC-17 for FF. But still, it was amazing.
You continue to be amazing. =)
Author's Response: Hey TN (waves)! We're very friendly over here. :) Have some death-by-chocolate cake.
Um, yes... it's up to 59 chapters, and if you think Chap 21 earned an NC-17 rating, you have yet to get to 46-51, that's all I'll say. ;) And even THOSE are NOT as down and dirty as D/G matters will later get. Um, did I mention that this is literature? Yes, yes that's it... yes it is... uplifting... enlightening... (whistles innocently) Anyway, thank you for all the kind words, and enjoy. :)
Um...wow.
So, yeah, I can see why it might have been necessary to censor bits of that for FF. Like, I think I need to go open a window now. Goodness.
There isn't much else for me to say that hasn't already been said on FF, but I simply must comment on the...adult content. It was, well, superbly done. There's really not much else I can say. I continue to be bowled over by your literary prowess. Honestly, this could be published and I bet it would be better than a whole load of stuff that's been published, cause it has everything! Lot, intrigue, drama, characterization and sexytimes. Yes, I know that sounds silly.
Anyway, that was brilliant. Fuck it, I'm going to read the whole damn thing here as soon as I've got a touch more time.
Brilliant.
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! (Does Happy Fic-Was-Praised Dance.) I also read your ff.net review, but of course those can't exactly be commented on... 21 and 22 are definitely when Draco shows his dark side, no question about it. But we'll see much more of him in upcoming chaps, too. I've tried to show his complexity in DDD, and I don't think he's done revealing all of himself for us yet... ;)
Oh wow, this was amazing! Not that there was ever any doubt, of course.
But I'm curious...was the corridor she went through the same as the heart one? I'm not even sure if that's physically possible, but a lot of strange things seem to happen, so now I'm curious!
Really amazing job, I'm a bit concerned for/about Astoria. I can't really make up my mind on whether or not it hate her...
You're brilliant, as always. =)
Author's Response: Thanks TN! :) Now, the question about that corridor... it DOES get answered, but not for a while after Chapter 24. ;) All I'll say is that by the current time of the fic (Chapter 61, that is) , Astoria isn't exactly a very popular character. But there really is a little more to her than anything obvious that we've seen. We certainly don't yet know everything there is to know about her past history with the Malfoys, and it's a sad story in a way. Anyway, more soon...
Oh wow.
You really know how to write shocking, heart breaking, mysterious things, don't you?
That kiss was really sweet, but it seems that there's a layer of creepiness underneath everything that Draco does.
And is Ginny eventually going to remember what happened? I know she's getting little snatches now but... (I know you probably can't answer that for me. =P)
Well, this was amazing, plain and simple. I do feel sorry for Astoria though. Just a very tiny bit. Like, really, really tiny, but it's still there.
I love this story, and your writing. It's so fantastical. It's a little bit like reading a dream - everything feels like it's concealed beneath a layer of fog, and strange things happen as if they weren't strange at all.
You're amazing. That must be it. =)
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! (does More of the Happy Dance. :) Yes, Draco does operate on many layers, and he never really stops doing it. At least, it can safely be said that he's continuing that modus operandi up into the current time of the fic. Actually, yes, Ginny eventually *will* remember what happened, although that's very much in the future, and it hasn't happened by Chapter 61. What I can't tell you is when, how, or why, or how she'll react when she does. Almost worse than not knowing the answer at all, isn't it? (Anise runs away, snickering.) Astoria is a hard character to feel sorry for, and it doesn't get any easier to empathize with her. But when we finally know her entire story, I think that a *little* more understanding may be possible.
Well now! I understand what you mean about 'turning point'. I'm glad Ginny's going to try and 'find herself', but less corny-ly than that. The ending rather made me smile, because it was, in a way, a bit more uplifiting than the last few have been.
This one line struck me as being very apt and very deep: "It all felt so utterly unreal, because nothing had changed, when everything, everything in the world, had changed around it so completely."
I also really like the way you write dreams. They're dreamlike, but they've also got something that real-life dreams don't: meaning. And deep, intense meaning at that.
Superb, as always. And, as always, I continue to be bowled over by ur mad ritin' skillz, home slice. (I'm the least gangsta person in the world, but sometimes the urge just comes over me, and I'm powerless against it. =P)
Amazing chapter!
Author's Response: Ginny does begin to find her true self, although it's a long and painful process. And dreams play a very big part in this fic, as you will learn. Ooo, I can't wait until you're all caught up... (Does the Happy Foreknowledge of Things to Come Dance.) :)
this one was really funny! Little things like the espresso machine, her godawful dress and the cellphone confusion just made this chapter hilarious, not to mention Zabini, who's a veritable goldmine of funny whenever he's around.
But I must say that their journey to his place had me on the edge of my seat. You write suspense as brilliantly as you do humour, and that's saying something!
Really great job, I need to know who's in the apartment with them! It can't be Draco, right? So who is it?
Author's Response: Nope, it isn't Draco, but you're about to be introduced to a character who I think is very fascinating. She/he will also be extremely important later on, so stay tuned... ;) (And thanks again!)
Daphne Greengrass? You're right, that was completely unexpected. I was thinking maybe Lucius, frightfully enough, or perhaps Narcissa, as she's been suspiciously absent, or maybe even Astoria. But Daphne never even crossed my mind.
I must say though, that this chapter was perhaps one of the funniest ones yet. Luna is absurdly matter-of-fact, and you've written her so perfectly, it's ridiculous. And of course Colin is hilarious as well, and the whole 'wand' commentary there in the middle- oh, I was dying!
This was a really great chapter. I'm curious as to what Daphne could have to say...
Author's Response: Thanks. :) Daphne has a lot to say, and she'll have even more as the fic goes on. And you're right about Narcissa. She may seem to be absent, but trust me, she's a very important character. It's just that we haven't actually seen her yet.
Oh wow, this Daphne stuff was wholely unexpected. Like, really! But it's also really interesting, and I'm curious to see how it all fits in.
I'm also rather glad that Daphne seems to think Drafo isn't done with Ginny. I mean, I don't think you could have 60 million chapters if they were, but the suspense remains nonetheless.
I'm also getting the feeling that Daphne is a Good and Trustworthy Person. I hope I'm right about that, the nice girl part of me doesn't want any more meanies. =P
Really great job!
Author's Response: Thanks! Yes, I like Daphne. :) She isn't perfect by any means, but she has a strong moral compass, and I think she's decided that no matter what happens, she has to do the right thing here. We'll see more of her...
This was a really interesting chapter! Rita Skeeter's articles are always rather amusing. I'm also happy because you used the word 'triptych' and I'm rather fond of it, for reasons unknown. But of all the wonderousness that was this chapter, the most wondrous must have been the last line. It had this essence of poetic beauty that was just, well, beautiful.
I'm quite interested in the contents of those boxes, and what Ginny's going to to about the art pieces.
Really great chapter! =)
Author's Response: Thank you! :) I kind of like the word 'triptych' too, come to think of it... ;) However, DDD will NOT be a triptych, and that's one thing I CAN promise. Some very very interesting stuff is coming up concerning what's in the boxes, and it has everything to do with the art pieces. It gets a little complicated, but two helpful scientists do show up in the next couple of chapters to explain it all. (Well, I did SAY it was getting interesting... ;)
Golly gee! I can see why this would have been fun to write. Sixteen year old picture-Draco is absolutely an adorable sweetie, which sounds ridiculous to say, but it's true. And...did Darwin just appear in your story? Because 1. that's absolutely hilarious but 2. how is that possible? I mean, he probably wasn't a wizard, so how is he in a photo like that? Eh, there's probably a good reason, I'm not going to worry too much about it.
So, yup, this chapter was brilliant, and now I'm desperate to know what's going to happen now that Ginny's cast that succubus spell.
Also - what language was that spell in? Norwegian or something? And what did it mean?
Author's Response: 16-y.o. Draco is sweet, isn't he? And you *know* that isn't the last time we'll see him... ;) Yes. Darwin appeared. And we'll see him again, too. Also, he's not the only famous scientist on tap. Neither one of them were wizards, but that does get explained. The spell... (tries to remember exactly which one it was...) Well, all of those spells are in Danish, but I think you figured out what it meant by the next chapter! ;)
Oh my goodness. So that's what the succubus spell is all about. I must say though, Ginny is quite absurdly impulsive. For one thing, I must agree with Draco that she probably ought to have learned a bit more about the spell/deliberated a bit before doing it. But in a way I like that she's so impulsive, because it certainly gives a brilliant excuse to speed up the plot.
And now I simply must read the next chapter.
Author's Response: Yes. Ginny can be ridiculously and even dangerously impulsive, and that's something that we see throughout DDD, even as she often fights against it. This does go with the rash side of her character, but I think it's something that's often characteristic of people who have survived the kind of trauma that Ginny has. They frequently don't have a good sense of what's safe and what isn't.
Oh. My. Sweet. Lord.
First, I think you deserve some kind of award for being able to write smut so well. I mean, it's one of the harder things to master in writing, and you have, so that's brilliant.
Second, goodness! The ending of that dream was entirely unexpected and entirely awful. Like, just horrid. But I feel like Ginny's at least sort of waking up to it. Sort of. I'm hoping at least that she starts spending more time on her art and her friends, because as much as I love the Draco/Ginny interaction (and I do love it) the obsession -on both their parts- can't be healthy.
And, finally, is it just me or is Draco starting to get creepy again?
Ah well, this was brilliant, and now the next chapter must be read. =)
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! (Does the Happy Smut-Was-Praised Dance. :) No, the D/G obsession has a lot of unhealthy qualities to it, and that part of their ongoing relationship can bring out the worst parts of both their characters (Draco's creepiness, and Ginny's lack of self-preservation.)
Oh my.
It's rather a testament to your brilliance that you can have me literally laughing one minute and completely aghast the next.
So Darwin and Gould, eh? Lord almighty this is some insanty you've got going on. But somehow the fact that you've introduced them, instead of making the story kind of horrid, the way it would in the hands of a lesser author, you've made it completely epic.
But Lucius, oh Lucius, he's just a complete madman, isn't he? Usually I'm rather fond of him, but here he's just an awful, awful person. And poor young Draco, I feel like he needs a hug and some cookies, maybe with a glass of milk.
Anyway, this was brilliant. =D
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! :) We will be seeing Chaz and Steve again... SJG is absolutely one of my greatest heroes in all history, and his fairly recent death was VERY sad and untimely, IMHO. I like to think that he's a ghost author somewhere.
I just can't see my Lucius as a positive character. I've tried, but that's how he is, and that comes through so strongly in each fic that there's really no changing it. That's just his personality. He's always genuinely believed that he's doing the best thing for his son, I will say that much, and in DDD, he hasn't always been as bad as he is by the time we start to see him. I think that there was a point at which he gave in to the promise of power, and it corrupted him too profoundly to turn back.
Oh, and we WILL see a LOT of young Draco again. ;)
First, as I forgot to say this before, holy goodness, you speak Danish! That's super cool.
Now, about this chapter. I think the dynamic between the Weasley siblings is perfectly done. I'm especially fond of the way you've written Ron as well - he's not just a dumb, faithful lackey but an interesting and dynamic character. Luna, as always, is amazingly blunt, and I think you've written her perfectly. There's not much I can say about George except that I think he seems very realistic, etc.
I'm curious about the work that Ginny is in the process of creating. Do we get a description of the finished copy?
Really brilliant chapter! =)
Author's Response: Oh... um... well, no. I don't really exactly speak Danish. Um. there's this page called Intertran, and anyway... well. My grandpa was Danish! Does that count? :) Anyway, I do like Ron here, and I think he got short shrift in canon in some ways. Yes! We find out much more about Ginny's art soon. You're getting closer and closer to being caught up... ;)
First, allow me to apologise for not reading chapter 37. I would have, but cookies=spoilers, and as much as I really, really want to know everything, I don't want my mind running wild with ideas either.
But about this (brilliant) chapter. Actually, this was one of the funnier ones. Dracolessness seems to make it funnier, which is an awesome trade, I think! =D
Luna continues to be the most hilarious character ever, and I think Colin is just amazing - you've characterized him very well: a bit comic relief, but he's not ridiculous.
But my favourite must be Loki - he's just, well, he's the devil. But he's a charming, witty, incredibly suave devil, and that's awesome. Question, if you can answer it: will any more Norse gods (or godesses) be showing up? Or, maybe not even Norse, heck, the canon of the world is open to you, and you've already filched some scientists! The only question now I think is, who next?
And now, lord a'mighty, I'm terribly excited to read about the art opening.
Brilliant chapter! =D
Author's Response: It's all good. :) The cookies were carefully selected so that they seemed to give away a lot, but actually didn't at all. (Lots of red herring bars. My cat ate those. ;) The art opening is coming soon, and as for Loki, I can't give anything else away, except to say that he does come back eventually... and thanks so much again.
Lord but you're insane! I mean this in a good way, and less that you yourself are insane and more that what you've written is. I've said this before and I'll say it again: you write dream sequences and the like so incredibly well. It's terrifying, actually, because I wouldn't ever want to imagine having the dreams you give your characters.
Also, what's with these red papered hallways? This is the third time it's come up, I think. Are they all the same one? I mean, I don't really know how that's possible, but you make the impossible possible all the time anyway.
Now, about Ginny. She really is maddeningly impulsve. I mean, why couldn't she just have taken the normal entrance? It would be so much simpler. But then, of course, who wants to read a simple story?
This chapter was madly ingenius. You're a god at writing the surreal. =)
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you! :) Let's just say that when it comes to the dream sequences, there are many different levels on which to (potentially) understand them. Ginny, for example, has the TR/Lucius in the CoS dreams for more than one reason, and it's an important dream for more than one reason, too. However, that being said, this recurrent, disturbing, intrusive dream is a part of the PTSD diagnosis (and we know from canon that both Ginny and Draco do have that. Not that it was ever dealt with or acknowledged or-- let's NOT get started on that particular rant.) A lot of Ginny's almost self-destructive impulsivity springs from the same source. People who've been through a lot of trauma often don't have a good sense of what's safe behavior and what isn't, and this is something that Ginny is *struggling* to learn. Now, as for the red-papered hallways... your question WILL be answered, in time. Just keep reading... ;)
First, I'm sosososososososo sorry about the big gap between this and my last review. It sucks when life gets in the way of awesomeness. (Awesomeness being this story)
Anyway, this was, as always, incredible. But I'm curious - was the bond between Draco and Ginny broken? And is what happens in that creepy hallway actually reality, or is it like some kind of weird hallucination. Like, did all that stuff actually happen or not? It's hard to tell, in a way.
And I get the feeling that Loki is being diabolical and plotting to do horrid things even though he's promised not to interfere. Loopholes and all that.
And is Zenobia Smith somebody from history or mythology? I've been wracking my brains for possiblilities, but I haven't really been able to come up with anything particularly solid, as theories go.
Anyway, this chapter was absolutely brilliant. Hopefully I'll get to the next one quickly, because, well, to be honest, I think I'm addicted. Through that hellish gap I kept thinking about this story in sudden odd bursts. Because it's awesome. =)
Author's Response: It's all good. :) I've been in the middle of moving, so I know about life getting in the middle of fanfic... ;) I can't reveal the truth about that bond yet, but it WILL be revealed, as well as the answer to the hallway question. And we'll eventually learn much more about what Loki has planned. Zenobia's ID is eventually revealed, so I can tell you now that she's an Immortal, and she was once known as Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra, an actual historical figure who was a third century warrior queen and held off the military might of the Roman empire for several years. (She faked her own death, of course... ;) More coming soon...
Have I told you lately how amazing a writer you are? Because you're kind of one of the most brilliantly talented writers I've ever had the honour of encountering.
That said, this chapter was rather brilliant. The way you blend humour and serious stuff is just completely amazing. But I'm curious - Molly seems a bit strange here. More...vindictive? Like Umbridge, almost. Almost, not quite. But it definitely makes for interesting reading. But, is there a reason for her change? (Probably. You map everything out in perfect detail, I've realized).
Finally, is there something I'm missing about the psychiatric ward? I mean, I don't really remember anything particularly awful about it, so what's the fuss about? (I might just be forgetful, though. If I am, please give me a little prod and refresh my memory.)
Brilliant, miss Anise. Just brilliant.
Author's Response: Oh, gosh... (blushes) I have to admit, I do have a hard time with Molly's character. In canon, she was nasty to Hermione over the Easter egg incident, and she really hadn't done anything to deserve it at that point. She blithely threw her daughter at Harry without apparently ever even thinking of how dangerous this was. She cut off Percy, her own son, because he (rightly, IMHO) questioned whether it was a good idea to keep associating with Harry when he could bring disaster down on the whole family, which he almost DID. Given all that, I honestly think that this Molly has gone even further and has ended up a bit unhinged when it comes to Harry. To be fair, in the Aniseverse, she's had some provocation when it comes to her husband and the Malfoys.