I dunno how to politely say this but I will try... I was disappointed w/ this chapter. It's lovely that you've introduced "another man" in the love story but the fact that he's gay made it seem so weak. I know it's meant to be D/G, but Ginny's characterization as somebody desperately wanting to get back to Draco is very unbecoming of her. Even Narcissa & Pansy's involvement in bringing these two together again is very cliche & gimmicky! I would have loved if Isaac wasn't gay at all so that I could enjoy the sexual tension between the 3 of them, but alas, he barely had any scenes w/ Ginny, which makes him even less of a threat to begin with. I can't understand what Serena wants bec her arguments keep going around in circles (I want us to be one big happy family, but I don't want them to be dating?) but I blame that on the fact that she's 6. The "crotchless panties" joke came a bit too late already to save this chapter. After such a brilliant one last time, I was expecting more for this fic.

I'm sorry for the harsh criticism. I only said those because I really enjoy reading this fic & expect alot from it. Hopefully the next chapter will give light to everything that's happened in this one. If you feel that I've insulted your skills as a writer, then you have my sincerest apologies.

Author's Response: I am in no way insulted. I understand where you're coming from. I will clear up a few things that will hopefully help you understand where I'm coming from. And I hope I don't come off in an abrasive way because I don't mean to. Pansy and Narcissa are the ones who are behind the plan in getting Ginny and Draco back together. If Pansy hadn't been pushing Ginny, she probably wouldn't have gone to the birthday dinner, let alone try out the plan. Yes, it may be slightly cliched and gimmicky, but that was simply where the story was going. The reason why I didn't take the sexual tension route with all of that is because I thought that would be too cliched, and it didn't fit in with where the story is going. I want to concentrate less on the sex, more on the family aspect of the story now. As for Serena, she is six. It does sort of seem like she is going in circles, but her point is valid. The reason she doesn't want them dating is because she gets less time with them. She wants them to spend time with her. She doesn't want them to spend time alone without her. It is a very selfish thing, but at six years old, nothing more can be expected from her. I thought that came across in the story, but I guess it didn't. And the crotchless panty joke was never put in there to save the chapter for those who didn't like it, so I can understand where you're coming from with that. It was simply put in there for the humor aspect. I hope this helps explain some of my choices for the story. And I really don't mind the criticism. If I didn't have criticism every now and then, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. :] I am sorry that this chapter was disappointing for you though. I do try and keep the momentum going from chapter to chapter, but I suppose it isn't that easy. I do hope you stick with the story. Thank you for being constructive with your criticism though. I appreciate it.

You have answered my criticisms very truthfully, & for that I commend you for it! Don't get me wrong -- I'm definitely going to finish this fic, but now I have a clearly understanding of what's going to happen next. Thanks so much & I hope the next one will live up to your expectations. :)

Author's Response: Well, I'm glad you're planning on finishing it because I would hate for your last look at it to leave a bad taste in your mouth. I am sorry that you weren't very satisfied with this chapter. And I hope the next chapter won't disappoint you as much. I can't give you any guarantees though. :] And I honestly don't mind your criticisms as I am sure there are others who feel the same way. So, thank you.

First off, I think your fic is very well-written, & the fact that you're able to bridge 2 generations of HP characters very beautifully, is a testament of how good you are as a writer.

Having said that, your depiction of Draco & Ginny's romance confuses me. Part of me what's to feel sorry for their heartache, but then the logical side of my brain states that the fact that Ginny won't tell him the truth aggravates & insults whatever characterization you've made for both of them. You can't tug one's emotions like that on paper w/o justifying the cause of it. Sure, Ginny has her reasons, but for the reader, it could leave them distraught over the outcome. If that's what you're trying to do, then kudos to you -- but for me, it's leaving me feeling both angry & frustrated over how you intend to end this story, & still makes sense over their actions.

I'm sorry but part of me wants to continue on reading your fic, while the other wants me to let it go because you're just going around in circles w/ this "I can't tell you my secret" fiasco.

PS: I'm not insulting your fic in any way whatsoever -- I'm merely stating a point to other readers who personally don't want to have their emotions toyed w/ w/o proper reasoning. that's how insanely compelling your story is -- and I meant that as a compliment. :)

Author's Response: Well thanks for your review and as for Ginny jerking him around, I sincerely promise that I'm not going to leave readers in the dark on that. She is going to tell what really happened in a few chapters (once the kids are in a few). I'm sorry if it seems like I was intentionally frustrating readers by having her not admit to anything yet. It does come out I promise and there is a very good reason that she's so tight-lipped about it. I was telling another reviewer earlier that the reason she has should justify all of her possibly uncharacteristic tears and such and may even make her appear somewhat redeemable. Again, I hope I haven't caused too much frustration for you and if I have, I apologize. Thank you for pointing it out to me though, I do appreciate that. But again, I do promise it's not some reason that I just haven't put the effort into coming up with, she just honest to God hasn't got the courage to say anything to Draco. It will all come out though very soon. Again, thanks for your review and I hope you do continue with the story as its now so convuluted that it's sure to start wrapping itself up again. Thanks!

I'm not going to lie... I don't expect a D/G happy ending at all with this fic, & I'm pretty ok w/ that. I know I'd be devastated & would cry at the end, but then again, some of the most epic romances doesn't always have that "... and they lived happily ever after" moment. In fact, I'd be slightly disappointed if they do get the fairytale ending I'm sure all your readers would love to have.

Part of me does feel that Draco & Ginny deserve to be happy with one another, but then there's tons of people already involved in their "mess". I don't see them getting together at all if it means tearing everybody apart.

Although I'm still vaguely curious as to how you're gonna end this... & I expect nothing less but a few broken hearts, tearful goodbyes, & new beginnings! :)

Author's Response: Haha, well now I can't really say anything can I? One way or the other is would be giving it away :) Thanks so much for reading and I'm glad you like it!

It's amazing how you can make such hard-core fucking (sorry for the crudeness) so intimate. Hmm, I wonder what Ginny would uncover from Malfoy's past -- and yes, Cedric makes a grand appearance yet again! I'm truly excited about this...

As for helping you w/ your plot, I'm humbled that such a great writer like yourself, would even listen to anything I say! I have a few more questions that I'd love to ask you so pls YM if you're online (my apologies for all the offline messages as well since I'm presumed you were online at the time).

Bravo, my dear! Seriously, when was the last time you finished a fic? hehe! It's been an absolute joy reading your fic - and yes, a steaming hot NC17 cookie is much appreciated (they're in a heart-shaped VIBRATING bed! We need some very detailed lovemaking for this bit!).

You're still one of the best, & I can't wait for the next MoM chapter

Oh god, having hundreds of fiery ants eating your bum & "thingy" is just hilariously cruel! the things you let Draco go through - & to think I thought he was going to get a nice striptease from Ginny! ;p

Author's Response: Thanks! You know I can't help but torture his cute little arse ;)

I've been a fan of yours for years now, & I still get excited whenever I read your works (I seriously lost count how many times I've read Points of Authority & Quicksilver!)! Your K/M characterizations are spot-on, & it's the perfect closure for Sonnambulist!

I know your D/G muse is on hiatus, but I'll still eagerly await your next fics for many more years to come -- or until you finally retire from the fandom! Thanks for this wonderful journey my dear -- these trips are simply the best! Ü

Author's Response: I sincerely doubt I'd *ever* permanently leave fandom. I haven't been reading much d/g and the muse is on hiatus prolly because of Real Life and suddenly getting my brain eaten by RPG's on LJ. :D I have another K/M that I've written and will post up on LJ at some point, and I have other fanficcy things that I've written that aren't d/g. I blame Mynuet for all of the recent non-D/G fandom stuff. lol

I was wondering if it's ok w/ you that I email you my take on your fic instead? Let's just say that as a long-time reader of yours, I have a few things I'd like to discuss w/ you that are pretty intense... if that's ok w/ you?

Author's Response: VJ!! (shriek of delight) Long time no see. Of course you can emial me!!! I would love to hear from you. :)

Anise, I'm sorry but I decided to delete the earlier comment I made to you because I realize that the review board was definitely the wrong place to post such criticisms. It's unfair to you & the people who enjoy your work as well. I take full responsibility for my actions from this day on with regards to this matter.

You deserve nothing but praise for your creativity & hard work, & that's what really matters. I'm so sorry for this.

Author's Response: No, it wasn't the right place, and yes, it should have gone through email. There's a link if you click on the author name. But that was my fault too, because I didn't clearly *say* that I agreed with what you'd said earlier about sending email... when I reread what I'd posted, I wasn't clear at all, so I'm not so sure it would be fair for me to complain about having seen it posted in a review. I did that to myself to some extent. I can't blame anybody for their opinions, and I certainly won't. I don't know what to say because it's probably all going to sound like some kind of attempt to get reviewers to jump in and write about how convinced they are that this fic is worth continuing, but I feel like I've seen it in a new way and I just don't know if I can go on with it anymore. As long as we're keeping it real, that's what the effect of this entire thing has been.

I've read my fair share of BDSM D/G fics... but I have to say that this one is the most well-written piece ever! It's dark yet there's something beautifully haunting about this prose & how it's not just about sex.

Make no mistake... this is indeed a love story of a different kind that most authors tend to shy away from. I'm sure this one is 100x better than that damn Shades of Grey series

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!

Thanks for another great read, Anise! I gotta admit -- I never thought you'd pull off a "sappy" ending but you did, & I'm so proud of you!

Can't wait for your next crazy adventure... & yes, I do want to read Death Train very badly

Author's Response: Thanks! :) I really like this fic... not because I necessarily think it's the BEST thing I've ever written, but I feel that the plotting and pacing worked well. And Death Train is the NaNo project, so one or another, the first complete draft will be DONE by the end of the month! ;)