rate_review Reviews

Reading your stories, I find myself watching the scroll bar out of the corner of my eye, like peeking at the spine of a book to see how much is left. I'm always happy when I load a new chapter and see a tiny bar, indicating a nice long chapter, so this was great. Warm fuzzies all over for the lovely conversation with Pansy. Of course I was biting my lip hoping Draco would be there and... yes! woo!

I was SO pleased yet again with the way you manage to handle your character analysis with conversations that are very natural and very true to the psychological warpings that Rowling's events had to inflict. I've always been SO frustrated with Harry's paranoia about Draco, for instance, but I was happy to see you work it into your story in a perfectly natural way and let Ron try to talk him out of it- yet, still! neither of them broke character! SO great - I'd love to point every fanfic writer to this story as an example of a way to carefully stretch out into new territory without having to go OOC.

I love OOC sometimes - it's hard to read and Snape/Hermione fanfics unless they're at least a little OOC - but you're simply splendid at keeping it from going there, or making such a reasonable transition that it doesn't seem to be OOC after all. I'm waiting with baited breath for Wednesday's intallment. Roller rinks? Carnival? I don't have a clue but I'm sure I'll be delighted with it.

Favorite detail this time: Millicent's small smile. I'd be quite happy to leave some people unattached at the end, btw. Some stories seem a bit excessively matchmakerish in their drive to find a perfect pair for everyone - leave room for the happy snarky singles too. :)

Learning to love yourself - boy that's true of everyone isn't it? I think they all need to accept themselves and, by consequence, these new burdgeoning friendships and relationships. Boy there was also alot of male ranting going on in this chapter. Harry is insane, has he flipped roles with Ron who is the more sensible one? Yes, support your friend? I think Harry has forgotten what he fought for - to end prejudices and he's continuing to instigate them. Really, Draco/Theo/Greg/Pansy - they all didn't get along. Harry's as much of a hot head as the Slytherins (actually the Gryffs all are dare we forget how they didn't speak to Harry when he said Voldemort had returned). He's got a short memory doesn't he?

Theo and Greg were voicing my thoughts exactly. Not that I'd think anything could happen between Hermione and Blaise but he's unstable enough to possibly hurt her - I mean the obssession is a bit stalkerish. As an outsider, I'm concerned - actually Theo and Greg seemed concerned.

Ginny and Hermione's speeches/advice were so beautifully written. I could spend at least 3 or 4 paragraphs discussing all the points you made. I was touched by the depth of their compassion for people that, on the surface, don't deserve it. But the fact that they take the time to look deeper, understand and still offer of themselves, whether its accepted or not, speaks volumes.

Draco being disillusioned is a brilliant analogy to his character in the story thus far. He hasn't said much, he keeps to himself but he's always there - invisible but not. He's in conversations, certainly in Hermione's thoughts, yet he hasn't said or done much. You get a smattering of his thoughts making him as enigmatic to us as his is to Hermione. Oh, I hope he has plans for her birthday.

PS: thank you for allowing the passage of time. I thought to myself as well: it's only day two?

HG4eva...

Hello! Forgive me again for not reviewing the last few chapters.....Between the kids getting sick andthen myself being ridiculously sick this past week, it just wasn't possible....LOL.

Another 2 chapters in one!! YAY I love those! So here we go...

Ron is the calm one? I kinda like it! It's good to watch Harry freak over something normal for a chnage and not the fate of the world! LOL

Oh Harry....NO!! Leave them alone, Draco is NOT using her!! And Mione is not that naive!!!


AHHHHHH! Blaise! I know he's having a hard time but my patience is wearing thin!! Ok...he's being right evil and mean to Greg. Can I slap him? He really really deserves it!!!

Hooray for Greg fro standingup to him, and I'm glad Ginny is compassionate enough to realize what the others haven't...that Blaise is still lost in indecision, and the fact that he had no choice, no say and he hasn't ever made the decision of what side to be on. Right now he has reverted to the way he was before the war, when the Slytherins were cruel in general and hated muggleborns and that is all he knows right now until he is given the time to choose what path he wants his life to follow.

I love the friendship between Hermione and Pansy. Especially as this seems to be a bonding session that will bring them closer andmake them really see each other in a new way. (of course it doesn;t hurt that Pansy can help Hermione with Draco and Hermione can help Pansy with Ron)

Oh so Draco was spying...I should be upset but I'm not. I think it just went a long way in showing him how he can forgive himself for his past, and has given him a new mission to learn all he can about Hermione.

OOOhh So Hermione's birthday is next? Sweet! I can't wait to read more!!!

Keep up the brilliant work!!

Lady B*

oh dear it seems i forgot to review last wednesday's post! Im sooooooooo sorry but just to let you know i thought it was fantastic (im sure you already knew that tho =]) as for the next two chapters (thanks for 2 chapters btw) they were awesome! not nearly enough Draco and Hermione but Im confident when I say "the best is on its way" right? lol.

How do you get chapters out so fast? lol I'm having trouble with one and bam you post two lol

see ya wednesday

I waited all night last night for this to appear and of course at midnight when I thought I'd better get some sleep, this showed up. I decided to wait until morning to read and review properly (just in case you made me cry and then I wouldn't be able to get to sleep - LOL) Not that I had a good night anyway but that's another story. And I'm pleased you found the time to read and enjoy my Lucius story too. :)

Chap 24 - wow it's so different to read a story where Harry is the one going off and not Ron but I think that is because of his own relationship with Ginny and his 'trying not to fix things with her' that's making him act this way over Draco and hermione. I don't really think he has a problem with them, just that he needs to do something and now he thinks he has to fix Hermione's broken heart and reputation before it even happens and he's not even considering 'if' it happens. Nicely done.

Blaise, Blaise, Blaise, I still want to give him a smack around the head and tell him to wake up to himself and I think Greg's reaction to what he was saying was kinda justified in a way. I hope he does't have to take too many more knocks though to come to his senses. As for Ginny, I think her analysis was more spot on than even she realises. While she was making her speech I was hoping he'd come to and could hear what they were saying even if he didn't want to hear it himself. And if he really does feel something for Hermione but is in denial about it - ah that's not good because he's got about as much chance with her as Greg does. I hope there's going to be a chickie babe come along and distract him for a while until he sees sense. (raises her hand to volunteer for the job - LMAO)

And as for Ginny, finally she could see for herself that she was worthy of being chosen as Head Girl and that she was and isjust as capable of making the right decisions, saying the right things and being heard and helpful at the same time - she really needed to be validated. Isn't Greggie a good boy doing all that. LOL

Chap 25 - Glad it didn't bother Hermione about not being Head Girl - she did need the break and I think she's displayed enough leadership qualities over the years without having a badge on her robes to proove it. She doesn't need the valedation that Ginny did. Hard to imagine all this is happened over a couple of days, she and Pansy are so friendly now, the way they confess everything to each other as if they've been friends forever. And why that sneaky little Slytherin - fancy Draco being there all that time and listening in. I hope he got a good bloody earful of what was said about him so he feels extra guilty about what he did to her so he strives to make up for it even more. Not the best plan to get to know her better though, he might have overheard something he couldn't come back from. I wonder what he thinks he's going to learn about her in the papers and books though - it's about her but it's not 'about' her.

I like what Hermione told Pansy too about loving and forgiving herself, harder to do than to listen too but very practical advice and she does have to find out who she wants to be and what kind of a relationship she wants before she goes about finding one. Let's hope when the time comes, Ron has grown up enough not to have so many blinkers on when it comes to romance and knowing when a girl likes him.

Squuee, love the birthday plans and all the secret squirrel stuff and LMAO - Draco suggesting they do something 'muggle' for her birthday - no wonder they were all stunned mullets. LOL I like that even Millicent was there and I can easily imagine that gruff exterior now hides something much softer - seems to me she was as keen to be a part of the surprise celebrations as the other girls were. I can't wait to find out what they have planned for Hermione for the rest of the day - I hope even Blaise is civil and I hope all sorts of 'naughtiness' from Draco - wink, wink, nudge, nudge. LOL Oh ok, I know it's too soon but I can imagine otherwise, can't I? LMAO

Yes you did make me cry last time, but this time, I'm good. LOL Mostly I laugh and smile and nod my head and occasionally shake my fist at the screen. LOL Other times I'm furiously fanning my face with a truly evil grin on it. haha! Yep, saw a bit more into Millie and Pansy did a good job of getting Hermione to open up, Draco might have to thank her for that later. LOL Well there you go, I lived in Cairns for about 4 years. Now I'm halfway between Cairns and Sydney. LOL Fancy that. ;)

That opening telephone sequence of gossip was so funny and so perfect.

I have to say I just loved Ginny's speech. So grown up. And Pansy's reaction to the Draco's news was moving. You could tell she didn't want to insult him but she was so relieved to be FREE. I have a feeling Pansy is going to be a trailblazer when it comes to breaking pureblood female traditions. You could tell just by her response to Millie that she's not one to shop, have babies and be pampered. She wants to make her mark on the world. I don't think it'll be easy with her parents but she has to find the courage to do what she feels is right and not be boxed in - not when she's tasted freedom.

The insight into Draco was so appreciated. His speech started off typical Draco and then the horrible things that he said about himself reveal how so much guilt. He really doesn't like himself, its no wonder he's lost a bit of his swagger - especially when trying to figure out how to deal with Hermione. I hope he finds it or at least gets locked in a broom closet with her. LOL

Bah, right off there's a bloody need for tissues, isn't there?!! I loved Ginny and Harry's little make up scene (except for the tears). It was very heartfelt from both of them and I love his list of reasons why he loves her. (sigh) LMAO on the thought that Hermione could be in love with Snapey. (I suppose I have to line up for him too). LOL

Aww, I did want Pansy to be the one to do the breaking off first but I'm sure you have a good reason for it. I guess Draco needs a little dignity too. And I do wonder what Snape put in his letter to Narcissa. Very interesting. Of course, Narcissa will have changed too so maybe it's nothing to do with the letter at all. Funny how she started talking about Andromeda though, wonder if there's any more to that?? And good on Pansy for setting Draco straight and shaking him out of his little pity party for one. Loved that and he needed to hear it.

How sweet that she rushed to tell Hermione and Ginny her good news. And I agree with Hermione, what another barbaric old fashioned idea regarding the male side over money and status - it's ridiculous. Good thing I wasn't living in those times, I tell you. (Mind you, I doubt I'd have been around long enough to have expressed my opinion too much.)

Hmm just when I started thinking there might be a bit more to Millie she goes and mentions brats and shoe shopping. Either that's what she thinks is expected of all pureblood marriages or she is being extremely sarcastic because she's harbouring a desire for the whole marriage and babies thing too. She's not promised to anyone, is she? LMAO, given the amount of children in the Weasley family, I wonder if Pansy knows what she's in for anyway, it would probably be a tribe all over again. LOL

LMAO with the come backs Pansy gave to BOTH Hermione and Draco. At least I ended up laughing my arse off rather then end it the way I began. LOL I so wanted to see both their faces when I read those comments. hee hee hee

And LMAO - I didn't think you'd answer all my ranmblings by chapter, but I love that you did. I guess that makes me fangirly too. LOL

Oh you tease! I affected the story?? How? When? I want details. LOL Just kidding. I know what you mean though. I think it's great when a reviewer says something and it just fits or sounds even better than what you had or fixed something you didn't realise need fixing, so if I helped then yay because it happens with me too.

LMAO, oh yes, there has to be a tender but naughty side to Lucius and all those schexy Slytherins in general. ;) And yeah, a marriage like the Parkinsons have does sound rough to me but there are worse ones out there. Oh you can see Theo as a counseller too - love it. Just imagine all those snooty purebloods trying to discuss their marriage woes - they'd hate every second of it. I have faith in Blaise making his way through his own storm though - just wish he'd get on with it already. LOL

Ah, that's an old saying but I love it just the same. Just because one is married, doesn't mean they can't still enjoy the view and imagine 'what if'. I suppose not everyone would agree with that but to each their own. I agree, Ginny would have to be strong and mature and be able to stand up for herself - she'd have to with all those older brothers trying to boss her around. LOL And this Ron rocks because you let him grow up too. I think the other 'Rons' have their place but I do like to read when he's a bit more understanding too.

Are you heading over here for work again? Awesome! To you get to travel much while you're here? Hope so! I agree, being 18 doesn't make you well rounded as yet (although when I was 18 I certainly thought I was) LOL Live and learn. LOL Hmmm, I might have actually got a little something out of that gibberish after Greg's name, let's see how I go on that one. ;) And thanks, now I know what GQ stands for. LOL Totally understand why the Malfoys would have it at home. :)

oh, hooray! Once again your brilliance with the details is what is making me happiest. Of COURSE Draco would subscribe to Gentleman's Quarterly - though I suppose he'd need some sort of smartass "some of the greatest designers are also secret wizards" justification in the background. And I love all the not-so-secret checking out that Hermione's doing. But best of all is Draco's unfounded jealousy - totally delicious! I'd like to keep that around for a few more rounds, please. SO much fun. :) Nice that you're letting Greg Goyle down easily too

I like that Hermione's "mentor" is also a muggle and has some of her own issues - though I assume you'll also give her the authority to help Hermione take on some of her insecurities. Perhaps by letting Hermione think they're discussing her own sensitivity about the telepathy/unconscious legillimancy? (sp?) I'm happy to trust you to take care of the story - you're doing a marvelous job all along - but I do like the "duh! headdesk!" moments and I'm seeing the potential for several of them here. :)

yay another great chapter!!! i love this story!! bloody awesome job!!! :-D

Harry is an IDIOT! Really, so now he's saved the world and he's become the teenage ponce he didn't get a chance to be? How could he say what he did? Its not his place to do anything for Hermione - he sees she likes him and its already got her flustered, why does he feel the need to make himself more of a nuisance. LOVED Draco's even reply - he's not with Pansy anymore. I wonder who will be more relieved: him or Pansy.

I loved it when he caught her hand - boy if that doesn't say "I like you" then what does? Come on Hermione, suck it up and dig deep for that Gryff courage - talk to the boy. As a matter of fact, go look for him in the skies.

I really like Prof Mills and wonder if she's going to play a bigger role because of her ability. She's going to be able to see the "truth" of things amongst all her students, not just our fave couple.

Blaise needs to stick his head in an ice bucket - he is going to explode from hot heated he gets over nothing. Sigh, can't wait for more.