Hi. Okay. I don't think you come on here anymore and have not come on here for quite a few years; I am well aware that you may never see this at all. I suppose my rationale is that you'll either come on one random day in the near or far future and read it and all will be well and good, or you won't. And both options are alright, though I’d obviously prefer the former. But both options are alright.

First off I’d like to say I’ve read this three times. I’m not really one to reread fanfictions; I’ve read a few twice, but I’ve never read one three times. Except this one. The thing about this fanfiction is that there isn’t this whole big epic plot involving love and turmoil and romance and angst; it isn’t complex and crazy with all of these goals and all of these obstacles and that may be why I love it so much. Now, don’t get me wrong; the characters do have hard battles to fight, but these battles are really just the battles of life. That’s why I love it. It’s just life. It’s life when it’s happy and life when it’s sad and life when it’s everything in between. Just a snippet of life, before things got really bad and after things were easy. This may not make sense; I just mean that most fanfictions I read are about how the characters need to stop the evil forces! They need to save the world! They need to fall in love! They need to find the bad guy! They need to crack the code! And though these fanfictions can be very good and very nice, sometimes I just want to read something where there aren’t all these crazy outside components pulling away from it; sometimes I just want to read about life, plan and simple. (And yet is it really simple at all? Hm…). It’s just the inter-workings of this slightly insane (and completely lovable) girl’s brain as she figures things out. It’s so honest and real and imperfectly perfect. And I love it. Have I mentioned that?

I read some of the previous reviews and I have to say I agree with the girl who said she appreciates how you made the guys believable. I completely concur with this. Too often do I see writers portraying males as either far too outrageous or far too polite – there’s a medium, a middle ground, there’s the reality of it. And you have that. You get that. And it is really so refreshing to see that. All of your characters were just so real. Sirius was seriously (no pun intended) nailed right on the head. Hysterical and ridiculous and stubborn and sexy and frustrating and completely, one hundred percent amazing. You didn’t overdo Lily’s snootiness, which is a really rare find. You somehow made me fall in love with most every character, honestly. I loved how you took each and every one and gave them this sort of purpose in Tia’s life. You clearly showed her relationship with everyone, instead of just focusing on her and Sirius, which is something I sometimes see. Each relationship Tia had served a function, helped better her (or worsen her) in some way. I have so much more to say about your characters and I probably will in a separate review; I’m actually only halfway through my third reading, but I felt I really had to stop and review, right this very instant, or I’d forget to. And I really didn’t want to forget to.

So now, we make our way to Tia. Oh, Tia. I like to think of Tia as every part of me I wish people would see. Have you ever watched a movie or a play or read something and then felt like you were a part of it? Like you start talking like you were there? Or maybe I’ m just weird and I do this, but I swear, this story makes me wittier. Just reading it. Tia is so quick and interesting and witty, so witty. So quirky, so bright. She makes me laugh and cry and cry because I’m laughing and laugh because I’m crying. You take ‘clever’ to a new level, really, you do. She’s also a complete psycho. And it’s terribly endearing. Everybody’s got a bit of a psycho in them, I think. No exceptions for Tia Spencer. I yelled at her in my head at points and I cheered with her aloud at points. Somehow you make her the realest of all; you explain her without making it obvious you’re explaining her; you don’t just list off her features and you don’t leave us wondering. You slowly reveal more and more to her as the story goes on: she’s difficult and she’s much more complex and much smarter than people think. I really, truly adore her. God, I can’t even right now. This story.

Someone in a previous review talked about how they didn’t get the ending. Now, I love the ending. I love how it leaves off with this message, this message how everyone has a good in them. Sometimes even the cruelest seeming of people can turn out to have a soft side. Everyone deserves a chance, because everyone is more than they initially seem. I think if I took anything from this story, it’s that. Everyone is more than they initially seem.

I have a lot more to say but I’m going to leave now because I’m being yelled at to get off the computer. Chances are I’ll review again as I’m reading. I’m sorry if you end up reading this review (and the many that will follow this) and wonder why such a complete nutjob is continuously gushing about your story. Well, I guess at least you’ll know you did something right, eh? I’m an extremely picky reader, if it’s any consolation, so the fact that I find this so brilliant is really saying something. A nutjob may be continuously gushing about your story, but that’s just because you’re brilliant. I hope wherever you are, you’re still writing, even if it’s about God knows what. Just as long as you are.

I DON'T SEE THE FANFICTION.NET LINK ANYWHERE
HELP
ME
...I really need more of this fanfiction. A lot.

Alright. Alright. Alright. So this was my first Draco/Hermione fic. I've been reading fanfiction for a while, and I don't know why but I've never gone really near the stuff, if we don't count two chapters of one horribly written attempt I found that I couldn't even finish. I had been growing sick of the obvious, conventional Harry/Ginny and Ron/Hermione, though, so I decided to go for it, full throttle. Let me tell you, this was a great way to start my journey into the Draco/Hermione pairing.

I specifically loved how you eased them into their romance. I feel that this pairing would be difficult, considering you need to find a way to take their utter hatred for one another and turn it to love and have it still seem natural all the while. It can’t come off as abrupt or too soon; it has to be taken slowly. You did this perfectly. They glided into their relationship with a definite flow; I didn’t once stop and think that something that had happened was out of line. You perfectly displayed their emotions and internal conflicts, giving both characters time to fall in love and question themselves about it. It didn’t just happen: it was a struggle, and you clearly showed that.

Though I have to admit I was frustrated at parts because I simply wanted the characters to see how much they cared for each other, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. So for that, I thank you.

Next topic: the masquerade. Though yes, maybe a bit cliché, I still found it utterly adorable. Maybe it’s just because I’m a huge sucker for romance, but either way. I enjoyed it. A lot. This story wasn’t full of fluff to the point where it’s unbearable, which is a really good thing. I think if it was, the masquerade wouldn’t have been as welcomed by me. But, it was. All of the romantic parts were nicely balanced and put in at all the right times. It wasn’t just one big mushy bowl of mush, which even to romance-suckers like me isn’t exactly desirable. It had substance, and I loved it.

The whole plot sparked my interest. I had been about halfway done at around 2:30 AM and was forced to go to bed, much to my protest. From that moment to the moment I fell asleep I couldn’t stop thinking about and mulling over this story. I couldn’t decide who I thought was communicating with Voldemort: was it Orman, or was it Draco? I had suspected Draco, but then the idea of Orman struck me and I was battling with it up until I read the very last chapter. I really, sincerely did not know who it could have been. With every chapter that the mysterious encounters were mentioned I thought it was someone different. Draco, then Orman, then Draco again, then Orman again…
Not many people could have pulled this off well; almost any other writer wouldn’t have been able to successfully, but you did it flawlessly. I was stumped and extremely surprised when I found out. Like eyes-bugging-out-of-my-head surprised. The whole thing was great in that way; I didn’t see any of the twists and turns coming, which made the ride all the more fun. And though heartbreaking, the fact that you could really tap into such emotions says a lot. It was truly a pleasure to read this story.

Sorry for how long this review is; I get carried away. But to wrap it up: I’m about to venture on over to the sequel. You are a lovely writer. Please do not stop any time soon.

Author's Response: :D I can't believe I didn't see this review sooner!! First, thank you thank you thank you for taking the time to leave it!!! I love long reviews (and I get carried away myself), so this is quite a treat.

I'm glad I was able to convince you that the Dramione ship is worth sailing. There are quite a few utterly fantastic Dramione's out there (check out my favorites list if you want, but I have to plug "The Beast Within" by LaRubinita. It is seriously epic - so much better than I could ever hope to achieve, I promise.) Believability was a huge concern for me because I don't like stories that just drop you into the middle of it, either. So it was fun to find a way to stay true to their characters while spinning their romance. Tricky, at times, but fun.

Ah, the much-maligned masquerade. I still have mixed feelings about it (hindsight being 20/20 and all), but it really was so fun and light to write. I'm not very good at writing that mushy stuff, either (if you'll believe it...), so it was a challenge to balance it and make it flow with the rest of the story. I'm glad you liked it, though. :)

I love that I kept you bouncing around. I really had to hide my tracks and it was devilishly hard to keep everything consistent! It was totally worth it in the end, though.

Thank you so much again for reading and reviewing. I hope you enjoy the sequel!!

Cheers,

Mel

WHY MUST YOU TAUNT ME IN THIS WAY? WHY???! THAT WASN'T EVEN A CLIFFHANGER, THAT WAS JUST MEAN. MEAN!
I'm sorry I haven't reviewed in a while...I got my laptop taken away, it was a nightmare.
Now that I'm fully caught up I can tell you that everything's been great. And this chapter...this chapter. I'm so excited to see the reunion between Hermione and Draco, but obviously a few things need to be cleared up before Hermione (and I) can trust that being with Draco is the right choice. I understand why you didn't make it happen at the end of this chapter. It wouldn't have been right. But oh, a part of me wanted it so. There is something about Draco. I know he's not as bad as he's made out to be. I just know it. Or maybe I'm just a softie.
I also still feel like there're other things Draco's keeping from us. I cannot wait to find out more about the Resilience, the forest..gjjskdlf; everything. So much mystery, so much mystery.
KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK.

Author's Response: Good to have you back! I've been accused of being entirely too soft on Draco - for loving him too much - but my beta pointed out that we all are probably a little in love with him, as that's why we ship these two in the first place. ;) And I'm glad you liked/hated the chapter. Lol. Either way, thanks so much for the review!!

That. Was. So. Good.
Ohgyishdufposhdgfuyhiovciysohbsyvdguolghidlfjhsdfkjl
I'm not sure why I think Draco showed her the memories he did. I'm mulling it over. But I'll let you know if I come up with any ideas.
That was such an amazing chapter; it was so heart wrenchingly sad and so well written. I am still recovering, honestly. The tears, the tears!

Author's Response: Thank you!!! I'm glad you liked it, despite the tears. ;)

KLJHSDLF;KHDKSF YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO DO THAT! THAT'S NOT FAIR! Ooooh, cliffhangers. Cliffhangers.
The second I read that a 'quiet voice' spoke I thought it might be Draco. And then by the 'Know thy enemy' line I was sure. That was a great line, by the way. IT'S ALL GREAT. AND YOU'RE GREAT. AND YOU SHOULD UPDATE AS SOON AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE BECAUSE I NEED THIS FIC IN MY LIFE AT ALL TIMES. OK THANKS BYE

Author's Response: Haha, thank you!! I'm sorry, I know the cliffie was evil. You should probably be used to them by now, though, because of "Aversion." Hahaha. :)

OKAY I'VE COME UP WITH A FEW THEORIES:
Though I do know Draco probably did it primarily to show Hermione the condition the wizarding world is in and maybe drive her to want to help them fight against everything they've done and whatnot, I also think something else, that's probably wrong but oh well. I think that maybe a little bit of Draco wants Hermione to see all these awful things he did so that she knows everything, all the terrible things he's done. Almost to...I don't know, push her away more? Let her know that he's awful and she should stay away; I think he knows that she could still love him despite everything that happened. She still loves him in an odd sort of way, but she still loves him.
And maybe at the same time he showed her because he wanted her to see all that he's done and hope she still, somehow, accepts him. Maybe that's what he hopes deep down, even if he doesn’t know it yet.
OK MEANINGLESS SPECULATION I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT BYE

Author's Response: Hm, theories, theories! I love hearing them! Of course, I can't give credit to either (muahahaaaa), but neither of them are completely off the wall if you assume that he's more noble than he seems. ;) Thanks so much!!

Two things:

One - YES. That was an amazing chapter. Of course. I love that Hermione and Draco can't help but speak the way they used to, even if it's only slightly. The whole thing was just kjlshdfl;khsdf YES. It was just. So. Good.

Two - OK COOL HUGE CLIFFHANGER THAT I READ THE DAY BEFORE I HAVE TO GO TO VERMONT TO WORK FOR THE NEXT TWO MONTHS. I better come home to at the very least two fantastically amazingly ridiculously splendid chapters! (I know I can expect the 'fantastically amazingly ridiculously splendid' part from you, you just have to keep up the 'AT LEAST two' part of the bargain)

Okay. That is all for now. I actually have a distinct feeling the Resilience are really a good organization. Good, as in not working for Voldemort but working against him. They just can't outwardly say so in case they're being watched or something of the sort.
Then again, that's just speculation.

OK YOU'RE THE BEST BYE

Author's Response: Thank you! I agonized over that scene in Hermione's room, you have no idea. But I think I got it spot-on. :) And I will try, try, TRY my very hardest to get at least two out!! It seems reasonable, I think, but who knows? Crazier things have happened. I like your speculation - it's crafty. Not saying it's right or wrong, of course, just that I enjoy it. ;) Thanks so much again, and have fun in Vermont!!

Hi, again. How're you doing? This is the second time I've read this so I figured I'd leave a review. And again, my sincerest apologies if it turns out so ridiculously, boringly long.
I loved it. A lot, as I knew I would. It provided a kind of closure for me, as pathetic as that sounds. My Troubled Tyrant had such a profound impact on me, I swear. I can’t even begin to try and explain it, though I sort of tried to in my last review. This second epilogue kind of smoothed over all my rough edges. I'm pretty sure that if you hadn't written it I would STILL be moping around and it's been, what? Almost two weeks since I've finished reading? I’m dead serious, too. I've watched a few of the Harry Potter movies in the last couple of weeks and every single time Voldemort showed up I thought of this story and it made me see him in a completely new light. I'm planning on rereading the series soon and I know I'll go into it with a changed mind and attitude towards him, and I’m actually quite happy about it. I like being able to sympathize with a seemingly unsympathizable (I believe I just made that word up) character such as he. I like it a lot.
And as for this epilogue in particular: it was so sweet and adorable and perfect. And again, thank you for writing this and My Troubled Tyrant as a whole and for raising my fanfiction standards by quite a few bars. Thank you, from the very bottom of my romance-loving heart. Thank you.

Author's Response: I love, love, love long review so thanks so much! Again, I'm so happy you read and enjoyed MTT and also gave this a try. I love romance too and am so glad to have got the approval of a knidred spirit. Thanks for R&R ing :D