Siobhan had recently discovered that Draco was one of those bothersome people who felt a necessity for conversation, due to some delusion that the only kind of silence that could exist between two people was an ‘uncomfortable’ one. I really love this bit of Siobhan's philosophy, and it makes sense that Draco would be one of the people who doesn't understand the value of peaceful, tranquil silence.

“You did not say we had a guest,” Lucius said to Narcissa, not removing his attentions from Siobhan, who was suddenly finding it very difficult to breathe. And yet, after all, Siobhan is another girl in love.. I love how you make this real-life reference. It really helps the reader relate to Siobhan.

Oh, dear, I want to read more. *scolds self* Sorry I didn't have much of anything to say this chapter, I'm just useless for anything but situational compliments at this hour of the night.

Author's Response: \" And yet, after all, Siobhan is another girl in love.\" In love? >.> Oh no, she\'s not. She\'s just infatuated.

For now. *cough*

Aaaah! *gives fangirly squees* The tiramisu love!

Well, Siobhan's reasonable doubt at the beginning is a good touch, and the comparison to both that and Draco's sloppy kiss are wonderful when you wrote this: She breathed him in as he held her there, before he mercifully relented and kissed her in a way that his son never could have.

It's intriguing, as usual! I wonder what chapter eight will hold?
*cough*

Let me first say you're welcome and my pleasure for reading this earlier; I loved doing it, you know that. Anyway, to the chapter.

It really is wonderful. And much better now, incidentally. There are several bits I didn't really see before, and lots that's new and adds a lot to the heart of the chapter.

She shifted uncomfortably in the armchair that she’d drifted off in and tried to repress the urges that the dream had awoken within her. This is a very reasonable reaction, to be sure. Hee.

Only a fool, she thought, would seek immortality. This is a lovely bit of philosophy. Hmm.

None of the Weasleys looked like they’d suffered news that a family member had been killed and replaced by a Death Eater. The nonchalance of this line is evident behind Siobhan's tone.

I love that you validated Siobhan's curiosity about the trio, in her own eyes, as a welcome distraction. Her concern is very sweet.

Yay for Ginny's infamous hexing. That was a good detail to add, and I love Ginny, so hooray for that too.

“Some people have even been eyeing me warily like they still believe I’m Bellatrix Lestrange in a red wig.” This is a very Ron-esque line, and goes with the intensity of the situation with a kind of easy irony, if you know what I mean. It's a lovely line, and a good reaction to Siobhan's query.

Siobhan's guilty feelings are a valid reaction to her discovery that Harry's okay for the present. Poor girl... it's not her fault if some random Death Eater she's never met finishes Harry off, but it seems right that she would feel that way. It's interesting that it works the other way, too. That Harry could be Siobhan's hero as well as everyone else's. It wouldn't seem like Siobhan to do that, unless she had some sort of personal stake in the results of the fight like she does.

Her senses about her again, she began to wonder what the reason for his presence in the castle could be. A very good thing to wonder, and sensible of Siobhan to wonder it, as well.

she didn’t regret her lack of ability to be able to think like a group of Dark wizards with a thirst for world domination It's sad that JK sometimes makes all Slytherins this way, but it's also happy that Siobhan isn't that way. This chapter almost accentuates her normalcy, as brilliant as she is, showing she's just the ordinary girl she's capable of being... but in a good, interesting-person sort of way.

Goodness. Their encounter was completely breathtaking, just as Siobhan felt! It must have been terrible for her to endure his presence, but dreamlike, too. You've captured their reactions very well. The moment where Lucius lets down his guard is priceless, and so desperate. I melted a little, then.

Siobhan's little smile at Pansy is so her, it seems. Poor Pansy, so easily thwarted.

And Lucius's cunning, in letting Siobhan know just what he'd done without actually saying anything! That's all I can say. !. It's perfect. As is the way you've added so much to this chapter - I adore it, and you. Brilliant job.

Author's Response: Not much to say, except thank you, dear. :) And, I left in the \"speculation\" bit because I felt it was sort of important to how Siobhan sees things, and Kasey said it wasn\'t confusing and it was much easier than taking it out. Thanks for your help, again, and I\'m glad you enjoyed it.

Ha. Bridget. That's how you got this chapter back from your beta so quickly. I was wondering, you know. Isn't it wonderful how I notice these things? *beams*

Anyway, I'm finally reviewing, but I promised I would do it eventually, not necessarily at any particular point in time, and you know I adore Sins and you and every single chapter, so I didn't think I would need to tell you any sooner, particularly. Anyway. To the squeeing now.

Sneaking in and out of school bounds, seeing Lucius during the day and creeping back into her own dormitory at nightfall — there was not a dull moment. 'Never a dull moment' is the usual expression, but I wouldn't have noticed the deviation if it hadn't been for your usage of 'was not' instead of 'wasn't'. I would change it, unless it was there for some particular reason or other.

where she had come from or fantasies of where she was headed. Hee! Fantasies! Like in Sinful Reunion! *adores* Also, 'the place from where she had come' is slightly more correct.

“If I didn’t tell you before, what in the name of Salazar makes you think I’m going to tell you now?” So I pretty much *beamed* when I saw Salazar... no Merlin for Siobhan.

“People always know I’m not there, because I’m so easy to spot when I am. Damn, I’m going to have to do something about that.” She is so wonderful. It is my aspiration in life to be just like—no, to be Siobhan. I love the way she can carelessly brush everything off like that.

didn’t seem to be to your liking…” When people trail off at the end of a sentence, it’s usually written as a four-dotted ellipsis, and if they’re interrupted, it’s two dashes. You used it with only three a couple of times. Ellipsis of DOOM! Watch out! *ducks, laughing*

In the mornings, Siobhan found herself trying her hardest not to look searchingly among the post owls swooping overhead and doing so anyway. Oh, that’s so preciously Siobhan. I love her, have I mentioned that? She’s trying as hard as she can not to be conspicuous and beg the owls to land in front of her, but she wishes anyway. It’s the cover-for-what-you’re-really-thinking attitude. Maybe it’s a Slytherin thing.

Lucius murmured hungrily ‘Hungrily’ is just a hot adverb. Are adverbs allowed to be hot? You need a full stop there, too.

Worst, you might say the wrong thing to the wrong person.” It’s ‘worse.’ Hierarchy of worses: bad, worse, then worst.

“My selflessness is equal to your own, Lucius,” Siobhan retorted. I love the banter. Lovelovelove it. It’s so preciously tiramisu, and it seems to be the connection they really value most and seem to have no matter what they’re doing.

But do we ever find out what’s engraved on the ring? I didn’t quite catch that.

in his best attempt to shout as quietly as possible That’s a wonderful image—or rather, imagined sound—shouting as quietly as possible. Wonderful. You’ve misplaced your full stop here, though, too. *helpfully stabs computers*

“You know, so they can fit in some adultery to balance out the murder and torture.” Oh, the truth in this little teasing statement is just so sad. Poor, dear, misguided Siobhan. And Harry, too. He just doesn’t know how to tell her.

I could give it all up just to be unhappy. You’re missing a quote. And it’s another sad truth. Siobhan’s life is just that way, isn’t it? And don’t we have more sad truths in chapter sixteen? Oh, what you do to my heart, Jenna. I must remember truffles.

And oh, the ending. Siobhan has summarised herself in a way I didn’t expect she could. Siobhan, who can’t face that the life she’s created to avoid her life might be just as corrupt as the alternative. Siobhan, who has to put up with so much, and is so strong and wonderful. Siobhan who is my heroine.

Hehe, SexyBack just came on. Siobhan and Lucius bring sexy back. I love you, Jenna!

She had little idea as to what his duty entailed, but she knew his life was caught up in the current of the war. And that was enough to appease her curiosity. This is sad, I think, because poor Siobhan doesn't want to have anything to do with the war when, in fact, she's about to be caught up in the middle of it.

“Well, there issomething,” she said quietly. “I have a dilemma.” I believe there's a space needed there. And I love how you use the little detail of the Marauder's Map to help Siobhan get closer to Lucius.

I told him politely to mind his own business, he used the same weapon as always: his father. This is a wonderful way to get the Lucius conversation started. Rather ingenious, I must say. It kind of made my heart stop beating when Harry said that there was something darker about Lucius. It’s true, and Siobhan can’t see it. It’s very, very sad.

“Maybe you can get an affiliation with ‘spew’…” Ron chimed in with a snigger.
I think EVERYONE needs an affiliation with spew. Especially everyone who has anything to do with Lucius Malfoy.

“You’re not serious? You don’t — you don’t really —?” he stammered, slightly bemused. Poor Siobhan! I felt so bad for her. It would be embarrassing and frustrating to have this happen, and it's really no wonder she disregarded the danger.

She picked up some of the finer chocolates along her way, partly to seem less suspicious but mostly because it was uncharacteristic of her to walk out of a chocolate shop without purchasing anything. I love her for this. It's so Anna. And it's a good insight into Siobhan's character, too. She loves chocolate: now I can relate to her! I just caught some from Anna, by the way. Like I said. Chocolate girls.

“I’m sure Mr Liam is a fine master, too, Miss Murphy,” Oh, he is. He is.

“Why are you suddenly so concerned with my reputation?” This is a most precious line because Lucius was probably flattered that Siobhan was considering his reputation. Also, your characterisation of your Lucius in this passage was brilliant. His surprised blink when Siobhan said people thought he was dangerous was perfect for him.

It was at this point that I was quite sad because the *ahem* smutty part of their reunion was to be so short.

At the moment, all I can think about is holding you down on this bed, while you moan my name and drag your fingernails against my skin.

And then I read this...

And I died.

It was a beautiful, magical, hauntingly perfect death. And I was sure I would be satisfied for the rest of my life.

I love the passion of this chapter! And the title, too. It's literal appropriate-ness makes it very catchy.

Anyway, the beginning, when the silence took over the atmosphere of the room, it (just this morning, actually, and I read last night) reminded me of when Siobhan thought that Draco's lack of appreciation of silences was annoying. Siobhan just needed to realise that it was a good kind of silence, right?

And then later on, against the wall, she really seems to relax. I loved her resignation to him, and the anticipation he made her have, too. The situations in which the two of them seem to find themselves are absolutely classic.

“Good morning, Miss Murphy,” he said.

“Good morning, Mr Malfoy,” she responded, her face perfectly neutral.

Teee.. Oh, and I also thought, earlier this afternoon, that it was a good idea for him to have her go wash so they wouldn't both arrive at the same time, both late.. Yes. Intrigue.

Author's Response:

Siobhan just needed to realise that it was a good kind of silence, right?

I'm actually reviewing right away this time, as I'm generally a terrible person for neglecting the last chapter after lj.

So as I said before, the dialogue in this chapter was really the most demonstrative of how Siobhan's feelings have changed. Her careful air is kind of fading, almost as if she's just past caring. I like especially the way you created this atmosphere through her actions as well, how she stayed in bed all day and lost her temper at Pansy and wore her old clothes, etc.

The little twinges of sadness Siobhan feels whenever she's accused of something true are so real, it makes the reader sympathise with her no matter what. I feel terribly sorry for the poor woman. She seems lost without Lucius to ground her, almost. I can see now how the marriage is going to be easy for her to accept. Emotional instability!

You've presented her inner conflicts and the outer manifestations of them with an accuracy that makes Siobhan seem like she's realising that she's not as infallible as she would have hoped. It's sad, but like I said, very real, believable, and true. Thank you for a gorgeous chapter.

Oh, Jenna, I'm so glad you did this way, yet so sad for Siobhan. This chapter is monumental in a way that doesn't need to include Lucius's presence, and I love that.

First of all, the first part was a wonderfully characteristic Siobhan reaction, it seems to me, to Snape's condemnation. It would be like Snape both to discover Siobhan's secret and to know who to trust.

The whole scene with Blaise is completely depressing (though I did giggle at the use of 'dark alley') because Siobhan thinks that she simply has needs, when what it really is comes down to a need for Lucius. I love the way you presented the conflict, too: a conversation with Pansy.

It was all just entirely delightful, and I'm sorry it took me so long to come around to realising it was up. Being immersed in this story again reminds me how much I miss you! I hope to see more of the brilliance of Sins (and you) soon.

p.s. I also particularly enjoyed the parts when she was near Blaise but thinking about Lucius. It was almost hard to tell who her affections were concentrated on for a few moments, and both Siobhan and the reader would discover simultaneously that it wasn't Blaise. Does that make sense? I hope so. It's amazing, your story. Really. *adores*

Yay, a new chapter! I'm so excited that you've been writing. Thank you. xxx

'What exactly does your plan entail?' she asked slowly, making sure to communicate with her tone that her guard was not down yet.
I love this. She's so careful and guarded, and your recognition of that is a powerful addition.

A marriage to satisfy your mother and secure your future, without having to pay with your body.
He knows exactly what she needs - this is such proof of his respect.

Surely a plan this elaborate was about more than keeping his mistress close by?
I like this train of thought. She's daring to hope that he wants her for herself, but can't quite get there, in her head.

...Gracious. And Lucius, all along, was trying to save her! You've done well to introduce Greer into the situation, as Siobhan would never hurt her brother, and Lucius would know she had no choice. Very well done plot-wise, my dear.

And Siobhan, at the end, so sad and empty and numb, broke my heart for her again. At least in the end she will have Lucius to go to. I love it, and thank you for another brilliant chapter.

Hi! Sorry it's taken me so long to review: I hardly have any review time because finals are approaching.

Saying it's just as captivating as the HP stories might be a tad offensive to the HP fans round here, but otherwise, your summary is brilliant.

So far, no one in his family had turned out to be a Squib (a wizard who had inherited no magical prowess.) I like that you define this! The close parentheses goes before the period.

I love your characters and how you introduce them. Patrick's family seems rather like the Weasleys--all big and happy.

The rest of the Thatchers began to get restless, as neither Patrick, nor Emeritus would explain all the fuss. This is a good explanation of why everyone was fidgety. I can almost see it! There's no comma after 'Patrick' before 'nor.'

The puzzlement surrounding the name is very interestingly written. It makes the reader wonder why on earth the letter would go to the wrong house! I also liked the parallels you made between JKR's wizarding world and yours, like the alliteration in the Quidditch team. Oh! And Disapparate is capitalised.

I also enjoyed the way the chapter ended: He sat up, reached for his blankets and wrapped them around his body, sitting in solemn silence. 'Solemn silence' is a good way to describe his mood.

Excellent work!

Author's Response: I\'m glad you were able to take the time out and review, I really appreciate it.
Thanks for picking out those little things. It\'s always nice to catch the small errors that easily go unnoticed.
\"Readers are sure to find that the magic across the pond is just as unforgettable.\" In that sentence I wasn\'t trying to be presumptuous and boastful, but to assure the reader that (compared to other fics involving American wizards schools) it won\'t be a grave disappointment and another fic thrown into the pile of unrealistic American tales.
I\'m thrilled you enjoyed the chapter and I hope you continue to read to the end, even if you don\'t review it. I value all readers even the silent ones. Thanks!