Student and huge Harry Potter fan who's gutted it's all going to be over with Deathly Hallows Part 2. So, until J. K. Rowling decides to write some sequels, thought I might have a go...
To keep things 'simple' in my stories, I have set pieces of my canon that run through several, if not all, of my stories. Here are some of the most important:
Albus Potter and the Midnight Thief and A Rose By Any Other Name use the same OC characters and are part of the same universe, only set several years apart from each other, although the themes are very different.
Teenage Kicks Also uses the same OCs as my two other Next Generation fics, mentioned above. However, the storyline is not compatible with A Rose By Any Other Name, though many of my canon facts remain the same.
My Dramione fics Jar of Hearts and The Hardest Thing are compatible, but Resisting the Fall and The Runaway, my other Dramione fics are not compatible, and the latter disregards the epilogue entirely while the other three remain as canon compliant as possible.
Some facts, I keep the same throughout all my fics. Such as, in all of my fics featuring Draco Malfoy, he has since left the Manor and lives in Tarasque Hall and also has a House-Elf called 'Gil'. This does not mean that all of my fics featuring Draco are set in the same universe.
A minor one, but one that I mention in both my fics Someone Like You and The Runaway, is that in my head-canon, Neville and Luna spent some time as a couple after the war for a period of 18 months-2 years.
I think that's it...I hope that's vaguely coherent and helps those who were wondering about the various universes of my fics!
The plot of this fic is a really interesting, original idea - I'm really enjoying it! I like that you're pacing the progression of their relationship as well. Also loving the fact that Harry and Luna are married, in a way I always thought she was the only one who properly understood him. Keep up the great work!
Yay for Hermione being at Malfoy Manor! Probably not great for her, but I''m looking forward to some Hermione/Draco interaction. Keep up the good work!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your review, and thanks for hanging in there with me for some Draco/Hermione stuff. It really builds slowly because I don't want it to be like he sees her and now they're in love with each other and blah blah blah. It WILL happen, I promise! Keep reading and reviewing! Luv, Stef :)
Wow - that was an amazing and full chapter! I'm do glad that Draco finally stood up to Bellatrix! The description of the tortures she inflicted upon Hermione were so heart-breaking - in my eyes, Draco is most definitely redeeming himself for his earlier behaviour towards her. I only hope, now he has no wand, they manage to find a way out in time (perhaps with Snape's help - glad we're getting to see a bit of him by the way as one of my favourite Slytherins). Keep up the great work, Stef! This was a wonderfully powerful chapter.
Author's Response: Alice- thank you from the bottom of my heart; as I am a fan of your wonderful writing, your words are particularly special to me. This was an intense chapter to write, but I want to portray Draco breaking down systematically as he opens his eyes (hence the story title) to what his family truly is, and what he could become. Hermione is the catalyst of his transformation from bullying coward to selfless hero. His transformation comes at a great cost, though- which you will see in the next chapter(s). And Snape? Oh, we might just see more of him... ; ). Again, thank you SO much, sweetie!! Luv, Stef : )
Wow Stef! That was incredible! You perfectly showed how Draco was receiving a rude awakening when he saw what his parents were really made of. The bit with him and Narcissa was particularly sad, considering how much he loves her, but it was good for him to really open his eyes, even in regards to her. Lucius is a nasty piece of work! I'm so glad Draco finally took the revenge that he Lucius so long had coming to him. The moment between Draco and Hermione was so tender and sweetly innocent - it was perfect. I can completely understand every reaction throughout the chapter - he must have been so completely broken by the disappointment in his family members. And yay for Snape coming through with a plan! He's my second favourite Slytherin after all! Well done again - you did an amazing job :)
Author's Response: Awwww, Alice! You sweetie!! Thank you so much- your review shows that I got exactly what I wanted to come across in this chapter. This chap is the foundation of the title "Eyes Wide Open". Oooooohhh, don't you just hate Lucius? I was so happy to have Draco beat the crap out of him. It means the world that you would say that you understood every reaction in the chapter. I remember when you weren't sure Draco could redeem himself to Hermione. What do you think now? ;) Can't wait to hear from you for the next chapter (your second-favorite Slytherin has a big part to play!). Luv ya lots, Stef :)
Ahhhhh! Stef! You know how much I love your fic and I'm so sad that it's now come to an end, but what an end it was! I was so proud of Draco when he agreed to be part of the Order and, though I would rather like to see Bellatrix and Lucius suffer terribly, I'm sure that will be part of the sequel - which you MUST do!!! Because I will miss your writing too much and I can't wait to see Hermione and Draco's relationship develop and how they navigate the dark times they have ahead of them.
Your writing is so invested in emotion and pain that you convey with wonderful clarity - I have so thoroughly enjoyed reading and hope to see some more from you soon, hun!
~Alice
Author's Response: Alice!! I was so excited to see your name attached to this review. This story would truly not have been complete for me if I hadn't heard your thoughts. I think that Draco's joining the Order was an ideal ending for the fic, and a perfect place to start up the sequal. Don't worry, as for Bella and Lucius- there will be suffering. Just, not right away. My muse has not been as cooperative as she was in this story, which has been a little frustrating, but I'll get the sequal up ASAP.
Alice, my dear, it has been a delightful journey having you with me all the way. Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for every critique, every encouragement, every word you have written to help me along. I am looooving your story, and can't wait to delve into Leo/Draco's mind some more! It's been a true pleasure, Alice, and I look forward to hearing from you when I post the sequal. Lots of luv, Stef :)
Aw, I know I shouldn't feel sorry for Draco in this chapter - but you really conveyed how conflicted he was throughout. Bellatrix's manipulation of Draco was very well done! It's going to be interesting to see how Hermione begins to forgive him for that...keep up the great work!
Author's Response: Thanks sooo much! Hell, I feel sorry for Draco in this chapter, you go right on ahead. I feel a little more sorry for Hermione of course! I'm glad you enjoyed the Bellatrix manipulation- she's a very powerful witch, and that's one reason why her evil is so potent- her bloodlust knows no bounds. You'll see that in the next few chapters. I'll put chapter 9 in the queue right away!! Thanks again, Alice- by the way, you know I love your fic too! Luv, Stef :)
Ah Stef, I can forgive you the non-canon detail because that was, yet again, another great chapter. I'm so glad that they escaped all right although, I did feel a bit sorry for Draco during his hostile reception! It was believable though, considering his previous behaviour and how worried they must have been about Hermione. I hope that, when she's better, she can persuade everyone that he's reformed! Well done again - keep up the great work!
Author's Response: Alice you darling dear! Thanks for letting me slide. :D The next few chapters (and there are only a few left) focus on the acceptance/non-acceptance of Draco by the different members of the Order. Major clashes with Ron are ahead! Thanks, as always, for letting me know what you thought. You always make my day!! Luv, Stef :)
Great chapter - I love the description of how torn Draco's feeling. The fact that he healed her was lovely but I'm interested to see what more he'll do to redeem himself in her eyes after everything he's done to her. You still manage to make Draco a sympathetic character, however - in spite of the terrible things he's done. Keep up the great work!
Author's Response: Hey Alice! Thanks, sweetie, for your comments as always! I really wanted to get inside Draco's head and see how he doesn't understand his feelings for Hermione, and also knows that he really doesn't want to be a Death Eater like daddy. Even in the books (and films) you see him starting to pull away from all that- not killing Dumbledore, not revealing Harry's identity at Malfoy Manor, refusing the call the Dark Lord with his mark after he was told to. If I have kept Draco a sympathetic character, then I consider this story a success. Thanks again, hunny- keep reading and reviewing!! Luv, Stef :)
Stef! This was another brilliant chapter - and, I think, a very important one in terms of allowing Draco and Hermione to move forward. Even though he saved her, I was still waiting for the fallout of his previous actions towards her - I couldn't believe they'd just pretend that never happened! The way you handled his confession to Dumbledore was brilliant and I can understand how the memories Moody saw would convince him. I can't wait to see his peers reactions, though - particularly Ron's! Well done, hun, as always :)
Author's Response: ALICE!!! Hey, sweetie! I love hearing from you. I'm so glad to hear your thoughts about this chapter- you commented on everything that I was trying to get across- I'm thrilled that it all translated so well. Oh, I'm loving "The Runaway"! Keep up the great work! Wait until this next chapter posts- you'll see his peers' reactions, all right- especially Ron's!! I've been trying to get the blasted Chapter through the queue for nearly two months now, and it keeps getting kicked out. GAH!! And I have no idea why. I hope to God that it posts this time- fingers crossed. When it does, tell me what you think- you know I always love hearing from you! Luv, Stef :)
I'm rather new to Mugglenet, but I've caught up with this fic and its predecessor and I think they're very well written and I can't wait to read the next chapter! I like the fact you've kept their relationship a secret, I'm interested to see Ron's reaction to the news...keep up the fantastic work!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your kind review. I hope you continue to the enjoy the story! --Jenny
That was a great chapter - you brought across really well how conflicted Draco must be feeling. During the confrontation between him and Hermione I was almost cheering her on. I love the strength she still has in spite of everything that's happened to her - I guess that's what's caught Draco's eye as well and what Pansy can't stand (she's wonderfully hateful by the way). I really enjoyed this chapter - keep up the great work :)
Author's Response: Thanks so much! :)
As a huge Dramione fan and a fan of your previous work, I very much enjoyed this. It was witty and with plenty of chemistry and tension between Draco and Hermione. Really great job and I hope you have more fics in the pipe-line!
Author's Response: Thank you!! This was such a departure from what I normally write that it was kind of a relief! And it's made me think that maybe I should try my hand at humor more often! ;)
There are definitely more fics in the works, as it were. I'm in the process of writing them with no idea of when they'll be completed, but I am working on it! Stay tuned!!
Wow - that was brilliant! Hermione standing up to Kingsley (who I never thought I'd dislike) was very well done. I was almost cheering her on as I read it! The whole scene where she was reunited with Draco and her son was perfectly executed: you managed to write it with such raw emotions and very well paced. I can't fault it! Please write something else soon :)
Author's Response: I absolutely *adore* Kingsley, so it was a bit of a thrill to write him in a way that was intentionally hateful. I'm glad you liked their reunion. I worked really hard on that part and I'm glad it paid off! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!!
Wow - this is a really original and creative idea; very well executed. I love Dramione and I'm a Classics student who has studied The Odyssey (which is my favourite of the Trojan War epics), and you've certainly done them both justice. This is an amazing start - very heart-rending. Having very much enjoyed 'An Aversion to Change' and 'The Resilient', I'm sure you're going to continue doing an amazing job!
Author's Response: I'm flattered that this has (so far...) lived up to your expectations, not just of me but of the original "prompt." "The Odyssey" is my favorite war epic, too, so writing this was a real treat! Thank you!!! :D
Great start - I'm a big Dramione fan and I do enjoy Draco redemption fics, so this is definitely heading in the right direction. You've written the contrast between Draco's confusion about doing what he feels is best for his family and his nagging conscience really well.
The dialogue (or notes) between them are well done and I like that Hermione didn't tell him what her memory is - though, I'd like to know!
I'm looking forward to reading more - I'm a big fan of your work, so I'm sure this will be just as brilliant as always.
~Alice
Author's Response: When I first started writing this little ficlet, I intended to just keep it to this one chapter. I didn't want to write any spoken dialogue at all. But then the story took off, and spoken dialogue became necessary. :)
I think Hermione's best memories involve her time at Hogwarts with Harry and Ron. And not the times they were in mortal peril, either, but the innocent, happy times. I see them as a kind of montage, flashing through her mind, and her being able to pull strength from them. I think she'd have trouble focusing on just one; she's a forward-thinker, and would probably skip quickly to whatever tragedy followed that burst of happiness.
And I'm so glad you're liking this so far, and that you're already a fan! Hopefully I won't disappoint. ;)
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!!
Just caught up full now - this chapter was well written too, what with Hermione's reluctant trust and Draco's desperation to protect his parents. It's sort of like they're trying to figure each other out and I really enjoy the way you did it - especially the last moment at the end where Hermione grabs his hand.
As a side note, I also like Ginny in this chapter - how she's not letting Harry control her just because he said he didn't want her to fight without him there. I think it's true to her character as we've seen it throughout the series.
Keep up the great work!
~Alice
Author's Response: I'm glad Ginny was on point for you. I haven't had too much opportunity to write her, so this was rather untested ground. And yes, Hermione and Draco are kind of dancing around each other at this point. Neither really wants to trust the other, but each has something the other wants.
Thanks so much for reviewing!!