I'm really just a reader of fanfiction and only have this account for leaving the occasional review; although, I do keep favorites below for anyone who's interested in having stories recommended to them. While I do like a good AU story now and again, I mostly prefer stories that stick to canon characterization and pairings. This usually leaves me with canon-compliant stories and AU's of the "What if" variety (and a couple of guilty pleasure categories, like Soul Bonds). A story with outlandish pairings or where the "good guys" go dark has to be very well-written to catch my interest.
In other words, I loved all of canon -- all 7 books! -- and I prefer stories that stick to the spirit, if not the details, of what JKR wrote. While some authors are talented enough to overcome this flaw, I do not like it when people are "anti" a character that JKR clearly meant us to like (i.e. Dumbledore, Molly, Ron, etc.). I think that it is one of the main points of canon that even good people are not perfect (yes, even Harry!), and that forgiving each other for our faults is part of the Love that is the strongest magic. Save the "bashing" for Tom and his cronies! (NOTE: This is especially true of generalized "Weasley-bashing." How we ever got the idea that a close and loving family was a bad thing I'll never know. Love and "doing what is right and not what is easy" includes putting up with difficult, annoying, and sometimes even controlling family members.)
Also, by "canon" I mean the 7 books only (well, perhaps Beedle, Fantastic Beasts, Quidditch Through the Ages, and the flying motorcycle prequel could count as well) and NOT any extraneous comments by JKR. I find her statements interesting, but they are not as well thought out as the books; therefore, I think fanfiction authors are under no obligation to take them into account in order to earn their "canon" badge!
This chapter (which is very good) raises several questions for me about your writing and other stories. I've always taken this story to be within the same universe as "A Rose by Any Other Name," as it has the same OC's and the same sort of relationships seem to be building at this earlier stage. This chapter, though, has me wondering if this story is also conncected to "Jar of Hearts" and its sequels. Are all of your stories in the same universe? It would be really helpful if you could flesh out for us the connections among your stories, possibly in your author bio. Your stories (particularly the Draco/Hermione part) aren't something I see as possible in canon, but it is an interesting read as an alternate universe! KUTGW!
Lovely little story! While I would love to read Ron's conversation with Bill as well, I appreciate the insight into the feminine spirit as these two very different women were able to bond over something so personal.
Author's Response: Thanks for reading and reviewing! Hmm, now I'll have to think some more about the Ron/Bill side of this story. It's much easier for me to write Hermione, since I relate to her character so much in the books.
I enjoyed this a lot. If you have any other story ideas for this universe (possibly including more of the future!historical backstory), I'd be very interested in reading it.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for the review!
I have lots of ideas for this universe. After I'm done with RTS, I might write what happens after. There's a lot of plot bunnies (and those hunters can't stay humiliated, can they?), and I just need time to write them all. Thank you so much for reading, and I'm really glad you liked it!
Ellie
Sad, but poignant and well-written. I like Teddy/LilyL stories, which are not as rare as you indicate in your note. I've not read Maple's on this site, but there are plenty on fanfiction.net. I especially like those written by Jojor99 (who writes a lot of other pairings, so you'll have to look through her work). "Like it Like That" is my favorite by her. "Daddy, I'm in Love" (with its sequel) is also good.
While I generally prefer happier endings, it's definitely good to show the issues that Teddy would have to deal with in his growing up. You did that well.
Author's Response: Thank you so much for the review. :) I would definitely recommend checking out Maple (Maple_and_PheonixFeather)'s Leddy's, because they are simply brilliant. I know that it is actually a popular ship on other sites, but as of now Maple's two and mine are the only ones on this site. I'll definitely check out the ones you mentioned, though. Thank you so much for the review, and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Ellie