I almost didn't review because it seems you have quite a lot of them to be getting on with as it is... but oh well, now you have another! : ) 1) Your story is by far one of my favorites on this site. Which, considering there are currently 1043 of them (and I have probably read them all!) That's saying something. 2) Your plot is original- I can't tell you how much of a relief it was to find this story. There are so many romance fics out there that follow the same plot. And yours is not only original, but there are underlying plots as well. This story was truly a breath of fresh air. 3) All the characters seem very much in character, which is another BRILLIANT quality. It takes talent to adhere to another's characters and stay true to them. I have a feeling Rowling herself would be impressed. 4) You're a great writer, for all the reasons previously listed, but mainly for this one: You are descriptive with detail, yet you do not allow your adjectives to overshadow the rest of your story. Your mix of descriptions and dialog is perfect. Keep it up. My rating for this story is a ten. I always enjoy your updates. Please, once this story finds its end, I sincerely hope you continue to write fics for this site. Talent is always an asset.

Oh, well done! I loved how smoothly the plot flowed. You made the situation seem so natural, and I thought you did an AMAZING job with keeping the characters IN character. It's quite hard to do when trying to make Ron the git that he was, but you managed beautifully. Lovely ending, as well!

Author's Response: Thank you very much, I love when I'm praised!

Wow. This story is absolutely brilliant. Your descriptions place me in the scene like no other, and you've kept to the characters better than any other story I've read. I'm completely infatuated with this. You have talent to spare, my friend. I really hope you'll update quickly; I'm left on the edge of my seat. 10/10, for sure.

Author's Response: Thanks. And don't worry, you might think I update too quickly...

Absolutely breathtaking. Your style is really something to be admired and envied. You have a talent with words that I've seen in few other authors. Once again, and I'm sure this won't be my last time saying it, but your descriptions are utterly amazing. I've never been able to picture a scene so clearly or feel emotion so heavily. You've kept the plot flowing nicely, and I can't wait to see what happens next. You're right: it's not too shippy, but that makes for a unique story. Hopefully the ship factor will play more of a role later, but as of now it's perfectly fitting. Well done, and thanks for being an inspiration.

Author's Response: Yes, I'd seriously considered moving this onto Dark/Angsty Fics, since it was melancholy-riddened... But then, the whole point of it was... no, I shouldn't be giving it away. And I'm grateful to be appreciated so much so as an inspiration. Well, it would already add more affinity to the profound amount I have for your fanfic...

I cannot for the life of me understand why no one has reviewed! So in compensation, this shall be a long one. Firstly, REALLY well done!!! I'm extremely impressed with this first chapter! You have a fantastic style that allows the reader to really grasp the scene with your subtle yet thorough descriptions, and yet you know exactly where to draw the line with them so that it's not boring. This is a hard balance, so great job with that! Secondly, and MOST importantly, your characterizations of Harry and Hermione are SPOT ON!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am about this! SOOO many authors have Harry acting too arrogant or too nasty, and Hermione is always too shy or too isolated from everyone else. You seem to really know the characters, and moreover, you know how to write them well. I LOVE how you don't make your hints too obvious. Like: "Something had formed in his stomach, like a knot, but he didn’t understand why."

Ok, it keeps cutting me off but suffice it to say that the last quote I just put was lame because it doesnt leave anything to the imagination or get the reader emotionally invested in the character's feelings. You havent made this mistake though, so GREAT job with that! Keep up the good characterizations, and update ASAP cause i'll be on the lookout for it!

Author's Response: Oh my Gosh! First review! Firstly, I want to thank so much for reviewing and I'm really glad you liked this first chapter. I'm happy you like the characterization and the way it's subtle, because that's what I was actually striving for. Second chapter is finished and I'll be adding it shortly (hopefully it will be validated). Again, thanks for reading and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

NOOOOOOO! *dies* Oh that was wonderful! Really! My HEART stopped when you said, "And it was right there- right there in the Gryffindor common room- that Harry Potter finally woke up." or something close to that... I fell off my chair! So brilliantly constructed... and while the ending was indeed a cliffie, I enjoyed it very much. I love how Hermione's getting a taste of her own medicine... and that constant, nearly-evil grin of Harry's must be driving her mad. Well done... PLEASE update... well, NOW!

I agree this is a very decent start. The interaction between Hermione and her parents was quite refreshing and added a bit of realism and insight as well. In fact, the interaction among all the characters was fun to read. This first chapter was well-written and articulate. Keep it up- I'm excited to see where this goes!

Author's Response: Thanks so much for the review! I've sent in the next chapter but there's been a bit of trouble with it, hopefully it'll be up within a few days.

Fantastic! I'm rather enthralled by your story so far. You've done an excellent job of setting up the plot. I enjoyed the background you've put into it... makes for a much more realistic fic. As of now, I can happily comment that your characters are beautifully In Character- something a vast majority of authors don't take the time to do. I adored all the little tid bits you threw in there as well: from the brief flashback of Dobby's first appearance, to your use of Vernon's job as a catalyst. Very well done. Your descriptions and ability to articulate the scene are amazing. You have a sort of Rowling-esque style about you, which, of course, is brilliant. I was easily able to visualize the environment, as well as picture each character's look/physiognomies. Your ending of chapter two was well-constructed! It was certainly effective in leaving me eager for more! I'm quite excited to see where this goes... so far, my assessment is that you're a very capable writer, and that where ever this story leads, it'll be worth watching.

Whew! Amazing story so far! Where do I begin? Well, for starters, I loved the chapter title "Sharp-Dressed Man". Funny, clever, and- best of all- a ZZ Top reference. As far as your plot, I find it's moving along well. Personally, I enjoy subtler fictions such as these. They're far more realistic than the all-too-typical, "Harry and Hermione were Head Boy and Girl and suddenly realized their love for each other one day while studying so they decided to snog and left Ron in the dust," etc. Now, for PR purposes, I admit I've read some entertaining fics that have followed a similar plot. But yours is far better. You've taken the time to set up your scene, which really draws the reader in. Also, it forces the reader to be emotionally invested in your story, therefore making it captivating and enthralling. Your descriptions have been brilliant too! Particularly in the most recent chapter, I loved how you described Harry's flying scene. Your style allowed me to visualize everything, and it flowed perfectly so I could feel as if I were on the broom with him, whipping and turning as he did. Great job. Everyone seems to be In Character as well, which is always a HUGE plus! I didn't spot any canon errors, nor spelling/grammar mistakes. You truly have a knack for story-telling, and you've succeeded in capturing my eye (which is difficult, to say the least)! Very, very nice job. I'll remain on the look-out for more updates, and I do hope they come quickly!!