Really lovely story! You had me worried there at the end for moment, but the resolution was great. Though I think there are enough gaps in closure for a sequel...? :) Also, the small moment throughout--particularly between Ron and Hermione--were especially touching. Wonderful job!

We *should* all love Ron... :) nice job

Glad to read your response--I too prefer to read a good fic that creates a story within canon. And I agree, people do some some pretty idiotic things when they're young (not that idiocy can't creep into later adulthood as well--which you've been good to include in your work here). I suppose I'd still just like to think that even at those young ages, our heroes might have learned from their 9 plus years of friendship and not have gotten into quite the same messes. It's just a personal... preference, I guess you might say--I'm rather attached to them, after all, and hate to see them bollocks things up so royally :) But I'm glad you worked it out for them--and your's is a perfectly legitamate and lovely interpretation of the future, so hat's off to you! Once again, very nice work. I'll be looking out for the epilogue--cheers!

Author's Response: lol! Yes, idiocy is certainly not limited to youth. One need only examine most governments to know that it is no respecter of age, but youth does seem to attract an unusual number of \"messes\" as you put it. And with Ron & Hermione, especially, you\'ve just got to know that their courtship could not have been simple or easy. I\'m not sure I get their relationship. I adore them and find the whole thing highly amusing, but I can\'t quite figure how they make it work. I\'m certain they do, but I don\'t quite understand it. Thanks for th extra review. I love \'em and I\'ll take as many as I can get. Cheers to you too!

Well, I suppose I'm weighing in a bit late, but I did want to let you know it's a lovely story. You've obviously gone to great lengths to stick to canon, and it all flows very nicely and methodically--though I wouldn't be afraid to put your own spin on things even further in the future! :) I also thought you're characterization was almost entirely spot-on, though I think I personally would hope that Harry and company might've grown up a bit more in all those years. Not to say that we don't always have a bit of maturing to do, but thinking of Ron and Harry still having month-long falling outs and Ron (and Hermione for that matter!) being so daft in those earlier parts of their relationship... well, it pains me a bit! At any rate, I enjoyed the read. Well done!

Author's Response: Thanks for your review. I am indeed a big believer in canon. I\'ve always wondered at some of the AU fics in terms of why the authors don\'t just change the names of the characters and publish them as original fiction. The purpose of fanfiction, at least the ones I enjoy reading, is to expand an existing world, so yes, I do stick to the story lines Jo established. As to Harry & Ron\'s tiff and Hermione\'s romantic machinations, keep in mind that these characters are reflecting on things that happened when they WERE much younger. By the time this story takes place, however, Harry has forgiven Ron and even acknowledged that the tiff was mostly his fault, and Hermione is enormously embarrassed at the memory of her 21-year-old self using McLaggen to make Ron jealous. I did much sillier things myself when I was 21 (I\'m a tad older than that now!). So I think they have matured, but whenever human emotions are involved, people do daft things, and wizards & witches are probably no exception. At any rate, I really do appreciate your comments. I\'ve just posted the Epilogue, so it should be availabe for you to read (and hopefully review) very soon.

very spunky there at the end, its nice to see that side of hermione; well-written

Author's Response: Yay for spunky! Thanks!

well written, minus a few typos... :) I'm glad you put the last few lines in the first chapter--at first, it seemed too easy for him. seems to be progressing along nicely tho, looking forward to more!

Refreshing writing style--sort of a different way of looking at Harry's process after the war, but it rings true I think. My only bit of constructive criticism would be the last sentence--it just doesn't quite flow as well as the rest of your writing, which really has a nice rhythm to it. At any rate, nice job--keep writing!

Author's Response: Thanks, I\'m glad you think it\'s a realistic depiction, and criticism is always helpful, since I\'m not the best judge of my own writing. ;)

It's so exciting to see another story from you--and this one looks just as promising. Easy to read style, as always, and tastefully done--and a good amount of humor too--I must say, the "stud horse" comment raised quite a chuckle out of me. I'm also interested to see where the Ginny point of view goes--I think I'm convinced so far--it's hard, as we leap into their adult sensibilities, but I think there's a certain truth in your portrayal. I see that you've already submitted the next chapter, so I look forward to reading it!

Author's Response: I find it harder to write from Ginny\'s POV than from Harry\'s, possibly because there is no Muggle experience on which to draw, but considering the subject matter I felt there was no choice. I have succumbed to the temptation to switch back to Harry a few times in this story, though hopefully it\'s neither obvious nor awkward. I\'m glad you\'re enjoying it. Thanks so much for your review.