Name: Vixenize reviewed 14. Escalating tensions and subsequent blows on Aug 31, 2006 08:49 pm

Holy. Crap. Where to begin?

First of all, I LOVED the tennis match and the confrontation at the end. Possessive!Draco is one of the sexiest Dracos. And what I especially love was your description of how Ginny felt about Draco - that bit before the match, in which Draco used Legilimency to read her lustful desires for him was very enjoyable - the way she loved his displays of raw strength and the fear about having to kiss Cyrus. Cyrus is such an asshole, just like his father. I'm glad that Draco taught Cyrus a well deserved lesson. If he found out what Cyrus tried to do to Ginny ... *shudders* I kind of what Draco to Legilimens Ginny and find out so he can smash Cyrus to bits. >:D Is that bad of me? But will Draco ever find out?

Your description of Uzbekistan was written very well and even though I have never been there, I could tell that you put some research into it and weren't just pulling it off the top of your head, even without the author's note at the end. I like your description of the desert and I can actually see it in my head as I read. I find it also interesting that the new prejudices of the wizarding world are not only limited to Britain but is in fact reaching further. It reminds me a bit of Hitler and Mussolini, actually (the way Hitler saw Mussolini's propaganda work and then copied it for Germany, much like Draco's aunt wants to do with Uzbekistan.

Back to Protective!Draco... I loved their conversation in the bathroom. I usually really like fics in which Draco is jealous, but in this case I don't think Draco is jealous of his cousin, more like worried for Ginny and pissed off at Cyrus. Draco knows Ginny wouldn't cheat on him, at least not with Cyrus. And from your writing we can tell that he didn't mean to be so rude to Ginny, he just wants her away from Cyrus cause he knows what Cyrus is capable of. He should have hired some security trolls to protect Ginny once he knew they were visiting Cyrus. ;) Normally, I would like the tension between Draco and Cyrus, especially when it is over Ginny, but you have written Cyrus so creepy and asshole-y that I am so worried for Ginny and I don't want him to go anywhere near her. I don't blame Ginny for sticking to Draco the rest of the time, that's what I would do too... but surely Draco has noticed his wife is clingier?

Some grammar issues: Is there supposed to be a quotation mark in front of "This time Draco preempted Cyrus..."? And when Cyrus taunts Draco, he says "being" instead of "begin". ;)

Also, regarding some of the author replies you have left to other reviews... it seems as if you're planning to get Draco mad at Ginny once he finds out... but isn't he worried that will be dangerous to his unborn child? And also, wtf is he thinking, bringing his newly pregnant wife (and therefore higher risk of miscarriage) to a place where he knows his creepy cousin may stalk and attack her? Tsk tsk, Draco... *shakes head*

Anyway, another EXCELLENT chapter and I am eagerly waiting the next one already! This has become one of my favourite stories and I was so pleasantly surprised to see it on the recently updated fics list! :D Keep up the good work!

Name: KateinVA reviewed 14. Escalating tensions and subsequent blows on Aug 31, 2006 06:56 pm

*bites fingernails* Meep! Something big is going to happen with Cyrus. Good for Ginny for beating the tar out of that bastard! She should tell Draco that she's ill and needs to go home, or that Cyrus is bothering her, and she's not comfortable there. It's a gamble, but how long can she fend that guy off? It's all coming out soon, I can feel it! I'm actually not super worried about Ginny being exposed. Draco will be very angry, I'm sure, but he's desperate to keep her. I do worry just a little about him realizing that it was Harry Potter she was kissing, even in ghost form. Draco's jealousy is a lot more frightening than his anger over her deception. At least to me. Keep it coming!

Author's Response: Yes, but being Ginny, she doesn't want to cause trouble, particularly since Cyrus would then have an incentive (I should say, furher incentive) to tell on her. How desperate do you think Draco is to keep her? Also, would his desire to keep her with him despite the knowledge of what she's been up to provide a safe/sane environment for the two of them? Thanks a lot for the review :D

Name: That Iz I reviewed 14. Escalating tensions and subsequent blows on Aug 31, 2006 06:06 pm

There are no words for this chapter. No, of course there are words. How thrilling! That punch was unexpected but still Malfoy worthy. I fear for Ginvera. Although, I know in the back of my mind that she will be exposed... sooner or later. I thought you're names for Draco's cousin, aunt, and uncle were well fitting. In fact, my nephew's name is Cyrus. I love him dearly but he is deceivingly cunning.
As for your last chapter, just as good! Especially your quote, “Being a Malfoy isn’t that bad.” As well as her happiness for Draco’s relief if Narcissa was to heal. I expect an update soon?
Thanxxx a trillion!

Author's Response: Unexpected the punch, indeed. He might get more than that in a little while... Fear for Ginevra, indeed: she's going to get in trouble soon. I always liked the name Cyrus--I don't think it's necessarily linked to cunning, but it is definitely loaded with power, and Persian, so... It seemed appropriate. I'm glad you enjoyed these two chapters. Expect an update in about a week, as usual. Thanks to YOU, for reviewing so much, so often :D

Name: Akt5us reviewed 14. Escalating tensions and subsequent blows on Aug 31, 2006 05:01 pm

Love the chapter!
OMG! I just did all that for my Summer AP homwork in AP World History. I'm like, that seems familiar.
I think Draco's present to Ginny for Christmas will be that she is pregnant. Then she'll escape and go to Cyrus for comfort maybe? How many more chapters do you think?
I can't wait to read more since you can only tell me what happens next!

Author's Response: Really? Were the details about Uzbekistan accurate? Did I mess anything up? You're right about that present (good job!), but go to Cyrus? Ewwwww... Chapter 18 is THE BIG REVELATION, but til the end, I have noooo idea... Thanks for the review!!

Name: bobkatz reviewed 14. Escalating tensions and subsequent blows on Aug 31, 2006 04:57 pm

Cyrus is creepy. I can't wait until Draco finds out Ginny is a Weasley.


Author's Response: Yeah, he is, isn't he... It's going to take a few more chapters, but by the time Chapter 18 rolls by, you're in for some revelations, I promise!

Name: dragoncharmer79 reviewed 14. Escalating tensions and subsequent blows on Aug 31, 2006 04:53 pm

Briliant. Wow can not wait to see if Draco finds out about Ginny being a Weasley. Does Ginny know that she is pregnant?

Author's Response: Thank you. It's going to be hectic, I promise. Not yet, she doesn't. >:]

Name: Vixenize reviewed 10. Preparing for Halloween on Aug 28, 2006 12:50 pm

Hey I was re-reading your story (as I often do while waiting for updates :p) and I noticed Ginny says, ``"Oh, come on now, we are not at Hogwarts anymore," she snapped." Did you mean for her to slip up or was that a genuine error? Because they think Ginny went to Durmstrang.

Author's Response: (wow, you're re-reading my story? ... I'm flattered... though if you can wait a few weeks, I'm going to be updating the chapters--and adding some new flashbacks, mwahahaa) Hum, yeah. That was a slip. On her part. Totally planned. (It's true, I promise!!)

Name: Vixenize reviewed 13. Good tidings on Aug 26, 2006 05:57 pm

Oh woooow. I just discovered this story and it's really good. I hope you update very soon because I am eager to find out what happens next!

So Ginny's pregnant? I guessed so during her visit to Gringotts. Just like Draco, I am also wondering what her reaction will be... if Draco doesn't find out who she really is before the baby is born, it would be a shock to see his heir(ess) with a head full of red/pink hair, I think. *smirk* I think there's more to this "Draco told Voldemort where the Burrow is!" thing... because deep inside I hope that Draco isn't a bad guy and that Ginny's just mistaken.

So I'm guessing (from what I've read, not sure if you've stated it plainly yet) that the whole thing was an elaborate plan to get Draco back for the Weasley murders? Well that's quite interesting because I've read so many mail order bride stories (not that I'm complaining! I loved Pud's fic contest) and I don't believe I've read one where Ginny is the sneaky one that deliberately sets out to get Draco. I wonder how she knew that Draco would pick her, out of all those women, especially if they were all blonde and pretty, like her? Going back to the sneaky planning, I think that when/if Draco finds out, the sh*t will hit the fan, lol. But it's nice to know that he, of Slytherin cunning, was manipulated and outsmarted by a couple of Gryffindors (granted, one of them was Hermione, but still). :P

One thing I wasn't sure of - after they got married and had sex, was that the first time they did it? The way I read it, I thought it was their first time, but then I remembered Narcissa's comment on Ginny's racy lingerie and how things had "progressed". So does that mean they went as far as they could without actually having intercourse or had they already slept together at that point?

Another thing I really liked about your story was the little ritual that they had to go through before they had the second ceremony. You described hands touching Draco as he walked through that caused a "reaction" - the hands of all his past lovers. Did Ginny go through/feel the same thing too?

And by now, Blaise Zabini should already know that Ginevra Vassil is actually Ginny Weasley, right? I know he has a guess and he went to talk to the goblin, but I remember Hagrid saying that if you wanted your gold to be safe, you should go to the goblins, so I assume that the goblins are powerful enough not to be messed with and that Zabini could not bully the goblin that helped Ginny. Which means only what his fiance (can't remember her name) overheard at St. Mungo's could be useful. Ahh. :x But Blaise isn't obligated to tell Draco until Draco convinces the fiance's family that Blaise is good enough, right? Or has he already done so and it just hasn't been mentioned?

Also - in chapter 7, I believe, Neville enters his parents' room and Ginny is there. Are they pretending not to know each other or did he really not know who she was? Because by this chapter, they have a discussion and he recognizes her despite the disguise. And did Oliver Wood ever do anything, like ask around, after he saw the Weasley smile on Ginny? And last but not least - going back to the wedding ritual, Ginny was relieved that though the pool rid her of other spells, it couldn't get rid of her blonde Muggle hair dye. What about the concealment of her freckles? If it was magic, the pool would have made them disappear and if it was Muggle makeup, the pool would have washed it away, wouldn't it have? Unless it's waterproof. :P

I apologize for my essay-review and all those questions. I think I'm being extra nitpicky but my tongue (or fingers, really) was just itching to ask. I am really enjoying your story so far and can't wait for you to update! I also really love your chapter titles and the story name :) Keep up the good work! -Caroline

Author's Response: Wow :D I love this essay-review! I promise I'll get back to it as soon as I have a little more time, but I just thought I'd thank you for this review (and answer it later!) THANK YOU!!

Author's Response: Oooooki doki, here we go. I wish I could skip lines, too... Yes, Ginny is pregnant. You'll find out about her reaction in about two chapters. But let me reassure you: no pink haired babies!!! (or maybe that's not reassuring...) Hmmmm yeah I kind of just assumed that a classy and elegant woman who kind of rings a bell (since they've been to school together for what, oh, five years) would catch Draco's attention. I haven't yet found a better reason to ensure that the match work so well, though if you have suggestions, I'd definitely adapt my chapter. And yes, there is more to the "Let's give the Weasleys' address to Voldie"--but not THAT much more. he still did what he did, regardless of how uneasy he feels about the whole deal. I'm glad you like the fact that she's plotting in his back, though, rather than being his perfect match (even though she is, of course). Ginny went through the same thing, but, as we shall see, her experience with men (i.e. Harry, and, to a lesser level, the rest) has not been as pleasurable as Draco's with women. I will try to make this clearer, though. Yes, BZ KNOWS THE TRUTH. He's unsure whether to disclose it is the best idea, though, because he doesn't want to be responsible for Ginny's brutal murder. Neville didn't know until Hermione told him, which, presumably, happened after the last encounter between Nev and Gin. Oliver doesn't do anything--but he will get a visit from an angry Malfoy at some point, I'll tell you that much. What you've pointed out about the Muggle concealer is very true: I'll get rid of it as soon as I rewrite the chapters. I'm glad you've taken my story apart and asked me all those questions. Such extensive feedback helps me to rework the story and make it clearer--and, hopefully, more enjoyable. So, once again, thank you!!!

Name: spider reviewed 13. Good tidings on Aug 25, 2006 03:39 pm

It's strange to remember sometimes, how devious Ginny really is. What I mean is that most of the time, I'm so caught up in the excitement of the story, and Ginny and Draco's relationship, that I tend not to remember that she's literally destroying him, little by little. It's amazing. And then from the other side is Blaise, who's only a bit far from finding out the truth. I'm so nervous for Ginny.

I also feel badly for Narcissa; although she's done awful things herself, it seems a horrible way to die...

Nice chapter.

Author's Response: Mmmh a long review like I like them. I'm glad you're satisfied with the way I convey their relationship and Ginny's slow tentative to destroy Draco. Be very, very afraid, for Blaise is so close, he's actually there... as to Narcissa, well... is what she did REALLY that bad, if Lucius wanted nothing more than to die? [ponders...] Thanks for your review!

Name: ronlover reviewed 13. Good tidings on Aug 25, 2006 11:44 am

AHHHH!!! I dont really like Ginny! Not at all really. UPDATE SOON!!!

Author's Response: :( Why not? What's wrong with her? Okay okay I'll update soon!

Name: ana_delia reviewed 13. Good tidings on Aug 25, 2006 07:57 am

sure i'd love to help

Author's Response: Thanks a LOT!!! send me an email at ogygiasylph@hotmail.com, and I'll send you the first part of the chapter (I think it's called a "cookie", lol)

Name: Persephone33 reviewed 13. Good tidings on Aug 25, 2006 06:41 am

Sooooo....
When will all be revealed? When will Draco find out? What will he do? Will the child be born with pink hair and her suberfuge be discovered? Rhetorical questions, all. I'm captivated. Thanks for the update!

Author's Response: LOL pink hair??? dear me, no, I can at least garanty that much! As to discovery and revelation, it'll happen... in about, ah... four chapters, I'd say. Thanks for reviewing--I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

Name: Moonyk reviewed 13. Good tidings on Aug 25, 2006 03:17 am

Ginny knows doesnt she, that she's with a child. SHE DOES! She's not that stupid.

Author's Response: hmmm... maybe she is that stupid. (is it really unreasonable to think so? shoot...) I'm counting on the fact that she relies 100% on the contraception spells and has no one to tell her (like mothers often do), "But honey, you're pregnant!" If it is unbelievable, my apologies. Unfortunately, I need her in the dark for a little while still. Thanks for pointing it out :)