I've read this story before and came back to it just because I love it. (Fun fact: You almost converted me into a Blaise/Ginny shipper with the first few chapters; I love that you gave him enough of a personality here for that to be possible.) Just a really great premise and dialogue. Some of the best dialogue is between Hermione and Ginny — *such* a realistic portrait of a long-term, deep friendship that has rocky points as well as affection. So well done.
Author's Response: LISTEN. I started panicking halfway through writing this story because I loved the chemistry between Blaise and Ginny so much. If the prompter hadn't asked for Draco/Ginny, I probably would have written this as Blaise/Ginny. Cue the panic that readers were going to like Blaise more than Draco! I still feel bad because I feel like Blaise got ripped off in this story. XDAnd YES!!! One of the reasons I wrote this story was because I wanted to try writing the most realistic Hermione that I could. I feel like being friends with her would be really challenging because of her strong personality and beliefs, but that doesn't mean she can't be a good friend. I don't see Ginny putting up with half the things Hermione says, like Harry and Ron do. So my idea of their friendship is a lot of butting heads (Ginny IS Ron's sister, and they'd have that in common!), but they'd come to healthy understandings eventually. Hermione's characterization in this story is one of the things I'm most proud of (and this story inspired me to start writing Draco/Hermione again because it renewed my interest in writing her character, flaws and all), so I very much appreciate you telling me that you think Ginny and Hermione's relationship was realistic.
Thank you so much for coming back and reading this again! And also for taking the time to let me know what you thought! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I wrote it while *I*, too, was unemployed after college, so this story is personal to me in about ten different ways. It always makes me happy to see that other people like it. :)
Reread this again a few days ago and just wanted to let you know that its a favourite and I loved it. Its so cute and all warm and fuzzy. Especially since I came back from the island of Sicily which is similar in feel and had me all happy in different ways.
But yeahhh, When they have the first kiss, when Draco meets her at the dock.
Everything basically.
Just wanted you to know.
RummyMalfoy x
Author's Response: Thank you so, so, so much!! I also used to live in Sicily. I miss it there. ;o; Thank you so much for rereading and reviewing!
Yes! I loved this story the first time...love a reread
Author's Response: Yay! Thanks for rereading!
Yay! I FINALLY got a chance to start reading this!!
(thinks guiltily about half-done December billing. Tomorrow, I promise! (yelled at sis, metaphorically speaking. ;)
Anyway. I really, really like this premise. This is the way that I could see Ginny reacting to her Quidditch career ending so abruptly. There's something about this Ginny that is fulfilled by that career, or would be fulfilled, which I think is true of a lot of the Ginnies out there. She's like a bird with clipped wings, but she has the courage and determination to strike out on a different path.
(jumps into fic briefly. GINNY!! The phantom hand pain is probably caused by trigger point issues. See a neuromuscular therapist. NOW.)
Anyway... I look forward to seeing where this goes. I should be able to get to the next chapter very soon. :) And when you figure out the size of the banner you want for your Tumblr blog, be sure to let me know. I've been using graphics programs for a VERY long time.
Author's Response: Thanks, Anise! I am so, so not an expert at graphic design, so I honestly don't know how big I would want my banner to be (or what big/small is?), but you'll be the first person I ask when I start trying to figure it out. ;) I'm glad you're liking the story so far! I've written Quidditch!Ginny before, and I think the career works really well for her. So the fact that she isn't satisfied with any career other than Quidditch is a liiiittle bit my own dissatisfaction with her having any other career other than Quidditch, too (because I'm uncreative like that XD). But mostly I wanted to write about job hunting because that was the theme of 2013 for me, and that's what all of my friends have been going through, so it's relevant and real. A bird with clipped wings is EXACTLY how Ginny feels in this story. But as you'll see eventually in chapter 3, she might be holding herself back from her own desires. Anyway, glad you like it so far, and thanks for the review!
yay! A fic from you! I'm not reading it yet because I have to get up really really early tomorrow, but an actual review will be left soon. :)
Author's Response: Yay! A fic from me! I have a few more I haven't uploaded yet, but I think I'll spread out the updates to make them last. ;) Thanks, Anise!
I like this so far. Is it sad that I'd just rather it be a full Draco/Ginny story, no other characters involved? :)
Author's Response: I completely understand, and I wish it had turned out that way, too (even though I really like Seamus, Dennis, and Hermione in this). As you'll see next chapter, pesky Blaise asked to be inserted in the story and then refused to go away. :D Glad you're enjoying it so far!
Loving this!
Author's Response: Yay! I'm so glad! Thanks for reviewing! :D
Makes me wonder why he sponsored her in the first place? I am looking forward to the next chapter:)
Author's Response: :O What could Draco possibly be thinking?? Glad you're enjoying it so far!
Cute story so far, can't wait to see where it goes.
Author's Response: Yay! Thanks! Glad you're enjoying it! :D