A chance encounter tangles Ginny Weasley's life with that of the most unlikely of people--Draco MalfoyCategory: Long and Completed
Hi there!
I thought I could, even though I had a lot of hassle writing a real review, try to list up how much I liked this story, since (I suppose) it's a classic and the ideas and style of writing were completely irresistible! I'll do it chap after chap then:
Firstly, what I liked most:
- your interpretation of Ginny - meanwhile, it's AU, but it's still convincing, her fascination with DADA, nightmares, how her crush on Harry lessened...
- details! This first chap alone: Fleur as a teacher, Draco's "ban on Potter-bashing", Pansy and Blaise (I was never a fan of her and Draco, that's just too... simple), the boggart, the Riddle research, Trewlawney's hint or whatever it should be called... that was a very cool first chapter, that's for sure.
I think the whole fic has kind of an... atmosphere, that's getting clearer and more exciting in different parts. But it was definitely spellbinding.
Oh, it was cool to see that Ginny is the centre of Draco's attention now - well developed, I suppose, and realistic, since I really felt he is intent on Tom Riddle and therefore starts watching her now. He even didn't tell anybody about their nightly encounter, that's... interesting. And Ginny's fears (such a nice alternation to the brave Gryffindors! And I do think it is plausible) and the fact that she feels alone already seem to point at the "direction Draco". At least to my mind.
Their dialogue was great, just convincing, and emotional... aww. I don't have to mention the perfect (and somehow still surprising) kiss, do I?
His doubts really became clear and it was a lovely end line.
Ah, hehe, that was cute. Confusion, disappointment, Draco's thoughts (for example the constant comparison to Pansy) were just entertaining! And Ginny's weren't much unlike, were they?
"It was a startling thought, that Draco might be human, that he and she might share something in common besides a fascination with Tom Riddle and a penchant for wandering the halls at night." - very well written, that passage :)
But then, of course, a small regression... their argument was really good (well, as long as you can call something like that good). And when it just lead to the next kiss - wow. I was taken aback by that, too. Real... logical development.
Draco's mum seemed to be rather nice (in contrast to Lucius *shudders*), I suppose. The broom... and then the Goyle news, oh, well. It's strange to see that you killed Goyle, Fearthainn, while Jo got rid of Crabbe. Hm.
This comforting scene was wonderfully deep and... fitting, and somehow, it really needed a break after it. I would never have expected that a summer described in a (Harry Potter) fanfic could be so gripping and realistic. I liked the idea that Draco has even got "bored" with the deatheaters. :D And then the meeting with Voldemort - he didn't seem that frightening, I don't know why. Perhaps because we already saw, during the last two books, that he isn't friendly at all to his followers?
It was a bit strange, but still okay for a character sketch. Nothing to worry about (looking at the writing, I mean). What was fascinating for me, as a reader, was Draco's strengh. His last words did seem notable, and it was a very good and justified idea to let him be against the whole thing right away. Draco learned something, Draco knows it's bad and illogical! Yay!
Oh, that was cool! I wouldn't have expected him to really go to the Burrow so soon - great turn, he and Ginny there... I mean, it's really strange, I haven't read something like that before (of course not) and was quite surprised when he just knocked and told her everything. But he's not a very strong personality, is he?
I could actually see that happen.
And then they discuss... Gosh, it was clear what views they would hold. But very nice how they came to an agreement and FUNNY (because it's so... unusual) how he slept there and had to get up finally.
It was great that he found, well, shelter at Hogwarts. Aw, why couldn't something like that happen in DH? It would have been cool!
Though, poor Draco, working as Snape's assistant... must be horrible. At least he's not really unpopular, either. ;)
But Ginny and her brothers, that was awesome! Very much in character, too. *giggles* I liked the hints with Ron and Hermione and George and Katie and the dialogue (Percy's still there and Fred and George as hilarious as ever - cool!
Back in Hogwarts then: It was happier than I thought, Ginny seems to have grown with her "boyfriend" (it's clear he has to be called like that now, though it went fast after the first two chapters, their relationship :D). Much less angsty, yeah... But that's the conclusion I'd also have come to. Naturally, if they are really in love by now!
And I enjoyed reading about Adrienne, Shelley and Zoë, as well! Nice, plain, amusing new characters.
Ginny's and Draco's reunion was wonderful, of course. Still tense (probably since I didn't know what your ideas of an own sequel, when not knowing what happens during the last books, would be), and... quite romantic.
The situation with Draco's father surely wasn't, though. Ah, I felt sorry for Draco again... I thought of lots of possibilities as to Draco's safety at Hogwarts, but if he was to teach there, then Lucius would find out, unfortunately. The disowning thing, and rumours... probably necessary.
And I loved how Ginny changed her mind, stayed there and how they discuss those family things. She has an optimistic side, too, great to discover that! Haha. And her surprise... was cute. I think the fact that Muggles have visited the moon and wizards haven't is a good one, stresses the feeling that Draco is on the RIGHT side now. How they sit on top of that tower... brilliant snap-shot, I have to say that!
Their relationship carries on, of course... Ginny's become really confident, I suppose, and the way they deal with and behave towards each other - that's still immensely well written.
Speaking of that: I really had to laugh out loudly when Snape found out and was so upset about it. Hehe. I never imagined something bad, though, I still think it's exactly what Snapey would do, and Dumbledore was always too kind, wasn't he?
Well, tension rising...
Ah, I knew, Dumbledore would have a heart. He'd quite tolerate, or rather encourage, this "inter house co-operation", hehe. It was fun reading how Ginny was asked to stay away from the lesson at first, and had to go to the Headmaster. She must've been really scared as hell. And then she told them everything... awkward. Though, we know since the sixth movie that teachers at Hogwarts sometimes witness their pupil's relationships, don't we? ;)
"Draco was beginning to feel like a Gryffindor." - LOL, good statement! But I definitely saw Snape's permanent anger (and his old teaching methods :/ ) coming, so, I understand that. The way Draco complains about his hands was funny, really funny. :D
And the two of them studying... awesome scene. I felt so sorry for Draco when Ginny had to leave him there... but who wouldn't have expected that? (okay, some crazy fluff writers would have, but I think they were being reasonable not to introduce Draco to the Weasley's).
To go on with the story: Shopping in Diagon Alley was great! I laughed half my head off when they talked about Snape and he just... appeared behind them. Divine!
Ginny's also making quite a hush about her secret, isn't she? We already knew that, though - she's learned to keep secrets, right.
I did want to see Draco's face when he opened the present, too. :D Hehe. Ginny's presents (and the note, especially) were really creative and I was curious to find out what "D" would think of in return. Oh, and I have to mention: Dumbledore's socks were quite witty. *smiles*
I'm always stunned how well organized the ministry and school are in this fanfiction - so unlike the books, but still thrilling and realistic. The attacks were not that overwhelming for me because something was BOUND to happen. It was, however, realistic. Sad thought.
And Draco was a bit concerned, huh? But I could understand it... he seems to be rather possessive and to want her near him very much. I didn't like the end lines SO much, still, they fit. I guess I was just eager to know what's going on after that.
Now, THAT was well done. A conversation with Snape... and then he's away. Bloody hell, as Ron would put it! So Draco's teacher now... this makes things more complicated, it surely does, however I STILL think that it's fascinating. It's not a dark story yet but the worries aren't happy, either, and they make things more interesting, don't they?
And Ginny, having nightmares again... well, good thinking. I was even a bit surprised again, although this story seems to depend on them. But Zoë was right, after the Burrow was attacked and the Deatheaters are doing something now... life for her is getting more frightening and tense again.
Harry, Ron and Hermione coming back to Hogwarts was another surprise - I really liked that version, or part of the version anyway, and it seemed quite less chaotic again, too. Though their rivalry with Draco was always a problem... Temper, Harry, temper. *censures him*
And the ministry's been infiltrated, eh? No such problem because Hogwarts got a bit safer than in the books.
I have to agree with Draco then, Ginny's idea, with the students help him brew the potions for te ministry, was brilliant, as well.
It's so mean the trio came back and therefore cut off Ginny's and Draco's chances to meet more often... it's always difficult, this relationship, isn't it? But the fight that almost happened between Harry and Draco - uh oh. Not a good sign.
But I liked the talk Ginny and Hermione had. Quite desperate meanwhile but besides that - really nice. They were in character, Ginny kept her secrets, Mione offered help, and Ginny was even persuaded to stay there... I enjoyed that dialogue, oh yeah.
Perfect transition to the next chap, by the way!
Time without meetings... We should have forseen that, right? I pity Draco really much by now, this Hogwarts teacher job must have become just AWFUL for him. On the other hand, you described that part very well. I can just picture the whole situation and feel with him. *sighs*
It was fun to read about Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny discussing what Draco might be "up to" - reminded me greatly of "The Half blood prince". ;)
And the bad word in the library... that's so frighteningly realistic! I can definitely understand Hermione at that point. I wouldn't try to be friendly anymore if I were her (or Ron, or Harry... but they're suspicious about Draco anyway, aren't they?). Oh, what a frustrated dork he was. I like his flaws just as much as his positive traits. Though his stubborness with muggle-borns is REALLY prejudiced.
I was kind of satisfied when Ginny pulled away and gave him a tongue-lashing. Then the ignoring period... pretty reasonable however, with that, er, sleep-walking of Ginny's and Draco's behaviour (towards his pupils), a bit odd.
So, then she finally told someone! Zoë... well, didn't go to bad, and I actually loved reading the part where they giggled. Must have been a relief for Ginny. And I've liked Zoë's character for the whole story. =)
There was some hope at last... really complicated everything, the accident in Potions was certainly hard for her (ah, mentioning that, I don't think it's too bad if you don't know much about that Actinonin - it's the wizarding world after all, haha, and I wouldn't ever be able to correct you either because my knowledge is probably far worse than yours *laughs*).
Then the questions about their future... it still lets the fic be suspenseful, and I didn't have a clue what was going to happen to them.
That's it to say for this chapter.
U-hu.
Draco's thinking... more than interesting, to my mind. You could have counted on Dumbledore to make sure he knows what's wrong with his staff, but it was still a wonderful scene. Poor Draco, with arguments, fear, the potions... I reckon he became a bit like Snape then. Horrible thought! However, I could understand why he didn't want to come to the meals all the times he didn't. Somehow, he's very cool. *nods*
And then there was Ginny again... once more, very odd situation, but yet entertaining. ;) Well, they can't be kept without the other for too long, moreover I was glad that they apologized (a bit).
The fact that Ginny felt like in her first year and had her kind of sleepwalking worried me, though. And yeah, the real surprise twist was actuated right then. Aw, so startling (but fitting) the deatheaters came at that moment! I should have known. But when Lord baldie tried to use her to open the gates (which is, as I see it, a great, dark idea that could have happened!), I almost guessed what would happen, especially at these words: "I'll give you Harry."
Not so true anymore, are they? But I was fully intrigued by the story line and I just thought: "Fight it, Ginny!" - and I'm happy she did and warned everyone.
Ah, battles... always so exciting and gripping! I felt sympathetic to Draco then, having to face his father now... very untimely, although I actually think it was perfect, an attack, just at this point of time. Somehow surprising, somehow right, good mixture.
Professor Vector is a woman, by the way, but apart from that (you couldn't have known that when you wrote the fic either!), the teacher's planning to fight was really convincing. Isaac's also a nice, suitable name for an Arithmancy professor, isn't it? ;P
And my other (only) critisism would be Kingsley... I've never seen him as a "glaring" person, if you know what I mean. But maybe, it's just Draco... he does seem to be mistrusted very often, at least after the trio came back there. It might be necessary for the story's ambiance.
So, then, another relapse for Ginny (quite angsty, that bit, though it had to be, from Draco's point of view), and FINALLY an explanation. It was wonderful to have Dumbledore there, to protect her a bit, and little Malfoy did a great job, too. A bit dramatic. However, since the idea with an on-going possession and Voldemort trying to make her do things is so new and therefore suspenseful, I think that was good, too.
Ron's reaction before, hahahaha. And in my opinion, McGonagall does know a lot that's going on in the castle, and it didn't surprise me that she seemed to know. It was still fun to read. :D
So was the scene in the end, where he guided her in safety to the Head Table. I just think it must have been an awesome sight! The whole... way of fighting, or rather organizing and defending the castle without direct duels, took a bit getting used to but it was cool.
The last sentence here was funny... she collapses but she's seen it and everyone cheers. One of the most fantastic parts in the story, I might say.
So, I enjoyed this one, as well, it was a highly interesting and action-packed chap.
Okay, so what would you call this? The aftermath?
A bit confusing, jumping from the most exciting scene to "everything is fine"... so, I was by all means curious then what had happened exactly, and I could almost feel Ginny's headache, and the few memories. She's still ill? Of course she wouldn't be too happy with it... but I loved how Bill cared for her, brought her books and sent off her letters. He's amazing, isn't he? At least a bit.
Draco certainly had to struggle... the conversation with Hermione was very, uh, sobering. But I'm not too sure whether their prejudices will EVER disappear, even a bit. Oh, why is it so hard for every Gryffindor/Slytherin ship? :(
I like the way he's always worrying about her, without telling anybody WHY (although some of the teachers guessed right, huh?). He's still quite possessive and secretive, or, I might put it this way: Selfish and solitary. Hehe. I wouldn't want him any different, though, no need to worry.
Ginny's letter to him was so cute! I smiled along with Draco, and I think it's a queer situation, since she (and your readers) doesn't know anything while being shut-in, but nontheless very romantic. The letters at night... and the thought of their future, where Draco accepted the professor job and Ginny is said to be ill... well, difficult circumstances, but I was sure they would make it. =)
Okay - I didn't know where the end was really because this chap is called "epilogue" and somehow, the danger was over in chap nine, but I also enjoyed this last (and largest) piece of your fic. And apparently, there were still things to clarify.
Ah, Mr. Weasley was so canon... however, I was mildly sursprised, and, well, shocked, how her parents received the news and tried to put a ban on meeting or doing anything with him. That makes a good, realistic story, of course (without conflicts, it wouldn't be all that suspenseful ;)), but it was a real sad moment... poor Ginny. And Draco. I can't see why writing letters would be so damaging, hmph. I guess I would have got very defiant at this point of time, indeed.
Bill was understanding, that's a pretty nice thing (for a start). "Not A baby, but you are THE baby. They worry about you. And I hate to tell you, but you'll never outgrow that. Just give Dad a bit of time, he'll calm down." - Hear, hear! But he got an important factor there. I don't think she'll ever be (even in the original books) anything else than the baby of the family and that's why they make such a "fuss". Yeah. Very well explained!
Then they were in Hogwarts, again... finally. I was quite keen on that, especially with the adults there not telling her much. And the reunion with Draco (though it was VERY clear whom she would rather visit, right away from this paragraph on), beautiful! I enjoyed that he was so thunderstruck. And their kiss, and her outbreak, and the simple potion that makes her feel better. Draco really knows his subject, that piece of information is never bad. ;P
I could also understand their awareness and... Ginny's sensibility. Or the rationality about going further. It just seemed very suitable in this situation. *shrugs*
And I liked the routine after that, too. The next meeting with Harry, Ron and Hermione HAD to come, and I don't like how hostile they seemed to be but you probably couldn't stop that so soon. Draco's state and thoughts were so fascinating however!
Next, the Weasleys... oh, it's still a bit gripping how she shouldn't be upset, and when she hears about Charlie... I'd thought it would be a tougher moment but anyway, it's an explanation for Molly and the others, why they didn't tell her. Poor Charlie!
I'm getting used to Ginny being vulnerable. ;)
The dialogue with Ron... great work again! So, then he knows about it, as well. It was somehow hilarious that definitely sided with Ginny (because the sweater must've really been a treat for the eyes, and it's GOOD to know, Ron didn't go mad again - he wasn't bothered by the thought of her and Harry at all, either, was he? That's cool). You could, for once, see that they are brother and sister. =)
During the next paragraph it was clearly getting more to an end... did I mention that I found it, well, not that bad, that Draco's father died in the battle? I could also see Narcissa sort of "escaping" to Europe.
Ginny's and Draco's talk about that was really sweet. (And yeah, they had probably been apart from each other for too long again - it's always that way and it's still realistic)
The last aspect of the fic - Doing things on her own, rebel against her family. It's, again, somewhat surprising how imperious and keen they all were to make her do what they wanted but no criticism there - and finally being... healthy and not so easily influenceable, I guess that was the best way to end "Dark directed", where Ginny becomes independent at last. A flat, and being an Auror and visiting Draco at Hogwarts... that'll be great!
And I can actually understand Molly - I can't believe she's really only seventeen at that time!
I hope, and I can imagine, however, that her family will recognize SOMEday that she's happy with Draco. *smiles* I don't have much of a problem with an open end.
Soo, now I have to repeat it: It was a damn good fic, just capturing Ginny/Draco (on a basis of understanding, Tom, the DADA room and Ginny's calm, plain appearance during the fic, which got better in the end, though). How they overcame hate, and doubts, their (families') attitudes. I think all parts of the fic had a well, really well developed plot line, it revolved about every possible difficulty of the relationship, families, friends, enemies, waiting, desire, even all the studying was enjoyable to read. And the being-bed-stricken part... I don't think it was too long, it possibly couldn't be.
Oh, and I haven't mentioned the quote yet: Shakespeare's cool. End of story. He simply rocks, right?
So does this fanfic. And I won't ask about a sequel, of course. Keep it up, though, write something else to enchant your readers.
Lots of love!