All Ginny wants is to get the upper hand just once with drool-worthy hunk of man candy and callous playboy Draco Malfoy before he moves on to his next careless conquest. So how did this simple plan lead to time travel, nefarious plots involving the most infamous whorehouse in the wizarding world, and the teenaged Draco’s achingly sweet, chocolate-flavored kisses? Even Draco Malfoy was innocent once, as Ginny learns all too well…Category: Long and Completed
Chapter ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEEN Quote of the Day:
THE LAST CHAPTER
The minutes ticked by, long enough for Ginny to know that against all reason, all common sense, she still wanted impossible things from him. But she would leave. Even after today, even when her body ached from him and for him, when she could feel that he had begun to shape her to him, she would turn around and leave him. I will, I will, she thought.
“You don’t understand,” said Draco.
“Oh?” Ginny said stiffly. “At least he hadn’t touched her, she thought. She would not be able to find the strength to pull herself away from him, and she knew it.
Wow. Great chapter. Love the kiss, even though Ginny won't be able to remember it because Draco is so (admittedly sexily) ruthless.
Fav quote:
His eyes were very, very bright, a brilliant silvery color, as if they shone with unshed tears as well.
Theories and Thoughts:
Draco knows less than I thought--were both Ginny and Draco obliviated in the past to somehow ensure that their future actions would not be affected by their past relationship/decisions? But Draco still has certain "feelings" that stem from past knowledge?
Astoria is a "red herring" for Ginny. Is that a hint to us (the readers) that we are focusing too much on her when we need to pay attention to other, more vital elements?
What drove Lucius mad? Does he seek vengeance? I noticed that Narcissa is RARELY mentioned--perhaps the reason/events that make Lucius crazy involve her.
Darn. I was semi-close with Astoria knowing something about Draco (though the "something" is Lucius) and using it as leverage against Draco (very, very, very tangentially :)) How/why did Draco need to "handle" Astoria in the past? DId she discover another secret (perhaps about Draco's obsession with Ginny?)
Also, Lucius' reminder of the "place she held" could possibly refer to Ginny and her "place" in Draco's heart or his head/thoughts.
I'm rather unhappy about the evidence in this chapter that suggests that Ginny is NOT Marie, so I'm going to twist the facts to support my theory that Ginny IS Marie instead :) When Draco refers to Marie as a "whore", maybe this is figurative--he hates/blames her and therefore insults her. Maybe because Ginny is Marie, when Ginny travels to the past, she promises to never leave Draco in a moment where he is emotionally unstable, but she does have to return to the future and therefore breaks her promise? And if "whore" is literal, maybe future/present Draco takes Ginny's virginity, but past-Draco doesn't know this. Or, maybe past-Draco is Ginny's first, but Draco is obliviated so he doesn't realize it?
(If I VERY begrudgingly and VERY VERY temporarily suppose that perhaps Ginny is NOT Marie, I admit that the word "whore" makes me think of the Crystal Palace. BUT, to stubbornly apply this to MY theory, perhaps Ginny had to work there when she goes to the past to find a way to survive/connect with Draco because she remembers his 16-yr old portrait mentioning that?)
Also, I did some snooping on the name Marie Tessier. Tessier means "weaver" so perhaps Marie (aka Ginny) weaves words (aka lying) or "weaves" herself into Draco's life. I also found that Emilie de Tessier was a French cartoonist with the pseudonym Marie Duval. Perhaps the combination of the part of the real name with the part of the pseudonym signifies that Ginny has to go under a fake name/appearance (see picture of her as blonde), but is trying to stay as true to her identity/character/personality as possible.
Wow. Long review. At least it matches the chapter length-wise, and hopefully is a tiny fraction of the superb quality? Please update soon!
ps. Eris, the plot bunny, advises me to tell you to add caramel sauce. She wants the extra sugar :)
Author's Response: Yay! What a wonderful review! and wonderful theories too. :) Oo, the one about both Draco and Ginny being obliviated in the past... and your picking up on the fact that it's important that Draco needed to "handle" Astoria before.
I LOVE the Marie research. Now, here's a short detour... (Anise buckles all the seatbelts)... one thing I CAN reveal about Marie is that her full name is Marie Jane, and that the inspiration for the name originally came from the characters of Marie-France and Jane Tessier in William Gibson's Neuromancer. This fic isn't going to be any kind of crossover with Neuromancer (kind of an interesting idea, though), and the plot isn't going to use Gibson's concepts (I can't imagine how insanely complicated DDD would get if it did), but there were certain things about the motivations of those characters that did get me thinking. Anyway, the whole truth about Marie is yet to come, and will be revealed in the richness of this fic's mysterious twists and turns... ;) (stirs the mystery and adds caramel sauce)
Finally! Steamy (chocolate-melting) D/G! This chapter gets super-extra-bonus points (rather than my usual "excellent chapter" :) )
Favorite quote: There were many, but I'm going to have to choose a non-smutty one simply for making me laugh aloud:
“Weasley, have you gone mad? Were you bitten by a rabid Kneazle on the way here? Ouch! Oh, fuck!” Draco sounded alarmed, she thought with vicious satisfaction. Growing up with six brothers had taught her to fight viciously, too. “Ow—oh! Watch the family jewels, if you don’t mind!”
Thoughts and Theories: The vagueness of Draco's last words is very interesting (and deliberate on your part I'm sure). Perhaps he is combining the names of both Ginny and Marie because they are the same person?
Draco thinks that sexual pleasure is all he can give her--is there some reason that he's incapable of love? curse/duty/bond/vow?
Regarding the fire Ginny feels when Draco touches her, Draco comments that "he didn't mean for 'it' to go this far". Does that mean that he somehow spelled her into this? Or created a bond when she was in the past that intensified her reaction to him to make sure that she would still be a virgin and desire him?
Also, I can't really tell whether Draco's in pain because Ginny thinks that he doesn't love her or because Ginny makes it seem like she doesn't love him. Based on his previous words, I would be more inclined to guess the latter, but if he does not "care" for Ginny, then why should he be so affected? Possessiveness only extends so far :)
Anyway, thanks for the amazing chapter! Please update soon!
Author's Response: Thank you thank you for another fabulous review! :) LOVELY theories, and *some* answers in the next chapter, actually. But here's one *little* answer now: what Draco specifically meant when he said that he "didn't mean for it to go this far" was that he realized too late that Ginny had been worked up to the point where she actually felt physical pain, and he regretted that. How does this go along with Draco informing Ginny earlier (before he Obliviated her again) that he knew she'd be feeling pain when she came back to herself, and that she'd be so desperate for relief that she'd let him do anything he wanted? Let's just say that Draco's motivations are very complex right now, and he's torn between the good and the not-so-good parts of himself. Good theory about Draco's thoughts, too... there MAY be some hints in the next chapter... you never know... ;)
Innnnnteresting. Very interesting--lots of chocolate plot chips with streaks of caramel mystery. You've brought up several points that both clarify and perplex (something I didn't think was possible until I read your fics :)) .
Favorite lines ( the first is sad, but incredibly poignant and defining conscience in a totally original way and the second is hilariously snarky):
“Sometimes,” he said, so quietly that she could barely hear it. “It speaks in a very small voice. It always seems to visit me very late at night, and it whispers to me about things I’ve done. It reminds me of things I’ve tried to forget.”
and
“Well, after last night, I rather hope that you understand I’m not much into ‘wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.’ Your face is the most interesting shade of red I’ve ever seen, by the way. I’d love to paint it.”
Thoughts and Theories:
Interesting correlation between Tom Riddle and Lucius--both of them seem to symbolize psychological control over both Ginny and Draco?
For Ginny meeting Draco in Draco's heart, the room's familiarity suggests that Ginny has been there before (and she has traveled to the past) but simply can't remember. Present-Draco's accompanying acknowledgement of her as "M-" supports both the fact that he recognizes her (and thus present-Ginny HAS traveled to the past) and the theory that Ginny is Marie (yay!).
Draco's reaction to Ginny using the word "whore" is also intriguing because his face really darkens in anger, meaning that someone whom he cares about (cough *Ginny as Marie* cough) once was his "companion".
Also, remember how once upon a time Draco said something about dealing with Astoria? He mentions her poison-ness this chapter again to Ginny, so maybe Astoria tried to cause Ginny harm at some point in the past by interfering with D/G relationship.
Draco's dark expression when Ginny mentions that neither of them care for each other is interesting--maybe she told him once (in the past) that she loved/would always love him? Or maybe he actually does care for her?
And then Ginny not being able to remember her line about everything working out--maybe she also said this in the past? Draco's response about the Divination brings up the whole past/present/future concept of time. Which I am not going to attempt to figure out. Yet. :)
Dreams clearly play a huge role in this fic--but why can't Ginny remember them? And are they actually memories? And Ginny actually somehow was in the Chamber or some simulation of the Chamber with the oh-so-evil Lucius?
Also, another mention of Loki!! (I'm keeping a running tally, even though I doubt it has anything to do with anything :) )
And Draco's reference to a flashback of just having a girl watch him--maybe Ginny/Marie was that girl in the past?
And of course, the last lines and Ginny's repetition--someone's in deniiiiiiiiial! :)
Please update soon!
Author's Response: Thank you thank you, for the wonderful review! :) So...
Lucius has an important role to play in this fic, as you've figured out, and we shouldn't underestimate Astoria. Ginny does seem to be in denial, doesn't she? ;) A chocolate-chip hint present: (before the end of Part One, which may make some readers want to chase me around with flaming torches...) Both Draco *and* Ginny have been Memory-charmed in the past, and eventually, we will see exactly why. But my theory about this is that Memory charms never, ever work perfectly, and that there are times when Draco *almost* remembers something, too. More coming up very soon!
Sorry for the belated review, but I am still here! Oooh, big cliffie at the end of this (excellent) chapter.
Favorite quote--this one is ultra-poignant:
“Perhaps I’m growing a bit tired of drifting, Weasley. There must be more to life than a meaningless round of amusement.”
Thoughts and Theories:
First, I LOVE the snarky lock. Is that (the whole need to unlock secrets and needing some certain trait/"key" to do so) one of the themes of the story?
Pureblood Regency Ball--I KNOW that this is important somehow, but I'm not really sure (other than the pic of Draco and "Marie")--maybe the idea of time travel to the past?
Is Ginny's bond to Draco why she can read his emotions so well? Speaking of Draco's emotions, I have a new thought--I think that Draco's barely-visible spasms in his facial expressions at some of Ginny's words are his memory trying to make him overcome the Obliviate. Which leads to the next theory--I think that Lucius Obliviated Draco and Ginny for some reason and is manipulating Astoria to marry Draco so that he (Lucius) can make sure that Draco's memory does not return. And Lucius' influence is why Astoria can get past Obfirmo (after all, the lock did say, "I should have liked to warn her. But then, my primary loyalty is to the Malfoys, after all.” THIS leads to the question, warn Ginny of what? Astoria? Lucius?
Also, Ginny smells roses and the
door seems familiar/has a golden key--is this the door from her dreams? I think that the door either contains Draco's heart (figuratively...I hope :) ) or is a portal to the past (and why Astoria threatens to involve the Dep of Mysteries).
Ooh! New thought about Ginny's bond--ASTORIA knows that past-Draco somehow took Ginny's innocence and therefore created a bond, and that's why Draco's paying her to keep it a secret and why SHE's engaged to Draco.
I like the semi-reference to HBP at the end of the chapter--Ginny not able to move (much like Harry couldn't move before Dumble's death)
Last (2) thoughts--1) love Luna's text "Snzlfrps told me". 2) The Victory Statue--at the end of the story, Ginny is going to figure out what it is missing as a result from her journey to the past/regaining of memories. Maybe?
I saw that you have already speedily updated so I'm off to read (and review of course) the next chapter!
Author's Response: We will see the entire Pureblood Regency Ball in Part Two, and that'll be historically accurate and fun to write. :) Jane Austen fans in particular will hopefully be delighted. I LOVE your theories about Ginny's bond, because they're so close in some ways and yet so... not-quite-there in others. I think you'll like the way they eventually turn out.
So, part one is done. I can't believe it. Good thing there will be approximately (hopefully!) 75 more chapters to go! :)
Favorite line (this time for hilarity :) ):
“It’s certainly a point of view. Of course, most people with an intelligence quotient of approximately room temperature would say the same thing about you, Astoria.”
Theories and Thoughts:
I think it's really funny how Ginny wishes that Astoria would sink into the floor/a gaping whole and then it actually happens because of Draco. More evidence of the Draco/Ginny bond ("sacred bond of mystical love"? Proof of past relationship and Draco CAN love! )
More evidence of collusion between Astoria and Lucius. I maintain my theories of the most recent post (for chapter 24).
Why did Lucius want to turn Draco against Ginny? So Draco would accept the "breeding program"? Or did Lucius know/is there some sort of prophecy that Draco would fall in love with Ginny which would somehow be the downfall/ruin the plans of of Lucius/House of Malfoy (probably Lucius because the lock accepts Ginny)?
The kiss--nice but...not the usual sparks. Maybe Draco's way of saying goodbye or an expression of his resignation to marry Astoria?
Interesting idea of two worlds and Ginny needing to move to bring Draco back. Foreshadowing?
Does the crate (the portkey-one) contain a pensieve or something related to memories and that's why it is strapped so tightly?
And I think that the Draco/Ginny/Astoria confrontation took place in Draco's heart (Malfoy private property) and that is why Astoria makes those comments about Draco not having any love in his heart and why Ginny thinks she sees the red (red for blood and arteries!) walls move?
Please update soon!
ps. Eris got into the sugar again, didn't she? She should KNOW what happens when tame plot bunnies have too much chocolate :)
Author's Response: I've finally learned my lesson-- I'm not even going to TRY to predict how many chapters of an Anisefic there will be. But I DO know what's coming next, and I know what the end ultimately has to be. So this fic WILL be finished! :) I like your Astoria/Lucius theories... and yes, let's just say that part of Lucius's plans have always included turning Draco against Ginny and making him distrust her. Good guess about where the D/G/A scene took place, although that isn't to say that they were literally inside Draco's actual heart. And that plot bunny has been extremely bad lately...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope you have an amazing day and eat a lot of delicious chocolate and cake!
Author's Response: Thank you! :) I can't actually eat chocolate... but there will be delicious carrot cake at the party on Thursday. :)
Thanks for the update! How was your b-day?
Favorite line (for the laugh-factor):
"After all, the heights of self-discovery could be far more easily scaled when every single hair on one’s head wasn’t sticking out in a different direction. "
Meditation and Musing:
The issue of (stopping) time comes up again (in the very first part of the chapter, so it is clearly important. Is there another spell that will allow Ginny to travel to the past? And why don't more people use this Time-stopping spell? And if it's Dark magic, how can Ginny recognize it?
I like the way that Percy sticks up (subtly) for Ginny by challenging Hermione. Even though he seems to only be "protecting the law", he could have simply walked away, so it was nice that he still has SOME family-love.
I think that Draco Obliviated Harry or used some kind of spell that replaced his memories. The question is why--did Harry find out deep, dark secret related to Draco? Perhaps about Lucius?
I can't believe Draco actually married Astoria. Is there some way for this marriage to be fake-solemnized? Or did Draco somehow create a clone of himself so he wouldn't have to marry Astoria? (...that theory is made in desperation ...:) )
Ginny's dream. I have a feeling that I could write pages and pages and pages in an attempt to interpret it, but I'll try to limit it to a couple (probably run-on :) ) sentences. So, the men (Harry, Lucius/Tom, and Draco) represent two things--her love/affection (she USED to like Tom, before the whole possession thing :) ) and her turning points (as in, people who have shaped her life in different stages--Harry--her childhood via her worship of him, Tom--her adolescence [teenage years at Hogwarts], and Draco--her adult life). It's very interesting (yet somewhat unsurprising) that she only lets Draco in. So she has somehow overcome her childhood and her adolescence, and her ultimate rejection of Draco shows her decision to figure out who she wants her present and future self to be. Perhaps she will remember some Obliviated memories in the process?
Also, the connection between dreams and reality is even more distinguishable now (the crying). Are the dreams actually methods of communication between Draco and Ginny as a result of their bond?
And Draco mentioning the bleeding again--is this both physical and metaphorical? Like he KNOWS that Ginny will have to suffer (perhaps in the past! because he somehow remembers because his Obliviate is wearing off)? And if he knows this, what happened to his promise to protect her?
And WHY did Draco marry Astoria (aka why did he THINK he had "no choice")? Because he could have used her break into the Malfoy vaults (a crime!) as leverage against her to get her to leave him alone or counter whatever knowledge of him and Ginny/blackmail she may have had.
Anyway, I can't wait for Ginny's journey to define herself in terms of who SHE is, not with regards to the men in her life(which I think will be the theme of Part 2...so the end of Part 2 and then Part 3 [and maybe Part 4] will be Ginny's journey to the past! [I'm stubbornly holding onto this idea :)] )
Please update soon!
ps. I love the alliterations (which inspired the new title for my theories and thoughts :) ) and the ridiculously hilarious and long names for Departments and the Ministry.
pps. Hermione's a pontification, pestering, pretentious prat. Enough said on that. :)
Author's Response: Another wonderful review! (does the Happy Review Dance. It looks a lot like a Zumba class. You just don't want to know.) My birthday was fun! :)
The Time-Stopping Spell is Dark Magic (which is why more people don't use it) and very difficult to cast, but Ginny would have known about it through Hermione's old research (remember that we know from canon that they were friends for years at Hogwarts.) It came from the Danmarks Trylleformler, or Danish Book of Magic, written by Dragen Det Ondetro, one of Draco's ancestors (as outlined in the preface to Nineteen Years Later, chapter 35.)
Why was Harry Obliviated? What did he find out? Good question... And no, there are no Draco-clones running around. More about the Draco/Astoria marriage-made-in-hell soon. Ginny's journey is coming up, and it's actually one of the first things I worked on in this fic, so hopefully readers will like it. And I LOVE the Hermione description. ;)
Yay for the update! Sorry I haven't been reviewing--I got a new job this summer , and it has been taking up almost all my time :)
Why are you moving? I hope the process goes well (I know it's a pain-in-the-arse most of the time :) )
Thoughts and Theories--I'm sorry, but my ideas aren't very good today, and I don't have a lot of them, but here goes:
For some reason, Blaise just reminded me of Loki. Hmmm. And perhaps Loki was the one who used Ginny's expresso machine?
Interesting name for the island--vendetta. The question is WHOSE vendetta--Astoria? Draco? Lucius? or even Loki?
Also, Ginny seems to be fighting through her Obliviate--maybe she was there in the past? with Draco? So that's why she initially thinks Blaise is Draco (because it's a memory?)
Are animals going to play a role in this? (Tiger, goat, Draco= dragon) I think I'm just imagining things though :)
Poor Ginny--she has to wear that horrid dress and hear Blaise confirm the bad news AND stress about Luna. Hope things get better for her soon!
The next-chapter character--Loki? or Lucius?
I realized that I have an unhealthy obsession with Loki, as I have mentioned him at least 5 times in just this review (and many more times in previous reviews). Oh well--who wouldn't love a meddling, super-powerful, constantly food-munching, multidimensional, sarcastically being? :)
Please update soon!
Author's Response: Hope the job is going well-- it's all good! But I always do love your splendiferous reviews. :) I'm moving because my brother lives in Oregon. It's a very very long move... if they EVER finish the transmission on my van, it could actually pull the U-Haul there... anyway.
Loki did use Ginny's espresso machine in Draco's dream. ;) Doesn't it just seem like the Malfoys would own an island named Vendetta? Nope, Ginny doesn't think that Draco is there because it's a memory. There's another reason. The character in the next chapter is one we haven't seen, so it isn't Loki or Lucius (good guesses though, because they would both show up as a Malfoy.) But we have heard this character mentioned in connection with Draco. And Loki is fun, isn't he? Well, he'll show up again eventually... ;)
Ooh! Another theory--maybe Ginny felt that Draco WAS in Blaise's flat because he was having one of those real/not real/corporeal/invisible/paradoxical dreams about Ginny! To escape Astoria! Or maybe Loki hid Draco!
Okay, I think I'm REALLY done now :)
Author's Response: No, but a good guess. We'll find out in Chapter 28 exactly why Ginny thought that Draco was in Blaise's flat. A teeny eentsy hint: we've met a *relative* of this character.
Hey Anise! I'm back! And read ALL of your many (yay!) updates! I'm actually reviewing from work even though I should be, you know, actually working :) How's the move going?
I loved this chapter, and how Ginny was strong enough to set limits. Evolution seems to be a very key theme (esp with the loss of innocence in both Draco and Ginny), and hopefully, Ginny can only get better from here.
I adore the super sweet and considerate portrait-Draco--it will be interesting to see what event (other than receiving the Dark Mark, if there is another) that you have planned to cause such a dramatic change to dark, dangerous, and devilish Draco. And we can already see Ginny's change (her feeling that she earned her face). And I have a feeling that the books in the crate that Ginny disregarded may have some of the answers.
Speaking of the crate, I have a new theory. Maybe Ginny (as Marie and who somehow [like via Loki] travelled to the past) put those contents in the crate to help herself remember or give herself clues or help herself evolve so she does travel back to the past/ 16-year-old Draco because she knew that she would be Obliviated. Maybe?? :)
Aha! More proof that Ginny is Marie. Maybe Draco calls Ginny "Marie" because some rule in the Pureblood/Etiquette book requires companions to conceal their identities, or Ginny gives the name to protect 16-year-old Draco from the sting of rejection (as she did not reciprocate his feelings back then), and that is why Draco calls her Marie in both the dream and at Hogwarts (by the way, very nice incorporation of D/G memories/interactions that we have seen before)
And zesty, zany Zenobia Smith--she is hilarious. Her comment about the queen legit had me laughing out loud.
Daphne--I don't know what I think about her. Is Loki somehow working with the old hag and that is what is compelling her (Daphne) to talk to Ginny?
And I like the Dean, Luna, and Blaise triangle. Dean is the most realistic and grounded while Blaise is opulent and less realistic, and Luna can be both.
Anyway, I think I've written too long of a review, so sorry about that (and my coworker is giving me a suspicious look), so I will end my review here! Please update soon! I can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's Response: Hey Max10! (waves happily) You're right about evolution being a really, really key theme; it was actually the first theme that came to me when I was originally writing the first parts of DDD. There will be more about it in the next chapter, when Ginny finally meets a couple of ghost authors who were, in fact, real people (and would probably turn over in their graves if they had any idea they ended up in a D/G fic). Yes, Draco did change a LOT between the ages of 16 and 21, and eventually, we'll find out what changed him-- that's what Part 3 is all about (we're in the intermission between Parts 1 and 2 right now.) More about all of the other characters soon.... and no, you HAVEN'T written too long of a review and you never need to be sorry about that! Be careful of those suspicious coworkers, though. ;)
Oooohhhhhhhh....steamy *waves fan vigorously*. Such an...intense...chapter! So much to say but I'm still speechless ;)
Games. Manipulation. How much is real and how much is controlled? I like how you make both Ginny and Draco affected by each other, and I love Ginny's little "power thrills".
For the whispers Ginny hears, are any of them related to the Immortals (esp. Loki)? Or are they suppressed memories that are now being triggered (that were Obliviated or removed by Draco, Lucius, or Loki--those devious Malfoy men/god ;) )?
Interesting how Draco can make Ginny totally lose track and forget her thoughts. Kind of the whole theme of the story--his sway over her and how she sometimes rebels, sometimes yields, and sometimes reciprocates.
Also interesting quote--"Things aren't always what they seem". Reference to Crystal Palace? Memories? Intentions? Lucius and/or Harry? Draco himself?
And how did Draco know Ginny's body better than she did? Does this have to do with the memories that he has that she doesn't?
For some reason, this chapter made me think about one of the earlier chapters with Draco and Ginny in the cabin...hope the next scene doesn't end with another Obliviation!
And I think the Crystal Palace Magic is the reason for the feeling of dissatisfaction. Why? is the question. Maybe something to do with the bond? Was the bond formed at/by the Crystal Palace sometime in the past? And maybe they can only be satisfied by actually having sex...but why is Draco building it up if he knows the power of the Crystal Palace? (again, reminiscent of the scene from before...)And another important fact that I know is important but can't quite figure why (yet :)) is that the Crystal Palace is one of those places that isn't confined by space or time. On a side tangent, is it created by Immortals, such as Loki?
That's it for now. On another side note, happy birthday to MK Ritchie! And my birthday is October 10! (chocolatey presents and updates are much appreciated ;) )
Author's Response: Hey MT10! (waves) You're right-- the CP sequence is all about games on *both* sides, which is one of the things that I think makes it very different from the cottage sequences. We're going to hear more about those whispers in Ch. 52. I was wondering if anybody was going to pick up on the "things aren't always what they seem" quote. It's VERY important, and it foreshadows something that will be very very important at the end of this whole sequence. I can't answer all the questions about everything that Draco knows but ahem... the boy's really good, and he pays attention. ;) Positively NO Oblivation at the end of the scene.
A lot of the other questions just can't be answered yet, but the answers have been planned from the very beginning, so they will come. One answer will appear soon, though: we'll find out exactly why Draco is building everything up by the end of the CP sequence. All of this is going somewhere *very* specific, and whether people will like it or chase me down with flaming torches, I don't know... but one thing I can promise is that Draco is here to stay for QUITE a while! :)
First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Sending you a chocolate cake with chocolate chips and chocolate frosting decorated with fudge pieces, chocolate shavings, and *insert chocolate topping of choice*.
Next, the review (virtual birthday present :) )
Favorite Quotation: He smacked himself in the forehead with one hand. “Can’t you ever let go of that fucking insane determination of yours for one single second and just do as I say?”
Well, there was an answer that required no thought at all. “No,” said Ginny, and she yanked at Draco so hard by his other hand that she actually succeeded in nearly knocking him off his feet.
(Typical Ginny--amazing!!)
And...
The thing was coming at him, whatever it was; the danger that had no name and no face (or did it? Perhaps it had a face very like Draco’s, except that it was as utterly unlike him as two faces could be), the cold howling madness that had no words (or were there? Little girl, silly little girl, I have blackened his heart and soul, so that he cannot feel love, but only obsession ), and its terror and strength seemed infinite.
(Very intense moment--I could almost hear the evil whisper myself!! Great description!)
Theories/Comments:
I loved this chapter! It's very interesting how Draco "relapses" into his softer, more innocent behavior during his sleep--maybe dreams show the truth? Also, when Draco is talking about Azkaban, he says that he is not going there "again"--have I missed a key point, or has he been to Azkaban in this story at this point in time? And, if not, perhaps he has been there in the past and Ginny remembers this because she time-traveled?
The "thing" seems to embody the malevolent influence that Lucius has had on Draco, and for some reason, I have a feeling that we will see it again.
Also, with regard to Draco's search for "my, my", I have two theories. Number one--he is looking for his companion. Number two (I particularly believe in this one because the adjectives used to describe him imply that he is a child)--he is looking for his mother, who disappeared for some reason that I believe we have not yet been told.
Ginny and Draco's intimate moment is so sweet--Ginny finally realizes that she is not invincible, and Draco is there to support her. Of course, she regains this sense of infallibility when she decides to drag Draco along with her.
The pictures at the end--I know that there is something special about the painting of Leda and Zeus, because Draco Malfoy clearly has seen valuable art (revealed by his previous knowledge of the paintings and artists when Ginny was distracted) but still shows emotion at this painting. Maybe (most likely) I am wrong, but when I see Zeus, I think of god, which makes me think of Immortal, which makes me think of Loki, which makes me think that Draco is somehow related to Loki, and perhaps that Draco's mother is the "Leda". Whew. Reading that sentence makes ME confused...
Anyways, I can't wait for the next update! Have a WONDERFUL birthday and I wish you all the best!!
Author's Response: Thanks so much! :) I just went over my email and saw that you had sent one a while back.... I missed some email, so I haven't been ignoring it! I'll send a reply very very soon. On to the review.
Aha! I was wondering if anyone would catch Draco saying that he wouldn't go back to Azkaban "again." Yes, it does mean something. No, I'm not saying exactly what. Oh, come on, you knew I wouldn't. ;) I can't answer questions about Narcissa right now either... but we will know more soon. And yes, there are some special hints in the Leda and Zeus painting (there really was a lost Michelangelo painting that fit that description, btw.) But you're not exactly on the right track... although those are some very good guesses. I LOVE that you still remember those early hints dropped about Draco's knowledge of art, because in the very next chapter.... well, you'll see. Very soon! :)
The War against Voldemort was won eight years ago. Draco is a convicted prisoner in Azkaban. At 24, Ginny is the youngest and first female Minister for Magic. They appear to have nothing in common and no shared history. But things are rarely as they seem and secrets are everywhere.Category: Long and Completed
Excellent plot. I like the Ginny-in-power, and especially how she learned to control her emotions. This definitely seems to be useful to contain her reactions with both her brothers and Draco, though the last sentence of the chapter makes Ginny human :) I also really like how Draco doesn't plead for mercy but rather just to see Ginny. Hopefully, we will see more of him and their interactions later :)
Please update soon!
Author's Response: Lots more interactions between them later, I promise. And there should be another chapter up soon, within the next week. :) Thank You for reviewing.
He is stalking and murdering young redheaded women.Category: Long and Completed
Ooooooo. Creepy. Maybe Harry is the serial killer? (esp. with his attraction to murdering woman with green eyes and red hair [like his mother Lily] or red hair [like Ginny])?
Please update soon!
Author's Response: Harry might have been too obvious if he had been involved in this story, haha. I probably would have made it him too.
Thanks for the review.
Draco married Astoria, but on their wedding night at the Malfoys’ private island off the coast of the South of France, he dreams only of Ginny. How much fun will that honeymoon be? Don’t freak out! It’s all going to be okay. Take deep breaths… oh, just read it. ;) A three-shot companion piece to Draco’s Dangerous Dilemma, it takes place during the events of Chapter 26.Category: Completed Short Stories
From Chapter Three:
“You simply don’t understand,” Draco told Ginny. “And you might be a bit more appreciative of the fact that I made that sacrifice for you. I can assure you that seeing Astoria in a white dress and not bursting into laughter immediately was a sacrifice indeed. Then, when I was forced to share air space with that skinny slag in her lingerie-- ouch! What did you do that for?” He snatched his hand back. She’d scratched her nails down his skin.
“You seeing Astoria in lingerie,” Ginny said passionately. “That’s why.”
“It’s not as if I liked it!” Draco shuddered.
1) I'm trying to shorten my reviews because the website usually logs me out before I finish and I have to retype the entire thing, so here goes.
2) I'm sorry about your cat--*passes triple chocolate comfort cake*. How long have you had him/her?
3) Dr. Stephen Jay Gould ("Ever Since Darwin: Reflections on Natural History") is the answer to your AN. So perhaps the theme is the role of religion (or in this case magic/pureblood traditions) in combination with science/technology?
3) Marie--I think that maybe Astoria resembles Marie, and Ginny thinks that Draco "loves" Astoria, so when Ginny travels back in time, she glamours/magics herself to look like that, and ends up being the blonde Marie. (does that make sense? It sounded better in my head :) )
4) Loki/demons/angels/otherworldly beings come up AGAIN in this chapter. And Astoria says that Ginny won't like Draco if she "knew what [he] really is". I guess this could be figurative (like Draco is not a nice person), but maybe it's also Draco not being totally (or even at all) human? And maybe it's a curse/gene that is passed down through "all the Malfoys" and that's why Lucius was so obsessed with Draco "breeding"? At least the bargain between Astoria and Draco makes sense--Astoria somehow found out what Draco is and the marriage is exchanged for her not revealing the secret to the world. So it must REALLY not be something that the calm, cool, good-at-masking-all-feelings Draco is
proud of.
5) Purity comes up again--both with the unicorns (for Astoria and Draco's memory) and Astoria's comments. Interesting to see how this theme plays out.
6) The unicorns' reaction to Astoria and her wearing the white dress made me laugh :)
7) Fav line:“You see, the problem, Ginny,” he said raggedly, into the warm night air, “is that you’ve broken out of your compartment. You were quite neatly contained within your own separate compartment in my head. People are most definitely not supposed to break out of their assigned compartments. This is bad, this is very bad. You might never go back in it.”
8) Eucalyptus? Is there some hidden meaning in that? Eucalyptus is a "good cover"--maybe referencing disguise and the fact that Ginny is good for Draco's "health/vitality" :)
Please update again soon!
Author's Response: Hey Max10! Yes, the cat thing was very traumatic. :( I only had Precious for 6 months... but she was my favorite cat... (thanks for the cake...)
2.) A billion zillion points for guessing Stephen Jay Gould! Yay! I really didn't think anybody would. Your guess of the theme was a good one, but actually that isn't *quite* it. SJG explores a lot of ideas related to the actual theme in his essay, *The Most Unkindest Cut of All.* (flippety flip) It's in *The Richness of Life: The Essential Stephen Jay Gould* and originally came from *Dinosaur in a Haystack: Reflections on Natural History*. The title of *Draco's Dangerous Dilemma* actually is KIND of related to SJG's work too, but that connection is just too circuitous to explain.
3.) Astoria does resemble Marie. But that's not why. ;)
4.) Good, good guess, but that's not *quite* it. I didn't say it was totally unrelated, either, but Draco is human. The trace of demonic blood in the Malfoys is very very very far back in this fic.
5.) More about that in Chapter 2.
8.) No. I just really like the smell of eucalyptus. :) More soon!
ps. Sorry for the second review, but I just reread some of your answers to OTHER reviewers, and I realized that the point about Draco not being human was already answered. Don't know how I missed that :)
Thanks!
Author's Response: You never need to be sorry for a second review! ;)
A guide to people, places, and things in the DDD-verse, this manual can help to negotiate through the thicket of plotty goodness that is the DDD-verse. (Watch out for rabid plot bunnies!) Chapter summaries and timeline included! Free chocolately Draco prize inside! WARNING: Extreme spoilers, obviously. Do NOT read this without reading DDD first.Category: Works in Progress
Summaries for chapters 98 to the end so that we're all caught up! And as a VERY special treat… a cookie from the first chapter of the sequel to DDD.
So, I saw (depressingly) that none of your most recent chapters had a review (which they undoubtedly deserve) so prepare for three reviews from me :)
With regard to the "Places", I think it's really interesting how some (like the Pureblood Regency Ball and Zenobia's art gallery and Malfoy Chambers) seem to warp time, and mostly seems to be correlated with the influence of the Immortals, so maybe Loki or some other immortal being has something to do with the events at the ball? Also, for some reason, the Crystal Palace seems like one of the other places where time and space are distorted (even though you haven't mentioned it yet :) ). Especially because it might be less difficult to carefully match pureblood wizards and their companions if the there are a lot of various companions (like from different times!!). Speaking of companions, I still believe that Ginny (as Marie) WAS Draco's companion and that created the bond between them and that's why Draco's rejection saying that he "didn't need her because she wasn't pure" came the closest to breaking the bond. Maybe?? And Loki is definitely responsible for changes in time--even the promise he made to Ginny implies that he would only not interfere in her future, but nothing about her PAST. The question is WHY does Loki have such a vested interest in Ginny and Draco? Maybe he needs their relationship to help the wizarding world "evolve" (or at least benefit himself in some way)?
I can't wait to see the contents of the crate, and for some reason, I'm really happy about the Malfoy dragon Invictus :)
On to the next chapter!!! :)
Author's Response: Thank you SO much! I love seeing that a reader really, really thought about this. (I know that other readers did too... it's just that maxtr10 wrote LONG reviews... but y'all are all loved... ;)
Anyway, I do think that putting things in categories (like Places) helps to understand how they might be linked. Sometimes, I had to walk a very thin line between making everything clear and not revealing too much. ;) I'm working on another version of the Guide that's just a LITTLE bit different (The Expanded Edition), and that one is just for me. It reveals too much.
Thank you for the chapter summaries! They def help keep me less confused by the intricacies of your elaborate plot(s) and red herring bars and devious plot bunny of doom :)
So. I have a theory that Draco "locked" away his ability to love/innocence when he was "betrayed" by Marie or joined the DE, and that room (in Malfoy chambers? Like heart chambers?) is only able to be opened through a joint effort between him consciously choosing to do so and Ginny trying to do so simultaneously.
For the rest of the chapter summaries, here are my conclusions : Draco is being very schizoid, alternating between caring/milk-chocolatey and dangerous/dark chocolatey, and openly reveals his obsession for purity while Ginny is alternately captivated and enraged by him, Astoria, Hermione, and Harry are all being Jerks (with a capital J ), and portraits and photos are absolutely adorable. :)
Thanks again for chapter summaries--they look like they took a lot of time :)
Author's Response: They did take a lot of time, but they were necessary to do at this point, I think. More new stuff soon! :)
Yay for more chapter summaries! My conclusions--more characters are introduced, Loki begins (or rather, begins to NOTICEABLY) meddle with Draco and Ginny, Astoria (gasp!) marries Draco, Ginny begins to mature and develop as an individual, Blaise and Luna are so cute together, evolution and Lucius are twisted, and Zenobia is awesome :)
Other thoughts--I think that Ginny's decision in chapter 40 is really significant because it also means that she is less susceptible to illusions of certain people (*Loki and Draco*). Also, it means that she is not going to justify her actions by pretending to live in a fantasy "perfect" relationship with Draco and thus accepts that she needs to take action, establish independence, and accept consequences.
I wonder who packed the crates?? Ginny herself in the past before she was obliviated? Loki? Draco? And I think for some reason that Loki has some Immortal power that's a permanent/much stronger version of Obliviate to help him with his...plans :)
Anyway, thanks for the chapters! Please update again soon!
Author's Response: I think that you're right about Chapter 40. The thing about the past several chapters is that Ginny has been trying to break out of the cycle of these uncontrollable feelings for Draco, and she hasn't really been able to do it. This is when she finally gets somewhere.
Wow...very interesting chapter. And thanks for the fast update! So October 31st is Halloween, and for some reason, I want to say that a BALL should happen on that day. Or maybe that's the day that Loki sends Ginny back in time (because of all the trickery "trick-or-treat"ness of the holiday). Or maybe Lucius' dastardly plan begins to actually work. Hmmm. Lots of possibilities.
For some reason, reading through this made me think that Loki has some kind of connection to the DoM, which has some kind of connection to time travel, which therefore has some kind of connection to Ginny. We know from canon that the idea of time (the egg and chick that fascinated Ginny) is being explored as well as the idea of death/other worlds (the Veil). And the DoM seems like one of those places like the art gallery and Malfoy Chambers where time and space are...flexible :) Yes? No? Maybe so?
Quick question--just to clarify, Lucius never had a relationship with Molly W like Narcissa had with Arthur? Because I was wondering why he is SO fixated on Ginny--aren't there other pureblood girls? And surely other people have offended him for him to want to have their daughters "used" in his twisted mind? Or perhaps Loki has a hand in this as well? And one other thing about Loki. He promises not to DIRECTLY interfere in Ginny's life, but he could "influence" other people so somehow Ginny and Draco are affected. Maybe?
Can't wait for next chapter!!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review! :) Nope, you didn't quite hit the nail on the head with any of the Oct. 31st guesses, but they were good ones. The DoM stuff is very good too, but you KNOW that I can't confirm or deny any of that. ;) No, DDD's Lucius never had a parallel relationship with Molly (although I've seen some fics where he did.) He's always thought that she was horribly common. I think that Lucius probably saw what attracted Arthur Weasley to her (and Arthur does also care about Molly), but that didn't have anything to do with why he used Ginny. No more clues about Loki for now... ;)
Hi Anise! I know it's been a really long time, but I happened to look at the site and saw that you had updated and needed prayers. I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of and praying for you! If you need any support, or just to talk about your fears, PLEASE let me know (I can PM you my email address). You are such an amazing author (your stories are phenomenal) and person (your work in psychology is so important, and you seem incredibly patient, compassionate, and thoughtful). Best of luck with the operation!!
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you!! I don't know *for sure* if there will be on operation yet (I'll know so much more after Wednesday), but the last doctor I talked to before I was referred to the specialists said it would probably happen... Wednesday is the scary tests and finding-out-God-only-knows-what day!! But some of the best specialists in the world are here... so at least I'll be in good hands. :) I would love to talk... and ****hugs******!
In Ginny's sixth year her world is turned upside down as the tides of war change and different people are in power. She tries to keep her head down, but she can't help who she is. She stands up for what is right. This leads to her being punished for her actions...Category: Works in Progress
Very interesting story--your characterizations of Ginny as feisty yet having a flaw of inconsistency and Draco as highly possessive and ruthless are excellent. For some reason, it's a little difficult to reconcile the Ginny who insults Draco with the Ginny who is empathetic about him almost murdering Dumbledore and actually killing Vaisey--especially since it seems that this change occurs within a day. Do they have a backstory, or is their physical attraction to each other somehow that strong? Thanks for the great story!
Author's Response: The cannon back story is all they have, but with a twist. I used Draco's teasing her ruthlessly as a pigtail puller move. He enjoys tormenting her because she feels everything so drastically and shows her emotions. In Draco's world emotions are sort of a foreign notion. He is infatuated with Ginny's emotions and how intense she is about everything and has been for a while. I'm not sure how Ginny feels about him except the whole hormone thing, I get further inspirations for back story while I write, but she remembers him from daycare. That is something, isn't it? Thanks for the review!