This is the story of what happens when husbands give their wives a hard time.Category: Long and Completed
I do like this chapter. I feel like we (and the characters themselves) are finally beginning to understand that this isn't just some game; this is going to have huge consequences for both of their families.
I've always found it interesting that you chose to use Scorpius as the 'wisdom giver', if you will. Normally that role is given to an adult, but in this case it is one of the children who has been trying to advise Draco and Ginny. I liked that you brought in the fact that this is a difficult situation for him.
I'm very curious to see where things will go from here.
Author's Response: Thanks for the review! :)
Oh, no! It's Yoko!
I must have missed this update. Silly me. I liked this chapter, though I'm sad the story is drawing to a close. Or at least I assume so. Still, I really enjoyed the Draco/Ginny scenes, and the Astoria/Harry scenes were also lovely. I actually didn't mind that you glossed over the lunch/Quidditch. Sometimes it is necessary.
One thing I did notice: His hands kneaded into her hair, and she rolled him onto his back, positioning himself on top of her -- I think you meant 'positioning herself on top of him'.
I saw on the DG forum that you're looking for a beta for this. I've been a bit wary about offering because I already beta for a few people and can get super busy at times. That said, if no one has got back to you about it I can probably beta the rest. Let me know.
Author's Response: Thanks again for the review! I'm glad you liked the scenes, and I'm especially happy that no one seems too bothered that I omitted those few scenes because my heart really wasn't in them. If I wrote them, I was afraid that they would drag, and honestly I don't think that full descriptions would have added anything else to the story. And, I did mean 'herself.' I fixed it, so thank you for pointing that out!
Wow! I wasn't expecting Scorpius to discover the 'trick' so quickly. Clever boy. This should be interesting. And the house-elf knows too, so that's another thing to worry about.
Poor Ginny and Astoria. They were having a hard enough time keeping up with the charade when it was just the husbands to worry about, but family as well? Things are going to get very sticky, I think.
Author's Response: I think that sometimes adults see what they want to see and kids see what actually is, so that's why I had him be the first one to figure it out. Thank you for your review! :)
OH, this sounds like it is going to be hilarious! I am so, so glad you didn't make Astoria out to be a horrible woman. I get rather tired of seeing her that way, and so many DG authors tend to portray her as such. I don't like to think that Draco would marry some awful woman.
Astoria aside, I'm loving the way you're setting things up here. I can see that Polyjuice potion is going to be involved, and I am seriously looking forward to how you are going to approach that. Obviously when you're pretending to be someone's wife, things are going to get a little complicated. Should be fun!
Author's Response: I love writing Astoria because we really don't know a thing about her personality. And I agree; it gets tiresome for her to always be so one-dimensional, especially since there are so many options! I think people love to hate her because she married him. :) I am so glad you like it so far! :)
Oh, this is wonderful! I loved every moment of it, and actually laughed out loud when Draco came into the shower. Awkward moment right there.
Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the shower scene. I had it in my head as soon as I came up with the idea for the fic. :)
This was perfect! I loved it! Had the silliest grin on my face when I finished reading this chapter. I like the fact that you are so clearly illustrating why Ginny should be with Draco and why Astoria should be with Harry. I also really, really, really appreciate the fact that neither Harry or Astoria are horrible. It's so rare, and I do find your Astoria adorable. I loved when Harry called her out for calling George 'dashing', and she couldn't understand what the problem is. So funny.
Oh, yes. The Harpies T-shirt with a Ginny face on it? Priceless! I actually giggled aloud at that one.
Author's Response: Thank you! I want this to be a happy fic with no bad guys. :), and I'm so glad I made you giggle!
When Auror Draco Malfoy is injured in the field, he resigns himself to clearing the manor of its dark artefacts. When he finds more than he was looking for, events take a strange turn...Category: Works in Progress
Joint winner of the DG Forum Fic Exchange - Best Overall, Best Chaptered, Most Creative.
I love that Ginny calls the gargoyle a hideous swine.
You already know I love this story. I've said it every time I have reviewed and I will keep on saying it, I'm sure. The whole thing is just brilliant. Characters, plot, dialogue - everything. You well and truly deserved your awards.
Loved this piece of dialogue:
"Well, you come from a hovel, Weasley. Paperwork is something you probably dreamed of as a child."
"Nah, that was Percy," she joked. "I dreamed of simpler things, like a uniform that hadn't been worn by three older brothers first."
But, of course, it's the last line that really sold this to me. What a perfect way to end a fic. I'm glad you chose to end on a banter-ish, flirty note. And I guess that is what I love about this fic. You had such a great balance between humour and drama. You definitely deserve more reviews! *HINT HINT TO FIA READERS*
Well done, Larry. This was an enjoyable story and will be definitely going on my favourites. ^_^
Author's Response: Kim, thank you so much for all of your lovely reviews, here and on FFN! Knowing that you enjoyed my little story made it all worthwhile ^_^ Especially because without you, it really wouldn't have existed at all.
Thanks! ^_^
Oh, I'm so glad this fic one best fanfic overall. You totally got my vote. I think this was my favourite fic in the whole bunch. I loved the creativity of the idea, loved the characters, loved the little humorous moments, and the descriptions and the whole 'mood' of this fic were just perfect!
“Well, what is it this time?” she asked. “Old lady beat you up with her shopping bag?”
“I’ll thank you to remember that it wasn’t actually an old lady; it was a very thorough disguise.”
I giggle at that every time, and this is the third time I'm reading this fic. I love, love, love how you set up their friendship. It's not really an acknowledged friendship, but you can see that it is there and that they both care about each other in their own way. Also loving Blaise and Draco's interactions. You have a knack for making me feel like I'm reading only a small segment of a much larger world, which is a good thing. It's nice to feel like a story has history, rather than just literally being a story.
Oooh, I love this chapter. So dark and chilling. The feeling of foreboding that you create is just delicious (in a horrible way, of course, but a deliciously horrible way), and I do love the fact that, through simple description, we get a whole idea of what Draco's life was like while his parents were still alive and living at the manor. I always admire a writer who can give me a lot of history without making me feel like I'm reading a summary. You know what I mean?
"Why don't wizards wear flat hats?" he said in his best croaky, parrot-like voice. The eyes wobbled alarmingly as its wooden mouth banged open and closed.
"Because there is no point in it!" Draco answered his own joke, tipping the doll's head back and making it give a guttural laugh.
"Even your jokes are a disappointment," a voice spoke that was not his own.
I thought the juxtaposition of the joke (I confess I actually laughed at the joke; I'd never heard it before till I read this), and the creepy jester voice is just perfect! I love that you have the jester speak after Draco has just made it say a joke and laugh. The whole concept and timing is just so horrible and creepy!
A brilliant second chapter! If I wasn't already hooked by the first one, I'd definitely be hooked here! And even the fact that I have read this several times doesn't dampen the effect, so much applause to you. This is one of those rare gems that is just so different and so wonderful that it never gets old.
This chapter is just so .... *shivers*
I can't express how much I love this fic. It's so dark and twisted and just plain creepy, and I love it! I know I said it before, but the atmosphere you create with your words is wonderful for setting the mood, and the way you had Blaise talk about Draco's transformation works so much better for increasing that feeling of foreboding than if you had actually shown him right from the beginning.
He said it aloud. For the first time it was he that spoke, not the puppet.
That is seriously one of the most chilling lines. It has stood out to me every time I have read this, because in that moment you /know/ Draco is losing himself to the jester. And that jester is just so evil and horrible, but you can't help but be fascinated all the same. It's an interesting combination.
Finally, I appreciate the fact you mention that Draco does have those thoughts regardless. He's a changed man, but that doesn't mean that years of being taught to think that way can just be brushed off like nothing. The beauty of the jester's manipulation is that he is using Draco's own fears to control him - picking at those small thoughts, like the Muggles deserved it, and bringing them to the foreground to prove to Draco that he hasn't changed at all and is just like his father. It's a much more realistic portrayal than if Draco had done a complete transformation.
Oh, and I liked the fact you included the Blaise/Ginny banter. I think, for a fic like this, you need a small bit of humour chucked in every now and then.
Draco needs to find a Christmas tree for his mother. He manages to unwittingly acquire a weasel along the way. First place winner in Lyndsie's holiday fic competition.Category: Completed Short Stories
Oh, this was adorable! I loved the banter, absolutely LOVED your Ginny, and Draco was perfect. Just perfect. What a lovely little Christmas fic!
Who you are, whom you love, and where your loyalties lie - Ginny Weasley had never thought all of that could change as a result of a single night. Her postponed wedding to Harry Potter in the aftermath of a mysterious Death Eater prison break was supposed to be a mere set back to the life she'd always dreamed of. But driven by anger and pride, she makes a fateful decision that will upend her entire life.Category: Works in Progress
I love this! Absolutely love it! The banter is spot on, and I'm loving the relationship you are building towards them. Characterisation is strong, and I literally can't wait to see what you've got in store for us next!
Author's Response: I'm so glad to hear that the characterization is working. Hopefully I will be able to take the pair from point A (reluctant allies) to point B (much more than friends) without losing who they are. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Uh-oh. This can't be good!
I do wonder what the Death Eaters were doing in that pub.And why they had Draco. Ooo, a mystery. Can't wait for an update!
Author's Response: Why indeed...some answers (perhaps) coming right up. Thanks for reading!
Ahh, Harry. You are so oblivious sometimes.
I like the fact you actually had this from Harry's perspective. He still comes off as a bit of a jerk, but at least I can understand what he's trying to do, rather than just want to shake him. Too many DG authors make Harry out to be a prat.
Don't blame Gin for reacting the way she did. It's a silly plan and will backfire regardless.
Author's Response: I'm glad my intent got across. Harry of course isn't a particularly bad person, just a bit clueless and rather self-centered at times. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment!
I seriously love this story. The pacing, the characterisation, the action scenes - everything is perfect. Definitely looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's Response: Thank you so much for your comment Kim! It's really encouraging to hear. I hope all is going well for you and good luck with everything. Your presence is definitely missed at the forum.
Draco is afraid of his feelings, so he only projects hate. Ginny basks in her emotions, showing Draco that there's nothing more powerful than love.Category: Completed Short Stories
Aw, this was lovely.
Author's Response: Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Yep. That second new chapter is actually here. This fic will continue!! :)Category: Works in Progress
The sequel to Draco's Dangerous Dilemma.
Nearly two years have passed since Ginny saw Draco in a coffeeshop for the first time after the war. The two of them have been trapped in a seemingly neverending cycle of lust, betrayal, revenge, and despair ever since-- until one night of passion at the Pureblood Ball proved to them both that their bond could never be broken.
But there's a world outside the fragile love budding between the pair. And Ginny just may find out that Draco's past casts a shadow that neither of them can outrun in time to save him...
Chapter NINE Quote of the Day:
“So here’s where we are,” she said. “The sketches are ready. The clay models are done. I’m happy with them. You?”
“Very much so,” said Draco. His mouth quirked upwards. “Remember Bob Ross and his Happy Trees? I’d never have believed then that we’d reach this point, but we have.”
“We’ve come a long way since then,” said Ginny. She remembered how furious she was when she first learned that she’d be working with Draco on the fountain project, and that he’d somehow finagled his way into the Junior Minister of Art position. How snippy and cold she’d tried to be to him; how snarky he’d been to her in return. How exhausted he’d always looked, too, and how much she had wanted to smooth away the dark circles from under his eyes and put a real smile on his handsome face. She’d threatened to report him to the Minister of Art and have someone else reassigned to her; she was ashamed to think of that now.
“We certainly have,” said Draco, giving her one of his real smiles, the sort she’d never imagined his face could possibly form in those days. She tried not to smile in return. She wanted to remain as serious as possible.
Hrrrrm, interesting. I still feel like Draco is keeping back a few things, but it was nice to get a bit of clarification. Gosh, if I was Ginny I'd most definitely be going a little mad at this point. So much has happened and there's just so many things she doesn't know or could even begin to comprehend.
I do like that Draco is learning to be more open with her, both in his thoughts and feelings. I almost feel like the layers hiding that vulnerable boy she sometimes glimpses are finally beginning to peel away. He's not afraid to express that he needs her - not just to please his body, but a pure and simple need to have her by his side emotionally as well.
I look forward to seeing what will happen next.
Author's Response: (gives Boogum the Perceptive Reviewer Award) You just might be right about Draco... ;) Now, it's not that they tell me about everything's that going on (glances around surreptitiously), but I get the distinct feeling that
Draco is really, really trying to be as honest as possible with Ginny. He's come a long way from the miserable, cruel, scheming Draco back in Chapter 21 of DDD. And he's known for a long time now that he cannot be that person and still have Ginny's heart. He's put a lot of effort into changing. But yes, there are things that Ginny still doesn't know about (such as the fact that Draco Obliviated her back in that chapter at the Lyme Bay cottage, for instance.) As far as that goes, there are things that she still hasn't told him, either. More coming soon... and I may have to email you the edited version of a few chapters! ;)
Ooo, I wonder what has been going on with Draco and where he has been. I'm glad he was able to come on and 'save the day', as it were. Poor Ginny. I cannot even begin to imagine how stressful that must have been.
What I love about your fics is that you really build up a world. I could totally envision the pink room, as well as the 'frog'. I also liked the little names like 'Unnecessarily Lengthy Law Codes' - it really gets that HP feel.
It hardly needs to be said, but I enjoyed this chapter and look forward to reading more. Unfortunately, right now I need sleep.
Author's Response: Thanks! :) Well... the answer to the mystery of Draco's activities comes in the next chapter. No guarantees are provided about whether or not it's a FULL answer, but I will say that everything he'll tell Ginny is true. I love the details too, and I'm really happy to hear that they're convincing... and now, get some sleep. ;)
Yay, it's the sequel! (Not squeal, which is what my tired fingers tried to put). In any case, I'm quite glad this jumped straight into the story. Already, there is a sense of unease. Ginny is clearly worried at how much influence Draco has over her; it certainly is dangerous to feel so much for a single person, and the fact she struggles so much to resist him in anyway will be a problem, I think. If not for more serious matters, then at least for her own state of mind.
I can't help but feel that the attraction she feels for Draco is incredibly intense; it makes me wonder what that bond of theirs is really all about and if it has made her more powerless to Draco (and vise versa) than if they did not have this special bond. I do like the fact you include those things though, like the sensuous caress through the stocking. It's little things like that which really get you seeing the sexual tension between them, and which I think are much more sexier to read than a full-blown snogging session.
In any case, I look forward to seeing what you have got in store for us this time. I'm sure it will be quite the roller-coaster. ^_~
Author's Response: Squealing sequel, maybe? ;) Yes, Ginny's fear of her own tremendous pull towards Draco is a huge issue right from the beginning, and her conflicted feelings may-- or may not-- be unjustified. Very perceptive of you to pick up on that bond issue... and so happy that you liked the stocking bit! :) There's a lot coming up in this fic, and Chapter 2 should be up before too much longer...
Oh my.
What a chapter. I really do sympathise with Ginny. That is so the wrong time to be noble - at least in that sense.
I found the whole conversation about the clothes and napkins hilarious. Got a few laughs out of me, though I can't help but notice there is a real tension between them. Ginny still mistrusts Draco a lot, and I don't think that bodes well for their relationship, no matter how hard Draco is trying. Maybe Ginny doesn't understand it herself, yet instinctively she is always second-guessing him.
Author's Response: Poor Ginny. (shakes crystal ball) Something tells me that Draco just MIGHT make up for it later, though. ;) She does have a lot of trouble with really trusting him, but I'm looking at it from her POV: he's kept so many things from her, ever since the day they met in that coffeeshop two years before. He's really trying to make up for it now, but I don't think she *should* simply forget what's happened in the past. There are still things he hasn't told her, after all.
Ginny Weasley and Draco Malfoy are just friends. Frenemies, really. Honestly, they are. Ask anyone—especially them. And there are some lines you just don’t cross with your best frien—frenemy. And so they won’t. Really they won’t. They are happy to tell each other how much they won’t…Category: Completed Short Stories
Ooh, I'm liking this so far. Lots of fun banter.
Author's Response: I'm glad you like it! I hold you and MemoriesFade responsible for my tumble into love with this pairing, so that means a lot. xx
I'll admit smut doesn't do much for me (nothing against your writing; I'm just like that). But I wanted to read the rest and this did leave me satisfied and happy. Glad I found this one.
Author's Response: Thank you! I am honored you read it even though we are at opposite ends of the smut spectrum. LOL XOXO
Ginny is captured during Deathly Hallows and Draco is her keeper, with nothing between them but a spell that forces Ginny to stay at least three feet away.Category: Completed Short Stories
Ohh, I liked this! Nicely done!
Author's Response: Thanks! :)