This was great. Your writing was so compelling and I found myself being totally immersed in Draco's character and his story.

The only thing that left me a little confused was the sense of time passing as Draco went about his job. Clearly some time has passed because he's been propositioned by so many people, etc., but there is no indication of weeks or months passing, or if Draco doesn't recognise the passage of time at all. Either way, I felt as a reader this could have been an important distinction to make.

Anyway, you have some fantastic imagery here that really just gave the chapter a beautiful pace and helped give Draco's internal reflections the depth they needed to bring him to life (despite his coming across so dead inside, so extra snaps for you for pulling that off).

I'm curious to see what happens next, why so many wizards (ex-wizards? Or are they Squibs now?) in the same city (the hand of fate or just coincidence?), as well as how - if - Ginny comes into the story. I also love that tiny bit of prejudice against wizards that was leaked into the beginning of the story and I so hope you develop that particular idea further, later on.

Author's Response: Thanks! I'm so glad you were able to find the time to read this. The passage-of-time thing is a little difficult... *Draco* has a very limited feel for the passage of time because of his state of mind; it all kind of blurs together for him. But I agree that it could be more clear. And there's a reason why they all ended up in Portland. It's based on an actual nineteenth century historical mystery, in fact. Tunnels are involved, I've been in a couple of them, and that's all I'm going to say, in case anyone is familiar with the area and will figure out what I mean with a just a *little* more info. ;) Much more soon!

Okay, as you are well aware, I cannot emphasise enough how much I adore this story. The premise of the whole thing is amazing, from the distopian futuristic feel (the comparison someone made to Gattaca was parfait), to the Communist-type parallels you subtly hint at throughout.
There is something hinky going on in this chapter from the get go, and you set up the story so wonderfully. The characterisation is spot on, too; you can clearly tell who these characters are despite their lost memories, and that sense of loss leaves such an impression on me as the reader. It's as though Ginny in particular knows that there's something wrong, but because she can't figure out what she's decided not to stress over it, and I'm sure in the current climate of society that that's something a lot of people choose to do.
I was devastated that this wasn't up for any awards during the exchange, because there are at least four categories that your fic would have been my first choice for. I don't think you got nearly enough credit for what an amazing piece of writing this story is. Amazing work, H!

Author's Response: Woman, I have you to thank for some of this stuff. So. You know. Thanks. u_u Seriously though, thanks so much for the review! Pretty much everything you've said hit the mark - and haha, it was a shame about the awards, but at least my giftee got her fic. I'm so flattered that you would have voted for mine. Thank you so much!

AHHH!! This was fantastic!
As per every review I have ever left you, your characters are flawless, as are the relationships you've been developing.
I feel like we've seen a lot more insight into Draco's character in the last few chapters (more so than Ginny, but that's unavoidable since Draco has so much redeeming to do from canon) and I love how you've written him. He's clearly punishing himself for his mistakes in his youth and I like that you address that by having confrontation with his friends and not just a frank conversation with Ginny, which would be much easier but far less satisfying. And you've done it in such a great way, because Ginny observed such discourse in the group that Draco - quite plausibly - never noticed.
Also, such A+++ for giving more development and resolution to Ginny's experience with the CoS. I'm not 100% on board with Draco pulling Ginny into all the drama - if I was her I would have been like excuuuuuuuuse you, that is none of your business - but again, you wrote it in such a way I could see why Ginny allowed herself to open up about it.
Great work! :D Cant wait to see what happens with Ginny on her trip. I'm torn - I hope we won't be Draco-less for the duration, however I also think Ginny needs to sort Junker out on her own so she can build more confidence for her situation.
(I apologize for not reviewing the last two chapters, but I've been binge reading this on my phone and that is not conducive to adequate reviews)

Author's Response: Evidently, Draco becomes a bit of a dick when he's under stress. Good thing Ginny sees right through his bad attitude! I think this is the first story in which I've really discussed Tom and the CoS. Usually I focus on the war specifically and hardly ever mention the effects Tom might have had on Ginny. I don't want to dwell too much on the CoS here, but it's really important, especially in establishing common ground between Draco and Ginny. Both of them have mostly moved on from traumas in their pasts, but they can't forget what happened to them. It just becomes a part of them. Draco, clearly, is still struggling with accepting his past, but luckily he has Ginny to help him. As far as Ginny's trip is concerned, all I'll say is the next chapter is most likely going to be a Draco chapter. Do with that what you will. :)))) As always, thank you so much for reading and reviewing!!

PANSY/THEO PREQUEL?? Where? Please say you finished it and link me immediately.
Colin is the sweetest, I almost think he's my favourite character. I totally ship him and Draco and besties, hahaha.
Also, Jason Junker is a c*nt of a man and I hate him. u_u

Author's Response: Alas, I have about seven pages written for the Pansy/Theodore prequel, but between the DPN sequel and new chapters of TDC, I haven't worked on it in a while. I will, of course, publicize its publishing when it's done. :) It's kind of funny how the sweetest of all sweet characters (Colin) AND the scummiest scumbag in the poop pile (the aptly and unoriginally named Junker) both exist in the same story. I rather like that balance, though, and I know Ginny appreciates Colin all the more with Junker around. :P

I loved this chapter! Drunk!Pansy has to be my favourite, and I loved her interraction with Ginny. I like how tuned in Ginny is, yet she's so oblivious at the same time? You can really see that she has different values to Draco in that sense (though I'm sure it helps that this chapter was from his perspective, haha).
Great job with Draco's inner monologue!! But I'm disappointing he managed to cock block himself, because I was enjoying that scene. Though I do agree with him that it does feel totally skeezy in light of the situation with Junker, haha.
Ps. I couldn't guess which line is your favourite, because there were so many lines in this chapter that I loved. I'll take a stab in the dark and say it was something either Colin or Pansy said, based on the fact they are both hilarious.

Author's Response: I think I know what you mean about Ginny having different values than Draco, and that starts here in this chapter, but it's going to come up some more later, particularly where friendships are concerned. This is one of my favorite chapters because Colin and Pansy ARE HILARIOUS IMO, but my favorite line was actually said by Draco to Colin, the one where they're in the bathroom together and Draco says the thing about having war flashbacks. Kinda sad, but I get a kick out of it. Thank you so much for rereading and for all of the reviews so far!! ;o;

I love the Ginny/Astoria interaction here, and I'm so glad you expanded the story to include it - it makes for a much richer story, having all of these interactions that are external to the central plot.
Also super appreciative of the conversation between Ginny and Astoria - it's so true, what both of them have said, and it's so easy to be aware of those concepts but still fall into them regardless (not sure if that makes sense but whatever, I'm sure you get the gist).
It's so sweet how protective Draco has become, too! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEIR DATE (pretend date?)!

Author's Response: Yes, I know what you mean. ;) Lots more Astoria in the next few chapters!

Another great chapter! Really enjoyed reading this from Draco's POV - he's such a snob, but it's weirdly endearing. He's just so oblivious about it, which is my favourite kind of Draco.
It was nice to see Draco's reasoning here as well, and I like that he's upfront about the chemistry between the two of them - it's a nice change from the guarded, closed off archetype and I'm so interested to see how you've expanded his characterisation.
Ginny was great as well, and it was excellent seeing her from Draco's perspective to reinforce the type of character she is.
I also really appreciate the way you manage to elaborate on backstory - you give us a lot of information to set up the history of your universe without dumping it all at once. You have a really organic way of writing where everything feels like it unfolds on it's own, like a real person's thought process, which is a refreshing way to read from a character's perspective. :) Great job!

Author's Response: What you said about how I incorporate backstory makes me so happy!! (Honestly all of your reviews do, but shhhh...) Sometimes I worry about info-dumping, but I'm glad you think I incorporate need-to-know information organically. :) The Draco chapters are by far my favorite chapters to write because they way I envision him is so much fun. He's cool and suave and a snob and stuck up, but underneath he's a giant NERD in that he's not cool at all. He's just gotten better at pretending he is. ;) Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! ;o;

I'm sooooo happy that Draco stood up to his family! He is more than man enough for me, for that alone. ;) And Pansy's right - all for a Weasley, no less!
I love that Draco's become to intent on sharing his feelings, but he's sharing with the wrong people! He needs to be sharing with Ginny, so she can fall in love with how sweet he is. GO TO HER, DRACO.
Good chapter, looking forward to Paris!

Author's Response: Ahhh, thank you so much!! Yes, he's going to have to share with Ginny really soon. :)))

SYDNEY? UNCULTURED? I'll forgive you that remark, only because Junker is an ass, and also because it's true that it's socially acceptable to drink boxed wine here. u_u
Love this update - I know you're not happy with it but I love how you mixed up the sequence of events after the first time I went over it. Junker was adequately feral and I appreciate that Ginny has found a character who is experienced and can be subjective in the matter. I am sooooo sad for her over the ending, I almost didn't want to read it, though you wrote the scene excellently. Great job. :)

Author's Response: Thank you, Haz!! This was such a difficult chapter to write, but I'm glad it's over. Time for Ginny to get her revenge! (Or will she...?) I knew you'd appreciate Junker's Sydney remark. ;) Thank you for reading and leaving a review, and thank you for looking over one of the first versions of the chapter for me!