Ouch… *sympathizes with Ginny* I totally understand. Great fic. I’d like to see the second chapter, I think. Because, as you’ve left it, it really could go either way. I’ve got a guess, but I could be wrong. So the speaker (italicized sections)… Draco, yeah?

Author's Response: Thank you so much for your review! I had completely forgotten about this story until I saw your spouse. I\'ve been actually really busy this year because well it\'s my Junior year and I have SATs coming up and APs and college counseling so I haven\'t exactly had a lot of time to write much of anything. \r\nI reread the italicized sections stand alone, and you\'re right stand alone it could be either Draco or Harry who said it to her in an argument because they both want/expect to have the same type of relationship with Ginny. But through the story I try to indicate that it was the argument with Harry that spurrs her to go to Draco. Those words ringing in her head are from Harry, pretty much pushing her and forcing her to go to Draco. I hope that makes sense. If it doesn\'t, please email me and I\'ll try to clarify more. When I revise this story, I\'ll try to make it more clear.\r\nThanks again for your review! I hope you liked it! I had started a second chapter, but I haven\'t continued writing it. Maybe when this school year is over I\'ll try to be more proactive about my writing.

Good heavens; you’ve got a delightful sense of humor. While I’m not generally a fan of this kind of structure for a fic, I found this just as delightful as the rest of your work I’ve read so far. There are so many little one liners in this fic that I’d love to find a way to work into conversation. :o) Great piece.

THANK YOU!!!! A little piece of me died when I read the bit about the receding hair line... I just can't, as a faithful and passionate Fire and Ice lover, be satisfied with that ending. Sure, we all knew where JK was going to take it - and I'm thankful she didn't kill him - but nevertheless... Anyway, thank you so much for clearing it up for us. I like this ending much better! ;o)

Author's Response: I swear, I *almost* wish she had killed him. It might have been a better fate than a receding hairline, a nameless wife and Scorpius... And believe me, anything could have been gotten around.

Upon your suggestion, I read this next. :o) Though, I think I’ve only got one more of your fics to read. :o( Write more! ;o)
So, this was the fluffiest fluff that ever fluffed, I believe. And it is with good reason that your fic was chosen as the “Sweetest Fic Overall.” I took notes on Post-Its as I read; there are 4 bright pink ones stuck to my computer screen… lol! I’m glad there doesn’t appear to be a word limit on reviews… ;o)
I thought it was very interesting that you decided to change the overall timeline. Sucking everyone back in time like that, surprisingly, took very little mental adjustment for me. Using Grindelwald rather than taking Voldemort back was an unexpected twist. It certainly had a 1940’s feel in the writing itself. I had this mental image of Ginny in a navy, calf-length skirt with painted on pantyhose.
I fell in love with several quotes throughout the story. The first was a quick Jane Austin/Pride & Prejudice moment with the simple “particular friend” comment in reference to Molly and Penny. Then there was the moment when Draco’s kissing Ginny after accepting the assignment and he’s thinking “This is how much I love you…” Oh goodness…! My heart swelled, my breath caught, and I nearly teared up. That line was just so well placed and said so very much, even in its simplicity.
Of course, worthy of equal emotion, was during Ginny’s outing their relationship while in St. Mungo’s. “He’s my something grand.” Not only does it completely fit with the sound and overall feel of the time period, but it’s got a ‘classic’ feel. I’m not sure that makes quite the sense I mean it to, but I can’t think of a better word.
Overall, it’s the tiny details that make this fic so wonderful. “…that blasted twinkle…” in Dumbledore’s eyes, for example. Words placed like that encourage an emotional response from your readers. You can conjure up that infamous twinkle in your mind’s eye and you immediately find it “blasted.” All the while, if you’re me, grinning like a fool. It’s amazing I’ve yet to get caught reading while at work. Lol!
My only concern was the timeline between Harry & Ron’s disappearance and Jamie’s birth. They were reported MIA three weeks ago during the time of Jamie’s naming ceremony that was taking place two months after his birth when Harry was supposed to have been back before Jamie was born. It’s just a touch confusing and could easily be fixed by Harry and Ron being reported MIA before Jamie’s birth (since what on earth would have stopped Harry from being at his son’s birth). Even though we find out later what’s really happened, it would make this section a bit easier to read. That’s just a thought.
Anyway, I just loved this fic. It’s beautiful and poignant. Well worth the praise and prize. :o) I can’t wait to read your submission to the Fic Exchange this year (and I really hate the waiting). ;o)

Author's Response: *bounces up and down* 4 pretty pink post-its? YAY! Thank you SO SO much for the fabbity review - yet again. I'm glad you thought the 40s feel came through. It was the request and I wasn't completely convinced anyone else would have been able to do it justice (because I have a History degree and my minor was a big part of WWII -- and because I have a MASSIVE ego. hee hee hee) but I loved the prompt and as soon as I saw it I knew I /had/ to write it. I'm glad you felt it did that period of time justice. And thank you SO much for the concrit. That part of the fic /was/ a bit unclear. I had a little timeline while I was writing - but it is SO hard to convey everything, you know? Though I'm fairly sure he was supposed to be deployed even when she had the baby... and the baby was early or something... but yes - it's VERY good to know that that was unclear. Thank you for that. I may have to adjust... but we won't tell Distempered. (*giggles*) Anyway - you're a dear for reading and reviewing and reading at work! HEE! I've written more - but not D/G - so I'll work extra quick to get my fic done for the exchange so I can recieve one of your VERY amazing reviews - of which I have praised mightily on my LJ already. You are made of win! *smooches you*

This was really cute as well! My only suggestion would be to watch the quick-change emotions... For example, she giggles when she unwraps him, almost cries when he hits the floor, and then turns coy - three very different emotions all in the span of three short paragraphs and within minutes in the timeline of the story. It just makes her seem a little neurotic, which doesn’t fit with the character you built in Now Life-Sized.

Other than that, it was really cute. Another enjoyable read! :o)

I made it to chapter 4 and thought for a moment that I wouldn't be able to make it through… Certain parts of this story hit a little close to home, for me. Your writing is splendid and the depths you reach - your obvious understanding and in turn, Draco's understanding... Well, honestly, if you’ve been through something (even remotely close) it can make it a little difficult to read. The flavor of your penmanship, however, makes it impossible to put the story down and I had faith that you wouldn’t drag her through hell and leave her there.

This is probably the most emotionally charged story I’ve ever read and the only one with a broken Ginny that I could stomach. Your characters are, well I would say delightful, but that’s a bit of a stretch isn’t it. I fell in love with them, though, and that’s the important part. You certainly didn’t leave out the flaws in the characters; in fact, I feel more like you celebrated them – which, I have to say, added a dramatic realism to the story that would not have been there otherwise. I’ve read a few broken Ginny’s – raped or damaged – who shatter, then Draco comes along like an understanding knight in shining armor. He’s not a knight. Thank you for not sugar coating him. If you’re gonna do it, do it right – and you did.

There was a brief time where I felt like I was reading the same conversation over and over, but I was working as I was reading, so it could very well have just been me. Not to mention, when you’re that broken it takes a good deal of beating it into your head that you aren’t worthless and ruined – hence the repetition. Aside from that, I have nothing that comes close to criticism. I’m glad that the ending wasn’t sappy and didn’t close with declarations of love. They would have been empty promises. This story should not have been tied up with a nice shiny bow, so I’m glad that you didn’t.

Wow! Sorry about the massive rambling…! Obviously, I enjoyed your story. Thank you for sharing it.

Author's Response: I\'m really flattered, so don\'t apologize for rambling! I think this is the darkest thing I\'ve ever written, and not just because of the content. Other dark stories I wrote didn\'t have the same resonance for me, so it didn\'t hit me quite as hard as this one did. I haven\'t been in Ginny\'s same predicament, but I\'ve had that sense of loss and sadness. It really hit very close to home while writing it, and as my own mood improved, so did the tone of the story. I didn\'t want to make any apologies for the characters here. Draco isn\'t necessarily a nice guy, but he\'s not evil. Ginny is more than just a victim. They felt so very real to me while I was writing, and I wanted to do them justice. I\'m so glad you were able to appreciate this.

The end did it for me! lmao! The tick in poor Ron's eye and dear Malfoy ancestors rolling in their graves had me laughing out loud. (Which isn't such a good idea when I'm supposed to be working! Oops!) Anyway, really fun little fic. It was much enjoyed!

Author's Response: Don\'t you love it when your review posts twice. I don\'t know why that happens. : )

I am really falling in love with this story. It’s just such an interesting idea… I don’t even really know how they must be feeling, which is odd for me as I’m generally pretty good at putting myself in other’s shoes. I mean, when a fic takes place in their youth, young adulthood, or even middle age it’s within my realm of understanding. I can’t even contemplate romance as a grandmother. I’m thrilled that you’re conquering this arena. This chapter was equally fantastic and I anxiously await more!

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying the story so much. I have to admit that I have some trouble putting myself in their shoes as well, but I just try to keep in mind that even if they are older, they probably react to things in much the same way anyone does, except that they have a little more experience under their belts so they might not go in for the same kinds of dramatics that teenagers might. Thank you very much for reading and for the review!

lol!! The wedding planning part was absolutely perfect!! That's so the way I would do it. Just give me a pretty backyard and a groom I love who says “I do” in the right places. Hahaha! I guess it's pretty sad when you're jealous of fictional characters, isn't it... ;o) Oh well, I don’t mind. Are you going to be taking us through the wedding then?? I hope so; I’m really looking forward to seeing how it goes. Hopefully Albus doesn’t cause too much trouble… Speaking of, the argument with Albus was articulated very well. It wasn’t overly dramatic or underplayed (which a lot of people do with written arguments). Well, thanks for another great chapter; I look forward to your next installment!! :o)

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad that you are enjoying the story still. I'm afraid I didn't plan my wedding that way, but if I ever get married again, I'll do it that way. :) Yes, the story will end (after two more chapters) with Draco and Ginny's wedding. Thanks especially for your comments about the confrontation between Ginny and Albus--it's nice to know that I managed to strike the right balance. Thanks for reading and for the review!

Do you know what my favorite part of this was? The fact that she knows it's going to end... and not with a happily ever after. The whole tone of the story was bittersweet, which only reemphasized this point. I think that sometimes a woman will take whatever she can from a man she loves but can’t really have. I’m sure it works the same way for men as well. Painful, yeah… Which is fabulous because my most favorite aspect of reading and writing is digging deep into the emotions of the characters. The more I can feel it, the better it is – in my humble opinion. So, aside from a few small grammatical things, this was a lovely story. Very well done for a first fic!! :o)

Author's Response: Thank you, that\'s exactly what I was going for. They can\'t have forever, but they want each other so badly they\'ll steal whatever time they can. I\'m glad you liked the story, thank you for leaving such a nice review.

Hahaha!! Loved it! Actually, I'd not read a Christmas fic based on this song before and any I may stumble upon hereafter won't hold a candle to this one. I adored the liberal interpretations for some of the lines (particularly the eight maids a-milking!). Great job, left me with the warm fuzzies of Christmas/Draco/Ginny goodness. :o)

Awww!! What a cute little Christmas fic. I do wish we could have seen what Ginny got for him... Oh, I loved the socks! I can totally relate to poor Draco on that one. lol!

Author's Response: Thanks!  If I had thought it out more (and had a bit more time) I would have included Draco's stocking.  The poor boy.  I promise his was filled with lovely things as well.  Thanks for reading!  -seegrim

lol! That was precious, cute, and charming! I adore it when potions are involved! :o) Nice job sweets!