Christ this is good. I'm amazed by how strongly Draco has come to care for Ginny, and it's totally believable. It's the same with Ginny's trust in him. And it's just so moving.

I can't believe he opened up to her and told her his story. It's like what Pierce said, "Sharing something so personal, just as when two people shared in tragedy, inevitably engendered a bond."

Just brilliant, really.

And at the same time, you've got the characters' own personal developments going on, and it's fascinating watching them grow and change.

Then there's Pierce...who frightens me. Because he's getting every damn thing he wants, really.

I'll be in an agony of anticipation until the next chapter.

Justice? It was WONDERFUL. Ohmigoodness. I love that you waited for them to have their first fight before Draco came to any sort of realization. You're continuing the slow pace of their relationship's development, and it remains completely believable.

And beautiful. The scene with Hogsmeade down below, twinkling under the stars...wow. I don't know why no one's ever thought to include Hogsmeade in the view from Hogwarts' towers. I've never read that in any other fic, and this time I was like--duh. And it was gorgeous.

Poor Draco though. Shit. And he's in for so much more grief, isn't he? I almost feel like stopping here, because I can't bear to see it all go downhill.

Can you tell me now--is there any chance of a remotely happy ending?

Oh, and I have to tell you, when Pierce first told Draco that he was in love, I didn't believe him. Like, I though Pierce had gotten it wrong, and had misstepped. Of course, he was two steps ahead of me, as usual. Because it IS plausible that Draco's in love already...and he is.

Sigh. Every time I finish a chapter I just want more and more and more of it. Yet I'm glad that I'm reading this while it's being written, so that I have time to digest it, and don't devour it all at once.

That being said, I still hope that the next chapter will not be too long in coming!!!

Amazing! You made my night with this quick update!

At the same time...ohhhh how frustrating. You brought us SO close to a kiss, and yet we still have no idea how Ginny would react and what it would mean or even, really, if Draco would ever do it.

Sigh. This chapter just tantalized in so many, many ways. First of all, Pierce. So he's off gadding about with his lady friend, is he? What is he THINKING? (Incidentally, I can't actually tell whether I'm worried about him or want him to suffer. Sigh.)

Second, *what* does Pansy want to talk about??? I was so sure you'd let us--and Ginny--eavesdrop on that one!

Third, of course, is the ever-present and INFURIATINGLY mysterious Nott. WHAT is his deal? Why doesn't he just TELL us? Can't YOU just tell us? Pretty please? And what a frickin' talent that boy has for dodging a question--"it can't be friendly interest?" "I never said Draco, did I?" In neither case did he respond directly to what Ginny was saying/asking. Argh!

I almost feel I would have been better off waiting after the last chapter, this one was so tantalizing!

Oh, as for a bit of criticism--I am not sure why, but some of Draco's sort of urges towards Ginny seemed kind of mechanical. It was much more believable during the moments when they got close, or into an uncomfortable situation, than when he was just admiring her from afar.

In any case, poor, wooby Draco. I feel so bad for him. Ergo, I LOVED that Ginny kept his necklace on. I wonder if she will clue in, now that he has given her jewelry? I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't--girls tend to be a bit clueless about the gifts guys give them, don't we?

Thanks so much for updating! You can trust that I will be in an agony of impatience until the next chapter.

Christ!! Draco, shut UP!!

Oh, dear. The story's really picking up steam, and I am so, so scared. You've made me care a lot about these characters.

This chapter was fantastic. It was nice to begin with some D/G, and I was so relieved that Ginny told Draco about Nott. Not that it solved anything, but...I have been internally begging her to do that for the last 5 chapters.

But much more importantly...the kiss! Ohh, Ginny. Does she know what she's doing? It was such a sweet kiss, and obviously we know she likes Draco, but does she know? And how much does she like him? Such a mysterious girl, our Ginny. I can't really figure her out. But I do love her, the way you've written her. Almost as much as I love your Draco.

The Draco-Nott scene had me, literally, on the edge of my seat and biting my nails. I wanted for Draco to best Nott and get him to slip up somehow, but Nott is really smart. Too smart. I'm inclined to trust him a bit more after that conversation, but I still couldn't guess either way.

Also, I totally trust Naomi. I don't know if I should. I mean, I don't know how to feel about her--if she's a spy, should I like her for messing up Pierce's game? Or should I dislike her for betraying him? But if she's being honest, should I be annoyed that she's NOT helping D and G? Or should I be happy because she and Pierce are in wub?

As you can see, this is all very confusing. You've done such a good job of hiding the secrets of this story, and drawing your readers along and developing the plot and relationships. It has been such a pleasure reading this story.

Also, as if this review isn't long enough, I liked some of the descriptions you used in this chapter--like a sunny but cold day being "Mother Nature's favorite trick". That was well put, and cute.

Best of all, though (besides the kiss) was Pierces' moment of guilt. Whoa. I did NOT think he was capable of that. That alone makes me happy that Naomi is around, whatever her ulterior motives are. I hope we see more instances of Pierce doubting himself and his mission. Because, really. You can't destroy these kids.

This isn't going to have a sad ending, is it? I don't think I could stand it.

Anywho, I'm off to reread this chapter, now. It's just that entertaining.

Thanks, as usual, and PLEASE update soon!!!

Great chapter! It was funny, too, in an odd sort of way--peaceful interludes between the two "couples". Actually, when you set it up this way, it seems sort of ominous--like Pierce and Naomi are the future versions of Draco and Ginny.

I was so, so glad to see this second chapter up, so soon after the previous. I was away on spring break for a week, so I didn't have to suffer the wait for "Invitations all around," and this chapter came so quickly after that one that I didn't suffer, either.

Although now I'm DYING to see what happens next. I'd like to see how D and G's relationship develops while at the Burrow--you know, that was a painful moment, when Ginny took off his locket. I could only imagine what Draco would have felt. I'm also dying to know what'll happen when the kids-and Pierce--get back to school. *Gulp.* Pansy will have wised up, somewhat, to Draco. And Pierce will be in trouble, won't he? I just have a feeling that he's been allowed to wallow in doubt for too long, and Voldie wouldn't allow for that possibility.

Sigh. Oh! Speaking of Pansy, though, the cat fight was SO GREAT. I couldn't help giggling, as they were doing it right in front of Draco. Ginny is so clueless, in so many ways. When will SHE wise up?

OK, this review is long enough. I did want to make up for the previous chapter, since I didn't write one (though, to be honest, I felt it was a slightly weaker chapter). But this one was very enjoyable, even if it leaves me with tons of questions.

Last word--what's our pal Nott up to? I've got my own suspicion that he's someone else in Polyjuice disguise, though that might be too complicated. Missed him these past couple of chapters, though!

I know I can't possibly ask for another chapter to come soon, but...just know that I'm looking forward to it!!!!!

Eek! Finally!! *dances a jig* I can't help it. What a wonderful day. First we get cover art for HBP, and then...Draco and Ginny kiss!! In your imagination, at least, which is quite sufficient.

But, really--Naomi's story? Wow. I was a teensy bit unimpressed with the "he'll kill my son" explanation, as it's slightly cliche. But the ending of that scene, when Snape catches Naomi...Wow. I am so scared and yet, in an odd way, so proud of Snape right now. I can't WAIT to see what happens.

And then...the kiss! Eee! Ginny had to initiate it, didn't she? Draco never, ever would have done it first. I just wish Ginny would stop being in such denial.

Also, I don't really understand Draco's plan. He's not going back to school, then? At all? Or he just won't be living in the dorms? It's kind of stupid for him not to go to school. I mean, what does that solve? If he were at school, he could just ignore Pansy. So what if she'd realize he was no longer on her side? She'll surely have realized it by now, anyway, so Ginny's in just as much danger as if Draco goes back.

I really hope he goes back to school. It's just so wrong for him not to--almost as wrong as poor Harry not being able to return. Or is that the comparison you're going for?

*Sigh.* Time for me to go reread this chapter, to tide me over 'til the next one comes out. Oh, you little realize how I suffer!!

PS-Congrats on the new job!! That's really amazing.

Author's Response: Well, see, as I laid out more clearly in past chapters, Draco\'s fear with the Pansy deal is not so much for himself as Ginny. Right now, he\'s saying, \"Fine I\'m back on your side...if you agree to give up the ridiculous kidnapping notion.\" If she finds out Draco\'s not so loyal, he\'s afraid she\'ll try to pick up that disgarded plot again and kidnap Ginny to gain favor with Voldemort. This way, Pansy\'ll still think he\'s on her side, just in trouble or something (b/c a girl like her would never believe that HER Draco betrayed her), and she\'ll be so frazzled over that, she won\'t go after Ginny (or so Draco hopes, anyway).

I don't really have the energy or time to write a detailed review. But I want to say that this fic is the best fic being written right now, in the D/G realm. Every new chapter is a delight, and the wait is always worth it.

That said, I do hope the next wait is not quite as long!! But no matter how long it takes, I'm content to be patient. I may pass the interval rereading the story a couple of times, it's that enjoyable.

Eee! Lovely, as always, to see a new chapter. You can't imagine the glee I feel every time I load dandg.com, and see this story at the top of the 'updated' list.

There WAS too much Naomi in this chapter. I mean, she's a good character, and I like her and hope she doesn't bring any trouble for Ginny. But that's just it--it all comes back to Draco and Ginny! I look forward to seeing more of them in the next chapter.

I hope this story has a happy ending. :-}

I forgot to say--I may have mentioned this before, but surely Draco will get off?? Because Snape got away having done much, much more as a Death Eater! So did so many others, who simply ratted out their pals. If he switched sides, he should be pardoned!

Nooo!! Noo!! Not the end! I can't bear it!

This fic has kept me company for so long, and I've enjoyed reading it chapter-by-chapter (and suffering in between); what will I do when it's over?

And THEN the whole HP series will be over. How can you desert me at the same time?

Actually, is that your intention? To finish the fic before DH comes out? Just curious.

Author's Response: To be honest, my only intention is to finish it before the summer is over. It would definitely be nice if I finished by the time DH comes out, but I suppose you never know what life will throw at you to get in the way. I\'m so glad you\'ve been enjoying the story! Thanks for always reviewing =D

Gah! How are you such a good writer? From the very first chapter of this novel-length fic, you've got us hooked. So impressive. And I am so jealous. Sigh. But I'll enjoy re-reading this!!

Great story! I like that both Ron and Harry were both accepting of her choice, and that Draco finally came around. I guess his change seemed a bit easy, but since it was a one-shot that was fine. Thanks for posting!

Author's Response: Thank you. I know he seemed to come around fast. But if he didn\'t, I think Harry would have stepped in.

What a great fic! I really, really liked the way you wrote this--Draco falling for Ginny in the slow, natural, friendly way, without any of the typical angst. It was a nice change--both for you, I think, and for me.

A lot of moments were funny; you kept it very lighthearted. It was surprising that no one at Hogwarts disapproved of the relationship, but I guess that just kept everything less serious. We got to focus on Draco's feelings instead.

And he is so cute. I like the voice you created for him-- still snarky and bratty and snobby, but a bit softer than the Draco we're used to. He was adorable, and silly, and basically a normal guy.

Thanks for posting this! Really enjoyable.