Ginny Weasley is sent to stay with her grandparents until the war ends, as her parents want to keep her out of harm's way. Her grandparents have another guest, another person in hiding, and a relationship quickly blossoms between them. However, with the war and so many secrets around them, Ginny isn't sure how to make it work. Fluffy occasionally, but things can't always be perfect, can they? Decisions have to be made and consequences dealt with.Category: Works in ProgressFor a fleeting moment, she imagined that they would never hear from their families again, that they would remain together in Tuscany until they were old and gray, with great-grandchildren. Much to her surprise, the thought didn’t make her as sad as she thought it should.
Oooh, I'm really enjoying this fic. I like the setting, and the hot/cold relationship you're building between our dear characters.
I also LOVE how confused they are about "snail mail." So cute! And so wizard. Of COURSE that's what they would think, right?
My only complaint comes from this chapter-- there are a few inconsistencies here with the rest of the fic. For one thing, I think Ginny said in an earlier chapter that she was a virgin, but here she isn't. For another, she's cried over Harry twice in previous chapters, and here it says she never cries over him!
Author's Response: the virgin thing was cleared up in chapter 6.. did you get that? or was it not clear? i\'m glad you\'re liking the story so far though!
No one knew what caused the dragons to start to sicken and die, but they did. Those who cared for them were the damaged, the broken, those who had nothing left for which to brave the world.Category: Works in Progress
And then the Wilder came.
This story is amazing. I love the way you reveal things slowly, in stages, so that we sort of sink deeper and deeper into the story the further we go. It's lovely.
I read in the comments that the Wilder is based on your son, who's autistic--that was my first thought when I saw how powerful the Wilders are, and yet how they seem to act like children forever. It's so typical of the wizarding world to alienate them and even fear them; I think that you hit the mentality of the wizarding world spot on in that respect. It's so antiquated, isn't it, in its attitudes towards anything different, like Squibs? Wizards are so uncomfortable with the idea of anything that hints at some sort of disability.
Well, I didn't mean to ramble on so long. But I love that Ginny is able to have a different attitude--she would be, wouldn't she? And I also love the relationship you've created between Draco and Ginny, even though it breaks my heart. I hope that they resolve what's wrong between them, and that Ginny can learn to have a real relationship with him. She sure is a tough nut to crack, isn't she? (is that the phrase?) Anyway, I look forward with terrific anticipation to your next chapter. This is a really beautiful work so far.
Six hours into the closing of the school term, Draco Malfoy is found unconscious in Ginny Weasley's room in the Burrow. As old sins and new horrors reveal themselves, the bloodiest June of the Second War begins. D/G/HCategory: Works in Progress
Oh, this is such a very depressing fic. But I'm glad you (coughfinallycough) updated it!
Let's see, just to give you some of my reactions to the fic: I don't like Timothy, although since Moody seems to trust him, I'm willing to give him a shot. But he really creeps me out, and I don't like him with Ginny.
As for Harry's behavior--I can't help but feel bad for him. I don't know if you're going to paint him as sort of a bad guy, at least in terms of his relationships, but I don't think I'll ever be able to buy that. Especially considering they love potioned him, for heaven's sake! Right now, my sympathy lies with him.
Certainly not with Ginny, who got rather annoying, for awhile, with her "It's not about you" line that she kept throwing out. Because, basically, she was repeatedly saying "It's all about me." Yuck.
OTOH, I'm terrified for her sake. I also am worried about what exactly happened with the kelpie, and what happened to Draco. And I'm looking forward to seeing D/G development in the future.
Whew! There. Nothing really constructive, so I apologize, but I thought you'd like to get some reader response.
Update soon!
A bet, a wanted witch, and a magical contract land Draco in a most unexpected situation. Can his Slytherin soul survive intact or will he succumb to one redheaded witch in bondage? Snarky humor, romance, and a pinch of angst. “I don’t want it. I didn’t order it. Now leave me the fuck alone.” He slammed the door closed. Only it didn’t close due to the enormous boot wedged into its threshold. One loud grunt later and it flung back open, almost hitting him in the face. Draco reflexively leaned back, and that’s when she was thrust into his unsuspecting arms.Category: Works in Progress
Gah! I can't express how infuriatingly curious I am about this fic. Like, what the hell happened to Ginny, why is she now private property, where the hell is her family, where the hell is Draco's family and what happened to everyone?? I do like Draco a lot, I have to say, because of the way he treats Ginny, although I'm wondering where this nicer side of him came from. And lastly, I'm wondering if Ginny actually DOES have a brain of her own. She seems to be showing it a bit more, as she gets more comfortable with Draco. Can't wait for more of this fic!!
Author's Response: Hi imelda!
I couldn\'t agree with you more. What the hell is going on in this fic, and when is that damn author going to tell us about these things? I want to know, and I want to know NOW! I\'ve read better on a used toilet paper wrapper. Jeez.
Yep, it\'s coming. It\'s all coming...eventually. Thanks for your infuriating curiousity. I am flattered.
-fallenwitch
Hurrah, an update!! I'm beginning to feel sorry for Blaise, though--have I mentioned this before?--I'm suspicious of his feelings for Ginny, considering she never says a word to him except 'Draco.'
You didn't really answer any questions in this chapter, but I'll be patient. 0:-) I liked getting to see more Blaise-Ginny interaction, and it's always fun watching two guys fight over Ginny. Especially these two, because they're so sweet...in a very Slytherin way. Update soon!
Author's Response: Hey Imelda, yes no great revelations here just a lot of action. I loved your review! Esp. your thoughts on Blaise. \"I\'m suspicious of his feelings for Ginny, considering she never says a word to him except \'Draco.\' \" Soooo hysterical! - fallenwitch
Who-oaa. This fic just got about ten times crazier. In a good way, of course. So, if I'm understanding correctly, Voldie and the DEs have won, and have control of the gov, and the Order is now underground?
From the way Draco and his Slytherins were freely running around before, I always assumed the war was over. But, wow, it's all slowly--so slowly--beginning to make sense. That's why Ginny's a slave and a fugitive. Yeesh.
I like how slowly you're letting us figure things out, and I'm impressed that you're able to do so entertainingly.
As for Draco, I'm inclined to feel bad for him, but since he's a DE helping to run what seems like the world turned upside down, I'll try not to too much.
Lastly, I am SO curious as to what Ginny's feelings are regarding all this. At this point, I have no idea; it's all through Draco that we see things.
EXACTLY. You ended this chapter with almost the EXACT words I was planning on reviewing with. It's one of the most fascinating parts of the story--we know NOTHING about Ginny, or what she thinks or how she feels or who she is.
That's actually why I was so surprised when Draco professed his love for her. How could he, when he doesn't even know her? Granted, people do fall in love with people they don't know very well. I'm just sayin'.
It was after she murdered those four dudes that I was going to make the comment of what an unknown she is. Actually, after she ran away. The chick is a loose cannon, and those actions were just totally, utterly unexpected.
Cool. Must keep reading. I hope you realize that you're really upping the ante (is that the phrase?) about Ginny. Whoever she is, it's gotta be good.....
This fic is just so surprising. I don't have anything more constructive to say, I just wanted to reiterate that for the zillionth time. I can never see anything coming.
Btw, "Oh, and, yes, his goddamn heart, that useless piece of trash that he was better off without" is a fantastic line.
This is UNBELIEVABLE!!!! You just blow me away with each chapter, and I am so angry at you for leaving it here. Actually, I'd be angry wherever you left it, because I'm so ruddy curious about what happens next.
What's interesting is that this isn't the kind of fanfiction that's really fanfiction--what's good about it is the plot independent of its world. It's not the usual Draco Malfoy and Ginny Weasley fic, where they manage to fall in love despite their family histories and opposing values. This has nothing at all to do with that--it's about politics and people screwing one another over and...just...wow.
But at the same time, all the characters are in-character, so it IS good fanfiction. Because this could very well be how Draco acts, when he doesn't feel threatened in any way, and when he doesn't have to prove himself to anyone. And Ginny...I can't tell you how much, how so very much I loved catching a glimpse of who she really is, of how much of a con artist she was being (though of course we still don't know to what extent she was). Seeing her glowing, and happy and alive, and seeing how important it was to her to fight and make a difference and just how important she herself was, especially as compared to Draco....just, wow. Especially considering she was his slave.
Geez. Like I said, it's just all so damn surprising. Remember what else I said? About how you'd 'upped the ante' about Ginny and whoever she was, it had to be good? Well, goddamn. I have to say, I really didn't expect you to manage it. Nothing personal, I just thought it was one of those things that inevitably leads to disappointment. But damn, damn damn did you blow me away.
I can't wait to see more. And of course, though I think we know so much more about Ginny now, well--first of all, I could be wrong. Second of all, there is still so much we don't know. I don't know if I believe, for example, Draco's assumption that Ginny considers him a disgusting Death Eater. I mean, we did see some affection from her, and considering just how wonderful Draco was to her...well, we'll see.
A couple more things (I swear I'll shut up then)-- for one, I don't completely understand why Ginny had to be made a slave and sold to Draco for her to get better...I didn't really get Draco's epiphany about it.
And lastly, I just want to say how COOL it is that we're figuring everything out, even aside from Ginny's character, and it's all so different from what we thought and assumed at the beginning. Like Ginny being some DE slave and passed around from owner to owner, until she haphazardly ended up with Draco. Hm. Definitely not. Although, actually, she HAS been traumatized by something, even if it hasn't been by various owners. Will we find out how...?
Right, I said I'd stop. I can't wait for your next update!!
(PS--OK, I lied. But have you read Anise's 'Keeping Christmas on the Death Train'? The story isn't similar to yours, exactly, but there's a thematic undercurrent--and something of a hoax--at the heart of it, too. If you haven't read it yet, you'll probably enjoy it! I know I like it just as much as this)
PPS- I'm SORRY! I just want to add that it was clever not to give Draco's new...whatever she is...a name, or even, actually, letting us know if it's one person or different women. As a reader I certainly didn't give a damn about her/them, and that little device lets us know that Draco doesn't, either.
Sigh. I'm not quite coherent enough to write a real review right now, and for that I apologize. But I do want to make sure you know I'm reading, and that your fic rocks my world, and that I can't wait for more.
So...yeah. Please update and save your readers' from their painful D/G fic withdrawal!
PS- I was surprised to see Christo so affectionate towards Ginny. I kind of expected there to be more to the story...I'm not sure why. But I can't wait to see more Ginny, and more D/G interaction!
PPS- Poor Draco. Just makes my heart ache.
Author's Response: Yep, Christo loves Ginny. It\'s just another way in which he and Draco are similar. Is there more to the story? Well, there\'s always more to the story...
I also wanted to tell you how much I\'ve appreciated all of your wonderful reviews! Not only are they insightful, but I am blown away by the level of thought you have put into analyzing this fic! Wow. I am honored. -fallenwitch
Ack! I love you! You just keep throwing one twist after another at us...and Ginny is such a baffling, mysterious character, isn't she? But I love the way you're slowly revealing her to us, and fixing our misconceptions one by one (the ones we get through Draco's eyes).
So...christ. Christo. So she loves Draco? Is this the idea? How can you stand to put that boy through so much trauma? And now you've stuck them in an impossible situation...tsk tsk tsk. How could you?!
Is Draco right? Has Christo just sort of been manipulating the two of them all along, so that he could 'have' Ginny to himself?
Btw, Draco was so beautiful in this chapter. His heartbreak when Ginny's lying to him, that kiss, his fury when he realizes the truth (is it even the truth?), his defeatist collapse against the bookshelf...you write it all so beautifully, and realistically, and I truly feel what he feels. It's lovely.
Ginny's a bit of a femme fatale, isn't she? Except less selfish. Or is she selfish? As Draco has forgotten, we don't know whether we can trust her or not.
God I love this fic.
Author's Response: Yes, Ginny is baffling but less so as this fic rolls on, I think. As for Draco, I made him Slytherin tough so he can take it! *cringes* It was wonderful to hear that you found him and his emotional stew realistic and appealing in this one. I wasn\'t sure how that would come across.
Again, thanks so much for your thoughtful and insightful review. I just loved it - as usual! -fallenwitch
PS--I KNEW there was more to the Ginny/Christo story! Though I don't know if I buy this "we're well-suited" bit.
Lastly-- the line "Is there anything about you that isn't a lie?" may be my favorite from the whole chapter, though Draco's internal snarkiness is highly entertaining. As another reviewer has said, the tone of this fic is so very Malfoy.
Author's Response: Oh, I liked that line too. And you\'re right, there\'s always more to everything. -fallenwitch
Gahhh!! How can you leave us there?? What did that mean? Is someone coming to hurt Ginny? Is Draco going to get himself killed?
Ah, this fic is joyful pain. I just love all the drama and agony you put us through. My poor, baby Draco. This whole additional level about Christo is great, too, though I wonder about how he deals with Ginny loving Draco, if that's all true.
I don't have anything really constructive to say, but I do have a fave line or two:
"Make up your mind, Ginny. Is it the truth or is it a lie? You do know the difference, don't you?"
I just think this whole theme of Ginny being a big fat lie (or not) is fascinating and keeps me pulled into the fic. Plus it's so amusing.
Then, though it was a bit cheesy (Draco's monologue did get a tad sappy at a couple of moments),
"He wanted her to tell him she loved him. He wanted to hear it over and over again. Worse yet, he didn't give a damn whether or not it was true."
Because, though it's a much-used kind of line, it really actually fits at this moment, and you can see clearly how he's been driven to feeling that way.
Gosh I just love it all. I'm reading 'Jude the Obscure' right now, and this fic sort of reminds me of it--the whole confusing heroine, the doomed love story, the unconventional/forbidden match of these two characters.
Love it, and can't WAIT for the next chappie!!
Author's Response: Hi, imelda! I cringed when I read the part of your review where you said \"Draco\'s monologue did get a tad sappy at a couple of moments\" and \"it\'s a much-used kind of line\". It\'s a fine line between heartwrenching, emotionally evocative and utter, sappy, cliched crap. I think this chapter embraces the later rather than the former. I couldn\'t figure out why I hated it until I read your illuminating review, even though I know that is not what you meant to say. Anyhow, more is coming up. Out with the sap and in with the intruder! Thanks for your continued, amazing reviews and your interest in this crazy, little fic of mine! -fallenwitch
You are too cruel. That ending!!! "Fuck off," and poor Draco hiding under his covers. Forget about HIS breaking heart, what about mine?!
And Ginny is insane. Just insane. I had exactly the same reaction as Draco when I read about her killing those men with the knives-- WTF is she doing???? And Draco is too funny, the way he points out that 1) those are HIS knives she's using (oh, the irony), and 2) she's not even Bulgarian!!
So I continue to go on loving this story, even as it continues to make me miserable. Hey, I guess I really am like Draco.
I didn't like this whole thing about Ginny losing her magic; fic authors use it too often and it really never seems to have a point. Nor does it seem to be taken as seriously as it ought--she's beyond crippled, now. I mean, you've ripped out an essential part of who she is, of what makes her not human. And...yeah. I don't like that. I feel like it's just used for the sake of the plot, and not really as part of her development as a character--which it has a HUMONGOUS impact on.
Other than that one fact, and the fact that there were a few misspellings, I really enjoyed this chapter, like all of your others. I hope we get to see another one soon!!
Author's Response: Hello Imelda! Glad you are still amused by this flawed fic. So, I have used one too many plot twists for you, have I? You think I have not given adequate weight to Ginny\'s loss of magic. I understand your concern. And I know I\'ve shamelessly beaten up Draco emotionally in this fic. I feel terrible about it. Sort of. Thanks for your continued interest and awesome review! -fallenwitch
In Progress. Set after OotP. Draco's life is in chaos when he returns for his 6th year at Hogwarts. When he & Ginny fall in love their loyalties are tested.Category: Works in Progress
Damn! I was hoping there was more posted!
I'm really enjoying this fic, especially the strange way Ginny keeps helping Draco. Would she do the same for anyone?
The dream sequence was interesting and revealing, in that it seems to show that Draco does want G's help, indeed, doesn't he? I'm really looking forward to your next update!
Author's Response: Sorry, I only had a little bit to post.
I\'m sure Ginny would help anyone that asked her, but I don\'t know if she\'d be as persistent about it as she\'s been with Draco.
Ginny does seem to intrigue Draco, doesn\'t she? We\'ll see how long it takes him to act on that.
Thanks for the lovely review!
Two and a half years after his failure to kill Albus Dumbledore, Draco has long been accepted back into the ranks of the Death Eaters. He is still obsessively searching for the rebel Ginny Weasley, but he hides that secret well. When she is found one snowy December night, he smuggles her onto the Death Eaters? train with him. And he begins to learn that nothing will ever be the same again?Category: Works in Progress
Of course Arthur wouldn't agree if he knew what Draco was planning. I'm actually surprised he blindly agreed like that!
You started writing this fic after JKR stated, unequivocally, that Arthur would never become MoM, right? It's funny, because it was still a good move. Arthur makes a great minister, doesn't he, and really presents the perfect character study of a good man trying to manage a large amount of power.
I'm worried about Snape. You are scaring me.
This was an interesting chapter. It certainly had some really great moments.
First, the moment Harry Petrifies Scrimgeour. I had to cheer, then, and oddly enough--not for Draco. Like I said in my last review, I thought Harry was strong enough to resist that temptation, and he was!!!
After that, I'm not sure whether it's believable that Harry would give that little schpeel about how much he hates Snape and Malfoy. But boy, was it a good speech. It was kinda nice hearing Harry tell them how much they suck, from his POV. Especially his words to Snape. And what really struck me was the line
"You?re responsible for the deaths of bloody near everyone I ever loved. So I hate you, and I always will.?
Because it's true for canon, too. Very chilling.
Draco was very single-minded in this chapter. I look forward to what happens next!
Gah!!!! Ohmigoodness. Dangerous cliffs.
I wasn't able to read the updates for awhile, and so now I finally sat down expecting to dive in and read for ages.
But the chapters just whizzed by. Save for the whole Bellatrix flashback (I've really never liked that subplot; it serves as an explanation for Bella's bitterness towards Draco, but not much else), this whole sequence has been fast-paced and scary and important.
The D/G moments have been beautiful, like something we've waited 50-odd chapters for. To hear her say that to Harry, that Draco's more of a man than he is...well, it's f*cked up, for one, but in the course of this story is so deserved.
You've got me hoping for some sort of reciprocation between Draco and Ginny--I AM assuming Draco won't die, first because I think Harry is stronger than that, and second because then we'd have no story!-- but I guess I should know better than to wish for a happy ending.
My biggest fear, right now, is that Scrimgeour will get out of all this ahead. Ugh.
Please update as soon as you can!!! :-D
Hm. About that Promise...they all fulfilled it, which actually surprised me. As soon as you said that breaking the pact meant breaking the friendship, I was sure someone would break it. I mean, looking at the relationship between Ginny and the two of them now...but I guess there are many ways to break a friendship.
Awesome scene with Snape; you write him so well. I was so moved by what he said about Draco! I wonder how Draco felt about it? Snape's an odd character, because he risks so much but at the same time seems so unwilling to interfere with things.
Thanks for another fantastic chapter. :-)
Oooh. I LOVED the Harry-Snape antagonism. You have Snape so perfectly in character, I'm in awe. And I love the way he came in and ruined their 'two-person play'--trust Snape for that!
I feel like you went to far with Harry's temper tantrum at the end though, where he sounded exactly like Draco at the end of HBP ("It's my glory, not yours!"). Surely Harry is way past that?
Otherwise, I'm totally on Snape's side in this argument. Harry's completely ignoring the severity of what he's asking Ginny to do.
I hate how the Order members were all "we'll support you, Ginny," when of course what she WANTED was for them to forbid her from doing it!!! At least, I'm sure that's what she wanted at heart, right? But Harry and Hermione have managed to make it look like this was Ginny's choice, when of course they guilted her into it. Jerks. Where's Ron when you need him? (No, really, where is he, and when is he coming??)
You know, I usually HATE flashbacks. I almost never have the patience for them. But I have not, not once, been impatient during these. It's really, really interesting to watch how this came about, and how the characters got to be the way they are in present-day time. I think it helps especially, though, that the characters are experiencing these flashbacks along with us, and that they're actually progressing us along in the story. So, I guess, well-done!
Believe me, I will fully enjoy the daily updates while they last.
Wow. I just want to let you know I'm still reading and enjoying. But it's really so depressing I can't think well enough to write a decent review!
I like how you explained your characterization of Harry before last chapter. I suppose it is possible that he would end up like this, frozen by the war and desperate to see it end. Luckily, I think JKR has more faith in him than that--as do I! I'm sure he'll come through it better. But your version is interesting (though painful), and after all, that's what fanfic is for--to explore the possibilities.
I think those reviewers who compare this Harry to Voldemort, however, are grossly mistaken. It's very easy to brush off all evil as equally evil, isn't it? We see both of them sacrificing others for their causes, but that's about where the similarity ends. For one, we cannot ignore the differences between their causes! Harry is sacrificing others in order to save many--which, when you think about it, is the definition of war. Voldemort, on the other hand, is kind of aiming for mass genocide and world domination. Don't get me wrong; I think Harry's doing the wrong thing. But equating him to Voldemort is a huge exaggeration. Plus there's everything else that separates them--Voldemort's sadistic pleasure in torture and murder, for example.
Wow, I guess I wasn't too depressed to comment, after all. I just wish I could say something about Draco--but all I can do is suffer along with him!
Looking forward to the next chapter, and I'm really appreciating these frequent updates!
Ohmigoodness, that's appalling. I think Draco mentioned this before, that Harry and the others took advantage of Ginny's grief to convince her to do what she did.
It's really hard to like Harry in this fic. Actually, it's kind of impossible. To his credit, at least this action is what he feels most guilty for. But his upcoming actions, especially considering the fact that he was just ANGRY at Ginny for not having lost anyone...it's all so convoluted, and he doesn't act like he cares.
It's been awhile since I've had time to pick this fic up again...I'm so glad I have now!
A-g--agg-ah-agggh. How? Why? She's not really dead. She can't be.
A parachute? How about a dagger to stab myself? But if you say we need parachutes, that must mean there's more to this...maybe Ginny isn't dead. Should I keep hoping, or can you say emphatically that Ginny is definitely dead, along with the tree?
I know you can't answer that. And sorry I can't write a real review...but in a way that's a compliment, and a comment.
Not too terrible of a cliffie????? Are you mad??!!!
And, you know, funnily enough, I don't know if I'm looking forward to more smut. At least not before these poor characters grow sane again, if they ever can.
Looking over the comments for this chappie, I thought I'd add a few more comments:
1) I can't believe I forgot to mention Bella. I am so mad at you for making me feel bad for her. I'm also mad at the other reviewer for calling her a slag--good god, she wanted her soul sucked, what does it matter who she had sex with??? On the one hand, I feel like it's exactly what she deserves, on the other hand, I actually want her to have her go through the rehabilitating process so she can live through what she did. Oh, I guess those two 'hands' aren't that different. Well, I swear I do feel bad for her. Doesn't mean I don't want her to suffer.
2) Just wanted to note that when I said 'you are infuriating,' you know I'm just teasing, right? I've gotten in trouble a couple of times with my semi-sarcastic humor, which does not translate well on the web. People have thought I was sending flames, when I actually meant it as a compliment. So I just thought I'd make that clear--I'm infuriated because I care so much about the story!