Date: 04/29/2008 12:32 PM Title: Chapter 25 - A Second Try
I couldn’t believe it. Last night I thought it had been a while since there had been an update so I decided to re-read the last chapter. Low and behold there was an update along with a HOT out take. I am so glad Ron and Hermione have worked things out. By the way, I am assuming that they have told their parents if she is showing, but I couldn’t really pick anything up with the way Molly was acting.
I enjoyed seeing Ron’s ability to see things and put them together even when he is exhausted. With all of them working together they will have the puzzle solved soon.I can’t decide if Draco really wants to turn to the right side. His mission was to infiltrate and it seems that if the Order opens themselves up to him that that is exactly what he will be doing. I can’t really trust Hermione’s judgment on all of this since she really hasn’t been acting “normal” even for a pregnant woman.
I won’t leave a separate review for the out take, suffice it to say I loved it soooo hot. I just wish Hermione would realize how much Ron loves her and accept his proposal.
Can’t wait for more this story really has caught hold of my imagination I love when I see an update.
Just a quick question. If this is the first of October wouldn’t Hermione be nineteen?
Author's Response: Dear KaL, Thanks for the great LONG review! I'm just tickled!! I've been so worried about this chapter - probably rewrote it about 7 times before I was happy with it. So, I'm just thrilled to hear reviews like yours. To answer your question, yes, she just turned nineteen in September. I think it's more a generalization saying an 18 year old unwed mother because I think it has more impact, but you are right, she's nineteen now. Take Care!
Date: 04/29/2008 11:29 AM Title: Chapter 25 - A Second Try
I had to reply to your reply! Of course you're right about Ginny being too removed in this story to use as the 'bait' for Draco. I just meant after their history, for Draco and Hermione to become so close is beyond plain forgiveness, but needs a serious change of character and in this case, on top of her behaviour to Ron, Hermione's coming off as a weak and silly cow! If she lusted after Draco, that might be easier to accept (though I'd hate it!) as it's purely physical. Freindship/love - anything requiring a meeting of minds could only start on her part after he'd really proved himself and take years. This isn't a shipping thing (I hate the word!) just a credibility thing.
I'm so glad she's finally starting to grow a pair and hope she starts treating Ron with some respect and not as a silly toddler who needs to be told what's best for him. I also hope Ron starts demanding that respect and stop regretting calling her out on her silly behaviour. I saw light at the end of the tunnel in the last chapter.
I also acknowledge what you said about her instincts usually being right - 8 times out of 10 they are. However, she also has a generous side order of arrogance with that, and finds it very difficult to accept that she might be wrong. I think we've both mentioned that at different times. Your Hermione is totally canon in this case. Her logical approach is applied to all situations, and is inflexible. When it comes to things - puzzles/situations/lessons, logic is ideal. It's when it comes to people it can fail badly. People aren't logical, including Hermione herself sometimes both in your story and in canon. That's where the inner conflict comes, and the mistakes are made and people alienated. Has she never seen Star Trek? What accademic subject calls for thinking outside the box at all times? Divination. Enough said!
To finish, I really am enjoying your story. I don't mean to attack it all the time, it's because it's making me think that I'm bombarding you with feedback. Why use one word when 20 will do?!
Author's Response:
Sarah, please don't feel bad about leaving these nice long reviews. I'm GLAD that it's making you think. I guess that means I'm doing my job. It's very interesting when you have to write about another author's character. There are certain characteristics from the books that I can draw from, but the rest is up to me. I just get a mental picture of how I think she might act and I go with it. Could be right, could be wrong. Could be completely contradictory to what JKR would ever have her do, but I'll never know that. I love your comments.
I will say that you made me very happy with your comment about seeing the light in the tunnel at the end of this chapter. I wanted to show that Ron is not going to just be stepped on all the time. He will stand up for himself and he will make it clear that he's not just going to lay down and take this all the time. In the same vein, Hermione is learning that her logic isn't perfect and she needs to change as well. So, let's see what happens next. I really think you'll like the ending...well, at least I hope you do! More to come soon. Take Care and thanks again for the terrific discussion.
Date: 04/28/2008 07:06 PM Title: Chapter 25 - A Second Try
Err sorry I was on this chapter when I first review.
The story reads well and I'm normally a big R/Hr shipper but in this case I still think he's putting up with way too much Draco garabge and would be better off being a good dad and finding a less annoying and drama filled love interest.
He's still too much of a doormat.
[Report This]Date: 04/28/2008 03:34 PM Title: Chapter 25 - A Second Try
I liked the update. It's nice to see Ron and Hermione on track again, at least for the moment. I'm still suspicious of Draco, though, and Hermione's continuing to see him. But at least she seems more open about that now.
I liked the supporting characters in this chapter, too, from Harry's talking to Ron to Bill.
Author's Response: Dear kerosinkanister, Thanks for the review. I think it was time for Ron to finally voice his opinions and I think Hermione got the message. Glad you enjoyed it.
Date: 04/28/2008 11:32 AM Title: Chapter 25 - A Second Try
I've read the latest chapter (and the 'for grown ups' extension - 13, 15, 17, 21, sadly I qualify easily for any age limit). I enjoyed them both.
I'm glad to see that Hermione's accepted the mistakes she's made and has apologised and is making an effort. I didn't think that Harry needed to be quite so judgemental of Ron, I agreed with Ron that he wasn't being the most sensitive friend. He could have got Ron to see sense without heaping that much guilt on him - surely Ron deserved that time to reflect (or sulk!) so that when he did come round it was when he was ready, and truly genuine, not because he felt guilty. Still, they're back on track now.
Sad to see Hermione still so eager to give Draco a chance. They may not be best friends forever now, (so she's saying anyway) but she still thinks he's on the level about wanting to distance himself from his father. Obviously Draco couldn't possibly be lying or pulling off an elaborate scam! Even if he is on the level in the end, I still think she's wrong to be so prepared to believe him. With his history, The Order should hold him at arms length - work together where it's mutually beneficial, but trust need not be involved. Use him, don't befriend him. Trust has to be earned. If he's the hero at the end, fair enough, but now? If he saves the day, it won't justify her behaviour now. Why is she so gullible?
I've always thought that it made more sense for Ginny to be the link between Draco and the Order. She might resent him for his treatment of Harry and the Weasleys obviously, but then so should Hermione. The thing with Ginny is that Draco never treated her like dog muck on his shoe like he did Hermione for years, so she has less to forget. Hermione isn't being noble or forgiving, just silly and difficult to respect - your Ron 's gorgeous though!
I should add the disclaimer (again) that I am really enjoying the story, but just can't warm to the female lead
Author's Response: Dear Sarah, Wow! What a great (long) review! This is a tough storyline for Hermione. She ends up in a difficult position and probably doesn't handle it the best way possible, but I think she's coming around. However, I do have to say that Hermione's instincts are usually right on - now always - but usually. I think she trusts those instincts so it's hard to make herself believe that her gut feeling about Draco was wrong. I like your thoughts about Ginny being the connection to Draco. I can see that as well, but she's a bit too distant in this story to really make the connection. I hope you'll like the rest. Take care and thanks again for leaving such a "meaty" review!!
Date: 04/28/2008 08:54 AM Title: Chapter 25 - A Second Try
awesome update!
I'm so glad that Ron and Hermione talked about stuff and are together again ... and honestly, I wouldn't mind Ron hitting Draco - hard and very often!
Author's Response: Dear Sternbetrachter, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear such a positive review! I have struggled over this chapter for months, trying to get it just right. So glad you liked it. Thanks so much for taking a minute to let me know!
Date: 04/28/2008 08:25 AM Title: Chapter One A New Spy Is Born
Wow Ron is such a doormat.
Author's Response:
Dear Grownupron, Assuming you are actually on Chapter 1, I'll let you continue and see if you think he's the same when you get to Chapter 26! Thanks so much for the review!
Date: 04/02/2008 10:55 AM Title: Chapter 24 - Unspoken Desire
I popped back to check that you'd read both my reviews - I'm glad you did! However as I'm here, you said below that Hermione was trying to protect Ron by withdrawing from him etc and maybe we should cut her some slack. However in doing this, she was displaying the arrogance (no matter how well meaning) that's her least attractive feature in canon.
She wiped her parents mind and changed the entire course of their life 'for their own safety'. The Dursleys, who hated Harry, were eventually pesuaded to hide. Surely her parents could have been granted the same respect - of having a choice. (They could also then explain their disappearance to extended family, friends, patients, employees - did she wipe everyone's minds, or did no-one notice they'd gone!) Her parents are adults (obviously!). It was their decision, not hers. I can understand her keeping quiet about Voldemort so as to not get taken away from Hogwarts, but changing their entire life? At that extent it's almost mind-abuse anyway. I'm not suprised JKR didn't mention their reunion - could they ever trust her again? On topic, will Ron as she continues to force him down the road of what she thinks is best for him? He's an adult, not a House Elf.
Talking of which, it's them all over again - rather than try to encourage them to see a better life for themselves, she just wanted to foist her views on them. Right beliefs, wrong tatics. In the end it was Harry's good relationship with individual house elves which won through, not SPEW. They all hated her!
Sorry, got carried away! However I do think her trying to make decisions for adults means she deserves a certain censure. Hopefully she'll grow out of it.
Draco? Well, if she still chooses to stay his good friend, despite his revelation, he'll have the chance to do whatever he wants with her, whether it's to use her as a source or get together with her. Maybe Witch hormones are treble strength!
I do like a story that makes me think!
Author's Response: Dear Sarah, And I love a reviewer who I know has really read the story and thought long and hard about the characters. I just love these meaty reviews!! You're absolutely right. Hermione's character has always been a bit controlling. She seems to think that she knows it all - she has the answers and her ways is the best for all parties involved. She does it with the best intentions and she always thinks long and hard on it, but doesn't always look at things from anothers' viewpoint. So, you are absolutely right and well...you'll just have to wait for the next chapter and let me know if you like how things go. I hope you'll like it, but I've learned that I can never please everyone. Invariably, I get a reader here or there that detests the way I wrap up a plot point and I guess I just have to live with that. Still, I'm writing her the way that I envision her. Thank you again SO much for taking all this time to reply. I truly enjoy the discussion.
Date: 04/02/2008 08:32 AM Title: Chapter 19 - Distractions and Discussions
Aww, Harry getting distracted due to Ginny's presence, getting himself hurt. Still clueless, silly boy. I enjoyed this chapter.
Author's Response: Yes, he is hopelessly in love and it shows, hey? Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for leaving the review!
[Report This]Date: 04/01/2008 10:21 PM Title: Chapter 24 - Unspoken Desire
I'd been meaning to read this for ages so I'm glad I did. I like the way you've developed R/Hr but I definitely don't quite understand what's driving Hermione, especially with Draco, but I can't wait to find out.
Lucius was wonderfully creepy and vile.
Author's Response: Dear kerosinkanister, Thank you so much for leaving the review. Poor Hermione. Everyone is just harping on her something fierce (I'm not pointing at just you). I find it interesting that everyone thinks she's being influenced by something other than her own emotions and hormonal ups and downs from this baby. Has she truly done anything horrible? She loves Ron so much that she doesn't want him to marry her because of the baby and then to be uphappy the rest of his life. She's feeling a bit smothered and then does an unwise Apparition. She befriends Draco, but knows that Ron will be upset so she keeps their friendship on the down low. And Draco...well, he's either the ultimate actor or he's fallen hard for her and doesn't know how to get out of it. Well, I'll leave you thinking for now and go back to another edit of the next chapter. THANK YOU again for the review. They mean so much to me!
Date: 04/01/2008 04:49 PM Title: Chapter 24 - Unspoken Desire
OK the reason I think the owl was intercepted is because Draco sent it out about 1-2 in the morning. Ron and Harry left for his apartment about 10 in the morning, more than enough time for an owl to deliver a message.
I think Hermione must of somehow been affected when she pricked her fingure on the trunk, but I can't guess why or how.
I wonder if Harry's to guards one like sunset the other like sunrise are Ron for sure (sunset) and then Draco (sunrise) I tried to fit Hermione in but her coloring doesn't work maybe if the discription was like the autumn or something.
I do feel bad for Ron, after re-reading Hermione has really cut him off both emotionally and physically. She hasn't been with him since summer? She pushes him away and won't believe him when he tells her that he loves her and wants her and the baby, and then she complains that when he asked her to marry him he was not overly affectionate. What is the poor man to do? This is why I think some outside force must be influencing her, I really can't stand the thought that she is really this mean.
Thanks for such an interesting story, it always keeps me thinking and guessing.
Author's Response: Yes, you've got the owl right on the timing, not that it couldn't have been intercepted, but Ron and Harry were out searching for her, Apparating here and there. Hard for an owl to track you down. Ron has been so understanding, but I wonder how much more he'll take. I love that you're trying to decipher the sunset/sunrise reference. Very good. I'll try to keep you in suspense a bit longer. Thanks for the review once again. Love it, love it, love it!
Date: 04/01/2008 12:07 PM Title: Chapter One A New Spy Is Born
I left a very harsh review just below. I should add that I'm really enjoying the story. If I didn't like it, I'd never review - I'd have just stopped reading! It's Hermione I despise. I know she thinks Draco's changed, wants forgiveness etc, but I've always though that that situation would lead to friendliness at best, not friendship. Forgive, but don't forget. Hermione strikes me as having to much self esteem to confide in Draco, and forget their painful past to such an extent. Anyway, before you read the bile below, it's aimed at Hermione, not your story!
Author's Response: Dear Sarah, Thanks for leaving the follow-up review. I probably would have done the same thing since I wouldn't want the author to think I disliked the story, just the character. Now - back to the matter at hand. I'm not sure if you're understanding everything. I tried to make it abundantly clear that Hermione didn't go to Draco intentionally, she didn't do ANYTHING intentionally. She was under the affects of two ill-advised spells which left her weak and disoriented. Her stupidity was in Apparating in the first place. She knew that she shouldn't, but never thought it would affect her as much as it did. Perhaps she was one of the rare 1% of cases who have terrible reactions to these spells. She feels ashamed, shocked and was quite frightened of Draco's actions at first, but came to realize that her own actions were the stimulus and so, she can't place all the blame on him. Let's see how Ron handles it now. Thanks again for the review. It was nice and juicy and I know you really thought about it!! Take Care!
Date: 04/01/2008 11:40 AM Title: Chapter 24 - Unspoken Desire
Ron was impressively controlled when he found Hermione wih Draco. When she left, either she felt no guilt (making her seem incredibly insensitive) or she felt she had nothing to hide (making her seem silly - getting into another mans bed?) she could have been less physical, wasn't it obviously the wrong time? I've known many a pregnant woman and they've never reacted as pathetically as her.
This Hermione is silly, indecisive and weak. I refuse to believe that someone over 16 couldn't guess Draco's real intentions. If she thought - well he can't fancy me because I'm muggle born - then why become friends? Will she now insist on staying best friends with him, even knowing what he feels (or says he feels?) In 24 chapters she hasn't shown the depth to see that it'd unfair on Ron and Draco? She's really unattractive in this story, and it's a shame she's pregnant because Ron needs someone better though I hate to say it . Hope he doesn't doubt the parentage of this child. Hopefully she's being drugged or imperiused because she comes across as too naive for her age and gruesome. Poor Ron.
Date: 04/01/2008 06:14 AM Title: Chapter 24 - Unspoken Desire
I will say that I was worried that whatever was bothering Hermione would have her sleeping with Draco and messing everything up, thank heavens she came to herself and Draco didn't take advantage.
Draco has me confused in this story. I think he is going to turn to the right and then he thinks about his commitment to his father being a spy. I really wonder what will happen.
I did like Draco talking to Hermione and telling her what she needed to hear:
“I still can’t believe I’m saying this, but if he wants to marry you, then he really loves you and you need to accept his help. This is his child as much as yours. I know I’d feel just terrible if I were in his shoes, not that I carry any feelings for Weasley and I could care less about his life, but what you’ve done is just cruel.”
she was being cruel and thoughtless to Ron.
I was surprised but glad to see Ron handle finding Hermione at Draco's the way he did. Maybe he is growing up and keeping control of his temper and jealously better. I do hope they talk openly to each other and move forward.
Now the big worry, who intercepted the owl? Snape or Lucious, and what will they do now that they know Hermione was there???
Update soon, I anxiously await.
Author's Response: Dear Kal, I was hoping to hear from you! I knew you were worried after that last chapter and I couldn't just tell you how it was going to work out, but as you'll see, our Hermione isn't jumping into Draco's bed. I'm going to leave you hanging for a while on Draco. The jury is still out on him - although I know which side he's going to take ultimately. Interesting that you think one of them intercepted the owl. Most would say it just didn't reach them in time. More to come soon. Thanks again. I love hearing from you!
Date: 03/05/2008 06:58 AM Title: Chapter 23 - A House Guest
I really have a problem with Hermione running to Draco. She must really want to end things with Ron. Being pregnant really doesn't take away one's ability to think sensibly. And it is just cruel to Ron. He told her the first time they had sex that it wasn't a one time thing for him it meant forever. He has been nothing but supportive but this isn't enough for Hermione. I'm really angry with her.
I don't like Draco remember he is a spy not a true friend. He only want to get in her knickers anyway.
Author's Response: Dear KaL, Thanks for the review. I have a problem with it, too! Read carefully - she's not acting right, is she? Let's see what Draco has up his sleeve.