Ron + Hermione + eclairs. Add a dash of the unexpected, and stir.I enjoyed this story. Apart from the Harry/Hermione part. Though I like Ron, I'm not a shipper. However as JKR made the canon pairings quite clear, H/H immediately needs at least one of them to be out of character. Which is fair enough seing as it's your universe! H/H is ok on it's own, but combined with R/H not so much.
Harry's such a worrywort over sleeping with Ron's sister. If he knew how Ron felt (even if he wasn't acting on it) would he really go there? Plus would he or Hermone risk their friendship for a comfort shag? I wish she'd chosen Neville - that wouldn't have felt so squalid, no matter how they tried to dress it up. Also, don't try to tell me that Ginny would have been so understanding, with Hermione already knowing how she felt about Harry. H/H didn't act like decent friends.
Still I really enjoyed the beginning of it!
In the summer after sixth year, Harry is faced with many decisions; how to proceed with the horcrux hunt, how to keep his friends safe and what to do about his ever changing feelings towards a certain red-haired girl. What if this 'power the Dark Lord knows not' was in him all the time, but was being repressed? And could Ron's first Order mission bring back the answers that could unlock this power, forcing all of them to relive an ancient story and break the curse that became the fate of the generations.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.
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!
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!
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
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?!
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.
Would Draco have acted if the timely appearance of Ron etc hadn't tipped the scales in the right direction? He was thinking about it, and hated what was going to happen, but he didn't act on his own. On the right side, but no noble hero. Maybe Ron can trust him in terms of not being pro Voldemort, but he shouldn’t trust him with Hermione. who isn’t the most reliable character herself.
I hope once she recovers, she finally decides what she wants and stop being so tiresome. When Molly kicks off about the baby, will she stand shoulder to shoulder with Ron? Or run away/push him away ‘for his sake’. Again. Draco will always be waiting to comfort her…..
She needs to distance herself from Draco, though he‘ll object. She knows he loves her, how on earth can anyone but the most selfish woman, not keep her distance for his sake? If he's the wonderful noble person she foolishly thinks he is (I'm not convinced) she'll want him to have the chance to meet someone new, which he can't do if she's still in his life. This situation can’t sustain a friendship now she knows how he feels. Unless she likes the feeling of being adored by two men, or needs an alternative for when things get rough with Ron. Or actually has romantic feelings for him. The three of them being friends would be totally unbelievable. If she insists on keeping him in her life, that’ll prove how self involved she still is. Run Ron run!
Author's Response: Sarah, you have such interesting comments! They always make me think ahead to what is coming and how my story will or will not answer your questions. I have to say that I think Draco definitely would have acted to save Hermione, even if Ron and the others hadn't shown up. He may not have been quite as physical about it, perhaps attempting some verbal intervention or underhanded maneuver to make Dolohov pause, but he was sure that Harry and company were coming and with their arrival, he could finally leap into action. I think you're quite right about Ron not trusting him with Hermione - at least not completely, but after their talk, I believe Ron is tolerable of him in her presence. He's just keeping an eye on things. More to come soon. Thanks again for the stellar review!! Love it, love it, love it!!
I stopped reading this story chapters ago because I found Hermione too tiresome - I obviously decided to have another look at just the right time! I'm glad she finally started to act with some smarts - like the Hermione weknow and love.
As for her father, she only spent approx three weeks a year with her parents since she was almost 12. She usually even spent Christmas away from them (unless Ron was breaking their heart in 6th year!) So I was suprised that her father became possessive here. After all he's had little influence over her for years, and seen her only occasionally. He probably doesn't really know her as a woman, or is that the point - he' realised she's grown up and he doesn't like it?
I'm really enjoying this story and liked the important lesson in this chapter - tell the truth! Hermione had nothing to be ashamed of. If Ron got angry that's a shame, but hiding it from him was bound to make things worse. He was going to hate the idea no matter what, so she should have got it over with, even if they had just had a row. Also she'd have been able to control the situation in which they rowed - privately. I know what Ron's like, so should she. That said, this chapter wouldn't have been so interesting if she had!
I just hope he doesn't wonder why she hid it from him. Also why she told his family about the change in her role before him. She forgot something like that?
Though I love him, Ron is paranoid and insecure. Not telling him things that are important won't help. I just hope any future problems aren't caused by her rowing with Ron and confiding in Cormac. With a family as large as her's it would really wind me up. However if she continues to dislike him, and he causes her problems, then I'll be a happy bunny! Keep up the good work.
Hi Sarah!
Wow...I enjoyed reading your review! When I began reading Harry Potter I was instantly drawn to Ron and Hermione because of the bickering. I guess I liked the arguing so much because I could see there was something just under the surface...as in they truly were attracted to one another. With this story, Hermione is trying to sort of "hold it together" because she is worried that she'll lose him. I'm trying to keep both Ron and Hermione's characters true to the books in this one. I've always thought that both of them are insecure. Hermione hid behind her books and Ron made jokes to avoid uncomfortable situations. I hope to hear from you again. Thank you for a wonderful and thorough review!
Sincerely,
missgranger *smile*
I'd previously presumed that Ron had overreacted at the picnic as per usual. However, from this chapter, it sounds like things were just about to turn very nasty. I don‘t blame him at all. Not only should he have acted that way, but sadly Hermione should have as well. Why didn't she hex the other bloke? She is a bit of a cissy in this story (I mean that in a fond way!) All part of her problems no doubt.
Is that why she was shouting at Ron, because deep down she realises that unlike in her school days, she can't really take care of herself and Ron is overcompensating? (And let's face it, he'd be bad enough even if she was strong and confident)
Cormac is tailor-made to be an overly physical, can't take no for an answer jerk! I’ve always wished Hermione had hexed him (turned him into a pig?) as the big finale for Slughorns party - it'd have been worth losing house points to make a point that she's not his toy.
I have my doubts that this Hermione can successfully do even that. If Harry's always with Ron, where's Ginny? She's even more likely than Cormac to turn to violence (Bat Bogey Hex for every occasion?) If it was her at the picnic, she'd probably have ripped the man's head off his body - no need for a wand!
Hope Hermione's self-confidence comes back. Ron giving up field work would be pandering to her issues, not dealing with them, surely. I hope whatever those pigs have planned for Hermione, at least one of them gets a bony knee between the legs........
Hello SarahWSarah!
I absolutely adored your thoughts!!! I hate Cormac myself...what do you think... should someone go ahead and knee him in the groin? I could possibly do that! *giggles* My intention is to gradually make Hermione stronger. (with Ron's love and support of course!) I really look forward to hearing from you again! Your post made my day!
*hugs*
missgranger2
Hermione - for crying out loud, talk to Mrs Weasley! There's a difference between always running to someone when there's a hint of trouble, which is quite weak and getting help when you're in BIG trouble - which is where she seems to be at now. That said, there's nothing strong about her behaviour at the moment.
And how is a Muggle Doctor, (who has to be kept in the dark), dealing with things on your own more than talking to someone who's been in an identical situation? Remember in the olden days, there was no formal help. People got help from freinds and family or they went down. Grrr!
I don't mean to be harsh, but she's in a bad way at the moment. Time to stop being stubborn, and find some of that backbone she used to have. If Ron is still sticking by her, she's not a failure - there's still hope. If she continues to spiral downwards until he can't take anymore, she'll regret it. Though I'm sure you won't let THAT happen!
Also, this depression (at least) that she's in, will encourage her unfortunate tendency to try to see the good in people. Always a big mistake! A spy might find her currently easy pickings. Talking of which, Cormac McClaggen? Is she mad? New start indeed, the man oozes insincerity from his pores so badly he leaves a slimy trail wherever he goes. If he's not big-time-dodgy,I'll eat my cauldron!
Hello Lovely SarahWSarah!
First off, I have to tell you that your review is one of the most in-depth ones that I have had ever had. Loved it! Hermione is very depressed and it is making her become un-hinged. She isn't sure where to turn because no book is going to make it better this time. She's on this emotional journey full of angst and disappointment desperate to feel better. Since she is unable to find a solution, it eats away at her, making her feel emotionally broken down. Look for her emotional state to drive a rift between her and those she loves. Ron is there for her now, but will he always be? How much more can he take? As for Cormac, I hate his guts, love! *smiles* And if I hate him, you can bet I probably want be singing his praises as I write! *winks* I want to thank you again for taking the time out to leave such a lovely review dearest! I adore you! *hugs*
*SMOOCH*
missgranger2
Hermione seems to be getting worse. She's nothing like the character we all know and love. Sadly, just about the only recognisable characteristic left is determined stubborness, which is really not attractive, despite what Hollywood, constantly peddling their fiesty heros/heroines would like us to believe.
Her depression is such that she's almost on the brink of needing to become an in-patient and I have to be honest, I'm far less sympathetic than I was at the beginning of the story. She knows she needs help, but still won't do anything more about it? Are you sure she's not being drugged/under a spell?
My mate had severe post-natal depression which went on for months, but Hermione is worse! Ron wants to marry her for better or worse, the thing is, this isn't the woman he fell in love with. He's seeing the original Hermione less and less. He might just be trying to shock her into getting some help, by threatening to call off the marriage, but some time apart might make him feel relieved rather than miss her - he's already been missing her for a long time.
Hermione needs to sort herself out, nobody can help if she doesn't let them. Unless there's a powerful Wizarding equivalent to Valium?! if she doesn't make some strides, surely she's in no position to get married to anyone, never mind an Auror? Please don't make him give up his job for her. That'll be pandering to her and he'll end up resenting her for it - as if they don't have enough problems. Instead of papering over the cracks, they need to sort out the problem properly. I'm almost at the stage where I no longer feel they're compatible, fortunately, Ron doesn't agree - yet.
Also, Cormac is a git - that just needed saying. I hope Hermione heeds Ron's warning, because I have no faith at all that she won't be the architect of her own destruction where all this concerned. Ron and Harry need to pull their socks up professionally as well.
Long enough review?!
Hello Lovely SarahWSarah!
I am sick at home with a cold! *bah!* "Long enough review" at the end had me giggling! (thanks for that as I feel like utter crap) Hermione is indeed going to have to try and take that step to make herself better. Her depression is not only changing who she is as a person but is also pushing away Ron. Now, don't get me wrong, he loves her and would do anything for her. It's just that he doesn't understand how to deal with this Hermione.
She was once strong and capable and here she goes falling apart in front of his eyes. Our boy telling her that the wedding was off unless she stayed out of the investigation was merely a defense mechanism in that he is stymied at how to make her better. It will be a bumpy road towards her recovery. Just know that I love them together and not apart.
Oh and yes that Cormac is a complete scumbag dear. I hate him with all my heart and so will take out that hatred in this story. *laughs* When JKR introduced his pompous character in HBP, I couldn't stand him from the get-go!!!
I hope you like the next chapter. I adore your long reviews to pieces. If you know anything that will cure a bad cold fast, let me know as I'm dying here!!!
*BIG SMOOCHES and HUGE HUGS*
XXX,
missgranger2
This story is a favourite of mine, but I haven't read or reviewed for a while, so it was nice to catch up! Sit down and get a cup of tea - I have a few words to say....
I'm glad to see Hermione got off reasonably lightly - she could have been raped or murdered. However I doubt she'll see it that way. It'd be great if this near-miss is what makes her start to grow a spine, but I'm worried she'll become worse. If Ron being in danger started it off, her near-death, followed by Ron being in even more danger could finish her. I hope her therapy has had some real effect - she'll need it.
The whole Charlie sub-plot was a little squalid. I don't care how much he apologises, he comes across as a disloyal brother. Shame, I usually love Charlie! Usually he comes across an agressive free spirit - not at all the sort of character who would fancy, or indeed attract the rather close-minded Hermione - remember, Dumbledore actually based his plans on that aspect of her. She's keen on the rights of magical creatures, but she hates flying and doesn't actually like dealing with dangerous creatures close up - remember the dragon in Deathly Hallows? Their apparent mutual interest in creatures actually differs when inspected. She truly loves book learning, but rejects new unproven ideas, so would be cautious at best about his. Plus the current timid Hermione would be even less what he wants. That said, he probably has little idea of her full character and problems. Still, I'm sure you have your reasons for weakening the sibling bond - even as the matter becomes history, the lack of trust will realistically remain. If George hadn't been there, what would he have tried? I totally agree with George's take on it!
Shame Hermione couldn't put the blame with the jerk Charlie, where it belongs, but took it on herself. I lost patience with her some time back, I'm afraid, but your Ron is 100% gorgeous! I was impressed with his maturity with Charlie, though he started to crack as the chapter went on - perhaps not a suprise. I was suprised he broke down in public, I'd have thought that he'd wait until he was alone with Harry, but he had good reason. Ron's been great throughout - but he's going to need to regain more control if he's to defeat these b*stards.
Talking of Harry, it's brilliant that he's going to be a father. Don't think, however, that I didn't notice the whole 'Ginny mustn't be put under any pressure' motif you threaded through that conversation! Hopefully her good friend/sister being beaten up followed by whatever you've got in store for her husband and brother won't bother her too much. Yes I'm being sarcastic, but you are very cruel to us! If she doesn't even fancy Mrs Weasley's fussing, how she'll handle the next few chapters of shocks and danger is for you to know and us to find out...
I really enjoyed the past few chapters and look forward to finding out where the story goes next. Can you estimate roughly how many more chapters there'll be?
Hello Dearest! *hugs*
I was so surprised (and pleased) to see that you had left a review. I hope you are well. And now to your comments...
Hermione being attacked by Emeril will shake up a lot of things. First and foremost, it will be the catalyst for Ron and Harry to to make it their priority to bring Scabior down. Aurors were killed and Hermione was attacked and so they now know that time is of the essence. For Hermione, look for her therapy to have been helpful in her dealing with the attack. (I just had to tell you that because I adore you.) The rest of the story is going to be a lot of action, drama and angst. It's heading toward the end-which I want to finish at chapter 35. (>:
Charlie being attracted to Hermione sort of just came to me. I actually love the character of Charlie very much. Hermione's passion is to fight for the rights of magical creatures, while Charlie works with dragons and seems to enjoy what he does. I just sort of went with it, but I also wanted to show that Ron had matured. (I was pleased that you got it!!!) The pictures of Hermione set him off. I love a protective Ron and couldn't help myself. As for him breaking down because he's worried about our girl, I just wanted to show how all the anger, sorrow and stress of the situation had finally gotten to him. He also feels guilty and worried. I decided to have George be there for him as I think he needed the comfort right now. *sobs*
*giggles* I am not going to have Ginny lose the baby. Oh how I laughed when I read your comments about Ginny. *wipes eyes* She'll be okay as she is safe and sound at the Weasleys. (I promise)
You are such a lovely person and I thank you so much for all your support. This story has been so fun to write and I have mixed feelings about it getting towards the end. I truly hope you'll like the next chapter and thanks for sticking by me as it means so much to me! *hugs*
Much love,
Tammy (>:
John (who I don't like) is a muggle? Is he resentful of their drifting apart? I presume he and Hermione must have been on the brink of marriage at some point. I mean it's against Wizarding Law to reveal that sort of information - so she must have seen him as a potential life partner. Hermione of all people wouldn't be so indiscreet unless she was truly in love, so why does she now prefer Ron?What happened?
Unless of course it wasn't that serious, and she told John because he needs to know about her in order to fulfil his (or should I say your!) dastardly plan. If you keep on updating, then I won't keep asking these questions......
Much as I dislike seeing Ron being manhandled by all and sundry, Hermione is obviously in no position to do anything about it until she deals with John's presence in her life. I just hope that she doesn’t see his involvement with Diane as a reason to give in more to John. She should fight against his manipulation, even if Ron fell into a volcano never to be seen again. (Nooooo!) Obviously she's going through a lot at the moment, but the minute she comes to terms with her situation she MUST turn to her instincts. I think her lifelong dependence on logic, meant she wanted proof that John was BAD NEWS instead of throwing him out on his ear, because something didn’t feel right. Splitting up and staying friends is nice but not an obligation. Now, it's gone well beyond that, and she’ll have trouble fighting against his influence on her. That said, at 16 she scarred a girl for daring to betray Dumbledore’s army to protect her mother. If anyone has the inner strength, she does.
Also, Ron - you're a free healthy person. You don't have Hermione's issues. When a girl starts talking about moving in together, she's serious, or can't afford the rent on her own. You can guess which applies in this case. Hermione isn't the point. You're not that interested in Di-dee-do (heh!), but she is in you, or thinks she is. You should end it. However, Ginny obviously wants the grant more than anything. Maybe, you could just stall until the grant is a done thing. That would be mean, but someone as spoilt and insensitive to her boyfriend's lack of interest would probably soon get bored with him anyway. (It didn't work with Lavender, but HER feelings were more genuine. I think.)
I can't wait to see what will happen. Will Ron do the right thing as soon as the cheque’s cleared? Or let it drag on and on? We all know that John is EVIL, so will Hermione be able to turn to Harry or Ginny. Or Ron? Just because Ron has a girlfriend, and Ginny wants him to be with her, for a while at least, doesn't mean they wouldn't want to help her. Hermione has to get rid of the abuser first, and then worry about her romantic life later!
I’m often wary of reading works in progress, not all writers are as conscientious as you, so thanks for updating this on such a regular basis.