I have to say that this is a fantastic story (even if I could truly wait forever before seeing one more chapter of anything that includes Molly Weasley screeching--geez).  Very noir, very poignant.  Without meaning to presume too much, I'm thinking we're headed eventually toward that piece of Ron that Hermione took against his will being the life raft that saves him?  Because you've made it so sadly clear that he's pretty much lost, doesn't even believe himself redeemable.  Even Harry's well aware Ron's about out of time (though Harry's life isn't all that much better).  So being tricked into coming in out of the cold, in spite of the pain and "betrayal" that necessarily had to include, is the only way Ron could be saved.  Amazing stuff.

And, omg, other than the noirishness, what IS it with the cigarettes??  Bleak.  But a good trick to let giving them up for the children, lead to Harry's finding out about Phillip.  

Dying to see whether we see more Death Eater activity--surely?  Logically, since Hermione has something so important.  And will give Ron the opportunity to be her knight for real, again : )  Presume, presume.  Though why is it that there's no protection on her flat but a locked door, no magical wards?   That, and the mere fact of their having let sex in their seventh year drive them apart, are the only unbelievable points for me.  There is a little repetitiousness in places (if crushed breasts against his chest work once, use them again?).  But a really good story, in general.  Thanks.

Deliriously happy to see this update, and a magnificent chapter it is.  Emotional and wrenching start to finish.  Don't do it, Ron, don't make yourself a target.  Though, Secret Keeper or not, Hermione clearly thinks she'll still be vulnerable, too--because of the flaw in the protection spell, and what are the "repercussions"?  That she's now planning to use to protect Ron?  And their love for one another.  Oh, my.  They're both freaking me out; it's like watching some life-or-death "Gift of the Magi," as they vie to die saving the other.  Except that Ron's tipped his hand, & Hermione really hasn't.  Though it actually seemed a little strange that he wasn't more on his guard when she so abruptly changed & so urgently wanted him to propose.  I couldn't *quite* make out whether Ron was refusing to propose again out of stubbornness, or because he'd really thought better of it--but adored every minute of it all.  Desperately hoping the story title proves true.  Thanks for an amazing tale.

Okay, I have to say that this story, overall, is really unbearably tragic for Ron and Hermione.  I realize that it's intended to be dark, and I'm not saying it's not well written, but the unrelieved sadness for them makes me wonder why I wasted the time reading it all.  Trying for some Romeo and Juliet effect?  Why bother creating "Fire and Ice," let alone the "Lovely" outtake, if in the end you intended to just leave them with nothing but pain--as if you hadn't already put them through pretty much only that?  Bleah.

Rereading this wonderful story makes me sad all over again that it was not completed.

Aw.  Such a perfect, sweet, plausible moment.  Thanks!

Author's Response: haha. Ron is so precious to me, even when he's being a perv. :P

Yeah, I've read this one several times, now, so should say that I love, love, love it.  Everyone so in character, so dear.  Oh, and sexy, too.

Author's Response: Oh, that's simply awesome! I'm so glad you gave it your time and really appreciate getting a comment from you. Thank you! :D

Since I keep reading this over & over ever since it appeared, I should really tell you how lovely it is--how right and natural and true.  It's so obvious that there was going to be shock and PTSD for them and many others.  I love all your details (Hermione casting the usual protective spells), and their finding goodness and life, and by extension defiance of death, in each other is beautiful.

Author's Response: Thank you.  I put a good deal of effort and thought into it, and I am so glad that you appreciate what I was trying to convey :)

What an excellent story! So thoughtful AND well-done, and all the different references in and out of the wizarding world (but especially Nazi Germany and the Stasi, of course) so resonant.  And--as an outsider American--so very English in tone, as it ought to be.

Author's Response: Very kind of you to say so! JKR does make some fairly explicit references to Nazi ideology in DH, and I thought it worth taking a stage furhter.