Wow. Somehow, somehow, you created a heartbreaking, beautiful story out of a pairing that (in my opinion anyway) were impossible. You've written this in such a way that makes me wish it was what happened, because they are so perfect together. I've never been a fan of anything AU/non-canon, but I'm retracting that after reading this! I cried when Hermione came back, and I love how you managed to bring them together again, it was really quite remarkable. Amazing!!
“It’s our rule not to dredge up past things, remember?”
This rule is about to be broken.~Inspired by a worldwide beloved film.
I just discovered this today, and despite being initially sceptical, I have to admit that I was drawn in enough to read all twenty-nine chapters this afternoon! I love how you've interlaced Draco and Hermione's teenage affair into the main plot, and the complexity of their new relationship, each afraid to go too far, is so human it's amazing. I can't wait for an update, I'm dying to know more about what happened to bring them together and drive them apart...
Fenella x
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Fenella! Glad you gave this a chance despite your initial scepticism. Will update soon.
After re-reading this, again, I'm reminded of why I loved it so much in the first place.
As a rather die-hard Remus lover, I think you've captured him perfectly. In fact so perfectly that it makes me cry. I've always struggled with the fact that after that awful night he lost the only people he'd ever loved and who had loved him back, and I think that's an issue you've conveyed heartbreakingly well.
I really can't think of anything else to say other than that it is truly perfect. Heartbreaking, human, plausible, and most of all I just want to scream at Remus (and Tonks to an extent) to damn well get on with it. But that just adds to the magnificence (is that a word? I'm not sure... it is now) of your storytelling abilities.
I really would love you to update this, purely because well just like Andromeda said, it makes my heart sing :)
(apologies for the cheesiness there!)
Fenella x
Author's Response: Ah, Fenella, so sorry I haven't replied before now. I feel guilty when I get reviews for stories I haven't updated for a while, so I hide in a corner until the shame gets to me - hee hee. So glad you like the story and I will try to update the story soon. ~Carole~
Love love love! Please update soon! Another brilliantly written fic from you, you have this amazing ability to really draw readers into your story, love it!
Author's Response: Thank you very much. yes, I should write and complete this as I know the story and have it mapped out somewhere. OOOPs. Thanks for reviewing. ~Carole~
I've just discovered this, and have spent the past couple of hours reading it from the beginning. I LOVE IT! Your plot is full of twists and turns, and keeps you guessing what on earth is going to happen next. I also think your characterisation is really good, all the canon characters are exactly how I'd imagine them to be, especially James and Sirius' camaraderie. Lily is lovely, just the right amount of 'goody two shoes', but still with a sense of humour and her caring nature.
I think Lily's dynamic with her muggle friends is fascinating, though one thing that bugged me was why were they only wondering NOW, after five/six years, what boarding school she's at? Wouldn't they have enquired before?
I'm fascinated as to what will happen next, though I have a few suspicions!
All in all, I hope you'll be posting a new chapter soon!
Author's Response: Wow, you got all the way through? That's awesome! Thank you so much for the kind words :) And yes... I would assume that Lily's friends should have been more curious about her schooling, but that's my bad. Anyway, it's always lovely to get a new reader! Hopefully, the next update wont take too long! Thanks for reading and reviewing, it's very much appreciated :)
After reading Footprints in the Sand earlier today, I felt I ought to come back and refresh myself on the events of this.
I love the intricacy of your characterisation of Oliver, how you've gone so in depth into his insecurities without diverting from the Oliver we knew in canon. For me, the abuse was handled perfectly, without being too glazed over or becoming cliched.
The ending really hit me emotionally, as they discussed reuniting after Hogwarts, when we know that would never be able to happen. Incredibly powerful, and I liked how you didn't actually mention his death, just left it open ended, as we know what happens.
Wow. Really wow. I saw in Gmariam's review that you're working on a sequel, was that Footprints in the Sand or is it something else? I'd love to see Oliver post-Cedric and post-war if so!
Fenella x
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm working on a sequel to this but from Cedric's POV, but I'm stuck because I can't bear the fact that he's going to dieeeeeeee! Uh, basically, I have about 13k of it written but I want to finish it before I start posting. I did write another story called Misperceptions which focuses on Oliver and is compliant with my canon for him. It's set quite a few years later, though.
Glad you enjoyed this. It was the first SSP I ever wrote and I'm still astonished at the reaction it received and still receives. Cheers, Fenella. ~Carole~
All I can think to say is that I am sat here in tears, this broke my heart...
This made me cry, not only because it was really well written, but because it incorporated my all-time favourite silver lining quote, in a way which is so original! If I ever got a ring with that engraved in it I would be very, very happy! I also found Harry's drawing at the end very touching, because it brought the horrors of his childhood into perspective; he was lonely and abused... all in all very emotional!
On a stormy October evening, a letter, a late night trip to the library and a secret conversation lead Lily Evans to discover that there are several mysteries in her life that only she has the capability and the inclination to solve. The first mystery is James Potter – what could turn him from the arrogant, could-care-less boy that she had previously known to someone withdrawn and far away? Then, perhaps more troubling, there is Esther Collins, the fifth year who has vanished without a trace. Furthermore, one of Lily’s best friends, Izza, is seeing a mystery boy and Lily is determined to know who.
Then there is the threat of war, backstabbing friends and NEWT’s. A disinherited and emotionally battered Sirius Black is the source of heartache for his friends, except perhaps Izza, who, with her own terrifying family, might just understand him. Lily’s closest male friend, Remus Lupin, is hiding a dangerous secret from her. Peter’s girlfriend is screwing him over, and the whole time Lily is struggling to stop the people she loves from coming apart at the seams.
I've just read the entirety of this in one sitting, and I'm in love.
I've read most of your other stuff, so when I saw you'd posted a new chapter of this I went to read it, and promptly realised I'd never in fact read this, which obviously needed to be remedied!
I love Izza as a character. She's so broken as a person which makes her so real and human, and nothing she ever does surprises me (that's a good thing!), what I'm trying to say is that her actions are relatable and you've created this character that I can completely empathise with, which is rare for an OC.
Honestly it feels like blasphemy to even call her an OC, as she feels like canon to me now.
I like how you haven't focused this entirely on James and Lily, and have instead chosen to tell the story of their friends and their last year at Hogwarts. I particularly like the way you regularly change POV, it really makes it seem like we are getting to know each of the characters.
In terms of plot, I'm really intrigued to see where this is leading as for once I have absolutely no idea (that's a good thing!), and Izza's sleep talking has only perplexed me further!
The fractured relationship between Sirius and Izza is so human it makes me tearful, they're so perfect for each other and yet anything and everything gets in their way. I think it's interesting how you had it be Rosier who pointed out the obvious sexual tension between them, not just because someone had to say it but also because he does represent the 'enemy' and it's interesting that he can see what is perhaps their one weakness when they could not.
The complex web of relationships you've created within the eight Gryffindors is fascinating, and I can't wait to see how that is resolved.
This has been very long and rambling, but to conclude I adore your storytelling ability and the characterisation within this, and hope you'll update soon to put me out of my misery.
Fenella
Having just re-read this, I only just picked up on the significance of Verity's name. I assume you're a Doctor Who fan...
Author's Response: That's a very safe assumption. :-D
I didn't mean for this to happen. Really. My plan was to get through sixth-year without doing any more damage to myself. I've already wrecked so many good things in my life. I thought I was done with my self-destruction.
Apparently, I'm not. Because falling in love with Albus was not part of my plan.
I didn't expect to like this to be honest, but I'm writing this because so far it has been truly amazing! The characterisation of Maddy is seriously impressive, unlike some OCs she has depth and you can truly empathise with her, and the concept of losing someone you thought was your best friend is something I can unfortunately identify with. I also find the characterisation of Rose to be PERFECT! She is exactly how I imagine her to be, intelligent and astute like Hermione but with a slight edge to her... I guess what I'm trying to say is I hope you'll be posting more chapters soon, I'm not sure how long I can cope!
Author's Response: Wow, thankyou! I'm glad you're enjoying it. And I'm pleased that you approve of the characterisation - this story sort of depends on that being perfect, otherwise it wouldn't work at all.
Not going to lie, an update may be a while away, but I promise you I will get to it as soon as I can! Thanks for your review!
Another review from me after re-reading this for the millionth time, I love it so much!
I need Maddy and Al back in my life :( Please update soon! Pretty please?!
Fenella x
I love this, it's a touching sentiment to the life of someone who died before he ever got to live.
Plus I can really identify with Fenella (not least because she shares my name, something I was astonished by when I first stumbled across her in Grave Days!), but because she's loyal and brave and willing to defy everything for him. She reminds me a lot of Andromeda actually. I love your writing, it flows perfectly, you have this eloquent way of expressing yourself, so that's it's intricately detailed yet concise at the same time, :)
Author's Response: Thanks for the review.
This story was spun from the background notes I'd made for Fenella when writing Grave Days. I wanted a rare forename for her, the alternative was Clarissa, but that name seemed a bit to self-assured (it's probably just me). I'm very fond of Fenella and she will continue to appear in my other stories. She'll be in both Strangers at Drakeshaugh and Hunters and Prey soon.-N-
Somehow you have managed to make a harrowing, emotive story into one which conveys it in a manner which allows for humour, and is ultimately perfect. The issues of closure for Hermione are dealt with perfectly, and her characterisation is dead on, (though she's a little more daring than in the books, which trust me is no bad thing!), though I guess that daring could be seen as a front for her anxiety regarding the Manor. Long story short, I love this, it's both heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time, and deals with the issues in a lighthearted way which makes it much more accessible. Well done!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review.
Hermione has always had strength in a crisis, but she’s usually been dragged into that crisis by the boys. This is a more mature Hermione, an engaged woman in her early twenties who has been in a stable(ish) relationship for years, and is doing the job she’s always wanted to do. Ron’s encouragement is enough to make her daring (I think it always has been). I did worry about the mix of angst, recollections of torture, and slapstick. But, I didn’t want this to be unremittingly grim.-N-
In her seventh year, Katie Bell knew what it was like to fear death. A year later, she learnt what it was like to see it in front of her. Nothing she had ever experienced had prepared her to deal with the aftermath of that. And then he came.
Caught in a whirlwind of Quidditch, heartbreak, and a rivalry, Katie struggled with her jumbled mess of feelings, one of which she hadn't expected but was growing certain that she could never live without.
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Katie/Oliver
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Oh my freaking Salazar! This story WON TWO 2011 Quicksilver Quill Awards: Best Post-Hogwarts Story and Best Non-Canon Romance Story. *flail*
This (late) update was brought to you by the (belated) birthday of the ever-lovely Hannah / h_vic. She is a star and an excellent friend!
Katie is so real. She's so human and flawed, and she makes me want to scream at her! Plus I think I'm a little bit in love with Oliver... I guess what I'm trying to say is please update, I'm begging you, because I'm dying to know what will happen between them, and I've re-read this so many times, and each time get to the final chapter and nearly cry of frustration! You're an amazing writer, your characterisation is perfect and it flows perfectly.
Author's Response:
I suppose I don't know what to say other than thank you so much for your readership, loyalty, and support of this story. I really love this fic a lot and wish I had enough hours in the day to write this and only this. What I'm trying to do is polish off the small handful of stories which only have one or two chapters left on my author page and then focus solely on this one - no new projects or other WIPs. This story, which started off as a one shot gone awry, is my baby, and it floored me that it won two QSQs. I hope to live up to that marker and to give you, as well as the other readers, the story you deserve.
I think I fell for Oliver in this fic, as well. I credit Equinox Chick/Carole and her story Drowning, Not Waving for introducing me to him as a fascinating character worth exploration, as well as h_vic/Hannah for making Katie/Oliver my OTP.
Thanks for the visit and the little reminder that I adore this story to bits and really want to get back to it.
~Jess
You updated! This genuinely just made my day!
Oooh I loved this chapter, though I have to admit I wasn't too happy with the kind of relationship-hiatus they're going on, though it probably is for the best :(
Oliver wouldn't have killed him, would he? No. Of course not... but what if he did?! Please Oliver don't have killed him. Please Oliver don't have killed him. Please Oliver don't have killed him. Please Oliver don't have killed him.
I love Katie/Oliver and hope we'll be getting another update soon! Yay!
Fenella xx
Author's Response:
I would like to say I have a good excuse for not updating forever, but really, they're all just garden variety excuses. I just fancied popping open the document a few weeks ago, had to read the entire thing all over because I'd forgotten half of my head canon, and then just started clicking away. A majority of the update was written in like...two days, but the murder took some doing. It's not easy killing people.
I actually had no idea you were one of my readers. I've got stray IMs and PMs and emails over the past six months or so, begging me to keep going with the story, which shocked me, to say the least. Modding duties like to suck away one's free time like a chubby little dementor, ya know? Anyway, it was great to get this story rolling again, and great to hear from you. :)
~Jess
I'll admit that whilst I've always been somewhat sympathetic towards Draco and what he went through, I never really forgave him for his actions.
Until I read this! Draco's personality and anxieties are perfectly in character yet still reveal aspects of him that were never completely revealed in the books, and for me this perfectly complements what we know of Draco with the redemption he (and his family) deserves. I thought the Hermione aspect worked beautifully, allowing him to atone, but also to show that he is capable of love, and the fact he stepped up and treated Hermione like a perfect gentleman and with more care than anyone could have expected was deeply moving.
I liked Astoria's inclusion, as it brought her into the plot seamlessly and fitted in with him realising he couldn't blame himself forever. Particularly, the line 'This was a mere flicker of interest in someone other than himself' was interesting, as it not only fits in with Astoria's role, but I personally felt it reflected how he still cannot quite let go of his past actions, so any previous interest in someone other than himself, such as Charity or Hermione, he doesn't register, because he still associates them with the darker side of himself.
Really, truly, touching. I'm now a Draco convert!
Fenella xx
Author's Response: Hi there, Fenella
Thank you for the review. You know, I never liked Draco at all until I read a story by Sainyn Swiftfoot called Deception, Disgrace, which made him redeemable. He's still horrible. He was truly vile to hermione and can't justify a lot of his actions, but Harry recognised he couldn;t kill and that counts for a lot.
I probably waste far too much time writing Draco, but he's rather addictive. EVIL FERRET!
Thank you very very much for reviewing. ~Carole~
It began with enemies
and ended with the best of friends.A tale of friendship told in two parts, starring Persephone Andreou and Valiant Bloodmoon
I really enjoyed this, it was lighthearted and fun :)
However one thing that bugged me was the sheer amount of first year Slytherin girls - about ten were mentioned, surely this is disproportionate to approximately how many pupils houses such as Gryffindor had? For instance there were first year male Gryffindors.
Other than that though I really enjoyed this, and I liked the Greek references.
I love this! I love the dynamic you've established between Bobbie, Lavender and Susan, and I'm 99.9% certain I know who the killer is (smug smile!).
Author's Response: Thanks for the review. I've been establishing the Busan/Lavender relationship for a while, and it helps that I know how, when and why Bobbie meets the magical world. I'll submit the final chapter the moment one of the two stories I have in the queue is approved. -N-
Wow. This is brilliantly clever and heartbreaking, the loss of memory adds such depth to it, and I must say I came close to tears!
Author's Response: Thanks for the review. :)