I'm amazed that you've pulled off D/A and fluff in the same piece, but it's oddly comforting to know that even amidst the darkest of times and the rudest of elements, one can find peace at the eye of the storm.

To call this paranoia was an understatement.

I guess it isn't paranoia when they really are out to get you.

I always felt bad for Draco, because even though he always had the best of everything, all of it meant nothing while his family was still under Voldemort's thumb. That very fact has always soured me to Lucius, because it's basically his fault that it happened.

Stylistically, I appreciate the attention to details, from the hostility of the storm to the creaking of the floorboards, because this imagery served a larger purpose in it's metaphoric parallel meanings to the battle that had just raged. It followed them, long after the fighting was over, relentless in its pursuit to claim its last two victims.

Okay, totally waxing philosophic here, but all in all, excellent piece, IMO. Great job, and your friend has gotten a precious gift for her (I'm assuming) birthday.

~Jess

Author's Response: Wow, that is quite the list of compliments. I am extremely flattered. I love that you picked up on how I juxtaposed the storm raging outside to the battle that took place beforehand and the metaphorical tempest that raged inside both Draco's and Ginny's minds. While Ginny's situation is undoubtedly heartbreaking (having lost most of her family), Draco's plight is equally horrible if not worse for after the battle is won or lost, he can never escape death.

If you would like to read longer D/G works of mine, I would suggest visiting here: http://www.dracoandginny.com/viewuser.php?uid=1856 There are tonnes of excellent D/G fics on this site if you are ever-so inclined. ^_~

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It made me smile and blush.

~Lia