Wow it feels like the good side has gone bad! I'm glad that Ginny saved Draco...I'm sure her friend Hermione will appreciate it : ) In your response to my last review you mentioned "book II". Does this mean there is going to be a sequel?? Please update soon...I am loving this story!

Author's Response: There is a sequal in the works! There's a lot of unfinished business from Book I- Lucius and the Death Eaters' hunt for Draco and Hermione, will Draco ever see his mother again, and other stuff I can't mention yet because I didn't post of the end of this story yet! The next chapter is the last one- I can't believe it. I'm pleased with it though, and it gives me the perfect springboard for Book II. I really appreciate that you've stuck with me through my story, and that you always post encouraging reviews- it means a great deal. Please let me know what you think of the final chapter! Luv, Stef :)

We've been waiting over 2 months for chapter 17; I hope you are near to posting it!!! Good storyline with much emotion that should not be handled tritely. I don't see a resolve between Ron and Draco, nor do I see a nicely wrapped package in a Ginny/Harry relationship unless Harry can come to terms with Hermione's choice in Draco. Please handle carefully!!!

Author's Response: You've officially scared the crap out of me- believe me, I know how carefully I must tread with these relationships! I agree- there is no resolution between Ron and Draco, nor is there between Harry and Ginny (at this point). Here's the reason for the delay. I have tried for 6 WEEKS to get Chapter 17 posted. It has inexplicably been kicked out of the queue no less than four times. At first, I thought it might be the language- I have a few drunk characters whose words I wrote very slurred- I thought perhaps the Beta program recognized it as incorrect spelling/grammar. I fixed that, and then I would try to format the chapter and some technical difficulty would only print half the chapter. I am BEYOND frustrated! It takes nearly 45 minutes to upload a chapter, because you have to insert encoding symbols throughout the body of the chapter to denote new paragraphs, italics, and the like. Then you have to wait at least a week to see if the chapter posts. Then you can check your account to see if the chapter still exists or if it's been kicked out. The most frustrating part is that you are never given a reason as to why your chapter has been removed. I am hoping to God that my most recent attempt will succeed. I appreciate so very much your willingness to stick with my story and offer such sound advice- advice I always take to heart. Pray with me that Chapter 17 finally sees the light of day!!!! Luv, Stef :)

Stef! This was another brilliant chapter - and, I think, a very important one in terms of allowing Draco and Hermione to move forward. Even though he saved her, I was still waiting for the fallout of his previous actions towards her - I couldn't believe they'd just pretend that never happened! The way you handled his confession to Dumbledore was brilliant and I can understand how the memories Moody saw would convince him. I can't wait to see his peers reactions, though - particularly Ron's! Well done, hun, as always :)

Author's Response: ALICE!!! Hey, sweetie! I love hearing from you. I'm so glad to hear your thoughts about this chapter- you commented on everything that I was trying to get across- I'm thrilled that it all translated so well. Oh, I'm loving "The Runaway"! Keep up the great work! Wait until this next chapter posts- you'll see his peers' reactions, all right- especially Ron's!! I've been trying to get the blasted Chapter through the queue for nearly two months now, and it keeps getting kicked out. GAH!! And I have no idea why. I hope to God that it posts this time- fingers crossed. When it does, tell me what you think- you know I always love hearing from you! Luv, Stef :)

I guess we could overlook that little error. *wink *wink :-)

I love how for each chapter you keep me guessing about how it will end up. I hope they get away without too bad of an issue

I really like the longer chapters. Keep up the excellent portrayal of both Hermione and Draco's emotions :-)

Fantastic bit of excitement in this chapter. :-)

Oh no! Great cliffie though, Cannot wait to see what happens!

Thanks for sharing your story with us! So far very entertaining.

Interesting chapter. I look forward to seeing more of Draco and his interactions with his "friends" LOL