Great update! Very intense! Love that we are seeing a new side of Draco.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like the new side of Draco. I think he'd gotten so screwed up by his family, their beliefs, and their loyalties to Voldemort that he didn't know how to handle it. He's 16 and growing up, and for the first time he's discovering his own beliefs, his own convictions, and noticing how they are growing farther apart from those of his family. Hermione is challenging everything Draco ever believed in and he's having his eyes opened for the first time. I always thought that Draco was a product of his environment and that, given the right set of circumstances, he'd find the goodness within him and let it out. Thanks for your wonderful words, hunny! Can't wait to hear what you think of the chapters to come!! Luv, Stef :)
This is great! You're building up Draco perfectly, not too slow, but not rushed either. I;m looking forward to finishing this fanfic. Very nice :]
Author's Response: Thank you so so much! I'm glad that Draco's transformation is coming through the way I intended. It has to be real, to be believable. That's why I spend a lot of time in Draco's head- it's important to understand his psychological process as Hermione basically turns his whole world upside down. I'm glad you're going to see this through to the end! Please let me know your thoughts on the next chapter! Luv, Stef :)
Wow the scene with Draco, Bellatrix and Hermione was intense. I am so glad that Draco decided to step in...but now what are they going to do without a wand?? Can't wait to see how they survive this situation...and if Hermione is rescued, I hope her bond with Draco is not forgotten. Considering I am a huge Ron/Hermione shipper, that is saying a lot! More please : )
Author's Response: I really appreciate, no HUGELY appreciate your praise as a Ron/Hermione shipper- that's high praise indeed! There is so much more coming in the story, but let's just say that somethings get worse and somethings get better. It's gonna be a bumpy ride for our couple, and I'm so glad you're taking the journey with them. Let me know your thoughts anytime, hunny! Thank you so much! Luv, Stef :)
awwsss, i started to cry twards the end :(
Author's Response: Oh my gosh, really? That makes me so sad and happy at the same time! A writer always wants to evoke strong emotions from her readers; you've made my wish come true. Please keep reading and reviewing- what you said here is VERY appreciated! I'm sorry you had to cry, though. I want to give you a hug.Luv, Stef :)
This chapter was great! It was so full of action, I wanted to keep it going. The end of the chapter was so sweet but so sad, I loved every bit of everything that happened. Bellatrix was very well written in her crazy torture and totally POed feeling after Draco Stupified her. I wander though, did she lock them in together, or will they be able to escape. And how will Snape play into all of this? Very well written!
Author's Response: Thank you so so much for giving me such wonderful encouragement, hunny! It's always nice to hear what you think! : ) You wanted the chapter to keep going- that is so fabulous and made me do a happy dance around my computer! You ask many excellent questions as to the fate of our young couple...they will all be answered soon. That being said, there's still a lot of story to go!! And we most certainly have not seen the last of Snape! Again, thank you so much!! Luv, Stef :)
Wow - that was an amazing and full chapter! I'm do glad that Draco finally stood up to Bellatrix! The description of the tortures she inflicted upon Hermione were so heart-breaking - in my eyes, Draco is most definitely redeeming himself for his earlier behaviour towards her. I only hope, now he has no wand, they manage to find a way out in time (perhaps with Snape's help - glad we're getting to see a bit of him by the way as one of my favourite Slytherins). Keep up the great work, Stef! This was a wonderfully powerful chapter.
Author's Response: Alice- thank you from the bottom of my heart; as I am a fan of your wonderful writing, your words are particularly special to me. This was an intense chapter to write, but I want to portray Draco breaking down systematically as he opens his eyes (hence the story title) to what his family truly is, and what he could become. Hermione is the catalyst of his transformation from bullying coward to selfless hero. His transformation comes at a great cost, though- which you will see in the next chapter(s). And Snape? Oh, we might just see more of him... ; ). Again, thank you SO much, sweetie!! Luv, Stef : )
Hey
I am a great fan of yours... so please update soon...!!! :)
Author's Response: Oh my goodness, thank you!!! Wow, I have a fan!! *does happy dance around room* That's a huge compliment and it means the world to me. It's lovely people like you that give me the fuel for my passion of writing! The next chapter's in the queue, so hopefully you'll see it soon. Oh, and since you were so sweet, I'll let you in on something I haven't told anyone else- *whispers quietly in your ear* there is a sequal to this story in the process of being written! It's a lot more romance between Draco and Hermione, and also danger and excitement and other good stuff. Please review the next chapter and tell me what you think- I really appreciate it. Thanks again!! Luv, Stef :)
I seem to have a liking for stories where Draco is involved. It makes things more dangerously exciting! A lot of torture. Poor Hermy, hard to read. But I liked it! Update soon Please.
Author's Response: I agree- Draco is dangerously sexy! In this fic, though, he's the scared 16-year old we know from the books. I think he's very vulnerable underneath that arrogant, snotty, bullying brat he shows to the world. I know, lots of torture- I don't know why my fic turned that corner, but the extremeness is necessary to the plot. I'm actually a very sunny, upbeat person! Torture ends in the next chapter, which is in the queue- hang in there!! Looking forward to your comments about the next one! Thanks so much! Luv, Stef :)
I knew he wasn't purely evil!! Thanks for showing that ;) keep on writing, waiting for the next chapter with excitement! :)
Author's Response: Me too! He's so not evil- he just grew up in a family that was horrible and learned to be horrible from them. I believe in showing that side of him, and I'm so glad you like it! Next chappy's in the queue! Please let me know what you think of it!! Luv, Stef :)
Great chapter - I love the description of how torn Draco's feeling. The fact that he healed her was lovely but I'm interested to see what more he'll do to redeem himself in her eyes after everything he's done to her. You still manage to make Draco a sympathetic character, however - in spite of the terrible things he's done. Keep up the great work!
Author's Response: Hey Alice! Thanks, sweetie, for your comments as always! I really wanted to get inside Draco's head and see how he doesn't understand his feelings for Hermione, and also knows that he really doesn't want to be a Death Eater like daddy. Even in the books (and films) you see him starting to pull away from all that- not killing Dumbledore, not revealing Harry's identity at Malfoy Manor, refusing the call the Dark Lord with his mark after he was told to. If I have kept Draco a sympathetic character, then I consider this story a success. Thanks again, hunny- keep reading and reviewing!! Luv, Stef :)
Hi
This chapter was just wonderful. So sweet and touching. I just loved every bit of it... The best part of this chapter was when Draco heals Hermione... Again that was so touching... Can't wait to see where you take this story.
~DipsFelton~
Author's Response: Oh thank you- I'm so glad you loved it!!! That makes me so happy- you've no idea!! :D I've said in other reviews that it was one of my favorite chaps to write. Draco's finding his sensitive side, when he isn't being forced by his family to act like an ass and do terrible things, especially now in his 6th year. There's a lot of action coming up- keep reading and reviewing. It makes my day! Luv, Stef :)
Wow, such a powerful chapter! He should've let her go and ran into hiding or something. lol What in the world is going to happen to the two of them when Bellatrix sees how Hermione is now?
Author's Response: Thank you- this was noe of my favorite chapters to write. :) Next chapter- the you-know-what is going to hit the proverbial fan. Draco letting Hermione go? Go into hiding? Hmmmm... ;) Thanks again for you review- it means an awful lot. Keep reading and reviewing!! Luv, Stef :)
AMAZING!
Author's Response: THANK YOU!!! Luv, Stef :)
I so hope Bellatrix doesn't notice that Hermione's healed. And if she does, maybe Draco can lie and say it was so they could torture her more. Poor Hermione. Poor Draco. I love this new plot twist. ^-^ Great job!
Author's Response: Thanks again for some more wonderful comments!! I really like that you give your opinion about the characters and what they're going through. For me, writing the part where Draco heals Hermione was one of the sweetest moments. It's his turning point, and he acts with a gentleness that he didn't even know he posessed. I hope you keep reading and reviewing- I love hearing what you have to say! Luv, Stef : )
Poor Hermione. Poor Hermione's parents. Poor everyone! This was a sad and cliffy chapter but totally necessary. I hope you'll update soon! :)
Author's Response: I know; my characters go through quite a lot of turmoil- but a crisis can change people for the better, so keep reading and see how that happens. I promise there's a lot of plot in the rest of the chapters- I'm queuing up the next chapter in a day or two. Thank you soooo much for your review! I take each one to heart. Please keep reading and reviewing!! Luv, Stef :)
awww!!! i am lovin' it... can't wait to read the next chapter:)
Author's Response: Thanks a lot! I'll keep the chapters coming!! Luv, Stef :)
I did not expect the story to go this way...I am loving it!! I was on the edge of my seat reading it. I can't wait to see how their relationship is going to develop!! The detail you put in your chapters is fantastic you really set the scene and you can feel the emotion from each character.
Author's Response: Oh my goodness, thank you hunny!! I really try to infuse every chapter with realism, concerning believable emotion and reactions from the characters. And I also want to take the reader right where the action is, so they can clearly visualize the scene. Thank you for letting me know that my efforts are paying off! Draco and Hermione's relationship builds very slowly, but I feel that this is necessary. There will be even more of their relationship in the sequal (currently in the works!). I am so curious as to where you thought the story might have gone...if you want to, email me at elfchick@msn.com and let me know what you thought! Thanks again for your lovely review- I really appreciate your comments! Luv, Stef :)
EEEE!!! I can't wait for the next one!! This is the best story i've read so far!! It's great. Absolutely wonderful,
Author's Response: Oh my gosh, thank you! That's a HUGE compliment, and I can't tell you how much it means to me!!!! I've loved writing this fic. Now I hope you (and everyone else) won't hate me, but the next chapter pulls away from D and H and goes back to her parents and the Ministry and the Order of the Phoenix. It's necessary, but it means you have to wait until the next chapter to get back to Malfoy Manor. Please don't kill me, and please keep reading and reviewing! It's like a shot in the arm of sunshine!!! Luv, Stef :)
This story is amazing!! I love it!!
Author's Response: Thank you so so much! More is on the way! Luv, Stef :)
I really like the fact that you kind of get to know Draco more, about his life outside school and I like the way you potrait him. I have always had a fascanation about him and the way you describe him and his agony about hte choices he make is almost exactly how I have been picturing him. Brilliant :D keep up the good work ;)
Author's Response: Oh, God, thank you! You have gotten EXACTLY the point of my whole story!!! I've always felt Draco was a sympathetic character, and I wanted to look under that veneer of arrogance and entitlement. Inside, I always thought he was overwhelmed by the pressure he was under just by being a Malfoy. Oh, please please keep reading and let me know what you think- I was thrilled to read your review because you got into the heart of the story. Thanks sooooo much! Luv, Stef:)
