What a wonderful story! You handled the attempted rape sensitively as well as the residual feelings and doubts. You kept Draco in character as he continued to be a prat at times but you allowed me to know the reasons behind some of his behaviour. Very well done!
Author's Response: I'm thrilled you liked the story so much. Thank you for such a wonderful review.
oi! i loved it! it was soooo goood!
Author's Response: Thank you kianna2020. You're very kind to tell me you liked it.
That was a wonderful story. I've read much of your work on Ashwinder and am so glad to have found this here. Thanks! You're a master!
Author's Response: You are so very kind, swtcaro. Thank you so much for your lovely compliment. It's really brought a smile to my face.
I really like this story alot. Can you please write some more chapters? Or can you write a sequel to this story please?
Author's Response: I might write a companion piece about Snape coming to dinner one of these days. Thank you for the review.
I really liked this for many reasons. First, after too many sickening non-cons where rape is used as a prelude to romance, it was refreshing to read a story that is realistic about rape and it's aftermath--one that doesn't have Hermione happily forgiving and living ever after with her rapist. Besides, DM/HG this may be, but it has a superb Snape as friend which you rarely see, and I love his machinations on Hermione and Draco's behalf. Finally, I like how you play with an against Rowling's stereotypes. Slytherin heroes with a Hufflepuff villain of all things--though if you're going to pick one, certainly Zacharias is a good one to pick. Another good one from you.
Author's Response: I wasn't sure you'd read this one, but I'm delighted you have. I always like learning what you think about a story. This was the first D/Hr I wrote, and I was spurred to do so by the enormity of 'rape as foreplay' types of stories then popular in this ship. I tried to tell an engaging, entertaining story from a soap box... and I think I was lucky enough to make it work. I love my Snape in this piece... it was one of my favorite parts of the story to write. I think he can be fiercely loyal and protective... well... obviously. But I did so love writing him that way.
You should have seen me scouring the books for Zacharias' name. I remembered him, but not his name! Thank you so much for taking the time to read it.
OMG!!! That was awesome. How did you come up with all the ideas for this story. Its a fantastic M/H fan fiction for sure!
Author's Response: Thank you, first of all. I appreciate your taking the time to let me know what you thought of the story.
As far as the idea, I was inspired to write it as a response to all the stories which use rape as courtship. I've only seen it written believably once, and I wanted to write something which shows that sexual abuse is a horrible experience. This story is what happened from that impulse. It makes me very happy to know you liked it.
loved it. one of the best ive ever read, actually
Author's Response: What a wonderful compliment, Cho. Thank you.
Aww I loved that! It was so well written, I couldn't stop reading! I loved how complex and thourough the characters personalities came across. It was very very good!
Author's Response: Thank you very much for both taking the time to let me know you enjoyed it, and the lovely compliment. I really appreciate it.
Heart wrenching and beautiful! It actually makes me want to cry. I think this genre is entirely too unexplored. Love can cross more boundaries than people seem to think.
Author's Response: That you were moved by the story is a wonderful compliment, and I can't express how much your kind words mean to me.
Oh this ended so sweetly! I loved it :)
Author's Response: Thank you so much. I'm really glad that you liked it, and were kind enough to tell me.
freaking awesome!
Author's Response: ::blushes:: Thank you very much.
First off I would like to say that this was phenomenal, no matter what the genre. I've been quite sick lately and this fic really cheered me up. I'm sure you get this alot, but I would love more than anything to see a continuation of this story, with the plot and the porn. :). As an author I know how it is to have to write more to a story once youve finished it, but it would be well appreciated. Keep me updated.....I'll be reading.
Author's Response: I'm sorry to hear that you've been ill, and hope you're well soon. Selfishly, I'm rather delighted that you read my story as a result... and liked it. Thank you.
I rarely succumb to the pressure to write 'more' when I think a story arc has been told, however, in this case, there's a distinct possibility that I'll write something of a one-shot epilogue. I've even got the title in mind, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" It won't be for a few months however... I've got a huge project in RL which is taking most of my time, but I'm so happy to think there's someone who will want to read it when I get it done.
i loved this story! youre a terrific writer- never a dull moment!! one thing i might ask for is...more more more!!!
Author's Response: Thank you, Lovage, thank you. I'm delighted that you enjoyed it enough to want more. At some point, I'll probably write a companion one-shot to this entitled 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?' Until then, I'm tweaking my 'Paladins.' Thank you again.
Incredibly well done. You are incredibly talented, and I was quite pleased at the extensive vocabulary you've seen fit to include in this. The descriptions are exquisite, and as far as the sex goes, that's one of the most intense scenes I have ever read. The story has incredible emotional depth to it - bravo. My hat is off to you. This is truly a work of art.
Author's Response: ::blushes:: Thank you, thank you, for your wonderful accolades. I'm so happy that you thought the emotional connection enhanced the story, even the erotica at the end. And, I thank you for the compliment about the vocabulary. I honestly like words. They're so versatile.
You've made my morning -- I'm about to lock myself in a room with a 3/4" inch tape deck and write transitional narrative for a documentary... for the next three or four days! Your comments will sustain me until I get a chance to work on something I want to write!
I'll continue to read, but I just have to let you know that this story is wonderfully evocative. The emotions you stir in readers by being quite merciless to Hermione are powerful. And the banter between Harry and Ron, and Severus' disposition ("is there anything you require?" - oh, I laughed so hard!) ... it's all perfect. Draco, especially, has just been wonderfully evolved over the course of three chapters! Incredibly well done thus far, and now I'm going to go read the rest of it (hopefully, it's almost midnight and I'm tired!)
Author's Response: Thank you very, very much, lady rhian. I was driven to write this story after reading yet another 'Hermione falls in love with her rapist' story. I didn't want to delve too deeply into the long-term trauma the events often have, but I thought it would be an intriguing backdrop to show Draco against. I'm thrilled that you thought Severus was great, and enjoyed the banter between our Dream Team. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest.
I was captivated by this entire story! I truly am a new fan of yours, Bambu!! Thank you so much for the wonderful stories. I will keep reading and posting as long as you're writing. :-)
Author's Response: You're most welcome, Mashell. I'm rather fond of this story, even if it's woefully AU after HBP. It's really wonderful to find others who like it well enough to leave a review. Thank you very much.
Read this fic a while ago. It's got a nice plot, and a very yummy Draco. :p Loved it very much. Thought I'd review.
Author's Response: This was my first attempt at writing Draco beyond being a 'prop' in another ship's story, so your compliment means a lot. I appreciate that you took the time to tell me you enjoyed it. Thank you very much.
Bambu...I am just speechless. Again you've managed to keep me pining on every word. How my heart ached with both Hermione and Draco! Would they...wouldn't they...did he...did she?! I'm so sad it's over, but it's printed out for me to read over and over and over and over. I've sent it on to my faithful fanfic friend who loves these two as much as I do! *sighs* Bravisimo! On to your other stories....
Author's Response: Well, thank you so much, little secret. I'm delighted that you were so captivated by the story. I've another, longer story which needs a polish before I post it, but I'll be doing that in the next month. I hope you like it equally. I'm truly honored that you like it enough to share with a friend. Thank you very much for your wonderful praise.
This story was fabulous. I can't wait to read the rest of what you've written. I wished you had continued it, it's my favorite kind of Draco/Hermione stories. Ah well.
Author's Response: Sorry that it's not longer, sayyida. This was just where the story arc ended in my mind. I do have the idea for a one-shot sequel in this universe though. It's even got a title, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner." Thank you very much for leaving me a review. I really appreciate it.
Simply put.......I LOVE THIS STORY! You are a GENIUS!
Author's Response: You are very kind. Thank you so much for the glowing praise.
Yet another wonderful chapter. I know this is HG/DM, but yay, I love Sevvie! Even when he's just a friend. =)
Author's Response: I'm rather fond of the Potions master as well. I found myself liking him tremendously in this story... and had to be careful not to make him too appealing lest my audience say, "Forget Draco, give Hermione to Snape!"
I'm tickled that you're enjoying it.
Although I'm almost religiously a HG/SS shipper, sometimes it's nice to read something outside of that realm, and I'm glad to have found this story. It's great to see that Snape a decent, caring person, even if not in a romantic way. Loved your "Guard..Check..Mate", btw. =)
Author's Response: It's so nice to think that I enticed you beyond your normal comfort zone, and that you enjoyed it to boot. I think Snape is a rather endearing curmudgeon with sharp edges overall (even after HBP.)
Thank you for the double compliment. I appreciate them both!
There I've finished your story and enjoyed every single chapter. You pulled me right into the story and as I said before, I'm so glad that I happened upon it. I usually delete a story from my favourites after I've completed it but I know I'll be making an exception here and keeping it so I can re-read it in the future.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I'm looking forward to reading other stories penned by you.
Author's Response: What a wonderful compliment, Firewall. I appreciate that you've given me comments along the way (even though this is a finished work,) and I'm delighted to think you might give something else I've written a chance. That is praise indeed. Thank you very much.
I loved seeing the romanitic side of Draco and the care and tenderness he showed Hermione on the broom ride was echoed nicely in their love scene. Very touching.
Author's Response: Thanks, Firewall. I think with most people, once you get past the exterior, there's a softer side. I'm very glad you liked it.
Ah the chapters I read tonight didn't disappoint. You have an innate ability to express character so beautifully. I'm looking forward to reading the final two chapters tomorrow. If I didn't have to work tomorrow morning I'd be tempted to stay up and finish them tonight.
Author's Response: This is a lovely compliment, Firewall. I'm so glad to think I kept you interested enough to think about staying up too late. I hope you enjoy them when you get to them, and thank you for the lovely compliment.