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For the Galazy review
Eli,
The really deep introspection of Hermione was so well done here. It’s really powerful how you basically bring her (and us) through your whole story by recalling Ron and Hermione’s journey from the beginning.
You have Hermione turning away from the antidote as a pivotal moment for her - discarding what she had thought was important before and focusing on what she now knows is the most important thing. I love this section and the reunion that follows. “I’m ready to burn, Hermione…”
Wow - this was super freakin’ romantic. Eli, you really brought this slow burn home and then lit it up like a bonfire. There’s a sense of closure and happiness and completion and that all is right with the world. It’s such a moving, powerful resolution to an amazing story. Thank you for putting so much of yourself into this. The love shows. Just so good.
-Drew
For the Galazy review
Eli,
I like the recurring theme of finding space inside to ‘let some light in’. You had Ron do that in the last chapter and here you have Hermione do it. It seems a critical part of self-care for the both of them.
Harry freaking out on his wedding day is so…Harry. The back and forth between Hermione’s reasonable and Ron’s unreasonable suggestions was delightfully funny.
The wedding was beautiful. The descriptions and emotions that made up that whole scene were absolutely gorgeous. Ron’s still in his bittersweet phase by the end of the ceremony part - not able to be with Hermione, but not able to be without her either.
Oh, I’m so glad you’re taking Weasley WIzard Wheezes to the US. They are too good not to come visit us in the ‘states.
God, the scene with the Parting Glass - so emotional, so powerful. Wow, Eli - you really outdid yourself with that section. That song does it to me every time and you’ve really brought that out with the dialogue and actions and who sang which part. Bravo.
Arthur’s father-son talk was also really great. I love the advice that you have for him, his own challenges and his own views on love and life.
-Drew
For the Galazy review
Eli,
Having Hermione (of all people) be flustered with words is well done. You’ve painted the two of them struggling with this ‘whatever-it-is’ really nicely.
The bickering that comes between them seems a bit deeper here. This seems to have some deeper roots to it.
Hermione getting some elicit memory dust was an interesting twist. I think she’s hoping to make a cure, but like I mentioned in the last chapter there might be some benefit from them just living with this and going forward. The argument later in the chapter (while Ron is over for dinner) really throws a twist in as they start arguing about these two paths.
Having Hermione quitting because she kept ducking the quaffle is so…her.
“Your stove looks like you’re running a meth lab.” Very funny.
The protective potion was a very clever invention. It would have been absolutely necessary in order to get anywhere near that dust.
The confusion and angst that both of them are feeling is well-written. You’ve clearly laid out both sides of that story and really reinforced some difficult decisions and challenges that both of them face. Having the two of them decide to split at the end was really bittersweet.
-Drew
Hey Eli! I'm here with a galazy review :)
I'm not sure any review of mine will do this last chapter justice in all its poetic perfection. It's both dazzling and heartwarming and had me filled with a whole range of emotions as I read it. Hermione's realisation that the 'choices she made on instinct and faith were the ones that made life worth living', letting the heart rule the head. And Ron, so uncertain as to how to proceed but always knowing he wanted to focus on forward rather than behind. It's been an immense journey for both of them, having to find each other and fall in love with each other all over again.
The epilogue part of this final chapter made me cry-laugh when they chose to get their memories back; I was concerned for one moment they might not, what with Ron's desire to live in the now and look forward to tomorrow, but the funny things that cropped up such as Hermione becoming Millicent Bulstrode's cat, and Scabbers actually being a man (okay, maybe that one isn't so much funny as downright sinister) made it so perfect.
"This right here was better than anything from before"
SNIFF.
Have really loved this story so, so much! Thank you for writing it <3
Meera <3
For the Galazy review
Eli,
Ron’s reaction to Hermione’s magic sounds like mine from the last chapter.
I love the reflection here on memory wiping for muggles. That always seemed to be a really harsh approach and I certainly appreciate the moral implications. You do a great job in having Ron bring those out in this scene.
It bothered me for a second that Ron and Hermione’s memory loss is permanent - but your statement ‘i guess some spells can’t be broken. They’re to be lived with’ changed my mind. I really like how you’ve gone down that path of not having them recall and essentially starting anew.
The scene between Ron and Chelsea was so well done. It could have been awful, but it ended up being heartwarming and charming. I also enjoyed Hermione’s visitors - I’m glad to see that she and George are enjoying the classics.
Again, the scene between Ron and Hermione was so well-written when she gives him back the ring in the joke shop.
-Drew
For the Galazy review
Eli,
I’m glad to see you’ve finished this story and that the review event has given me a chance to come back and finish it.
Picking up where I left off, I find it interesting that you’ve given Malfoy Manor sentience and the ability to shift into a maze - quite clever and interesting!
The action scene where George and Hermione dash in was very well done. It’s absolute chaos and you’ve done a fantastic job describing the confusion and spells flying everywhere.
Goyle confession does quite a lot to help explain what’s been going on, but still leaves us with the mystery of Hermione’s disappearing magic. You do a great job building the tension in this scene, having Hermione be helpless and everyone running out of options - it’s really great and heart-pounding to read.
Having it all culminate in a wild wand-less magic demonstration from Hermione was really icing on the cake.
-Drew
Author's Response:Hello Drew, this story was my baby and sometimes I still miss it. That's why it's so cool and wonderful to get a review for it even later, months after I finished it. It made me very happy, thank you :) I hope you get a chance to finish it.
I'm glad you liked the Manor being a bit extra magical, it was a bit of a last minute idea that has grown on me since and seemed like a plausible thing someone would do as a precaution against intruders. Oh and thanks as well about your comments about the action scenes, i find them very hard to write so i was happy to read that you thought it was okay, just the right amount of chaotic and actions. The moment at the end with Hermione was one of my favourite to write.
Thanks again for taking the time to return to this story, it really means a lot to me.
Eli
Hi again!
There's so much that Ginny must be wanting to tell Hermione, but it was lovely of her to tell her that the essence of her person hadn't changed, even if all the memories had been taken away from her. That she was the same person underneath without them. But the awkward silences must be super hard for Ginny to bear, wondering how the Hell (or if) she should fill them? And it's so much for Hermione to digest in such a short space of time, even if she is the brightest witch of her age. I am DYYYYING for them to be reacquainted with magic, though. I wonder if either Ron or Hermione can still do magic??
Oh, poor Ron is going to have to re-live the trauma of losing a brother all over again, isn't he? And when he has to be told, if George is present, he'll be going through it all again too. Ugh :(
Ahh, Victoire is super cute and very welcoming to the uncle she barely knows, telling him all about her parents and haircuts and ... uncle Fred. I suppose at least Ron knows now...
That must be heart-breaking for the reverse Obliviation not to work when it's almost guaranteed to in cases of memory-wiping. Of course it won't work, because that's not how Ron and Hermione lost their memories in the first place, but no-one knows that yet. They'll probaby work it out soon, though.
But in the meantime, what's going to happen?
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
Of course Ginny was going to let her parents know as soon as she possibly could, but I wonder whether Ron (and to perhaps a lesser extent, Hermione) is going to find it all a bit much when the family descends? And considering that Hermione has only just found out that her parents are no longer alive, will it hurt her to know Ron has this huge, loving family just waiting to welcome him back? So many thoughts and questions on this; this story is really making me think and consider so many possibilities and I love it all the more for that!
Molly, I'm guessing, wanted to really let go with her welcome but held a little back, knowing that Ron wasn't sure who she was. Percy's welcome, so stiff and pompous, really made me laugh! Bill's reaction was spot-on and I think he got it right, LOL, and it's lovely that Ron instinctively knew that Arthur was his father.
And Harry - he knows what loss Hermione is feeling better than anyone else there, I think. Did Harry make all the arrangements for Jane and Eustace's funerals in Godric's Hollow? Probably as a tribute to the best friend he thought he'd lost forever.
Lovely but tear-jerking chapter. Great job
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
Oh my. Ron's face must have been priceless, but even though Ginny has thrown herself at her brother - why wouldn't she? - Harry has already realised that there's something terribly wrong with all this; why aren't Hermione and Ron reacting the way they should on seeing their best friend and sister??
It must be a little gutting for Harry and Ginny that Ron and Hermione haven't the foggiest clue who either of them are, yet certain mannerisms remain; the way that Ron sides with Harry and gives him a knowing look, for starters. Harry obviously thinks they've been Obliviated. And the exchange of recent history, of how Hermione and Ron only met a few days ago must be blowing Harry's mind. As an aside, I wonder how long it would have taken them to meet up if they had been placed at opposite ends of the UK and why didn't the perpetrators think to do that? Perhaps it wasn't important that they stay apart or maybe the people responsible think that the memory dust is powerful enough to block any sort of recognition.
There's so much to fill Hermione and Ron in on...this is a task and a half for Harry, but I'm all eyes and ears for this!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
Ugh, things are awkward between Ron and Hermione now and neither is fully sure why; it's not just the kiss, but other things are bothering them both, I think. Loved the dreamy way in which they both 'yearned' for a magical world, with, of all the silly things, flying broomsticks and libraries full of dusty, leather-bound books and parchment, imagining a shrieking ferret-like creature as a pet. And Ron is jealous though he doesn't know why and Hermione is sceptical (and a little jealous too) of Chelsea. I have to wonder if they'll ever get back on track with each other? :(
The scene between Harry and Ginny; Ginny threatening not to marry Harry until they find Ron and Hermione almost made me spit my tea out LOL. But Crookshanks seems to be able to sense where they are and is he trying to lead them to their hotel??
Awwww, and Crookshanks and Hermione are reunited! Even if Hermione doesn't know he's her cat, there's a sense of recognition there and a sense that he belongs in her arms...and OMG, what are Ron and Hermione going to make of these two 'strangers' who are rushing towards them??
:EYES:
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
OMG Hermione's declaraton of love towards Ron at the sight of a library! Not surprised Ron's ears turned pink LOL. And Hermione's thoughts - the feeling of wanting to Summon something. The disappointment when she reaches into her pocket for...something, but there's nothing there. Ooh and the headline - Jane and Eustace Granger's deaths, and the disappearance of their daughter - although Hermione probably doesn't recognise those names as her parents and the headline doesn't seem tohave evoked any particular memories, that's such a tragic way for her to find out that her parents are gone :((( It is a lead and one that she's obviously going to follow up, but :weep:
You wrote Hermione's feelings so well here. I felt her pain and sorrow, not for her parents who she tragically cannot remember but for the fact that she feels such a sense of loss, she knew this dentist's office and recognised herself in the photograph, and now knows for certainty that Hermione is her name...
And then the gentle kiss on the lips :eyes:
Ahh, this story is just amazing and I'm HOOKED!!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hey again :)
Ooh, they've managed to find The Leaky Cauldron! :eyes: Loved the moment where they both settle for having beers and then butterbeer gets mentioned. And the descriptions are so well done; I feel as though I could be there. Not sure about snakes in hair being a fashion that will ever catch on, or should catch on! The way that Hermione catches sight of the moving pictures and immediately assumes it's her eyesight that's defective due to reading so many books...and all the strangely-clothed people around...
"There's no such thing as magic..." OH BUT THERE IS!! Obviously too much for Hermione to handle right now though - I suspect it was the biting corks (such a creative invention by the way) or was it the jarvey that pushed her over the edge?! A talking, profanity-spewing ferret would be enough to send anyone running out of the pub!!
Ginny took in Crookshanks <3 <3 <3
And Hannah saw Ron and Hermione - or at least two people who looked very like Ron and hermione, I expect she couldn't be sure but definitely thought it was worth informing Ginny. And Harry felt some kind of pull to the Leaky Cauldron at that moment, as though he would find his friends in there??
On tenterhooks! I wonder if Crookshanks will be instrumental in finding Ron and Hermione and whether he'll trigger some memories...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi!
I wonder where Ron thinks he's graduated from and with what qualifications? I'm so intrigued by this memory alteration - have any false memories been implanted in either of their minds at all? And this attachment with Chelsea - Ron feels some sort of obligation towards her, but is that all? Any feelings of guilt might still make it difficult for him to leave Edinburgh totally behind him. At least Hermione is no longer with Jonathan (even if she told Ron otherwise).
Hermione's obsession with a library made me snort! As did Ron's inhalation of his breakfast and talking with his mouth full, and Hermione finding it funny instead of revolting. Harry in Diagon Alley and the guy called Ludwig - I wonder how Ludwig will feature further in this story, if there's any part for him to play. But it's devastating to think of poor George who has now lost two brothers. Though his dreams and the thoughts of his 'lovely privates' had me LMAO!
Great chapter!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
I'm not surprised Hermione can't sleep; what a whirlwind of thoughts must be circulating her mind right now! Her lack of memory, Ron's familiarity though she doesn't know why, these mysterious family members who found her a flat to settle in to. All very strange. And now they are going to London, sure that the answers somehow lie there. Meanwhile, is Harry going to try and find them in Edinburgh??
The cartoons on Ron's walls :eyes: The mermaids (and not conventional muggle ones at that), the dragons, the dancing trolls. Will Ron be disappointed to realise it's not his fantastically original memory after all when (if??) he ever retrieves his old ones?! But it's such a wild ride they're on and I'm loving following it!!
HARRY!! Hermione remembered Harry :eyes:
The fact that they are both stretching the truth about their current partners is very realistic, to give the impression that if the other party isn't who they initially seem, they will be missed by someone. Love all the details about the hotel in London, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what goes next.
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
Ooh, things are ramping up. Hermione's 'how come you don't remember' is a bit rich seeing as though she can't remember either. And it must have been a weird moment for them both to realise they couldn't remember beyond a certain length of time - or maybe by now, they think that's how it is for everyone else? Anyway, the revelation about the two people that found the flat for Hermione, masquerading as her relatives - I'm going to hazard a guess at Pansy Parkinson and Blaise Zabini, based on appearance alone, but I have absolutely no clue as to motive...
Poor Chelsea, who obviously likes Ron quite a bit, must have been frantic with worry the whole time. And of course he didn't ring - does he even know how to use a telephone, or know Chelsea's number? I'm guessing he does, but although he seems to have wanted to kiss her for a while, he hasn't that deep attachment that makes him want to reassure her that he's still alive after an accident.
The plot thickens...
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again,
Oh. So my initial fears over Harry have come true and his first thought is 'oh no, not this again." I wish he could have more faith that Ron and Hermione are still alive, but he's lost so many people in the course of his life; perhaps he's only protecting himself from further pain. Oh, and they have Hermione's wand? Of course; she was without it when the intruders came. I'm wondering if Ron's wand is lost permanently, then...ah, I've just read on. It's broken. And the blood has led Harry to believe that his best friend is no more...but whether or not he truly believes Ron and Hermione are alive or not, at least he's sticking by Ginny (and that proposal <3) this time!
Aww, and Ron and Hermione have found each other and admitted their lack of memories and curiosity about the pull between them. I wonder how things will pan out when they start spending more tie with each other; will there be a mutual attraction again? Will Ginny find them soon?
I'm so excited to find out!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi again!
So Hermione is definitely curoous about Ronald, and a part of her - the investigative, won't-let-it-drop part of her is itching to find out more about him. And her flat is testament ot the fact that memory dust cannot eradicate someone's essence what with all those books lying around.
And Ron is feeling a similar urge to find out more about Jean/Hermione, and went and asked the duty nurse for Jean's address. Unsurprisingly, she said No and gave him a long speech about privacy, haha!
Ginny's beliefs may be coming true. How coincidental that she happened upon memory dust in that shop when purchasing flesh-eating slug repellant, but the photograph on that newspaper must have shaken her. Presumably it's a local newspaper - will she know how to track own which town or city Ron is in? I hope Harry is going to believe her and isn't going to dismiss the possibility just to protect himself from further hurt...
Another irresistible chapter!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello again!
So one of my questions is getting answered in this chapter; how long Ron and Hermione have been living as muggles for, and it seems as though it's most definitely an involuntary arrangement as poor Ginny and Harry have been searching in vain for them for three years :( It's obviously putting a fair amount of strain on their relationship as one is trying to convince himself that his best friends are dead, and the other is desperately holding out for even the barest hint of news of their whereabouts. It's very realistically written from the point of view of people whose friends have inexplicably vanished.
There are obviously weird, disconnected remnants of memory still remaining for both Ron and Hermione, and the locket reminds Hermione of that name, even though she goes by Jean. And she feels a strange attachment to Ron but doesn't know why. And Ron said the name too. I'm glad Hermione is feeling a hunger for the truth because I'm DESPERATE to know what's going on LOL and how/if/when Ron and Hermione are going to start recognising each other??
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hello there,
This is such an exciting first chapter, getting straight into the action without missing a beat; I love it! But I have SO many questions! So Ron and Hermione are living a perfectly normal life from what I can gather, when something goes terribly, terribly wrong, which is probably everything to do with the intruders who grapple with both of them and throw something in Hermione's face - memory dust? if I'm going by the title of this story? And then...
Ron is living in Edinburgh and working in a comic store. Chelsea, who sounds like a really sweet person, who might just have the hots for Ron, is a friend of his? And Ron cannot remember the past...all he knows is his flat and his job with no idea when he moved there or started working at the comic shop? And I'm guessing he has no knowledge of magic...but obviously only a rudimentary knowledge of living as a muggle because otherwise he'd be an awful lot more careful about crossing roads...ouch and oh fk...
Hermione is also unaware but is going by her middle name? Interesting! And she's in the process of splitting up from Jonathan because she doesn't really feel much of a conection for him (understandable, knowing what we know), and also has no idea how long she's been in a relationship with him for or what happened before (or if there even was a before)?
And then Ron appears in front of her on a stretcher...
OMG, this is such an intriguing start to a story! I'm already hooked and this is only the first chapter. Brilliant job!
Meera <3 (galazy review)
Hi, Eli! Here for our swap!
I think, could be wrong, that this is one of the first times since Crookshanks found Ron and Hermione that we’ve had a scene where Harry really has some time to ponder and dwell on things and be the star of the show. I like how you brought us along as his knowledge of the events surrounding Ron and Hermione’s disappearance gradually gets filled in.
The scene with Astoria had a feel to it… kind of like an old movie with Humphrey Bogart starring as a hard-boiled private investigator. Astoria plays the role of the mysterious lady with secrets, the one who’s trying to act as though she’s above whatever dangerous drama is playing out, but she obviously has a stake in the outcome. Their dialog plays beautifully into the effect. Kind of abrupt and gruff and factual, but with lots of space to read between the lines. The only thing that would make it more perfect would be if Astoria was dragging a cigarette while they talk.
Hmmnn… So either Draco is legitimately trying to help Harry out here, or he’s playing three-dimensional chess on a much higher level than I would think. To go to such lengths to make it seem as though he’s being framed for something he wants no part in… it feels a little too contrived. Maybe I’m wrong, though. Anyhow, there’s plainly a lot of cloak-and-dagger intrigue going on here. I keep going back to the early chapters, the description of the ones who originally brought Ron and Hermione to Scotland. I still suspect that Zabini and Pansy Parkinson are involved.
Her face softened from the previous ice queen look she let on. “He’s not as bad as everyone thinks.” — Well, everyone things he’s really bad, so that does leave a lot of room for him to be only sort of bad. But I am starting to feel like Draco isn’t really the villain here.
Ron stood in the apartment building hallway, staring at Chelsea’s door as if it were the most fascinating piece of wood he had ever seen. — This is brilliant. That’s it. That the whole comment.
So Chelsea is angry with him, which makes all the sense in the world. You don’t just up and disappear without a word when someone had made it clear they have feelings for you.
I slept at your doorstep because I was worried sick about you when you first disappeared weeks ago. — Wow. OK, that’s a little extreme. But, yeah, she cares about him.
I kept telling myself to forget you; that you didn’t deserve me worrying about you, but then they came looking for you, and it scared me. — Aha! The plot thickens yet again. Well, not for long. Because then all hell breaks loose.
Two men and a woman. OK, so going with the Zabini/Parkinson theory for a moment, I wonder who the third is? We don’t get any sort of a physical description, so I guess it could be Draco. Then again, there are a world of other possibilities.
Ron remembers some spells! Yay, Ron! But it’s not enough. Boo! Seems that Ginny is also trying to save them, but she’s not in time. And Chelsea discovers her bravery at the last moment and unfortunately places herself in even more danger. Double boo!
This was a barn-burner of a chapter. Lots going on, and several threads of the mystery starting to come together. I think the next chapter is going to be very revealing.
Looking forward to it!
-Dan
ELIIIII I'm here for our swap and I'm so sorry for the delay! AND HOW COULD YOU JUST END IT LIKE THAT, I SWEAR TO GOD--
Oh my god. This chapter was an emotional punch in the gut. With each chapter of this story I read, I'm blown away by your writing, and your characterization of Ron and Hermione. I'm so glad they're finally getting the answers they deserve, but holy shit, Eli
I absolutely loved the scene in the library. It was somehow both adorable and wholesome and I loved that Ron could just stare at Jean all day and be content with that. It really spoke to his relationship with Hermione, and I just fucking love all these little hints and drops to canon that you give us, like the line about his emotional range being a teaspoon and ghosts of laughter and I just, oh my god, the way you write is so gorgeous. I really love it. And then, of course, Ron is Ron and has to try magic -- and it works! But, naturally, no one notices. Ugh. I mean, I get it for plot devices and everything, but ugh. I can't wait for the time when they figure out that they're wizards -- that's going to be such a fun scene!
Ughhhh, my heart aches for Jean so much while she's in the densist office. Ron can be rather intuitive, knowing that it's something she has to do alone, but being there when she completely falls apart. AND HOW COULD YOU KILL HER PARENTS I SWEAR TO GOD, I MEAN, I GET IT, EMOTIONAL ANGSTY SHIT, BUT ELIIIIII
I love that that's the scene that breaks her, though, and it's kind of her little "aha" moment, where she realizes who she is. If not who she is, at least her proper name, and oh my god. I can't wait to see what Ron's reaction is going to be because they've definitely talked about the name Hermione before and he's been haunted by her and I just-- oh my god, it's going to be so good!!
This chapter is so incredible, and I'm in awe of your writing. It's truly fantastic and everything just flows and I'm never bored. I kinda felt like Ron, when he's staring at Jean and content with that when I read your writing. It's just. So good. And I'm so, so glad you revisited this story and have been sharing it with us
Thank you for the swap! And so sorry about delay but I'm not sorry for yelling at you because I promise it's with love ♥
Eli!! First of all, congrats on hitting 10k for camp nano! It's always super exciting when you hit your goals, and I'm so proud of you for smashing out that last ~7kish or whatever it was you needed to finish. So, I'm here, and also I couldn't stay away after that last chapter -- two birds, one stone ;)
OH MY GOD. I absolutely love this, and I love the way you intergrated magic. It was so clever having them drop into the Leaky Cauldron because, as Hannah pointed out, only wizards can see it, but they are wizards. And I love the way you had Amelia playing with Ron, and I snorted with Ron's outbursts about them poisoning them with the butterbeer and Jean's all like, "Relax, I said it wasn't beer, that's all", like true Married Couple shit and I'm living for it.
Honestly, this chapter must've been so much fun to write, between the magic and showing off wizarding fashion and everything -- and the snake in the hair! Incredible. I swear, you and this story are so creative, and the way you describe things it literally felt like I was in the Leaky Cauldron, too. I'm a little surprised no one went up to them, but I guess if they're all just busy and going on about their daily lives, they might not have realized who was waltzing into the Leaky Cauldron that day, and I imagine you had other important things you wanted to do, like show magic through their eyes. And I love how you describe magic and everything as a feeling on Jean's skin. It just makes so much sense XD
I LOVE THAT HANNAH THOUGHT SHE SAW THEM, THOUGH! YES! And that her immediate reaction was to owl Ginny -- who is properly engaged to Harry, another YES! -- and that Ginny's immediate reaction was to tell Harry. Honestly, I loved the interaction between them with her absolutely bursting to tell him the news and I knew that was Harry in the pub with the hunched shoulders and it's so frustrating that they were both there but he didn't see them in time and I just -- ELI
Oh my goddd they're gonna go look for them! Are they gonna run into each other in Diagon Alley?? Are you gonna make me super emotional about it?? Oh my god, and Crookshank knows and wants to come with them and it's all just so wholesome and I just -- ughhhh. This story is equal parts frustrating and amazing but like, frustrating because I JUST WANT THEM TO MEET ALREADY but that's half the fun of the story, so :P If that was your intention you're doing a great job with it! ♥
Anyway, as you can probably tell, this was another amazing chapter!! You write the Weasleys -- and Harry and Ginny -- so, so well, and I find core canon characters so hard to get right, so it's amazing.
Thank you for sharing with us!! ♥
ELI HOW COULD YOU JUST END THE CHAPTER LIKE THAT, I SWEAR--
Hello dear, I'm here for your review! So sorry for the delay ♥
Moreee Jean and Ron bonding in hotel rooms, I love it so much. Although you definitely hit me in the nostalgia feels with Ron thinking about his childhood and lonely he was. It's the complete opposite of how he grew up in canon, and I know that it was done on purpose, but damn. Really hit me in the feels there, the feeling of longing for family. And I am kinda curious about how things with Ron and Chelsea develop -- and what he's going to do if/when he finds out who Jean really is. You can practically feel the angst building up as he wonders if she's gonna stick around after they find out the truth -- OBVIOUSLY SHE'S GONNA STICK AROUND, RON, BUT OBVIOUSLY YOU DON'T KNOW THAT YET
ALSO didn't she break up with the boyfriend? Am I missing something? Is there a reason she hasn't told Ron they broke up? ELI WHAT ARE YOU DOING
Interesting interaction with Harry and Ludwig in Diagon Alley :eyes: I feel like he's important, especially if he's a psychologist of some sort who potentially helped George after losing Ron, and i DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE YOU MADE GEORGE LOSE TWO BROTHERS ELI I SWEAR TO GOD.
AHEM. Anyway. I love the casual mentions of Ron's stomach because it feels like just a fun nod to canon, and of course Ron knows that Jean always goes to the library. Where else would we find the answers to life's great questions?
ALSO I definitely read Jean's shrill voice in Emma Watson's voice in the movies, so 10/10 well done there. You do such a great job of pulling out their personailities out in these little ways and it's such a joy when it happens. I don't know if that even makes sense, honestly, just know that I love the way you're writing these two idiots and I CANNOT WAIT to see what happens when they get through and into the Leaky Cauldron!!
Another excellent chapter, dear! And congrats on your Inky win for Best Romanace -- very well deserved ♥ ♥ ♥
ELI!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, I'm a bad person, so I'm using this for review tag... although you know I would've stopped here at some point anyway... :P
But first, let me tell you once again, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Finishing a big project like this is always a great achievement and you did an astounding job with this one! I can't believe it's ended, I'm a little bit sad, actually, because I enjoyed the ride so much, but also so thrilled and proud of you for getting to the end! And what a end, I loved this final chapter so, so, so much! <3
There were so many incredible lines through the chapter that just left me awestruck! I'm going to quote only a couple, otherwise this review would be kilometrical, but really, your writing was absolutely stunning throughout, your descriptions just as incredible as always!
The strange world of an early morning, quiet, shy, yet already daring, opened its arms to her, swallowing her in a swirl of golden light and mist.
"I mean it. I know it. And I don't love you because I should or because I used to. I love you now. I love you for real. I love who you are. I love who I am with you. Memory or not, I don't care! And I'm sorry for not knowing sooner."
But finally, all the sketches and contours and empty places were filling in, as if a universe of colours poured over faded parchment, as if flesh grew back onto their hollow bones and flowers bloomed in a garden not bare, just green and young in spring.
I loved, loved, loved their confessions in the beginning! I love how they are finally speaking honestly to each other, how they are letting go of their pride and insecurities and being fully themselves! <3 And I love the idea of Hermione realizing that she'd been "living in the past" this whole time and that has prevented her from see the beauty of her present with Ron! I love the concept that in the end they didn't even need their memories restored to find their balance and happiness, and while they did get their memories back in the end (which I'm very happy about, of course :P), it was more of a completion than a necessity, it's such a great perspective, I love it a lot! <3
That last bit made me chuckle, the "Did you really turn into a cat?" bit, and then the reference to Peter... :P (okay, sorry, you know that I'm fixated with Peter... :P) I can't really imagine what it must've been like for them, suddenly getting all those memories back, it must've felt overwhelming... but I love that it wasn't all that overwhelming, and that it was really quite natural... maybe because their memories had always been there under the surface anyway, and a lot of it they'd already been told or had had flashes of? Anyway, it was interesting the way you described it! :D
And yay! They got married! I love the way you set that one year later scene, it's absolutely brilliant!!! <3 <3 <3
Just in case it wasn't obvious, I adored this final chapter! The whole story has been incredible and magical and this last chapter is just the perfect closing to it! Thank you so much for gifting us of your beautiful writing, and thank you also for the shout-out! It's been my pleasure to follow you on this journey! <3
Love you loads, friend! <3
Big snowball hug,
Chiara
ELIIII! Alright, I'm ignoring the fact that I owe you ANOTHER review and am popping on here to check out the conclusion of this beautifully written story you introduced me to six months ago (yes I went back and saw when you requested I read this Twitter :sweat smile:)! Of course, I know you've been writing this for YEARS, so I'm sure this is momentous and emotional for you! Still, this is the story that really made me feel like I could talk to you somewhat regularly, so I am so glad to have found it and that it exists. ANYWAY...back to discussing the actual content of the story and not me/my experience with it lol.
The opening is just wonderful! Hermione's introspection is needed, because I felt like at the wedding that so much happened (in the best possible way) and her thoughts weren't as clear. It makes total sense that that was the case. The wedding wasn't directly about them, they had other duties, etc. So it was nice that you chose to start this with Hermione having a moment of quiet, trying to decipher where things have led, where they could possibly go, and what her true feelings were.
Also, I loved the descriptions of her walking from The Rook to The Burrow. So many gorgeous P&P vibes, and who cares that it was inspired by that moment haha? It works out beautifully here, ok?!
I think their conversation is just so needed in this moment. They've done the, 'let's indirectly dance around topics,' for many chapters now. So to put everything out there, to make declarations, to finally come to the realizations of 'this is precisely what I want, but you still have a choice,' was laid out so clearly, imo. And of course, who doesn't love a good *swoon ILYSM let me run my fingers through your ginger hair* moment? ;)
This is one of my favorite lines ever from this scene: "Perhaps true clarity comes when you choose your course, take responsibility for your life, risk it all, against all odds, real or imagined."
You just really take universal feelings and observations and convey them in such a stunning fashion and that is a prime example there. <3
And then EEP! Ok yay! A slice of life from THEIR wedding to show that they've made it this far! Ok, yes, yes, yes, yes. You made this better, yes.
"Wedding dresses with pockets..." had me chuckling. Too bad we had to wait until the year of our Lord, twenty twenty for that invention (or maybe it was sooner, but yeah lol). And Ron's cheekiness with his "giving me a heart attack woman," had me giggling too. Whadda cutie.
And ooh the antidote! The way you describe the effects of how it feels to take was just nothing short of magical and full the wonderful fantasy description that just makes your work inherently YOU. I wondered if they would in fact take it, or just cast it aside like "whatever, we don't need this now." But the fact that they tell one another they're content with everything before taking it kind of assuaged any concerns I had that this might have some kind of angst.
The jokes about "well it might be awkward to cancel the wedding now that it's over," is such a mood. I think sometimes we deflect with humor to protect ourselves and that's kind of the vibe I got here as well. There's still an apprehension and uncertainty between them while they take the antidote, but it's different now. They're doing it together and even though there might be some level of fear they feel like the brave Gryffindors we once knew them to be in canon.
The memories they relive are really cute and sweet here. And them facing it together and having this private moment at their wedding...super romantic and something that is so valid and needed if you're like "GAHH I HATE PEOPLE BUT YOURE MY PERSON AND LETS JUST LINGER HERE" :joy: Idek if that made sense, but I absolutely loved that concept of them just stealing away and having this moment together.
This whole story has been beautiful for many reasons! I thought you did a really great job with it, particularly after spending so much time writing it! The fact that you've stuck by it and worked through it after all this time...it speaks to your love of writing and your tenacity. I am so glad to have gotten to go on this journey with your Ron and Hermione. And I thank you for some of the "sneak peeks," and "bts," moments I got.
I just want to end saying that I am very proud of you for completing this! I loved this story and you should totally be proud of this!
<3 Courtney
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