Name: you-make-me-wander (Signed) · Date: 15 Mar 2019 01:48 PM · For: (i always) leave the light on

Branwen! What do you mean, you weren't thrilled with this ending?! I sure was *looks coily*

 

I love the way you write their dynamics so much, and I know I've said it before but it's so unique to me! In a way it's close to how I write them, but your Astoria is more outspoken and has more of this fighter spirit in her about some things than I ususally imagine her having, and I rather like reading this version of her too. One thing I do think our writing has in common is how Draco will feel, likely for a rather long time, undeserving of her attention and care and love, which I hope he'll overcome in your Drastoria universe at some point.

 

Please do continue writing for them, I absolutely love your writing. And don't be shy with the kink either. Balance in all things and all that ;P

 

Susana

Author's Response:

thank youuu <3  it'll definitely be a work in progress for him to start to feel deserving, but... he'll get there, eventually.

Name: ReillyJade (Signed) · Date: 20 Feb 2019 12:01 AM · For: (i always) leave the light on

Hi there! I'm stopping by for BvB! :)

 

Branwen, the one thing I can always rely on when I visit your AP is that whatever story I decide to read, I know the writing will be thoroughly engaging. You always strike the perfect balance between narrative and dialogue, you never spend an excessive amount of time with exposition, and you always leave just enough up to the reader's imagination. Your stories are just so easy to read; even though this fic in particular is on the lengthier side, I never once noticed my mind drifting. I was so enamored with every word, and as always, I was hoping for more. Thankfully, your AP is a treasure trove of Drastoria, and you know perfectly well I'll be back!

 

As always, your characterzation was on-point. As brief as it was, I particularly enjoyed the interaction between Draco and Harry. Even though we know they're on the same side now, there's still clearly tension/unresolved quarrels between them, and I honestly wouldn't expect any less from them. I've always envisioned them as having an udnerstanding of one another but never truly becoming friends, so I liked the reflection of that here.

 

I loved Astoria's thoughts on how Draco could never make the "bad thoughts" go away, because that's such a true sentiment that people are hesitant to admit. For whatever reason, society has this false expectation that true love can fix everything, but it can't. It can help us cope with our demons and make them more bearable, but it isn't a cure. I love that she recognizes this; it makes her relationship with Draco all the more healthy.

 

This was yet another stunning piece from you and I enjoyed it immensely!

 

Cheers,

Reilly

 

 

Author's Response:

For whatever reason, society has this false expectation that true love can fix everything, but it can't. It can help us cope with our demons and make them more bearable, but it isn't a cure.

+1000. this is so, so, so true, and i'm glad it came across.

 

thank you so so much!

Name: MuggleMaybe (Signed) · Date: 28 Jan 2019 12:15 PM · For: (i always) leave the light on

Hello dear! I'm here for the Menagerie and BvY.

 

This fic is interesting because on the one hand there's all this tension revolving around Draco's history and the werewolves in a really serious way, and on the other hand, there's the smouldering attraction between Draco and Astoria. And they're just? Really different vibes? 

 

But it totally works!

 

I think the connecting them is control. When they want it, when they don't. The tenuous dynamic between control and safety. I guess Draco is trying to maintain control when his and Astoria's safety is threatened, but Astoria kind of gets swept up in that control in a disagreeable way. And there's nothing that feels in control or freeing or thrilling about having to lock yourself away from enemies at the drop of a hat. 

 

But then in the bedroom she has a totally different response to control, to say the least. And I guess in trying to understand that, I think that is also about safety. It's like, it feels really intimate to be able to trust someone with control that way? 

 

I always love your Draco and Astoria - I was honestly thrilled when I say this story at the top of you AP. They have true chemistry the way you write them, both in dialogue and in their, ahem, other interactions. It's striking in this story though, because in the moment when Draco adopts his other persona, that connection COMPLETELY vanished for me for a moment. I thought that was so well done, because I can see now how she would have hated him at school, how totally disinterested she would have been. And then they melt back together when they escape to the forest, even if she's miffed with him. And I can then see more clearly exactly the ways in wcih Draco has changed to become a person that Astoria wants to share her life with.

 

The discussion about Harry's escapades that featured Draco was a fun aside.

 

Okay, and I have to say it. You are brilliant at writing the M-rated parts. I'm envious. =P

 

You are a glorious and brilliant human and I adore you.

 

xoxo Renee

Name: Renacera (Signed) · Date: 12 Dec 2018 02:09 AM · For: (i always) leave the light on

Woman, I am trying to live a semi-calm life here, and you're killing me.

Another fantastic story. How do you do it??? Honestly, I'm just so impressed with you and so in awe of your talents. Can I be you when I grow up?

Okay, so, first of all, damn that scene with the werewolves!!! Ahhh! I was both freaking out because I wanted everything to turn out okay and freaking out because I knew that Draco was going to feel bad for what he was saying to put on the charade with Voldemort sympathizers. And then he did feel bad! :(  Nooo, my baby. I just want him to be happy.

But then, somehow, in the midst of all the drama, you worked in moments of actual hilarity! Because, lezbehonest, I laughed out loud at "Whose wand was I using at the Battle of Hogwarts?" and "When our old house elf broke them out." / "That... that really doesn't clear anything up, you know."

And then we move on to your perfect Draco and Astoria conversations. I love seeing them get to know each other better and grow as individuals and a couple. I hate you for making me ship Draco with anyone but Hermione. But...Astoria is just so perfect. And I just desperately want her to come through all of this okay. She's been through so much and I just...ugh. I just want to see my badass bi/pan queen happy.

Then...welp...you know. The last scene in this is just...lakhglagjhs. Thank God I'm unemployed and didn't think to read this in public somewhere. Because you're just too good at these sex scenes. I will never even come close to your skill (if I ever even try).

Your writing is flawless. Your plots are perfect. Your characters are everything writers should aspire to create.

Lovelovelovelove,
Emily