Good morning all,
As it's almost Halloween I can't resist posting my pumpkin picture - anything to make the post a little less boring looks-wise. Also, if you haven't done so already I suggest you read/listen to The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury and A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny, both of which are excellent stories for the time of year.
It's time for the latest chapter of Family, and this week Hermione bumps into an old friend. It's time for a good catch-up!
I am really enjoying reading the comments on both sites, so thank you for posting.
I'm sorry that some of you are disappointed that I haven't shown the interaction between Lucius and Hermione in Azkaban, but to be honest, it was never a focal point of my story and so I didn't really consider it too much beyond how it fitted into the wider tale.
Someone also asked how Hermione manages to live without working, which is a good question. My take on this that she is fairly well off as when her parents died Lucius sorted out all their finances for her and wanting to make sure that she had a 'Malfoy' standard of living if/when she went out into the adult world bumped up the account a bit (he was still trying to impress the MoM at that time) – although as both parents were dentists I think they were probably fairly well off already and no doubt left big life insurance policies so she was never going to starve.
After leaving Malfoy Manor she spent all her time in hospital/at the Burrow/at Hogwarts until she started work, and her flat isn't palatial, rather small and cosy and was bought using her parents' money so she has no mortgage and little in the way of bills. Although she had quite a drinking habit those insalubrious friends of hers were more than happy to buy her drinks in return for sex, so she didn't even really get into debt because of that, and she now lives a quiet life, not spending much except for what she lavishes on her daughter.
Until next week, enjoy reading.
Dx
Morning everyone,
I've managed middle ground this week - not too early, not too late (for me at least).
I was surprised by some of the comments I received last week as I thought I had made it pretty clear who Sophie's father was, but in case you were still in any doubt this week should clear it up for you.
This week Hermione goes to visit Sophie's father and then, in one of those time jumps of about five years, finds herself spiralling into depression again. But as I promised no more relentless misery and pain for her (I did say that, didn't I?) she's got a plan to get herself back on track . . . whether it's a good one or not remains to be seen, but at least she's got something to think about other than how terrible her life is (which it isn't really by now although with her mood the way it is she's finding it hard to see that).
As always comments, reviews and kudos are always appreciated. I particularly love hearing your thoughts about what I'm doing with Hermione, so thanks for interacting.
As I mentioned last week, I went to see Harry Potter: A History of Magic at the British Library this week, which was an excellent mix of rare books, draft manuscripts, pictures, artefacts and interactive activities such as potion-making (and there's a painting of Severus Snape on display, always a bonus). It was an extremely interesting and educational exhibition and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the ideas and folklore that underpins Harry's world, although it might not be of that much interest to much younger readers, who might find it too much reading and not enough interacting.
Also recommended is the Booking Office, which is about five minutes walk away in St Pancreas Station, and is currently serving Harry Potter themed cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), including hot Butterbeer.
Have a good week.
Dx
Morning everyone.
I'm late again, as I was at a concert and have only just got back.
We're starting a new part today, which signals that the story has moved on a few years and it's a new chapter in Hermione's life.
She's finally happy (ish) and is a successful and thriving mother, with a beautiful daughter. What could possibly go wrong for her now?
As I said in the Author's Note at the beginning of this chapter, the story is not relentlessly depressing from here on in, in fact, as anyone who knows me knows it'll all work out in the end and have a happy ending - let's face it, if I was going to kill Hermione off I'd have done it by now - she had plenty of opportunities after all!
By this time next week, I'll have been to the British Library to see their new exhibition: Harry Potter: A History of Magic, which I'm really looking forward to. I may also be popping into the Booking Office close to Platform 9 3/4, which is serving potions themed cocktails to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publishing of Philosopher's Stone. They all look very tasty, but I'm especially interested in the Butterbeer (of course).
See you next week.
Dx
Evening all,
Just made it before midnight but it's not going to be a long post as I've got a banging headache and I feel really queasy, so I need to go to bed. I'm just here long enough to post the links to the latest chapter. We're halfway through the story now - astonishing how quickly the time goes, isn't it?
So, Hermione's on the brink again, and this time she's got a bombshell to drop:
A couple of my eagle-eyed readers did spot what was coming last week although I actually thought I'd made it fairly obvious - I wonder if the burning question will be so easy to answer?
I got my copy of the illustrated version of Prisoner of Azkaban today. Boy, it's a heavy book. I'm trying to imagine what Order of the Phoenix is going to be like - that's going to be almost impossible to pick up. Anyway, as usual, the illustrations are amazing, so I look forward to reading it again soon.
Reviews, comments etc. are always gratefully received, as are recommendations for things to read.
Time for me to go to bed.
Stay safe
Dx
Good evening everyone,
By some miracle I've made it before midnight again (this is becoming a bit of a habit!)
Anyway, it's time for another chapter in the ongoing saga of Hermione's depressing life that is called Family.
After last week's terrible conclusion I'm glad to say that things are finally looking up for Hermione . . . but will it last? Only time will tell.
It feels quite good not to have to post any warnings for a change.
I'm quite excited as one of my readers has asked if she can translate the story into Chinese, which would significantly widen the audience. Obviously, I agreed.
I'm also pleased to see that I'm getting quite a collection of reviews and comments about the story - please continue posting them, I always appreciate hearing about people's thoughts on it and any of my other works.
Good evening everyone.
I've managed to get posted early for once so hopefully I might get a decent night's sleep tonight, instead of my usual trick of trying to get my brain to work enough to post at three in the morning.
This week sees the start of the second part of Family and moves the story on about four years. Hermione is now working for the Ministry of Magic and is in a daily battle against depression following on from her captivity at Malfoy Manor.
*WARNING* This chapter contains references to alcoholism, self-harm and suicidal behaviour, so if this is likely to affect you please don’t read it.
I know this story has been relentlessly grim so far and seems to be getting worse but it does improve eventually, believe me. Hermione is suffering severe mental illness after her isolation and abuse and that doesn't go away overnight. Unfortunately, mental illness is a lifelong battle with ups and downs so this story is going to reflect that.
As always, reviews, comments and kudos are appreciated.
Have a good week.
Dx
Morning all,
Another quickie as I don't really have much to say.
In today's chapter of Family things finally get better for Hermione, but not until they have got worse. Surely, it can only improve from now on in, can't it?
I hope you're enjoying the story. If so, a review, comment or kudos would be appreciated.
Until next week.
Dx
