I love your description of Krum's reaction the night before. He offered no defense, just agreed with her assessment. Loved it!

Weddings... I just love them. I love Harry having a conversation with Viktor. He didn't seem judgemental. And of course, Viktor wouldn't dislike Harry and has respect for him. Glad it happened and he wasn't shunned or ignored.

Her parents' reactions were right on. Hermione and Krum... awkward.

And oh, that dance. Weddings tend to bring up the possibilities of the future... a touchy subject when the two might find themselves on opposing ideas of what that future might look like. It's precisely where age, marriage, and children could be the end of them. Dangerous territory if you ask me and perfectly realistic as it was bound to happen eventually.

And now we are at yet another heart-breaking end to one of your brilliant chapters.

She is drunk, but he refuses her advances. His blunt confession about all those women is a bit harsh, but I was more than happy with his wonderful reason... he wants all of her. With experience comes wisdom and he is so right in this matter. It is chivalrous of him. Even though she might not understand it, he is awesome to turn her down on this night. I love your Krum! Outstanding characterization. I know I'm repeating myself, but it cannot be helped.

Amazing,
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Weddings! I know it's not exactly the most original setting, but I couldn't resist. I really thought Rose needed at least one person there who didn't think she was crazy, and Harry seemed a good fit. After all he's been through, I'd like to think it wouldn't really occur to him to be bothered by it all.

I thought the same thing... weddings do tend to drag up unaddressed relationship issues. Even if they don't solve their issues in one go, I think they've been through enough at this point to be able to talk about these sorts of things.

I'm so glad you liked the ending. After what they'd just discussed, it felt important to establish that Krum does love Rose, even if he doesn't want to marry her, and also that Rose was really back in the relationship 100%. I couldn't imagine him just blurting out "I Love You," but his heart is in the right place, even if he's words are hurtful.

Thank you for the review!



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Ah, a sharp dressed man... Mmmhmm. Yep. I can picture it. He looks perfect, I'm sure. Ready to face whatever may fall upon him.

And Rose... there's just something about, "I'll be waiting..." that must have given given Krum something to look forward to, some hope perhaps.

I do not like weird suit-man. He is creepy and I am shocked that she didn't take the envelope. Apparently her will to not want to know overpowers her curiosity. I would've taken it and asked questions later. LOL!

It is so good to see him change as this weight lifted. Yeah!

I love your line..."it was easy to forget sometimes that he had any feelings at all." That line is so powerful, really. It's that quiet character of his, supressing feelings like manly men tend to do.

And now we see his insecurities surface and finally come out. "seeing me like that, how I might disgust you." Awe... ;(

And now she is turning down his offer for a romantic trip and is asking for space? Oh my... how devastating for him. What a rollercoaster ride of a day... low, high, low again. Poor Krum.

It is interesting that she finally realizes that she has gotten a bit lost while being with him... her life is a bit off track. But I must say that I loved the end of this chapter. Finally she was able to pinpoint things that were wrong and finally tell him that she was mad at him for what he'd done. I love that she mentioned her father in there. And of course... "You're too old for me." LOL!

And then his reaction... "Is that everything?" And then not apologizing for any of it and just giving her the choice of what she wanted..."So now what?" LOVE, love his reaction... or lack thereof.

I love it that it is so late when she finally says it... kinda like a crazy woman. :) Adorable... And finally that last question? Weddings? He has 2 ex-wives.

You truly do not have enough reviews!

10/10
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Hehehe, a well-fitting suit is a lovely sight to behold. And I'm with you; I'd have taken the letter, but I think Rose has had enough surprises for one month.

I'm so glad you liked that line. Up until this point, Krum hasn't shown much emotion, (other than anger and jealousy), but even he can't NOT be worried about going to jail.

Yay! I'm so happy you liked the ending! I thought it was time to force Rose to evaluate her position and make it clear she was with him because she wanted to be, not because she HAD to be. And I was hoping it would be more interesting for her to acknowledge all of the problems out loud than stew over them in her head for days and weeks on end. And I'm super extra happy you liked Krum's non-response. What can he say, really? She's right about all of it. The only question is do they break up or plunge forward?

Gah! I've been having way too much fun replying to these reviews. Thank you for leaving them!!

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Oh, dear... Krum would have some in the house, wouldn't he? I'm glad he told her the truth about it and even more happy that she got rid of it. But of course, if an addict needs more, they know where to get it. But him telling her the truth about it, really says something about his trust and his willingness to quit.

I believe him about not remembering. I think he is telling the truth, but why doesn't he remember it? Hmm. Interesting.

I'm glad Brooks is still on the case fighting for him. I do hope it works out.

And how cute is it that he is correcting a few things in her book? I like that he is reading it and even though she is busy, she should let him do this so that it is accurate.

Anyway, I'm glad that he is okay. And when she was laying with him, quietly crying for him, I really felt for her... and him, really. It was nice to hear him say 'sorry' too. I'm sure it is something that he isn't accustomed to saying. He probably feels extremely bad to have her see him like that.

;( And he actually might be shocked that she didn't run away and not come back. How many girls in his life witnessed it and ran? Instead, she was still there for him, through it all. So sad.

Excellent heart-gripping chapter,
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: You're the first one to comment on him having the drugs in the house. That moment was actually one of my favorites so I'm so glad it stuck out to you. I kind of thought it was telling too.

Awww, I'm so happy you liked the book part. Rose does want it to be accurate, but she could do without the reading-over-her-shoulder bit.

The scene in the bed was tough. Rose isn't a robot so I knew I had to give her some moment of emotional response to this, but I didn't want it to be over the top. I don't see Rose as very melodramatic. And I think there is a lot behind that apology...

Thank you once again for all these lovely reviews. I don't consider myself all that great at writing emotional scenes, so I'm so pleased that at least some of the feelings I was hoping to portray came through here.

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Heartbreaking... just heartbreaking.
Darn those drugs. But he was clean for so long. I appreciated Brooks' take on the situation. He has been through this before. Sometimes, it just happens.

And Hugo as well... not really placing blame, but just accepting that people slip up. Addiction is an extremely powerful thing.

But things seemed to be going so well. Something seems amiss. And since I don't trust too many in the story, I'm wondering if Heart sabotaged him somehow to get Krum in the limelight again... bad publicity is still publicity and he is going for the best seller. Hmm.

And Hugo's claim of miscalculating the dose seems out of place as well. A normal sober person would be extremely careful. And he had his wand laying out. So, hmm.

Either way, poor Krum and poor Rose for having to witness him in that horrible state. Awful.

Again, you describe this scene very well, even being realistic at the sickness involved with drugs. Not pretty, indeed.

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: It's not the most uplifting chapter, is it? I am glad it felt realistic though. I tried not to gloss over too much while still keeping it site-appropriate.

And I'm glad you could appreciate what Peter said here. I really wanted to cross the line in having him become an ally for Rose, someone outside her family that was on her side. Even though they got off to a rough start, I do think Peter's heart is in the right place.

Yay for suspicions! I definitely wanted this point in the story to be questionable -- did Krum do it to himself or was it done to him, and if so, by who? I didn't want people to be able to guess the ending, but I did want some level of doubt to start creeping in.

Thanks so much for the review!

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Well, I do not like Regina McFey. There is something about her that reminds me of Lucius Malfoy and his false pity that he shows Harry. It just isn't genuine. And even though Regina might be telling the truth, I'm not so sure it is to "help" Rose than it is to "hurt" her and make her feel completely insecure... only to tell her "I told you so" when it happens.

It truly is sad that Viktor has had so many failed relationships. A tragedy, really. It seems that he has no trouble getting the girl... it's keeping her that's proven disastrous. ;(

"Viktor destroys lives." Boo hoo. :(

I love this scene at his home. I love that it seems to be in disarray. I love that the seat he is sitting in looks so old and there is a bed placed where it shouldn't be. It's as if it is nearly uninhabitable, and yet here he is to think about things. What is right? What is wrong? The book? Their relationship? The trouble that he is in. The trouble he inadvertantly 'caused' her. He is a man of depth and his thoughts are deep here. Something tells me that he has been here before thinking on similar things thoughout his life. Perhaps someone gave him advice long ago and he comes back to be in the presence of their memory.

I can fully understand and appreciate what it means to truly 'go home' to where you grew up and clear your mind to think about your life. I've done it myself and found it to be quite reflective and certainly reminds myself of my roots and where I've come from.

This chapter is just beautiful and very real to me.

I think you did a wonderful job of their meeting and dialogue. I love the long breath that he lets out when she says that she doesn't want him to end it. It was like sweet relief.

But then Krum is torn a bit in doing 'what is good for her.' I just love it.

I understand your Author Notes about not being happy with a chapter. I too, have had the same issue and it can be paralyzing. I'll have to remember your 'Onward and Upward' advice.

Your talent abounds.

Thanks so much for this wonderfully descriptive, believable, heart-felt story.

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Writing someone as nasty as Regina was a lot of fun. I do love a villain. I never thought about it before, but you're right, she does have a Lucius air about her -- very much with her nose in the air, looking down at Rose.

Gah, I still have nightmares about writing the scene at Krum's place. I must have gone through a hundred drafts, so it's EXTRA nice to hear that you liked how it turned out. I suppose the house is a pretty heavy-handed metaphor for Krum's life -- in bad shape but not beyond hope. I imagine he's escaped here more than once before too. I kind of think he likes the chaos.

Yay, I love that you commented on Krum's torn feelings here. At this point, I really don't think he knows what he wants more -- for her to stay or for her to go. He knows leaving would be the right thing, but he so wants her to stay with him. Who doesn't want a man who can't stand to stay away *sigh*

Thank you for all the lovely compliments. I've been struggling so much with my writing since finishing this story, so the kind words are so very much appreciated!

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Ooh... It is good of Hugo to call her out a bit on relationships. He makes an excellent point and since he is her brother, he can be honest about it.

I certainly see why she would be so hesitant in going back home, especially with that picture surfacing! I would be so embarrased... ugh!

I have to agree with Rose on how she doesn't understand how her parents made it since they fight so much. I totally agree. I never understood it either, which is why I ship Dramione. LOL! Just thought I'd throw that in there. Hehe.

I LOVE Ron in this chapter. His grunts and especially... "Dumb Krum." Hahaha! I'm hitting my couch at the hilarity of his comments. And I so agree with him... its bizarre and a bit sick to really think about. I trust that if Ron should ever happen across Krum, he would have to at least attempt a sucker-punch from nowhere for the principle of it.

And Hermione kind of skips around the subject by simply saying the past should just stay there. But I'm afraid as a daughter, my curiosity would get the best of me and I would HAVE to know if they were 'intimate together.' I would be torn... to know or not to know. Sometimes, ignorance really is bliss. This would be one of those situations. :P

And who should show up? Wife 2? Yikes!

Great chapter.
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Rose did need a little bit of a slap upside the head here. Thank goodness for brothers. Though I like the ship, my thoughts on Ron/Hermione aren't so different from Rose's, but I actually feel that way about a lot of couples I know. Some people just don't mind the arguing, I guess.

Yay! I'm so glad you liked Ron. From his perspective, how can he not think this is super weird? Of course, I can't imagine him being the kind of Dad Rose would love bringing boys home to meet no matter who it was, but still...

I almost had Hermione spill the beans, but there really wasn't all that much to tell. My head canon is that there was no relationship past GoF. But still, even knowing your boyfriend once had a crush on your mom...weird! Hopefully it didn't feel like I totally skirted the issue, though I'll admit to chickening out a bit.

Thanks for another wonderful review!



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Oh, the fun and amusement of this chapter... so much revealed and in such a fun and playful way. And wow a full weekend of it! Lucky Rose.

Love how the sloped ceiling got in the way. LOL! And I love their banter about 'other guys' and 'insulting his talents.' ;)

I LOVE that he has loads of land and his childhood home, even if it is falling apart. In a way, it shows he does have a sentimental side, and who doesn't love a touch of that in our men? Hmm? Perfect.

And Albus is having a child and I just love weddings. I find Rose's views of him getting married interesting, but I'm glad she is keeping those thoughts to herself and is being supportive. It was nice of him to warn Rose of the man stalking outside. Yikes. I do not like this person at all.

And... Oh, NO! They've been found out! Darn it! Hope they get together again soon.

Wonderful chapter of debauchery. I have favorited and shall return to these last few chapters often just to get my fill of Viktor. So if your review count for these chapters goes up mysteriously every now and then, its probably me. LOL! XD

Dark Whisper
10/10

Author's Response: Yay! I'm glad you liked the more playful feeling in this chapter. They are going to have a lot of unpleasantness dropped on them soon, so I thought they deserved a little fun.

And I'm so glad you liked the bit about his childhood home. I think he really longs sometimes for that simpler time. And I'm with you -- a touch of sentiment isn't a terrible thing.

Hehehe, feel free to re-read anytime. It still surprises me that anyone wants to read this once, let alone twice :D

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A-Wiz,

I have to admit, the beginning of this chapter made me blush. His words teasing her... and now "every inch of him joined in the fun." Oh. My. Sweet. Goodness. And then waking to "begin the climb all over again." Jaw dropping prose. I LOVE IT!

And then... "Whatever insecurities he had, sexual prowess wasn't one of them." Perfect line.

You continue this vivid description of him as Rose practically studies his body... dense, tan, the tattoo that continued... *blush* You wrote that so vividly, I was standing in the room, enjoying the view along with her. Mmm hmm. Amazing description, even staying true to his age and being realistic. Fan-freaking-tastic!

And then... when he asked her if she was "all right." *Melts* And as far as her insecurities with him and worrying that it was a one night fling, was again... very realistic. You write what she is feeling so very well. Amazing job at this. Absolutely spot on.

And the 1st Mrs. Krum. I think I like her. She seems genuinely kind and obviously still cares for Viktor in helping him with his housing situation.

She does drop more than a few bombs though... the connections that Heart and Brooks never told her. I would be furious with them. Heart could've at least told her that Regina was wife 2. Urgh! It is a wonderful story that you weave here. More mystery has been injected and the truth is coming out. It makes me distrust the lot of them.

With Krum being a "serial heartbreaker," I would be heart-sick if I was Rose, the poor dear. She doesn't want it to be true, but knows full well that it is. ;(

And in the end, despite the warning, I would've let him in too. Tsk. Tsk. *nods in agreement*

Shamefully hooked,
Dark Whisper

P.S. Yeah, he is quitting smoking. One old vice for an "upgrade." *Squeals*
10/10

Author's Response: Yay! A little blushing is good. I thought it was important to address the *ahem* physicality of the situation, since it really does mark the start of their relationship, but I had no interest in pouring over the details. Hopefully this stuck the right chord.

As to Rose's insecurities, I hope that's something most people can relate to. I think we'd all like to think we can play it cool and be adults about this sort of thing, but opening yourself up like that really can leave you feeling vulnerable, especially with someone who can be as difficult to read as Krum.

I like Liddy too. She isn't perfect my any stretch of the imagination, but at least she, unlike Krum, will give Rose a straight answer. And in this case, tells her a bit more than she wanted to know...

The ending was fun to write, and I wish now that I'd slowed it down JUST a tad. I'm so glad you liked the line about the upgrade! Even his sweeter gestures have a little edge to them... at least that's what I was aiming for.

Thank you for another amazing review!

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I received your thank you message on the forums. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to respond. I'm technologically challenged like that. XD You are very welcome. I found your story on the Valentine's Day voting thingy and I'm so glad that I checked it out. Your story is outstanding and addicting and whoever recommended it was spot on.

Now... on to this chap...
Hot, hot, hot! Aside from the fact that your story is utterly brilliant, I cannot get enough of your Viktor. I love that he is a "one-word answer" kind of man and that he had a decent childhood, or at least he is unwilling to admit to anything else, perhaps his family is off limits in the book and without making an outright demand, it is clear that he will not talk about them and leaves it at that. I find it perfect that he calls her question session as 'interrogation' because that is what it feels like. It is no wonder that she has no real info to write about. She needs to get to KNOW him to get him to open up, which I'm sure she will... :)

He sure did have something on his mind, didn't he? More than dinner. And how bold is he to ask her to pay for it? As I read, I was wondering if it was more of a test to see if she really would, more so than him not having any money.

He likes to play head games a bit, really in seeing how she ticks. Her naivety is obvious and it probably amuses him.

Ah, he is jealous! How wonderful. But really, leaving Krum by himself was definitely not the right thing to do. I can totally see his point of view. It was disrespectful and obviously made him feel insecure. I would've been furious if my man did that to me. Grrr. And then... aha! He paid! Somehow I suspected that he would. :)

And then... his quoting of her own words about leaving a man his dignity... oh my falling stars! Amazing! He really knows how to win a lady, doesn't he? A true master of this art form. Oh, my. It was no wonder that it finally fast forwarded her to the same page that he was on. And again, it tells us about his character. He isn't all brawn and no brains, is he? No... he is Viktor Krum! Gah!

You've given me everything that I could've hope for in an excellent characterization of Krum. Amazing!

And here I am as a reader practically banging down the door to the next chapter...

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Well, I hope you don't mind but I've thanked you again in the Reviews That Made You Smile thread. The review you left on the very last chapter was one of the best I've ever received. Oh, and you can just hit Add Comment to respond to messages on your Profile feed :)

Now to this lovely review... I think Viktor always has something on his mind (and occasionally it's naughty!). Maybe from being famous at a young age, or just as part of his personality, but I do see him as a bit manipulative. He gets what he wants by playing games instead of just being direct with people. It isn't really malicious, but it isn't always nice either.

You're right. It was wrong of Rose to leave him there, but she wasn't intentionally being rude. Krum doesn't exactly take the high road about it though!

I'm so glad you liked the ending. I almost didn't have him quote the line, but in the end, I wanted, like you said, something to get her on the same page. To me, that felt way more intimate than any physical gesture.

It's been so much fun reading and responding to your reviews. It feels like I'm writing the story all over again :)

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Hmm... Heart. He sure seems to know how to sell a book... timing and all. Even though it is exploiting a bad situation, he does have a point, as ruthless as it seems. You have real-world insight, here... so true to the publishing world.

And I LOVE that he pointed out that Krum is trying to protect Rose from the circus that surrounded him for decades. I love that Krum refuses to mention her. It just speaks volumes of his character, his experience and wisdom that has come with age. There really are worse things than prison... like destroying a girl's private life, right? ;( I am loving your Krum more and more by the minute.

I love that we get to dive deeper into his life... her research of his history is providing your readers with wonderful details and we see where he is living now, which seems a pretty nice gift.

Thanks so much for this very intriguing and wonderfully written story. You are a true pro.

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Oh, I'm so glad the publishing parts feel true to life. I don't have any direct experience in the publishing world myself, but I can't imagine it isn't a little ruthless at times.

I'll admit, a lot of my characterization of Krum is built around that part in the GoF movie where Hermione says he isn't "particularly loquacious." I really did try to make his actions speak for him here, or I guess his lack of action, actually... Living in the Potter/Weasley bubble, I'm not sure the thought would have occurred to her on her own, that he could have used her to get out of trouble. But I think someone as shrewd as Heart would have picked up on it right away.

I'm so glad you're enjoying the story. It really was a labor of love and it thrills be no end that anyone out there wants to read it at all!

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Ah, the excerpt... it made me want to root for him and cheer him on. It is still heartbreaking that he had to fall so low, but you are so right about changing his life and having to find his self-worth through something else, not athletic ability or money. Whaa! Go Krum!

You had me laughing at his relaxed state. "Two nights in a row? People will start to talk." Hahaha! I love this about him. And I love his mentioning that there are worse things than prison. Wow, that is saying something with experience, I'm sure, to back it up.

But Rose was getting heated and irritated, she gets that from her mother for certain. And I think he loves it... someone that will stand up to him.

And finally, permission to write the book. Yeah! :)

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Yay! I'm so glad you're cheering for Krum. I really hoped people would warm to him before the romance kicked off, since the pairing is kind of odd.

I think Viktor's been through it all at this point, so he can keep that sort of nonchalant attitude, even when he's sitting in jail. And I'm so, so happy you picked out that line about being in prison. It's a point the two will revisit again before the story is over.

Lol, yes. I think Rose has a lot more of her parents in her than she'd like to admit. Thank you again reviewing!

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Ah, the excerpt... finding peace away from the world. I figured he would be the type to finally find it and enjoy it. The world can be cruel to the famous. ;( You write this very poetic-like. Very, very good.

And oh, a man's pride, hmm? It can get in the way, but I wouldn't have him any other way. He didn't need help... he'd rather not be able to breathe than to have her help him. So like him... perfect characterization.

I'm with Ron... those are just Hugo's school friends, right? ;)

And Krum arrested? And only will speak to her? Ooh... here we go! :)

sKrumptious... (and sure, you can use that anytime). XD

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: I'm not usually one for poetics, but I did want to differentiate the style of the story from the style of Rose's book. I'm really glad the contrast is noticeable. And hahaha! Yes, beware a man and his pride. You're so right; I think he'd have rather died than relinquish control to Rose at that moment.

I feel like I'm running out of ways to say thank you... but thank you AGAIN for another review!!

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Oh, A-Wiz, this is by far my favorite chapter so far. You really went beyond my expectations in your description of this place, Krum's mannerisms, his relaxed state and that coy smile.

I must say, that if I was really reading that book of hers, chapter five would've had me taking up an entire box of tissues... "a forgetable nobody?" Gah, my heart, that's harsh! I would've been bawling my eyes out like the true fan I am. His fall from Quidditch, then from grace is heartbreaking. ;( I cannot help but think at that point while life was falling apart, that there was a part of him that actually wanted the world to go away... kind of like a self-depreciating spiral downward. Sad, indeed.

I Love, love your description of him... black eyes... oh, those serious eyes that any female could fall in love with quite easily. His hair, black and flecked with gray, very fitting and right for his age. I love that he is still broad-shouldered and muscular and LOVE the tattoo... I mean he MUST be tattoo'd, right? LOVE HIM! Pardon while I catch my breath from 'seeing' this hunky brute... perfectly masculine and rugged in all of the fine ways men can be. Honestly, you have described my husband (minus the tattoo and the crooked nose from fighting). LOL! :)

I love the fight scene, the reasons for fighting... and love how she was a bit mortified as she watched him become lethal.

And the end of the chap... WOW! He knew about the book, which if I was Rose, I'd being feeling like a complete fool. But alas, the mystery builds and you have your readings clicking that button to turn the page.

EXCELLENT CHAPTER. Perfect 10/10.

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: For someone who'd been famous since he was a teenager, I imagine it would be a pretty hard slap to the face to be forgotten, but there would also be some measure of relief to it as well. I'm so glad the excerpts are making you feel for Viktor, since he doesn't always do things in the present to make himself very likable.

I'll admit, I almost scaled back the physical description of Krum. I didn't want this to venture too far into harlequin romance territory, and so I tried to stay in line with the way he's described in the books. But I may have ended up indulging just a bit -- but hey, some men just get better with age, right?!

I'm so glad the revelation about the book was a surprise. Now that we'd met Krum, I really wanted to find a hook that would keep the momentum building.

Thank you for another wonderful review. I've never had this many reviews all at once and it's both unexpected and absolutely lovely!

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The excerpt in this chapter just breaks my heart. Drugs. :( And people around him riding the wave until the money ran out. So sad, my poor Krum. Boo hoo. :( Such a sad existence and circumstance and not to mention entirely believable.

Oh and now we know this little twist with Brooks. It was very surprising that he would be Krum's step-son. Hmm. Intriguing.

And oh my, there he is... Viktor Krum in the flesh, whispering his husky voice into her ear, oh my twinkling stars! And he knew. Ah, a man of mystery. I do love what he says and how he says it. You've written him so well already. :)

Excellent pull to the next chapter. MUST KEEP READING!

Dark Whisper

Author's Response: I really wanted to make his past troubles as believable as possible -- having him both a victim of his circumstance but also very much to blame for his own troubles. I'm really happy it felt plausible to you.

Hehehe, I couldn't help myself. I figured Krum deserved a good entrance. And since he's going to prove a big mystery to Rose, it only seemed fitting.

I'm so glad the story is holding your attention and pulling you along. That's just about the best compliment there is!

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Well, based on the excerpt, I don't like his second wife too much. She seemed to have spent an awful lot of his money. Yikes.

Heart is definitely right about this opportunity. It is HUGE and others would be knocking down his door. I like it that he said her writing had heart. He seems to be a master of knowing what will sell, even knowing that the story needs 'heart' to be a best seller. Even I want a copy... preferable signed by Krum, of course. :P

And Mr. Brooks, now here is a more typical lawyer. He sure seems confident, condescending, with a lot of blanks for her to fill in. I have to admit, I too am interested in Krum's "situation," but I'm just another Quidditch fangirl. Rose has no idea... yet.

Great story, G-Wiz. It flows really well and you leave us wanting more.
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Yay! I'm so happy you picked up on the bit about the second wife, since she has a big part to play down the road.

I do sort of see Heart as a master businessman. He isn't exactly lovable, but he does know what he's doing, and Rose can respect him for that. And hooray for more Quidditch fangirls!!

Thanks for another lovely review. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!

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I love your book excerpts. You are giving us glimpses into her writing while giving us the back story of what happened to Krum.

You describe her little space very well while giving it a character all its own... especially the sloped ceilings and a kitchen fitting for a doll house. Love that!

I like it that Al comes around and confides in her about what is going on in his life.

And love the note by Heart. No need for a signature. :)

Great building chapter.

Reading on...
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: I'm so glad you like the excerpts. I was hoping it would be a fun way to introduce some backstory without slowing down the story too much.

I'm kind of partial to her little apartment, myself. I think it's suits her current lot in life.

Hehehe. I'm glad there was no question about who the letter was from ;)

Thanks for the review!

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Wow, Joseph has a very foul-mouthed Heart, doesn't he? He is quite a forceful one with rather harsh opinions of others. Very strong characterization.

You had me feeling sorry for a lawyer. Usually they can hold their own or at least act like they can.

Rose did very well to let him go on his rant. I think it is a very good opportunity for her to write the next best seller, but wow, that's some pressure to tackle.

I do love the excerpt from the book and how you leave us wanting to read more.

Great job,
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Thanks, DW. Heart definitely is a strong character. I try to use him sparingly throughout the story not to run people off too badly, but he does have a tendency to role over people -- Rose and his lawyer included. Thanks for stopping by for another R&R!

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Ooh.. I do like me some Krum with a side of cheese. Mmm... 'sKrumptious.' :P

I would try to write him myself if I thought I could write his accent decent enough for people to understand. You do this very well, I might add.

Your first chapter is very intriguing and it begs for questions to be answered in future chapters... like how he landed in jail. And how in the world did this unusual ship develop so much for him to cry at seeing her name on that book? And my, oh my, what is in that book?

I love the reference to him being with Hermione! Very intriguing.

I also have to say that I like the "Full Summary" so that we can get a better glimpse of what is happening.

Fantastic first chapter. Really well-written.
Dark Whisper

Author's Response: Thanks, DW. I've become quite the Krum fan myself -- accent and all. You should totally try writing him sometime. He's a lot of fun.

I'm so glad you liked the chapter. I was definitely trying to open up a lot of questions here, and of course, I had to put in *something* about Hermione.

Thanks so much for the R&R. And sKrumptious? I may just have to borrow that sometime!



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This Quidditch date was described so well.

And oh... she loves him. You've just tipped the sweetness scales. And I do hope that whatever it was that he was going to say matched her sentiments as well.

I have to say that your pace with these two is perfect as their relationship grows. You explain her feelings so well.

You are very skilled as a writer with your many characters and in keeping the story interesting and at a great pace. You should be very proud of yourself on a job well done.

Sincerely,
Dark Whisper

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Awe, they are holding hands. Sweet.

I really like that she feels so comfortable talking to him about anything. And really, I enjoy the conversation of why they are working in the Ministry. It gives some more insight into these two.

I am really enjoying your story and I'm happy to have tried it out.

Great job,
Dark Whisper

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Mettling souls. I hope everyone lets up on her soon. It can be frustrating when friends and family don't see what you do, poor dear.

Their little date was really cute and sweet. And Percy is as adorable as can be in taking things so slowly. It shows his respect for her and his sweet shyness as well. She will need to be patient with this one. Tee hee.

Hurray for the "fantastic amount of kissing."

Great job,
Dark Whisper

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Awe... their first kiss was so sweet! He was nervous... adorable! 'What's wrong with him?' Hahaha!

I LOVE her timing... "half second... 2 seconds, 5 tops." LOL! That had me laughing out loud, it was so cute!

I must say that I really like her father. He seems so patient and I see him as a big teddy bear type. He is wonderfully supportive. :)

Reading on...
Dark Whisper

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This chapter was so sweet with such an innocent evening. You described her nervousness throughout the day really well. And Percy is so backward, he is just adorable.

Your descriptions and characterizations are actually inspiring, you do it so well and so naturally. It seems you have a wonderful insight to human nature.

Reading on...
Dark Whisper

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This is really sweet. Victory Day would be hard on him, indeed. :(

I love how she is so hard on herself, but really, they are so alike. its amusing. I'm glad that he is coming around and finally asked her out for a drink. So sweet.

I loved her reaction to seeing the famous Harry Potter himself. Very cute.

This is a super sweet story written extremely well. Great job.

Dark Whisper

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Ah, we see Percy in a more shy characterization, which is what I would assume he would be like. He has such humble beginnings, being part of the Weasley's and all... and it seems to fit him. I'm so glad that he apologized to her.

And Cepheus, yikes. Was he a Slytherin? Seems like it. I loved how you described what he breathed and ate for breakfast. Hilarious and very creative.

You are doing an excellent job at characterizations for every character that you have introduced so far.

I'm liking your story more and more as I read along.

Great job!
Dark Whisper

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