The Dealer
Chapter 2 of 15
FairfieldQuickly, bring me a beaker of wine, so that I may wet my mind and say something clever.
Aristophanes
The Dealer
"There was an unusual package on the doorstep this morning, sir."
"A package? For whom?"
"For you, sir. Four bottles: two each of Chardonnay and Merlot. They arrived in a clever basket that kept them the correct temperature."
"Orphan wine? Is there a note on their parentage?"
"Addressed to you, sir. I did not take the liberty of opening it."
The wheelchair-bound nobleman read the note. Then reread it. "It advises a small glass morning and evening. It assures me they are decent, although not outstanding, vintages. It states the wine is worth the expense, and there are elaborate instructions for obtaining more."
"Will you report it, sir? The wine could be poisoned."
"I have very little chance for adventure these days, and while I don't like to whine, the days are painful enough that poison might be a favor. I think for this early hour, white would be appropriate."
Two days later, the pain-free nobleman placed an order for a case of wine that was cheaper than the ineffective drugs he had been taking.
"Are you certain it's not a subtle poison, sir?"
"It may be. It could very well be, but what a way to go...like between the legs of a woman ... which interests me again."
"May I suggest a bit of romance, sir? Your part-time secretary is not a great beauty and has a husband, but she is a handsome lady, and I know she admires you and covets you. Plus, she is the soul of discretion. Should I drop a hint and get you messily entangled, sir, or would you prefer an elegant, detached relationship?"
"A detached relationship is more sensible, and good secretaries are hard to find, but caution seems out of place since I'm possibly ingesting poison. Besides, I have become fond of Emily. Drop the hint. Let us see if she's frisky under the stern exterior. Do you honestly believe she's interested?"
"It would break her heart to see you take up with another, sir."
His thoughts turned back to the special wine. "I need to talk to their sales manager. If they packaged this as a high quality Port, they would have a winner."
"Yes, sir, that they would."
- * * *
The solution to the 'potions equals money' equation was drugs.
'It took long enough for it to occur to me,' he thought. "I thrashed around for two years trying to think how a fugitive could make a living. My brightest idea during that time was to create a whole new line of shimmering fabric colors. It's rather amusing now.'
He, sooner than most, had realized that everything was going to get bad, very bad. He had his intellect, his knowledge of both sides, and unknown to most who thought him a recluse, an understanding of social conditions. Even if the Dark Lord hadn't returned, the prejudices and injustices of wizard society were brewing a storm...the Dark Lord was a catalyst. He knew he straddled both sides, and he knew he would be hunted by both sides on the slim chance that he survived.
Once the solution of drugs occurred to him, more questions arose. What could he produce? What could he sell? Who would buy? How could he deliver? How could he keep himself hidden and safe?
There was a frantic year spent searching for information on drugs. He had always ignored them...more accurately, avoided them. He had never felt safe enough to indulge...never more than one or two glasses of wine with a meal. The search had to be secret since both wizard and mundane authorities were suspicious of anyone knowledgeable about the properties and production of drugs.
His first big break came with the arrest of an organized crime chemist. He had been following mundane affairs because he thought it would be easier to hide among the mundanes and because the mundanes were a bigger market. He had posed as a family friend, visited the chemist in prison, and used his powers to extract information from the chemist. It had left the chemist with a blinding headache. Besides technical information, the raid into the chemist's head had provided other names. After several more raids he was ready to pursue research in a line of drugs and set up his network. It was three years after his original conclusion that to survive he would eventually have to go into permanent hiding.
The first nudge towards his current profession had come during an honors luncheon at school when he sat next to a Ministry official who would be called an economist by the mundanes. He had forgotten what the lunch was to honor, but he hadn't forgotten the conversation with the official.
- * * *
"Wizard economics has changed the last fifty years," said the visitor when asked about his job. "The mundanes have become customers."
The official took advantage of their scholarly interest to hold forth about his occupation. "About 6,000 witches and wizards are under eighteen, over one hundred twenty, incapacitated, or leading a life of crime. About 4,000, mostly married women, are leading a domestic life of homemaking, teaching the young, sewing, baking, gardening, and community work."
"That's half of us," said the Astronomy professor. The audience was definitely interested.
"About 2,500 are in agriculture," said the official.
"Can 2,500 produce enough for all of us?" asked the Herbology professor. The Herbology professor's hobby was mundane agriculture. Magic was productive and non-polluting, but petroleum-based agriculture was very productive.
"They could ... barely," said the official, "but they have discovered the mundane market. Magic can produce prime cuts of meat and fresh fruits and vegetables out of season."
"They could sell to the fancy restaurants," speculated the Herbology professor. "A few pounds of choice asparagus could get a hundred pounds of potatoes."
"Yes," said the official, glad everyone understood the basic idea. He continued, "There are about 5,500 of us in construction, manufacturing, transportation, and trade."
"I wouldn't think that many of those could produce anything for the mundanes," offered the Arithmancy professor.
"That's true," agreed the official. "But a significant fraction can. We're a society of artisans instead of factory workers. Sorcery lets us produce extremely fine cosmetics, liqueurs, and jewelry."
"Magic is used in the production, but it doesn't appear in the final product," said the Transfiguration professor.
"Exactly," said the official. "The economic term is 'value added,' and magic can add a lot of value."
The Arithmancy professor had been calculating. "That leaves 2,000 of us for sports, entertainment, and government services. I suppose the revenue from the mundanes lets us carry such an overhead."
"Very good," said the official.
- * * *
'What a time that was,' he recalled almost fondly, thinking about the intense year of research into drug development. 'It was no-holds-barred,' he remembered. Injunctions about foolish wand waving or silly incantations had immediately gone out the window. 'I was fighting for survival.'
'It's too bad I can't publish my results,' he thought. His new spells and procedures had produced several effective pain-killing and performance-enhancing products. He experienced an occasional twinge of guilt about not sharing his discoveries with the wizard world. 'There's no help for it,' he reminded himself. 'It is they who have chosen to hunt me. If I tried to help them, they would kill me before I could transmit the information to them.'
His choice of drugs to produce came from knowledge of Great Britain statistics and the remarks by the economist about the high-end mundane market.
- * * *
There were about 60 million people in Great Britain. The top five percent, about 3 million, had forty percent of the wealth. 'More money than was good for them,' he thought. He knew that ten percent of the population suffered from chronic pain. He thought the wealthy would be less afflicted. They didn't spend their lives doing dangerous or debilitating work, and they didn't suffer from the stress of poverty. Nevertheless, he could predict that at least one percent, about 30,000, of them suffered from severe chronic pain. He thought he could contact and supply several hundred customers. Each of them would happily pay 200 pounds sterling a week or 10,000 pounds sterling a year for relief. They spent more than that dining out.
He had several years to acquire a market. He would let his clientele discreetly spread the word through their exclusive clubs. It was a safe market: he was not dealing with people easily intimidated by the police. But he had to be careful: it was a ruthless crowd...easily the equivalent of the Malfoys and better organized.
- * * *
His fingers tapped the glass as he looked out on the landscape. The black tilled earth and yellow sprigs of spring had become the silver clouds and green foliage of summer which was becoming the red and gold of autumn to be followed by the silver ground and blue sky of winter. 'Is that the natural progression?' he wondered. 'From industriousness to guile to bravery to intelligence?'
'I've obviously too much time on my hands,' he concluded. 'I've obviously spent too much time among the school houses.'
- * * *
He felt himself attracted to the masked ball. He tried to talk himself out of it. 'This is how people get caught. They can't leave their old habits, their old friends, or their old neighborhoods behind.'
But he missed wizard society. There was something about the way wizards interacted. 'Interesting,' he mused. 'What does make us different, besides the obvious? I hadn't thought about it before, and I can't pinpoint it now, but I do know I miss it, and I better do something constructive about it before that hole in my life causes me to make a mistake.'
He prepared as best he could by changing his behavior as much as he could. He took lessons until he was a passable dancer. It seemed best to mingle and indulge in idle chit chat. He practiced by engaging shopkeepers and others in casual conversation. He didn't think he had any talent for it, but just trying created quite a distance between his current facade and his old self. There could be a variety of costumes. He considered avoiding the color black altogether, but decided that would be a connection between all his outfits. Perhaps the best disguise would be as his current self...an earnest, accomplished person who was no social butterfly but who was willing to engage in light conversation and who could dance passably. He had a better than adequate job, but he preferred not to discuss it. The evening was for relaxing in the company of others and escaping his cares.
- * * *
He would enjoy escaping from his job. He let himself live well, and he kept to a healthy diet and lifestyle, but the continuous vigilance and tension were taking their toll. The profitability of his trade and dealing with the fringe of society meant a constant threat of betrayal. He knew he had to be ruthless, and he was. No flash, no show, just efficient elimination of those who had violated his trust.
But gangsters liked to go in style: "I know you're a tough, silent killer, but I did a lot of good things for you before I was tempted. Can't you say something to me?"
"Ten points from Gryffindor."
"What?"
- * * *
"Good evening. May I have this dance?"
"I haven't danced in some time."
"It's an easy number, and I'm rusty myself."
He had picked her from a crowd of older women. She had been looking at the dance floor wistfully instead of gossiping with the group. He had nodded at her, and she had smiled back.
"You dance well enough," she said when the number was finished. "Can I ask for another?"
"Certainly."
Over a glass of wine she told him she managed a small fabric and clothing store. She was here with her daughter. A number of mothers, older married sisters, and aunts were here as chaperones.
"You can't tell me what you do?" she asked.
He shook his head.
"Well, you have a professorial air about you, and you dance by the book. I suppose the faculty can't be seen to let their hair down."
"Can you let your hair down?" he asked.
She pressed closer to him. "There's no one guarding the guardians."
It was okay with her if they kept their masks on. It was kind of kinky and exciting. 'It's like one of those Celtic dances where the upper torso remains rigid while the lower body moves energetically,' he thought.
- * * *
It was his fifth attendance at the masked ball, and his preference for the older ladies was causing him trouble. They were marvelous. He was having the time of his life with their conversation, their company, and their coupling. They were too marvelous: They were recognizing him even when he wore different disguises.
"Professor?" asked a handsome lady, tugging at his sleeve. As he turned to her, chaos erupted. He dropped to the floor. She looked to see what was happening and was dropped by a spell.
He had prepared for being cornered by law enforcement. He put on a mundane respirator, recited the incantation that removed their protective barriers, and started throwing vials of sleeping gas. Both guests and attackers were falling.
Severus found himself making his way towards the lady who had been hexed by the attackers. 'She's open to charges because she snuck a wand into the ball, but she sacrificed herself to save dancers from the chandelier. She deserves better than to be rounded up with the rest.'
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Latest 25 Reviews for Crossroads
56 Reviews | 8.48/10 Average
Fantastic ending--Severus as a wonderful anti-hero subversive deus ex machina sweeping in and offering Hermione a life and livelihood--glad to see that she is a fast thinker, accepting the odds are against her (if she stubbornly sticks to her story) but able to assess what he is offering her--it's doubly delicious the irony of her being now a fugitive (well, soon to be) and that she remains naive to Jack, being her attacker, harbouring fugitives all along, Bellatrix and Narcissa--it's sort of a poetic justice that the know-it-all has been forced to experience some humbling humanity, albeit of a subversive nature--again, a brilliant twist (and for some reason makes me think of Bob Dylan's lyrics to 'Like a Rolling Stone'... Anyway...)I'm tickled pink that Harry and Parvati and Padma have also established a wholesome threesome paralleling Jack, Narcissa, and Bellatrix--also love the final capper per Jack then Harry's section: ‘I’m in for it now,’ he thought.' to each wizard's situation--I suppose we should give our best wishes to each guy, as each will never have a moment's peace satisfying the wishes and whims of the partners, but I suppose that is what will keep life interesting, engaging, and fulfilling for them. Thank you for a fantastic tale!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Severus had positive thoughts about Hermione when he rescued her. A lapse in the story is not introducing and sustaining this throughout the intermediate chapters. Her flaw is bitterness and intensity, but since these are understandable and her heart is in the right place, her tragedy is only partial. Besides, if she wishes to be with Severus, she will have to abandon normal society.It is true all the wizards have demanding partners, but aside from being careful what one asks for, it might be the best outcome for them once they have adapted.Thank you for all the insightful reviews.
Fantastic twists in the plot--and it is a miracle that the Black sisters did not murder Hermione, but thought of what Jack would have done--and on a side note, I think Jack underestimates Narcissa and Bellatrix and their love and need for him, one that eschews and has transcended the narrow category of 'aristocrat' that seems to constantly trouble him. Yes! Finally, Harry! You see, threesomes can be embraced and work out! Oh ye of little faith--but now he has his own experience to believe and take strength from, instead of the musings and encouragement of an older, more experienced wizard such as Jack. Jack seems to be embracing and enjoying his threesome arrangement with more strength and commitment, in the sense that he is not entertaining the idea of running off and disappearing but rather coming to terms with and believing/wanting this arrangement on a deeper, more sincere level--great chapter! Must read on to see what actually will happen!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Thank you for the kind review of a climatic chapter where everything comes together. A standard goal is to have the ending be both unexpected and a logical consequence of previous events.The Black sisters exercised great restraint in deference to Jack, especially since they believe their safety depends on eliminating Hermione.Jack is a strange combination of arrogance and self doubt.Harry wins over the Patils with a business deal.
Poor Harry... He has accepted his attraction to them fully and yet is now banished; Jack has accepted his attraction to both and is feeling overwhelmed yet committed to doing what he can for them, on all levels--Narcissa and Bellatrix are unconcerned about how demanding their attentions and expectations of Jack are... But they continue to enjoy and appreciate his efforts and protection and heroic actions on their part... Hermione is on the move and it seems she hasn't developed any tolerance or empathy and is sticking to her guns and moral code in regards to her professional work and agenda--enjoying everyone's dilemmaGreat chapter!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Yes, everyone is being blindsided. Harry is banished, Hermione discovers Jack and Narcissa are a couple, Jack succumbs to the Black sisters, the Ministry is fooled by Beatrice LaGrange, and the Malfoy manner is raided. The couples (more accurately, triples) are working their way through the problems while Hermione devotes herself to her work.
Intriguing look into the Patil family and all of the pros and cons the parents are weighing and struggling with, the loss of tradition and honour being huge impediments... but maybe there will be a clear break with tradition in a choice that could lead to happiness for both of their daughters with Harry. I have a feeling Hermione has not given up on her notion of capturing Severus Snape, whether that be to turn him in or to have him for her own clandestinely. Perhaps her liason with Jack will help strenthen her and his own resolve one way or another with decisions regarding the truant fugitives in their lives--lovely, informative chapter while still leaving many questions to be answered!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Glad you liked it. The premise is that romance does not take place in a vacuum, and we have an extended business family, not to mention high caste and pure blood, to whom propriety is important. There are the fiery females and the calmer Mr. Patil who has more depth than one might think.Parvati and Padma with Harry might be more like their parents than they realize.Yes, Hermione is as determined as ever.
Great developments--whether Hermione and Jack's afternoon delight development will benefit her or him more remains to be seen--in particular the aspect that he truly would have roused suspicion by avoiding her and her need to have someone listen to her, be with her, appreciate her, make love with her, etc.--then there are the Black sisters, who need anything to be a decoy in order to keep Bellatrix being safely harboured with Narcissa. Will Jack be able to juggle all of the witches, opposing sides with opposing objectives? Will their be some bargaining going on between Jack and Hermione regarding the fugitives Severus and Bellatrix? Great chapter!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Thanks. The bargaining is an interesting suggestion full of possibilities. Would Jack help catch Severus to save Bellatrix, or would he try to save both? Would he form an alliance with Severus and Bellatrix? Could either one, or anyone, trust Jack? Would the ruthless Hermione keep the agreement in the first case? Would she be able to thwart his efforts in the seoond? Would her efforts be derailed if she fell in love with Jack? As dramatic background, all of this is a matter of life and death for Severus and Bellatrix and Narcissa. It might become a matter of life or death for Hermione.
Hmmm, Harry does have a dilemma... Twill be difficult unless he chooses both
The same goes for Jack, although at this rate, the decision(s) may be made for him, with Bellatrix being the more assertive, although Narcissa has declared herself on some level, allowing an opening of sorts... Love the further exploration of Bellatrix's more human needs, Jack's vulnerability, and Narcissa's verbalisation of what she wants.Lovely contrasts of Harry muddling along, discovering the female sex as it were versus Jack's experience, having been married and divorced, but he is still discovering things about the opposite sex with his two particular witches. Lovely work and great chapter!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Yes, a chapter in which Harry and Jack are being drawn in deeper - the shop's storeroom where Harry participates in retail that is important to the Patils and becomes more intimate - the castle's storeroom where Jack participates in family history that is important to the Blacks and becomes more intimate.
Hermione is being warned, if she doesn't back down, she will be done away with; Jack offers her polite and considerate company; Severus is very direct--she is confronted with truths. Harry enjoys helping Parvati and Padma out and they all continue to discover further and enjoy each other's company. Harry has tired of his watching, and Jack accepts the responsibilty feeling he has nothing to lose and wishing for some different dynamics in his life, taking a risk whether Narcissa will reciprocate or ignore him, unsure. The inclusion of Bellatrix, the riskiness of harbouring a top Undesireable has placed him in a dilemma, as both Black sisters are found to be needing him, each in her own way. There is a sadness and vulnerability brought out regarding Bellatrix and with that more complex natures revealed of who they were and have been during their lives as sisters--and now there is Jack having to deal with more volatile possibilities--whose side will he choose? The loyalty to the Ministry? Or a very private newfounded loyalty to the Black sisters? Harry, Severus, and jack, each in his own way, are having to be very selective in how much and/or which way he is interacting with his particular witch(s)-great chapter!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Another good review: this time of a chapter where everyone is becoming entangled. It tries for some contrast - the mild bickering and jealousy of the Patil sisters, the more insistent demands of the Black sisters, the different reactions of Bellatrix and Narcissa when they learn Jack has killed someone dear to them, the companionable visit of Jack versus the hard-edged visit of Severus. Because of the witches, Harry is neglecting professorial duties, Jack ministry wishes, and Severus his survival.
Thoroughly enjoying the unfolding intimacy of trust with Padma and Parvati becoming comfortable enough with Harry to share and show each one's scar; Harry is not scared off, rather commiserates and is accepting--he's lived with physical and emotional/pyscological scars his entire life and so can understand; likewise, an interesting light is shone on Narcissa revealing her physical/traumatic scar to Jack, and he revealing his psychological/traumatic scar to her (hexing/killing her husband). With the Patil sisters and Harry, it draws them closer together; with Jack and Narcissa, the revelations asunder them. Hermione is in a dilemma, conflicted; her physical scar and discomfort impeding her; her resistance against Severus' curative painfully crumbling, giving into it, but is it only to strengthen her resolve and aid her to capture him? She must partake in that which she despises and has vowed against--and then there is Jack, in fluctuation, unhappy and wishing for a fuller companionship and fulfillment when reflecting on Narcissa--looking forward to seeing if meeting Granger draws him one way or another--she seems a bit miffed at him, and yet intrigued on some level--great chapter! Love how the plot is thickening! Also, I've meant to comment on that I love it that you have written the female characters with explicit and metaphorical scars (not just the wizards), and this is being explored, layered on, informing & influencing character's decisions and hesitations--again, wonderful work!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
A good review of a chapter that attempts the depiction of conflicting emotions. There's not much left to say. Their attraction overcomes the shyness and obstacles for Harry, Padma, and Parvati. An unfortunate event shatters Narcissa and Jack. Readers might be disappointed that Hermione decides to use an illicit drug supplied by an outlaw, but I think it is an understandable response to chronic pain. Hermione is both repelled and intrigued by the mysterious, perhaps unknowable, Jack.
Mmm, love Severus and Hermione on the underground, his observations--Sev in quite a predicament, and Hermione being sick, getting cleaned up by him, and all fussy and defensive--that is until the last second when she gets her instrument of power back in her hands, fully aware and with a gleam in her eye--Severus has had a narrow escape in more ways than one!
Love also the narrow escape of Jack, Narcissa, and Harry--thoroughly enjoyed them passed out under cardboard in an alley without their wands (having not brought them (nor allowed) to the masked dance), having to rough it, Muggle style--HA! Love the inner thoughts and commentaries--something is brewing--great chapter!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Two clumsy rescues - complete with unchivalrous thoughts, ingratitude, sarcasm, and betrayal.
Conjures up thoughts and reflections about military maneuvers from the great World Wars, in particular, WWI (although the infamous battle of Stalingrad of WWII flitters through my thoughts), some utterly futile, some more effective, etc. Brilliant, love the detailed movement and strategies explained and developed, and then the fallout and segue into the subversive drug clientele and trafficking, as the wizard goverment & officials turn a decisive blind eye, having other seeming priorities... As with anyone who may have to resort to being involved in procuring the way and assessibilty for self-and society-destructing illicit drugs, it brings out a conflicting melancholic feeling knowing that Severus seems to have no choice but to do so--to be a part of this... Great chapter!
Response from nagandsev (Reviewer)
Ooops, reread the summary--Gettysburg/Civil War flank maneuvers and strategies referenced! Just had the impact of great strategic plans occurring while reading--in my excited state, sorry to not have reread the summary for the significant great war/battle reference!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Your thinking WW! is not wrong. Glad you enjoyed the strategy. The Longstreet quote is a despairing comment on any high attrition conflict. A subtle element is that, proportionally, the loss of six Arithmancers is equivalent to a conflict killing most of the PhD mathematicians and physicists in the UK. The war has hollowed out and scared society, and the story is about people coping. Thanks for all the commentary.
Highly enjoyed the introduction and development of Jack and his background and broadened livelihood into the story and in particular his interaction with Narcissa--seems they are both going to do well as professors along with developing a mutual relationship of sorts--hmmm, the plot is thickening deeper and richer as each scenario sheds light on the different perspectives of each character--lovely, intriguing, engaging work!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Thanks. Two lost people intellectualizing their alienation and thereby finding a kindred spirit.
Lovely and engaging inclusion of Padma and Parvati, two rarely written about/underwritten characters in the HP canon, their family business situation, war scars, and the biting reminder of their high-caste pure-blood status having had and currently affecting their life decisions and sacrifices. Love it that Harry has initiated some interest and has enjoyed their company, longing for more--the intertwining of these characters with the catalytic event during the mask dance is so wonderful--it's not a secret that I love your brilliant, unique quality of writing and fine style, both one-shots and multi-chapters--just with the multi-chapter ones, there's more to enjoy!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
The central thought was thst the Patils would be family oriented and business oriented. The impression from canon is that the twins are well mannered but with emotions seething beneath the surface. Yes, they are hemmed in by economic circumstances, war scars, and fami;ly honor. And thank you for all the kind words.
Titillating development between Narcissa and Harry, only to be thwarted by a mysterious saboteur--brilliant! Looking forward to finding out who Narcissa has absconded with, intentionally or unintentionally... Hmmm... Love it that the dance hall is a vortex of intrigue and action in which these different characters' tales are intertwining and springing forth from--brilliant, just brilliant--and of course as seductive and engaging as ever!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Thank you very much. This chapter attempts scenes that illustrate the attraction and tension between them. She is a brave and intelligent lady whose background and experiences place her in a world different from his. The masked ball appears to be bringing the community together.
Hmmm, one could say a wizard's got to do what a wizard's got to do to survive--Brilliant evolution of trade and commerce by Severus, keenly observing his choices and acting with astuteness and practicality about the ways of the world, who has seemingly been caught between a rock and a hard place to survive with his head above water in matters; I can only cheer him on with accepting all that life is offering him, regarding the ladies at the dance who equally seem to be in need of companionship and/or some social interaction, whether that be merely conversation and dancing on the dance floor and/or dancing from the waist down clandestinely elsewhere. Love the unexpected ending with the attacke and Hermione in the midst in need of his intervention/interaction--great chapter!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Thanks. Part of the chapter attempts a rational explanation of the wizard economy which canon presents as a collection of artisans and shopkeepers untouced by the industrial revolution with a bloated ministry and a large number of sports teams. The story takes a benign attitude toward pain-killing drugs. Society's prejudices and Severus's fugitive status keep him from offering this benefit to all. Severus's social efforts do seem to be appreciated.
Mmm, love her dilatory contemplations and hesitancy in this detailed, engaging intro, establishing Hermione's seeming lull in life after surviving the war, scarred inside and out... and a disturbing (but excellent, intriguing) cliffie of an ending!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
On a personal note, I have been hoping you would discover 'Cross Roads.' The first chapter depicts a post conflict society through the eyes of a damaged veteran. The story experiments by extending a cliff hanger for five chapters.
I like the sneaky necklace is a wand. This is a wonderful beginning!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Thanks. If you glanced at the reviews, you know that readers find this story difficult and different. If it helps, the first five chapters introduce the characters, hopefully in an entertaining manner. Good luck.
This was extremely disjointed and hard to follow. Couldn't figure out what was going on from one moment to the next. I am sorry, but I had to give up only 1/3 of the way through.It reminded me of Pulp Fiction, with its unchronological disjointedness, only without the good acting to distract me from the fact that I didn't know what the hell was going on from the beginning of that movie to the end of it! :)Perhaps it's just that I don't appreciate your avant-garded style or what-have-you, but this story was simply too much work to read for my tastes.Thank you for sharing it, and I hope you find other audiences who are more receptive to it. Cheers.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Does this mean you're not going to list this story as a favorite?
ohhhh Jack is heading into a dark path. He is so creepy! Good job!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
After some hesitation, I decided to take the story to where few fans would want to follow. Even Bellatrix, who trusts him with her life, wonders what Jack is thinking and feeling. Thanks for the reviews.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
After some hesitation, I decided to take the story to where few fans would want to follow. Even Bellatrix, who trusts him with her life, wonders what Jack is thinking and feeling. Thanks for the reviews.
Well, Jack is certainly interesting. I can't believe all the things going on on so many levels.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
I did promise that paths would cross: the resolution depends on all paths crossing. At first, I thought there was no canon character like Jack. Now, I think there could not be a canon character like Jack.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
I did promise that paths would cross: the resolution depends on all paths crossing. At first, I thought there was no canon character like Jack. Now, I think there could not be a canon character like Jack.
AHHH! Hermione had better find severus!!!! ;) Can't wait to find out! Great chapter, by the way!
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Glad you liked the chapter. There was concern about it being a 'guicco piano' about two non-canon characters.Perhaps the story should be more emphatic. Hermione has located Severus twice but failed to capture him. If he is captured, or merely located, he is a dead man since both sides wish to kill him. Both Hermione and Severus know this. At one time, Hermione thought that made her job easier--she need only locate him. Bringing the traitor to justice would be a feather in the cap of the most brilliant witch of the age. The question is whether or not she is having second thoughts about doing the right thing. Of course there is also the question of how the story is going to resolve this little dilemma.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
My reply may have been too emphatic. It was late at night, and I'm currently punching a project through a bureaucracy. At any rate, I did like your review.
Response from baseballbabe122 (Reviewer)
Haha, that's oky. I enjoyed that little insight. :)
Harry first, why does he have to chose one over the other, why can't he have both? Now Jack, can anyone really survive the Blacks, not just Narcissa and Bella? lol. If he plays his cards right he will be ok, I think. Then there is Hermione, please give her, her spirit back. She seems so unhappy and Jack is not the answer. I truly hope she find Severus. And he finds it in his heart to come to trust her. The twins' parents need to allow their daughters to make their own decisions and when they make a mistake let them learn from it and move on. Just be there for them either way.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Quite a lot to think about, but an author should keep most of it to himself.One thought is that canon-Hermine at school had lots of spirit, but it required the Mountain Troll incident for her spirit to form bonds. Is adult canon-Hermione similar?
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Quite a lot to think about, but an author should keep most of it to himself.One thought is that canon-Hermine at school had lots of spirit, but it required the Mountain Troll incident for her spirit to form bonds. Is adult canon-Hermione similar?
Wow, this story is aptly named. I am impressed at all the twists and turns you are making. I suggest Jack gets killed, Harry marries one of the twins and Severus and Hermione hook up with a happy ending
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Okay, Jack is toast. But not so fast. All the things reviewers want depend on Jack.Thanks for the comments. Not everyone likes this type of story.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Okay, Jack is toast. But not so fast. All the things reviewers want depend on Jack.Thanks for the comments. Not everyone likes this type of story.
now now girls no fighting over the man I'm sure he would be more than able to take the both of you lol
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Ah, yes, who gets to French him? Glad you were amused.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
Ah, yes, who gets to French him? Glad you were amused.
Jack is certainly the popular fellow. What is Snape up to?
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
With the current social conditions, even Harry is popular. Hermione is puzzled that Jack and Harry aren’t doing better for themselves.
Perhaps aristocratic ladies and brainy girls have limited compatible choices.
Severus is hiding from Hermione who would do the right thing and put him in prison.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
With the current social conditions, even Harry is popular. Hermione is puzzled that Jack and Harry aren’t doing better for themselves.
Perhaps aristocratic ladies and brainy girls have limited compatible choices.
Severus is hiding from Hermione who would do the right thing and put him in prison.
Hmmm, I hope Hermione and Jack don't hook up. Something about him raised my neck hairs. Food for thought, at the beginning of the chapter it seemed to me that Hermione is having some growing pains. She seems to be acting like a teenager (wich would be normal in these circomstances) worrying about boys. Very nice, a very 'human' chapter.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
I appreciate your comments since I rewrote the chapter several times trying to give complexity and depth to Hermione, a character with mixed motives.
It would be great if, in Jack, we have a character that is always kind and understanding but is a character that readers recognize as sinister.
Response from Fairfield (Author of Crossroads)
I appreciate your comments since I rewrote the chapter several times trying to give complexity and depth to Hermione, a character with mixed motives.
It would be great if, in Jack, we have a character that is always kind and understanding but is a character that readers recognize as sinister.