The Instructor
Chapter 5 of 15
FairfieldArt thou pale for weariness
Of climbing heaven and gazing on the earth,
Wandering companionless.
Shelly
The Instructor
Everyone in the Department of Mysteries joined the Opposition army.
"This camaraderie is going to get us all killed," they said.
"Yeah," they all agreed.
Among those swept along was Jack Higgins.
"But you've never liked fighting," protested his wife. "Now you're going to be a hero, get yourself killed, and leave me with a ten-year old daughter."
"Soldiers aren't heroes," he had wanted to say, but it was a weak argument when so few were volunteering. 'Not many can afford to volunteer,' he reminded himself. They were training in team tactics, and it required time away from work. The Ministry, concerned about the threat, let them train during working hours. The Department of Mysteries had forged a direct link from the Ministry to the training ground.
"We're lucky we're in this together," they had said.
Farmers, artisans, and tradesmen who had volunteered found that the Ministry had fouled up their paperwork, requiring them to be at the Ministry several days a week. They arrived and then vanished into a bottomless bureaucratic pit to emerge tired and somewhat battered several hours later.
"Filling out those forms really takes it out of you," they explained to their friends and family.
'Besides,' thought Jack Higgins, 'I can't tell my wife that it's team work and not heroism. I'm not certain of her discretion or the loyalties of her family. I sometimes think my wife would betray us if they agreed to spare me. At least, I hope that sparing me would be part of the bargain.'
To their amusement, the natural talent, group cohesion, and access to the training ground turned the people in the Department of Mysteries into the most effective troops.
"Us wienies?" they said.
- * * *
Jack Higgins had been one of the survivors of a desperate feint that worked better than planned. He and the others had surrounded the Dark Lord. He had found himself beside his old mentor, Flitwick, who had fought his way to the center of action. Jack remembered the Dark Lord looking puzzled after a round of spells had disarmed him. 'We haven't got time to wait for Potter!' Jack had thought as he, Flitwick, and nine others had hurled the final round of curses.
- * * *
After the battle, Jack found himself bored with his old job, but he had reestablished contact with Flitwick, who offered him a part-time position as Charms instructor. He went from facing the Dark Lord's army to facing classrooms full of young kids.
"I've developed a taste for action and danger," Jack told his wife to her dismay.
Jack Higgins thought the school the best hope for revitalizing wizard society. He was proud of his position since he believed Charms was the basis of the incantation disciplines: Transfiguration and Defense were extensions of Charms. As part of his professorship, he would act as if old hatreds and animosities were forgotten even though he knew it wasn't true.
The school also offered him room and board whenever he wanted it. A number of his wife's friends and relatives were dead, captured, or in exile because they had marched with the Dark Lord. Her affections were, at least temporarily, alienated.
- * * *
He was walking past his daughter's bedroom when he heard part of a conversation. His daughter was asking about her favorite relative.
"Did Daddy kill Uncle Thomas?"
"I don't know, dear."
"They didn't fight fair, did they Mummy?"
"No."
- * * *
In the midst of this appeared Mrs. Malfoy, revolutionary professor of first-year Herbology.
Jack noticed and envied that a balcony had appeared for her. "The rich always get the best," he muttered to himself. He noticed and envied that Flitwick could drop in on her for tea. "More courage than I have," he muttered to himself.
One day in the hall, Flitwick suggested that Jack join them for tea. They listened to Flitwick's tales of long-ago exploits...incidents that happened far enough in the past that allegiances to both sides had disappeared. Mrs. Malfoy related harmless stories of life in the girls' dormitory when she was a student. Jack was initially hesitant, but he talked about the artifacts that baffled them in the Department of Mysteries. He discovered, to his surprise, that both Professors Malfoy and Flitwick enjoyed the anecdotes. They treated his accounts as puzzles for speculation, research, and suggestions.
Jack found Professor Malfoy easy to talk to. She was a professional acquaintance. There was no emotional overhead.
- * * *
Late one afternoon, there was a knock on Jack's office door
"Hi, Jack. Are you busy?" asked Professor Malfoy.
"No," he said, pushing aside a huge pile of papers he was grading. 'What am I doing?' he thought. 'I would have told anyone else to go away.'
She sat in a chair. She appeared nervous and hesitant, which was not like her. 'We all have off-days,' he thought.
"I really liked your last round of drawings," he said.
She nodded her head but remained silent. 'That's strange for her,' he thought. He ordered tea.
She finally spoke. "You seem to spend all your time working. You're still with the Department of Mysteries, and I know you spend an enormous number of hours on your classes."
"The Department is more relaxed these days," he began.
She looked interested.
'Uh-oh,' he thought. 'I have to back off. We're relaxed because we defeated her side and killed her friends.'
"We're taking a more contemplative approach," he asserted. "You and Flitwick are helping. I've mentioned your ideas, and the Department likes them."
That worked. She relaxed and sipped her tea.
'It helps that we're continuing the physical training from our army days...a healthy mind in a healthy body,' he thought. 'But I can't tell her that either.'
"You do seem fit," she said. "The combination of Ministry and teaching must agree with you." She paused. "But ... but surely you need some relaxation. Doesn't anything appeal to you?" She paused again. "The wizard community is trying to provide social functions."
"Ah, yes," he said. "There is the masked ball. I hear it's a big success."
She sat up straighter. "You hear? Don't you attend it?"
He shook his head no.
"Don't you dance?" she asked.
"A little," he replied. For some reason, her show of enthusiasm prompted him to say, "I've considered practicing and attending, but I'm not sure how to practice or what I would do if I were at the ball."
"I could help," she blurted out. "I mean ... I dance a bit, and if I were at the ball you would have someone to talk to ... I mean ... you could talk to others ... but you wouldn't be completely alone ... if you wanted to, I mean."
"Okay," he said, not certain what he was agreeing to.
She smiled. "We can practice a few steps, and I'll get my keeper to take me to the ball. We can meet there. We'll wear something distinctive to recognize each other."
"Good plan," he said, realizing what he had agreed to.
- * * *
'There's nothing like making a fool of yourself,' thought Narcissa, after leaving his office. 'I've handled lots of tricky social situations, and now I'm acting like an awkward school girl.' She walked back to her balcony musing. 'And what am I doing? I don't even know why I went to see him, and then I'm after him to take me dancing.' She kept trying to figure it out. 'He didn't show up for tea this morning, and I missed him, so I went to see him, and when I was there, I didn't want to leave until I could arrange to see more of him ... that's crazy, girl.' She reconsidered. 'He did agree to meet me at the dance. Maybe I did okay.'
- * * *
Narcissa was rethinking the end of the Dark Lord. 'It was many to one, but Jack and the others hadn't committed themselves to a life of evil in exchange for power. They were leading ordinary lives with families and jobs, but they still stood up to the Dark Lord. The men on my side all cringed, even when they were in a group. Jack and the others weren't anointed by the heavens either like Harry Potter.'
- * * *
After the invitation to the dance, Jack began to look at Narcissa differently. 'She's flat-chested, not that pretty, ten years older than me, and I never liked blondes.' He wondered what it would be like working with her in the Department of Mysteries. They could talk over the puzzles. 'She spends too much class time drawing pictures.' He wanted to show her the new methods he was using in his Charms classes. He was hoping she would admire them. 'She's stuck-up. She only wants to go to the ball to show off her new gowns.'
He became critical of her admiration of Flitwick and himself. 'Is she so naïve that she takes survivors as heroes? She's a brilliant lady, but emotions can overwhelm intellect. That pure-blood stuff she was raised on could have her believing that inner-most qualities determine one's fate. What a load of rubbish.'
He imagined taking her to the Department social events, letting her be friends with his friends, and winning over his acquaintances with her graciousness. He imagined spending quiet evenings with her. He became insanely jealous of Harry Potter.
- * * *
Narcissa looked out on the bleak landscape holding no promise for mankind and thought about the Ravenclaws.
She remembered one morning on the balcony when the subject had turned to the Dark Lord. Both Flitwick and Higgins had kept glancing at her, unsure about the intellectual fiber of a Slytherin.
"People like to follow something," Flitwick had said.
"There's a small group looking at the mundanes, wondering if their society says something about ours," Higgins had said.
"And?" Flitwick had said.
Many people follow a cult that worships a woman and a baby," Higgins had said, glancing at Professor Malfoy, not sure of her mental toughness.
She had wanted to rise to the challenge. "What do they offer?"
"They offer divine forgiveness of your mistakes," he had replied.
"That's attractive," she had said, "but there must be a catch."
He had nodded and smiled at her. She had glowed. He had said, "They hold that only this woman and child can do that. The individual by himself cannot atone for his past errors."
Professor Malfoy's brow had furrowed. "That diminishes us. Their divinity is like a vengeful social group."
Higgins had continued, "There's a joker in the Department who claims the gods placed the pair on earth to spread lies in order to sharpen our wits."
Flitwick had pondered the claim. "That's conceivable, but if it's true, it was one of history's bigger failures."
'Flitwick and Higgins are really nice,' Professor Malfoy had thought. 'They talk to me and listen to me. I'm having a good time at school.'
- * * *
The evening at the masked ball was going well for Jack. He had no trouble spotting Narcissa despite the mask, Potter didn't protest when he waltzed her away from him, and Narcissa seemed to be enjoying the evening.
Jack noticed Narcissa looking at the emblem over the bandstand: a couple dancing on a field of stars with a moon overhead.
She delivered her appraisal. "It represents society moving to a higher orb by resolutely uniting opposites and moving in harmony with the rhythm of the universe while recognizing the limits of human endeavors."
"Made possible by keeping their feet firmly planted on the stars of past achievements," he added.
'I'm spending too much time with Ravenclaws,' thought Narcissa.
'She's great,' thought Jack.
Then pandemonium broke out.
"I can't stay here," said Jack, remembering his excuse to his family of grading papers.
"I can't either," said Narcissa.
The door was jammed by the invaders. They dashed to a back window.
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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.