A Matter of Statutes
Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale
Chapter 2 of 7
nagandsevPushing herself to carry on as usual, grief-stricken, vexed and determined Hermione runs into the loathsome defendant, Lucius Malfoy, for a battle of the wills.
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As Hermione sat on the cold, muddy ground beside Ronald's tomb, having wept herself into an exhausted state, she numbly reflected on how it had been merely a few hours since it happened. Since she snapped. Since everything in one crystal moment became clear. What I must do...
Take the children, leave London, leave the Ministry, simplify things... simplify my life... get away from him, it, this whole treacherous, mindless, corrupt world!
Only three hours ago, she had been in the Ministry of Magic, going through the motions of what her life had become. The cold mausoleum walls of the Ministry bore down on Interrogator Hermione Weasley. In one split second, it all had become utterly overwhelming.
Breaking into a cold sweat, she had fled the adjourned Wizengamot proceedings to seek shelter in her office chambre, but had halted outside the dungeon courtroom in the dimly lit corridor, leaning against the cool marble tiles to collect herself. She felt the oppressive, stagnant air crushing down on her and gulped for oxygen.
She wanted to scream out loud, so vexed and frustrated by the hypocrisy of what had just occurred. Wanting to kick something, she irrationally reprimanded herself. Why? Why did I listen to everybody? I wasn't ready for this...I wasn't ready to come back so soon!
With the advice and support of Harry and Ginny, as well as all of the Weasley family, she had returned to work shortly after Ron's death. For a while it had seemed to be a healthy distraction, an expedient way to help the healing process of her grieving, and so Hermione had thrown herself into her new position as an Interrogator with all of its challenges and seemingly absorbing intrigue.
But little by little, the novelty wore off as deeper and deeper the horror and pain of the murder of her children's father...her childhood mate, partner for life, and lover...sunk further in... lost forever; unfortunately, no matter how hard she tried to cover this suffering, the unbearable truth could not be ignored.
The cruel reality of it was an indescribable, frightening void, gaping out and surrounding her in the middle of the night whenever she awoke and reached out for her deceased beloved...searching for the missing presence in her life. In the middle of the day, when she had an impulse to visit him at Auror Headquarters, Hermione froze on the spot, confused, and was forced to accept again and again that Ronald was not there... forever gone... Particularly bitter were the frequent habitual thoughts which included Ron in daily plans; thus again, the sharp stabbing pain of reality cut through the fleeting illusions that he was still alive and would be walking through the doorway at any given moment.
In her grief-stricken mindset, she was left with only one choice: weekly visits to his grave to share with him what he could not corporeally witness. But he can in spirit! We can spiritually commune!
And so, Hermione had faithfully visited and shared her and the children's lives with Ronald; she convinced herself that she was actually gaining and sustaining a nourishing strength from this vigilance and devotion. But recently, shove it to the side as she might, the anticipation and meaning of the visits had begun to consume her waking and non-waking moments. She had become more and more distracted, despondent, and frustratingly bored by all that she had previously worked so hard to attain within the Ministry. Her life's work the blood, sweat and tears that not only she but also all who'd sacrificed in common pursuit for true justice had come under danger.
It had been a long and windy road from when Hermione had first found employment with the Ministry of Magic as an advocate for the better treatment of house-elves, working with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, to being promoted into the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Finally, at long last, cases from overdue indictments were put into action; her life's work had reached it's culmination and fruition, finally set into motion.
Which was why, especially now, even through personal angst from her devastating loss in her personal life, she pushed herself to carry on. She had finally achieved a high position in the Magical Law Enforcement department, alongside other members of the Wizengamot panel encharged with interrogation of accused individuals. However, the case she had just acted as the main prosecutor and interrogator for, the court procedure and pronounced adjourned judgement on the case, left her swallowing back the bile rising in her throat.
It was all suffocating her.
Hermione patted her forehead, where beads of perspiration formed, and tried to calm her temper, which was surging as thoughts of the events of the past hour repeated themselves.
Corruption! The entire court procedure... There's something wrong with the Special Advisor Doge...how could he have sided in Malfoy's favour, for a prolonged adjournment? The statements, evidence and witnesses were irrefutable; and yet, that vile, slippery toff has managed to infiltrate, to foil the system yet again!
Infuriated, Hermione huffed and launched herself from leaning on the wall to return to her office. Fuming at the suspicion of wrongdoing going on, underminding everyone's years and years of hard efforts, she blindly ran straight into her dreaded nemesis: Lucius Malfoy.
The notoriously clever, exclusive wizard solicitor, Lester Qualmsick, accompanied the Malfoy patriarch. Qualmsick, upon seeing who it was that had bumped into his client, swiftly made a polite excuse and motioned for Lucius to ignore the Wizengamot Interrogator and continue onward with him. "Lucius, let's be on our way, shall we..."
Smelling blood, Malfoy raised a hand to quiet him. "On the contrary, Qualmsick, if chief Interrogator..." Lucius paused, his grimace deepening as he looked Hermione over from head to toe in suppressed disgust, "Weasley has anything further to say to me in person," he leered at her, "I'm all ears."
Hermione bit her tongue; she would not allow herself to be goaded by him to respond, but at the same time, she was not immune...on the contrary, she was even more livid. His trademark arrogant sneer spurred it on. Moreover, the frustration she felt percolated almost uncontrollably upon being within arms reach of the loathsome defendant.
She could feel his vitriolic energy, volatile and dangerous...no court of law could nor would ever change Malfoy's indoctrinated, hardcore hatred. Hatred of all things different from him, but I will not fuel his mentality. I'll not empower him with further attention. Everything I had to say about him, I have said it. In a court of law. I will not lower myself to his level.
Bracing herself, Hermione resolved not to respond to any provocation he may throw at her. She would not stoop so low. She was going to hold her tongue and walk away with dignity. She reminded herself, Go to your office, check for any further messages, leave, and go to Ronald. Focus, Hermione, focus!
It was the springtime equinox, and today was the day she'd promised herself to clean her husband's grave.
So, she mustered up her nerves and gave Lucius an equally cool stare and proceeded to pass him by without comment.
Malfoy's jaw muscle's clenched in throbbing tension; he would provoke a response out of the Mudblood one way or another.
"Nothing?" He taunted her cloyingly, "Not even a congratulations?"
Hermione froze. Congratulations for what?
Sensing the witch's façade would burst if he'd just prick her in the right way, Lucius took a step towards the repressed widow. "Pity. I'd thought you'd at least be capable of that..." Mudblood.
Hermione didn't need to hear the word to know what the blond pureblood wizard was thinking...the hateful sneer on his face said it all. She instinctively went to her neutral zone. She went numb. She could only blink at him.
It had been a horridly difficult case, seemingly in vain, prosecuting Lucius Malfoy. She had waited for years for this case to be brought forth for trial, and then only to be adjourned, thwarted by the clever Qualmsick pulling out his last line of defence with a wild card: the matter of a statute of limitation on all affidavits and litigation concerning those against his client, Lucius Malfoy. It was claimed that time had run out regarding the longstanding recriminations on the abuse of house-elves and other magical creatures, as well as the long list of war crimes supposedly done against wizards and witches by Malfoy during Voldemort's last reign ending in the Second Wizarding War.
However, due to there not being any precursors for many of these first time indictments, the nature of these proceedings led to the court adjourning, to be reconvened at an indefinite later date.
"You must feel so unsatisfied. The feeling of failure, futility must be... inexpressible for you," continued Malfoy, his cold, grey eyes giving way to the slightest glint of malice underlying his words. "A kind of inexpressible grief."
Hermione gave a fleeting glance to Malfoy's solicitor Qualmsick, who averted his eyes, and she motioned to pass by Lucius as she replied, "No comment."
Mockingly, he called out, "Well, well, if the Muggle founder and defender of SPEW herself cares not for a thorough requital for me...a justly deserved penalty, what is one to think? Interrogator Weasley, wasn't that pound of flesh you pleaded so pitifully for in vain? Hmm? Justice for the weak, the defenseless, the protection of lesser magical beings?" Menacingly, he stepped closer to her. "House-elves, Muggle-borns and other inferior creatures of the like have no equal place in true Wizarding society." Lucius' jaw muscles clenched in suppressed tension. "I may yet be forced to pay some measly Galleons for your otiose and offensive meddlesome attempts to seek retribution, but let me state for the record to you personally: I have no regrets. Nor will I ever have." He repeated harshly, "Ever."
Breathing deeply to still her nerves, Hermione lifted her head slightly and responded, "Your objections have been duly noted, Mr Malfoy, both now and in the court room. Perhaps your solicitor should remind you to watch your tongue whilst in my presence. I am an officer of the court, no matter of your particular personal opinion about me. Now, if you'll excuse me." She motioned for him to move aside, which he did not do.
Brown eyes met his challenging cold, grey ones. I will not be unnerved by you, Lucius Malfoy!
They stared each other down for several seconds.
Then, Lucius seemingly gave in and calculatingly said, "I'm not totally unfeeling to your unmercenary causes and distress, Ms Weasley. On a personal note..."
Hermione couldn't control herself and flinched.
"I must take this opportunity to offer my condolences to you."
This was what she had least expected to hear from Lucius Malfoy, of all people, and the shock of it caught her off guard; she could not help but lower her shields a tad and softly reply, "Thank you, Mr Malfoy."
But this was just what Lucius wished for, her vulnerable spot: her dead husband. Grey eyes glinting with malice, he took a step into her and spoke, barely audible, "You can't begin to imagine what it means to me knowing that there is... one less Weasley in the world... one less Weasley to despatch..."
The sound of a hand slapping a face thudded dully in the dim corridors, absorbed instantly by the merciless black walls.
It wasn't the attack on his person that made Lucius Malfoy's eyes grow wide...he'd rather liked that little surprise, having intended to cause some response from the dirty little Mudblood...but the words accompanying the provoked act, registering slowly in his ears, made his blood boil.
"You, filth," whispered Hermione fiercely, looking straight into the pureblood supremacist's icy grey eyes. "You utter, utter load of filth!"
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A/N: My deepest thanks and gratitude to the one and only linlawless for her generous time, care and wonderful beta skills...thank you!
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Latest 25 Reviews for Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale
20 Reviews | 8.5/10 Average
Forgot to rate. How embarrassing.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, thank you so much--the stars aren't necessary, having you read and share your observations is the highest rating/gift you can give--but like wine, chocolates or flowers, the considerate, extra gift of stars is also deeply appreciated
The duality of things.
Saving her children may require murder.
Xeno's journeys into necromancy may give Hermione back her life.
The symbols and their power can be used for good or evil.
It might be that the thoroughly Gryffindor Weasleys do not understand, may not be able to cope with, the dark side of doing great good. In canon, Hermione, a secret Ravenclaw, made the deep transgressions: polyjuice potion, time travel, Rita Skeeter - transgressions that required intelligence and skill, as did Xeno's. Poetically, one might say, she and the Lovegoods were the ones tortured.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for continuing to read and for your insightful review/feedback!Always more than one side to a story going on, and neither Xeno's nor Hermione's paths have been smooth in life; yes, the Weasley's may be struggling with respecting a hands-off approach and not deter Hermione (absolutely Ravenclaw ascendancy) from something they might find difficult to support or stay mum about. She and Xeno are able to recognise and understand more objectively the cause and effect of happenings and that not all what is entailed is either all dark or light, etc. Absolutely agree with your poetically attributed observation--it does seem both had been greatly misunderstood and not always tolerated during their lives. Thank you again for your feedback--so happy to know & have feedback about what is coming across-- truly, deeply appreciate it!
Yes Hermione, never was there a truer word spoken.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for reading and the feedback! Truly appreciate it! And I agree with Hermione, imho, the true canon Malfoy is the lowest of the low--thank you again for reading!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for reading and the feedback! Truly appreciate it! And I agree with Hermione, imho, the true canon Malfoy is the lowest of the low--thank you again for reading!
A very grim start. I have never seen this pairing before, so I will be interested to see where you take them.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you for reading, know it's a very rare pairing, and I really appreciate you taking the time (and risk--lol!) to read it--thank you so much for your kind, supportive feedback!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you for reading, know it's a very rare pairing, and I really appreciate you taking the time (and risk--lol!) to read it--thank you so much for your kind, supportive feedback!
This was wonderfully written! I cant express how much I enjoyed Hermione's interaction with Lucius (despite how unpleasant it must have been for her.) You described Malfoy's arrogance and bigotry perfectly! I'm looking forward to more and cant wait to see how you bring Xenophilius into the story!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Katiecastel, thank you so much for reading and the lovely specific feedback! I really appreciate it! So glad that Malfoy is coming across as intended; I wanted to capture more of the Canon Malfoy who is depicted as quite the bigot/supremacist... such hardcoreness doesn't (easily) go away... Thank you for your encouragement, and Xeno will be making an entrance soon--in the next chapter or two *waggling eyebrows*--again, thank you!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Katiecastel, thank you so much for reading and the lovely specific feedback! I really appreciate it! So glad that Malfoy is coming across as intended; I wanted to capture more of the Canon Malfoy who is depicted as quite the bigot/supremacist... such hardcoreness doesn't (easily) go away... Thank you for your encouragement, and Xeno will be making an entrance soon--in the next chapter or two *waggling eyebrows*--again, thank you!
Oh Hermione, you go girl!! You showed Malfoy jr what you were made of all those years ago and now it's Daddy's turn! I'm just worried that she did in front of Qualmsick. Will there be reprisals? The way you describe her grief is inexpressable: such raw misery and bleakness over poor Ron's untimely death. Fab chapter!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, thank you so much for the lovely, enthusiastic review for Hermione! Reeeeally appreciate it! A Malfoy will always seek reprisals:-(... Thank you for affirming that Hermione's grief is coming across as intended, over Ron's death, try as she might to hold it in/deal with it. Again, thank you so much for your support!!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, thank you so much for the lovely, enthusiastic review for Hermione! Reeeeally appreciate it! A Malfoy will always seek reprisals:-(... Thank you for affirming that Hermione's grief is coming across as intended, over Ron's death, try as she might to hold it in/deal with it. Again, thank you so much for your support!!!
Molly and Arthur have a strange reaction toward someone who has just rescued their grandchild. What are they not telling Hermione about Xeno? Hermione must dissemble to gain their approval.
Hermione arrives at the Garden of Eden, but it is the garden after evil has manifested itself – illicit beasts, ambiguous symbols. Hermione on his cloak is subtle eroticism.
Xeno is almost an anti dark-stranger-of-romance-novels with his doubts and guilt.
Hermione is only partially truthful with Xeno. If she ever comes under his spell, she hasn’t yet. In fact, she is hiding her thoughts and motives from everyone. She either doesn’t trust them or doesn’t want to put them in danger.
For his part, Xeno is more attached to his lost wife than attracted to Hermione. In most magic tales, necromancy is considered a dark deed. It remains to be seen how this will play out.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
More about what Arthur knows (and Molly suspects/speculates) about Xeno soon, apart from his deed in saving Hugo. Xeno is wrestling with many uncertainties, as is Hermione.Love your keen insight into all--the issues of trust and non-endangerment of others are key to Hermione and her dilemmas, as she seeks to be in control yet is and will be in a situation in which she needs help, beyond relying solely on herself, etc.Both Xeno and Hermione are a bit stuck in the rut, remaining in the same, perhaps negative, situation in life with regards to each one's attachment to their lost significant other in their lives and their identity and feelings entwined with them. Different views of necromancy will slowly be revealed as the vital core of this tale--thank you for your review and feedback of what is coming across, truly, deeply appreciate it!
Lovely chapter. I love your description of the oncoming storm and the severity of the weather which prompted Xeno to conjur up the make-shift mobile shelter - what a great idea.You really capture his character which is fairly two dimensional in canon, but you are fleshing it out beautifully and giving him more depth and sensitivity, rather than just pure eccentricity. The moment with the wands was surprising and a lovely moment; I'm very interested to know the significance of what happened. One thing is for sure, there is a connection between them.I really do enjoy the way you are writing these two. 
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, thank you so much for the lovely feedback and I'm so happy that you're enjoying how I'm depicting these two and how they are slowly being brought together. I always think of the Lovegoods as naturalist and perhaps more closer and aware of mother nature more so even than other wizards - lol! - so I wanted to bring in the natural elements a bit and how Xeno would react/respond to things. Glad you liked the wand moment--it's significance is coming up soon--in the next chapter!:-) The banner is just *inspirational* and I blush everytime I look at Xeno in it - hahaha! So your Hermione/Xeno love art work is spurring my Muse on -- thank you!!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, thank you so much for the lovely feedback and I'm so happy that you're enjoying how I'm depicting these two and how they are slowly being brought together. I always think of the Lovegoods as naturalist and perhaps more closer and aware of mother nature more so even than other wizards - lol! - so I wanted to bring in the natural elements a bit and how Xeno would react/respond to things. Glad you liked the wand moment--it's significance is coming up soon--in the next chapter!:-) The banner is just *inspirational* and I blush everytime I look at Xeno in it - hahaha! So your Hermione/Xeno love art work is spurring my Muse on -- thank you!!
Oh, a rare pair. I am really enjoying this. You've captured Zeno so well. He is such a wonderfully whimsical character even if he did almost betray Harry. After all he did it out of the love of his daughter, who of us would have done differently? I'm looking forward to seeing a relationship between the two develop and to see how you do it.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Joyfulheart, thank you so much for reading and for the lovely, thoughtful feedback--truly appreciate it! Absolutely agree with you--who of us would have done differently?--this is a large premise for Xeno in this story, and I wanted to explore this aspect of him more... Thank you again for reading a rare pair, and I'm so happy that you're enjoying it; so glad that Xeno and Hermione are coming across as intended -- thanks, again!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Joyfulheart, thank you so much for reading and for the lovely, thoughtful feedback--truly appreciate it! Absolutely agree with you--who of us would have done differently?--this is a large premise for Xeno in this story, and I wanted to explore this aspect of him more... Thank you again for reading a rare pair, and I'm so happy that you're enjoying it; so glad that Xeno and Hermione are coming across as intended -- thanks, again!
Omigosh, the reader needs to take notes to do an adequate review of this chapter.Hermione and Xeno connect not only to each other but through her children. Her in-laws are grateful to him.Hermione's negligence at the river can be explained by noting that if she had her magic, there would have been no problem.I assume the future narrative will unfold Xeno's past and the significance of the runes. There is still a possibility that these will be connected to Hermione's problems with Malfoy.This story could stand alone. Malfoy is a familiar character; government unable to prosecute the rich and powerful is observable in everyday life; the lone heroine is someone readers can relate to; the brave husband killed in the line of duty occurs everywhere; a witch temporarily losing her magic is an acceptable theme; a powerful matriarch like Molly is believable: a strange wizard about whom the heroine has initial doubts is plausible; and mysterious runes and objects whose meaning and significance is to be revealed is a solid plot line. One difference is that the fans in this realm already have an emotional connection with the heroine.The story reminds me of 'The Witch World' series by Andre Norton.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Oh, thank you so much for reading and the detailed feedback and observations--truly appreciate it! Yes, Xeno's past and more on the runes, their meaning(s) intertwined in the narrative, in the next and future chapters. I've realized how much I live under a rock (or in a cave as some point out) and/or in a time warp, completely out of so many literary loops (past and present)--again, embarrassed (but excited) to confess that I've never read any of 'The Witch World' series by Andre Norton--another huge good grief! But it's been put on my list, and next salary, I'm going to hit the book shops big time!
Thank you for the references (The Witch World and Journey of the West, etc.), I'm looking forward to reading them and broadening my horizons!:-)Again. thank you for taking the time and giving so much detailed feedback--it's helping me get out of my own muddled-mindedness and clarifying what is coming across
Another captivating chapter. Xeno is revealed as a fatherly and grandfatherly character, but a sexy one it seems. I confess ignorance about questers and deathly hallows but perhaps this becomes the focus of the tale, not Malfoy - or the two become linked.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for the read and review,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, truly appreciate your continued interest and observations! Given the longevity of wizards/witches, and the common canon acceptance of them having children early (late teens or so), imho, Xeno is quite in his prime even as a young grandfather (I think he's even a year or so younger than Snape, who was only 38 when he died in canon, etc.?), and imho sexuality and/or awareness of it in all of its forms is ageless, just a part of being alive, regardless the age, etc.--realizing that I'm coming across as quite the hedonist--lol!--best stop here, and so yes, Hermione and Xeno are becoming aware of each other on various levels. As always:-) you are spot on: Questers, Deathly Hallows & Malfoy are linked, slowly but surely... The ending is finished, but I've been in desperate need of quality time to focus back on this tale, and real life hasn't allowed that, but I've been connecting and filling in the outline here and there as I can--I digress! 
Thank you again for reading!
For contrary opinion. A Deus ex Mechina, although a welcome one, until Xeno offers an explanation of his presence. And what is Hermione doing not watching her children as they swim in a river? I haven't read volume 7, but was Xeno's betrayal an attempt to save his daughter? A parent doing anything to save their child has a special place in canon. Is Hermione's not forgiving Xeno related to her prosecution of Malfoy?No matter: It's the story that counts, not a reader's musings.Well written and intense.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for continuing to read and the review! Xeno will explain a bit later his true reason for being there; he'll need more reassurance that she will understand--this moment in the story not being the best time for him to reveal it, as she has her guard up and is on edge already. Trying to depict one of those false security moments parents (or anyone) might have, believing that the children understand that wading in the water means just that--wading above your ankles not your knees, etc., and all it takes is a second or so to turn one's attention to something else, such as looking innocently at the clouds, for horrible, life-threatening accidents to occur. Yes, exactly, to sum up a long story--lol!-- in HP7, Xeno didn't know if his daughter was dead or alive, and he was in an extreme state... Don't want to spoil everything for you with more details in case you plan to read it. Generally speaking, Hermione understood but was heavily influenced by Ron's vehement opinions against Xeno. A reader's musing is a wonderful, creative, stimulating force, so thank you for all of the questions--Hermione forgiving, or not, Xeno will be intertwined with her dealings with Malfoy on various, different levels--thank you again, truly appreciate it!
Another emotionally intense chapter. It appears most of the government has been corrupted into non-action. Malfoy's active involvement in the fray, such as at the battle in the department of mysteries, is unusual for a rich aristocrat since they prefer to operate behind the scenes by using henchmen. Perhaps his intense hatred overwhelms his caution. Does a campaign against Malfoy comprise the winter tale?
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! Always appreciate your insight and observations! Yes, I was approaching the wizarding goverment and legal system in an ineffective, ambiguous fluctuating state--perfect for corruption galore to thrive. Also wanted to explore an extreme Malfoy with very noxious ideas and goals in this tale, so he'll probably be coming across very one-levelled due to his intense hatred--an additional, more personal reason/motive on top of his previous upbringing and supremacist mentality will be revealed later. Absolutely, you're spot on, his subtle curse will take root, derive nourish, and strengthen, deeper and darker. Yes, for a rich aristocrat, he strikes me as an exception to the rule, with almost a compulsive need to get dirty at times
Truly appreciate your feedback, thanks again!
Response from MHaydn (Reviewer)
Feeling foolish that I didn't mention Malfoy's curse. It strikes me as being more subtle than Malfoy usually is. Does this mean it's more deadly than we realize?
Written in a literary manner. Wondering if her raging grief will turn into cold fury. Will going back to the Burrow impede or aid her recovery? Or will it be a place to deposit the children as she embarks on some path? (Excuse my analytical bent.)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for reading and for the review--please, nothing to be excused, I love your analytical bent as it always stimulates me to reflect further about things, so I truly, truly appreciate you taking the time to read and leave feedback and raise questions! The cold fury is definitely a possibility to be unleashed in the future, The Burrow and surrounding area will be a place for healing in this tale as well as the children being an inseparable part of her existence--thank you again!
Great chapter; it began in hopelessness and ended on such an optimistic note. I love the introduction of Xenophillius, he is so as I imgine him to be: kind, eccentric and yet capable. Now ithink of it, he is the polar opposite to Lucius Malfoy, not only in character but in what he represents to Hermione by his timely actions. Lucius brought death, Xenophillius brought life. Your descriptions of Hermione's despair and grief always touch me--they are so palpable and raw, so i am happy for her to have met someone who I have a feeling could be her salvation.But this Lucius curse: I'm worried about it. I have a feeling there may be more to it. Will those Malfoys ever get their comeuppance? I know how Hermione feels when she sobs, "Nothing's changed". Except, perhaps now it will for Hermione.Great stuff!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, thank you so much for your incredible, insightful and generous review--you'll never quite know how much I appreciate your support (for all of my madcap thingys)! I'm so happy that Xeno is coming across the way intended; you've pegged him exactly as I see as well: 'kind, eccentric and yet capable'-- I also am squeeing because LM and XL also are polar oposites to me as JKR depicted them, though similar in some physical aspects, and as well as both being 'purebloods' but absolutely polar opposites! Also on the their upbringing & child-rasing skills - LOL! How profoundly you've summed up their whole essence: Lucius=death, Xeno=life! (Did I ever mention I think we were separated at birth, you're my missing twin? Kidnapped by the Pirates of Caribbean and left in the other land - I think I have - lol!)I needed to bring the story back to Hermione's despair and grief for a few minutes, but now she shall move forward from it--slowly but surely!:-)Right as always, there's more to the Lucius' curse, and Xeno will be included, as well as his own darkness/burdens paralizing him, etc. Again, squeeing & thanking you for 'getting' me and leaving some Hermione/Xeno love! xx
Response from hexgirl (Reviewer)
Yay! I'm so glad that fanfiction has reunited what Jack Sparrow tried to separate :) (Though he did promise he'd come back for me and so far, I'm stuck here in rainy land).I'm loving the Hermione/Xeno love so much you've inspired me to make some fanart.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
, thank you so much for your incredible, insightful and generous review--you'll never quite know how much I appreciate your support (for all of my madcap thingys)! I'm so happy that Xeno is coming across the way intended; you've pegged him exactly as I see as well: 'kind, eccentric and yet capable'-- I also am squeeing because LM and XL also are polar oposites to me as JKR depicted them, though similar in some physical aspects, and as well as both being 'purebloods' but absolutely polar opposites! Also on the their upbringing & child-rasing skills - LOL! How profoundly you've summed up their whole essence: Lucius=death, Xeno=life! (Did I ever mention I think we were separated at birth, you're my missing twin? Kidnapped by the Pirates of Caribbean and left in the other land - I think I have - lol!)I needed to bring the story back to Hermione's despair and grief for a few minutes, but now she shall move forward from it--slowly but surely!:-)Right as always, there's more to the Lucius' curse, and Xeno will be included, as well as his own darkness/burdens paralizing him, etc. Again, squeeing & thanking you for 'getting' me and leaving some Hermione/Xeno love! xx
Response from hexgirl (Reviewer)
Yay! I'm so glad that fanfiction has reunited what Jack Sparrow tried to separate :) (Though he did promise he'd come back for me and so far, I'm stuck here in rainy land).I'm loving the Hermione/Xeno love so much you've inspired me to make some fanart.
Perhaps Hermione will feel a little more comfortable now that Molly has arrived. I can't wait to find out about "questers''
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Yes, Molly and Arthur will help dispell some of her discomfit and soon help her understand some things about Xeno; more on questers soon!:-) Thank you!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Yes, Molly and Arthur will help dispell some of her discomfit and soon help her understand some things about Xeno; more on questers soon!:-) Thank you!
So god to see Hermione slowly opening up to life again, Xenophillus seems to be a little shy, but has a calming influence on the children at least.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you! It takes time, but Hermione's slowly able to relate outside of her grief step by step; Xeno has his reasons for being a bit hesitant around her, but with the children he can be more hands-on, no history with them, just a kind open heart:-)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you! It takes time, but Hermione's slowly able to relate outside of her grief step by step; Xeno has his reasons for being a bit hesitant around her, but with the children he can be more hands-on, no history with them, just a kind open heart:-)
Such a poignant opening chapter, Nag. Hermione's grief is almost tangible, I could feel her anguish and pain. And this is a pairing I haven't read before. Intriguing!! Hermione is a young widow now and we know someone else in the wizarding world who knows how it feels to experience such a terrible loss ;)Your prose is beautiful and I loved the closing line: "So, she sat on the cold ground, blotched with sparse dead grass and pebbled mud, and wept aloud as if she had just thrown the first fist of dirt on his bare casket."
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
! Thank you so much for your detailed feedback and for being so open to this (and not wanting to burn me at the stake - hehe!) and supportive! Really deeply appreciate it! As always, you understand...
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
! Thank you so much for your detailed feedback and for being so open to this (and not wanting to burn me at the stake - hehe!) and supportive! Really deeply appreciate it! As always, you understand...
i like the thought of this pairing. good start :-)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for reading and the feedback! Know it's a rare pairing, so really appreciate you being open to give it a chance - again, thank you!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Thank you so much for reading and the feedback! Know it's a rare pairing, so really appreciate you being open to give it a chance - again, thank you!
Interesting pairing. :)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Sunny33, thank you so, so much for the read and the feedback! Really appreciate it!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale)
Sunny33, thank you so, so much for the read and the feedback! Really appreciate it!