Of Tempests Past and Present
Hermione and Xenophilius' Winter's Tale
Chapter 4 of 7
nagandsevA violent storm erupts, sweeping tempestuous memories to the forefront for both Hermione and Xenophilius.
oOoOoOo
Hermione blinked at Xenophilius and frowned in consternation.
Doubting completely that he was fishing for Freshwater Plimpies and not appreciating his mulish tone one bit, she opened her mouth to rebuke him, but at that very second, a loud crack of thunder broke above them. The sky had turned dark with low, ominous clouds flying speedily by, and the wind blew with the fierce strength of an erratic force, causing Hermione to clasp the children even tighter to her. The children cried out in fright as the sudden thunderstorm flashed its lightning bolts sporadically here and there across the sky.
Xeno jumped up, his brow furrowed, perplexed as to why Molly had not yet responded to his Patronus. Heavy raindrops began to plop down, threatening to transform into hail at any second as the wind gusted wildly. In a split-second decision, Xeno turned to Hermione and said, "Come. Let me help you Apparate the children back to The Burrow."
"No," answered Hermione, rejecting his offer immediately. Even though he had been more than gallant, she irrationally disliked the thought of Lovegood taking one of her children for Side-Along-Apparation. But even more strongly, she distressfully doubted herself; so discombobulated by her night terrors she had become, it was affecting her magical powers. She didn't want to splinch her children, let alone herself.
A pained look crossed Xeno's face for a second, but then he waved it away and whipped his wand at the nearest tree to Summon the blanket with its contents over beside them. A multitude of leaves fluttered across the air and above them, merging with and forming a sealed canopy over the blanket. Xeno flicked his wand again, and as the rain began to pelt the improvised, leafy 'carriage', Lovegood urged, "Climb inside."
He held his free hand out to the children while his wand hand made an opening for them to enter. "Climb on board," he instructed Hugo and Rose. "Let you travel like our mystical cousins of the East on their celestial carpets! Ms Weasley?" he urged as the rain began to beat down upon him.
The heavens opened, and Hermione could do nothing but hurry and follow her children inside.
Close by, a flash of lightning caused the children to squeal in fright, and Hermione called out to Lovegood through the sound of the storm, "And you?"
"Trust me to navigate you to shelter, at least; perhaps you can open your mind enough to see the practicality of that, Ms Weasley!" Without further ado, he swiped his wand, closing the opening, then held his wand steady, levitating the contrivance. Slowly trudging through the pouring rain, he kept them afloat and protected them from the elements.
The enclosed, canopied carpet bobbed gently to and fro like a small boat in the storm.
Hermione was both surprised and relieved that it wasn't long before they came to a halt. Where are we?
Xeno reopened the contraption and called out, "Hop on out, my dear Weasleys; we're here!"
Through the tempest, Hermione saw a doorway open with warm sconce lighting...a heartwarming sight.
The children scampered out of the makeshift protective covering and through a door that had opened for them. It led into a spacious circular room with a lit fireplace on the far side. Hermione felt the force of the gale wind as she quickly followed behind Hugo and Rose and sighed in relief once inside, looking around and noting the colourful array of unusual pieces of furniture and objects.
A dripping wet Xenophilius entered and placed the wicker picnic basket down on a low footstool beside a wall of shelved books. "I believe I've saved your basket; the blanket, however, is in need of a good drying spell."
And with that, he waved his wand and dried it. Giving Hermione an odd look, he hesitated and then suggested, "Perhaps, now, the children? May I?"
She nodded, and he quickly spelled them dry, but as Xenophilius turned back to the young widow to offer her his wand, she squeaked suddenly, jumping back at seeing something moving in the room.
Hermione had spotted a spherical-shaped creature whose thin pink tongue had snaked out, aiming for the picnic basket full of treats.
The children turned in the direction where their mother's gaze was fixated. Upon seeing a furry little creature endeavour to scavenge their Grandmum's pastries with it's long, squiggly tongue, they squealed and jumped in excitement, ready to run and catch it.
"Children, don't! Don't touch anything or... "
"It's one of my grandson's Puffskeins; actually, the house is full of the admirable little beasts."
Xeno knelt down to eye level with Rose and Hugo and waved to them to have a huddle with him. "Feel free to cuddle the complacent Puffskein and throw one about...if you can catch one, that is," challenged Xeno, waggling his eyebrows.
Rose and Hugo giggled, and Xeno gave them a further, hushed proposal. "However, if you willingly share a treat with one, the ever-docile Puffskein shall honour you with its gift of friendship and introduce you to our dignified Nifflers...one of whom shall certainly lead you to hidden treasures buried in the rich earth of which you may choose..."
"Mr Lovegood," cut in Hermione, "I don't believe Puffskeins will do anything of the sort, and there's no need to elaborate." She took a deep breath in order to explain calmly. "If you don't wish for my children to bother the creature, then just say so...there's no need to embellish the truth nor..."
But the excitable Weasley tots were already off and running, searching for the furry little creature who had silently crept into hiding.
Their playful hunting led them around and about in the oval-shaped room, which was a cozy blend of an open living-room space and study, with a grand round table designating a dining area surrounded by several large arched windows in its curved wall. Rose and Hugo soon discovered an adjoining room, decorated in a broad palette of pastels, which lit up magically the second they entered. Squeals of delight sounded forth as they found various clutters of animated carved creatures and other unusual objects scattered about inside. Over the children's whoops and hollers was heard Rose's joyous voice, "Oooh, toys! And...and other weird, funny things!"
"Children, don't touch things that aren't yours," snapped Hermione as a seizure of worry gripped her, remembering Lovegood's exploding Erumpent Horn from years past.
"You are welcome to play with them, little ones," called out Lovegood, contradicting her.
"Mr Lovegood!" Hermione wished not to be rude to the man in his own home, but she wasn't used to anyone undermining her authority with her children.
Her tone seemed to tell Xeno this, and he softly explained, "Please, Ms Weasley, it's only natural that they should want to play."
"That's not the point, Mr Lovegood..."
"They are my Lorcan and Lysander's play things, meant for children's entertainment," he gently rebutted. "For their joy..." The tall white-haired wizard gave her a concerned gaze, looking her up and down.
His cordial admonishment caused Hermione to feel self-conscious. Flustered, she bit her lip and was about to tell Lovegood that it was her place and hers alone to tell her children what they could or could not do, when suddenly she shuddered violently from the dampness of her drenched clothing.
Noting she was chilled to the bone, Xeno offered, "Ms Weasley, may I, would you like..." He started to raise his wand to cast a drying spell over her body, but stopped, suddenly aware of Hermione's wet clothing, tightly clinging to her feminine form.
Hermione saw his hesitancy and in the instant understood why. Seeing his stalled gaze, a brief but definitely appreciative look...even if it was a fleeting one...caused a warm flush to bud forth on her cheeks.
This physical reaction induced her to instinctively notice the drenched cloth pasted on his tall angular form. Lovegood's cotton-tunic top outlined and revealed his lean, taut torso down to his waist. The strings tying the tunic's front had come unravelled nearly all the way down, and she bit the inside of her cheeks, unable to ignore that he had soft tufts of hair from his lean, muscular chest down to and beyond his navel, forming an eye-catching joytrail.
Hermione immediately averted her eyes, feeling a strange light-headedness.
An awkward silence ensued.
With the children's playful sounds in the background, Xenophilius gave the curly-haired witch an odd look and then offered his wand. "Please, take it." He stepped forward, very gentlemanly, holding it out to her.
His height and grace hit her. He's very tall and spare... Blinking, Hermione remembered the very first time she had ever seen Lovegood. Bill and Fleur's wedding... He was so dapper and dashing...
Another chill came over her along with a pungent sense of guilt for even noticing another man's attractiveness in such a way.
What is wrong with me? She shook her head slightly and refocused on the here and now.
He just saved my son's life, navigated us to his home for shelter and warmth, and is still standing here soaking wet in his water-filled Wellingtons. No doubt he'll find a Freshwater Plimpie or two inside them...
"No, Mr Lovegood, dry yourself first, please," she entreated and couldn't help but add a small smile. He's kind and thoughtful, putting us before his own needs... She suddenly felt the need to explain her situation a bit. "I...I don't know what is wrong with me. I completely forgot to bring my wand, and then I couldn't Accio..."
"No matter, Ms Weasley." He continued to hold his wand out, intent on her taking it. "I insist on you first. I shan't have my guest catch cold on my account."
Feeling they would be there all night, bantering back and forth niceties, she gave in. "Thank you, Mr Lovegood, you're most kind. You're..."
"Oh!" she gasped. For as she grasped his wand with him still holding one end of it, a dull glow issued forth, causing Xeno and Hermione both to inhale in surprise.
They simultaneously released the wand, and it fell to the floor. Xeno backed away from Hermione, slumping down on top of a side table, as if all of the air had been knocked out of him. With an incredulous, awed look, he gazed at Hermione as if he couldn't believe his eyes.
A tingling had gone through Hermione's body, and a splotch of darkness burst forth in her mind, momentarily causing everything to go dark in her vision. After several seconds, she recovered from the surge of magic from Xenophilius' wand.
With only the sounds of the children playing in the next room audible, Hermione and Xenophilius gazed warily at each other.
At long last, Xeno whispered, "It was you!" His hand unconsciously touched and pulled out an object on his chest. Hanging from a golden chain around his neck, he held a glistening symbol.
"The Deathly Hallows!" gasped Hermione.
Lovegood's mouth fell open to a perfect 'O', and he grasped the triangular eye tighter and rasped, "You are a Quester, Ms Weasley?"
In the recesses of her mind, Hermione realized her folly too late. She had revealed that she recognized exactly what the dubious symbol represented, but still, she shook her head in denial and asked, "A Quester?"
"You are a Believer?" A pained look etched Xeno's face. "You seek the Deathly Hallows, too?"
"I...I don't know what you're talking about, Mr Lovegood."
Exasperated, the burdened wizard let out a doubtful huff and challenged, "Don't you, Ms Weasley?" His features had hardened, fiercely tormented by something only known to him.
Her heart thumping wildly, Hermione's eyes widened, realizing the grave meaning of his question as well as the severity of her mistake. Trying to cover her tracks as best she could, she stammered, "No...yes, I mean! No, I mean..."
A sudden pounding on the main door saved her, and Molly Weasley's voice was heard calling out, "Xeno! It's Molly! Hermione!" There was a frantic pounding with the front door's knocker before the Weasley matriarch did away with any formalities and burst through the front door.
Molly took in Xenophilius and Hermione standing in their wet clothing, staring at one another with dazed, appalled looks, and demanded, "Xeno! Hermione! Good heavens! What has happened?"
oOoOoOoOo
A/N: The greatest appreciation to the awesome linlawless for her generous heart, her precious, precious time, and her wonderful beta skills! The awesome banner was a gift to me from the one and only hexgirl; again, the greatest thanks to you ladies for all of the support and inspiration you give me!
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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!