Now and Then, and Now, Again
nagandsev21 Reviews | 7.14/10 (21 Ratings, 0 Likes, 2 Favorites )
Lucius’ captivated attention of one witch leaves him remembering earlier times of another. Written for Lucius Big Bang 2012 on LJ.
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About nagandsev
Author
nagandsev
Member Since 2010 | 20 Stories | Favorited by 41 | 1,210 Reviews Written | 825 Review Responses
A fellow Muffliato member, The Snapettes: The Four-House Tournament, The-Ship-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, The Restricted Section, Seeking Severus Snape, Lovers of the Potions Master & Where the HP Boys Are. Also, a DeLucius member, as well as sneaking around, exploring other ships as the Muse allows
... Love my favourite werewolf as well as a certain candyfloss-haired, eccentric wizard...
The Draco/Astoria/Lucius banner was a gift to me by the one and only star_girl, and the Nagini and Severus Tale one by the lovely apisa_b
The truly unique and rare gem Juniperus made the wonderful & inspirational The Twists of Fate banner, the One Riddle More, The Verboten One and 10th Anniversary one--I am so honoured! The one and only hexgirl made the wonderful Hermione & Xeno banner for me: all of you wonderful ladies, thank you!
Reviews for Now and Then, and Now, Again
An interesting tale. Readers want Ginny to have a romping good time, but they also want her to cause no harm. How will the story do this? It will have to be clever.
First, enter Lucius, a papered over villain a la ‘Clockwork Orange.’ Ginny can exhibit virtue by being in control.
Ginny is surprised by his arrival: it is not something she planned or expected. One interpretation of the no-mind school of Buddhism is that one avoids negative karma by avoiding planning: reacting naturally carries no penalty.
She appears in an outfit displaying her voluptuous charms and giving her power, but since she supposedly is dressed for a children’s party, this is not intentional. She acts the natural, perfect hostess, forcing him to be polite. Control without penalty.
While the children are playing their games upstairs, the adults will play their games downstairs – an innocent birthday party.
When Lucius expresses he does not want to harm Ginny, Ginny replies that he has already done so by means of Riddle’s diary. Hence, nothing they do now can harm her further. A chapter from his past establishes that he has been evil enough that this encounter will not harm him further. In fact, if he treats Ginny well, it will be a sign that he has made progress. Finally, their past encounter is introduced as something requiring redemption and rehabilitation – both worthy goals.
For the future, they will meet again because of the wishes of others. Hence, there will be no penalty because there is no premeditation.
Altogether, a virtuoso tour du force.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you so much for the generous, supportive review/feedback--and I'm so happy that the characters and elements of actions without penalties came across as intended, as I was trying to capture them acting and thinking spontaneously within the perimeters of the circumstances they were set in (though entailing some background that both Lucius and Ginny would be containing within themselves...), true to themselves at this given moment in time... Yes, to have them move forward from their past encounter and embrace the here and now of each other, of all of who and what each one is, etc. Again, thank you so very, very much for reading this and your thoughtful and thought-provoking and cherished feedback--truly, deeply appreciate it!!!
Good detour! :D Love it! ^_^ You are so talented! :D
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh, thank you for continuing to read and the feedback--so happy that you enjoyed it! Lucius did deviate a bit there, didn't he? Naughty wizard--hehe! Seriously, thank you again for the read--truly appreciate it!
Really loved this: "leaving Lucius with his keen aversion for Arthur Weasley purely based on a general feeling of dislike and jealousy—with just a lingering mixture of raw agitation and vicious competition from years past. Dementors could suck out some things from one's mind, but old jealousies and pettiness die hard in one's deeper consciousness, " And I can hardly wait to see how your story unfolds! I for one,.. can't predict it,.. so it must be quite fresh! Because I'm quite a jaded experienced reader! :D
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you so much,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, for giving this a read and for the feedback! I was trying to set up Lucius' duality--his deep rooted association with the Weasleys to contrast with what he would soon experience with one special Weasley witch.;-)Again, thank you for giving this a read, even though it is a rare pair, etc.--truly appreciate it!
What a great ending! I don't normally care much for Lucius as a leading man, so any time someone changes my mind it is no small feat. I think sometimes he gets too fluffy (not sure if that is an appropriate word, even) in fanfic. You've let him keep his inherent qualities of being a user, being selfish, and doing whatever he has to in order to get what he wants. He is manipulative and aristocratic and so many other things. You haven't shied away from those things. You've explained why he is a softer version of his former self, but allowed him to retain the core Lucius principles.And the diary affecting Ginny ... I never saw that coming, but I like it a lot. Very well done!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh, thank you! I agree with you about fluffy--it's the perfect word, and it's perfect sometimes for some of Lucius' portrayals imho, but to each his own;-) It does make some happy:-) And when in the mood, even I enjoy seeing him *tamed*--lol! In this odd tale, I guess I had this thing about wondering how far he could be redeemed and on which levels, maybe more on some than others, etc. But then his past is always there... And then Ginny had to be carrying her own weight in this, and the thought came to me about that d*** cursed diary and how that could have affected her in its dark ways, so that Lucius and Ginny had a few things in common... and more as it turned out here Thank you again for your insight and feedback--really enjoyed your thoughts about things!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh, thank you! I agree with you about fluffy--it's the perfect word, and it's perfect sometimes for some of Lucius' portrayals imho, but to each his own;-) It does make some happy:-) And when in the mood, even I enjoy seeing him *tamed*--lol! In this odd tale, I guess I had this thing about wondering how far he could be redeemed and on which levels, maybe more on some than others, etc. But then his past is always there... And then Ginny had to be carrying her own weight in this, and the thought came to me about that d*** cursed diary and how that could have affected her in its dark ways, so that Lucius and Ginny had a few things in common... and more as it turned out here Thank you again for your insight and feedback--really enjoyed your thoughts about things!
Wow, that was brutal. But exactly how I think Lucius would act given his love for power and status. I did like the contrast between their tryst at the beginning of the chapter and the one at the end. Both times she was forced into it, but the first was because she couldn't resist his smooth seduction. The second ... *shudders*. I am really interested to know what the next chapter will bring.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for such your kind thoughtful review on a chapter that is brutal--thanks for affirming that it came across the way intended; I found I couldn't shy away from his past and went with it--just always have felt that Lucius didn't become Voldy's lieutenant/right hand by being 'fluffy' et al., absolutely agree with you; he's always struck me so desperate for power and status... Thank you so much, truly appreciate it!xxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for such your kind thoughtful review on a chapter that is brutal--thanks for affirming that it came across the way intended; I found I couldn't shy away from his past and went with it--just always have felt that Lucius didn't become Voldy's lieutenant/right hand by being 'fluffy' et al., absolutely agree with you; he's always struck me so desperate for power and status... Thank you so much, truly appreciate it!xxx
I just can't quite place what Ginny is trying to do. Well, I know literally what she is trying to do, but why? Not that I am complaining. *fans self*
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you for reading & the feedback! In this twisted tale, misguided or unresolved, she has her reasons... Thank you again for giving this a read,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you for reading & the feedback! In this twisted tale, misguided or unresolved, she has her reasons... Thank you again for giving this a read,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
!
Hmmm ... I don't know what to think about this. Well, not the story itself. I am already thoroughly intrigued. I just don't have any idea what Ginny is up to. Or really Lucius, for that matter. This could be bad. I mean, good. Well, you know. :)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for reading and the thoughtful feedback, truly appreciate it! It was my first LJ LBB fest thingy to participate in, and this pairing request-- having to have these two together with their history-- caused my Muse to get quite decadent *evil cackling* Thank you again!xxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for reading and the thoughtful feedback, truly appreciate it! It was my first LJ LBB fest thingy to participate in, and this pairing request-- having to have these two together with their history-- caused my Muse to get quite decadent *evil cackling* Thank you again!xxx
Loved it! Hot and with real, mature people, mixing everyday life with the stuff of dreams. Interesting, good pairing as well. Thanks!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you so much for reading and for the lovely, encouraging feedback--truly appreciate it! So glad that you enjoyed it and that they & the story came across as intended--the mixing and overlapping of things;-) Again, thank you so much!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you so much for reading and for the lovely, encouraging feedback--truly appreciate it! So glad that you enjoyed it and that they & the story came across as intended--the mixing and overlapping of things;-) Again, thank you so much!
An interesting and unusual fic - with a fascinating insight into both Ginny and Lucius. I like the way that you have not changed him - he is still capable of cruelty and deception, as well as being a selfish and covetous man. Ginny, in turn, has not recovered from her experience as a child - she is still very damaged, and their paring therefore has an uncomfortable tang to it; something I think was very brave of you to illustrate. This is a fic that will not appeal to all, for sure, but I think it is thought provoking. Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for having continued to read this to the end--I know the ending deserves a hairy eyeball glare, most likely, perhaps, a bad taste left... And I apologise for that! It was my first dabbling around with this pair, having to focus and concentrate on Lucius' state of mind for this particular community's challenge, and as a fledging writer, regarding him, his characterisation couldn't much develop beyond his sly, selfish self within the twenty-four hour time frame of this little scenario that I became fixated on... Written hastily, I couldn't form a sudden transformation with him or her, both sort of blared out as being truly damaged but needy individuals--in this particular moment... I do have some ideas about writing him/them (without lemons - lol!) with a truly redemptive energy winning out--but that's what summer holiday will (maybe) be for-as it'll take much more time and care to flush out the feasibilty of that (un)likely happening. Thank you again for your lovely, detailed feedback--truly appreciate it!
Response from Proulxes (Reviewer)
I look forward to the follow-up. I liked the uncomfortable nature of their connection - the fact that it wasn't a happily ever after did not concern me. Sometimes the best stories leave you with an itch you can't scratch.... Keep writing! Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Dearest
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for having continued to read this to the end--I know the ending deserves a hairy eyeball glare, most likely, perhaps, a bad taste left... And I apologise for that! It was my first dabbling around with this pair, having to focus and concentrate on Lucius' state of mind for this particular community's challenge, and as a fledging writer, regarding him, his characterisation couldn't much develop beyond his sly, selfish self within the twenty-four hour time frame of this little scenario that I became fixated on... Written hastily, I couldn't form a sudden transformation with him or her, both sort of blared out as being truly damaged but needy individuals--in this particular moment... I do have some ideas about writing him/them (without lemons - lol!) with a truly redemptive energy winning out--but that's what summer holiday will (maybe) be for-as it'll take much more time and care to flush out the feasibilty of that (un)likely happening. Thank you again for your lovely, detailed feedback--truly appreciate it!
Response from Proulxes (Reviewer)
I look forward to the follow-up. I liked the uncomfortable nature of their connection - the fact that it wasn't a happily ever after did not concern me. Sometimes the best stories leave you with an itch you can't scratch.... Keep writing! Pxx
Brilliant! Actually, 'horrible, visceral and shameful'. Love the way you show him in true Death Eater mode, albeit trapped and (almost?) regretting his role. The cruel seduction of Ms B, the calculating way he maintains his position.... Great writing, nag! Next chapter, please! Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you so much for the read & lovely, specific feedback--truly appreciate it! Yes, I do feel that given a choice, Lucius is going to choose himself (surprise, surprise) and/or his immediate needs... I needed to explore and show a bit of his cruelty and self-preservation to set up the next chapter, as I felt he didn't become Voldemort's top lieutenant by his sweet & noble deeds, etc. *sigh* Thank you, Pxx--
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you so much for the read & lovely, specific feedback--truly appreciate it! Yes, I do feel that given a choice, Lucius is going to choose himself (surprise, surprise) and/or his immediate needs... I needed to explore and show a bit of his cruelty and self-preservation to set up the next chapter, as I felt he didn't become Voldemort's top lieutenant by his sweet & noble deeds, etc. *sigh* Thank you, Pxx--
Hmm... I'm trying to figure out why Ginny is doing this. Is she being evil? Is she trying to heal Lucius? Very intriguing story.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for continuing to read this--truly appreciate it! I'm giving a *wicked cackling* to your questions--as always, with your all-seeing, all-knowing insight, you've zoned in on what will be revealed in the fourth/final chapter regarding Ginny's motives--thank you again for the read & feedback!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you for continuing to read this--truly appreciate it! I'm giving a *wicked cackling* to your questions--as always, with your all-seeing, all-knowing insight, you've zoned in on what will be revealed in the fourth/final chapter regarding Ginny's motives--thank you again for the read & feedback!
Oooooh... *fans self* - but then... intrigue! Now I'm really hooked - what is the significance of the portrait? Is it just to make him feel remorse? Mmmm.... More please! Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you so much for continuing to read this--I'm honoured to have your feedback--more backstory regarding the picture and the memories attached to it in the next chapter; thank you again, truly appreciate it!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
, thank you so much for continuing to read this--I'm honoured to have your feedback--more backstory regarding the picture and the memories attached to it in the next chapter; thank you again, truly appreciate it!
This is such a lovely start. I really enjoyed the sexual tension between these two, especially since it was tinged with the darker aspects of their long association.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you so much for the read and the lovely feedback--so glad to know that the tension is coming across enough along with the different elements of their past--tambra, I truly, deeply appreciate the feedback--thanks again!xxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you so much for the read and the lovely feedback--so glad to know that the tension is coming across enough along with the different elements of their past--tambra, I truly, deeply appreciate the feedback--thanks again!xxx
Unusual, twisty, hot—that's what I love about this story, and I'm glad you're posting it in chapters here so I can read at leisure rather than gulping it down as I did the first time! *applauds*
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Ooooh, K, thank you soooo much for reading again and the lovely, specific feedback--truly, deeply appreciate it! 
Your support makes me squee & re-energize my Muse batteries for writing... Can't thank you enough!*hugs*
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Ooooh, K, thank you soooo much for reading again and the lovely, specific feedback--truly, deeply appreciate it! Your support makes me squee & re-energize my Muse batteries for writing... Can't thank you enough!*hugs*
"Despicable... scungy thoughts", eh? Eh?? Intriguing...! What is Ginny up to, then...? More please. ;) Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
*whispering: ...yes, despicable... scungy thoughts... -hehe! I have no idea what Ginevra is up to , but we'll find out soon! P, thank you soooo much for the read and leaving the lovely, spunky feedback--truly appreciate it!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
*whispering: ...yes, despicable... scungy thoughts... -hehe! I have no idea what Ginevra is up to , but we'll find out soon! P, thank you soooo much for the read and leaving the lovely, spunky feedback--truly appreciate it!
Ooh! Good to see you playing with an unusual coupling here. You always write Lucius so well. Looking forward to seeing where you take this.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh, stargirl, thank you for reading this pairing, giving it a chance, and for the lovely feedback regarding writing our Lulu--see what you did by introducing me to playing with him?-- now, noone is safe! - lol! Thank you again for the feedback--truly, deeply appreciate it!
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Oh, stargirl, thank you for reading this pairing, giving it a chance, and for the lovely feedback regarding writing our Lulu--see what you did by introducing me to playing with him?-- now, noone is safe! - lol! Thank you again for the feedback--truly, deeply appreciate it!
“You did this terrible thing to me when I was but a child, and now, I’m plagued with these horrible, skuzzy thoughts,” said the luscious young woman, “but luckily, my husband is away on business.”
“I am truly, madly, deeply sorry for all the things I ever did,” said the handsome aristocrat, “but since I’m only halfway through my rehabilitation, I may be able to lend a helping hand.”
“Since you are weeping over that portrait of victims of the past evil, I see you are reforming. That, in combination with this darkness implanted in me which no one could expect me to control, makes what we are about to do acceptable,” said the tempting young wife. “The children are asleep. What are we waiting for?”
“My grandson is attracted to your niece, and insists on seeing her again. Fate is throwing us together,” said the partially-reformed and studly pureblood. “Perhaps we should keep in touch.”
(A suitably evil review, I hope. 
)
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Hahaha! A wickedly evil and thoroughly delightful review--thank you! I'm honoured by your wonderful, concise summary of it all in a nut shell *grinning like the Cheshire Cat* Yes, where indeed would Wizardkind be without skuzzy thoughts... and willing participants? 
Thank you for reading and getting through all my clichés, and again, thank you for the delicious zinger of a review--truly appreciate it!
Naughty, naughty, naughty. I loved it. I'm not normally one for Ginny and Lucius, but this was very well done. I like how it's the dark taint of Voldemort that brought them together.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
*squee* So happy that you gave this pairing a shot and enjoyed it--my cheerleader was a die-hard LM/GW shipper and it was fun to explore these two (and a good excuse to explore writing lemons for the heck of it--heeee!) and also explore that something *good* could come out of both being marked by Voldy in different ways... Thank you so much for all of the feedback--truly appreciate it,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
!xxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
*squee* So happy that you gave this pairing a shot and enjoyed it--my cheerleader was a die-hard LM/GW shipper and it was fun to explore these two (and a good excuse to explore writing lemons for the heck of it--heeee!) and also explore that something *good* could come out of both being marked by Voldy in different ways... Thank you so much for all of the feedback--truly appreciate it,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
!xxx
Oh, so very dark and painful considering the present. Poor Lucius trying to grow beyond his past and there was a picture bringing it all back.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you for the read and feedback--just wanted to explore the possible goings-on he might have experienced/carried out in the darker phases of his past life to contrast the person he is in the present, fully aware of who he is or wishes to be and who he was... Thanks again for the lovely, thoughtful feedback--truly appreciate it!xxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you for the read and feedback--just wanted to explore the possible goings-on he might have experienced/carried out in the darker phases of his past life to contrast the person he is in the present, fully aware of who he is or wishes to be and who he was... Thanks again for the lovely, thoughtful feedback--truly appreciate it!xxx
Oh, poor Lucius. Talk about a double mood killer for him.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
I agree, poor Lulu--there he was all set and ready to finish up his business, and then, a glimpse of the past to put a halt to it... Thank you so much for reading and the feedback--really appreciate it,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
!xxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
I agree, poor Lulu--there he was all set and ready to finish up his business, and then, a glimpse of the past to put a halt to it... Thank you so much for reading and the feedback--really appreciate it,
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
!xxx
Oh my! Well that is a very interesting start. And a bit diabolical on Ginny's part.
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you for reading & the feedback--truly appreciate it! Yes, our Ginny's got a wee bit of something up her sleeve *wicked cackling* Thanks again!xxx
Response from nagandsev (Author of Now and Then, and Now, Again)
Thank you for reading & the feedback--truly appreciate it! Yes, our Ginny's got a wee bit of something up her sleeve *wicked cackling* Thanks again!xxx