Crown of the North
Grace has Victory45 Reviews | 9.27/10 (45 Ratings, 0 Likes, 5 Favorites )
Two years after Voldemort's fall, Remus Lupin plays at teaching, while Ariadne MacDougal prepares for a career in apothecarism. But what is the price of choosing what is right over what is easy? And is Caradoc Dearborn really dead?
Part II of The Moon-Cursers. Now updated to be DH-compatible.
Chapters (21)
About Grace has Victory
Author
Grace has Victory
Member Since 2006 | 10 Stories | Favorited by 23 | 3 Reviews Written | 356 Review Responses
My family became hooked on Harry Potter in 2001, when my son was going through a stage of reluctance to read fiction. Now it is a family hobby. I am a psychology teacher from Birmingham, England. My husband, who is Australian, is a computer programmer and network engineer. We have three teenaged children and two cats. We are all Evangelical Christians.
Reviews for Crown of the North
Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. Oh, wait. I have just the emoticon...
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
/images/chairdance.gif" alt="" /> Prayer works. That's all I'm saying.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
I LOVE the emoticon! That's certainly how I felt when I was writing it. Remus and Ariadne are not the praying types, but the wizarding community is fairly small, and some things are just meant to be.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
/images/chairdance.gif" alt="" /> Prayer works. That's all I'm saying.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
I LOVE the emoticon! That's certainly how I felt when I was writing it. Remus and Ariadne are not the praying types, but the wizarding community is fairly small, and some things are just meant to be.
I think her self-doubt is easing up just a tad here. She's starting to doubt less but see rather that she has no solid proof to back it up. This chapter was filled with tiny tidbits I loved. From her friends forcing her to take some time off from forced labor to these girls naivite at what being invited up for coffee means. ROFL!
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Well, I think Sarah did know what "come up for coffee" really meant, but she took refuge in wilful naivety because her vanity enjoyed the drama and she knew she had magic to fall back upon. Deep down, she hopes to meet a man for whom a coffee is just a coffee, because he'd be a man worth marrying. There is no end to her egocentricity and no end to her generosity, and Ariadne is dealing with both in this chapter.Yes, Ariadne is getting on with life as she processes her grief, but of course she'll never be the same again.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Well, I think Sarah did know what "come up for coffee" really meant, but she took refuge in wilful naivety because her vanity enjoyed the drama and she knew she had magic to fall back upon. Deep down, she hopes to meet a man for whom a coffee is just a coffee, because he'd be a man worth marrying. There is no end to her egocentricity and no end to her generosity, and Ariadne is dealing with both in this chapter.Yes, Ariadne is getting on with life as she processes her grief, but of course she'll never be the same again.
And Remus mirrors Ariadne ... she doubts her instincts because of how he affected her, and he compares everyone to her. He's ruined for life for anyone else, and it's his own darn fault. I mean, I suppose you could say that it's Greyback's fault because if he hadn't been made a werewolf, he'd be more sure of himself. But then again, what someone does with a disability or a challenge is their own responsibility and the ball is back in their court.... Ah, age. It brings a truckload of wisdom you never asked for but tend to carry with you wherever you go, whatever you read, whatever you do.... I shall quietly slink into the next chapter now.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Nobody will ever be as guilty as Greyback, but there is such a thing as being over-responsible. Remus did the "sensible" thing in making Ariadne's decision for her. And I think we all know by this point that the sensible and "moral" decision was quite, quite wrong.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Nobody will ever be as guilty as Greyback, but there is such a thing as being over-responsible. Remus did the "sensible" thing in making Ariadne's decision for her. And I think we all know by this point that the sensible and "moral" decision was quite, quite wrong.
It is simply painful that Ariadne is doubting all of her "feelings" or instincts rather because of what Remus has done to her. I remember being young, though, and how something so devastating can make a lasting impression like that. Poor girl.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Thank you so much for feeling her pain. An older woman would have known that other explanations for the situation were possible, but Ariadne is still learning.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Thank you so much for feeling her pain. An older woman would have known that other explanations for the situation were possible, but Ariadne is still learning.
Beautiful wedding. Their friends are simply wonderful and prove that there are good people in the world who gravitate to other good people.I'm still afraid for the wedding night. A kiss on the lips is all well and good, but I'm afriad he might still feel the need to compromise.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Thank you so much for all your support and faithful reviewing. You will see in the sequel how the marriage progresses and whether they can ever leave the wolf behind.(As for the wedding night, I'm afraid I couldn't bring myself to play the voyeur on that one; but Remus will settle down to normal instincts eventually. In the meantime, remember that Ariadne doesn't know the difference.) GhV
Corrupt politicians exist everywhere unfortunately. It's a difficult lesson to learn. Makes you wonder sometimes why you even bother to vote since 'honest politician' is an oxymoron.Loved the relatives Floo-calling. Loved her sarcastic disappointment at never having to visit Malfoy Manor again. Loved Severus playing concerned friend. One of these days, he'll learn how to pull that stick out of his arse. (Or maybe not.)
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Voting is compulsory in Australia! I've given my vote to my under-age son before now, because I don't see why I should have to pick among the politicians in a foreign country. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed Ariadne's cousins. She has to admit to liking some of them more than others.
Okay, if he compromises with a good-night kiss on the forehead when becoming bethrothed, it makes me fear for their wedding night. Silly, silly boy. He thinks he's so much older than her due to the war, but in relationships, he is vastly lacking in maturity. Ariadne needed to take control.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Werewolves fear losing control, and Remus is terrified of the way the sacrificial lamb has wandered into his clutches...
You know, I've worked for the type of family like the Jiggers. Getting out of there was the best thing that ever happened to me. Of course, Ariadne needs to take their crap to develop a career, whereas I simply needed the money at the time. But I do feel for her situation there.It's a chapter of hope that Veleta still lives, but I'm suspecting it's an empty hope.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Ugh, my condolences. I'd hoped the Jiggers were purely fictitious. But Ariadne can handle them if anyone can. As for Veleta, I'm keeping you guessing!
I'd have to say her final letter was well-planned. She worked up to that point, and knew she had him. The flowers were a perfect answer. He surrendered. *lol*
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
He's no match for her in terms of human nature. But that's hardly saying much.
Yikes. They are cutting it closer every month. It is almost like watching a train wreck about to happen. You see it coming; you just can't do anything about it.(I forgot: a couple chapters ago you mentioned the research on Velete and their attempt at alerting the authorities. That's another thing to be worried about, for it is most certain the Macnairs know who's behind the investigation. And if it truly was Veleta they saw, hopefully they won't take it out on her.)
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
While you're watching for the train-wreck, let me warn you that it will actually crash in from the opposite direction!Yes, the Macnairs know who is behind the investigation. In this universe, Walden's wife is the sister of Rufus Scrimgeour, so they have access to all kinds of "confidential" records. Be warned!
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
My response in reading the first sentence: I closed my eyes and thought, "Ouch." I love suspense.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
While you're watching for the train-wreck, let me warn you that it will actually crash in from the opposite direction!Yes, the Macnairs know who is behind the investigation. In this universe, Walden's wife is the sister of Rufus Scrimgeour, so they have access to all kinds of "confidential" records. Be warned!
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
My response in reading the first sentence: I closed my eyes and thought, "Ouch." I love suspense.
Poor Remus. He doesn't think himself worthy of anything just because he's afflicted with lycanthropy. Sure, it is a social stigma, but it has really affected his self-esteem. James and Sirius were so good for him. Ariadne is good for him, but he won't let himself see that, he's so embroiled in self-loathing. Remus is very frustrating. I think Ariadne should create a potion that helps him to see things clearer and to give him more confidence. That would have been more worthy than a bottle of shampoo Snape definitely needed but never would use.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Now, that's an idea! A Clear View of Reality Potion! Snape could use one too. I'm afraid any such potion would have ruined this particular story, but I'm sure it's a plot bunny for future reference. Just for the record, as I didn't have room to spell this out: Ariadne's shampoo does work, but only if you put it on your hair. It's completely useless if you leave it in the bottle.I think Remus probably does know that Ariadne is good for him, but he doesn't believe that he is good for her. His poor self-knowledge is one of the dramatic factors that influences canon, because it directs the way he will behave in PoA. So there is a limit to how far I can enlighten him in this story.Thanks for reviewing.
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
"Poor self-knowledge" ... you are right. And I really did latch onto the 'he not being good for her' vibe from Remus. You know, I miss some things I want to say when I am reviewing multiple chapters this way. I am going to start writing my review at the bottom of each chapter as I read through it. That should help.Maybe if we hold Severus down and pour the shampoo on his head? That might work. He'd need to be Petrified. And we couldn't Obliviate him because you'd want him to remember how his hair got that way. (I'm imagining such a discussion between the seventh-year Gryffindor friends in the common room.) Unfortunately that is really out-of-bounds for this story. ;)
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Now, that's an idea! A Clear View of Reality Potion! Snape could use one too. I'm afraid any such potion would have ruined this particular story, but I'm sure it's a plot bunny for future reference. Just for the record, as I didn't have room to spell this out: Ariadne's shampoo does work, but only if you put it on your hair. It's completely useless if you leave it in the bottle.I think Remus probably does know that Ariadne is good for him, but he doesn't believe that he is good for her. His poor self-knowledge is one of the dramatic factors that influences canon, because it directs the way he will behave in PoA. So there is a limit to how far I can enlighten him in this story.Thanks for reviewing.
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
"Poor self-knowledge" ... you are right. And I really did latch onto the 'he not being good for her' vibe from Remus. You know, I miss some things I want to say when I am reviewing multiple chapters this way. I am going to start writing my review at the bottom of each chapter as I read through it. That should help.Maybe if we hold Severus down and pour the shampoo on his head? That might work. He'd need to be Petrified. And we couldn't Obliviate him because you'd want him to remember how his hair got that way. (I'm imagining such a discussion between the seventh-year Gryffindor friends in the common room.) Unfortunately that is really out-of-bounds for this story. ;)
To trust Remus so much to finally open up and tell him her true feelings … I think this is the first time she’s done so in this manner. I believe he will treasure this letter for a long time. Also, Kingsley … my God. Talk about one of JKR’s undeveloped characters. You’ve brought him to life, and I think I’m falling in love.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Thank you! Yes, this is a level of trust that nobody (except perhaps Veleta) has ever elicited from Ariadne.I've always felt that JKR implied Kingsley's crush-worthiness, even if she had no room to write much about him, and I'm surprised there isn't more fanfiction about him. There will be more about his love life, both tragic and comic, later in this series.Meanwhile, thank you for inferring the cyber-testosterone!
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
Oh, it's there. It's definitely there. And it goes up a notch or two (in a later chapter I think?) when he exhibits a rebellion against McGonagall in support of his long-haired friend.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Thank you! Yes, this is a level of trust that nobody (except perhaps Veleta) has ever elicited from Ariadne.I've always felt that JKR implied Kingsley's crush-worthiness, even if she had no room to write much about him, and I'm surprised there isn't more fanfiction about him. There will be more about his love life, both tragic and comic, later in this series.Meanwhile, thank you for inferring the cyber-testosterone!
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
Oh, it's there. It's definitely there. And it goes up a notch or two (in a later chapter I think?) when he exhibits a rebellion against McGonagall in support of his long-haired friend.
Ariadne is falling for Remus, but I think her upbringing is such that she doesn't allow herself to admit it to herself. Almost like it's forbidden, one of those things you don't "talk" about. Since it only concerns herself at this point, she's censoring her own feelings.And Remus is so transparent! It is obvious he likes her. And the fact that it pleases her is very promising.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Because of her upbringing, Ariadne perceives no need to verbalise the obvious. She does know her own feelings, therefore she assumes that Remus knows them too; but they don't talk about it because of the difficulties of the situation. It's forbidden; but she won't be dependent on her parents forever, so they can afford to wait.Unfortunately, the set-up is not as simple as Ariadne assumes, and the disaster is just waiting to happen.Thanks for reviewing.
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
Just had to insert something personal as you mentioned 'verbalising the obvious'. It is funny because I am trying to weed out 'verbalising the obvious' in my 10-year-old. She keeps coming up to me and just making statements ... like I'm slaving away at rolling out dough and putting meat inside to fry them and am nearly done, not to mention she's been in the dining area the whole time, and she somes over to me and says, "So, you're making dinner?" 
Kids.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Because of her upbringing, Ariadne perceives no need to verbalise the obvious. She does know her own feelings, therefore she assumes that Remus knows them too; but they don't talk about it because of the difficulties of the situation. It's forbidden; but she won't be dependent on her parents forever, so they can afford to wait.Unfortunately, the set-up is not as simple as Ariadne assumes, and the disaster is just waiting to happen.Thanks for reviewing.
Response from notsosaintly (Reviewer)
Just had to insert something personal as you mentioned 'verbalising the obvious'. It is funny because I am trying to weed out 'verbalising the obvious' in my 10-year-old. She keeps coming up to me and just making statements ... like I'm slaving away at rolling out dough and putting meat inside to fry them and am nearly done, not to mention she's been in the dining area the whole time, and she somes over to me and says, "So, you're making dinner?" Kids.
Ooooh. Intrigue! I have my suspicions about what the Macnairs are up to with Veleta, but I wonder why she is a part of it, and how she came to have children. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Your suspicions only scratch the surface. All will be revealed, but, for the time being, Ariadne's nightmare suspicions must lie dormant.Thanks for reviewing,GhV
So Ariadne still keeps some secrets from Remus. Interesting. :)I wonder if they'll ever find out what happened to Veleta.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
,Glad you noticed the ongoing theme. Ariadne never tells everything she knows. The reader might guess what's in the yellow folder, but Remus never will.As for the red folder, it's about to grow larger.Thanks for reviewing,GhV
Response from Raira (Reviewer)
As you might have guessed, I am particularly enjoying this story, as I did Moons of Deceit. I always enjoy hearing that people like reading my stories, and I think it's important to say so when I enjoy someone else's. :)I can hardly wait for the next chapter.
Oooh, I wonder what he said in his note.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
So does Ariadne!She is very grateful for all your support.GhV
*giggle*Gotta love Remus. He didn't even consider he might meet Ariadne there. I love the way you've portrayed him as taking on a teaching role with the Muggles too.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
,Remus cannot help teaching. It just happens naturally.He THINKS he didn't consider that he might meet Ariadne there. But, really, could it never have crossed his mind? Does he ever pass an hour without thinking of her? And has he never deceived himself before or since?Thanks for keeping up the reviews,GhV
Ooooh, intrigue and mystery!
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
,Keep a long memory - there are some important clues in this chapter.GhV
I really enjoyed that chapter. I hope Remus is going to reunite with Ariadne.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
,So does she! But she can't waste her life in empty hoping - she has more important things to do.GhV
How sweet. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.Remus is such a dreamboat.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
,How could anyone not love Remus? How could any woman resist writing to him? Or about him, if it comes to that?I hope someone is sending you flowers,GhV
I am so glad that Ariadne is confident in her ability to trust her own judgement again. And does this mean that Remus is open to friendship at the very least now? I thought Ariadne's responses to his objections were very well worded. And hard to refute!
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear RR, Thanks for going to the trouble of reviewing on top of all your proofing work. Yes, Remus was uable to refute her arguments, therefore (logically) he has to allow friendship. Just what he means by "friendship" we will not enquire too closely - after all, we wouldn't want to scare him off. Suffice that Ariadne will never fail to be a friend to him. Regards, GhV
Remus is so self-critical isn't he? He tortures himself so much. He is the instigator of a lot of his own problems, and it's sad that he knows that, but has no idea which ones.I do adore him.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Remus is an Arian heretic. This is a cautionary tale about the perils of bad theology if ever there was one! How could anyone not love a man in such ardent quest of redemption - even if he is seeking in all the wrong places?GhV
Remus is so blind, isn't he? He can't comprehend that Adriane must love him as he does her, to do all these things for her.What a night she must have had; delivering the lamb, shivering in the cold, and worrying about him.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
There are none so blind as those ...Remus has a vested interest in not working it out, as you will see in the next chapter.Inevitably, Ariadne does not perceive it as "doing things for him"; his happiness is necessary to hers, so to her it's a simple matter of self-preservation.Thanks for reviewing,GhV
Poor Remus, still having to hide everything; it's interesting that he's been placed in a position of having to conceal the relationship without her parents being aware of the lycanthropy. It seems sadly inevitable that they will be found out. I hope not though. :(
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
,I think it's one of the subtleties of Remus's situation (this is JKR, not me) that the lycanthropy affects so many other things that even people who don't specifically know about the lycanthropy know that there's something wrong with him. Why is he such an under-achiever? Why doesn't he have any pure-blood connections? Remus, with all his faults and eccentricities, doesn't really fit anyone's stereotype of a werewolf, so the MacDougal family will make many wrong guesses before they finally work it out.I hope your own writing is going well,GhV
Shampoo! *laugh*Your characterisation of Snape is spot on, and I really enjoyed the rest of the chapter. Adriane is very sneaky and devious (and also virtuous, since the times in Remus's hut are actually used for homework). I like her.
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
Dear
Response from Grace has Victory (Author of Crown of the North)
,Snape is a wonderful character. When I want to know what he'll do next, I just appeal to my own inner Snape. I didn't expect him to make a Right to Life speech, since I just can't see him caring about either pregnant women or unborn babies, but there is no question that he definitely enjoys embarrassing his students.Ariadne is surprisingly complex for a person who never tells a direct lie (track this one ... she doesn't) and her virtue is the germ of her downfall. I am so happy that you have recognised all the important points in my story!Thanks for keeping up the reviews,GhV
Response from Raira (Reviewer)
Thanks for keeping up the writing! I've gotten a bit behind, working on a few of my own projects, but I'm enjoying the knowledge that I have a few chapters in store for me. :D