Chapter 2: Conversations Left Unsaid
Chapter 3 of 36
R J Lupins KatWhat we say can have significant impact on our lives. What we don't say can have even more...
**Reviews are much appreciated**
Chapter 2: Conversations Left Unsaid
"Have you tried the scalloped Grindylow, Sir Jameson? It's quite the thing," Mortimer Bailey said between bites, his laden fork already poised just steps from his half-full mouth.
"My dear sir, I cannot move past this delightful Yorkshire Pudding. Who'd have ever thought titchy bits of Satsuma could compliment such a dish? Not I, surely." Any further comment was cut short as his own lips wrapped about his silver, crested spoon. Hermione rolled her eyes. Their evening meal had begun with unabashed praising of the courses served. It then moved on to Quidditch, but returned to proper black pudding cooking techniques and mulling wine. It did hesitate for the briefest of moments on the fair treatment of house-elves (at which Hermione immediately honed into the discussion), but with one satisfied moan of culinary pleasure, had again fallen back to dining delicacies.
She toyed with her own meal, staring unseeingly at the runner beans between her tines.
"'Tis grand, sure," their host Chairman O'Shea interrupted with a smile, "but have ye indeed set upon these most enchanting apples? To be sure I've never set my eyes upon such beauty," he added, reverently holding aloft a large, polished deep-green apple. It was all Hermione could do not to snap to the party that it was only a bleeding apple, not some sanctified relic. What happened to the murmurs of treatises of trade between Romania and Ireland? The snippets of debate she'd heard in the entry hall over British-American educational exchange? Where were the intellectual discussions?
"Indeed I have, Chairman," Bailey answered with an excited brush to his voice. He was obviously delighted to share his experience. "Upon my visit to Glastonbury Abbey years ago, a priest offered a nosh of simple fare, but I recall vividly the beauty and succulent flavor of the apples he offered. Like none I'd ever encountered, I tell you. It seems they were a gift from the Mistress of Avalon..."
Hermione ground her teeth. Her mentor was obviously warming to his subject, and she could dismiss any hopes of meaningful conversation before pudding.
"Merlin himself frequented the Isle of the Blessed, where his protégé Arthur was interred. It is, as a matter of course, unplottable. The High Priestess there protects its location both for its unsurpassable fruit and artifacts of our history."
"Artifacts?" Diplomat MacCaine prodded. Hermione's attention rose slightly. At least it was history, even if it did border on food. Ron would love this.
"Oh yes," Bailey continued, his fare forgotten as his voice hushed as though imparting juicy gossip. He leaned in over the table, encouraging his fellow diners do the same. "It is rumored that the very wand used to defeat Grindelwald is displayed upon the garden altar there. It was never used again after that battle, and was donated as a gift of history to Merlin's great-something granddaughter. She was named after his wife Nimüe, I hear. But 'tis all speculation, of course," he qualified, his voice returning to normal as he reclined once again in his chair.
"Grindelwald. Now there was Dark Wizard if ever I'd seen one," commented Lady Bain, Ambassador for Northern Irish International Commerce. "Was just a wee lass when he came into the picture. Dark times, they were."
"Those were nothin' to the reigns of You-Know-Who," O'Shea said, his words a slight tremble. Murmurs of agreement rounded the table.
"Yes, but he's gone now, isn't he?" McCaine's aide asked from Hermione's end of the table.
"Not quite," Lady Bain answered. "He's only gone again. Rufus Scrimgeour won't discuss it, but the Ministry hasn't let up on security and intelligence."
"No one rightly knows what happened that night two years ago," O'Shea said. "The Prophet had gone on about You-Know-Who showing up personal-like in Muggle London then disappearin' again in the Ministry. There was a grand fight there again, just like two years before. And once again Harry Potter was in the strife of it. Only he and his companions know the tale, and they've said nary a word."
Hermione's skin prickled. She didn't like where this conversation was headed, but she knew she couldn't change its course. Her only hope was slip out of range.
Hoping for inconspicuousness, she set down her fork gently and subtly edged back her chair. An exit lay directly behind her, not twenty feet. If she could only...
"Harry Potter?" Bailey inquired. "Why, my Hermione is best friends with the young man."
No, no. Please, no, Mr. Bailey. Please don't. Don't ask. Please...
"Receiving owls all the time from him. They were at school together, if I recall. In fact, it seems she was there with him on the night in question." He turned and looked down the long table at her, his voice raised. "What-say, Hermione? What really happened that night? Did You-Know-Who really die?"
Hermione's eyes were wide, the fear coursing through her apparent on her face. This is what she wanted to avoid. This is what she absolutely did not want to discuss. And this is what everyone else wanted from her.
Silence enveloped the stately dining room. All eyes bore upon her form, curious and eager. Bile rose in her throat. The nightmarish memories began to cloud her mind and vision. She could not do this again. She would not do this not for Bailey, not for a room full of diplomats, not for anybody.
Casting aside all pretense of stealth, Hermione rose abruptly, knocking back her high-back chair, turned and fled the room without a word. Calls followed her departure, but she ignored them, just as she ignored the guards at the front entrance. She was through the massive oak doors and down the curved garden steps before her blindness was complete. She paused limply, drained, and squeezed her eyes shut, allowing the saltwater to flee and restore her vision.
Why did he have to bring it up? Why? He knew she didn't like to discuss that event. After learning her relationship with The Chosen One, he'd plagued her with questions about that night for days. Respectful though she was, she had emphatically refused its discussion. And he had let it go, accepting her decision. Until now.
He didn't understand. None of them did. They weren't there. They didn't see what she saw. They didn't face what she and her friends had faced. For her it was worse than the first fight in the Ministry in her fifth year. It was worse even than the attack on Hogwarts. Dumbledore's death was horrid, but she hadn't witnessed it. And she'd never witnessed him.
"Ms. Granger?" A voice from behind startled her. She quickly brushed the tears from her face and composed herself.
"Yes?" she replied, her back remaining to her intruder. She concentrated on clearing the croak from her voice.
"Are you going to be all right?" His voice was young, sympathetic, friendly. She turned, finding herself facing a young wizard, not much older than she if at all. She'd seen him before, his dark features and short black hair distinctive in the Irish location. His voice was London, his face India. His black eyes reflected his tentative smile.
Her lips returned the gesture in reassurance.
"Yes. I'll be fine, Mr.... er, I'm sorry. I don't know your name," she admitted, her sorrow temporarily forgotten in her lack of preparedness.
"Raj. Raj MacGregor." He held out his right hand in offering. Hermione clasped it distractedly, her face quizzical.
"MacGregor? But..." Her eyes blatantly took in his appearance. He laughed.
"I know; I get that all the time. I take after my mum. She was from a small village outside Calcutta. My dad's from Glasgow originally."
"Oh. But you've not a Scots accent," she reasoned, a brow quirking in thought. He released her hand as he answered, his smile still light and genuine.
"We moved about as I was growing up. I had a governess after Mum died." His voice softened as though a pain he'd long since hidden had resurfaced briefly.
"I'm sorry," Hermione said, sincerely so. She wondered at what had happened to leave him motherless at a young enough age to require a governess, and why he so had one rather than attending Hogwarts or another school of sorcery.
"It was long ago and " Whatever he was going to say was cut short by the calls from the front door. Mr. Bailey and Chairman O'Shea were calling to her, asking after her state. Though Hermione was sure they were genuinely concerned, she suddenly found herself with no desire to be in their company, questions and looks of pity, confusion or blatant curiosity thrown at her. She needed space.
"I'll be all right, sirs," she called back to them, hoping she sounded stronger than she felt. "I just need a bit of time, if you don't mind." Their assent was implied with their slight nods and retreating forms. Hermione sighed. "Thank you, Raj, for your concern. But I'll be fine, just as I said."
She turned and began to walk away aimlessly, the pebbled garden path giving gently beneath her feet.
"Would you mind my company?" Raj asked after her. He sounded hopeful, as though permission granted would be a rare joy. She paused, turning her head but slightly.
"If you wish."
His long stride caught quickly up to her, and she continued on, her gaze following the path as her mind wavered betwixt painful memories and current concerns.
They walked in companionable silence for a while, the fading light giving way to dusk, the dusk slipping into nightfall. Ground torches along the path lit themselves, guiding the pair through the landscaped grounds.
"Why did you move about so much?" Hermione inquired after a time. Her eyes remained on her surroundings and her step never faltered.
His answer was immediate, as though he'd been expecting the question.
"After my mum died so suddenly, my dad devoted all his time to his work. He's a map maker; we've traveled all across Britain, the Continent..." He heard her unvoiced question, and replied after a pause, "She was killed by one of his Death Eaters, just before his first downfall. I barely knew her."
Hermione stopped suddenly, her surprise evident. She wasn't expecting his answer a'tall, but even less so its content. Raj stopped after a couple lonely strides and turned to face her.
"Don't," he said, raising his palm to her. "Don't say it. It doesn't make my loss worse than others' just because she was murdered by his followers. Many lost more, often more brutally. Your friend Harry he lost both his parents, and nearly himself. And, it seems, he's been marked as a personal vendetta as well."
"He has," Hermione supplied immediately, reluctant though she was to discuss Harry's business. But she felt she owed it to him to set the record straight. "And he's lost not only his parents, but the closest he's ever had to a father figure in both Dumbledore and Sirius. And Sirius never even had a chance at life." Raj nodded, a look of empathy upon his face. Then his brow furrowed darkly, his jaw set.
"One day, Ms. Granger, Lord Voldemort will get his comeuppance. I promise you." With that he turned abruptly and set off back down the path.
Hermione watched him fade into the darkness, disconcertion flooding her thoughts. She'd seen determined, cold fury in his eyes, heard it in his voice, and not the slightest hesitation in using Voldemort's name. So her only question had become: who was Raj MacGregor? Really?
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for The Valiant Never
55 Reviews | 8.78/10 Average
Harry has the worst timing. Stupid prat. I'm excited to see how this all ends up, I've really enjoyed reading it.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahahah... yeah, he really does. But Sirius needed the moment to clear his head. Wouldn't want to do something out of a moment of incomprehension, and then regret it, eh? 
Thanks! We're nearly to the end, and a question or two will not be answered until that very end.Thanks, again!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahahah... yeah, he really does. But Sirius needed the moment to clear his head. Wouldn't want to do something out of a moment of incomprehension, and then regret it, eh? Thanks! We're nearly to the end, and a question or two will not be answered until that very end.Thanks, again!
I can't believe it is already nearing the end. I had a feeling this chapter that Hermione was quite the lucky girl to have so many men recognizing her appeal. Someday when she gets old (and people are calling her Aunt Hermione), she'll look back on it and come to that realization and regale the young girls with tales of rivaling amours.By the way, you never said which painting she chose. I almost thought Zelda would gift her the copy she had admired so much. The dueling wizards were kind of cool too, in a horrific sort of way. No bearing on the story perhaps, but curious nonetheless.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
lol... yes, I can see now that would be something for her to share. I'm envious, now. 
Um... I don't think she actually chose one. She was too much hit with the information that finally clicked that she left without choosing one. However, you're more than welcome to assume it was the dueling wizards - that one was pretty cool. Yes, we're near the end. I think the next few chapters you'll find interesting. The next is loads of information/tie-ins with a cliffie at the end, the one after that is very attentive, then the final chapter of 'wow, really?' lolIn case I forget to tell you later - thank you for all of your help and support! You've been a gem, really! 
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
lol... yes, I can see now that would be something for her to share. I'm envious, now. Um... I don't think she actually chose one. She was too much hit with the information that finally clicked that she left without choosing one. However, you're more than welcome to assume it was the dueling wizards - that one was pretty cool. Yes, we're near the end. I think the next few chapters you'll find interesting. The next is loads of information/tie-ins with a cliffie at the end, the one after that is very attentive, then the final chapter of 'wow, really?' lolIn case I forget to tell you later - thank you for all of your help and support! You've been a gem, really!
So... Her 'stalker' all this time has been Draco instead of Lucius? 
I wonder if that means he's simply been trying to get her on her own long enough to offer to take her to Harry. 
Looking forward to the next! 
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hahahahaah.... um.... not saying. Will be explained in the next couple of chapters, I promise.I will TRY to get the next chapter into queue this evening, and hope notsosaintly has time to look it over soon. There are only five more chapters... 
Thank you for the review! Hope you will enjoy the next one.Cheers! 
First of all:Yay! 
For the quick upate! 
So... 
if things had gone differently that New Year's, Sirius might have not only been Harry's Godfather, but his Uncle to... *shudders* Or at least Aunt Petunia might have not hated him/magic quite so much... 
Liked this line: Just great. She was mentally arguing with herself not only over logic, but in testy form and flippant sarcasm. With herself. Grand example of just how taut her nerves were. 
Looking forward to the next!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
You are most welcome for the quickness, and hopefully the remaining chapters will be approved as rapidly. hahah - um, no, definitely not his uncle. Sirius wasn't that intoxicated. 
However, yes, you're right on that aspeact - Petunia wouldn't have hated him so much. Sirius was just a very affectionate teenager (read: ladies' man) and... well... affectionate adult, too.Thank you - I think I've lived that line, actually. heeheeheeThanks again for the review and loyalty to the story. Cheers!
Petunia knows him?!? Not 'in the biblical sense', I hope. That's just all kinds of icky right there, just thinking it even!Love the fic! Hope to see more soon!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hahahahha... um... I can see the 'ickiness' factor there, yes. The answer to your unspoken question is in the next chapter.Thank you! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. Updates will be relatively quick, now, as everything has been written but for the last chapter, which I am currently dabbling on.Thanks for the review!
After so long with no updates, you're certainly whipping them out now! I'm gonna get spoiled. So love this fic!
Very interesting trip through the pyramid. And Raj finding a parchment of Merlins' in the shop was quite a surprise.
I had wondered, from a few comments here and there, if Regulus had had someone special at one point in time. Will we find out more about this Tia person later on? 
I realize Sirius said she never forgave him, but he did turn on Voldemort in the end ('dying' in the process) and is working for the good guys now, so if she's still around somewhere...
Liked the little bit of snuggling at the end too, even if it was 'just' for warmth. 
Looking forward to the next!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahaha... well, sort of. I'd already had a number of chapters done - had been lazy in getting them in queue here, though. 
But I'm catching up now. I've one more chapter ready to be queue'd, and am currently working on the following chapter (which may take another week or two). There are only about six chapters after this next one left. Then, on to the next story (already begun).*Blushes* I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. Forewarning - the rating will probably change before the end, but as you're a member, you're old enough to get in to read it. Ah, yes, the parchment. Recall the reference of McCaine and Thomas' finding of Merlin's letters... I 
just 'lurve' Regulus. lol... Good job on catching those comments. The mumbling of 'sure you're not in Ravenclaw?' was a reference to her. More will be shared about that later, but not a great deal, as.... that's the tale of my next story. Thank you for the very lovely review! Hope you continue to enjoy the story. Cheers!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahaha... well, sort of. I'd already had a number of chapters done - had been lazy in getting them in queue here, though. But I'm catching up now. I've one more chapter ready to be queue'd, and am currently working on the following chapter (which may take another week or two). There are only about six chapters after this next one left. Then, on to the next story (already begun).*Blushes* I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. Forewarning - the rating will probably change before the end, but as you're a member, you're old enough to get in to read it. Ah, yes, the parchment. Recall the reference of McCaine and Thomas' finding of Merlin's letters... I just 'lurve' Regulus. lol... Good job on catching those comments. The mumbling of 'sure you're not in Ravenclaw?' was a reference to her. More will be shared about that later, but not a great deal, as.... that's the tale of my next story. Thank you for the very lovely review! Hope you continue to enjoy the story. Cheers!
Yay! An update! I've missed this fic!
Love your OC's and how you've incorporated Arthurian legend with the Harry Potter universe. 
Adore what you've done with the Black brothers, and their sibling rivalry - especially over Hermione. Still giggling over the hiding place for the Grail. 
I can't wait to see what happens next!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hey! Thank you! It is good to be missed 
Love the Arthurian legend, so I thought, what better way to go than incorporate it into this story? From the very beginning, mind you, where I had to very carefully drop hints, such as in Chapter 9 (I think?) where, at the end, Sirius is reading the Quibbler and reads the part about some magical/powerful item being hidden in the Department of Muggle Artifacts. I'm especially proud of that one. 
Ah, the Black Brothers... gotta love 'em. I've another two chapters already done, then abot 6 more to go to finish. Thanks for sticking with me - it's wonderful to have one's story loved. (You did read the chapter before this, yes? It was posted very close in time to this one, so just wanted to be sure! )Thanks, again!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hey! Thank you! It is good to be missed Love the Arthurian legend, so I thought, what better way to go than incorporate it into this story? From the very beginning, mind you, where I had to very carefully drop hints, such as in Chapter 9 (I think?) where, at the end, Sirius is reading the Quibbler and reads the part about some magical/powerful item being hidden in the Department of Muggle Artifacts. I'm especially proud of that one. Ah, the Black Brothers... gotta love 'em. I've another two chapters already done, then abot 6 more to go to finish. Thanks for sticking with me - it's wonderful to have one's story loved. (You did read the chapter before this, yes? It was posted very close in time to this one, so just wanted to be sure! )Thanks, again!
Wow, those two brothers really have no idea what the other is really like, do they. Good chapter, the anticipation is definitely building.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you! Yes, you're right; on one level, they really don't know what the other is truly like. On another... they're very much like the other.I love writing the Black brothers. My next story has already been started upon (we've only about 6 or 7 chapters left from Chp 28 - I'm behind on posting here), and it is Regulus-centric, so more interaction of those two. 
Thanks, again!
That really had quite a bit in there. But it was fascinating.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Yes; I've realized there is a lot more to happen that hasn't even been approached yet, and thus the info was a bit behind as far as chapters. Things will speed up a bit from here.Thank you!!!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Yes; I've realized there is a lot more to happen that hasn't even been approached yet, and thus the info was a bit behind as far as chapters. Things will speed up a bit from here.Thank you!!!
This keeps getting more and more interesting.
The scene with Sirius giving Hermione a demonstration of just what SHE did to HIM the night before was delish :D
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
*chuckles deeply* Why, thank you! What I'd give to have him educate me that way!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
*chuckles deeply* Why, thank you! What I'd give to have him educate me that way!
I'm really enjoying this!
I like all the OC's and your Regulus a lot.
The story is very original and I like how you've had the characters grow in the time between HBP and this fic's setting.
Looking forward to the next update!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you! I love Regulus, too. Such a complex character.The next chapter is already done; I just have to put it into queue.Hope you continue to enjoy it!
I've always wanted to see Regulus back, and good. I loved that chapter. But now, which Black will Hermione end up with?
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
I'm glad I could accomodate you on both counts! Ah... that is indeed the question. But that is assuming it is all up to her to choose! Poor Hermione... Sirius is just too caught in the past. Even when he sees her as she is, is that enough of what he wants?Ah... the update to come...Thanks for the review!!
I've always wanted to meet Regulus. Thanks!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Excellent! I'm thinking/hoping he'll actually show up in DH, so I am hoping also that my intended portrayal of him comes off right. We'll see, eh?Thanks for the review!
Good for Hermione. I don't quite know what to think about Sirius, but I'm really enjoying this.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Ah, Sirius.... he's being a typical male with the immaturity spurts of a 23-year-old. Honestly, I think it fits him, as he really is 'wise/serious/mature' mostly, but he's having a bit of time coming back into himself. He's not 'allowed' to be himself to the world, so he's still in hiding in a sense, and a bit resentful about it. Plus, that memory of childhood... he's realizing what he missed there.He also doesn't realize how Hermione feels yet, so he sort of still sees her in the relation of his godson's friend, rather than as a 'potential love interest.' His eyes will soon open. 
Thanks for the review!!!
... And things begin to coalesce. Wow.
I feel like slapping Sirius though. He lacks sympathy, as do many men. Is there a spell that bestows maturity, I wonder?
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Poor Sirius... hehehehe,,,I so wish there was such a spell. Would come in very handy!Ah, yes. Things are starting to paint a picture. Just wait until the next chapter!Thanks!!
Go, Hermione! And Sirius was being deliberately cruel. It is the part of him I truly dislike. I'm starting to root for Hermione to find someone else. Really.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahahah... yes, it was a bit cruel, but he wasn't intending it to be cruel, per se. More like the taunts boys do to girls at school. He knew it would embarrass her, and would get her off his back. He really did want to enjoy a night out. Don't forget, he was locked up for 12 years (as a 20-something), on the run for one, locked up at Grimmauld for another. Then when he comes back, he's clueless. Poor boy needed a night out. But agan, he's also clueless now, as he doesn't realize her feelings. He will soon enough, I promise. And once he does, he's not really a cruel guy, just a bit immature.
Suspense wrings my hands, tatters my lip. This reader bides time, awaiting the next chapter ... awaiting clarity.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Ahhh... you stayed with me on this! Wonderful!!!Tatters your lip, eh? We shall have to remedy that. Answers, milady. Answers, I tell you! They are there, waiting to be read like hieroglyphics to be transcribed... A lot more forthcoming in the next chapter, promise.Thanks!!!
All these twists and turns. I'm glad to see Remus.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
The road will soon start to straighten out... at least, be a bit more clear. It was time for Remus to join in, yes, though his part will be primarily peripheral. At a future date I may perhaps write a story focusing on him! He's a wonderful character.Thanks for the review!
This is just complex enough to be intriguing without being so vague as to be annoying. Looking forward to more, including the Lucius Malfoy puzzle, the 'what was Harry trying to say' question, and the Raj, Sirius, David or Fred decision. I didn't say Ron, because he obviously isn't even in the runnning.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you!Things will begin to clear up as answers trickle in, bit by bit. The next chapter sheds light on a number of things, and the plot begins to come together. Look for information regarding Harry's message, and the return of familiar faces.Thanks for the review! Love to hear from readers. 
Oh, that was a cute chapter.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you! 
I feel like I have more questions than answers after every chapter, but I'm hooked (and have been for many chapters now).
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
lol... yes, well, it does tend to delve deeper into loose ends. But starting with the next chapter, some of those ends will see some light. Promise!Thank you; it's always wonderful to hear that your little tale has garnered such interest. Hope you continue to enjoy it.Cheers!
Very cool. I hope Hermione figures things out soon. Oh, and lets Ron off the hook.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you! Hermone has a number of things to figure out at this point, with one being how to save her friends (and thus the wizarding world), another on who haunts her dreams (and why), and just what is it that disturbs her so about Sirius. Talk about a busy agenda! ;-)Thanks, again!kat
When I think I'm starting to figure things out, you throw in a new twist. Intriguing and confusing all at once. And I really liked the bit with the real Stubby; didn't see that coming.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Oh, it's all about the twists, turns, and unexpected events. Wouldn't want any of you lot to become too comfortable, now would I? Oh yes, Stubby has further purpose; you will be seeing him more at a later date.I hope within all of this confusion and intrgue, you are at least enjoying your run-in with all my deceptions!Thanks for the review - they are always much appreciated.Cheers!
I can't believe he shoved her up in the ceiling. *lol* Now that is something I wouldn't have thought of (though I'm way to short and weak for that to be an option).
It seems Sirius and Hermione are living their own nightmares in this chapter. I don't know who to feel sorry for more. I sure as heck wouldn't want to be stuck up in the ceiling, crawling around, trying to avoid security.
And who were those two blokes talking about, I wonder? The girl? Glad to see a mention of Raj. I sort of miss him. (I'm sure Hermione does too at this point.)
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
You know, the ceiling just sort of came to me. I think it was a combination of "The Breakfast Club" and my little mind being bored at work, figuring out how to sneak around should people of ill-intention come a-knockin'.I never thought of it that way, but you're right; they are each living their own nightmare at this point.Not finished with Raj, yet. In fact, he is very important to the story, and will be returning soon. And which two blokes? The ones discussing the girl? Hmmm... good question.
Your e-mail reminded me that I haven't reviewed in a while. (You are so right: I need to quit working so hard.)
Yes, I am still enjoying this story! I am really happy that Hermione realized in this chapter what is wrong with Sirius. The ending had me groaning 'Oh, no' out loud. She didn't splinch them, but she sure landed them in a pickle. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Oh, and I think I need to go back a chapter or two and leave another review....
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Oh, I wasn't hinting for a review (though they are always lovely to receive, particularly yours!); I was just kind of worried that the story had gotten a little wonky, and perhaps you didn't feel it was still interesting enough to follow. And if that was the case, I'd like to know so that I could correct it. It's sometimes difficult to realize how it comes across when you live with the story. But thank you much! I'm actually, at this moment, working on the next chapter. I have a feeling it will surprise everyone - at least the beginning. Cheers!