Shades of Grey
RedOrchid25 Reviews | 8.44/10 (25 Ratings, 0 Likes, 26 Favorites )
***This story has been abandoned. (See A/N of last posted chapter for details)*** Hermione enters a world of twisted relationships and ever-thickening plots. Independent sequel to "Love Potion no.9."
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About RedOrchid
Author
RedOrchid
Member Since 2008 | 13 Stories | Favorited by 81 | 174 Reviews Written | 764 Review Responses
26 years old, avid HP fan, live in a pretty rainy country. My favourite writer is George Orwell, which should be taken as a warning by anyone looking for pink fluff. I do not like pink fluff.
I used to be a hard core SS/HG shipper. Then came Dracontia and completely blew my mind with her HP/DM stories. And once I started reading slash, there was just no going back. I still enjoy a well-written SS/HG (or any pairing, really), but the current passion is pretty boy-on-boy action. :-) Any pairing, more or less, I'm not that picky (except for SS/HP, that really creeps me out for some reason.)
I'm also an avid Bandom fan (P!atD). Those fics can be found on my LJ if you want to explore the waters outside the HP realm one day.
2008-12-08: Today, I abandoned hope of finishing my SS/HG WIPs "Shades of Grey" and "Les innocents." I'm very sad about letting go, but I feel it was the right thing to do. (More details in the A/Ns of each story if you're interested).
Reviews for Shades of Grey
Hey..i see here that you have abandoned this fic..i wonder though of your proposal as to mailing your future outline of the story...and btw...why the sudden change of heart? i mean, we readers would've appreciated it more if you had atleast finished it..but heck, i s'pose its for a lost cause to still persuade you to doing it for our sake..*shrugs*...anyways, i'd just like to let you know that this is a WICKED story..and a great one really...a bit saddening though that it will not be finished..but hey, i want to get to see the outline of this one..hopefully its still available...
I am completely fascinated with the theories you have presented in this story!"It's not what the Dark Lord will do to you, which will destroy you--it's what you will do for him.”I love this.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! That sentence you just quoted is actually my main idea behind this story. Slightly scary that you picked that one out of the whole bunch. Anyway, glad you're liking the story. More soon, I hope.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! That sentence you just quoted is actually my main idea behind this story. Slightly scary that you picked that one out of the whole bunch. Anyway, glad you're liking the story. More soon, I hope.
well i am glad you are enjoying writting it cause i am enjoying reading it hugs and chocolate
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Hugs and chocolate? Aw, that's the very best kind of review. Thank you for reading!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Hugs and chocolate? Aw, that's the very best kind of review. Thank you for reading!
Hmmm. Interesting plot twist! I'm rather turned on by it. I can see why this would be titled shades of grey. I think the moral dilemma is one that isn't as important as what it will allow Hermione to do in the war. Sacrifices have to be made. I also don't think that they really are brother and sister...I mean, transfusions take place all the time. It doesn't mean you're really related to someone else just because some of their blood is in you. I think your idea is really quite creative and I'm interested to see how this all plays out.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you. I'm very much enjoying walking the borderline with this one. And yes, the moral dilemma will only worsen as the war escalates. More to come...
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you. I'm very much enjoying walking the borderline with this one. And yes, the moral dilemma will only worsen as the war escalates. More to come...
The ritual was very creepy yet the imagery was beautiful and very powerful! Great writing!I am liking this story very much.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! I was actually wondering if I should put a warning on that chapter, but then I didn't find one that I thought was suitable so I decided it was probably fine. Yes, it's a pretty creepy ritual. I'm a big Buffy-fan, and it still disturbs me a bit. :-)
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! I was actually wondering if I should put a warning on that chapter, but then I didn't find one that I thought was suitable so I decided it was probably fine. Yes, it's a pretty creepy ritual. I'm a big Buffy-fan, and it still disturbs me a bit. :-)
Very intriguing and clever plot!This is hilarious... "Suddenly, pictures of some of the Slytherins floated before her eyes. Could their deficits in looks and intelligence have something to do with situations such as this one? Was marriage to close relatives common in the pureblood community?"Re: your poll
I don't think it would be considered incest since the 'blood transfusion' does not affect the DNA per se. Still creepy, though!! :)
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you!Well, I think JKR pretty much gave us that one. Slytherin House does give the impression of being quite inbred. :-)Creepy, but ok. Perfect! Exactly the reaction I was hoping for. Thanks!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you!Well, I think JKR pretty much gave us that one. Slytherin House does give the impression of being quite inbred. :-)Creepy, but ok. Perfect! Exactly the reaction I was hoping for. Thanks!
This chapter was both hot and witty...I love that combination!I thought your explanation for the term "mudblood" was brilliant!A very clever and well written story.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! I always wondered how the Basilisk knew who to attack, so I was happy to invent something. Glad you liked.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! I always wondered how the Basilisk knew who to attack, so I was happy to invent something. Glad you liked.
A gripping chapter.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you!
Awesome. I love the slow descent into the murky waters of moral ambiguity. I'm glad you're enjoying writing this, because I'm enjoying reading it. Keep the posts coming. :D
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you. Oh, I definitely will. Lots more exploring to do before this one is finished.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you. Oh, I definitely will. Lots more exploring to do before this one is finished.
I second your author's note! I'm falling in love with this story too!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you so much! Words can't express how happy I am to hear that!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you so much! Words can't express how happy I am to hear that!
Intersting theory. I like the spin you've put on dark magic. I am firmly in the camp that says intent is 9/10 of the law, so I'm right on board with you here. Sorry for not reviewing the earlier chapters, but I was kinda stuck in must-read-more mode. Take it as a compliment. Very thought provoking fic, this one. I can't wait for more.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you like it. The definition (or lack thereof) of Dark Magic in canon always bothered me. More soon!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you like it. The definition (or lack thereof) of Dark Magic in canon always bothered me. More soon!
well its been awhile but it was worth the wait thnak you for another great chapter my dear and if harry believs it was a dream all the better for our dynamic couple
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
It has, I'm sorry about that. There are a few chapters backed up now though, so I'll be posting the next four or five pretty quickly. Thank you for reviewing
Your plot is fascinating!I can't wait to see what happens next.I'm enjoying the way you have depicted the relationship between Snape and Dumbledore.I liked how Severus used his Slytherin tactics to get what he wanted out of Albus.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! Glad you liked. More soon (six chapters are posted at Ashwinder already and I'm re-posting here.)
This is very well written!Your portrayal of Snape has me on edge...I'm not sure if he can be trusted.I loved this exchange between HG and SS:“You’re still here,” he said, his voice raspy from sleep. The tone wasn’t really annoyed, nor was it pleased, or even questioning. She couldn’t place it at all.“I was just leaving,” she answered, finding her other shoe and putting it on.“Good,” she heard him mumble as she crossed the floor to the fireplace. Without looking back, she threw a pinch of glittering powder into the flames and left his bedroom.He watched her leave and continued to stare into the flames long after the emerald colour had turned back into its usual golden red.
Great chapter, I'm looking forward to reading more!
I also love the title of your story...very clever!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you so much! I'm all giddy here from all the praise. :-)
ok this is an intresting twist om things i loved the first 2 chapters i cant wait to see what comes next thank you
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.
Since I have read both stories today, I do love this story and I am so glad that there will be more to come soon. The training Hermione is undergoing with Severus is intense. I can't wait to see what else he does to get her ready to become a Death Eater. Another great chapter!!!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Intense is the word. And it'll get a lot worse before it gets better, I can promise you that. Thanks for reviewing!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Intense is the word. And it'll get a lot worse before it gets better, I can promise you that. Thanks for reviewing!
The plot keeps thickening...and quite well I might add. What is so amazing to me, is how this whole story started as a cute little love potion story and has ended up being a huge story with a fascinating plot! I hope that there is much more to come than 7 chapters total...yes, I
am being greedy!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you. Yes, I'm quite amazed myself. And slightly frustrated. It's rather tricky to tweak the premises for the cute love potion story into where I want to go with SoG. But I'll hopefully manage. Yes, lots more to come than these 7 chapters. The outline is done, now I just need to find time to write.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you. Yes, I'm quite amazed myself. And slightly frustrated. It's rather tricky to tweak the premises for the cute love potion story into where I want to go with SoG. But I'll hopefully manage. Yes, lots more to come than these 7 chapters. The outline is done, now I just need to find time to write.
wow what an intense chapter but beautifully written as usual my dear hugs to you
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked it.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you very much! I'm really glad you liked it.
I really liked Snape's explanations here, and I agree about Voldemort. I do believe he punishes for failure, but I don't get into the whole Dark Revels and torturing followers thing. He's too "clever" for that, smooth bloke that he is. And Hermione's reactions here (indignant that knowledge was withheld... hahaha) were spot on. Good chapter.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! Yes, I always found the whole "Snape getting back to Hogwarts crucioed to bits every single time while still being the most trusted servent"-bit rather unplausible. If that's what Voldemort would do to his top guy, how dead wouldn't then the others be? And why would powerful wizards like Malfoy put up with such treatment. No, carrot and stick I firmly believe it is.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! Yes, I always found the whole "Snape getting back to Hogwarts crucioed to bits every single time while still being the most trusted servent"-bit rather unplausible. If that's what Voldemort would do to his top guy, how dead wouldn't then the others be? And why would powerful wizards like Malfoy put up with such treatment. No, carrot and stick I firmly believe it is.
well i hope its not incest that would totally ruin it for me so id have to say it doesnt count cause it was manufactured any way brilliant as always my dear
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
It's a matter of definition, is it not? Whether you go with genetics of social norms. I personally don't consider it to be incest--this is more like a magical blood-transfusion to me--but I thought it would be interesting to introduce the concept and see what kind of reactions it got. So far, I'd say 100% are all for them staying together. :-)
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
It's a matter of definition, is it not? Whether you go with genetics of social norms. I personally don't consider it to be incest--this is more like a magical blood-transfusion to me--but I thought it would be interesting to introduce the concept and see what kind of reactions it got. So far, I'd say 100% are all for them staying together. :-)
wow cool i was owndering how they were going to do the blood thing thank you for another ownderful chapter
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! I'm glad you found it believable.
I loved the ritual in here, and then after, when she felt as though she could take on the world, only to find out she was wrong, I loved the way you described her changing feelings--anger, hate, vengefulness to realization, shock, shame.Good work.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. And thanks for such a substantial review. Very appreciated, especially for this story. I'm struggling with it quite badly righ now and so it's extra nice to get something concrete to go with. Thanks!
I know I must have read this before, because everything seems so familiar...but not enough so that I remember what happens next or if I even finished it.Hope you get the rest up soon! This is going to drive me crazy until I either reach the end or hit some new material!Am enjoying thouroughly.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Glad you like it. It's been posted at Ashwinder since 2005 so there's a good chance you've seen it there. Back then, there were five chapters. I posted another two earlier this year. Now I'm reposting here, and once both archives are up to date and in sync, I'll start posting more new ones. Thanks for reading!
Intriguing stuff, and I particularly like Snape being slightly deceitful towards the end. I look forward to reading more.With regards to your poll... I don't think it would count as incestuous if they carried on sleeping together. They are not brother and sister. It's that simple. Whatever spells they cast, they do not have the same parents.
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
Thank you very much!It's interesting how differently people view the subject of incest. For some, it's all genetics, for others only upbringing. Thanks for your comments!
Response from Red_Sky_At_Night (Reviewer)
Although really, in Snape and Hermione's case, it's neither, since they have neither the same parents nor the shared upbringing. It's just magic. And surely that doesn't count. Wouldn't be enough to warn me off him, anyway...;-)
I wish I could have Occlumency lessons like that!
Response from RedOrchid (Author of Shades of Grey)
LOL! Don't we all? :-)