The description of the gates suggested Malfoy Manor – now what has brought Hermione there, after the disaster in the last chapter?

Lucius is good value for money, as condescending as ever! You seem to be suggesting that he's turned into a bit of an alcoholic after the war too; I suppose he has to do something with all that spare time now that world domination is no longer an option...

I think this “An equally tall and blond and older man” might work better with a “but older” instead.

I liked Draco's story about the incarcerated nine-year-old and how it ultimately backfired on the baron – very Rowling-esque!

So Hermione is still not a hundred percent convinced of Draco's good intentions, despite the chattering ancestors... It was nice to get some substance to them at the end of the chapter, and I like that Hermione is taking some action to find out nice things about Draco. He seems to have made his mind up once and for all, though – decisive indeed.

The Hermione shrine was equally touching and disturbing – I do get that he's been watching her for a long time, but that is definitely on the obsessive side!

Now what could Hermione's new project be?

Ouch, I almost have whiplash after reading that chapter – it's one step forward and two back with these two! Hermione's revelation that she loves Ron must have hurt, especially. I happen to believe that she'll always love Ron, but more as a friend than a lover, so I definitely hope that's how it'll pan out here.

It makes sense that they're running into difficulties, and I'm kind of glad to see it, in a way – it would have been suspicious if neither of them noticed that they were doing things they normally wouldn't, even if they don't know they're affected by the bracelet yet.

“Omission of critical information, unilateral decision on something that affected them both—it didn't matter” - that would suggest true love, all right!

Well, I don't think Draco will be flavour of the month with the Grangers anytime soon – it's good to see that they're disliking him for the 'right' reasons, though, rather than just a little too public display of affection.

Can dysfunctionality be a curse? The Malfoys certainly have it in spades, in that case...

The opening sentence made me chuckle – at least having magic means that she doesn't have to expend a lot of energy while being indecisive!

“It was so much more than just...nice” - It's neat that the title of the prequel keeps reappearing, emphasising the possibilities for their relationship.

“... and she felt as though she were tiny metal filings that he could collect at will” - for some reason I found this really funny! The bracelet's influence is clearly growing.

I do find Hermione's justification for putting her parents to sleep previously rather weak, especially since she does recognise that it's wrong – it will be interesting to see if she faces any repercussions later on. It seems more than a bit hypocritical for her ancestors to take issue with Draco for doing the same thing, but then maybe Hermione's tendency to believe she's always right is hereditary!

Draco is very courteous in the end; he clearly wants to make up for the initial bad impression! I'm not sure if it will be sufficient, though, as Hermione's dad seems to recall a lot more about the wizarding world than Draco might have bargained for.

The chapter title made me crack up, very good!

So Hermione did decide to give him a second chance, then – excellent! Naturally the enchanted locks wouldn't keep her out for too long.

“... coupled with the strong, no-nonsense jawline” - I like this reminder that Hermione isn't exactly all sweetness and light either. In some ways, she's actually more ruthless than Draco – perhaps because she's convinced she's on the right side.

Hermione's explanation of why things were different with Ron makes sense, surely Draco didn't expect it to be the same for her to start a relationship with her former enemy as with her best fried/crush over seven years? It's logical for her to be cautious, both because of their past and because of the sparks between her and Draco.

I liked Draco acknowledging that Lucius' public volte-face is rubbish – two redeemed Malfoys would be one too many!

Hahaha, Draco clearly has spent a lot of time analysing Hermione's behind!

Wait, what now? What's with the bracelet? The whole idea of Hermione being descended from witches is of course canon, but I can't actually remember it from before. It sounds like something bigger than just Draco and Hermione is afoot here...

And I have come to the end of this great story. I'm actually a bit sad, but then again it means that I can choose something new when I tag you again :)

I do love this lovely, sexy scene that starts things off. :) Raaawr. My favorite description is Draco's eyes “shining like chrome”. Adds to the sexiness, IMO. Though I do think they're talking a bit too much while they are :ahem: enjoying themselves but I do understand the dialogue is necessary. I adored that he wants to add to the bracelet with a new gem that matches her eyes. (I'd go with amber myself. Just saying ;) And the end of that scene was lovely, with their use of different languages. :le sigh:

OOOH, a Ron and Lucius showdown. This oughta be good! I am a bit surprised that Lucius bought Harry's flimsy “oh I forgot my wand, brb!” excuse. I'd honestly think he'd be smarter than that, ya know? ;) :snicker: but it does provide the opportunity for this showdown. I see Lucius isn't giving up the fight quite so easily in the start by throwing the Dramione aspect into Ron's face. However Ron gets good back by bringing up Narcissa. And hahaha at Lucius' giving up, not to mention totally undignified exit. Ron really got to him. Nicely done there.

And you scared the ever-loving hell out of me with the start of that last scene...i thought for a minute you were going to make it all a dream or something for Hermione! LOL. Interesting that you have Ron with Astoria AND that you keep the names of the children the same. I like the idea of Draco and Ron sizing one another up even as Hermione is friendly with Astoria. I can also picture the older Narcissa too. Even with a few words, you paint a nice picture of her.

And the ladies are back! I did wonder if we would hear from them again. How cute that they're gonna go follow Scorpius to Hogwarts, hehe. And Draco's moment of lacking confidence is sweet. I love how Hermione reassures him too. And the ending is an absolutely beautiful way to wrap up this tale. So nicely done all the way around :)

Oh boy, the meeting of the parents has finally arrived. I'm not Hermione and I'm worried about how it's gonna go!

Amusing to see Hermione mentally sighing over the fact that the Leaky Cauldron still isn't spotless. Though I would think Scourgify would do the trick, maybe after repeated uses. But even cleaning spells have their limits, I suppose.

Very nice awkward moment with running into the senior Weasleys, especially when you have Molly wondering if there's a chance of a reunion with Hermione and Ron. And of course, Lucius has to be an ass to them, entirely unsurprising there :eyeroll: Adore Draco's sneaking up on her and the centering calm it gives to her :sigh: :)

Very nice and very good explanation as to why the knowledge of how the truth is kept secret. Kingsley is right-it would create an automatic excuse, whether those families truly repented or not, which would cause problems down the road. I also like Draco's reasoning as to why he didn't tell Hermione about this: he wanted her to come to love her for himself, not out of a sense of compassion, as well as Narcissa revealing why Draco is an only child. Narcissa's remark about Voldemort using Lucius' concern for her and Draco as a weapon against him is also very realistic. Makes a lot of sense.

Major LOL at Lucius' comeback about Thomas and using orthodontics to torture children! As someone who had braces in junior high, I 100% agree with that definition! I think Hermione's right-group conversations won't be boring. I liked the comparison-contrast between this and the Weasleys, where she thinks about the differences and how what she has now is much better for her. Very nicely done!

Only one more chapter for me to go...boo! LOL

I'm almost disappointed to be in the home stretch of this fic...what am I gonna read when this is over? LOL

This was an interesting chapter...Hogwarts graduation ceremony. So not surprised that Hermione was valedictorian ;) Adore seeing Draco's pride in her as she gives her speech. The description of the graduates wearing their house colors (and picturing the polka-dot colored audience) was a really nice touch.

I was a little confused by the jumping around mental POVs in this chapter but, OTOH, it was nice to see what everyone was thinking. not surprised that Ron is grumpy with jealousy, while also getting in a glance in Narcissa's direction. Also not surprised at Lucius' fuming over the sight of Ron. What did surprise me is Lucius deciding that he will consider tolerating the idea of Hermione being with Draco. Though I had to snort at his last thought of "Draco bringing her down a peg or two". Uh, more like the other way around...sorry, Lucius :P I also find it quite intriguing that he's jealous of Arthur for being able to have many children (nearly all of them sons). But I suppose it makes sense. Glad not to see him blaming Narcissa for that fact either. Seen that idea in a lot of other fics, so it's a nice change not to see it here.

Draco and Narcissa's shared thought that Molly's taking down of Bellatrix was essentially freeing her from her madness is a really neat way of looking at that situation. Was also sweet to see Hermione's father's pride near the end. Nice chapter all the way around.

SPAG bit:
In the last line of Hermione's speech, "wizards" and "Muggles" do not need apostrophes in them.

This is now one of my favorite chapters I think. How it starts out is appropriately adorable. Hermione trying to study and Draco being distracting. I giggled at the way you have her mental dialogue as she reads suddenly go "eee" midword when his hand sneaks in the direction it shouldn't ;)

Kinda not surprised that their argument is over having both sets of parents meet. It's a very logical thing to come to verbal blows over, especially given who these two are and the fact that it won't be a typical meeting.

["Have you lost your mind, Granger?" "No, it's all still here"] - LOL

I am not sure why the part about Madam Pince leaving and locking them in is italicized but it is a cute reason for her to be so distracted, lol.

Ouch at the second half of their argument. Sometimes I really think Hermione DOESN'T think before she says stuff like that. :facepalm: Don't blame Draco for getting snide in return when he was upset...natural reaction. But I am glad that he was the first to apologize-I think it shows his sincerity. And the whole creating the hammock and promising to behave is very sweet. IMO I would have just made his line say "I want to show you that I can behave myself" without the "lie with you" reference...it's a bit redundant and given the creating of the hammock it is obvious what he means.

Draco seeing the portraits of former librarians as the four ladies was cute...I am wondering if they somehow inhabited the paintings briefly or if it was just a coincidence. And I see he stopped calling her Jean...wonder if he'll think up a new nickname for her.

And the end scene with Madam Pince finding the note was priceless. I can just imagine the look on her face when she read that and then saw them in the hammock!

So Ron is breaking it off with that Amoretta chick. Kinda not surprised since it sounds like it was just a physical relationship, at least on his end. I am wondering by her reaction if she wanted/expected more from him? Hmm.

And now he's going to be beset by all his memories. I like the one about him giving Narcissa a pedicure, though I still think it's weird that she'd let him call her Cissy. Hermione being shy...well that's kind of a given, especially since she has known him since they were so young. I also like that his train of thought leads him to wonder if she has the same shyness about her body around Draco. Very realistic thought there.

I like Ron's animagus form...I can picture it very easily. Had to laugh at why he wonders that Draco's form is not a ferret, but I find it interesting that he doesn't also wonder why Hermione's is a snake. I remember being surprised when you did that, as I would have seen hers for an owl or otter (IIRC, her Patronus was an otter). And good for him for chasing the little bastard that kicked him. I would have too!

Surprised he goes to spy on Narcissa, though she is expecting it. And to answer Ron's mental angry question, I don't think Lucius cares, sadly :P He only cares about himself.

The last part is also nicely realistic, where he's pretending they are both with him for about two seconds before he forces himself back to reality and jumps up to go exercise and try to get it out of his head (but obviously failing, given his intentions for later and his last line of thought).

Great chapter, though it seems a bit short.

So I had to see what was coming next for our star-crossed lovers; or Jean and Ralph, I suppose!

Oh, goody, you're picking up right where the prequel left off – it will be interesting to see them negotiating the first steps of having an actual relationship.

I love the word 'bookishness' used about Hermione; it's totally something she would say herself, while most of her friends wouldn't even know what it means.

“... her casual attitude about magically manipulating her mother and father” - Well, yes; extremely casual! Dearie me, she clearly hasn't learnt a thing. I'm hoping this is foreshadowing of something you'll address later in the story. I kind of think it is, because it's a deeply troubling attitude. While it's not out of character in Hermione (who did send Umbridge to the centaurs), it's a little bit at odds with the rest of the fic which seems much warmer and happier.

The bracelet was very romantic, and I love Draco's revelations about Madam Puddifoot's. Just figures that straight-laced Hermione wouldn't have a clue!

"We're just doing it better." Spoken like a true Malfoy :)

Aww, so Draco is sincere after all – it was nice that you slowed down the pace of the romance a little, showing Hermione not being entirely comfortable rushing into it. Will the two girls' say-so be enough to convince Hermione that Draco really has been pining for her? I think so :)

Well this was a fun chapter with my favorite couple playing Student Professors. Tho I had to laugh at Draco being jealous of Neville, of all people. Malfoys and their egos... :P

Hermione changing her appearance (and Draco's) in order to make each other less attractive was amusing too. I had to agree with Draco on Hermione putting on Narcissa's visage though...that would creep me out too if my lover put on my parent's face! Even funnier when she made him look like Harry though! But she has a good point-there is no attraction there because to her, Harry is like an adored sibling.

The teaching of the students was a neat little scene as well. It took me a few minutes to try to figure out why they were handing out Chocolate Frogs but then I remembered how the boxes have little history tidbits on/in them. I think it was a good idea that you included some background info on the Dumbledore/Grindenwald duel...will help any fandom blind person reading along.

The end leaves a nice hint of things to come...I wonder if the students can see the sexual tension between them, since it's pretty dang obvious ;) and I'm going to guess that they started having fun the second all those students were out the door! LOL

I wouldn't have minded seeing a little more of the students at work practicing dueling techniques but overall this was a really nice little chapter.

Favorite line from this chapter:
["Sometimes," he concluded, turning toward her, " your courage has to come from someone else. But when you take the action, you can be prouder of yourself than you've ever been before."] - LOVE this line from Draco, I really do.

Nice to see a Harry/Ginny scene, as that couple is a minor favorite of mine. Harry waxing poetic in his head over Ginny's looks seems slightly OOC but cute and since it's just in his head, I mind it less than if he was doing it out loud. I like the description of his room, though I don't think he is really thinking about practicing his auror battle techniques, given where his mind is currently at ;)

LOL at Ginny being all ticked off that Ron is behaving like a gigolo to get over Hermione. part of me wonders why she would care that Ron is being reckless, I kinda figured she'd be more mad at Hermione, since most were/are. But it is a nice change otherwise. Wonder why Harry would be envious when he's got his Ginny tho. Better not let her catch onto that, haha. And serious LOL at Harry convincing Ginny to make out and be loud about it in order to start war with Ron.

Ron's reaction and train of thought is very in character of him, especially the laundry list of "how things could be worse" and ending with how he wants to "keep life simple". Heh. And he really needs to practice those silencing spells better...but seeing how he decides to get loud again now that his current lover is awake and ready again, I guess we'll see who wins the Weasley War in the next chapter!

[small punctuation nitpick - "are there worse ways to live, Weasley?", you should add a question mark even though it's Ron asking himself this since it is still a question.

Narcissa's internal conflict is very realistic, and the added dimensions of her dilemma (the past where she remembers what happened to Regulus, Draco's birth and first year and Voldemort's defeat at Godric's Hollow)as well as the more current info (she wonders who would want her when there were all these dumb young girls...and yet they all wanted access to her cuz they were deprived of it before) made this scene very well rounded. I really like that you give us this extra look into her head and psyche; it helps make Cissa's role in your plot that much more significant. And I'm kinda not surprised that he knew? found out? about her and Ron. not good. But hopefully her acquiescing will keep Ron from being harmed. I hope.

I'm not sure I can see Lucius calling her Cissy either...he seems much more formal than to use a nickname, even with his own wife. Just MHO on that score.

I did adore the scene where Hagrid was observing Dramione (tho I'm surprised he could stand to watch them make out...but I suppose that it's like driving by a car wreck...you can't help but look?) but the sudden change where we see Hermione's thoughts for that bit of time confused me, I will admit. (Was that in error? Asking cuz you've never done that before so it sorta threw me for a loop.) I like that Hagrid is most definitely aggravated by what he sees, offended in some cases (like Draco copping a feel of her butt lol), and has a passing thought for what Ron must think (tho we both know he's beyond caring since he went chasing Narcissa of all people :P).

I also really liked Hagrid and Hermione's conversation. I can see it very clearly and hear their voices in my head. Especially when he brings up Harry and that last part about how his family is part of the package. I see that this conversation leaves Hermione with a new determination. I wonder what she will say to Draco in the next chapter.

You know I love descriptives and I really like the picture you paint with describing Hagrid's great work on the school grounds and how everyone is wowed by it. Love the description of Hermione's dress and Draco's clothes, tho I have the hardest time seeing him in shorts for some reason, lol.

LOLOL at Hermione being all "oh yea, that was me" in regards to Draco's worry over supposedly cheating. Tho this line was cute: "Anything that would cause me to forget making love to you shouldn't be allowed"

Ooh, I like the idea of being able to kiss while Apparating. ;)

Aww, the scene at Dobby's grave is so sad, as is Draco's self-anger and putting himself down :( makes me want to give him a hug. I am glad their conversation turned happier, and that she finally told him she loves him :squee: and yay for lifting the privacy charm so that the whole world can see them (so that's what it was that she cast when they first showed up)

The scene where he finally shows her his owl animagus form is awesome. I was also very surprised to see HER animagus form (not what I was expecting, either!) and I am with him. I hope she isn't venomous either! Cuz that could be an issue later on if she isn't careful, lol.

The last line gave me a good giggle too, LOL. And I just realized I'm on the home stretch w this fic...looking forward to getting to finish it!

Misread the title about twice, kept thinking that it was really “Baby Jean” and laughed for quite a while imagining Draco Malfoy as Rod Steward x)

Anyhow, this was a good sequel to your other story. I’m glad you’re treading the path of several “what if” moments in Draco and Hermione’s relationship, especially since they seem to be quite taken with each other. Draco does come off as slightly stalker-ish at times, but that’s all well and jolly since he seems to be very much in character and is quite the interesting character.

I find Hermione’s reactions amusing: she feels the undeniable attraction, is afraid of yet another heartache and still she’s mistrusting Draco. It’s a coherent portrayal of Hermione’s character and I feel that it shows (albeit in a slightly twisted way. An example of this is how she spoke of obliviating her parents) a different side of her. Definitely more cunning than the usual Hermione. Refreshing and out of the ordinary, that’s what I’d call it.

On the other hand, while understandable, Hermione’s doubts and fear of being seen with Draco can sometimes be frustrating. It’s very plot driven, though I wouldn’t consider it bad. In fact, those little moments make the chapter very fascinating.

That ending part with the two Muggle women was a bit awkward. My only criticism would be that sometimes the plot seems to be a little rushed and maybe it could do with a little more detailed narrative, but that’s a matter of personal taste. I’ll be reading the rest shortly, will probably review the next few chapters without tagging you until next week and just wanted you to know this is a very good story :3

Hugs*