Reviews For Permanence


Name: RonsGirlFriday (Signed) · Date: 02 Feb 2020 08:27 AM · For: Never "The End"

Hi Emily! Here for the CMDC review event round 2!


So, quite the shift in tone here from the last chapter to this! And I have to see, I think I see why the first couple of chapters were done in the idyllic way that they were, because it provides a stark contrast to what we see here. 


That first paragraph is so raw with it’s blunt series of statements culminating in, “We may die today.” It feels like an awful, grim sort of resignation on Narcissa’s part.


I really love when she states that she hates the Dark Lord’s cause and that she, unequivocally, is no Death Eater. Because that cause has destroyed her life as she knew it. In Deathly Hallows, we could only really guess at her exact state of mind -- we knew she ended up prioritizing her son above all else, but we didn’t know exactly whether she was ambivalent to the cause, apathetic, etc. And here you have taken it to: I am not Death Eater. Period. I hate the cause. Period. And I really like that.


I also really like the decision you have made to bring the story up to the day of the final battle and then transition into present tense. This was a nice effect.


And wow! Draco is dead. Who did not see this coming? *raises hand* What mischief are you up to? That section was heartbreaking and so nicely done. The paragraph describing the image of Draco dead is compelling. “The lies they tell you about death are just that. He does not look as if he were sleeping.” Powerful. In that paragraph and the next I can feel her despair.


This, of course, would be the thing that threatens to destroy this fairy tale marriage, and I think it’s realistic that Narcissa blames Lucius and is freezing him out until she (maybe) forgives him some day. But then, it seems he is all she has ever really known, and so when she takes his hand, I suppose I’m not surprised. The ending, while a testament to their love and support for one another, is still very sad, and makes me sad mostly for Narcissa. But it is beautifully written.

 

Melanie



Author's Response:

Hi again!

Thank you once more for a fantastic review! As I say in my response to your review of chapter 2, I really loved writing for Narcissa. I took what we knew of her from canon and really extrapolated. I think that her love of her family and of Draco in particular would make her resent Voldemort and his cause. She sees what his influence did to Bellatrix. She sees what he's done to Lucius. And she's absolutely terrified of what he might do to Draco. So I wanted to start this chapter with the very firm statements that this is not what she wanted for her life.

I'm so glad the tonal shift was evident to you and the shift from past to present tense! Those things were conscious decisions for me, but I don't always know if anyone notices.

I always knew this story would depart from canon and feature Draco's death. I wanted to explore who Narcissa would be when the one person she loves more than anything is ripped away from her. And I think the fact of the matter is that she doesn't know the answer to that. She defined herself through being Draco's mother. She tried her damnedest to protect him. And it wasn't enough. I think that the ending of this story is supposed to show the utter despair that those realizations cause. Does she still love Lucius? Yes, of course. But does she no longer know where they belong in the world? Also yes.

I didn't want to necessarily answer the question of who will she be after this?, because I wanted readers to think of the answers themselves. Who are any of us after tragedy? When we're finally forced, with no choice and no way to go back, to become someone new, who will we be?

I hope you enjoyed this story as a whole! Thank you so much for such lovely reviews!

Best,
Emily



Name: RonsGirlFriday (Signed) · Date: 02 Feb 2020 08:03 AM · For: The Middle

Hi Emily! Here for the CMDC review event round 2!


I like that in this chapter you have given us a few glimpses of them over the years. The fairy tale of their engagement and wedding and then the more serious business of the war. I found it interesting that Narcissa is honest, even with herself, about being happy over the fall of the Dark Lord, but I can certainly understand why. I wish perhaps we had seen a little more about the effect of the war on their lives and marriage. Their marriage seems fairly idyllic, and I don’t know whether it just really is incredibly strong and loving, or whether they repress their feelings because strife is a no-no. But it’s clear that Narcissa is very happy with this situation and fully supports her husband, and he seems to do the same for her.


BTW, I wish restaurants would just magick food onto tables. Wouldn’t that be fantastic?


I have to say, something I really liked here was when Lucius held Draco and made the comment that he wishes Draco would be like Narcissa, BUT he has to grow into being a Malfoy. How fascinating! It’s a fascinating thought, and fascinating that Lucius would say it. There seems to be a lot that Lucius is saying there. I wish we knew more about it! Narcissa seemed to understand what it meant, but quickly regained her appearance for appearance’s sake. I would love to have gone a little further down that rabbit hole.


Another thing that I really liked was Narcissa observing, “I had never been brave even once in my life.” I feel that’s very self-aware of her! It’s also an important moment for her, realizing there is someone in this world she would give up everything for, even her life, and this I think is where she really becomes the Narcissa we know from the books, who wants to protect her son at all costs.


Looking forward to seeing how you wrap up this tale!

 

Melanie



Author's Response:

Hi Melanie!

This chapter is definitely "the middle" for Narcissa and Lucius. There are good times and bad, fluff galore, and through it all, their connection to each other. I think you're right that I should have included more about the effects the war had on their lives and marriage. If I edit someday, I think I'll add that in.

Lucius and Narcissa as parents is something I'm kind of obsessed with. I think it's too easy to assume they wouldn't be loving parents since they both seem so cold. But, in my opinion, Deathly Hallows shows just how invested they are in Draco's safety and happiness.

Writing Narcissa's character in this story was the most rewarding part. Just being able to delve into someone who seems so face-value "bad" before she saves Harry in DH was fascinating. I think the fact that she's the baby of her sisters and that she knows that there is a path besides the one she walks (as she knows Andromeda chose differently for herself) would make her more aware of her place in things. And as a mother, I think she really would do anything for Draco.

Thank you again for this review! On to the last! :)

Best,
Emily



Name: RonsGirlFriday (Signed) · Date: 02 Feb 2020 07:38 AM · For: The Beginning

Hi Emily! Here for the CMDC review event round 2!


Narcissa is a layered character, I feel, and so I’m happy to read something from her perspective! I like the concept to this story -- that there are always two sides, and whatever else these people are in canon, they’re two people who love each other (or, looking from the perspective of chapter one here, will grow to love each other). I’m interested to see where you take this.


I do think it’s very realistic that pureblood society puts a lot of store in etiquette, niceties, and propriety, and Narcissa seems the sort who would be very conscientious about that. I think it was nice that you chose to indeed start this fic out in the beginning (as the chapter title says) with the very beginning of their courtship -- I did sort of wish that we could have had more of a glimpse of what attracts them to each other. It sort of seems that Narcissa’s attraction to him here is based on the fact that he’s attractive, comes from an important family, and has manners, and he has given her affection when she was already feeling low (which, in a sense, is a little concerning). I’d be interested to know what it is about Lucius himself that so appeals to her. Unless the point is meant to be that Narcissa really is that shallow, or ruled by convention, especially being as young as she is, which is also valid. I do recognize, however, that he was nice and supportive to her when she was upset over Dolohov, which is a positive.


I’m so interested by the idea of Bellatrix being a Quidditch player! I would never have thought!


Lucius is the consummate gentleman here and it seems a successful date and a promising start for them.

 

Melanie



Author's Response:

Hi Melanie!

I'm so sorry for the delay in responding to this review! Life has been pretty crazy this year, amiright? Anyhow, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and review this! I know that Narcissa and Lucius aren't very popular (rightfully so!), but I really wanted to show a different side to them, and I hope I've succeeded.

I think you're right in your assessment of young Narcissa's shallowness. She's definitely very much ruled by convention, so Lucius's prominent family would be a major draw for her. But in future chapters, I think you'll see that she also views him as strong and protective, and she appreciates those qualities. He comes from her world, so he can relate to her. And they grow closer through their courtship, of course.

I'm excited to see what you thought of the other chapters! :)

Best,
Emily


P.S. - I love the idea of Bellatrix being a Beater. She seems like she'd be formidable. XD



Name: Aphoride (Signed) · Date: 15 Jul 2019 10:15 AM · For: The Beginning

Hey there! :) It's been a while, and I was always kinda fascinated by Lucius and Narcissa as a couple - they always seemed strangely coldly in love to me - so I really had to see how you portrayed them :) 

 

And ahhhh this was surprisingly sweet? Like, I wasn't expecting to be quite so sweet - they're purebloods after all, growing up in a pretty (openly) racist society which would have pretty heavy repercussions, but I loved that it was so gentle and so delicate, that their whole courtship was so... normal? I think there's often too much of an emphasis on purebloods being super stuffy and prudish and almost ultra-Victorian in things (almost more Victorian than the Victorians, tbh), so this was such a refreshing difference - and it really humanised them and made them feel more like, yk, actual people. I loved the way Lucius was a bit playful - he smiles, he grins, he holds her chair and kisses the back of her hand and puts his arm round her shoulders. He's still Lucius - condescending about the Dolohov's status, prejudiced about Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs - but he's kind to Narcissa, comforting to her when she needed it and asking to kiss her (which was actually really super romantic? damn :P). 

 

I loved how you wrote Narcissa as well. There's a tendency in fic, I think, to avoid writing 'girly' girls - who like make-up and clothes and want to look pretty and who care about their appearance - and I liked that she was so unashamedly a girly girl. She wants to look good, it matters to her - appearances, of almsot every kind. But she's also obviously pretty clever and studious; she likes Charms and she's good at it and that matters just as much to her. I liked how he was clearly a bit more interested in her than she was in him at the beginning - she sort of falls for him a bit slower; when she realises that they might actually be compatible, yk? And it's such a good romance. 

 

I did love as well the little bits of the kind of racist ideology they subscribe too: the mention of Andromeda running away with Ted, how it cut her off from her family, the avoiding Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs in Hogsmeade, etc. It was subtle, but obvious enough to remind me that these aren't super nice, kind, gentle people - well, they are but they're not, if that makes sense? And in that way, it links so well into canon - that Lucius ends up an inner-circle Death Eater, with blood and torture on his hands. 

 

Your writing is so so lovely. You have a real knack for developing your characters so well and so clearly, and making them genuinely 3d people, which I love. Also, I loved your dialogue - all your writing is great, but for me your dialogue really stood out. It's not too modern to kinda through you out of the time period, nor too stilted to seem awkward or too old. They sound like teenagers, and it all flows so naturally. Also some of the details in this were brilliant - Bellatrix being a beater, using a wand as a curling iron, etc. 

 

This was a brilliant start! :) 

 

Laura xx



Author's Response:

Hi Laura!!

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to respond! But I appreciate this review so much and just had to thank you!

Honestly, writing for Lucius and Narcissa is tough. I want to humanize them (as you said), because I really do believe they were probably less terrible as young people. And I do think they learned prejudice as a fact of life, not as a belief. So challenging that and considering the way they would fall in love despite being objectively prejudiced people was really interesting. I have a soft spot for the Malfoys (since I adore Draco), and exploring them as individuals and as a couple was really fun. I'm glad this chapter resonated with you in unexpected ways!

Thank you for all of your compliments and comments! I've read this review many times before I finally took the time to respond (again, sorry!!) and it makes me smile every time.

Best,
Emily



Name: FoxPatronus (Signed) · Date: 14 Jun 2018 02:49 PM · For: The Beginning

This was such a surprisingly sweet beginning to Narcissa and Lucius' relationship!

 

There were so many wonderful little touches in this story.

 

I really loved all the emphasis on propriety, the stations of the different families, and just the general characterization of the pureblood lines. It rings so true. I also liked that you kind of touched a bit on her vanity, things like worrying about running her makeup when she's having her heart broken. It was a very good show-don't-tell peek into her personality!

 

I really loved that the quill she chose was a white peacock feather, because OF COURSE it would be. Such a clever nod to the books there. And I really loved that Bella was a Quidditch player, and the idea that she'd be a Beater. I can't think of anything she'd like better than whacking a big heavy ball at a Gryffindor on a broom!

 

This was such a good beginning to their story, and I am really looking forward to chapter 2!



Author's Response:

Hi Chris!

Thank you so much for coming to review this! You're the sweetest.

I'm so glad that you think I've characterized purebloods well here! It's so tough to get them right, especially when I completely disagree with their prejudices but still know that I can't eliminate those if I'm trying to stay true to canon.

And I really loved throwing a nod to Bellatrix as a Beater, haha. She may have actually been too "proper" to play on the Quidditch team in canon, but I think she'd have been great at it. Jeez, she's creepy, haha.

Thank you again for all of your compliments! You're the best!

Emily



Name: Felpata_Lupin (Signed) · Date: 18 May 2018 04:15 PM · For: The Middle

I'm back! :D

Aww... I'm simultaneously so happy and so sad at seeing the Malfoys celebrating Voldemort's downfall, finally free to be a normal family. It's such a sweet moment, but it's so painful to think that it won't last. Also, toddler Draco is just so cute... what if we just stopped time here and ignored everything that's going to come?

I might be a hopeless romantic, but I absolutely adored the proposal scene, it was so perfect. I loved the setting and the way Lucius and Narcissa interacted, the understanding between them, so sweet. I was actually squeeing when he kneeled down... I mean, for being so aristocratically proper, it was so romantic and sweet... I love this about their whole relationship, honestly, the way everything is so... Pureblood, but how they still have these moments of softness and affection that is just so sincere.

I think what was most interesting about it all was Lucius' attitude about the Death Eaters. I love the idea that he wasn't really into it after (I imagine) the initial enthusiasm. I had always thought that Lucius was very invested in the cause till the very last moment, but the interpretation you give here is different and still very reasonable and in character with what we know about the Malfoys. It also saddens me a little the way Lucius wishes for Draco to be compassionate like his mother but knows that is not how it should be because that's not what society expects. I'm pitying the Malfoys... what have you done to me, Emily?

Okay, I'll stop rambling... just know that this was another great chapter!

Lots of love, darling!

Chiara



Author's Response:

Hi again, dear!

Thank you so much for reading the next chapter and reviewing! I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to reply!

I'm so glad that I've infiltrated your character opinions and made the Malfoys palatable for you! :D  I know this chapter was bittersweet, but I'm glad you liked it all the same. And I'm so, so happy that you liked Narcissa and Lucius throughout this, especially during the proposal! It wasn't easy to keep them as elitist and pureblood as they were in canon, but I really wanted to and I'm always happy to hear when people feel I succeeded! And Lucius especially is so hard to write and so, so hard to make likeable! The fact that you've begun to pity him is such a huge compliment!

Thank you again, Chiara! You're the best!

—Emily



Name: MuggleMaybe (Signed) · Date: 17 May 2018 06:01 PM · For: The Beginning

Aw, Emily! This is so cute!

 

When I read the first few sentences, I didn't realize Narcissa was young here and I thought she was having an affair, which could be an interesting story as well but probably more angsty. I confess, i was happy to find that this was alighter peice.

 

Young Cissy is honestly really sweet, even though I know she's very prejudiced and buys in 100% to blood purity and all of that, it's hard not to like her in this. It takes a lot of skill to make an antagonist likeable, so well done to you! She reads to me as sweet and naive. I like that she's close with her sisters, and that she misses Andromeda.

 

Also - and I CANNOT BELIEVE I'm about to write this - I liked Lucius is this?????? What I really like is that he dosn't push himself on her. He flirts a little, sure, but he isn't totally obnoxious about it. He doesn't try to take advantage of Cissy's vulnerability when he finds her crying. And whatever terrible things they believe and do throughout the course of the novel, it's nice to think they do truly love each other. 

 

I don't think about this particular ship that much, and I particularly do't think about how it began. So in addition to being a very enjoyable read, this opened up a whole new line of thought for me. 

 

This was really an unexpectedly sweet and charming story, and as always for you, very well written. I'm really glad I had a motivation to read it with PUFFS! 

 

xoxo Renee

 



Author's Response:

Hi Renee!

First of all, I'm so sorry for how ridiculously long it's taken me to respond. I got behind...and then I got really behind. But I'm here now!

I'm really glad you liked the take on this! I'm sorry for the confusion at first! I might go in and add a year to the beginning so that that's cleared up!

I really enjoyed writing Narcissa in her school years, and I'm so happy that I made you like her! She's such a strange, multifaceted character in this story, and I tried to delve into some of those contradictions (such as her being very hateful of Muggleborns, but very loving of her family). And Lucius! I really don't like him in canon, but I'm so glad he came across as likeable in this! That was my goal, and I'm so, so happy to hear I achieved it.

I'm so honored to hear that I made you think of this ship in a way you never had before. I hope you'll have time to read the rest of it at some point. I'd love to hear what you think. :)

Thank you again!

—Emily



Name: Phoenix Potioneer (Signed) · Date: 17 May 2018 04:31 PM · For: Never "The End"

Wow this is fantastic!

 

I really loved seeing the evolution of Narcissa over the years, from a 16-year-old to a mother. Seeing the change was quite fascinating, because in the original HP books we only really see Narcissa at the later part of her life.

 

I LOVE the twist of Draco dying. Since everything up to that point had been canon (to the point where Deathly Hallows was even being quoted), it was very unexpected and really threw me off. But threw me off in a good way. :)

 

I liked how you really showed how deeply Narcissa and Lucius care for each other, since in the books we never really get to see their affection for one another. I always sort of got the impression that they married each other just because it was socially respectful or proper or whatever. So I love how you showed that they truly did love each other, deeply.

 

The ending was so sad! I really hope Narcissa and Lucius can find some sort of peace and solace in one another, though I understand that they will never truly be the same.

 

As for your questions- no, I don't think the ending was rushed. This story overall was very nicely paced.

 

Great job! :)



Author's Response:

Hi Claudia, dear!

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! I'm so glad you liked this story!

That ending still rips my heart out, because I love Draco. But I'm always happy to hear that it was a good twist for readers. And I literally love hearing that people like my Lucius/Narcissa portrayal! I think it's so fascinating to remember that there were couples and families on the "bad" side of the war too. They made awful choices and did awful things...but this story was born out of the idea of exploring why they did that, and how they relate to one another despite everything they've experienced.

Thank you again for reviewing!

Best,
Emily



Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 17 May 2018 02:15 AM · For: The Middle

Hi, Emily! I’m here for the PUFFS Bingo game! This is the Narcissa Malfoy review I’m leaving for fun, even though this isn’t worth anything in the game haha.

 

When I saw “Narcissa Malfoy,” I immediately remembered Permanence, and so I thought I’d come back and review another chapter! (I have a feeling that if I do this for every single prompt that we don’t have an answer on our card for, I’m going to wear myself out really quickly, but might as well do it while I still have energy haha.)

 

Okay, so I loved this chapter. The entire thing was just so impeccably in character, and I think I mentioned this in my last chapter, too, how you give Narcissa so much dimension while retaining that general haughtiness and formality that a Pureblood of her upbringing is bound to have. Through the development of her relationship with Lucius, she’s patient, and never hotblooded, and though he takes five years to propose for her, she’s never irritated about the fact. I also loved the description of the restaurant where he did end up proposing; it was very high class, and I expected nothing less from the Malfoys haha. I also loved how Narcissa wasn’t exactly surprised by it, either. I love your depiction of her so much!

 

My favorite part, though, had to be when Narcissa gave birth to Draco, and he became everything to them. Or, to her. Lucius still had his attentions divided with the Dark Lord (which hurt my heart a bit, especially from Narcissa’s perspective, when Lucius never really had much time for his family anymore). It was because Narcissa vowed to do anything for him, and I just love that because it even fits the trivia question so well haha. “This character is a mother who cares more about protecting her family than about her group's cause” is soo true here.

 

The ending was also very in-character. They celebrated his death, not because they actually thought his ideologies were wrong, but because they were glad to have a moment to themselves, finally.

 

This was a really good chapter! I’m glad I had the opportunity to come back. <3

 

~Eva



Author's Response:

Hi Eva, darling!

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your review! I fell behind this summer so I have a bunch that I haven't gotten to, but here I am now!

So, first of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read and review! I'm so happy that you liked this chapter, and I'm particularly excited to hear that you liked Narcissa's characterization! I really loved writing for her in this story, and I wanted to capture that pureblood aesthetic with more depth, so I'm really happy that came through. Her identity as a mother later on in the chapter is the only way we ever see her in canon—as Draco's mom—but I wanted to show it from her perspective. I think she truly does, in canon, adore her son and is willing to do anything for him, so I wanted to embrace that.

Anyhow! Thank you so much for all of your comments and compliments. You're wonderful!

Best,
Emily



Name: Felpata_Lupin (Signed) · Date: 06 May 2018 10:18 AM · For: The Beginning

Hi, Emily, my dear! :)

You've been so nice to me during this event, so I thought I'd return the favour... :P

Aww, this was so lovely! I have to confess, I don't have much sympathy for the Malfoys, but I really loved what you did with them here!

What I absolutely adored was this sort of contrast you created, with your characters' emotions being so evident and strong while still staying collected and within the boundaries of proper pureblood behaviour... it's so great! The scene when Lucius asks her to go to Hogsmeade... I love who relaxed he is, how different from the way we usually see him. And he's a teenage boy here, so it's kind of natural, but I still think it's so wonderful! :D

And Narcissa... I love that she's constantly asking herself "What would my parents say?" The way she gets so embarrassed and so flattered at Lucius' attentions is so cute. I've always thought that she had a softer side and it really emerges in here. But at the same time she's so strong and I love that too. I think you showed the different traits of her personality so brilliantly!

It was just so nice reading through this chapter, I just loved seeing Lucius and Narcissa at a younger age and the beginning of their relationship. They really seem to be made for one another and seeing them getting along so well, being able to talk to each other so naturally, feels so heartwarming and gives me happiness. I bet the following chapters are going to be less happy, but it's nice to know that there will always be love between them. After all, that's what redeems the Malfoys in the end, isn't it? The strong family bound they share.

I'm not sure if I did a great job reviewing this chapter, but know that it was a really delightful read and that your writing style was lovely, too!

Snowball hug, my dear!

Chiara



Author's Response:

Hi Chiara, darling!

I'm sorry for how long it's taken me to respond to your reviews! I'm finally almost caught up!

Anyhow, thank you so, so much for reading and reviewing for me! I appreciate all of your compliments and observations. The Malfoys are hard to write, so I'm always happy to hear that I've made them somewhat likeable. The balance between making them both believable from what we know of them in canon, and making them relatable is a hard one to strike. I'm glad that you liked them both. :)

It means so much to me that you enjoyed reading this chapter and feel that I've captured these characters well. I agree that the family bond of the Malfoys is what redeems them—let's see if you still feel that way by the end of this story! ;)

Thank you again, dear!

—Emily



Name: LadyL8 (Signed) · Date: 31 Mar 2018 11:18 AM · For: Never "The End"

Hi again, Emily!

 

So this time I'm gonna go straight to the reading part this time, because I remember I loved this last chapter so I just want to go read it right away.

 

First of all, I talked a little bit about loving the time-jumps in the last review, but I didn't mention another reason I have for loving them. You see another thing I really like about all these time-jumps is that we get to the bad times too. In the marriage vows you vow to be together "for better or for worse", but to actually see those good and dark times in a story is really interesting, especially because once you've reached this point in the story, you've done such a good job with Narcissa and Lucius that you really just have to love the two of them together, and wish for them to be happy and have a great life together. You know that's not gonna happen of course, but to actually see the bad times - you really made me sympathise with them a lot, which I didn't imagine I'd do when I first began to read the story.

 

It's sad to see how much times can change a person. Narcissa has really lost her hope and dreams of a great life with a happy family, and you can really see how much she's suffered over the years. I thought you did a great job with her, Emily. It was really believable to me, and it really felt like this was the Narcissa we meet in the books. I also got so much more respect for Narcissa now. What she did in the forest - lying to Voldemort to save her son. It really took a lot of courage, and I don't think people really realize and appreciate that enough.

 

And omg. I had forgotten about Draco's death so it came as such a surprise to me now. But you know, I thought it was a really interesting twist, especially because at this point, the Malfoys have essentially risked everything for their son (like if Voldemort won, he'd have them killed for lying to him), so to find him dead... it was a very emotional scene and it really made me feel for the Malfoys. Again, something I didn't expect to feel when I first started reading this story, but you really changed my view on them as characters. So once again, great job!

 

I also have to say that I like the ending. The story begins with Lucius and Narcissa coming together and ends with the two of them still staying together, even though they've suffered more than most people have. I really like the contrast between the Lucius and Narcissa in the first chapter and the Lucius and Narcissa in this last scene, and I think it's just a great way to end a story that has really helped show a different side to the Malfoy family.

 

Amazing job, Emily! I think I said this in my newsletter review too, but this is actually one my favourite stories now, because you completely changed my view on the Malfoys. I didn't think I'd ever sympathise this much with them, but you managed to make me feel for them. So yeah, great job! I really loved the story! Thanks for sharing!

 

- Lotte



Author's Response:

Hi once more!

You. Are. The. Best.

I'm so happy that you love Lucius and Narcissa so much. The fact that I made you want them to be happy...ojhadglakhg. No words. I'm just so glad that came across.

This line from your review--"What she did in the forest - lying to Voldemort to save her son. It really took a lot of courage, and I don't think people really realize and appreciate that enough."--is basically, exactly why I wrote this story. Because I respect that choice so much and I think it makes such an enormous impact on the story--the love of a mother, her sacrifices for her son. It's what Lily did, but from the other side of the war. I just find it completely fascinating.

And yes...Draco. Ugh. It killed me. But I think it was so important to show that sometimes people lose everything, everything...and what's left afterwards? I just think it's such a huge thing to surmount, but I do think that Narcissa and Lucius could do it, in time.

I am so, so happy to have changed your views of the Malfoys, and I'm so happy that you love this story. It means the absolute world to me.

Best, always,
Emily



Name: LadyL8 (Signed) · Date: 31 Mar 2018 11:14 AM · For: The Middle

Hi Emily,

 

It's me again! I'm here to check out the second chapter of Permanence. This is the chapter I feel like I remember the least from, probably because it's the one in the middle, but that just makes me really excited for this re-read. Anyway. Let's start reading it.

 

So first of all. This is a little bit random, but I like that the chapters are called "the beginning", "the middle" and "Never "the end", because it reminds me of one of my favourite book series in Norwegian. It's a trilogy, and the first book is called "The Beginning", the second book is called "The Middle" and the last one is called "The End". It's so simple and it really works, so yeah, I loved that, that's the titles of your chapters (with a little twist on the last one of course to show that it's not really the end). But anyway.  

 

Aww. I love Lucius and Narcissa. The time-jump was really cool too, because it allows us to see them four years after the first chapter and you can really see how their relationship has progressed. It's amazing that Narcissa is still as in love with him now as she was four years ago. I mean that's the sort of thing we all dream of getting, isn't it? And the proposal was just how I imagined Lucius would propose. A fancy dinner and then asking her, and it really was romantic. I liked the speech too. As I said in my last review, I was actually unsure back when I first read that first chapter if Lucius really liked Narcissa or if he just asked her out because she of status or because of pureblood supremacy, but when I was done reading the proposal scene I felt pretty sure he did love her. And that scene is just amazing.

 

And the Draco scene. You know it's interesting because in the books, Lucius does seem to be proud of his son, but is also seems to me like he's putting a lot pressure on him, probably because he's an only child and a pureblood born into well-known family in the wizarding world, and I liked that you actually included this from the beginning with that line about him having to grow into the Malfoy name. I liked the last scene with father and son too. We know the Malfoy's would do anything for their son, and that just makes that such a beautiful scene to me. A little glimpse into a time when they could actually celebrate and be happy.

 

Anyway. That's it for me. Amazing job, once again! I still absolutely love this story! Thanks for sharing!

 

- Lotte

 



Author's Response:

Hi again, my dear!

I'm glad you like the chapter titles! I did feel pretty clever choosing them, haha. And I'm glad that you like Lucius and Narcissa's relationship! He really does love her, but their class status and upbringing makes him less expressive than you or me. Either way, I'm really glad that you can see the love between them!

I think a big part of Lucius and Narcissa (and the decisions they make) is their status as parents. We don't get much about that in the books, but we see hints of their devotion to Draco throughout the series, especially in Deathly Hallows. I do imagine that Lucius was very proud of Draco, even though their pureblood world also brings very high standards and expectations. Still, I think their love for Draco rises above everything else--hence, why Narcissa lies to Voldemort in canon.

Thank you again for reviewing! Your words make me so happy, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

--Emily



Name: LadyL8 (Signed) · Date: 31 Mar 2018 11:10 AM · For: The Beginning

Hey again, Emily!

 

I'm back to review another one of your stories. This one I know you know I've read before for the newsletter, but for some reason I never reviewed it. That's was a mistake that I'm gonna correct right now, but in a way I'm sort of glad I never got around to review it back then, because now I can come with a lot more thoughts about each chapter, rather than just a short summary of what I thought about the story as a whole. Anyway. Let's start reading.

 

First of all, I absolutely loved that you gave Narcissa more of a backstory, because I feel like we don't really know that much about her, other than who her family is. I'd never thought about the possibility of her being in a relationship with Antonin Dolohov, but I actually liked that part. I think I might've mentioned that in my newsletter review too, but I just really like that you add more backstory and depth to Narcissa, and also, it was just a great way to start the first chapter because it really shows how creative you are as a writer, and that's something I remember thinking as I was reading this whole story the first time.

 

I found the meeting between Narcissa and Lucius to be really interesting for many reasons. I like that the first time we meet him he's comforting her, because it immediately shows a different side to Lucius than the one we see in the book, without making him OOC. Lucius in the book is mostly seen in negative light, but already in his first scene in this story, you try to challenge this a little bit, and I really like that. Again, a very good way to introduce us to the character in this story.

 

The meeting was also interesting for another reason. I remember the first time I read this, I wasn't sure at this point if he actually liked Narcissa or if he was just thinking about status, convenience and all that pureblood supremacy crap. Of course, as the chapter goes on, we see the two of them gradually warm more and more up to each other, and by the end of chapter two, I felt pretty sure he did actually care for her, but I liked that in the beginning, his intentions weren't clear. It made it really interesting to read.

 

You've really done a great job with Lucius and Narcissa. I've never thought too much about them as a couple, but you made me really like them together. They're dialogues are so believable and the chapter flows really well. And also, I just felt like Lucius and Narcissa complement each other a lot too, and you just really made me care for them.

 

Amazing job! I've said this before too, but I absolutely love this story! Thank you so much for sharing!

 

- Lotte

 



Author's Response:

Hello, my dear!

First of all, I am so sorry for taking so long to respond to your reviews! I'm a complete nightmare at catching up on these replies, and I feel terrible about that.

Anyhow: thank you so much for reading and reviewing this story! Your compliments mean so much to me. I'm honored.

The fact that you like my Narcissa and Lucius characterization makes me so happy! And that you think this was a creative take on their background and the story made you invested in their relationship! "You just really made me care for them." -- I have no words. I'm absolutely ecstatic. I can't stop smiling.

You're incredible. I'm so happy you like this. Thank you so, so much.

Best,
Emily



Name: justawillowtree (Signed) · Date: 14 Mar 2018 11:58 PM · For: The Beginning

I find it absolutely shameful that I have yet to review one of your stories, so here I am!

 

The premise of this story sounded absolutely intriguing, so I had to check it out. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a Lucius/Narcissa fic before, so this is a first-time experience for me! And I really, really like this first chapter.

 

One of the most creative things in this chapter was your decision to have Narcissa be with Anton Dolohov originally, before a messy break-up. Never would I have thought to put these two together, but now that you have, it honestly makes perfect sense that Narcissa would have dated Dolohov at some point in time, even if it didn’t work out in the end.

 

Your characterization of Narcissa was perhaps the most impressive part of this first chapter to me. You managed to get into her head, to make her a sympathetic character, while also retaining those Pureblood traits that would have been ingrained into her personality. That entire section where she manages to draw in her tears and plaster a cold mask on her face was simultaneously impressive and scary, how she is able to do that. And later on, when she’s walking around with Lucius, I appreciated the little detail you added in, where Narcissa approved of Lucius’s avoidance of the Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs.

 

I also like your characterization of Lucius. He’s charming, bold, and flirtatious, or at least to Narcissa. I’m sure the Muggle-borns, Gryffindors, and Hufflepuffs that Lucius Malfoy is so prejudiced against do not find him nearly half as likable as Narcissa does, haha. By your depiction of Lucius, I can completely see how Narcissa fell for him. And he does treat her well. Throughout the date, he’s a perfect gentleman, which makes sense, because she’s also a Pureblood, and a pretty and sweet (at least to other Purebloods) one at that.

 

Their date was very sweet, and so was the kiss at the end. These two really do seem perfect for each other.

 

Wonderful chapter! <3

 

~Eva



Author's Response:

Hi Eva!

Thank you so much for coming by to read and review for me! I appreciate it so much. :)

I'm so happy that you liked this first chapter! I don't remember how this story came about, but I know it was a challenge to write for characters who had such a specific upbringing. I'm really, really glad that you think that their characterization is good! They're so difficult to write--making them likable, but still believable as the canon Malfoys we know and love (to hate). The fact that that came across to you is so fantastic!

Again, thank you for all of your compliments! You're wonderful.

Best,
Emily



Name: nott theodore (Signed) · Date: 16 Dec 2017 10:22 AM · For: Never "The End"

WAIT WHAT I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT.

 

Honestly, I think I was more invested in Narcissa's love for her son than I realised before I read this, and now I feel sad and shocked and I don't really know how to feel about that nasty surprise in this chapter.

 

There was a real sense of foreboding as this chapter opened - even that first sentence was so heavy and negative, and just that alone showed how much the Narcissa we saw in the first chapter of this story has changed and evolved into a woman who has lost hope in the world.  I think one of the marked differences between Narcissa and Bellatrix is that, even though they're on the same side, Narcissa cares so deeply about what she has to lose.

 

Her concern and worry for Draco came through really clearly at the beginning of this chapter, and so did the pride that she feels when she thinks of him and all that he has achieved.  While Lucius has grown distant - a result of his involvement with the Dark Lord - Narcissa's world has come to revolve around Draco.

 

I found her assertion that she was not a Death Eater really interesting; she certainly seemed to participate in the activities, but clearly became disillusioned when her son was at risk.  Still there was no way to protect her family but to go to the battle at Hogwarts.

 

I read all of the first section of this chapter understanding Narcissa's concern for her family, and feeling sympathy with her for it, but knowing that it was going to be okay, because Draco came out alive from the final battle and they tried to move on with their lives.  I've never even considered what it might be like if that weren't the case - and I thought you wrote it brilliantly.  Narcissa and Lucius seem to shrink away from everyone when Draco dies, and leave everything behind - but in spite of the distance between them and what they've gone through, that love is still there and they're moving on for a new start - or an escape - together.  

 

I really enjoyed this story and found your characterisations of Lucius and Narcissa absolutely fascinating - but next time please make sure I have some warning when you're going to hurl something like that at me :P

 

Sian :)



Author's Response:

Hi again, dear!

I'm so sorry for pulling the rug out from under you!! I know that it wasn't expected, and I do feel bad for how sudden it was. When I wrote this, I hadn't ever intended for it to follow canon, but it does seem to up to this ending. I'm sorry it's such a crushing departure from canon though.

I really love how you pointed out the difference between Bellatrix and Narcissa! Narcissa really does care deeply about what she has to lose—and losing Draco is the worst possible end for her.

I do find it interesting that in canon, Narcissa isn't a Death Eater by definition—she doesn't have the Dark Mark in canon and doesn't attend their meetings until they're happening in her house—but she's often grouped in with them by association. I always wondered why she wouldn't take the Mark, so this story was in part inspired by that question.

Again, thank you for reviewing! I know the ending was a shock, and I do apologize! I really appreciate you reading and giving your feedback. :)

Best,
Emily



Name: nott theodore (Signed) · Date: 16 Dec 2017 09:59 AM · For: The Middle

Hello again!

 

This was a really interesting chapter - you covered quite a lot of ground in their relationship in the one chapter, and I found it really interested to see the way that it developed through the years.  Even though some of the sections were quite short, I didn't feel like I'd missed out on a lot of their relationship or anything I really needed to understand for the story.

 

The opening of this chapter picked up right where we left off, with Narcissa falling completely in love with Lucius and he with her.  I really liked the way that she thinks about him, because she's obviously so happy with him and it's a match which is her choice - actually, given the number of stories I read in which purebloods are forced into kind of arranged marriages and advantageous matches, this was really refreshing.

 

One aspect of this that I really enjoyed was the relationship that we saw between Narcissa and her father.  I don't think purebloods are often portrayed as doting parents, but she has a very caring side for the people she loves and it makes sense that it would be a family trait - plus she's the baby of the family.  The moment before she gets married to Lucius was really sweet.

 

Then, as the marriage settled down and the honeymoon shine wore off, it was really interesting to see the way that the relationship began to change - the short comments which indicating that there are points of frustration that have leaked into their marriage, like shouting and Lucius's parents living with them.  But at the end of all of that, they remind each other that they love each other, and I enjoyed seeing that.

 

I think the sections about Draco and their family were so poignant - I believed so much in your Narcissa there, and how much she loved her son and wanted to protect him.

 

Sian :)



Author's Response:

Hello again!

Thank you so much for this review! I'm really glad the time jumps didn't throw you off. And I'm so happy that the various relationships within the story resonated with you! I do think we tend to forget that Narcissa was the baby of her family. And I wish there were more stories about her as a mother, since she clearly loves Draco more than anything else. So I'm glad you liked those parts!

Thank you again for reading and reviewing!

Emily



Name: nott theodore (Signed) · Date: 16 Dec 2017 09:52 AM · For: The Beginning

Emily!  It's been way too long since I read anything by you!

 

You know, I don't think that I've ever read a story about a young Narcissa Black/Malfoy before, and I find the concept behind this fascinating.  Her character has always interested me because, while she was a Death Eater, she was so driven by protecting her son and her family, and that adds another layer to her personality that most of the Death Eaters don't have.

 

I thought you opened this really well - I've never considered that Narcissa might have been in a relationship with anyone but Lucius, for some reason, but you created immediate sympathy for Narcissa with us seeing Antonin Dolohov breaking up with her, so that was a brilliant opening.  I also liked the way that it led you on to other aspects of her character, pulling in her family background as the reason she can't go to pieces when she's really upset.

 

Lucius coming in to comfort her was interesting - talking about an advantageous match isn't the most romantic way of beginning their courtship, but I liked the fact that he did genuinely seem to like her and didn't care what the Malfoys or Blacks thought of them being together.  I definitely think that these two loved each other, and I liked seeing that start to grow here.

 

Narcissa is definitely besotted by the end of this chapter, and she comes across so sweetly and as someone who's very youthful and naive, in some ways.  I liked Lucius much more than I expected to, as well - especially when he got so passionate talking about Quidditch and things he was interested in.

 

Sian :)



Author's Response:

Hello Sian!

Thank you so, so much for reading and reviewing! I'm so sorry for taking so long to respond.

I'm so glad that you liked this story, despite it being so new for you! Narcissa is a character who's always intrigued me. While I think she's got a lot of qualities I disagree with, she's also a very strong, determined woman. I wanted to explore that, as well as her relationship with Lucius (who I can't imagine marrying). I'm glad that they interested you as characters!

Thank you again for reviewing!

Best,
Emily



Name: Rumpelstiltskin (Signed) · Date: 02 Dec 2017 12:32 PM · For: The Beginning

Hello!

 

Aw, I do feel bad for Narcissa as this story begins and, quite honestly, hadn't really considered shipping Dolohov/Narcissa before (and I love it, I love every single second of it). He's so short with her and she so badly in love, making the very beginning of this so very sad, especially after having been together for such a long time. I also feel badly that she's expected to upkeep this appearance--to not be able to fall to pieces when she needs to--because she is a Black. :/ Poor Narcissa!

 

Then, of course, the brief interaction between Lucius and Narcissa is sweet, in its own way. Though he based his compliments off of blood-status and societal ranking, he still managed to pull off the kind gesture and comfort Narcissa, which she needed badly right then. It's almost as if it's the first hint of what is to become Lucius/Narcissa ;).

 

I'm glad that Narcissa was able to pick herself up from her breakup, whichever ways she could. Lucius flirting with Narcissa is absolutely adorable, and I do have to agree that I don't think that her parents could have anything against the Malfoy family heir.

 

Narcissa's nervousness and anticipation for their date in Hogsmeade is really sweet, too, even going as far as to wake up hours in advance to try to look her best. Lucius is sweet but in a strange way, and I think it has a lot to do with his station as the Malfoy heir and how he was raised. His little gestures--going to the shop Narcissa wanted to visit, avoiding "loathsome" schoolmates, buying the quill she wanted for her, and all of his very prim mannerisms is mildly humorous as sweet as they are.

 

Awww, and the chapter ended with a kiss! That's absolutely adorable!

 

-Rumpel



Author's Response:

Hi Rumpel!

I'm so sorry for the delay in responding to this review! But I do want to start off by saying thank you! I really appreciate that you took the time to read and review for me! :) I'm really happy that you liked this first chapter! This was one of the most difficult stories for me to write, keeping all of the pureblood society norms in mind, so I'm glad it succeeded for you in this chapter!

I really wanted to humanize Narcissa and Lucius here. We don't see much of them in canon, but we know that they're very prim and aloof, so I didn't want to shy away from that. Instead, I wanted to embrace it and explain it some. I hope I succeeded in balancing those tendencies with showing that they really do care for one another.

Thank you so much for all of your compliments and comments!

Best,
Emily



Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 16 Nov 2017 04:34 PM · For: Never "The End"

OMG HELP I DIDN'T EVEN CONSIDER THAT THIS MIGHT DEVIATE FROM CANON AND I WAS TOTALLY UNPREPARED FOR DRACO BEING DEAD. And I also didn't think I'd care that much about Draco? but I do and OUCH. What a plot twist, though. Once I realized what you'd done my eyes were glued to the page for the rest of the story and I couldn't look away! LAKWJEFLKAJWLK. The ending was really good, though. You complemented the element of surprise with a very powerful conclusion as Narcissa struggles to put her life back together afterwards.

 

After the first few lines when the chapter begins in 1998 during the second war, I was expecting to see Narcissa's perspective of the war and how it changed her - and welll, it certainly did change her. One thing that the ending really highlights is how much has changed between herself and Lucius - thinking back to the first chapter when she remarks on how easy it is to talk to him, and how light and wonderful everything is for them, to come all the way to this point when they haven't really spoken in months due to the weight of grief. And how in the beginning Narcissa is pleased with how well they adhere to traditions, whereas at the end they are starting over and leaving their Manor (which I think represents tradition and in a way, a lot about who they were before) behind. Honestly it's very impressive how well you tied things together and how all the details line up. You have wonderful attention to detail.

 

This is a very emotional chapter- first in the beginning when Narcissa begins to fear for Draco's life and switches her allegiance away from Voldemort, and especially in the end when she's trying to put herself together when she truly feels she's lost herself. There is almost no dialogue in this chapter, it's all feelings and thoughts withdrawn into her head; she really internalizes everything, to the point where she blames herself for simply not being there, as if there was anything she could have done. I think her thoughts about bravery are interesting too, like she hates herself for being brave because it was in vain and the outcome wasn't worth it. It also broke my heart when Andromeda showed up to mourn her nephew and be there for he sister, and having lost her own family as well, and Narcissa is still too broken to have anything to do with her.

 

What is a life well-lived if it ends so soon? -- Wow this line hit super close to home for me. Narcissa's grief in the second half this chapter is so real. And I think this perfectly encapsulates why Narcissa is so dismissive of her own bravery.

 

Such a sad ending but I think that gave it a lot of emotional power and you did an incredible job writing it. I don't think I'd read anything by you before but I'm glad I fixed that, as you're a wonderful author! I'll need to have a look at your novel! Anyway, very well done on this story, it's great. ♥ Congrats once again on being featured!



Author's Response:

Hi again Stella!

Oh my gosh, this review made my night! Thank you so, so much! I'm sorry for pulling the rug out from under you with Draco's death here! When I imagined this story, I think I always knew I'd deviate from canon. In the end, it's Narcissa's story, and Lucius's, and for Narcissa, Draco was the culmination of everything she'd ever wanted. She wanted a pureblood husband and a privileged life and a beautiful heir who would carry on her legacy and fulfill her potential. The part in canon Deathly Hallows during the final battle where it says "Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy running through the crowd, not even attempting to fight, screaming for their son" kills me. I love that so much.

So this final chapter was turning Narcissa's life on its head. I'm sure she did change a lot after the canon war--I think it would've affected her either way--but I really wanted to delve into how bad it could've been for her and how much it would've changed her life if something happened to Draco. I'm so glad the emotions she was feeling came through. This chapter is very internalized, so I was worried that it could fall flat, but I'm glad it doesn't seem to have for you.

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm so happy that you enjoyed this! You're the sweetest, and I appreciate these reviews more than I can say!

Best,
Emily



Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 16 Nov 2017 03:52 PM · For: The Middle

Interesting chapter. I notice a bit of disagreement coming up between Lucius and Narcissa here, and neither one of them is confrontational so it never goes anywhere, but several moments in this chapter end with Narcissa being slightly unhappy for a moment before deciding Lucius is right, or that there's no point arguing. They do still seem deeply in love, but there's these little cracks starting to appear and they're not really communicating about it. Maybe it's just the stress of the war, although it does make me wonder what kind of future yuo've got in store for them.

 

The way Lucius proposed is entirely the way I'd imagine it - at a quiet, very posh, purebloods-only restaurant with a romantic atmosphere. It's perfectly in character for them.

 

The last section caught me by surprise though, how Lucius and Narcissa celebrated the fall of Voldemort. But the way you explain it, it makes perfect sense that they would feel that way, that their family was now the most important focus and they disliked the aspect of danger that came along with being a Death Eater, even if they did still support the cause wholeheartedly. They like the cause, but don't want to make the required sacrifices, and I think this ties in really well with how we see both Narcissa and Lucius in DH - particularly Narcissa as she lies to Voldemort in order to find Draco. So anyway I kind of love the image of the three of them celebrating in secret that Voldemort had been brought down. Great chapter!



Author's Response:

Hi again, Stella!

Thank you AGAIN for an amazing review! You've really read everything into this chapter that I hoped readers would! The mention you made of the cracks that are appearing is so important. It was absolutely meant to foreshadow Narcissa's moment of lying to Voldemort (which I think is one of my absolute favorite moments in the entire series). I wanted to show that Lucius and Narcissa, despite being of a more wealthy and privileged class, still have the same emotions that other people have. Narcissa still gets annoyed with her husband, despite loving him so unconditionally. But once Draco's born, her priorities shift so much. She wants her son to be safe. She and Lucius support pureblood supremacy, but they also see Draco as their future. They want security. I think one of the main reasons that they supported Voldemort was because of the security he could offer his followers--they would be on top of the world. No one would challenge them. But with his downfall, the Malfoys realize that they can still be privileged and happy and SAFE, as long as they lie about the things they'd done in Voldemort's service. So I think there's this self-serving element to them that I didn't want to shy away from, if that makes sense.

Thank you again for a wonderful review! Off to read your last!

Emily



Name: Stella Blue (Signed) · Date: 16 Nov 2017 03:33 PM · For: The Beginning

Hi Emily Just wanted to stop by and say congratulations for being November's featured Hufflepuff! I'm here with celebratory reviews for you!

 

I really like Narcissa and Lucius as characters - depending on the point of view they can be written in such different ways, and this is such a lovely story from Narcissa's POV. It's such a contrast to how we see the Malfoys from Harry's POV as stuck-up and disdainful, and quite honestly it's a delight to see them so happy and loving. Particularly because you've managed to weave in all their prejudices and disdain for Hufflepuffs and Muggle-borns and everything, you're still keeping them who they are and not trying to hide their faults, and create a beautiful love story despite that because here the focus is just on them. I think it takes skill to write about characters who are often disliked, and to not try to redeem them in any way, but just write them from their own perspectives which always casts them in a very different light. In other words what I'm trying to say is that your characterization is flawless.

 

This is especially noticeable when it comes to Bellatrix, who is portrayed for the most part positively in this as Narcissa looks up to her and goes to her for advice. It gives a lot more well-rounded view of Bellatrix, who I'm sure is still crazy, but here we see she has some redeeming qualities to other people, at least :P It's a lot more sympathetic portrayal than I usually see of her and I really appreciate that.

 

I think this is also one of very few stories that suggest how much the narrator loves the pureblood tradition of good manners and propriety. There are a lot of stories about characters feeling restrained by these traditions or just doing things because 'that's how it's done', but here Narcissa really enjoys dressing up in her most expensive cloak and having Lucius hold doors for her and pull out her chair and be a gentleman. I didn't realize how rare this was in fics until I read yours! I like the attention you've given to making these characters as real as possible.

 

On to the next chapter!



Author's Response:

Oh my gosh, Stella! Hi!

Thank you SO much for reviewing this for me! I am so, so, so happy that you liked this first chapter! I was really worried back when I wrote this that I wouldn't do Narcissa and Lucius justice as characters--since I almost always just write about Draco and not his parents--so it's wonderful to hear that you like the characterization! I wanted to embrace how they've been raised and really delve into that because I agree that it isn't acknowledged much. We know in canon that they do like their stodgy, pureblood ways, so I didn't want to ignore that. It was actually really tough to incorporate, but I also think it was fun to try to put myself in Narcissa's head for this. I have three sisters, and one of them is very "old-fashioned" in her sensibilities (I swear, she would've done better in Victorian times or earlier!), so I also sort of based Narcissa on her, haha. I think she took that as a compliment when I told her that.

Thank you again for reviewing! I'm off to read your reviews for chapters 2 and 3!

Emily



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