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A Pensieve Affair by Imogen Adult What do you get when you cross a pensieve game devised by Fred and George, a best friend bearing chocolate cake and a disillu...
Daddy's Girl by Drie All (takes place in 'Home is Where the Heart is')) Hope won't stop crying, so what's a father to do? Featuring yodeling Harr...
OK, so I really think that if Hope would finally just ADMIT that she loves Matthew, he'd be up for some serious physicality! hello?!!! I thought she was smart--figure it out, Potter!
Be Careful What You Wish For by rzieve All Did the Sorting Hat get it wrong? How Matthew Belford wound up in Slytherin House. Takes place during chapters 2-5 of Nil Desperandum....
Date: 09 May 2006 - 05:47AM
Title: Chapter 1: A Pensieve Affair
You know, I promised myself that I was going to review every chapter since I write myself and absolutely adore reviews. And you know what? I broke my promise, but only on the principle that the story was just too damn good and I absolutely COULDN'T bring myself to stop and tell you how wonderful I thought everything was because I couldn't bear to leave the next chapter waiting.
And that's how I am with ALL your stories, Ms. Imogen. I snuggle up to my computer in my hard chair and don't even realize that my butt has gone completely numb three hours later because I'm so wrapped up in your work.
All these savage plot bunnies that bite you- no wonder! You've taken the time and had the patience to create your own universe and I respect that SO incredibly much. I went back and re read all of "Home is Where the Heart Is" because I lost it for so long that I didn't remember where I was, and did the same thing with "Nil Desperandum". I might just do the same with your entire universe.
Thank you SO much for sharing your talents with us, and if you don't mind me asking- which bookstores publish your personal 'non-HP-work' because I MUST go out and buy them IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Date: 09 May 2006 - 05:46AM
Title: Chapter 1: A Pensieve Affair
You know, I promised myself that I was going to review every chapter since I write myself and absolutely adore reviews. And you know what? I broke my promise, but only on the principle that the story was just too damn good and I absolutely COULDN'T bring myself to stop and tell you how wonderful I thought everything was because I couldn't bear to leave the next chapter waiting.
And that's how I am with ALL your stories, Ms. Imogen. I snuggle up to my computer in my hard chair and don't even realize that my butt has gone completely numb three hours later because I'm so wrapped up in your work.
All these savage plot bunnies that bite you- no wonder! You've taken the time and had the patience to create your own universe and I respect that SO incredibly much. I went back and re read all of "Home is Where the Heart Is" because I lost it for so long that I didn't remember where I was, and did the same thing with "Nil Desperandum". I might just do the same with your entire universe.
Thank you SO much for sharing your talents with us, and if you don't mind me asking- which bookstores publish your personal 'non-HP-work' because I MUST go out and buy them IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Author's Response: *blushes*
Sorry for not replying to this sooner - the site's been under repair, and it's stopped emailing me about reviews - which was a lovely suprise this morning, but not so good for anyone who's been nice enough to leave me a review and are muttering about rude Brits who don't take the time to write back!
Most of my original stuff is gathering dust under the bed. I've got a few completed novels that will probably never see the light of day, but I'll be posting a few bits and pieces on another site across the summer if you're interested.
'Home' has been a bit abandoned because of this fic -this bunny was savage - but I'll get it finished as soon as this one is done. Hope and Matthew were just a bit too tempting, and I couldn't resist!
Date: 06 May 2006 - 06:34AM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
Hmmm.. so if reviews make you write faster, should I write a review for each time I re-read the chapter? Would that make you work even faster? :0)
Great chapter as always, and I can't wait to read the next part!
~Michelle
Author's Response: LOL I wrote this quite fast, then the site was broken and I spent the week going ARGH at the computer a lot. Thanks for letting me know you're enjoying!
Date: 06 May 2006 - 12:46AM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
I loved this chapter and all of the intricacies of a new relationship. I don't know why, but I was touched by the little things that Matthew did for Hope, like asking her what side of the bed that she wanted, and curling up against her as they fell asleep. And then Matthew's reaction to finding Hope gone when he woke up, made my heart wrench. Thanks for giving us this look into their new developing relationship. And, oh by the way, I hope that Hope's new lingerie does the trick soon! ;-)
Author's Response: I think Matthew's being as careful as he can to get things right. He's treading very cautiously, because he's deep-down quite scared that it's not going to turn out to be true. Hope's got a lot of reassuring to do. (But she's bought the lingerie now - that might help!)
Date: 03 May 2006 - 09:00AM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
Ah, good fluff. Just what I needed. I seem to remember you hinting earlier that there were no more sex scenes. I could be wrong (It wouldn't be the first time), but I thought it was in response to one of the reviews. I suppose that means Hope's efforts to seduce Matt will amount to naught. Or perhaps her mission will not go smoothly? Such a pity. As much as these two need to take it slow, their relationship is worth the effort, they have such amazing chemistry. Not that two characters need to jump into bed to show chemistry (see witty dialogue in this chapter and others), but still... I am actually looking foreword to poor Matt trying to keep his head when Hope propositions him. That won't be easy.
They are in an odd spot right now. In some ways they can easily shift from a platonic to a not platonic. They've known each other so long that there is none of that early relationship awkwardness. At the same time they still have big issues that they need to deal with. Not only did Matt think Hope left again, Hope had no idea that he might react like that. It's all well and good to decide to be in a relationship, but neither of them really knows what that means to the other.
Of course there is a small matter of something brewing in Cornwall that needs to be taken care of before they can work things out (or put that lingerie to good use).
And I can't wait to see Hope on in the Muggle world. Although if she has a problem with cars Matt might have a heart attack when Hope comes in contact with a double decker bus...
Author's Response: LOL I'm saying nothing about the no more sex scenes - be patient. There's a difference between sex and making love ;) It's actually remarkably difficult keeping these two out of bed - they're both as bad as each other, and I'm just grateful that Matthew has some self restraint while he's trying to give Hope a bit of thinking space!
They need time to settle really, and some talking time. Hopefully Matthew's starting to realise that this step is now much easier for Hope than it is for him - she's made the decision, and that's it. He needs to believe that she really is there and she's staying.
Date: 02 May 2006 - 09:14AM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
I though this chapter was really great, i love'd Matthew humor and is fear of her going away again. He realise he cross the line far more easely that Hope as, but i gess he find it difficult to trully belived that she want to stay with him and that he is making her as happy as she is doing so for him. I guess thing are still going to be a little awkward until they really got use to it.
I loved that hope as actually to seduce her boyfriend, just like any new formed couple, they really starting over to the first step of a relashionship aren't they, i like that, it not like they can just cary on with there old way and just jumping on each other now and then, or at lease not before every thing is really settled and sink in....
Anyway great chapter, looking foward to the next, hope that Hope isn't mess up to bad, she still as to tell every one at home about her and Matthew.
Have a nice week will see you next, hope your having fun with your exam if your not finish or so...bye bye
Author's Response: I think Matthew's going to calm down once he realises that Hope is actually there to stay now. It's going to take a little while, but they'll get settled into a much more comfortable relationship than some of the new awkwardness they've got now. You're right - it's exactly like a brand new relationship, and that comes with certain tensions and problems.
Two more weeks and work calms down a bit. I'm writing what I can until then!
Date: 01 May 2006 - 11:36PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
Fantastic as usual. I absolutely cracked up when Matthew fell off the bed, I just wish I could have seen his face.
I can't wait to see Harry and Ginny's reaction to the new couple.
Author's Response: LOL Thankfully he's known Hope much too long to have to pretend to be smooth!
You're going to have to wait a few more chapters before they end up having lunch in Hogsmeade, but we'll get there in the end :)
Date: 01 May 2006 - 10:29PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
I had wondered how you would deal with the expanding of their relationship beyond friendship on the one hand, and considerable physical attraction on the other hand. Matthew and Hope each have a similar, yet very different path to follow to fill in the middle ground to build a full relationship. It would have been too easy to just let them finally make love again, and then write that they lived happily ever after.
From my viewpoint, there is such a difference between Matt's long term unrequited love for Hope, which was consciously held back by him to an expression of deep friendship, and Hope's deeply relied-upon friendship with Matt, which she did not consciously realize for so long was more than friendship. Yes, each has a deep love for the other, but Hope *still* has not put that word to her "fluttery feelings" for Matt.
How much will their pre-Christmas expectations about the limitations of friendship continue to trip them up? Your example of this, Matt's fear of Hope having left again, was very poignantly written. Will you show us more? At least Hope seems to be feeling more confident about having stepped well beyond the line of friendship. I suppose this is the part of her personality that just gets on with it once she decides to do something.
You have wonderful humour throughout. Do the eating places actually have such names? It would not surprise me. "Launcelot's Larder" broke me up. Does Hope get injured on the mission, and Matthew treat her at St. Mungo's? You must know that we speculate on this sort of thing here just to draw your interesting responses out of you. :-)
Author's Response: LOL No, it's hideously touristy in Tintagel, but those actual names don't exist. They wouldn't be out of place, though!
You've pinned something down very clearly - Hope's actually going to find it much easier to adjust to things on this side of the decision than Matthew is. She'll avoid thinking about things, and be so dense you just want to murder her, but once the decision's made, that's it. She doesn't have any doubts and she's full throttle ahead. Matthew's much more tentative, and it's going to take him longer to accept that she really does want to be there with him. (He does know her well enough to understand all that, but understanding and truly believing are two different things - he's wanted her for so long, it just seems too incredible to be really happening). Time will settle that down.
And what is it with you all and St Mungo's scenes? No, Matthew isn't going to patch Hope back together! He won't be on duty when most of her mission is going on, for a start ;) (and yes, I love the speculation - bring it on!)
Date: 01 May 2006 - 10:25PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
>>"Hope, we've slept together. I don't think dinner and a film is desperately scandalous."<<
*snort* I was having a bad day, but when I came home and read this, the sugary fluff content had me in good spirits again in no time. hehe. Thank you!
Author's Response: Oh, good! I'm glad the excessive fluffiness came in for some good. I was worried I'd have you all coughing up furballs ;) *huge grin*
Date: 01 May 2006 - 08:16PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE
Please?
AotM
Author's Response: LOL. As soon as I can. Probably by the end of the week :)
Date: 01 May 2006 - 07:26PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
Nice chapter. It was worth the wait, but I'm glad the next one might come even sooner.
"It's a big bed. You'll barely notice I'm there."
"Not likely when you're almost bare as well," he chuckled.
Enjoyed the wordplay here.
The way Hope half-thinks about things is so exasperating! She sees how upset Matt is when he wakes up and she's not in bed, but then she goes merrily on with her plan to seduce him?!? Doesn't she get even an inkling of how much worse it would have been if they'd had sex the night before? Matthew would have jumped even more firmly to the wrong conclusions. He might not have called out for her at all, just Apparated back to his flat where he could curl up in pain. There is only so much emotional roller coastering a person can take, and Matthew needs more time to get the "lows" out of his system.
Quizer's review is ominous. I sure hope you're not going to maim Hope and then blame it on us! from last chapter's review: Plus, there's the additional issue that she's handed her room key in at reception and that might confuse the Muggles if she can get back in without her key ;)
Guess so. There's an anecdote along these lines in Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman about a hole in the Los Alamos fence during WWII. Feynman drew attention to it by entering through the security post at the main gate, leaving through the hole, entering through the checkpoint again, etc.
Author's Response: I promise, what ever happens to Hope next chapter is entirely my fault! The chapter's written already and I'm relatively happy with it.
I agree about her half-thinking, but I also know that Matthew's more than capable of standing his ground with her if he wants to. He knows that giving in to Hope over this at this particular point in time will just cloud certain issues for her, so he's going to be far more stubborn that Hope is anticipating - if she even gets round to going ahead with her plans.
So, when are we going to get your story posted? It really is very good!
Date: 01 May 2006 - 05:35PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
Ahh - lovely fluff!
Great teasing as they settle in to a real relationship, and interesting to see how Hope re-assured Matt when he woke up to find her absent again. Those are scars which might take a little while to heal yet, but at least now she knows how to deal with it.
I wonder what Hope would have been wearing to sleep in if she hadn't been able to borrow a T shirt from Matt.... now that's an image to think about!
Author's Response: I think time's going to reassure Matthew on that score. This is still *really* early on in the relationship, and he was bound to panic when that inevitably happened. Hope sleeps less than he does anyway, so it was only a matter of time. She feels horribly guilty now.
If he hadn't got a shirt, she'd have had to transfigure something of her own... either that, or Matthew's resolve wouldn't have lasted very long!
Date: 01 May 2006 - 05:23PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
Hmm... Let's hope that Matthew won't get mad if the 'seduction' is successful...
Looking forward to the mission. This sounds like it's not going to be easy. Let's see whether Hope gets through it in one piece...
keep up the good work!
Quizer
Author's Response: Well, if she doesn't make it through it in one piece, we don't need to worry about Matthew's reactions to her attempts at seducing him ;) It could be a plan with no drawbacks!
Date: 01 May 2006 - 05:11PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
She had a team to organise, a mission to finish and, assuming she survived the events that would unfold that evening, she had her boyfriend to seduce. And that meant lingerie to buy. It was going to be a busy day.
I love the last line of this. So cute and whimsical. It's fun to watch how they are handling the "adjustment" phase of their relationship. I'm certain more lies ahead with this mission than we're seeing, so I do look forward to that. But I also look forward to the seducing.
As always, a wonderful chapter. A nice way to start a Monday.
*hugs*
Susan
Author's Response: I can't take complete credit for that - some of it was Allie, who'd echoed my lingerie thoughts on a segment that's been edited out for now. I think, considering what could have happened, they're adjusting pretty well! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Date: 01 May 2006 - 04:20PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
Have you ever seen Empire Records? At the end where Lucas says "Perfect...well, not entirely perfect." That's how I feel Hope feels right now. She'd like some sexual lovin in there somewhere, but it still feels perfect.
Matthew...can I please just conjure up a clone of him for myself? Please? I don't know how, but you've made a Slytherin THE perfect man. Absolutely spectacular.
I can't wait to see what Hope is going to cook up for poor unsuspecting Matthew, but I kind of wonder if the next chapter will be the opposite of this one...I wanted to see the mission and I got fluff...now I want to see more fluff and I'm going to see the mission :) Not that I'm complaining, mind you. Any order is fine with me :D
I loved the added bit with Matthew being afraid Hope left. It really reminded us how new this all is, and how much they really have to get over to make it work for the long run, Of course, they'll have noooo problems doing that....right Imogen? ;)
Happy revising! I'm going to thoroughly enjoy the next installment as I will be poised to enter and finish my last week of college and will NEED the interruption :)
Author's Response: I'm quite interested to see how Hope's attempts at seducing Matthew go - that's an addition to the original draft that I've not written yet. It'll be interesting seeing which of them win out! Next chapter's definitely all Auror Mission - we don't see Matthew at all during that - he's quite right, he's distracting her, and that's not a wise thing to do during a dangerous mission.
As for whether any of this will work in the long run - you'll have to wait and see! Good luck in your last week :)
Date: 01 May 2006 - 04:06PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
(grins) Hope has a one-track mind, doesn't she? That was sweet and fun, although not too sweet. That was a good job keeping the new relationship jitters in there. Excellent, excellet work! I'm looking forward to the next post. I want to see what the Death Eaters are up to!
Okay, now as a guy, I'm going to embarrass myself and ask you a question: If Julius never took Hope on a proper date, never spent the night with her, and (more importantly) never told her that he loved her, just what is it you see in him?
Author's Response: Julius never took Hope on a Muggle date, I think that would be a bit beneath him ;) Julius is irresistable because of his couldn't-care-less what other people think attitude, and he's utterly charming. He did (on the odd occasion) spend the night with her, but never in a 'let's just go to sleep' way! I think what I like about Julius is that he's totally true to himself, and his appeal lies in the humour and his breaking of expectations. He's not a bloke to settle down with, but he'd be a lot of fun!
Date: 01 May 2006 - 03:56PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
jejejeje great chapter... but poor Matt and Hope. no sex? mm thats a bit (ahem a lot) difficult.. Maybe next chapter will be a naughty one??? when no; Hope is going to get nuts jajaja. bad imogen!! you keep your readers with two big questions: when will they finally have sex again?? and when bloody Hope will admit to herself that this "pasion" about Matt is something called LOVE!! a little slow this child; but with her father...mmmm. Its really a good story; please try to update twice in a week again; but i understand your thing with the college; i study chemistry in germany; and it take a lot of time...
Ok update aslong you can; and until next weekend (hopefully sooner)....
Author's Response: I'm going to try and get the next chapter up sooner - this week is quieter than last week was, but it's not going to stay quiet for very long. Hopefully Friday for the update.
I think they're both finding the no sex thing quite difficult, but Matthew's reasons are pretty sensible - especially after what happened last time!
Date: 01 May 2006 - 03:39PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
OK, so I really think that if Hope would finally just ADMIT that she loves Matthew, he'd be up for some serious physicality! hello?!!! I thought she was smart--figure it out, Potter! I just wanted to give poor Matt a big hug when he thought she'd gone. Awww...I am certainly enjoying the fluff, and the laughter in this new relationship is just so sweet. Love it. I can't wait to read how these two handle a Muggle date...lol lol.
Thanks for another great one!!!
Author's Response: I've got to confess up front that their Muggle date is my absolute favourite bit of the whole fic. I hope you see why when we get there... br>
I'm giggling out loud at the computer about the rest of your review. Hope and emotions - we could be waiting a while!
Date: 01 May 2006 - 02:46PM
Title: Chapter 21: Settling In
LMAO That last paragrpah was hysterical. And that meant lingerie to buy. Oh but when there was mentoion of the famous squeeking!Bed, I busrt into hysterics, just thinking og Ginn;ys comment to her daughter's curiosity :I'm sure they where just trampolining" I swear I don't thinkI'll ever forget that!:D:D Amazing work!!!
And we all know this barrier won;t last, so quit teasing us! :P Spare Hope and Matt from this misery.
Greaaat work!!! *worships you*
~Maria~
Author's Response: Oh, I don't know. Matthew's pretty determined not to rush into things again - he's got too much to lose by giving in. Although, Hope can be pretty persuasive...
I secretly suspect Harry charms Hope's bed to squeak ;)
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