14%oh oh.... i knew it!!! matt its really mad at Hope!! poor matt, poor hope and Flint mmmmmm its really cool!!! go flint go!! jejeje im really want to know what
will next happen!!! denn until Thursday!!!
Author's Response: I'm rewriting the next bit. Hopefully it'll be done by Thursday... Keep your fingers crossed!
Reviews For A Pensieve Affair
Date: 04 April 2006 - 10:17AM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Date: 03 April 2006 - 10:56PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: Yes, he did fall apart. He's been provoked that bit past his limits of endurance, and he can't see the wood for the trees anymore. There'll be a lot he regrets from that argument later, but he's not thinking about that yet.
She could have tried his flat, I agree. If she had, he wouldn't have been there anyway - he's vanished out of London altogether to clear his head. I suspect that deep-down Hope knows he doesn't want to talk to her, and she's upset and not thinking clearly as well.
Matthew really fell apart there. I'm surprised he confronted Hope at the restaurant and can't believe he would have if he'd been thinking even remotely straight. Did he even notice Hope's dress? He almost seemed too distraught to catch such details. His berating Julius for holding Hope's hand and kissing her cheek was funny, given that his own relationship with Hope had both those elements for years. On the whole the confrontation should give him plenty of food for thought once he calms down, especially Flint's "And you believed her? I was wrong, Hope. The man is a fool after all."
Why didn't Hope try to find Matthew at his flat? There was at least a fair chance he'd Apparated home.
Author's Response: Yes, he did fall apart. He's been provoked that bit past his limits of endurance, and he can't see the wood for the trees anymore. There'll be a lot he regrets from that argument later, but he's not thinking about that yet.
She could have tried his flat, I agree. If she had, he wouldn't have been there anyway - he's vanished out of London altogether to clear his head. I suspect that deep-down Hope knows he doesn't want to talk to her, and she's upset and not thinking clearly as well.
Date: 03 April 2006 - 10:47PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Another excellent chapter! I really liked Julius . . . he's so much better for Hope as a friend. It's too bad Hope couldn't catch Matthew before she left, but I guess her trip will give him a chance to cool down. Love the story!
Author's Response: I don't think it would have helped either of them if she'd found him again that night. A bit of cooling off is definitely in order for both of them. She's not going to find the next few days very easy to get through, and I'm not sure he will either. :) Thanks for letting me know you're enjoying,
Date: 03 April 2006 - 10:29PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: I'll fight you for him ;)
I love the emotion that is evoked in this chapter, ending with Hope losing control over her emotions. It suits her character and the scene perfectly.
I just love Julius. Mmm, what a Slytherin!
Author's Response: I'll fight you for him ;)
Date: 03 April 2006 - 05:39PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: It's an interesting plot bunny, though. I wonder if there is someone like that out there for him - and what would she have to do to make him abandon these values he's held for so long. You're right - he's very comfortable in his own skin. It's an interesting idea to ponder, that's for sure.
Thanks for the confidence boost. I know this is no piece of literature, but I've been pretty honest about that. And I'm having fun, even if the characters aren't ;)
A couple more things before I sign off... That bit about Julius finding someone who will make him change is both interesting and difficult because it's pretty obvious Julius has a lot of self-control. He would have to be confronted with someone that would make him willingly abandon his self-control. That's a tall order, especially since Julius is so comfortable with himself and so fearful of ending up like his parents.
I would also like to give you a bit of encouragement after some of the criticism in one of the other reviews. After all, you did warn us that this is senseless fluff... I like to think of this story as a nice slice of cheesecake (fitting methaphor, eh? [or is that similie? I always forget...]) it has no nutritive value whatsoever, but it is ever so delicious!
Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!
Author's Response: It's an interesting plot bunny, though. I wonder if there is someone like that out there for him - and what would she have to do to make him abandon these values he's held for so long. You're right - he's very comfortable in his own skin. It's an interesting idea to ponder, that's for sure.
Thanks for the confidence boost. I know this is no piece of literature, but I've been pretty honest about that. And I'm having fun, even if the characters aren't ;)
Date: 03 April 2006 - 05:19PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: There always was logic behind Julius, and he doesn't have any issues about his game plan for life. As far as he sees it, the lack of commitment keeps things fun and removes all the heart break from the equation. Why be tied down to the wrong person and be unhappy?
Matthew's not thinking straight - mostly. Hope's nudged him that bit too far, and I suspect he'll regret a lot of what he said later. I'm rewriting the next bit as fast as I can go - it definitely needs some altering...
Heh, heh, heh... That was fun! I like the way you've humanized Julius and shown that there really is a method to his madness rather than a madness to his method. It's too bad his parents were so messed up. With a better example he might have become a totally different person. It's sad what some people will do for the love of money or status (I know I'm rambling, but I have my reasons...)
I'm still shaking my head at Hope. Yes, Julius did give her some good advice, but at what cost? And she is still so clueless. (*laughs*) And Matthew... Just what was he up to? Is he trying to make Hope grovel, or is it just a case of a broken heart? Interesting.
I swear, you're becoming the queen of the evil cliffies! It's a good thing you're posting so quickly otherwise we'd all go mad!!!!! Post soon!
Author's Response: There always was logic behind Julius, and he doesn't have any issues about his game plan for life. As far as he sees it, the lack of commitment keeps things fun and removes all the heart break from the equation. Why be tied down to the wrong person and be unhappy?
Matthew's not thinking straight - mostly. Hope's nudged him that bit too far, and I suspect he'll regret a lot of what he said later. I'm rewriting the next bit as fast as I can go - it definitely needs some altering...
Date: 03 April 2006 - 04:19PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: I could have done the anticipating seeing him but him not showing up, but the problem was that I needed an argument here to match up with what's coming next, and it's a bit difficult to have an argument when he's not there. I also think that if Matthew had been less at the end of his tether, he'd have just walked out of the restaurant - she's just wound him up too much now for him to be able to leave it alone.
I agree with you about her going round to his flat and waiting it out. Unfortunately, her job has other ideas and she's got to go to Cornwall...
Oh, I love the role reversal of Hope running out of the restaurant after Matthew...not a sight you see often. But I feel bad for Flint getting put in the middle like he ended up, and when he was acting nicely too! Not that I blame Matthew for the assumptions, that's understandable. I agree with whoever said (sorry again...I'm too lazy to check because I want to take a nap when I finish this) that Hope should have seen that it was a bad idea for go out looking sexy with Flint right after her fight with Matthew, but bravo on remembering Matthew also calling it 'nothing' in the heat of the moment trying to hide his feelings...Hope's doing much of the same, just for different reasons. He hid them out of fear of her finding out because he didn't think she'd reciprocate. She's hiding her's out of fear of her own feelings, and realizing them.
I also saw this coming a mile away, which I guess works in a place like this, however, but I still wish it could have been done differently, like having Cora drop in after seeing Matthew rage around after she left, therefore discovering it all because he was too angry to hide it (though that's not very Slytherin). Actually, not that I think about it, scratch that, it could have been interesting to have her anticipate seeing him, but then be disappointed he never showed. Or that he sees them there, and never approaches. Some twist on this cliche plot twist. Still love the story as much as I did before, though, but you'll never please everyone ;)
Personally, I think Hope needs to just park her butt outside of his door until he comes back...he can't stay away from home forever if that's not where he went after disapparating.
Author's Response: I could have done the anticipating seeing him but him not showing up, but the problem was that I needed an argument here to match up with what's coming next, and it's a bit difficult to have an argument when he's not there. I also think that if Matthew had been less at the end of his tether, he'd have just walked out of the restaurant - she's just wound him up too much now for him to be able to leave it alone.
I agree with you about her going round to his flat and waiting it out. Unfortunately, her job has other ideas and she's got to go to Cornwall...
Date: 03 April 2006 - 03:11PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Great fight - that's worthy of a Spike-and-Lynda-in-Press-Gang fight (my other, far less active, fandom), which is saying something. Well, if you understand about Press Gang it does...
Also, you say you're surprised that everyone loves Matthew?
Don't be. What you've created is a skilful male lover, who is not only believable but also has true human emotions and character flaws. Rather like how Jean M Auel has done in her Clan of the Cave Bear series with the character of Jondalar, who I'm sure is part of the reason she is so popular an author. Women like to read about real human beings who are great in bed, because it reassures us that there are people like that out there, if you can find them.
Plus, Matthew is sweet, and devoted, and those are always great qualities too. It's great characterisation - and you've done that with Julius too, but in a different way. I would suspect that you like him more because he's a more complex character, with many facets to his personality - am I right?
Author's Response: I've got no idea about Press Gang, but I'll take it as a compliment. I will say though that not all of Hope's conquests have been similarly good in bed LOL - she'll talk about that a bit more later in the fic.
I mostly like Julius because he's just enough of a rebel and has an incredibly wicked streak - he's completely shameless, but I can also see that he'd never work for Hope :)
Date: 03 April 2006 - 07:00AM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: Julius has matured a lot since he left school, but then, I suppose it's been four years and he's really had to work hard to prove himself. Hope matters a lot to him. She's one of the few people who's ever got past his facade, and he understands just what she's like. He actually was a good choice of a person for her to confide in - not that Matthew can see past the fact he's Julius Flint!
Hope's never passive, and you're right, it's quite out of character for her to react like this. I think it's down to the fact this is so, so far out of her comfort zone that she doesn't even know where to begin. She's got no experience of anything even approaching this.
There's not much more I can add to the Hope/Julius story without creating major spoilers. Julius is Marcus Flint's son, and Marcus has always seemed to be extremely stereotypical Slytherin as far as canon in concerned. It would have to be something he disapproved of very, very badly for him to disinherit his only son.
Thanks for such amazing reviews. I always look forward to hearing what you have to say :)
Ahh... Wow, Julius has really grown up hasn't he? All that magnetism, but in the end he and Hope make better friends. And he really cares for her now, respects her, looks out for her, and all that, while still being Julius, a shameless flirt who readily admits to liking his sex emotion free. But he goes after women who want the same thing. Even HE talks to his partners in the morning...
As for Hope and Mathew. Wow, there is a lot of wounded pride and just plain wounds there. I feel bad for Mathew, but the boy has no qualms about laying into Hope repeatedly. Most of the things he said would hurt even if Hope didn't have feelings for him. As for Hope, it's weird seeing her be so passive. Like Julius says, this situation is fixable, but she needs to make an effort. She needs to talk to Mathew. Even if it goes badly it is still a first step, and the longer she waits the worse it gets. I guess this really is new territory for her. I mean, Julius has more emotional maturity than her, he just chooses not to get involved with emotions.
10 more chapters huh? These two aren't in a hurry to work things out. I'd love to see Julius meet his match, but that would destroy some of the fun wouldn't it? I can't wait for Robert's Hope/Julius story. But more than the H/J part, I want to know what happened to Mr. Flint. Why did his family disown him? I imagine, as he explained in this chapter, that his history plays a large role in the person he became.
What do you think the memory she left for Matthew is?
Hmm... Well the conversation with her mother that morning is rather telling, and would explain a lot of things that Hope might have trouble verbalizing herself, but somehow I doubt it. Matt's last comments to her were about the memories not mattering to her, also implying that he didn't mean anything to her, so I think the memory would be something that refutes that. Perhaps a moment from the night before while he was asleep, but that might not fully show how much she needs him and values him. I think it's something simple, jealousy/sadness over Della and the possibility of her stealing Mathew away. A shared happy moment from their friendship that shows how much he means to her. I don't know, there are so many wnderful possibilities.
Author's Response: Julius has matured a lot since he left school, but then, I suppose it's been four years and he's really had to work hard to prove himself. Hope matters a lot to him. She's one of the few people who's ever got past his facade, and he understands just what she's like. He actually was a good choice of a person for her to confide in - not that Matthew can see past the fact he's Julius Flint!
Hope's never passive, and you're right, it's quite out of character for her to react like this. I think it's down to the fact this is so, so far out of her comfort zone that she doesn't even know where to begin. She's got no experience of anything even approaching this.
There's not much more I can add to the Hope/Julius story without creating major spoilers. Julius is Marcus Flint's son, and Marcus has always seemed to be extremely stereotypical Slytherin as far as canon in concerned. It would have to be something he disapproved of very, very badly for him to disinherit his only son.
Thanks for such amazing reviews. I always look forward to hearing what you have to say :)
Date: 03 April 2006 - 12:36AM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
gaaaaAAaaAaAaAaaAaaAAh. gah. They. are. so. frustrating. But then again, that's what love is all about. That's why Valentine's day is represented with an arrow through a heart. Love is pain and pain is love and he ability to overcome that pain makes love stronger. And actually, I'm quite relieved abut that fight they had. Relived not quite being the right word, but it shows that Hope isn't the only one in the wrong. He also made friends with "Nothing".
Anyways, I really am oh-so-eagerly anticipating that outtake and the next chapter!!!!:D
Great work!!:D
~Maria~
Author's Response: Yup - actually his nothing happened quite accidentally, and when we realised he'd said it when I was writing this chapter, we all shrieked. "He said it as well!!!" He's going to pay for that one ;)
Date: 03 April 2006 - 12:21AM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
I knew from the start that Matthew was going to show up. But the part that I really loved was Hope's interactions with Flint. You wrote their scenes together very well.
Author's Response: Hope and Flint are MUCH more comfortable together now than they used to be. There's quite a decent bit of banter these days. Poor old Matthew...
Date: 02 April 2006 - 11:42PM
Title: Chapter 13: Hook, Line and Sinker
Oh, my God. I was waiting to review 'till i caught up, but I coul;dn't resist for this chapter. ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! I was having convulsions of laughter when this part came up:
""He was in your room? What were you doing in there? Your bed was so squeaky for ages. I thought it was never going to stop."
Hope wished the floor would swallow her whole. She'd never been so mortified in her entire life. She contemplated Obliviating her entire family, or herself. Either way had to be better than this. Her father seemed to have frozen.
"I'm sure they were just trampolining," their mother said soothingly. "Holly, would you run to the shop and get me some eggs for lunch, please? You can get some sweets on your way back."" I mean it, I'm still nto over the hysteria of that moment. I had to stop reading in order for the tears of mirth to clear my eyes. :D And then when ginny said that bit about trampolining, it all started over again!! I honestly WORSHIP you. You are simply perfect. PER.FECT.:D And I love the talk between Ginny and Hope.:D And Harry's sooo over-protective.:P And have I ever said how much I ADORE Matthew. I just really, really do.
And I'm glad you'll be finishing all the other fics. I don't think I'd be able to survive f you just gave up n them. :P
Anyways, excellent, excellent work:D
~Maria~
Author's Response: LOL I'm glad you enjoyed that bit. I had a good snigger as well. Holly's just great.
Date: 02 April 2006 - 09:38PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: I'm rewriting the next chapter, or the first half of it anyway. If you desperately want Hope to be injured, I'm sure it can be arranged! It can't be too bad though, because she's my viewpoint!
Not sure if hitting their heads together will do any good, but it's worth a try. Nothing else is working!
Let's get this straight; you want me to injure my main character in the line of romance? Am I that mean?
That wasn't a "no," Imogen. :P I suspect you probably are. Besides, the state Hope's in at the moment, would anyone really be surprised if she did get injured?
I think I'm beginning to see why you like Flint so much. He *has* matured, and I don't doubt that the argument would have been even worse if he hadn't intervened. Can I just bang Hope and Matthew's heads together? *g*
Author's Response: I'm rewriting the next chapter, or the first half of it anyway. If you desperately want Hope to be injured, I'm sure it can be arranged! It can't be too bad though, because she's my viewpoint!
Not sure if hitting their heads together will do any good, but it's worth a try. Nothing else is working!
Date: 02 April 2006 - 07:37PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
"Insert tab A into slot B. That's all." Fantastic. I'm pretty sure that applies to 99% of the guys I know. Awesome chapter Imogen.
Author's Response: Glad you enjoyed it. I couldn't resist that line. It was sooooo Flint.
Date: 02 April 2006 - 06:48PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Oh, YAY, I was right! Julius helped! He's fantastic, and someone REALLY has to write that "you'll get yours, Flint" plot bunny... On the other hand, BOO, I was right that Matthew showed up--but the confrontation between all of them was a lot more hilarious than I was expecting.
More! More! More!
Author's Response: The plot bunny's all yours if you want it. I can't fit any more in around my desk right now. They're stacked vertically! I love Julius to bits - he's coming back in one chapter later on in the fic as well.
I'm onto the next chapter now. The downside is I've got to rewrite part of it and expand an idea I've had since writing that chapter originally, so you need to keep your fingers crossed for Thursday.
Date: 02 April 2006 - 05:45PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: "It wasn't quite as awful as I expected"
*cries*
Seriously, I'm being completely unashamed about this fic. It's a fluffy, just for a laugh, rollercoaster. I don't think there's a single thing that's original in here (other than the use of the pensieve, which I think *might* be original in the pensieve porn sense!). It had to happen. Even if they'd stayed in and chatted in Hope's flat, I suspect Matthew would have turned up and the same thing would have happened. It had to be done.
I think Matthew's absolutely reached the end of his tether with Hope. He's not thinking straight. If he had been, he would have just walked out.
As for Harry being overprotective, it's always been there. That's built in right from Hope being born. It's not surprising really - they almost lost her when she was a few days old, and Harry's been very cautious about putting her at risk again. She grumbles in the earlier parts of this fic that they never went anywhere really when she was small, mostly because of her parents fears about what could happen. Hope, obviously, kicked back pretty savagely about this as a teenager, and Harry has stepped back enough - usually. It's easy to fall back into old habits though! Not that Hope will let him!
I did warn you to skip this chapter ;) You *might* be ok with the next one. Maybe.
Can't say I didn't see this coming. It wasn't quite as awful as I expected, but I'm still not fond of this soap opera stuff.
I liked the chapter until Matthew showed up, although I saw it happening a mile away. Hope should have, too, and she should have refused to go anywhere there's even a possibility of encountering Matthew, judging her reactions at this point. The conversation with Flint was well done, though. High point of this chapter.
I see that Flint does have a mellowing influence during the conversation and I appreciate it. However, Matthew's conduct leaves much to desire. I know that jealousy is a significant issue; I know I feel that way when a girl I'm interested in just talks to another guy. But it's one thing to have these feelings and quite another to let them take control of you like that, like it happens to Matthew.
I realize the main portion of the blame for this situation goes to Hope. She did a lot of wrong to Matthew and I can see why Ginny and Cora might blame her for it. But she has got to realize that she makes everything much worse by not talking to anyone.
And what's with Harry acting the overprotective father type? You evaded that question... ;)
Your extraordinairy writing skills make this chapter a lot better than I would have expected, but you're not winning points for plot originality for this part (second half mostly), and I personally don't think it is enough to save this chapter.
I hope we'll leave this quicksand pit of a clichéd plot idea soon. Please do us all a favor and don't drag this out too much. See you next chapter.
Quizer
Author's Response: "It wasn't quite as awful as I expected"
*cries*
Seriously, I'm being completely unashamed about this fic. It's a fluffy, just for a laugh, rollercoaster. I don't think there's a single thing that's original in here (other than the use of the pensieve, which I think *might* be original in the pensieve porn sense!). It had to happen. Even if they'd stayed in and chatted in Hope's flat, I suspect Matthew would have turned up and the same thing would have happened. It had to be done.
I think Matthew's absolutely reached the end of his tether with Hope. He's not thinking straight. If he had been, he would have just walked out.
As for Harry being overprotective, it's always been there. That's built in right from Hope being born. It's not surprising really - they almost lost her when she was a few days old, and Harry's been very cautious about putting her at risk again. She grumbles in the earlier parts of this fic that they never went anywhere really when she was small, mostly because of her parents fears about what could happen. Hope, obviously, kicked back pretty savagely about this as a teenager, and Harry has stepped back enough - usually. It's easy to fall back into old habits though! Not that Hope will let him!
I did warn you to skip this chapter ;) You *might* be ok with the next one. Maybe.
Date: 02 April 2006 - 05:33PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
My oh my! I suppose the encounter between Julius and Matthew could have been worse. Julius has indeed matured, although his views are not changed greatly. Despite discovering that Hope's problems are about Matthew, Julius still urges her to work it out with him. I like how you showed Julius being capable of recognizing the love that Hope has for Matthew. Very well done! And that sneaky little bit about Julius thoughtfully considering a possible love relationship in his future is so delicious. Somebody is sure to grab THAT plot bunny and run away with it!
It is very clear that Matthew and Hope are in the mutual accusation stage of their quarrel, where they both feel hurt and confusion and anger and cannot yet step beyond that. You show that so well!
But what I like the most in this chapter is the uncontrolled magic at the end. Poor Hope! Will she pull herself together enough to handle the mission in the coming week?
Author's Response: I'm laughing at the plot bunny. I'm not sure how serious Julius was about the relationship - I think his mind might have been dwelling in the gutter instead!
Hope's in a bit of a state, but she's usually very efficient at work, and good at her job. I'm not convinced she can hold it together - ideally she should have been able to talk to Matthew before she left. Now it's going to be hanging over her for the rest of the week.
Glad you liked Julius and the random magic :D
Date: 02 April 2006 - 04:22PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Well, strangely, Flint saved the day. I think he kept things not SO awful when Matthew saw them. I mean, it was awful, but at least he didn't tell Matthew that he and Hope were sleeping together. You know, a couple of chapters ago, I thought for sure this story was winding down, but you've thrown in some twists that I didn't expect, and I really think that's the mark of a great fiction writer...great job!!! And I'm holding out "hope" (hehe) that Hope will get injured in Tintagel and Matthew will forgive her and nurse her back to health....ahhhh, Belford. I love him...Thanks for another great chapter!!!
Author's Response: Let's get this straight; you want me to injure my main character in the line of romance? Am I that mean?
No, we've got about 10 more chapters left of this fic, so there's a little while left to go. The path of true love never did run smooth ;)
Date: 02 April 2006 - 04:03PM
Title: Chapter 16: Nothing Ventured...
Author's Response: I'm completely biased -I love Flint! His main aim really is to make sure Hope's okay. And she's not at the moment. She's really losing it.
Fantastic to hear you're enjoying this so much. Thanks for letting me know.
Those few last chapters got me feel sorry for and be angry at Hope at the same time. Matthew seems really hurt. Too bad he had to see Hope and Flint at the restaurant. Well, at least Flint behaved rather decently. I do hope, though, that Hope will soon become certain of her feelings and will be able to get Matthew back.
I really do enjoy reading this story very much. I'm happy about every update there is.
Author's Response: I'm completely biased -I love Flint! His main aim really is to make sure Hope's okay. And she's not at the moment. She's really losing it.
Fantastic to hear you're enjoying this so much. Thanks for letting me know.
Date: 01 April 2006 - 03:05PM
Title: Chapter 15: A Shoulder to Cry On
eh flint??? i dont know, but i dont think matt would like to find hope with flint.. but hopefully she will do something... please update soon!! awesome story!!
Author's Response: No, Matthew and Flint hate each other. Can't imagine why ;) Next update hopefully tomorrow.
