Ohh, nice developments throughout and a delightful read. The shopping, dining, and dancing expedition was quite amusing and 'twas interesting to see Daphne's reaction to being introduced to new dining; I suspect they're going to do a fair bit of sampling of different cuisines. It would be amusing at some point for them to get a really bad meal and Harry commenting that -he- could do a better job; of course his bluff gets called and his experiences with the Dursley's actually help him for a change.
The private scenes were nice and believeable on both Daphyn's and Hermione's parts and I love the way they both agreed to the bonding. I suspect one aspect we've yet to really see is that they'll be able to build up Harry's self-confidence through the bonds; esp. after they hear that Greek Chorus a few times. I doubt we'll see both in his bed at the same time, at least for the foreseeable future as none of them really seem wired that way.
The newspaper articles were nicely done and such a contrast 'tween the two papers. -chuckle- Someone tell me, please, why the "Quibbler" is considered the more sensationalistic one. The responses of Molly and Ginny were rather amusing and it's going to be fun watching them deal, or attempt to deal with the new reality. I daresay that Ron is the one going to recieve the most physical hurt, though I suspect that if Ginny tries anything, she's going to find out, big time, just how dangerous this new trio is. I suspect, though, that it's primarily going to be emotional punishment for her as she sees her shot at Harry totally gone with the two marriages.
The return to Hogwarts was nicely done and that was such an deliciously evil way to end it. I loved the sudden shock on Dumbles' when he realizes just -what- Harry's done to escape his control. What should be colorful in the next chapter is watching the various reactions and seeing who gets smacked down first. I rather suspect that Draco's going to be real unhappy for a lot of reasons and totally impotent to do anything about it. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd suspect that Dumbles will be the first trial, likely followed by Snape
Author's response
I wanted the pair with the 'normal' upbringing (what ever that means) to introduce Daphne to 'the real world', just my little swipe at magical seggregation. There is nothing more enlightening about a culture than it's food. I don't know if Harry is going to do all that much cooking, maybe for the christmass break...
The bulk of the 'adult' fics have characters that sound (to me) like what ever girl in bed with Harry is a horny teenage boy. Probably mostly because they are written by horny teenaged boys. Nothing wrong with that, I was one once. I've never in my 56 years met a woman who was. I try to build a bit of realism into the story, even one as far fetched at this one. That being said, the only reason I included the telepathy in their bonding is I wanted the girls to be subjected to the Greek Chorus in Harry's head... just a litle joke on my part.
Re: the Newspapers... To my mind it isn't a HP fic without the papers. I just wish that JKR had allowed the Quibbler to maintain it's whimsy through the last book...
I don't forsee physical violence done to Ron or Ginny, unless of course Ron is stupid enough to lay hands on Hermione, then it's even money which of the new trio makes the filet 'o Ron... This isn't to say that there won't be abuse.
I've got something planned for Draco, but it isn't from Harry... I've got something planned for Neville too. Neville is going to be a very angry young man.
As I see it, Dumbles is going to attemtp to reassert control. Snape on the other hand is going to be his usual asshole self, and find out that Harry is the wrong guy to try his crap on...
Thanks for the review, as usual your points make me think about what I'm doing... and make changes. But I don't share credit. Mine! all Mine!