most enjoyable

Hmm, ancient Egyptain magic - that's novel. And I like the tie-in with the long-lived Ramses!

Hermione seems to be coming to the unexpected conclusion that maybe Lily's book isn't a good thing after all - but then Lily herself seems to have abandoned interest in it. After all, it was a project to be finished by her 'future self', whereas her present self is simply spending the afternoon reading "Pride and Prejudice".

I like the way she calls Harry "the boy"; he is significant, and yet he isn't, from her point of view. He certainly isn't her son (though as she points out, Harry may not see it that way).

Lovely scene of Lily "radiant and fierce"; so she is eager to get out and help *Snape*, rather than Harry! Which could cause problems, given how Snape and Harry repesctively feel about one another...

It's true that Rowling doesn't seem to mention Latin classes at Hogwarts, which is odd, given how much of magic seems to be based on dog-Latin.

It hadn't occurred to me to think far enough ahead to question whether the boys would wonder why Hermione couldn't use her *own* blood for her project! But yes, a sex difference would account for it nicely (though it might require an ingenious cover story to fend off the obvious questions).

It makes sense that the muggle-borns are probably self-selecting for more obvious talent than those who comes from families where magical manifestations are taken for granted (or indeed, desperately encouraged at any cost in case they should be Squibs).

And it's true we don't hear anything about any modern paintings in the wizarding world, but only magical photos (with the exception of the portrait of Dumbledore that goes up in the Headmaster's study after his death, and that's long after this story was written!) So this is some kind of special picture painted for a definite purpose... but Lily is the one in it more or less by accident, rather than because of her future connection to The Boy Who Lived. Painters do have a thing for red hair, so it's quite believable that he picked her at random.

"Longbottom Leaf" - hah ;-D

"Lily-in-the-picture was not Lily-who-was-Harry's-mother" - yes, it's an interesting paradox.

Ouch, yes, it's a bit awkward to tell someone they're going to die in their own future. Although 'the picture' seems to regard the living Lily as someone separate from herself.

"If she herself ever had hopes of publication" - and that's really a concept that Hermione and this Lily can instantly bond over!

I love the sudden on-cue appearance of the Great Black Bat ;-)
And the visitation of the Goths, Vandals, Weasleys and Potters.

Madam Pince's annoyance makes a neat excuse as to why Hermione wouldn't simply be enjoying her books in her usual place, in the library...

I know this is a legacy account, but I'm so enchanted by this story I can't help but review anyway. It's easily the most creative, inventive and unique HP fanfic idea I've seen, and there is some stiff competition out there! The idea about Lily's painting, and her becoming friends with Hermione is so obvious once you think about it, and that's what makes it brilliant and absolutely beautiful! Thank you!

Extremely well written. Binge read it.

What a wonderful story! It's been years since I've read much fan fiction, but I lately dipped back in and I'm tickled to have found this gem. Your writing is spare, but that's an asset, I think. The story moves along, and you didn't get bogged down explaining everyone's feelings or point of view. There's enough to understand the characters and tantalize the imagination. I like your inclusion of Lucius and Narcissa, and I think Lucius's disturbing thoughts at the end are just right for his character (I like the thought of "redeeming" him in stories, and yet when I read the books I have a hard time believing he could be anything other than scheming and/or broken after Voldemort's death, even as a defector). And of course, the best part is the believable and satisfying conclusion between Snape and Hermione. He's not in love with her (yet?) nor she with him, but he's seen her worth (though I do worry that he'll find her inclined to stray from his mentally laid-out future for her). Thanks again for a lovely read.

Again, a wonderful, enjoyable story with a very well-thought-out plot and believable and multi-dimensional characters. Very interesting background ideas to ponder, too, especially about Oldyfart's true intentions. Exceptionally well done!

I just finished reading this and thought it was wonderful. Very well done.

awesome story... this was very riveting...all I can say is shame on Franco... someone needs to get straightened out from being such a spoilt little shit...as well as Lucius

Thanks for the story! I appreciate your original approach and especially the finely draw characters with such disparate motives for pursuing the same end.

Thanks so much for a great story

A good, well written and enthralling fanfiction is never forgotten. Keep up the good work and the even better writing. :)

What an excellent fanfic, it is rare that I I read an entire novella in one setting. Especially since I'm at work!