I think this is my fourth or fifth reading of this.

Pros:
• The viewpoint - looking backwards over a life poorly lived, with all the regrets that come from being sometimes a bad person. The way Ron's story emerges against the backdrop of the game is brilliant, and gives the game a redemptive quality: if only he can win this game then maybe he hasn't wasted his life.
• The relationship between Ron and Harry is brilliant. Their bond is beautifully expressed, and the acceptance by Ron of Harry's exceptional shadow speaks to Ron's new maturity (through experience of the impacts of his poor decisions).
• The relationship with Padma is great, especially in contrast to one-night stands. Ron's opening vulnerability and his acceptance of hurt is charming and speaks of a very low self-worth.

Cons:
• If it ended with the end of the game then it'd be a bitter-sweet retrospective of a man finally doing something good. The actual final scene, while adding some good humour, just climbs down from that emotional peak.

Overall: jbern, please come back...

Not sure why Ron would put such stock in numbers, when it was Padma's obsession with them that broke them apart.
The whole romance bit felt somewhat contrived and over the top.

I’m usually not a fan of stories featuring Ron, but I just love what you did with this!
He’s not apologetic or trying to hide his faults and it just works so well!
Thanks for your time spent writing

This is really good!

Loved IT

Wow, this was really great. Loved Ron’s personality so much more than the books.

Wow, this was really fabulous. Love Ron’s personality in this way more than the books.

That was wonderful

Damn good story.

Just finished The Lie I Lived and while that was a great story - long and meaty - this one blew me away. I was prepared to hate it, but it skillfully drew me in until I was cheering for Ron whole-heartedly. And that's almost impossible, because I am NOT a Ron fan.

Sorry if that came across rather back-handed. I meant to say that you have impressed me greatly. I hope your original work goes well. You certainly have the ability.

Well, it's a unique story in a lot of ways. Don't think I've ever seen this particular scenario. That said, this Ron is a huge asshole. One of the most unsympathetic portrayals I've ever seen outside of bashing. I don't think you intended that, but I'm really not sure.

This was amazing.

This is my second reading of this story. Witty and fun, yet profound and impactful, this story is a bittersweet rollercoaster ride. Every emotion- the love, the loathing, the angst- rings true.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world.

While this type of story is not my normal cup of tea, I have to say this was done very well and was a enjoyment to read.

A work of art. Thank you.