Soo... I've been slowly working my way through this after someone recommended it to me. I like your attention to detail and character development!

There are a few things that are holding me back, and I don't remember seeing any comments previously made about it but what I'm wondering about is 1) Why do the "virgins" only refer to girls? Are you assuming that none of the boys are virgins (highly unlikely) or just that it has to be a virgin female? I don't remember seeing that specifically addressed, just that they're referred to as "virgins." And also, I'm sure you know this (and you're probably only twisting it for the purposes of the story) but the loss of a hymen doesn't mean someone isn't a virgin anymore, neither does the use of sex toys or anything else. You mention several times about how they have to abstain from sex, but it confuses me that this 'spell' they want to do requires them to 'lose their virginity' without having sex. It's just something that I'm having a hard time moving past.

Anyway... on to the next chapter!

I've lost count of how many times I've read The Twenty; you have one of the most original plots in the fandom, and the details - the songs, the calligraphy, the feminism, the spirituality - blend so beautifully. I think the writing could have flown better, but I give you props because it has consistently improved as the story progressed.

This story was SO incredible. You really took us on one heck of a journey. I have been GLUED to my computer all day simply mesmerized by this. I remember thinking when I read the first chapter that it was a little stilted - I had read some recommendations from people who said this was one of their favorite stories ever. Well, first of all - your writing improved incredibly over the time you wrote this from that first chapter. And I am forced to now admit I totally agree, this story is really really good and probably will remain a favorite for a long time. The intense personal struggles were so realistic and engaging that I was truly sucked into this story. I love how you portrayed both Snape and Hermione. I loved that the Slytherins became human and made mature decisions (unlike how JKR treated them.) Pansy was great and realistic as was Draco. The only character I was sad about was Lucius - but that is just a personal love for the character and that I loved to read reformed!Lucius fics.

You said you were going to write an epilogue but I don't see another chapter. I will go look on your profile just in case. I'd love to see more about how they all ended up.

Thank you for an incredible story!!

Clare

I just read a note you made in your author notes about Breastfeeding. Having worked full time but still breastfed after reading a LOT of literature on it, I wanted to tell you that I didn't read anything you said that was inaccurate (from the studying I have done.) While obviously there are reasons for some women to not nurse - physical, medical or other limitations... It is still proven that a baby who nurses during it's first year will have a higher IQ and also that women who nurse 6 months during their life (even with the time split up between different babies) have a much lower chance of breast cancer.

It was kind of you to add the caveat for those who are unable. I think if I was unable I might be a bit touchy about it. However it is very true that society as a whole has drifted away from it in favor of convenience. It is only recently with the medical proof that it is better for mothers and babies that it is being supported by work places, etc. When I first started pumping for milk at work the Navy did not support it, but now their instructions regarding Pregnant Servicewomen DO require commands to offer a place to do this... so there is huge change even in the military.

Just a quick note of support before I get back to my reading. Great story so far. The ethical dilemma you have set up is very emotional. I hope Snape gets a clue soon...

Clare

I managed to work through this in a couple of days, and had a love/hate relationship with your long chapters. I love reading a long story, but I hate stopping in the middle of a chapter if I have things to do.
I really liked this though, definitely one of the best and original stories I've read in a while.
Pre-HBP stories tend to be more unique instead of just a retelling of the same old story.
Thank you for sharing this, and I'm a bit sad that you don't seem to be posting anymore.

amazing story! every character was well developed and you made this story yours with new magic and character traits not seen in canon. well done

I started and finished this yesterday and I'm sure hundreds of reviewers have told you this piece is brilliant so I'm just here to repeat that it was refreshingly new and lovely in delivery.

I look forward to the epilogue and more stories from you. All the best. :D

wonderful story :) keep up the good work, cant wait to finish it

I'm so glad something like this was written, it makes my feminist happy.:3

It's been almost five years since i first read this fic, and still it makes me cry. I've spent three days reading it and now i'm wondering... What ever happened to the epilogue?

Holy crap this is good! Amazing, and while I do wish you had written that epilogue, I still love it! Great job!
-Selene

that poem is beautiful, i been moved by it, somehow i see myself in it... you're a wonderful writer, and i look forward to reading the rest of your story

wow

;)

I noticed that you had asked for advice on the Catholic customs early on. I know it's been a while since you wrote this story, but I wanted to tell you anyway. In this chapter, you were describing Snape's observations of Hermione durning Mass. You used the phrase, "crossing herself". I know what you mean but this, but it took me reading it a second time before I fully understood it. You may want to change that to "preforming the Sign of the Cross", or something similar. I'll review again at the end of the story, but I wanted to let you know before I forgot. It's wonderful so far, by the way. :D