...my feelings toward King Ravenclaw have got a lot more bitter :P I just...argh. If I could, I'd like to take him by the shoulders and shake him until or the sense returns to him. Sigh. He's cold and practical and cut-off but he doesn't sound like a bad guy at all. Agh, he's frustrating and I do sympathise with Dezzy completely, and how there is an utter absence of progress or any cordiality in the relationship between the two.

But I'm so glad you chose to bring Godric into the second half of the chapter :D It really balances out the mood, and it's a lighter moment and heh I'm a Godric/Dezzy shipper :P (...Gozzy...?). And there's such a nice contrast between the two scenes, how her father is so completely emotionally detached compared to Godric who agrees with her and takes her side on this and reassures her. So lovely ♥

And I loved that final paragraph so much I don't even. Aah.

A soft, warm feeling that she couldn't quite place, but as she went to rejoin her sisters, she couldn't help but think of Godric's kind smile and the warmth of his hand holding hers. She wanted to dance, loving the happiness that had replaced the bitter feelings that the meeting with her father had thrust on her. She quickened her pace, a request already on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to go to the pavilion.

Sorry, just...er...quoted most of the paragraph back to you, but I loved how sensitive and delicate this is (...I know I use the word "delicate" a lot to describe your writing, but it really is :) ). And that last sentence. And how you subtly brought Salazar into the chapter, how he has become as much a part of Dezzy's life as Godric, her sisters, her father etc.

Alright, another lovely chapter! Great work, I hope you'll be updating soon ♥

teh

Author's Response: Ah, the King... He's a tough character for me to write! And he really could do with some sense, couldn't he? He just can't see that his daughters are grieving just like he is, and that they won't be able to really move on until they get him back.
I felt like I needed Godric there, and wanted him to be the one to first comfort Dezzy, because he's so willing to see her side of things, and being a stable hand, he isn't influenced by what they court might think. So I'm really pleased you liked the contrast!
Delicate is fine with me! It's a word that I would use to describe this as well, just because of how I go about getting into Dezzy's character. I'm being really careful with her, especially because she has so many relationships in her life that influence her so heavily. She has an interesting way of thinking, and I'm really trying to make it work!
Thank you so much for this (long) amazing review!!! I could spend forever thanking you for reading this story!
Cassie :)

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Hi Cassie!

I remember reading 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' as a child, and this story just takes me back to a time where fairy tales were as real as anything. I loved the description at the beginning, as well how you set the tone of the story ;) This was a really poignant start and I loved it :D Definitely a story for the favourites!

Author's Response: Hello!
I'm so glad you've decided to read this story, and that it takes you back to The Twelve Dancing Princesses! I always loved that fairytale, and I'm really thrilled that you enjoyed this because it took you to that time and place. Thank you so much for the wonderful review!
Cassie :)

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Hello!

Hey there! I'm really sorry that I didn't come back to this really quickly, I have been really busy with things lately. It sucks! D':
So we're back with the girls and I just love it when they go through to the pavilion. There's just something to very dreamy and lovely about the way you write it and I can't get the images of what I think it looks like from my mind. I think you use such subtle hints of imagery here and there that really capture the scope of it so well. And I don't care what anyone says, Salazar freaks me out, why do I keep getting the feeling that he's hunting Dezzy?
Perhaps I'm reading too much into it but he gives her so much attention and I know that there's something so mysterious about him but I have this feeling in my gut...
But I might just be hungry. :D
Anyway, I'd like to know more about him and Dezzy's feelings for him are growing and the way you write her attraction to him are just perfection. I mean, I sat there sighing the whole time, it was just such a great way, I love the line about her still feeling the press of his hand in her own. Gosh that was so simple but so wonderful!
But now the girls have been found out and good for Dezzy standing up to their father! I was really scared for them though and so upset that he was so cold towards her, I really can't stand it! Ugh, and Dezzy was so upset later, I hope she goes to see Godric and they have a nice long, passionate/perhaps a heavy snog/ talk. :D
I really loved this chapter and I'm sad that I won't be able to keep reading while I'll be away but I'll stop by whenever I can my dear! There was only one grammar thing, you meant to say "had" but wrote "hand" but that was the only one I spotted.
Otherwise, it was great.
OH! A FORCE OF WILLS IS UP! A FORCE OF WILLS IS UP!
Much love,
Gabbie

Author's Response: Hi Gabbie!
The pavilion is really fun to write because I can just dive into the descriptions of what everything looks like and how Dezzy and her sisters love it all so much. It's so different from the dreary life they live with their father that they really soak in every minute they can have being happy and free. And Salazar is really bizarre and mysterious... But it will still be a while before you find out more about him! Heeheehee.
And the girls' father is so tough for me, because sometimes I just want to make him beg for forgiveness and become an amazing father, but he's just too consumed with grief to see clearly, and realize how he's hurting his daughters.
I'm so glad that you enjoyed this chapter, because I had a ton of fun writing it!!! Thank you so much for the amazing review!
Cassie :)

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So glad to see this updated ♥

Again, another lovely dancing scene with Salazar, though when I say "lovely" I mean "written beautifully". Salazar himself isn't quite lovely; he's unnerving, he's mysterious, and there's a lot about him that hasn't been revealed and I do hope the girls will soon start to find things out :)

Argghh His Majesty, the king. I'm not particularly fond of him :P He's just...utterly insensitive. I think he's probably too self-absorbed in his own grief to recognise that his daughters, especially Dezzy, are all neglected and suffering as well :( And like always, you depict the princesses' lives so well, their routines and the manners and behaviour they have to display...it's all so dreary and gloomy sometimes. I'm just so glad that there are twelve of them so they'll never be too lonely; having each other is probably the only joy they currently have in their lives.

I love how Beatrice is the only one who stops making excuses for their father :D The other sisters keep pushing Dezzy to try harder, and that their father really loves them and all...but Bea is great. Bea simply tells Dezz not to listen to him, and instead fall back on her sisters. I'm loving Bea heaps :D

Aww, this has been a sadder and less upbeat chapter, but it's lovely and I really enjoyed reading it :) I do hope things will get better for Dezzy and maybe Godric will appear ahahaha. Can't wait for your next update, Cassie ♥ Great writing, as always!

-teh

Author's Response: Hello teh!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the dancing scene! I always have fun writing those :) And Salazar is pretty strange... And there is still quite a bit that we don't know about him, but I'm still going to be mean and reveal it super slowly ;)
The king is really hard for me to write just because he's so cold to his own daughters! But he definitely is still grieving his wife, because he loved her more than anything. He just doesn't realize that his daughters are also grieving, and he's sort of shut himself off from any kind of reminder of their mother.
I really love Bea just for that. She tells it like it is, and isn't afraid to criticize the king, even though he is their father. And she also really loves her sisters which I think shows through how she stops giving their father the benefit of the doubt.
I'm so pleased that you liked this chapter, and I hope you enjoy where I take the story after this!
Cassie :)

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Hello! I'm so glad you've updated, and so quickly as well :D

Wow, this chapter really has so much in it - there's princess practice with Aunt Rowena, and that uncomfortable conversation between Addie and Dezzy, and the girls' father returning home (he's such a cold man!), and then the ending where the girls decide to go dancing yet again in the mysterious silver forest. This chapter is really so well-written! Everything just flows so beautifully and as always, you portray the girls' lives and (sometimes dreary) daily routines so convincingly.

Now, as all of you should already know, a princess is given the very important task of finding a husband.

Gah! Rowena is such an incredibly stuffy aunt! But all her beliefs and attitudes fit wonderfully with the time period your story is set in. I think you've got a really good grasp of the social conventions of the era and other things like that - and this came through very well in Addie and Dezzy's little chat. The whole thing about how girls shouldn't be alone with boys and all.

And oh my gosh the ending! That was just so wonderful and mysterious and unsettling - you left us with this image of Salazar waiting there. It's really an amazing image to end this chapter with!

Alright, this has been a really lovely chapter. There's so much in it and yet everything is just perfectly paced. I think your story is really coming on beautifully and I can't wait to read on :D

Cheers!

-teh

Author's Response: Hello teh!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter, because it definitely was packed with stuff!!! I wanted to get a lot done with this chapter, so I can start to move the story along some more, because I have plans for future chapters that I can't wait to get to!
Rowena really is uptight and stiff and really proper. I'm glad you think she fits with the era because that's what I was going for! And Addie was trying to warn Dezzy not to go wild by being alone with a boy for too long (gasp, it's so horrible! :P)
And I'm really pleased with how you felt about the ending! I worked really hard to get that right, so I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it!
Thank you so much for all of you great reviews for this story!
Cassie :)

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HELLO!

Hey, there, I said that I would be back with a review for you. :)
So things have started to progress a bit with Aunt Rowena and like Bea, I can't help but scowl at what she's telling them. There's not an ounce of kindness in that woman and I felt their pain and sort of hoped that Bea would run around in her underwear or something. Just to do it but that didn't happen, though she did give a good demonstration of their aunt later. :D Hahahhah.
So, Addie is starting to get a little worried about Dezzy and did I detect some attraction from her when her sister was talking to her? Hm? :3 Perhaps? Hahhaha. I hope nothing happens between them that will tear them apart, it would really make me upset! Darn, Addie.
And their dad finally came home and I think you played on poor Dezzy's emotions so very well. It was so hard to see her that troubled and the meeting with their father was just so awkward. I mean, he didn't hug or kiss them at all and poor Dezzy, she was so nervous about what had happened in his letter and seeing him acting that way only made it worse. :(
But, they went to see Salazar and I think Addie is right, Dezzy can't seem to see that some people might be bad. She should be more caerful. He really creeps me out...
Anyhoo, I loved this as usual and can't wait for your next update! Your pacing and all that was great and I just adore Dezzy as a main character.
Much love,
Gabbie

P.S.: Benjamin says he hopes to see you tomorrow, as he and Roxanne should be back up by then. :D

Author's Response: Hi Gabbie!
I really have a hard time writing Aunt Rowena, and the King, too, because they're just so cold and don't understand the girls at all! It takes me a while to get into the right mindset to write them, so I'm happy you think I did a good job getting their personalities to come across!
Addie isn't as worried about Godric as she is about Salazar, and I think that she was right to talk to Dezzy about it, especially because Dezzy is so trusting when it comes to people she doesn't know all that well.
And then the King returned! I really did play with Dezzy's emotions when she saw her father again, because she knows what to expect from him, and she doesn't want those expectations to be true. The fact that they are right, and that he is as distant and as cold as she thought he would be really hurts her. Seeing him after getting that letter really made her a puddle of nerves.
And then they returned to the pavilion, to dance their cares away! And Salazar creeping you out, huh? I won't say whether or not that intensifies in the future... Thank you so much for the lovely review!
Cassie :)

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Hello Cassie :D So...I'm your ex-Secret Santa now :P Gah, I know I said I'd review this some days ago, but RL and all...and then I forgot. Sorry :( Anyway, I am SO GLAD you updated :)

I'm really enjoying your story so far! That little scene and the conversation with Godric inside his warm homely little cottage was just too sweet. And Godric declaring that he'd rather have his horses and be a stable hand than be a royal princess-in-training! Made me giggle a little. Oh, and THIS PART:

Dezzy liked his smile. His warm brown eyes crinkled, and she saw as a piece of the golden mane of his hair fell into his eyes. Slowly, she reached up and brushed it back from his face. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that the sun was now at it's highest point in the sky.

My insides have become mush. A lovely sort of mush. Your words are just so beautiful and vivid, and for this part, there was something rather subtle to it.

I also enjoyed the second part of the chapter with Dezzy's sisters, and how eager they are. They are shipping Dezzy with Godric as much as I am :D

And the ending! Such a mysterious and unsettling ending to what has been a very lovely warm chapter with lots of good feels in it. I really love how you described Salazar's eyes - their colour and their peculiarity. I'm really curious to know what happens next, and how the thing between Dezzy and Salazar will develop.

Anyway, this has been a great chapter! I've enjoyed reading it and I think your story is just getting more and more intriguing. Can't wait to read more :) And I'm going to favourite this before I forget again.

:)

-teh

Author's Response: Hello! I'm so glad that you continued reading this story! Don't worry about not reviewing right away, it's totally fine!
I love writing Dezzy and Godric together, because they're both smart, kind people, who have genuine conversations, and really care about one another's feelings.
Well, I'm glad you're insides are a lovely sort of mush! I don't think any other kind would be so good ;) But Dezzy and Godric are starting to gradually get closer... and the Ravenclaw girls are making sure that they are informed every step of the way!
I'm really glad you picked up on all of that in the ending! I really wanted to get an uneasiness to it after all the warmth and loveliness of Dezzy's day with Godric.
I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope you continue to read! Thank you so much for the wonderful review!
Cassie :)

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HELLO!

Hey, Cassie, its Gabbie! :) I'm so glad that you updated for this, I was starting to think that you would never do it! For a while we didn't have anything to read and it was torture! :) Hahahhaa.
Anyway, I'm so rooting for Dezzy and Godric. I want the two of them to get together in the same way you want Blaise and Astoria to happen. The fact that Godric isn't intimidated by the fact that Dezzy is a princess just speaks wonders about his character.
I was glad that Dezzy was able to open up about her relationship with her father to him. Godric's upbringing seems to have been completely different from her own and the contrast is really noticeable.
Every time I think of her father's letter, I cringe a little on the inside. :(
I hope that sorts itself out in the future in some way. Dezzy herself is trying to stay positive and I'm glad that she is for the moment, though I'm sure what happened with her father bothers her alot still.
As for the later part of this, hahaha, Ettie! Hilarious! She's really random, isn't she? But I'm surprised that Addie didn't give Dezzy more of a tongue-lashing for being inside Godric's cottage! Perhaps she will later? :3
But oh, the ending! No matter if she had such a great time with Godric, Salazar still creeps up. I loved those last few lines too, they were simply beautiful. :)
So update soon! Ah, what are you updating for next? Trying to get the Misfits up there. And then Abandon...Merlin help me, I've got such a block for it! :(
Anyway, see you on the forums!
Much love,
Gabbie

Author's Response: HEY! It's good to see you back here again, Gabbie!
I'm so glad that you enjoyed the Dezzy/Godric moments! They were really fun for me to write, and I could really picture them happening. And their conversation is so natural, and not formal or forced, which is a nice break from how things are with Rowena and the girls' father. and you want them together that badly??? Because I REALLY want Astoria and Blaise together! Haha.
Her father's letter is really harsh, and it makes me cringe, too. But unfortunately, that's not the end of that.
Ettie is one of my favorite characters to write in this story, because she's such a drama queen!!! It's awesome! And Addie definitely disapproves of Dezzy's little outing with Godric, and isn't letting the subject drop forever! Haha.
And the ending... Dezzy's starting to get closer with Godric, but she's also still fascinated with Salazar! And you'll just have to wait to see how everything turns out! heeheehee.
I can't wait for more updates from you!!! LMT is next for me if I can actually get working on it! Thank you so much for the great review, I'll talk to you on the forums!
Cassie :)

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Cassie! I've seen this story mentioned around the Hufflepuff CR, and as a Founders lover I had to come check it out! I hope to have time for a longer review on some of the later chapters soon, but I just wanted to stop by and say how much I'm enjoying it so far :)

I love the tone of your writing; it transports me back into that era effortlessly. These first two chapters make me think of childhood and sisterhood and first love and all those lovely things. Your language is enchanting, and I love getting to know all the sisters. You're doing a wonderful job! I look forward to reading more! :)

--Maggie

Author's Response: Hello! I'm so glad that you decided to check out this story!!! I'm honestly thrilled that you're enjoying this, because it's amazing for me to write, and I always hope that readers will get as much of an experience from it as I do! Thank you so much for the lovely review, and I hope you continue with the story!
Cassie :)

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Hi there! I'm here after resurrecting the Hufflepuff "review the person above" thread, and while I'm sure that I've read the Twelve Dancing Princesses, I can't remember 100% what it was about - but I'm getting away from the point here.

I especially liked how you wrote this first chapter! I don't usually read Founders era, but this sounded intriguing and I'm glad that I read it! Your descriptions are lovely; I can really see the scenes unfolding in my mind's eye. The imagery that you use is excellent and while I'm not an expert on medieval history, everything seems accurate to that time period so far- although I have to ask: if Dezzy and her sisters are princesses, wouldn't they be dressed by maids and have their own rooms? Just my opinion there. :)

I quite liked the dream scene, as it showed the contrast between Dezzy's life before her mother's death and her life afterwards. I also think that you did a good job of explaining the setting, introducing the characters and providing a backstory without making the story tedious to read- well done! XD

I did notice a couple of typos - "the snarls her elbow-length auburn curls" should be "the snarls of her elbow-length auburn curls" and a few spelling mistakes, but nothing that couldn't be fixed by proofreading a couple more times. ;) If you're not confident in your ability to pick up typos, you can post a request in the "Betas Wanted" section on the forums, and a beta could proofread your chapters for you. :)

You've certainly done well in leaving readers hanging at the end of this chapter; I'm curious as to how Dezzy and Rowena Ravenclaw are related, considering that they have the same surname, and who is watching the princesses dance! This is a really good first chapter, Cassie! ♥

PS: Oh, and that was a nice touch incorporating Helga Hufflepuff into the story!

Author's Response: Hello! It's lovely to see a fellow Puff! :)
I'm so glad you enjoyed the first chapter of this story! I love the Twelve Dancing Princesses, and really wanted to write with it, and thought that the Founders would be fun to use, because we don't know as much about their characters as we do with the marauders or Harry's generation.
I'm really glad you can picture the action in the story, because I think fairytales do a lovely job of being descriptive, and I wanted to keep that here! As for the girls' room, I had them share because I think they would rather share than be separated. They take care of each other, so this is just another way for them to be close.
I'll go back and fix the typos, so thank you for pointing them out! I tend to rush through editing... heehee.
I am so glad that you enjoyed the opening to this story, and I hope you'll continue to read!
Thank you so much!
Cassie :)

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Hello again!

I love your description of Godric's cottage! It just about sounds like the warmest, homeliest, cosiest, most delightful place to live ever!

It had shutters that were painted blue, and an old stone chimney that Dezzy could picture with smoke puffing from the top, and the whole house was frosted with snow, making it look like the houses Dezzy and her sisters made out of gingerbread.


I really do enjoy your descriptive details in the whole story so far; they are rather simple and yet striking, quaint and elegant - and completely in keeping with a sort of medieval fairytale setting. I love that Godric's making tea for Dezzy :) I already ship the two! And just as things are stepping up between Dezzy and Salazar, so the friendship (?) between Godric and Desiya is certainly getting stronger!

OK, I see that this is the last chapter in the story. I'm glad that all four FOunders have been introduced. So what I've got from them is: Godric as the kind, good stablehand, Helga as the warm, caring guardian figure, Salazar as the enigmatic, unsettling possible attraction shrouded in mystery, and Rowena as the severe, conventional and almost-cold aunt. I love all the contrasts between their characterisations! And I'm really rooting for Dezzy/Godric :D

I think you've done an excellent job with this story and I really enjoy reading it :) I haven't read any Founders fairytale AU fics before, and this one is definitely very intriguing and imaginative. I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for an update. I'll probably nominate it as the January featured story in the common room :D

Thanks for writing!

Author's Response: Hello, hello, hello!
I'm so glad you liked Godric's cottage! It was a really clear picture in my mind before I wrote it, and am thrilled that you liked it!
You ship Godric and Dezzy? Really? That's amazing!!! Thank you! And oh yes, we musn't forget that we have two boys in Dezzy's life! :)
I'm so glad you like how I've writen the founders! I'm really having fun with them, and coming up with what type of people they are and how they fit into my story is a ton of fun! And I hope you'll stick with this story to see wat happens with Dezzy, Godric, and Salazar!
I'm so glad you like this story, and the fact that you nominated for the January featured story is INCREDIBLE. Thank you so much!!!
Cassie :)

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Hello there! Happy Boxing Day :D

I'm back for more reading and reviewing! I quite enjoyed the intricacy of the Lover's Knot dance; you've certainly gone into a lot of detail to describing it and I think you've done really well :D I love the difference in the way Salazar treats Dezzy and how he treats her other sisters! If I'm not mistaken he doesn't dance the Lover's Knot with the others, just the waltz.

Well, I think you've certainly done well to develop Dezzy's growing attraction to Salazar :) This was done very well.

Overall, it was a great chapter - it was much shorter than the others, but I think the level of detail you included to show the interaction between Dez and Saz really made up for it. Great work :)

Author's Response: Hello again!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the Lover's Knot! It was hard to choreograph, and even harder to put in writing, so I'm really glad it made sense!!! I'm being really careful with the way Salazar interactts with the girls. It's a really important part of the stories, as is the dances they do together, so I'm glad you're picking up on that! thank you so much for the fabulous review!
Cassie :)

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Hello again! Oh, I forgot to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family :D

So I seem to have made a mistake in one of my previous reviews...where I assumed that the girls' dead mother was Rowena. I have absolutely no idea why I assumed such, seeing as their mother's name was never mentioned :) I guess it must have been because the girls' surnames were Ravenclaw.

Anyway, about the real Rowena - she certainly cuts a very striking figure :D I love the description of her, and how she feels as this almost uptight severe woman who tolerates children rather than adores them. She certainly sounds like a stickler for rules and traditions and conventions and all that. Her first meeting with the girls did remind me rather strongly of Severus Snape! Especially with her high-necked black gown, her "curt nod", her sneer when she greeted Bea and the way the girls were intimidated by her. But I'm really enjoying the portrayal of her so far! This is definitely a very strong and memorable introduction of her and there's quite a lot of tension between her and the girls. I'm very interested to see how their interactions with each other pan out :)

I also loved that scene between the girls where there was a lot of lovely banter between them. It was funny and it was warm, and it provided a nice contrast to the previous scene with the austere Rowena in it. Do be careful, however, not to overdo the dialogue bits, or at least, to balance it out with narrative. You could perhaps intersperse bits of action or description between those lines of dialogue.

Other than that, this was a really well-written chapter! I've enjoyed reading it :) Can't wait to read more...am interested to see more of Godric and Salazar :D

Author's Response: Hello! Sorry it took so long for me to get responding to your reviews again!
I love how much you picked up on with Rowena! And yes, she is very uptight! Since Rowena has no children of her own, she isn't used to them. And being thrust into a house with twelve girls, some of which being so wild, it's definitely a change for her! Haha. I love your comparison of Rowena and Snape! I had never thought of that, but I absolutely love it!
The girls are really fun to write. They can say almost anything, and there are so many conflincting personalities, and it's a ton of fun!
Thank you so much for the lovely review!!!
Cassie :)

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He can't disapprove if he doesn't know.

I love Mistress Helga! She's a real sport :D

Another wonderful chapter! I really enjoyed this because the flow of it was delightful. Everything just happened so naturally, the girls really are a fun delightful bunch and I might have said this before - but I just love the way they look after each other. There are implications that Addie has assumed the role of mother to the rest, and Bea with her fun-loving and entertaining ways as (possibly) some sort of father figure. Well...I think :)

The king's letter to Dezzy was indeed very harsh; the degree of harshness actually did take me by surprise. I thought he would have been more slippery - diplomatic but insincere, full of political rhetoric and all that. But he was relaly outright dismissive and cruel, and I was rather surprised. But I do like to be taken by surprise and have my expectations subverted, so well done :D I also enjoyed how Dezzy's reaction to her father's letter is not one of extreme sadness or bitterness. She's just terribly resigned, and feeling quite jaded - and there's something so poignant about that moment. It was written beautifully, without melodrama and with a great deal of emotional honesty.

And the way her sisters comforted her is just wonderful! I love how Dezzy burns the letter - she does have a fiery spark in her, which is a nice touch to her characterisation :D

You've also introduced Rowena! I can't wait to see her turn up and see how she's like :D There's already an air of mystery around her about why she's been so conspicuously absent from the girls' lives. I'm looking forward to reading about her! I love how the Founders are being so slowly and carefully introduced in your story :D Your pacing is wonderful.

And well, I have many favourite quotes from this chapter, but my absolute favourite moment would be this scene:

The girls scrambled from the table, and putting on cloaks, gloves, mufflers, and scarves, ran outside into the steadily falling snow. The girls skipped about, making a dozens of little footprints across the white grounds. Soon, a snowball fight broke out, and the girls laughed, throwing snow every which way. When fingers and toes were much too cold to stay outside any longer, the girls returned to the castle for hot chocolate, so they could warm themselves by the fire. And through all of it, Dezzy didn't think about the letter from her father. Not even once.


That final paragraph was just simply delightful. It was a fantastic way to end the chapter; the language was simple but the images were vivid, and the descriptions were just right and not overdone.

OK, I'm off to read your next chapter:D

Author's Response: Hello again! Wow, such a long review! Thank you!!!
I love Mistress Helga, because she's just so sweet! She really is a good person at heart, and I think she's someone who always looks out for others. And the sisters are a blast to write! Especially when they aren't bickering, which seems to happen pretty often? Haha.
The king's letter was hard to write, mostly because he's so cold to his own daughter, especially when she really needs reassurance and proof that he still loves her. This gives her the exact opposite, and it really hurts her, even if she was almost expecting it. I'm glad that moment wasn't overdone, I tried really hard to make it emotional, but not a sob story.
Dezzy is more passionate than she lets on, I think, and her father's letter just sets her off! She has that spark in her, and I love when it comes out!
And yes, Rowena will soon be entering the girls lives! I'm glad you're enjoying the pacing, because that's one thing I'm paying extra close attention to in this story! Thank you so so much for these phenomenal reviews!!!
Cassie :)

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Addie interrupted that moment between Dezzy and Salazar :( Argh...that means Salazar is still as shady and as mysterious as ever and I'll have to wait...

That scene with Godric was very sweet. It was a bit sudden and it did take me by surprise, but it was sweet nevertheless...and warm. He's such a contrast to Salazar. And I really like these little contrasts and all. I have the strange feeling that Godric and Salazar are much younger than Helga and Rowena in this story. I mean, I can't remember if you've actually told us how old Rowena and Helga are...but they feel much older what with Rowena being a mother to twelve girls and Helga being their governess or something.

But this was another lovely chapter! The pile of eavesdropping princesses was a nice touch of humour. I also really enjoy how the sisters look out for each other; it's such a nice part of the story, seeing as they are in essence without real parental care - their mother dead and their father being too busy and all.

Anyway, this has been another great read. I'll definitely be coming back for further chapters :D Keep writing!

Author's Response: Dezzy and Salazar's almost-moment... and in comes Addie! Haha. That was fun to write. They were SO CLOSE. But not if the older sisters have anything to do with it!
Godric is really kind and sweet, and I really love writing him. He seems to always know what to say, and is a really warm person.
The ages of the founders are a little warped in this story, but I focused more on who the characters were rather than how their ages are changed. The fun thing about AU is that you can mess with things like age which opens up a lot of possibilities!
I love the princesses, they alwasy make me happy when I'm writing them, so I'm thrilled that you're enjoying them! Thanks again for these amazing reviews!
Cassie :)

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Aaah, Godric is a stable hand? This is getting too good :D Is there going to be a triangle between Dezzy, Salazar and Godric? There is, isn't there? I'm already beginning to like your Godric a lot bahaha :D

And Dezzy, what are you doing going alone to the enchanted forest and pavilion?! And oh, Beatrice, Beatrice with her impulsiveness and tempestuousness and her unguarded tongue! Nice characterisation there.

Things are really picking up in this chapter; they're getting exciting! And of course, I especially loved that you introduced a new character here. And I especially enjoy the fact that he views Dezzy as an equal, rather than be humbled by her status and all. This makes it so much better! OK, I've really enjoyed this. I hope to be reading more soon :D

Author's Response: Yes, Godric is a stable hand! I wanted him to be a character that wouldn't immediately scream Godric Gryffindor. I think people would picture him as a king or a prince, so I'm hoping to surprise readers!
Bea really cares for her sister, and that's why she gets so angry at Dezzy for going into the forest alone. She can be responsible, even though it doesn't seem like it, and I think she feels that responsibility when Dezzy leaves to go to the forest.
I love writing Dezzy and Godric together, and I'm so glad you liked them too! Thank you again for another wonderful review!
Cassie :)

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Hello! I'm back for morereading and reviewing!

This is such a delightful chapter! It really made me smile - all the interactions between the sisters, and Dezzy's honesty and straightforwardness in the letter to her father, and finally the really gorgeous fan dance scene. That scene was just beautifully evoked, and was full of lovely details.

She took a few quick steps to the left, staying on her toes, and then spun, extending her left arm above her, holding the fan, and her right arm out to the side. She stopped in the small plié before repeating the steps, only faster this time.

Aaah..there was such a sense of movement and breathlessness in these sentences! It was really nicely done. And I'm too intrigued to find out moreabout Salazar!

On to the next chapter :D

Author's Response: Hello! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to respond to the rest of your lovely reviews! I've just been really busy! Haha.
I'm so glad you like the sisters and how they interact with each other! That's a really important part of the story for me, and I wanted all the girls to be able to tease each other and have fun, but also really care about each other.
Dezzy's letter to her father was really interesting for me to write. I wanted to make sure nothing was too personal, which was hard because she is writing to her father after all!
The dance was easier to choreograph than write, that's for sure! I'm glad everyting made sense and you felt the movement of the piece!
Thank you so much for the fanstastic review!
Cassie :)

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Salazar! I would never have guessed :) But this makes things more and more intriguing. It's certainly very mysterious and the way he asked the girls to return to the pavillion was actually a little bit unsettling. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

And I love the way you described the girls getting dressed for their next dance at the pavilion! a swirl of colored crinolines and lace This is such a lovely sentence, and it sounds really poetic and all too!

I think it's great that you're beginning to give the twelve sisters enough details to differentiate them from each other...even the younger ones who're mostly in the background. I love how Addie still wears a black dress despite her mother's death being a few years back! It's quite a nice touch to her characterisation; of course she would remember her mother best because she's the oldest and probably spent the most time with her.

Anyway, this is another lovely chapter! I've enjoyed it :) I will be reading the rest soon!

Author's Response: Hello again! Yes, Salazar was watching them... now we have two founders in the story, and two more to be introduced somewhere down the line! And as for Salazar being unsettling... I can't tell you that that's the end of that!
I'm so glad you still like my descriptions! I think fairytales need a lot of detail, because they have so many little things that are important to the story. And with a story like this, where the girls wear gorgeous ballgowns, you need a good description of what they look like!
The sisters are really fun for me to write, because they're all so different! You'll start to pick up on that later in the story, when you get more information dealing with their personalities and such.
I am so thrilled that you like this story, and hope you continue to enjoy it!
Cassie :)

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Helloo there! This is your Secret Santa with the first of your reviews :D

So, this story has got me interested from the opening paragraph! It reads beautifully, like a fairytale, and with lots of mystery in it. You can be very descriptive and I really enjoyed the little details here and there e.g. her face was flushed from the heat of the bath and the strain of the corset. Very nice :) I love the idea of the twelve sisters and princesses - twelve feels like a very good number :D

The beginning of your story was very interesting and it certainly was surprising when it turned out to be a dream! There was quite a definite shift of mood from the excited anticipation in the dream of Dezzy's ball to the dreary reality of their lives. And that staircase winding into the forest! That was a wonderful image!

There are some spelling errors here and there but nothing too major.

OK, I think this is a great start! I'm looking forward to reading the next chapter and finding out who the mysterious watcher is :D

Author's Response: Hello! I'm so excited that you've started reading my stories, and can't wait to find out who you are :)
I love that you were drawn in right from the opening! I think something special about fairytales is that they always make you want to hear the whole story, and get your attention right at the beginning, so I really wanted to do that with this story! And I think the details are also important, because with this story in particular, I have a really specific picture in my mind and want to get it down in writing as much as I can!
I hope you enjoy the rest of the story, and that it keeps you interested! Thank you so much for the review!
Cassie :)

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Hello!

Hey, Cassie, guess who it is? Heheh. I would have gotten to this yesterday but I was bone tired and had boring grown up stuff to do. Anyway, so we're back with the girls and I have to say that I feel sorry for them, being stuck with Aunt Rowena. Its like, I don't know, being trapped in a room with a mean-tempered Umbridge. Not at all pleasant.
I do love Ettie though! She doesn't mince words, does she and I loved her actions during breakfast, she was really trying to annoy their aunt. I hoped it worked and good thinking on Dezzy's part for keeping Mistress Helga! I liked that you gave a bit more detail with her too and I'm able to see that having her dismissed really saddened the girls. Aunt Rowena, really? She'll turn them all into robots or something! D':
Also, I'm getting the feeling that things are going to heat up between Dezzy and Mr. Salazar (With his creepy eyes) and I enjoyed the way you detailed her infatuation for him. Lovely writing to show that her feelings for him are deepening and that she wants to be close to him even when they're apart. :D
Not sure if that's a GOOD thing though. Hm.
Anyway, I thought it was great that we got to see Godric again. I really like him, he's really laid back and I can sense that he's got some pride, maybe a little shyness about his cottage. Not sure if he wants to impress Dezzy or not but he's being really nice about listening to her problems. I'd forgotten that we hadn't seen him in a while but the fact that he wasn't impatient with Dezzy was great. Hopefully, they'll be some romance blooming...
But I'm just a hopeless romantic that way. :D
Great chapter all in all, there weren't any grammar issues and the pacing was excellent. And yet, I want more! Update for your stories and where's the latest chapter of LMT?! D':
Haha. On my end, expect A Force of Wills tomorrow (Hopefully) and Abandon is still up there for you. I'll be going back to Albus after A Force of Wills because Audrey isn't finished yet and it gets more reads and such.
Anyhoo, see you on the forums!
Much love,
Gabbie

Author's Response: Hello Gabbie! It's so lovely that you left such an amazing (and long!!!) review for this chapter!
Aunt Rowena is quite the character, isn't she? I feel sorry for the girl being stuck in princess lessons with her! It wouldn't be fun at all, especially after they've grown up with Mistess Helga. I really love her character, and wanted to show that the girls love her, too. After all, she's with them nearly every day, and they've grown up being taught by her. And if she was friends with their mother, that would make her like a mother to them after the queen died.
And Dezy and Salazar... She's quite entranced by him, and I love that you're picking up on that! And his eyes. they're his most dominant and noticable feature, and I really have fun playing them up, especially because Dezzy notices them so often! and if it's good or not... Well, I'm not going to tell! Hehehe.
I love Godric and Dezzy's relationship, because it's very honest and very real. He likes her for who she is, not because she's a princess, and he is one of the first people that has felt that way about her. She can see that, and that's why she clings on to their friendship, and it means so much to her, especially because he's such a lovely guy! Hopefully LMT will be up before the queue closes for the holidays, and if not, I'll try and get a lot written so once it's open again I can update more frequently! And I'm going to read and review A Force of Wills as soon as I can!
Thank you so much for reviewing yet another chapter of mine! I really value your opinions, and love hearing from you! See you on forums!
Cassie :)

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Hello!

Aw, why is this one so short?! I was thinking that it would continue but then you ended it and I was sad and now I'm giving you this review! Hahaha.
So, firstly, it seems that Rowena doesn't really enjoy being around the girls and I agree with Ettie, she had a whole day to be tired. What's with that? Hahaha. She got out of there pretty quickly too!
But I could practically feel the girls' excitement about being away from their own world and going back to the pavilion and seeing Salazar. I wonder what he was doing the whole time? You've got me curious about him! And Dezzy! Loved her thought process on her feelings about him, they were simply lovely. :D
But what is she going to do, falling for him like that? Is there some way for them to be together?! I would be super surprised if you worked that in somehow!
I liked the detail you put into that dance too, it sounds really intricate. I don't think I would have been able to do it! I'd have just fell on my face. :p
But the closeness between Dez and Salazar is really fascinating me. Please continue on with that! :D
I really didn't want them to leave, I was hoping for them to stay a while longer but all good things must end, apparently. :(
Update for this quickly!
Much love,
Gabbie

Author's Response: Hello Gabbie! I am SO SO SO SORRY it took me this long to respond to your amazing review! I've just been really busy, and haven't had any time to get to it! But I'm here now! Haha
This chapter was short, and I debated making it longer, but it just flowed better if I cut it off where I did. And Rowena... she's interesting to write, because I have to gradually introduce her character. The girls don't really know her, and when you're first meeting someone you don't figure out their entire personality in a day, so she is being revealed to them little by little.
Ah, I've got you curious about Salazar??? That's a good thing! He's a mysterious bloke that Salazar Slytherin! And I'm so glad you like Dezzy's thought process! I worked really hard on that passage, because I want to be really specific with words that are associated with him, and how she describes him. As the story goes on, you'll hopefully see that becoming more present in her thoughts and actions dealing with him.
Dez and Salazar's closeness will continue, but we mustn't forget about dear Godric! Heehee. I have plans for Dezzy, so don't worry about a thing... I'm so glad you're enjoying this story! It's really fun for me to write, and I love the mystery of it! Thank you so much for the incredible review!
Cassie :)

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Hello!

Back again! I'm sorry that I immediately come back to this yesterday but I was busy and tired and just plain mush. (I'm sick) Anyway! We're back with the girls and I really enjoyed how you started this chapter, we really got a sense of who Rowena was with it. She doesn't seem particularly kind either and I was really worried about how she would receive the girls, especially Bea (I can't blame her for burying that hideous brooch) and I know that its not easy for the girls at all.
Once again though I really loved all of the sisters and how they were interacting. The play on all of their personalities was very entertaining and I just love Bea! She's hilarious and I can't blame her for wanting Rowena to leave. -_-
I'm curious to see how Dezzy's relationship with Godric spans out and its funny that everyone is dressing up their talks with romance and flowers and elopements. Hahha. Girls. :D
I'm not sure if Rowena would approve of course but I think you're going to put that in somewhere in the future chapters right? :D Hopefully? And Salazar! When are we going to see that creepy bloke again? I'm wondering about that while they'll be suffering with Rowena and her stuffy haughtiness!
I didn't see any grammar things and I really liked your pacing and flow, it was really easy to follow and didn't branch off topic or into other areas that weren't important to the chapter just then. :) Very great read and I'm really excited for more! Inform me immediately!
Uhm, like I said on the forums, expect Albus later today or tomorrow and after that its Abandon! So, until then I'll be looking forward to more of your work! Darcy and Louis? Hehehe.
Much love,
Gabbie

Author's Response: Hello Gabbie!
I'm finally getting a free moment to answer your lovely reviews! Woohoo!
I loved writing Rowena. I picture as very tall and stately, and the fact that she has a colder disposition also adds to that. She's ver no-nonsense as you can probably tell!
I ADORED writing the sisters in this chapter!!! They all have such different personalities, and so sometimes they clash, and it's funny to see how they react to each other. Also, while I was writing this chapter I learned that Ettie was definitely the drama queen of the family! She can be worse than Bea! Haha.
Don't you worry about Godric! He'll be back, and Rowena will have quite a strong reaction to him. And Salazar will be back soon, too! Probably in the next chapter, so get excited to see him again!
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!!!
Cassie :)

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Another thank you! Woo! That was awesome!

Another wonderful chapter, Cassie! Fantastic in every way! I love how you write all the sisters, they're awesome! And the letter, I'll say again was so harsh, and I hate that he's so mean!
Yay, Ravenclaw's comeing to visit! Awesome! Then we'll have all the founders! I'm really excited to see where this story goes. Pwease update soon!
And I'm really excited for your one-shot! I really would love to see you write in first person, so that'll be a real treat!
And also, the story for my challenge! I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU COME UP WITH!
10/10

Talk to you soon,
Eilidh :) x

Author's Response: I'm so happy you enjoyed this chapter! I loved writing a chapter where the sisters all got along, because they really do love each other, even if it doesn't always seem like it. I'm excited for the mysterious Aunt Rowena, and hope she surprises you when you meet her character! And her father is hard to write because he's so harsh to his own daughters. There's nothing personal in his letter, and he doesn't even acknowledge that they miss him. I can't wait for you to read my one-shot, and I hope you enjoy it!
Cassie :)

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Hello!

I told you I would hop on this very quickly and so, here I am! I got your other message on the forums but I thought I'd just leave you a great review instead! :D
So, we're back with all the girls and I was glad that Dezzy's relationships with her sisters was cleared up a little and that she's been given permission to have Godric as a friend. I'm wondering how that will last though with this mysterious aunt of theirs coming to stay. I'm not sure how she'll be in a household filled to the brim with young girls and it worries me just a little (This is experience from my own aunts, who hate kids, hahaha) so I hope she goes easy on them!
Now, as for the letter she received from her father! Wow, that was pretty harsh, in an overly polite kind of way! What sort of business is he up to anyway? D:
I want to know and poor Dezzy! I was reminded of how Astoria felt when her dad asked her to uhm, get to know Malfoy! I'm not sure if their relationship is going to go in a good direction after this but I'm curious to see what you do with it. And no Salazar in this chapter?! That surprised me, I was getting used to him but you're probably up to something naughty (I hope so, hehehe) where he's concerned and I can't wait to see where else you go with this! :D
I had nothing to complain about at all, I loved all the girl's interactions and I really enjoyed the pace of it, though it was so short! D: How could you? Hahaha.
No grammar mistakes or anything and I enjoyed it right till the end, I was really glad that Dezzy was able to enjoy herself and forget about her mean papa. Hahahaha. I shall be back and awaiting the next chapter of course!
P.S.: "Not even a little fun?" was my favorite quote because I have a feeling that someone is going to be pretty bad regardless when their aunt arrives. Hahaha.
Much love,
Gabbie

Author's Response: Hi Gabbie! It's great to hear from you again!!!
I really wanted to fix the sisters relationship to show that it isn't strained all the time, even if it seems like it. They really do love each other, and have to watch out for one another, because they don't have parents to do that for them. And as for Aunt Rowena... I can tell you now that a house full of girls will have really interesting dynamics with her character. But I don't think she is going to be how people expect her to turn out, and hopefully I'll surprise you! The letter from her father was weird for me to write, because there was a certain quality to it that I really wanted to achieve. He's very cold towards his daughters, and that's part of the reason that it seems overly polite. It makes it less personal in a way. That's why he calls Dezzy Desiya, and doesn't acknowledge that the girls miss him or anything. There's no Salazar because after what happened last time Dezzy was in the pavilion, no one wants to go right back. I know it was short, but I just wanted a peaceful ending after so much craziness! And yay! "Not even a little fun" was definitely something Bea would say, and that part of the chapter was written around that quote. I had fun making up their Uncle Byron and Great-aunt Eudora, too :) I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter, and can't wait to see what you think of my one-shot that's coming next! Thank you so much Gabbie!!!
Cassie :)

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Hello!

Argh, I am so late on this! There was no way for you to tell me that you had updated this (Except for on the forums which I am never on. :p) but here I am! And Merlin, Dezzy's sister's are sort of annoying but when it comes to their feelings about Salazar and what he might want...I can understand. That bloke freaks me out and I can't quite be sure of what you're making him out to be. Hero or misunderstood villain? Makes me so curious. (Blaise is in my head! Get out, you! Hahah.) Anyway, I will be back and I can't wait to see what happens between her and the family, Godric and Salazar. Her sister's are really nosy though.hahahahah.
P.S.: As you may have noted, my laptop is still dead but it should be back up (Hopefully) by next month. A long time, I know but I've decided that I'll update all of my chapters by at least three so you all can have plenty to read.
Much love and sorry for the lack of reviews from me!
Gabbie

Author's Response: Hi Gabbie! It's totally fine that you didn't read this right away, because I definitely didn't respond to your awesome review as soon as I should have! I was away on holiday, so I couldn't answer it! I love writing all of the Ravenclaw sisters, because they are just so different from each other, and I can experiment with personalities. Especially with Bea and Addie, who are both very strong-willed and opinionated, but Bea is much more vocal about it. But in the end they do want to watch out for Dezzy, because she really doesn't know how cruel people can be. I think her sisters are going to back off for a while, though, because Dezzy finally has gotten her point across that she can be on her own and not be getting involved in any shenanigans! Haha. And I love writing Godric and Salazar because they're so different, and Dezzy reacts to them in such different ways. LMT is next from me, but I still have quite a bit to go on that (sorry!!!) then I'll be back to this! I can't wait for updates from you, because your stories are fabulous!!! Thank you so much for this lovely review Gabbie!
Cassie :)

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