In This Valley of Tears - Authors Notes

Since I've been getting questions on some parts of the fic, I figured that this would be the easiest place to clear up a few things and note where certain parts originated.

1. This fic was written pre-Order of the Phoenix when Narcissa wasn't quite as defined. However, I do still believe that this could fit. Historically, many wealthy families (and any family, truthfully) used Mass as a way to see and be seen. It wasn't acceptable for you not to be there. I am going on that idea - they weren't necessarily devout, but it was socially expected of them to go.

2. Just because Draco claims that his mother was a 'pillar of faith' doesn't mean that she actually was ;)

3. The name of the fic comes from the Salve Regina - Ad te suspiramus gementes et flentes, in hac lacrimarum valle (To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears). A copy of the Salve Regina can be found here.

4. The latin in the body of the text comes from Nicene Creed, a statement of faith for both Catholic and Protestant faiths. A translated version for those unfamiliar with either branches of Christianity can be found here.

5. The Rosary that Draco mentions is a in essence a string of prayer beads. There is a defined prayer said at each bead depending on the bead that it is.

If there is anything else that isn't clear that you think would do well with an explaination, please feel free to email me and I'll be glad to explain it up here.

Thanks for reading :)

-Altaria Volante