This is a note from the author, Mad Maudlin. I'm starting my senior year at the moment, and soon I'll be applying to college. I'm afraid the gist of this note is that I will not be continuing this story. I began "Smoke and Mirrors" my freshman year, excited by the new possibilities Order of the Phoenix posed. I had my speculations and I ran with them, a newcomer to the world of fan fiction.

"Smoke and Mirrors" actually began as a challenge in a Valentine's Day Hr/D fic exchange. I didn't have an LJ at the time, so I was never an official member, but one challenge interested me:

"3-5 Things to Include in the Fic:

Roses; both white AND red (other colors optional)

Chocolates; this is Valentine's Day, after all

A good representation of real love

Character depth; make me believe you, please!

At least one tryst; interruptions optional

What not to include in the fic:

Slash/femmeslash, plot holes, Mary Sueism, irrational character changes (angelic!Draco or bad!Hermione, unless you're reeeeally good), bastardized characters, overuse of clichés (prophecy, or click "I'm in love!", etc……. again with the BELIEVABILITY)"

I used this as a starting point, but took some different directions with it. I never got to the chocolates, although they WERE going to show up. When I originally had the idea, Draco was going to be a bad character, never in love with her, only trying to manipulate her. In the end, a tormented Hermione was really going to kill him. Then I got in the swing of things and that just couldn't happen.

A few months ago, I looked back on this story. It's the longest thing I've ever written, passing 13,000 words. Overall, I'm pretty darn proud of it, and I thank all of you for your support. I tried to continue, but it was a static ending– with Draco reluctantly going back into the labyrinth. I'd been away from the characters for so long they'd grown away from me.

(A small accuracy note: In chapter IX, mentioned Evan Rosier as a classmate and signer of Draco's will. Obviously I'm insane, because Rosier was a first generation Death Eater who was killed by Aurors. Oops.)

I think I've just about outgrown fan fiction, and I'm on to focusing on my original work. I hope you have enjoyed this story, because I remember being very fond of it as I wrote it.

As promised, here is the symbolism behind the chapter titles. There was nothing really major ever hidden in them, just a little reflection on the chapter's theme.

Rosebuds. A sign of beginnings, appropriate for a prolouge

Yellow Rose. Friendship (Harry and Hermione), but also an ended love

Lavender Rose. Enchantment

White Rose. Innocence, but also to symbolize Draco's white skin

Pale Peach Rose. Modesty

Coral Rose. Sadness

Yellow Carnation. Disdain

Monkshead and Nightshade. Yes, that should be "monkshood." These poisonous plants represent a warning.

Orange Rose. Fascination, desire

White Chrysanthemum. Truth

Red Carnation. "My heart aches for you."

Red Rose. True love and respect

I never got to the Red Rose, but that would have been the next chapter, if I could ever decide on a final ending! Thank you for your support and enthusiastic reviews. Some of my rose meanings came from www (dot) floraldesignsmaui (dot) com (slash) languageroses (dot) htm and www (dot) floraldesignsmaui (dot) com (slash) language (dot) htm (remove the spaces and replace the words with their symbols). In closing, I give you hydrangea and the Carolina rose. (That's "thank you for understanding" and a reminder that "love is dangerous.")

Regards,

Mad Maudlin

September 2, 2006