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These Selfish Vows
Captured and imprisoned in Azkaban, Hermione makes a dangerous bargain with a Death Eater in the cell next door: They will answer one question a day and never lie. However, where Hermione asks about the war, the Death Eater asks her harmless personal questions, almost as if he's trying to understand her. As if he cares. Of course, all is not as it seems, and Hermione remains compromised by that bargain even after she escapes. Determined to learn the truth, she joins the Order's Special Force: an elite unit tasked with hunting down Voldemort's favorite soldier . . . one with the damning ability to resurrect the dead. But not until Hermione uncovers her own history does she finally accept the answer she may have known all along. The only person to capture her mind and heart fights on the opposite side of the war. Draco Malfoy.
- GenresFan FictionFantasy
1760 pages, ebook
Published June 8, 2024
32 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 30, 2024
5 ⭐️
This one still haunts me in my dreams. The plot twists hurt me so much even though you kind of already know exactly who is talking to her while she’s in prison and you’ll also kind of know who is the Necromancer…
I’m still so heartbroken for Hermione. They did kind of get a HEA, but it definitely is bittersweet and angsty. I hated that for them. It definitely fit the story don’t get me wrong I’m just still so sad for them. Absolutely crushed me.
If you want your soul ripped to shreds please go ahead and read this piece of art.
Other gut wrenching Dramoine ff that are on the same level:
Damaged Goods
Manacled
This one still haunts me in my dreams. The plot twists hurt me so much even though you kind of already know exactly who is talking to her while she’s in prison and you’ll also kind of know who is the Necromancer…
I’m still so heartbroken for Hermione. They did kind of get a HEA, but it definitely is bittersweet and angsty. I hated that for them. It definitely fit the story don’t get me wrong I’m just still so sad for them. Absolutely crushed me.
If you want your soul ripped to shreds please go ahead and read this piece of art.
Other gut wrenching Dramoine ff that are on the same level:
Damaged Goods
Manacled
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
interesting premise, mediocre writing.
June 26, 2025
2.75 stars
There’s no denying Selfish Vows has a killer concept – a necromancer turning fallen Order members into Inferi? 👀 Yes, please. The first third absolutely hooked me: big action, high stakes, and a mind connection between Draco and Hermione (a trope I’ll never get tired of 🧠💬). Their mental back-and-forth was one of my favourite parts early on.
But after that, it kind of lost me. The pacing dragged, and whole scenes started feeling repetitive, even full memories got rehashed more than once, which made it hard to stay invested. I loved the idea of conflicting vows (Hermione bound to the Order, Draco unwillingly tied to the Dark Lord), but the emotional connection just wasn’t there for me.
I didn’t really feel this relationship either. We missed a full year of her life in Azkaban, which could’ve been used to build real depth between them. Instead, their dynamic stayed cold for too long, and then suddenly Draco was touching her face and hair with zero lead-up 😬. Honestly, I felt more chemistry and emotional weight between Hermione and Blaise as friends than I ever did with Draco. That says a lot.
Brilliant concept, but it needed more depth, more feeling, and a better emotional arc to match the stakes. Cool idea, just not quite the execution I was hoping for 🖤
There’s no denying Selfish Vows has a killer concept – a necromancer turning fallen Order members into Inferi? 👀 Yes, please. The first third absolutely hooked me: big action, high stakes, and a mind connection between Draco and Hermione (a trope I’ll never get tired of 🧠💬). Their mental back-and-forth was one of my favourite parts early on.
But after that, it kind of lost me. The pacing dragged, and whole scenes started feeling repetitive, even full memories got rehashed more than once, which made it hard to stay invested. I loved the idea of conflicting vows (Hermione bound to the Order, Draco unwillingly tied to the Dark Lord), but the emotional connection just wasn’t there for me.
I didn’t really feel this relationship either. We missed a full year of her life in Azkaban, which could’ve been used to build real depth between them. Instead, their dynamic stayed cold for too long, and then suddenly Draco was touching her face and hair with zero lead-up 😬. Honestly, I felt more chemistry and emotional weight between Hermione and Blaise as friends than I ever did with Draco. That says a lot.
Brilliant concept, but it needed more depth, more feeling, and a better emotional arc to match the stakes. Cool idea, just not quite the execution I was hoping for 🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
he never ascended the gryffindor tower… oh IM SICK. IM SICKKKKKK
February 13, 2025
Oh. Hell. Yes. HOLY SHIT IM SO EXCITED. I've said it before, I'll say it again, mind talking is the best trope everrrrrr. Dude I love Charlie sm, he's such a genuine sweetie. Charlie/Hermione is my second favorite ship after Dramione, so this is awesome. "I hope I'm not interrupting, Granger" AAAAA AA AAAAAA. No wait this one's gonna hurt, I know it. Bro wtf Blaise, i don't like you. I was worried Hermione was going to cheat on Charlie, but I think I see how it'll end instead. Damm, I wanted Hermione to be the one to use sectumsempra first."We lie to the rest of the world, but never the ones who matter" Draco is so damn confusing, i don't understand his game, but I am SAT. I love that the one thing all dramione authors agree with is that Draco loves Hermione's hair. Dude I'm so interested in learning Draco's motive, but omg they're so cute together. Literally kehsisjwi DRACO MAKE UP YOUR MIND IM SO CONFUSED. Okay the nickname Killer is so good, love it. "I don't think I'll get an eventually" SOBBING 💔 This is one of the most cruel Draco's yet at the same time he's also one of the softest most gentle Dracos with Mione 😭💕. I have a bad feeling Pangolin is going to die, but I love her so muchhhh. ARE THEY SOULMATES?? PLEASEEEE. Oh he is in love in love. THE HAND SQUEEZES. The mirrorrrrr awwwww. AAAA PLOT TWIST. OMG GINNY AND BLAISE YESSSSS. "I was resurrecting" as if it's just a normal old day bringing people back from the dead. Dudeeee 😭 they're 😭 so 😭 cute 😭 his little cheeks tugssss. And the way he takes care of her, GUYSSSSS my heart aches they're so soft "marry me, for just one day" SOBBING. MY WIFEEEEEEE "Please don't go without me", "You'll finish it for us, yeah?", "We'll see you soon Hermione" 😭💔 bro that hurt I'm sobbing "Tell me you're happy" NO NO NO NO STOP PLEASE NO. Oh my god I thought he was going to kill her. Don't do that to me. Sobbing sobbing sobbing oh my god. 1700 pages, 7 days, this is one of the best Dramione fanfics ever. Without a doubt, top 5 of all time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
Way too long. I maybe needed 15 or so less chapters.
There were some CRAZY twists in this story. However, sometimes it was a little difficult to understand in places because of the impromptu flash-forwards/flashbacks. My only other issue is that while it was inspired by Manacled, the similarities were a sometimes a bit annoying (as they were not as well done as Manacled--and I liked the Dramoine WAY better in the other).
If you are looking for a dark, Dramione war fic with weary BAMFS and crazy plot twists, then go ahead :)
There were some CRAZY twists in this story. However, sometimes it was a little difficult to understand in places because of the impromptu flash-forwards/flashbacks. My only other issue is that while it was inspired by Manacled, the similarities were a sometimes a bit annoying (as they were not as well done as Manacled--and I liked the Dramoine WAY better in the other).
If you are looking for a dark, Dramione war fic with weary BAMFS and crazy plot twists, then go ahead :)
March 1, 2025
Going from “marry me, just for one day.” to “marry me for one last day”.
This gave me as much heartbreak as butterflies.
“Basically, I'm going to rip your heart open and sew it back together a few more times before setting you free. So grab some tissues.” ~ well she wasn’t lying when she said that
This gave me as much heartbreak as butterflies.
“Basically, I'm going to rip your heart open and sew it back together a few more times before setting you free. So grab some tissues.” ~ well she wasn’t lying when she said that
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2025
What a beautifully written story, with an original and lovely ending. I loved how HevenlyDew plotted the story, so that everything came together naturally in the end. Her pacing was perfect, revealing information slowly and exactly when needed. I will definitely be checking out more of her work.
November 12, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ The plot and pacing was so well done for a first time fic! In every fanfic in every world, Draco has my heart.
May 3, 2025
Ouch
October 25, 2025
“You saved me. You may be the prince in that childish story, but you saved me from drowning. When I had no one left to listen, you answered and you kept answering. You were the voice in my head who taught me to breathe. You are beautiful and strong, and you are my air.”
Happily ever after my ass. Cried like 80,000 times during this. Such a good story. So creative and clever and canonically it fits the characters perfectly. It’s just so good.
Definitely recommend if Manacled and/or Secrets and Masks were a favorite. Very dark but like amazing.
Happily ever after my ass. Cried like 80,000 times during this. Such a good story. So creative and clever and canonically it fits the characters perfectly. It’s just so good.
Definitely recommend if Manacled and/or Secrets and Masks were a favorite. Very dark but like amazing.
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May 22, 2025These two were perfect. Manacled adjacent for sure.
May 9, 2025
Wow amazing death eater Draco and morally gray Hermione. Giving me major Greenlight and Manacled vibes.
Had this song in my head while reading this story: Better Than This by Lizzy McAlpine ✨✨✨
Had this song in my head while reading this story: Better Than This by Lizzy McAlpine ✨✨✨
August 7, 2025
This book shouldn't have taken me a month to complete but it did because it's simply awful.
The plot is that Hermione has failed the order, Ron and Harry are dead and she's in Azkaban where she's placed near a death eater who promises to answer one question a day, honestly. He says he's Lucius but of course he's Draco and lying is all anyone does in this book. Lying by omission or directly. She's saved by the order although she's not trusted and they think she's insane - rightfully so. She repeatedly betrayals the order and their rules. Many people have died. She's being trained by Charlie Weasley who is in love with her and good match but of course, she wants the drama. She's obsessed with Draco because he brought her back to life (oh yea, he's a necromancer, called 'the mouth') blah blah blah. It turns out both Draco and Hermione are horcruxes or maybe just Hermione, I don't remember anymore OR CARE. Either way, if Voldemort dies, so do they. And, he can not die if they aren't already dead. Since Draco brought Hermione back to life, he believes she doesn't have free will but still takes her virginity. He only mentions her lack of free will AFTER taking it which to me, seems like she WASNT CAPABLE OF GIVING CONSENT. The sexual acts take forever to happen and are extremely lame. After the first time almost all of their sexual encounters are weirdly time and not fitting for the situations they find themselves in. For example, she wants to kill herself, so draco has sex with her on the beach. It's not hot, it's forced and degrading. I think she should have lost her V-card to Charlie. This book is too long and I will never read this author's work ever again.
I know it's taboo to slander fanfics but this is horrid, and I would be remiss if I didn't warn others who might think this has potential. It doesn't. In addition to the story being dragged out and trash, there's inappropriate racial nonsense as well. Blaise is the ONLY BLACK PERSON (aside from his dad) in the entire book and he runs an 'underground rail road' to free the muggles. Bitch, you better be joking. (euphoria reference) If that wasn't bad enough, this author felt the need to write, "he felt like a circus monkey being forced to dance." It's the only time in the entire book that she uses the word 'monkey'...like, what the fuck is wrong with you.
I think I was drawn to this book because of the Azkaban aspect since I was reading a WIP right before starting this. I hope I never come across this author's work ever again.
(yes I know, they aren't an actual author, I believe they're a lawyer, IDGAF)
The plot is that Hermione has failed the order, Ron and Harry are dead and she's in Azkaban where she's placed near a death eater who promises to answer one question a day, honestly. He says he's Lucius but of course he's Draco and lying is all anyone does in this book. Lying by omission or directly. She's saved by the order although she's not trusted and they think she's insane - rightfully so. She repeatedly betrayals the order and their rules. Many people have died. She's being trained by Charlie Weasley who is in love with her and good match but of course, she wants the drama. She's obsessed with Draco because he brought her back to life (oh yea, he's a necromancer, called 'the mouth') blah blah blah. It turns out both Draco and Hermione are horcruxes or maybe just Hermione, I don't remember anymore OR CARE. Either way, if Voldemort dies, so do they. And, he can not die if they aren't already dead. Since Draco brought Hermione back to life, he believes she doesn't have free will but still takes her virginity. He only mentions her lack of free will AFTER taking it which to me, seems like she WASNT CAPABLE OF GIVING CONSENT. The sexual acts take forever to happen and are extremely lame. After the first time almost all of their sexual encounters are weirdly time and not fitting for the situations they find themselves in. For example, she wants to kill herself, so draco has sex with her on the beach. It's not hot, it's forced and degrading. I think she should have lost her V-card to Charlie. This book is too long and I will never read this author's work ever again.
I know it's taboo to slander fanfics but this is horrid, and I would be remiss if I didn't warn others who might think this has potential. It doesn't. In addition to the story being dragged out and trash, there's inappropriate racial nonsense as well. Blaise is the ONLY BLACK PERSON (aside from his dad) in the entire book and he runs an 'underground rail road' to free the muggles. Bitch, you better be joking. (euphoria reference) If that wasn't bad enough, this author felt the need to write, "he felt like a circus monkey being forced to dance." It's the only time in the entire book that she uses the word 'monkey'...like, what the fuck is wrong with you.
I think I was drawn to this book because of the Azkaban aspect since I was reading a WIP right before starting this. I hope I never come across this author's work ever again.
(yes I know, they aren't an actual author, I believe they're a lawyer, IDGAF)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
3.75 ⭐️ —- “Marry me, for one last day.”
The twists and turns were as I expected but that didn’t prevent the heartbreak. The despair, depression and suicidal ideations were prevalent from beginning to end. This story was a borderline zombie love story. It’s about two dead souls (physically and metaphorically) trapped earth side, in a war and soulmates until the end. I truly felt like the characters were the walking dead, hopelessly yearning for stolen moments of happiness and more time.
The writing is poetic and beautiful. At times I wanted more feelings, more showing and less telling. But it somehow fits the character POVs because of their souls.
The beginning was a little drawn out. Coming in at 1,700 pages, the story could be edited to move the starting plot along quicker. The mind talking in the jail cell could’ve better shown their need for each other.
While there was intimacy, the spice level was essentially nonexistent. Showing their love for each other in these scenes would make the story even more tragic, imo.
I’m not sure if the narrator is unreliable because she was unaware/repressed the truth. The last quarter being “up to the reader’s interpretation” was daunting but it was pretty cut & dry to me, little to interpretation.
The twists and turns were as I expected but that didn’t prevent the heartbreak. The despair, depression and suicidal ideations were prevalent from beginning to end. This story was a borderline zombie love story. It’s about two dead souls (physically and metaphorically) trapped earth side, in a war and soulmates until the end. I truly felt like the characters were the walking dead, hopelessly yearning for stolen moments of happiness and more time.
The writing is poetic and beautiful. At times I wanted more feelings, more showing and less telling. But it somehow fits the character POVs because of their souls.
The beginning was a little drawn out. Coming in at 1,700 pages, the story could be edited to move the starting plot along quicker. The mind talking in the jail cell could’ve better shown their need for each other.
While there was intimacy, the spice level was essentially nonexistent. Showing their love for each other in these scenes would make the story even more tragic, imo.
I’m not sure if the narrator is unreliable because she was unaware/repressed the truth. The last quarter being “up to the reader’s interpretation” was daunting but it was pretty cut & dry to me, little to interpretation.
January 13, 2025
These Selfish Vows by Heavenly Dew
Imprisoned in Azkaban, Hermione strikes a dangerous deal with the Death Eater in the next cell: one question a day, and no lies. While she seeks war secrets, he asks personal questions, almost as if he cares. Even after her escape, their bargain haunts her. Joining the Order’s Special Force to hunt Voldemort’s deadliest soldier, Hermione uncovers a truth she can no longer deny—the one who’s captured her heart is fighting for the enemy: Draco Malfoy.
WOW. This fic felt like a blend of The Auction and Manacled with a touch of Secrets and Masks—all the best elements rolled into one! 🖤 Fair warning: I did shed tears reading this fiction and it has a bittersweet HEA (which felt satisfying). 😭✨ Highly recommend! #Dramione #FicRec #MustRead
Imprisoned in Azkaban, Hermione strikes a dangerous deal with the Death Eater in the next cell: one question a day, and no lies. While she seeks war secrets, he asks personal questions, almost as if he cares. Even after her escape, their bargain haunts her. Joining the Order’s Special Force to hunt Voldemort’s deadliest soldier, Hermione uncovers a truth she can no longer deny—the one who’s captured her heart is fighting for the enemy: Draco Malfoy.
WOW. This fic felt like a blend of The Auction and Manacled with a touch of Secrets and Masks—all the best elements rolled into one! 🖤 Fair warning: I did shed tears reading this fiction and it has a bittersweet HEA (which felt satisfying). 😭✨ Highly recommend! #Dramione #FicRec #MustRead
January 24, 2026
2.5 ⭐️
Premise was intresting. This had GREAT potential and as a first time fic by the author it was a great attempt. Draco being the necromancer was a new take for sure. But it did not sit quite well with me. The soul was missing(no pun intended lol). I did not feel the chemistry between hermione and draco. The basic thing was almost half of this fic they did not really have any actual scenes together which dampen the spark for me. Even tho most of this book is about other things then Dramione relationship, i did not develope any attachment to side characters either. The only thing this had going on was good writing style and maybe because of that even tho i lost interest halfway through, I couldn’t stop reading this. And finished it.
Premise was intresting. This had GREAT potential and as a first time fic by the author it was a great attempt. Draco being the necromancer was a new take for sure. But it did not sit quite well with me. The soul was missing(no pun intended lol). I did not feel the chemistry between hermione and draco. The basic thing was almost half of this fic they did not really have any actual scenes together which dampen the spark for me. Even tho most of this book is about other things then Dramione relationship, i did not develope any attachment to side characters either. The only thing this had going on was good writing style and maybe because of that even tho i lost interest halfway through, I couldn’t stop reading this. And finished it.
November 13, 2024
I just love a good Dramione book. This ones a bit long but not in a Manacled way, that book was miles and miles long lol. Anyway, I love the book there were shocking events and heart clenching ones. I love the newfound family thing and I just love the love. I also love the fact that the romance wasn't that prolonged because I don't really like the slow-burn trope. This books is amazing, I just really hoped that Ron and Harry did not die and it wasn't just full of fighting and deaths but the book is what it is. It's good nonetheless!
April 16, 2025
In reality, 3.5 stars. Once I finished it I enjoyed it, but man did it take some time to get there. Definitely could’ve been condensed (literally no reason for Charlie, sorry Charlie). Some of the twists were a bit predictable to where I wasn’t 100% sure what I thought was happening was happening, but did in fact happen. Overall pretty good, a bit long, and Malfoy’s vibes were a little off
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 17, 2025Top-tier.
285,096 words. Almost 2000 pages.
Started at 9pm Friday night and read until 4 am. Continued throughout the day Saturday until I finished at 1am Sunday morning. My brain hurts. My heart hurts. I never want to read anything but dramione ever again. Love a dark fic with morally grey characters.
285,096 words. Almost 2000 pages.
Started at 9pm Friday night and read until 4 am. Continued throughout the day Saturday until I finished at 1am Sunday morning. My brain hurts. My heart hurts. I never want to read anything but dramione ever again. Love a dark fic with morally grey characters.
December 3, 2025
3,5
Leí una reseña que decía que este libro podría estar 15 capítulos más corto y estoy de acuerdo ,me gustó y plot twist me sorprendió pero hay cosas que no como dracoooo , odio a un draco cobarde y aquí nos dieron uno , los personajes me gustaron en general y la estigia me mantuvo cautiva , el final de me hizo realista
Leí una reseña que decía que este libro podría estar 15 capítulos más corto y estoy de acuerdo ,me gustó y plot twist me sorprendió pero hay cosas que no como dracoooo , odio a un draco cobarde y aquí nos dieron uno , los personajes me gustaron en general y la estigia me mantuvo cautiva , el final de me hizo realista
April 22, 2025
A beautiful love story full of angst and plot twists that were genuinely twisty! A vicious Hermione, a mean Draco and a main character Blaise is top tier fanfic.
My one downside is that it would have been better served with an ending like secrets and masks to really kick me in the stomach.
My one downside is that it would have been better served with an ending like secrets and masks to really kick me in the stomach.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
fav dhr fic🥰
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December 27, 2024an over-consuming gut wrenching beautiful love story
January 18, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
February 8, 2025
Uhhh this one was so good!! That ending 😭
Up there with Manacled for me 🥹
Up there with Manacled for me 🥹
February 13, 2025
one day i will move on from fanfiction but today is not that day
February 18, 2025
3.5/4⭐️
March 24, 2025
I wasn’t sure about this to start with and then suddenly I couldn’t put it down. Binged the whole thing in 2 days. Manacled levels of heartbreak
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April 5, 2025Sooooo good. So sad 😔💔 you could’ve ripped my heart out of my chest and it would’ve hurt less than this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews