Failsafe

by Hypothetically

Professor McGonagall didn’t know that Hogwarts had a Failsafe. The Spell she used to protect the students triggered the castle to protect itself. It’s been creating labyrinths. Some of the loved ones of the missing ventured in, never to be seen again. It’s like they never left. Draco Lucius Malfoy, the verdict alteration comes with a stipulation that you must return for the rehabilitation of Hogwarts.

Genres: Fan Fiction

307 pages, AO3 story

Published March 16, 2024

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had so much potential and I was disappointed overall. I understood what she was trying to do with the story, but for me it just missed the mark everytime. Draco’s “reconciliation” with the Gryffindors doesn’t really seem like the epiphany it’s set up to be because they’ve already accepted and forgiven him so those chapters end up being more like “Draco has an honest conversation with someone for once while they navigate major peril” and wasn’t as compelling as it could be (that being said, his journey with Harry was heartbreaking). The Dramione is pretty weak overall and I dont buy a HEA after zero relationship development beyond admitting that they fell in love with each other after staring at each other for years? It felt rushed - I think part of the issue is the short length - has the potential to be something great (think On the Nature, S&M, Marked) but would love to see this reworked and lengthened.

[Natalie Billman · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I felt like nothing was really happening to move the story forward and then all of sudden everything was happening all at once but none of it made sense.

[Florence Riki · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75⭐
Look, I was very like patient. Like I was okay with the romance being a sub-plot, but like there was literally nothing for me to grasp. Also what was that ending, and yes the author did say that the ending wasn't suppose to be like with marriage and baby's. Forget that, the ending didn't even have them two together have a moment😭. But overall I did like the plot and it was enjoyable, but it was missing some aspects.

[Kaitlyn Hoyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo good! LITERAL PLOT TWIST!!!! Just wanted MORRRREEE!!!!

[Yamanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars WAW

[Erin Schaefer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actually DNFing for now at approximately 30%. the writing just feels repetitive and non-linear. Almost like reading in a fever dream, but I have read it in segmented and separated sessions of spare time so I hope to give it more attention again later.

[Tuva · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was way more emotional that I thought. I did not know it was going to get that serious. 😳The writing was beautiful, and I loved all the little details that made sense when you got to the end of the book.

I liked how it was Draco’s story, and especially his growth as a person (somewhat outside of Hermione). At times, I was a little bored with his perspective, but that’s normal.

The first part of the story was very good. It was well written and the first chapter brought you right into the story. I liked the first “hogwarts attack” with ginny. The second with Harry had me less interested. It was just a little too confusing, however it was emotional when Lily showing up.

When it was Ron’s turn I was a little bit more bored. At first, I thought it was going to be a thing where Draco had a “Hogwarts attack” with every character, but thankfully, that wasn’t the case.

When Ron died I was SHOCKED. I went back to the tags of the book because I know I checked it before reading so there wasn’t any tags about death. When I saw the “near death experience”-tag I lost it. What do you mean, near death?!!! It already happened😭

Anyways, the plot twist was amazing. During the last hundred pages I was at the edge of my seat. I was stressed. I’m so happy how it ended though, with them saving Fred (🥲) and Pansy (when Draco realised she died, I cried).

When I read that Adrian Pucey was a part of the Hogwarts team, I was a little bit suspicious of him. But, even though, I expected him being bad, I am glad that the motive was not at its core evil, but rather due to grief. And I did not expect that.

[Hannah Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so intrigued by this premise and was very let down. The story was so interesting at times and confusing at others. It was so descriptive that I would forget what was happening mid description, maybe that was in purpose, for the way the story ended. I, however, hated how friendly the trio was to Draco and how there was no build up it was just kinda insta love with hermione. I liked how Dramione wasn’t the main theme but also when Dramione was on the page I felt no chemistry at all. For once I was thinking “why did I ever think they would be good together??” I hope the author may come back to the story and rewrite it a little. It is such a good plot and it can be done so well but instead it was confusing, repetitive, rushed and things weren’t explained well at times.

[Charlie James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was apprehensive about this fic as normally the fics i read are entirely based on draco and hermione falling in love but wow this fic was so much more than that!
It actually focused very little on them falling in love and instead was all about Draco and how the choices he makes affect him and everyone around him.

A great read with LOTS of twists and turns!
it gets 4/5 stars because I would’ve like a little more Dramione.

[Paulina Rodriguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pues no me gustó, la historia en general es buena, tiene buenos momentos, pero la escritura es lo que me generó desesperación. Siento que la autora quizo sacar su R. Martin interno y comenzar a describir ABSOLUTAMENTE TODO lo que iba pasando de forma muy meticulosa.

[Abs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this could have been really good…
The premise was there but it really lacked the dramione aspect of it, i was grabbing onto ANYTHING dramione at some points. The plots were good but some of it was long winded and kept going on and on and i got bored. :(

[Paulina Zelikowicz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is there such a thing as too much detail or too many adjectives? I pushed trough this and I’ll just say… it’s not what I expected. (I will, however, recognize the majestic and painful plot twist about PP)

[Zahira⚡️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Those plot twists were insaneeeeeee!

[Nevada Acheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this got me out of a long reading slump I enjoyed how fast paced it was and suspenseful

[liya · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ | first 60% was really good..also where is stopped reading it and I don't know why and also can't get myself to continue.

[Alana Reeder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't know what I was getting into originally with this fic, and it was a journey. the ending and twists back to the tale were truly well done

[Marizelle]

It was okay

[Tracy Yakey]

Draco is brought to Hogwarts Castle as part of a rehabilitation team as his pardon. Hogwarts is now steeped in dark magic after the battle and considered dangerous. The castle is haunted and nothing is as it seems!
-Draco POV/redemption story
-more of a “Draco based” thriller than a Dramione , but there is one spicy scene between them

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

(99k words)