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Something Beautiful In Return
243 pages, ebook
Published August 10, 2018
15 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 27, 2022
✅ Characters
✅ Healing journey
✅ Spicy smut
✅ Cute romance
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅🆗 Plot
Another super cute Dramione romance. 😊
Hermione’s world comes crashing down around her when she walks in on Ron, who she’s been with for the past 6 years, cheating on her in his office. What makes it worse is when the gossip papers got hold of the story, when multiple other women came forward saying that they also had had sexual relationships with Ron, and when Hermione’s friends kept on smothering her and telling her that she was strong instead of letting her grieve. Because of all that, Hermione decides to escape and rent a small, isolated cottage. Little does she know that her new neighbor is none other than Draco, and he is very worried about Hermione’s state and very determined to help her get better.
In this fiction, Draco lives in his isolated house at the top of a cliff, he goes for daily runs on the beach, cooks for himself, and almost never uses magic in his home. It was different and nice to see him behave in such a normal and almost-muggle way. Hermione also needs a break from magic, so it gives this whole story an almost contemporary romance vibe. There is more magic involved in the second part, and all throughout the story, there are mentions of potions and spells, and Hermione still communicates through owls, so there are definitely hints of the wizarding world, but it’s much more subdued than in other fictions I’ve read.
This version of Draco has been in love with Hermione since Hogwarts, and has been hoping for a chance to earn her forgiveness and redeem himself in her eyes. It was so sweet to see him take care of her and be all casual and easygoing. None of the cold masks or maintaining the appearances. It was only the two of them in their little bubble, learning to spend time together and to be better together.
Draco, Pansy, and Blaise decided to open their own legit and 100% legal potion company after the war to try to show the world that they were not their parents and to give a better light to their family names. The way they all worked together and the way they accepted Hermione in their midst gave the story a little “found family” vibe at some point, but it was very subtle. I still loved seeing Blaise and Pansy being ready to defend Hermione any time she needed it.
Overall, this is a cute and sweet fiction about healing and finding happiness. It’s not really dark or angsty, it’s heartwarming and the time jumps in the last chapters allowed us to see how life went on for Hermione and Draco, kind of like a long epilogue.
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✅ Healing journey
✅ Spicy smut
✅ Cute romance
✅ Pace
✅ 2 POVs
✅🆗 Plot
Another super cute Dramione romance. 😊
Hermione’s world comes crashing down around her when she walks in on Ron, who she’s been with for the past 6 years, cheating on her in his office. What makes it worse is when the gossip papers got hold of the story, when multiple other women came forward saying that they also had had sexual relationships with Ron, and when Hermione’s friends kept on smothering her and telling her that she was strong instead of letting her grieve. Because of all that, Hermione decides to escape and rent a small, isolated cottage. Little does she know that her new neighbor is none other than Draco, and he is very worried about Hermione’s state and very determined to help her get better.
What happened to you? You used to be all nasty and sullen and broody."
"Is that what you prefer?"
"No," she said tilting her head, "I guess this is just unexpected. Different.
In this fiction, Draco lives in his isolated house at the top of a cliff, he goes for daily runs on the beach, cooks for himself, and almost never uses magic in his home. It was different and nice to see him behave in such a normal and almost-muggle way. Hermione also needs a break from magic, so it gives this whole story an almost contemporary romance vibe. There is more magic involved in the second part, and all throughout the story, there are mentions of potions and spells, and Hermione still communicates through owls, so there are definitely hints of the wizarding world, but it’s much more subdued than in other fictions I’ve read.
Get your arses down here!" Pansy hollered from two floors below. "Now!"
"They're going to hate you, you know that, right?"
"Yeah, I know. That's why you need to go first," Draco said making me laugh. "If they start aiming curses at me, they'll hit you instead."
I pressed my hand to his chest, "You need me to protect you, Malfoy?"
He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my fingers, "Always, Granger."
This version of Draco has been in love with Hermione since Hogwarts, and has been hoping for a chance to earn her forgiveness and redeem himself in her eyes. It was so sweet to see him take care of her and be all casual and easygoing. None of the cold masks or maintaining the appearances. It was only the two of them in their little bubble, learning to spend time together and to be better together.
I shrugged one shoulder, "Not really. But I've faced much worse than Ronald Weasley."
"Do you seriously think you're going down there alone?"
"Oh, that would never have happened." Blaise said stepping up beside me.
"Thank you, really, but I'm sure it will be fine. I mean, what's he going to do?"
"Against you?" Pansy called from her spot beside the elevator where she was waiting for us. "Probably weep with fear."
"Was there an office memo that I missed?" I asked looking between the three of them.
"You're family now, Granger." Blaise looped his arm around my shoulders and hugged me, "We take care of our own.
Draco, Pansy, and Blaise decided to open their own legit and 100% legal potion company after the war to try to show the world that they were not their parents and to give a better light to their family names. The way they all worked together and the way they accepted Hermione in their midst gave the story a little “found family” vibe at some point, but it was very subtle. I still loved seeing Blaise and Pansy being ready to defend Hermione any time she needed it.
Overall, this is a cute and sweet fiction about healing and finding happiness. It’s not really dark or angsty, it’s heartwarming and the time jumps in the last chapters allowed us to see how life went on for Hermione and Draco, kind of like a long epilogue.
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April 29, 2023
3.5 stars
SOME MINOR SPOILERS*
What I loved:
1, sex scenes were well written
2, Hermione's angst/turmoil at the beginning
3, Draco's love for Hermione especially when she is pregnant and has his baby (haven't read that in any other Dramione. Like the specific feelings of trying, being pregnant, birthing/joys of being parents. That had me feeling the feels)
4, Pansy and Blaise's characters were a nice addition. (would have loved more!)
What didn't like:
1, A lot of grammar errors. Words missing, wrong order, sentences that didn't make sense that I had to re-read
2, Passage of time was not laid out well so I had to stop and guess how long it had been. I get that this may have been intentional but having a friend be pregnant and then ready to pop by next chapter had me calculating, "okay 8-9 months has passed". Another got married when they just started dating in the previous chapter, " Okay ? 1 year minimum has passed" Oh and I would have like more of that married couple in this story as a side couple etc. Still made me stop and have to do some math. Especially when D and H started to get more serious about wanting a family and Imma all "wait didn't they just start going out?" Nope.
4,no angst. This left the book a bit boring but nice if you just want a soul scrubbing fanfic after the dark ones.
5, no character development of the two while they were becoming friends/neighbours. It was skipped over with a brief "3 weeks had passed" mentioned. Which brings me to..
6, This wasn't a slow burn. They were jumping each others bones pretty early in my calculation especially with the lack of relationship development laid out.
With a little more tweaks,grammar corrections and more specifics written, this could easily be a 5 star for me because so much of it was well done and I loved the concept/story line. Nice fic SMITHAND BARROWMAN. Thank you for taking the time to write it
SOME MINOR SPOILERS*
What I loved:
1, sex scenes were well written
2, Hermione's angst/turmoil at the beginning
3, Draco's love for Hermione especially when she is pregnant and has his baby (haven't read that in any other Dramione. Like the specific feelings of trying, being pregnant, birthing/joys of being parents. That had me feeling the feels)
4, Pansy and Blaise's characters were a nice addition. (would have loved more!)
What didn't like:
1, A lot of grammar errors. Words missing, wrong order, sentences that didn't make sense that I had to re-read
2, Passage of time was not laid out well so I had to stop and guess how long it had been. I get that this may have been intentional but having a friend be pregnant and then ready to pop by next chapter had me calculating, "okay 8-9 months has passed". Another got married when they just started dating in the previous chapter, " Okay ? 1 year minimum has passed" Oh and I would have like more of that married couple in this story as a side couple etc. Still made me stop and have to do some math. Especially when D and H started to get more serious about wanting a family and Imma all "wait didn't they just start going out?" Nope.
4,no angst. This left the book a bit boring but nice if you just want a soul scrubbing fanfic after the dark ones.
5, no character development of the two while they were becoming friends/neighbours. It was skipped over with a brief "3 weeks had passed" mentioned. Which brings me to..
6, This wasn't a slow burn. They were jumping each others bones pretty early in my calculation especially with the lack of relationship development laid out.
With a little more tweaks,grammar corrections and more specifics written, this could easily be a 5 star for me because so much of it was well done and I loved the concept/story line. Nice fic SMITHAND BARROWMAN. Thank you for taking the time to write it
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May 5, 2024DISCLAIMER: I love fan fiction and reading people’s work. I AM SO APPRECIATIVE of the author's time and effort they've put into this. I like to record my reading and opinions since I've read so much. This is my honest opinion but I appreciate the writer and their craft. I NEVER want to discourage someone from writing - so please don't listen to my silly little opinions. PLS don’t be mad at me.
ok this was NOTTT my cup of tea omg. i loved the premise of this but unfortunately this was just kind of all over the place. i don’t like when hermione is overly difficult and stubborn in illogical ways. i also thought draco was really sweet then kinda creepy with his obsession. also the 2 year time jump was so random!!! like what do you mean we just jumped? i felt like this wasn’t as emotionally deep as i would have liked. and the pacing was so weird - like i said 2 year time jump, then play by play of her birth??? like woah??!! also the random not uses of magic. i notice a lot of writers almost forget they have magic. like when her engagement ring didn’t fit on her finger and they didn’t use magic to fix it?? or explain why not?? also their daughters name???!!! charlotte abigail is so random plssss and i loveee the constellation name i always think it’s so cuteness. it definitely felt like a regular romance book and not really hermione/draco. so i hope this author can publish this as a stand alone novel but idk just not my fav/cup of tea
2 stars
ok this was NOTTT my cup of tea omg. i loved the premise of this but unfortunately this was just kind of all over the place. i don’t like when hermione is overly difficult and stubborn in illogical ways. i also thought draco was really sweet then kinda creepy with his obsession. also the 2 year time jump was so random!!! like what do you mean we just jumped? i felt like this wasn’t as emotionally deep as i would have liked. and the pacing was so weird - like i said 2 year time jump, then play by play of her birth??? like woah??!! also the random not uses of magic. i notice a lot of writers almost forget they have magic. like when her engagement ring didn’t fit on her finger and they didn’t use magic to fix it?? or explain why not?? also their daughters name???!!! charlotte abigail is so random plssss and i loveee the constellation name i always think it’s so cuteness. it definitely felt like a regular romance book and not really hermione/draco. so i hope this author can publish this as a stand alone novel but idk just not my fav/cup of tea
2 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 30, 2023
4.25 ⭐️ This was honestly so much better than I remembered!
It might be because I read this on the heels of The Auction and I was high on my Dramione addiction, but this didn't impress me as much the first time I read it.
Now as a reread, I've realised that I love pining Draco and broken-hearted Hermione. I loved that the last 20/25% of this fic felt like an extended epilogue. No dumb break-ups or questions about whether their relationship was first priority for them or not.
It's way spicier than I remembered it too! 🌶🌶🌶.5/5 at least! I loved everything second, really!
It might be because I read this on the heels of The Auction and I was high on my Dramione addiction, but this didn't impress me as much the first time I read it.
Now as a reread, I've realised that I love pining Draco and broken-hearted Hermione. I loved that the last 20/25% of this fic felt like an extended epilogue. No dumb break-ups or questions about whether their relationship was first priority for them or not.
It's way spicier than I remembered it too! 🌶🌶🌶.5/5 at least! I loved everything second, really!
September 29, 2021
I thought this was such a sweet story. It was fluffy, but it was about healing and finding something true in that process. SO cute! and so good!
May 30, 2022
This was so stinking cute! I loved it!
April 11, 2024
This came up in a Dramione Facebook group, after reading an unfinished work that was a little too dark I needed something romantic and fluffy!
After Hermione discovers Ron has cheated on her multiple times and the public won't leave her alone, she hides in a small cottage as far away from everyone as possible. She won't sleep, won't eat and the constant owls from her friends are driving her crazy.
Cue one tall, handsome individual with silver eyes going for a run along the beach in front of the cottage one day...none other than Draco Malfoy in Muggle running gear.
I love that Draco knows how to cook, leaving his old lifestyle behind was the best decision he could have made. The unlikely friendship grows over a few months and they somehow manage to hide their existence from the world.
They get sprung of course, the "I know what is going on here" looks among Harry, Ginny, Pansy and Blaise were incredibly funny no matter how loud the denials. The look of triumph on Ginny's face when they admit their feelings for each other was even funnier :)
The question is: what will the rest of the wizarding world say when the golden girl is in a relationship with one of the most notorious names?
A slow waltz at the Ministry ball was the perfect moment.
I really appreciated how protective Pansy and Blaise are of Hermione and Draco, the sense of family came through the pages well.
This book also covered the topic of pregnancy very well, the change in Hermione's thought processes around being a mother was more realistic than some previous takes at the theme. It was nice to read Draco's reaction to being a dad, the hope, terror and joy in one facial expression when the news was confirmed made me squeal. Don't let the icy exterior fool you- he is one doting parent and Merlin help anyone who makes his child cry.
A sweet, emotional story that was just what I needed.
After Hermione discovers Ron has cheated on her multiple times and the public won't leave her alone, she hides in a small cottage as far away from everyone as possible. She won't sleep, won't eat and the constant owls from her friends are driving her crazy.
Cue one tall, handsome individual with silver eyes going for a run along the beach in front of the cottage one day...none other than Draco Malfoy in Muggle running gear.
I love that Draco knows how to cook, leaving his old lifestyle behind was the best decision he could have made. The unlikely friendship grows over a few months and they somehow manage to hide their existence from the world.
They get sprung of course, the "I know what is going on here" looks among Harry, Ginny, Pansy and Blaise were incredibly funny no matter how loud the denials. The look of triumph on Ginny's face when they admit their feelings for each other was even funnier :)
The question is: what will the rest of the wizarding world say when the golden girl is in a relationship with one of the most notorious names?
A slow waltz at the Ministry ball was the perfect moment.
I really appreciated how protective Pansy and Blaise are of Hermione and Draco, the sense of family came through the pages well.
This book also covered the topic of pregnancy very well, the change in Hermione's thought processes around being a mother was more realistic than some previous takes at the theme. It was nice to read Draco's reaction to being a dad, the hope, terror and joy in one facial expression when the news was confirmed made me squeal. Don't let the icy exterior fool you- he is one doting parent and Merlin help anyone who makes his child cry.
A sweet, emotional story that was just what I needed.
January 18, 2023
3⭐️ After finding Ron cheating on her, Hermione retreats to an isolated cliff side cottage. While restabalizing herself after a big breakup, she realizes that the one person she’d never expect to help her heal, is her neighbor.
I liked the story but there were many things that didn’t sit right with me which caused the lower rating. Malfoy is the same Malfoy but he liked her all through school. And Hermione even liked him too? The weird part was how she got over that pretty easily. Malfoy seemed way too sweet for being the same Malfoy from school. All of their friends seemed to be fine with each other too with no problems or real bumps. They all hated each other growing up or at the very least said very damaging things!
The whole thing just seemed way too smooth for them supposedly having the same personalities from school. Even though it was a sweet ending, I found myself skimming.
**Warning: cheating**
Worth the read?: YES
Reread?: NO
Read if you like:
-Dramoine fanfic
-rivals to lovers
-slow burn
-no angst
I liked the story but there were many things that didn’t sit right with me which caused the lower rating. Malfoy is the same Malfoy but he liked her all through school. And Hermione even liked him too? The weird part was how she got over that pretty easily. Malfoy seemed way too sweet for being the same Malfoy from school. All of their friends seemed to be fine with each other too with no problems or real bumps. They all hated each other growing up or at the very least said very damaging things!
The whole thing just seemed way too smooth for them supposedly having the same personalities from school. Even though it was a sweet ending, I found myself skimming.
**Warning: cheating**
Worth the read?: YES
Reread?: NO
Read if you like:
-Dramoine fanfic
-rivals to lovers
-slow burn
-no angst
September 14, 2021
3 stars…
I have a weird relationship with this book. At first it wasn’t spicy at all and then all of a sudden it stopped being fade to black which is fine. Ron sucks… good. But there was little to no inner conflict for Draco or Hermione. There was no push and pull, practically no conflict at all. His mom was cool with it, the public was cool with it, even Ron only had one small outburst.
This was long and I didn’t feel like a lot happened and the pacing was very odd but it wasn’t bad 🤷♀️
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Didn’t feel a lot with this one. Kind of blah
I have a weird relationship with this book. At first it wasn’t spicy at all and then all of a sudden it stopped being fade to black which is fine. Ron sucks… good. But there was little to no inner conflict for Draco or Hermione. There was no push and pull, practically no conflict at all. His mom was cool with it, the public was cool with it, even Ron only had one small outburst.
This was long and I didn’t feel like a lot happened and the pacing was very odd but it wasn’t bad 🤷♀️
2/5 on spice. 1/5 on kink. 1/5 on tears. Didn’t feel a lot with this one. Kind of blah
April 6, 2023
Fluffy, funny, sweet, healing, multiple pov, the perfect fic to curl up with on a rainy day. If you’re a little tired of the sprawling, complicated AU fics, this is such a delight. It’s in its own small world for the majority of it, with the storyline and side characters adding just a little on the side to keep you reading.
March 22, 2024
3.5
Slump = fanfic. Honestly not mad at being back here. Fanfic and I are locked tf in.
This was very cute. Fluffy. Low stakes. Not as long winded as most fanfics which I love but all in all not super memorable. Focused a lot on hermonie and Draco’s relationship & growth which i liked but didn’t lend itself to be the most exciting thing ever.
Good not great.
Slump = fanfic. Honestly not mad at being back here. Fanfic and I are locked tf in.
This was very cute. Fluffy. Low stakes. Not as long winded as most fanfics which I love but all in all not super memorable. Focused a lot on hermonie and Draco’s relationship & growth which i liked but didn’t lend itself to be the most exciting thing ever.
Good not great.
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April 2, 2024Following proper fan fiction etiquette by not giving them ratings on Goodreads, but I really enjoyed this! I wish it would’ve had more of a slow burn because the romance moved very fast and it didn’t leave much room to be excited about the rest of the book, but I did enjoy a madly in love sweet version of Draco. This is a great book to catch a breath between heartbreaking fan fics.
October 5, 2024
I love the premise of the fic, and it held so much promise, but it needs heavy editing. Cutting down the superfluous descriptions and creating more tension between the main characters could push this fic from good to incredible. It was published in 2018, though, so I’d be curious to see how the author’s writing has evolved over the years. Will definitely give their other works a shot!
March 29, 2023
This will be shelved in fan fic comfort reads. I can't wait to read it again one day. Lovely doesn't do it justice. I was swept up in this story. It was the Draco of dreams , really. I loved, loved loved this story. Well done on all fronts <3
November 11, 2023
This book was truly a great read. I loved the storyline. It was a breath of fresh air in comparison to typical dramione stories. It was very sweet and had me smiling/it pulled on my heart strings in all the best ways.
January 20, 2025
Cutesy story but it was way too drawn out and the smut did not have to be that long and repetitive. HOWEVERRRR it was nice to read a story where Draco was actually a nice guy starting out and continued that throughout the book
September 8, 2025
The plot was a little jumpy, and I would’ve loved the story to be more drawn out but it was still pleasant!
And if Draco Malfoy asked me to live in a little cottage on the cliffs of wherever, well then who am I to say no?
And if Draco Malfoy asked me to live in a little cottage on the cliffs of wherever, well then who am I to say no?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2022
An okay Dramione fic
January 6, 2023
Weird jumps in the narrative at times, and after the 60% mark I started to wonder at the plot, but sweet and low stakes.
April 26, 2024
3.75
——————
660 pages total
(438 pages for main fic
222 pages for the added novellas that are separate fics)
——————
Super cute and sweet
——————
660 pages total
(438 pages for main fic
222 pages for the added novellas that are separate fics)
——————
Super cute and sweet
June 2, 2024
Hermione is perfect. Draco is perfect. Their life is perfect. Which made this fic perfectly boring.
September 14, 2024
I absolutely loved this one. I wish they had chosen a different partner than Ron for Hermione before Malfoy though. I still loved every word.
September 24, 2024
I really enjoyed the full circle moment at the end 😌
April 21, 2025
beautifully written. so stinking cute and fluffy
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July 27, 2025She’s cute, she’s healing, she’s a sweet ending. The end is a little too perfect and the conversations start to get long.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews