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Bleak Manor
After Voldemort has risen to power, Draco finds himself in an uncomfortable situation.
"It was weakness that had made him choose her. And now he would suffer for it..."
"It was weakness that had made him choose her. And now he would suffer for it..."
349 pages, ebook
Published March 31, 2019
3 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 10, 2022
This wasn't what I was expecting.
I've seen this fic recommended many times and was warned to pay attention to the tags but I still wasn't prepared for it.
I love darker fics and the Voldemort Wins AU is one of my favorites, so I added this fic to the top of my tbr but I have to say I was left a bit disappointed.
Draco's character was a bit confusing.
I do belive that the author did a great job of portraying the characters to their canon counterparts and I do belive that they would behave in a similar fashion as displayed by the author.
Draco started of as a nice person. He was shocked by what he was witnessing and he felt sympathetic towards his old classmated, even though he expressed his dislike for most of them, he didn't wanted them to suffer the way they did.
When he bit on Hermione, he did it to save her from Goyle and the other Death Eaters. He had no malicious intentions for her and even avoided her at the Manor. However when he came into contact with her, he wasted no time in turn cruel to her. He enjoyed tormenting and humiliating her, showing no sign of the boy we met at the beginning of the story that wanted to save her.
I liked his character development and how he was blind at all the bad things that happened to his former classmates until he got was faced with it. I loved that he started question himself and his morality and wondered if he was one of the monsters.
The character development was written in a very realistic way and you can see the character crisis Draco is facing and how he is struggling with his urges. He has alot of relapses and takes advantage of his position, even when he knows that it's wrong.
It was interesting to see that his actions with his inner monologue didn't really matched.
He could see that she was cold and filthy and instead of letting her take a nice, hot bath, he told her to use his used bath water.
He was worried about Hermione being malnourished so he wanted her to eat better but he fed her in the most humiliating way possible.
He wanted to protect her from Pansy's torture but he ended up hurting her more.
Even though he had all the good intentions of protecting, he went in the worst way to do that. Trying to protect her from the abuse of others, he ended up beating and abusing her and even ended up enjoying it. I kind of wished that the story ended with him or Hermione dying.
Voldemort's World is a horror.
I was warned about how dark the story was and I read the tags yet I still wasn't prepared for all the violence and the gore.
Usually the Voldemort Wins Au's end with either the good side overthrowing him or dying .
Hermione's character is pretty much non existent in this story.
She is dealing with PTSD and tries to survive this new World order but other than screaming at Draco once, she doesn't do anything.
She blames Draco for being a coward and tells him that doing nothing is just as bad. She compares him to Voldemort and the other Death Eaters yet she is compliant to all his actions.
She never asks about her friends, she never tries to find a way out, she never tries to help anyone and she just looks on as her friends are being raped, tortured and hunted and killed.
Draco at least tries to help some of them but she doesn't even bat an eyelash, only focusing on her own misery.
What baffles me most about this fic is how it feels like an older one, yet it was only finished in 2019. The writing style and story structure remind me alot of the older stories and how they were written in comparison to the newer ones.
The story is 19 chapters long but it's very fast paced and reads more like a very long one shot.
Did enjoy it but I don't think I will ever reread it.
I've seen this fic recommended many times and was warned to pay attention to the tags but I still wasn't prepared for it.
I love darker fics and the Voldemort Wins AU is one of my favorites, so I added this fic to the top of my tbr but I have to say I was left a bit disappointed.
Draco's character was a bit confusing.
I do belive that the author did a great job of portraying the characters to their canon counterparts and I do belive that they would behave in a similar fashion as displayed by the author.
Draco started of as a nice person. He was shocked by what he was witnessing and he felt sympathetic towards his old classmated, even though he expressed his dislike for most of them, he didn't wanted them to suffer the way they did.
When he bit on Hermione, he did it to save her from Goyle and the other Death Eaters. He had no malicious intentions for her and even avoided her at the Manor. However when he came into contact with her, he wasted no time in turn cruel to her. He enjoyed tormenting and humiliating her, showing no sign of the boy we met at the beginning of the story that wanted to save her.
I liked his character development and how he was blind at all the bad things that happened to his former classmates until he got was faced with it. I loved that he started question himself and his morality and wondered if he was one of the monsters.
The character development was written in a very realistic way and you can see the character crisis Draco is facing and how he is struggling with his urges. He has alot of relapses and takes advantage of his position, even when he knows that it's wrong.
It was interesting to see that his actions with his inner monologue didn't really matched.
He could see that she was cold and filthy and instead of letting her take a nice, hot bath, he told her to use his used bath water.
He was worried about Hermione being malnourished so he wanted her to eat better but he fed her in the most humiliating way possible.
He wanted to protect her from Pansy's torture but he ended up hurting her more.
Even though he had all the good intentions of protecting, he went in the worst way to do that. Trying to protect her from the abuse of others, he ended up beating and abusing her and even ended up enjoying it. I kind of wished that the story ended with him or Hermione dying.
Voldemort's World is a horror.
I was warned about how dark the story was and I read the tags yet I still wasn't prepared for all the violence and the gore.
Usually the Voldemort Wins Au's end with either the good side overthrowing him or dying .
Hermione's character is pretty much non existent in this story.
She is dealing with PTSD and tries to survive this new World order but other than screaming at Draco once, she doesn't do anything.
She blames Draco for being a coward and tells him that doing nothing is just as bad. She compares him to Voldemort and the other Death Eaters yet she is compliant to all his actions.
She never asks about her friends, she never tries to find a way out, she never tries to help anyone and she just looks on as her friends are being raped, tortured and hunted and killed.
Draco at least tries to help some of them but she doesn't even bat an eyelash, only focusing on her own misery.
What baffles me most about this fic is how it feels like an older one, yet it was only finished in 2019. The writing style and story structure remind me alot of the older stories and how they were written in comparison to the newer ones.
The story is 19 chapters long but it's very fast paced and reads more like a very long one shot.
Did enjoy it but I don't think I will ever reread it.
March 5, 2024
I mean….
July 26, 2022
Man this is dark, like pitch-black dark, hence the tag. Characters are way out of character. Bad smut and no plot.
July 25, 2021
Its a little too smutty and dark for me so… yeah.
I liked the epilogue tho. Its not HAappy Ever After but a realistic open ending where they at least can hope for a better future. I still think that the amount of rape was TOO much. Like… come on. The book can be dark and not have explicit dub-com scenes every chapter.
Liked the Draco changing through out the story. And was interested in Ginnys side untiiiil she had THAT scene with Neville. Again, unnecessary.
So yeah. 4.5/10
I liked the epilogue tho. Its not HAappy Ever After but a realistic open ending where they at least can hope for a better future. I still think that the amount of rape was TOO much. Like… come on. The book can be dark and not have explicit dub-com scenes every chapter.
Liked the Draco changing through out the story. And was interested in Ginnys side untiiiil she had THAT scene with Neville. Again, unnecessary.
So yeah. 4.5/10
January 11, 2022
*Please mind the tags*
This story is extremely dark and has a lot of very out there moments, but that’s not what made me dislike this fic. The writing was terrible. Horrible things were happening, but this story didn’t make me feel anything for them. I felt no connection to Hermione or Draco the entire time.
This story is extremely dark and has a lot of very out there moments, but that’s not what made me dislike this fic. The writing was terrible. Horrible things were happening, but this story didn’t make me feel anything for them. I felt no connection to Hermione or Draco the entire time.
April 19, 2022
I'm honestly sad about the low rates, you read the tags, and read it and complain about how it's too dark? Well duh, the tags literally state how dark this read is going to be. I rate this a 10/10, I haven't read something like this in a long time.
February 18, 2025
Stumbled upon this fic on TikTok recs, it was there alongside Secrets & Masks and Manacled, so I had high hopes. I liked the style of writing immediately, as well as the idea and base for the fanfic. However, after reading through a few chapters, I got mildly disappointing with how it all turned out to be. The character of Draco is very childish, I guess he is how he should be canonically, but I read Dramione fanfics to avoid the canonical portrayal of Draco because he is actually annoying and, I'd say, dumb. I rapidly lost interest and any sympathy for him as narrator and as a character, and could not develop any feelings towards Hermione's character because of how bleak and strange it was. The smut scenes were just awful, too much of them and too much of explicit and disgusting descriptions that made me scroll through almost all of such scenes. I think it would be better for the fic to make use of the space that text taken up and replace it with actual character development, in order for the readers to develop some kind of feelings for the story. For me, personally, I couldn`t care less if they all live or die in the end just because of how fast the plot progressed. I did nor could not understand how and why Draco developed feelings for Hermione, as well as why she felt something back for him. I dont`t understand why so much violence happened to the other characters, if they all were left behind in the end by Hermione, who was suppose to never find rest until she saved at least one of her old friends. It was cruel for nothing. Left a bitter aftertaste.
July 13, 2025
I recognize that I’m not supposed to rate fanfiction but since I am giving this 5 stars, I think it’s ok this time.
I didn’t agree with the horribly low score given to this fic by Goodreads and wanted to counter it.
This short fic is very similar to The Auction in many ways.
Draco is the most depraved I have ever found him. The world they live in is gross. There is very dark, in my opinion sick, smut in it that is hard to get through but then I tried to imagine a world where Voldemort won and everyone is dead and realized it was essential to the world building. I wish Draco hadn’t participated but it is also part of the character building.
I liked Hermione in this one, not being so controlling or needy.
By the end, I tried to look up if it was HEA or not because I couldn’t fathom a happy path forward… but there was one. In a twist ending that I did not see coming or expect, the author gives Hermione and Draco a path forward (alive) where they can have a HEA in a sick, sick world.
I wrote this review so that others like myself - that aren’t sure if they can stomach this fic or not - can find a non-spoiling confirmation that as bleak and awful as the world is, there is a HEA at the end.
Be prepared to hate all of the Death Eaters and their families. There is no redemption arc for them.
I didn’t agree with the horribly low score given to this fic by Goodreads and wanted to counter it.
This short fic is very similar to The Auction in many ways.
Draco is the most depraved I have ever found him. The world they live in is gross. There is very dark, in my opinion sick, smut in it that is hard to get through but then I tried to imagine a world where Voldemort won and everyone is dead and realized it was essential to the world building. I wish Draco hadn’t participated but it is also part of the character building.
I liked Hermione in this one, not being so controlling or needy.
By the end, I tried to look up if it was HEA or not because I couldn’t fathom a happy path forward… but there was one. In a twist ending that I did not see coming or expect, the author gives Hermione and Draco a path forward (alive) where they can have a HEA in a sick, sick world.
I wrote this review so that others like myself - that aren’t sure if they can stomach this fic or not - can find a non-spoiling confirmation that as bleak and awful as the world is, there is a HEA at the end.
Be prepared to hate all of the Death Eaters and their families. There is no redemption arc for them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
2,75/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
Ero molto cosciente che fosse un'opera estremamente dark e così è stato. I trigger warning e i tag li ho letti tutti, ovviamente, e consiglio di fare lo stesso se volete intraprendere questa lettura disturbante. Avevo determinate aspettative per questa fanfiction e penso che non siano state soddisfatte del tutto. A partire dallo stile di scrittura, forse troppo banale, alla rappresentazione dei protagonisti, del tutto surreali, sono rimasta delusa rispetto a ciò che avevo sentito su varie recensioni. Per quanto riguarda il 'contenuto' in sè, c'è poco da dire: disturbante, schietto, inaspettato in certi punti. Il problema maggiore per me è stata la rappresentazione dei caratteri/comportamenti dei personaggi; è stata tutta una specie di forzatura per far accadere determinate cose. Non so, mi ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca, nonostante abbia un finale abbastanza positivo. Sicuramente una storia diversa dal solito, con tematiche che suscitano un certo disgusto e ribrezzo. Ho comunque apprezzato alcuni passaggi, compresa la parte finale (che non mi aspettavo affatto). Tutto sommato, ho apprezzato l'esperienza di lettura più che il libro in sè.
3/5 🌶️
Ero molto cosciente che fosse un'opera estremamente dark e così è stato. I trigger warning e i tag li ho letti tutti, ovviamente, e consiglio di fare lo stesso se volete intraprendere questa lettura disturbante. Avevo determinate aspettative per questa fanfiction e penso che non siano state soddisfatte del tutto. A partire dallo stile di scrittura, forse troppo banale, alla rappresentazione dei protagonisti, del tutto surreali, sono rimasta delusa rispetto a ciò che avevo sentito su varie recensioni. Per quanto riguarda il 'contenuto' in sè, c'è poco da dire: disturbante, schietto, inaspettato in certi punti. Il problema maggiore per me è stata la rappresentazione dei caratteri/comportamenti dei personaggi; è stata tutta una specie di forzatura per far accadere determinate cose. Non so, mi ha lasciato con l'amaro in bocca, nonostante abbia un finale abbastanza positivo. Sicuramente una storia diversa dal solito, con tematiche che suscitano un certo disgusto e ribrezzo. Ho comunque apprezzato alcuni passaggi, compresa la parte finale (che non mi aspettavo affatto). Tutto sommato, ho apprezzato l'esperienza di lettura più che il libro in sè.
September 4, 2023
Ugh. Where do I begin?
All of the characters are entirely OOC. Hermione is completely devoid of a personality and Draco is way too depraved. There is no reasonable explanation for why Draco and Hermione would fall for each other. They never talk about anything of substance and they don't know each other.
The characters feel very flat in general. I know it isn't a very long fic, but perhaps opt for less characters and more depth. None of the characters are likeable or relateable.
The plot borders on grotesque. I'm scarred by how this fic treats Luna and Parvati. Nor does the plot feel very credible.
I enjoy good smut, but the smut in this story was many times just revolting and rather felt like romantizing non-con.
I did not enjoy this fic at all and I wish I could erase the memory of it.
All of the characters are entirely OOC. Hermione is completely devoid of a personality and Draco is way too depraved. There is no reasonable explanation for why Draco and Hermione would fall for each other. They never talk about anything of substance and they don't know each other.
The characters feel very flat in general. I know it isn't a very long fic, but perhaps opt for less characters and more depth. None of the characters are likeable or relateable.
The plot borders on grotesque. I'm scarred by how this fic treats Luna and Parvati. Nor does the plot feel very credible.
I enjoy good smut, but the smut in this story was many times just revolting and rather felt like romantizing non-con.
I did not enjoy this fic at all and I wish I could erase the memory of it.
January 17, 2022
Voldemort wins AU. Very very dark. Mind the tags as they are many and its gruesome in parts. What happens when Draco falls in love with Hermione who is supposed to be his slave and he will do anything to protect her, even hurt her publicly. 💔 not a dead dove though, so there is that.
May 20, 2022
not the best idea i ever had :/ but tiktok made me read it so here i am :)
if u are into dark (which i am) twisted (which i am not) stuff then go for it…however, be aware there is a LOT of wierd/disturbing stuff present in this fic.
many said it and so will i: for love of god mind the tags
if u are into dark (which i am) twisted (which i am not) stuff then go for it…however, be aware there is a LOT of wierd/disturbing stuff present in this fic.
many said it and so will i: for love of god mind the tags
August 14, 2023
Suitably dark. Loved all the depravity, it's why I read it in the first place. Not rating it 5 stars because it would have been better in my opinion with a horrible ending to go with the horrible(and by that I mean great) rest of the fic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2022
Idk it was a bit much.
Read
August 30, 2023I had to know the ending
Voldemort wins AU
Characters are out of character
HEA? But twisted because it’s a dark fic
Voldemort wins AU
Characters are out of character
HEA? But twisted because it’s a dark fic
August 31, 2024
3.5 stars but torn on this one 🤔
January 8, 2025
this felt like the author one day woke up from a fever dream, and being in a manic episode they said to themselves “how about I write the most depraved fic ever?” the fuck.
January 5, 2022
Really good. Ending wasn't my cup of tea tho.
July 27, 2024
Dead dove, no not eat
December 14, 2024
I expected this to be darker and with a more toxic Draco, but I was pleasantly surprised by the way his character progressed. Hermione and he ended up in a more morally gray area. The writing was a little clunky and the ending wasn't very believable, but Draco's characterization and progression felt authentic.
I thought his coming to terms with his attraction to Hermione and his realizations about his family and the world Voldemort is creating were thoughtful and interesting. The author did a good job of showing Draco's initial interest in Hermione as more sinister. When Draco is first attracted to her, he likes that he has power over her. As he gains empathy and perspective, he realizes that he doesn't want to hurt or coerce Hermione. As Draco grows as a person, he realizes that his desire for her doesn't have to be based on dominance and non-consent. He can treat her with kindness and consideration and protect her and actually earn her affection that way.
It was a really interesting take on Draco that I've only seen a few times. He does some creepy and exploitative things early on, but actually stops himself before he does anything truly horrible. Based on his upbringing and his family's deep-rooted belief in purity and blood supremacy, it made sense to me that he would be confused and not know how to react to his developing feelings for Hermione in a healthy way. I think the author's portrayal of his move away from bigotry and changing views (and with it, changing behavior) was realistic and very interesting.
I thought his coming to terms with his attraction to Hermione and his realizations about his family and the world Voldemort is creating were thoughtful and interesting. The author did a good job of showing Draco's initial interest in Hermione as more sinister. When Draco is first attracted to her, he likes that he has power over her. As he gains empathy and perspective, he realizes that he doesn't want to hurt or coerce Hermione. As Draco grows as a person, he realizes that his desire for her doesn't have to be based on dominance and non-consent. He can treat her with kindness and consideration and protect her and actually earn her affection that way.
It was a really interesting take on Draco that I've only seen a few times. He does some creepy and exploitative things early on, but actually stops himself before he does anything truly horrible. Based on his upbringing and his family's deep-rooted belief in purity and blood supremacy, it made sense to me that he would be confused and not know how to react to his developing feelings for Hermione in a healthy way. I think the author's portrayal of his move away from bigotry and changing views (and with it, changing behavior) was realistic and very interesting.
did-not-finish
July 23, 2024Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2024
- 25%
- 25%
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