Fractured

Author's Welcome

Hello readers,

Welcome to the sequel of my Dramione story Broken!

If you haven't read that story already, it isn't required but might be helpful. If you want to pause here and hop on over to read it, go ahead. I hope to see you again soon!

I hadn't originally planned to write a sequel, but more than one fan of Broken asked about it and I couldn't bear to disappoint. Thank you for loving my story as much as I do! I was so touched (and surprised!) by the requests.

Broken was the first story I ever completed, and was also my very first Dramione fanfiction. With that in mind, I felt it was fitting that it would also be the first story I ever wrote a sequel for! On the same vein of 'firsts', writing Fractured is also the first time I ever completed NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writer's Month). Well, it was the Camp version in April, and there was some creative interpretations of my goals (i.e. I kept changing it). But still...technically I won!

When I started thinking about where I would take their story next, I knew immediately that it would focus on the next generation (especially Rose, Scorpius and Albus). I thought a lot about what that might look like, and where it could take place. After a lot of consideration, I decided to send them on a journey. I feel like Broken was, at its heart, a mental and emotional journey. Now it's time for a literal one.

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A few things to be aware of -

1. I will not be indulging in the popular Next-Gen ships of Scorose or Scorbus. As much as I love the idea of Scorbus, I love Dramione more. The events of Broken makes the boys step-cousins (ish). It would be too weird. Sorry! My reasons against Scorose should (hopefully) go without saying in this context.

2. This story largely takes place in Uganda. I've never been to Uganda, so I apologise in advance for any inaccuracies. I've tried to research thoroughly before writing, but the internet can only tell me so much. I mean no disrespect and I hope my research keeps me from falling too much into stereotyping and/or cultural insensitivity. If I have made any geographical/cultural errors, or any other faux pas...PLEASE let me know!

Thank you so much to ikechi1 for helping point me in a good direction on Ugandan culture, fashion, tribes, and music. I appreciate your assistance and your patience! Also, big shout-out to the Tumblr blog 'Writing with Color' and the Wattpad account talkthepoc. Both are a huge source of information about writing characters of colour.

3. I believe strongly in two approaches to writing - write what you know, and write what you come to know. Basically...write from experience, or do your research. However, both of these approaches have limitations. My ability to experience things is finite, and there's only so much you can learn from research. Sometimes you have to draw a line. I want you to be aware that I've made the conscious choice to draw that line in this story.

I'm writing this as a white British woman, with a majority of black or mixed race characters. I've thought about it a lot, and I don't feel it's appropriate for me to write about racism they experience. I'm not trying to say that racism wouldn't occur. It would be naive of me to try and play it off as 'there's no racism in the wizarding world'. I'm saying that I'm not the person to portray it. I'm choosing to be aware of my privilege and my limitations. I'm choosing to focus on different issues. It would have been easy for me to gloss over this point, but I think it's important to acknowledge it and make my reasoning clear.

If any reader feels that this is a mistake, PLEASE let me know. Equally, if you feel there's been misrepresentation with my characters - I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me!

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I hope you enjoy this story. It's been a lot of fun to develop, and I appreciate everyone's patience.

Constructive criticism and comments are always welcome!

Kind regards,

Charli