Can we talk about The Auction?

Spoilers.

First off, overall, I really liked it. I didn’t read any of the authors’ other stories because I like the Voldemort wins AU. I spent all day reading The Auction. I was on the edge of my seat after Hermione threw Draco the portkey, and I put off doing things I needed to do (laundry) in order to finish reading. It was so compelling! I loved reading about Hermione convincing people she wasn’t crazy/experiencing Stockholm syndrome, working with Neville and Oliver, and finally at the trial. I couldn’t wait for Draco to come back and for them to have a whole chapter as reunited lovers not hiding anything, with nothing to fear…except that didn’t happen, and I was left feeling disappointed. They don’t even kiss!

I was prepared for Draco to face his trial, and let them all know that Hermione could not be experiencing Stockholm syndrome because she never said she loved him. I thought that was the point in him suppressing her words with kisses all the time. But…I guess not? I thought that would be the big reveal. Am I just too blind and need it more spelled out?

I was also confused by Hermione being adopted by Lucius, did I miss something? Why was that ultimately important?

I’m not trying to bash the story, like I said, overall I loved it! Hooked me from the beginning, but I would like to know if people feel the same way. I’d love to open up some discussion about the fic.

Is the ending more satisfying if you’ve read the other Right/Wrong fics?