OMG, I'm absolutely stunned. What did I do to deserve such a perfect, gorgeous, brilliant, fantabulous gift? Thank you so much, mystery author! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Spoilers ahead. Highlight if you want to read: *So, where do I start? First of all, the way you described Ginny's breaking up with Harry, the normality of it all, the greyness of their world (and the peculiarities of their past love life *g*). I loved how it led Harry on a journey to Simon Harrington-Croft's (wonderful name) bookstore to the circus. Harry in a bookstore is just so odd, and his reading of Faust leading him to the circus where he's granted a second life, how perfect is that?
I loved that the alternate reality wasn't perfect, and how Harry had to find his way first. Regulus and Remus, the apothecary, Crane - with all the little details and the backstories you managed to bring everything to life. What a fantastic world. Eileen's sacrifice, what a heart-breaking story, brilliantly told.
The sex. Snape's prick (you know me very well!), the urgency, Snape's possessiveness, the fact that it isn't all roses afterwards - perfection. Harry in the cave, Trelawney's Haruspicy - Your talent to combine spooky elements with humour and romance, wow, just wow.
And then the ending. Me (even if "me" looks better than I *g*) getting an autographed copy of Snape's memoirs - how absolutely wonderful is that! *hugs*
And then all the wonderful banter. Draco and Mr Fuzzems, I love them. I simply have to quote:
"Let's have the bear back, Draco," Regulus said, extending a hand. "Before Teddy notices it missing."
Draco tossed the bear over to Regulus, pouting. "Bareback? Where have I heard that before?"
"What do you call the thing between the dick and the arsehole?"
Snape's glance shifted from Draco to Harry. "The coffee table."
"Out," Harry replied snidely. "What's it matter to you?"
"My cock's not going to suck itself."
Harry shoved Mr Fuzzems at Snape. "This'll keep you busy."
Mr Fuzzems, who had taken up residence on the pillow beside Snape, was batted off the bed with a vicious backhand. It growled at Snape before waddling off on stubby legs in pursuit of its rolling eye.
This was absolutely perfect! So much love! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥