The culture of the magical world has always fascinated me, believing it would no doubt have layers of ritual far beyond the scrapes we had delivered by JKR. Luckily for me, there are exceptionally talented writers like yourself to fill in the gaps. And I’m not just talking of the many wonderful courtship and bonding rites and customs we’ve read of.
By exploring norms and cultural expectations, the mores of a society much of which is almost medieval, you’ve swept away some lovely layers, here, and I adore how well, how naturally you have done it. The writing is impeccable – as usual – and your pacing was choreographed wonderfully. But, hell, though it was adeptly done, you certainly put Harry through the wringer , didn’t you? Poor Harry! And us, because I was spouting ‘Aw’ all over the place while reading.
So why is it that with such richness in the whole, it was the last few paragraphs – that kiss -- that held me rapt and breathless? Well, I guess that’s because I’m a sucker for a promise of a happily ever after.