God, fabulous. There's a Fellini-esque sense of the macabre in the Circus, but the realities of its everyday life are comfortable and so very real. Harry in braids! And Snape. I could so plainly see him in the ring, gaining with kindness what no amount of force could wring from the snakes. Even without his voice, he commands respect from all. That you made it romantic amdist all this world-building and character work is marvelous--full of marvel.
Certainly going onto my favorites list. Incredible work. Lovely.