Femme... I saw this rec'd at crack_broom and started reading it last night. It haunted my dreams and when I finished it earlier today there's no quantifying the amount of tears shed. Even now, at least 12 hours later, the tears flow afresh as I try to make sense of how I feel and the way this story affected me.
Death, really, that's it, and the love of a parent for a child so strong that it can, for lack of a better word, conquer it. I know nothing of the mythology and 'real' story behind the world here, and at first the story seemed a bit heavy and dark, and I wondered whether I would be able to get through it. My doubts were cast aside with the telling of the tale, and really, I was riveted. I physically hurt when Al died, when Tobias died, and at the end, as I say, the tears still fall.
There was such a sense of urgency, and danger, and fear throughout this, especially with Harry being so out of his element, and the hesitant way in which he and Severus came together. Their first kiss was so desperate and powerful that I felt it as almost a physical blow when they separated, and then later, when they finally, finally had their chance at the real thing, OMG, just... yes. Juuuuuust yes. It was so visceral and urgent and perfect.
Really liked the cast of characters, too, and the way everyone had their part to play. There's so much to admire and rave about with this, but really, I'll probably need to re-read it many more times, especially when I need a good cry.
Oh, and the end........ the very end..... was perfect and wonderfully sad in a happy way.