Because I evidently have a combined Tom/Minerva kink, I made myself wait before giving myself the pleasure of this story. (But the 27 papers are all graded now, and I [mostly] restrained my Snapian commenting tendencies.)
This story is one of those that is painfully wonderful to read (and I intend no oxymoron here). The "time" motif is inspired and frames the flashback perfectly. You always do such a fine job of presenting in-character kink: Tom's extreme need for control (and his ability to achieve it), his sadism, his infinite and even frightening patience; his charisma. Minerva's ever-working mind, her fascination with power and power struggles, her own abilities in terms of control (albeit of a different sort that Tom's -- hers is more an interest in holding down or subduing certain aspects of self.)
Then there's the intriguing connection, for both of them, between passion (of all kinds) and excess. This fabulous line in particular epitomizes that notion: Until Minerva drifted in and out of consciousness and climax like smoke curling from a guttered candle. Not only is it a great image and effective alliteration, but it also says a lot about her. For most people, I think, the pain would have outstripped the endorphins and arousal long before dawn -- but not for Minerva.
That's why the ending is such a killer. Snape's cameo sets it off so well, and then this line -- Minerva could hear the barest of whispers moving past her ear and time crumbled like graveyard dust -- well, it's exactly why I love your work. (Love the opening, too.)
Oh, and hot? -----O <---that's a picture of me, collapsed from hotness.
Thank you!! An excellent story, as usual. Tom/Minerva is such a compelling pairing, especially in your hands.
This story is one of those that is painfully wonderful to read (and I intend no oxymoron here). The "time" motif is inspired and frames the flashback perfectly. You always do such a fine job of presenting in-character kink: Tom's extreme need for control (and his ability to achieve it), his sadism, his infinite and even frightening patience; his charisma. Minerva's ever-working mind, her fascination with power and power struggles, her own abilities in terms of control (albeit of a different sort that Tom's -- hers is more an interest in holding down or subduing certain aspects of self.)
Then there's the intriguing connection, for both of them, between passion (of all kinds) and excess. This fabulous line in particular epitomizes that notion: Until Minerva drifted in and out of consciousness and climax like smoke curling from a guttered candle. Not only is it a great image and effective alliteration, but it also says a lot about her. For most people, I think, the pain would have outstripped the endorphins and arousal long before dawn -- but not for Minerva.
That's why the ending is such a killer. Snape's cameo sets it off so well, and then this line -- Minerva could hear the barest of whispers moving past her ear and time crumbled like graveyard dust -- well, it's exactly why I love your work. (Love the opening, too.)
Oh, and hot? -----O <---that's a picture of me, collapsed from hotness.
Thank you!! An excellent story, as usual. Tom/Minerva is such a compelling pairing, especially in your hands.