I'm gutted. The realism of this story just never lets up, which I admire deeply, even as it rips my heart out. Yes, I am convinced by your vision of the post-war world, and of Draco's new place in it. His fear and shame, his awareness of the place he ought to occupy and doesn't, were so palpable. I had a real sense of how he has changed, and of how Snape hasn't changed a bit. That was the best part--how you refused to prettify Snape's motivations but instead let him stew in his dark impulses and desires. It added so much to the grit and authenticity of this story. Very impressive.
I'm gutted. The realism of this story just never lets up, which I admire deeply, even as it rips my heart out. Yes, I am convinced by your vision of the post-war world, and of Draco's new place in it. His fear and shame, his awareness of the place he ought to occupy and doesn't, were so palpable. I had a real sense of how he has changed, and of how Snape hasn't changed a bit. That was the best part--how you refused to prettify Snape's motivations but instead let him stew in his dark impulses and desires. It added so much to the grit and authenticity of this story. Very impressive.