I loved the description of an Auror in peace time. Also, the glimpses of the young Shacklebolt and then his later appearances. I said that I like canon, and I really appreciate the way that you showed so many important canon moments from another side. The conversation with Fisher was great. I wonder if this was a turning point for Rufus in his feeling/hopes.
Again, the conversations at the pub were wonderful. That you had them talk about such a range of things, reconnect with themselves, and revisit the past seemed very genuine. I also loved the scene where Rufus loses his cool and then Moody's "Dont panic" awwwwwww. :)
Thank you for a moving and complex story. I'll admit that the graphic violence was hard for me to read, but this is about war, after all. The depth of the characters and their arc was very compelling and well done. And the ending, guh, well, well done.