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songquake (songquake) wrote in hp_beholder,

Reposting because I really cannot stand that I f'd up the html.
So I've just re-read the fic, and yeah. I agree completely with the comments above about characterisation, the beauty of the language, the bluntness of the story. I also adore how things weren't magically (tee-hee) all perfect when Vernon left; it's a wonderful dose of realism in a fandom where (as in many fandoms) love usually conquers all, and easily. I also love how mischievous Hestia is—potioning Petunia and Vernon, making wry comments to herself and barely holding back her urge to prank them some more. I think she'd love the Weasley twins, and am sad that she had to spend the war in the Cottage with Petunia and Vernon rather than off dropping Dungbombs on suspected Death Eaters.

Warning: SPOILERS!!!

I finally have an hour or two to read this fic, and while I'm only a few hundred words in, I already have comments I fear forgetting!

"She might be able to get us a car," said Vernon, stopping dead by the fireplace and massaging his temple as if deep in thought. "If. Ah. We're civil."


Vernon threw up his hands, pulling away as Hestia massaged her throat. "Fine. FINE. I'll ignore this one, eh?" He pulled his snarl into a hideous grin, his eyebrows bristling. "For friendship's sake?"

For a moment, I thought maybe Vernon would see some sense and be less asshole-ish, but no. He's deliciously creepy. Very much Jekyll/Hyde, like so many abusive assholes are.

I wonder what the potion was that Hestia put in the tea? Petunia's reaction would make it seem like Pepper-Up, but I wouldn't think Hestia would want to invigorate Vernon at all!

"If there's one thing we're good at," said Petunia, "it's not being stupid."

Go, Petunia!

Mystery Author, I really must compliment you on your sly humor! I'm loving the plays on words and the ways in which you bring little details back in absurd and delightful ways!

"I had to be happy," she said, raising her eyes to the night sky. "It was for the best."

It's so very Petunia. And so sad. And strong. And unbelievably perfect, though I can barely believe Petunia is finally making a decision based on her own needs and happiness.

But then again, she's not stupid.

They carried on, side by side, entirely alone.

This is so sad, and so evocative in its simplicity. I love how you let the most profound of statements remain in simple, direct language, Mystery Author.

And the end—from Hestia's next career move to Petunia's calling her "Hetty" and writing a letter by quill (and presumably sending it by owl?), it was all wonderful.

I love how realistically this story plays out—how stop-and-go things are, how much is left unsaid because neither Hestia nor Petunia is given to taking major risks with her heart, how they're both so caught up in "doing the right thing" that neither is really happy, even though the end is very optimistic. The whole thing is so bittersweet, and so wonderful, and I LOVE that you spent serious time exploring these two characters FOR ME!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!