Harry Potter isn't the first person to get the plague, but he's dead within the week.
This might be my favourite opening line of the year. It hooks you right in the stomach and drags you along into the horror Millicent is facing, whether you want to go or not.
Harrowing's a good word for it, but hopeful too, and its unflinching nature reminds me of everything I love about rare pairings and rare characters - that while there's one kind of heroism that usually gets stories told about it, there are other kinds, some of which involves just keeping on keeping on and doing what needs to be done.
Wonderful work, Mystery Author. I love your Millicent, and I like to think that there are better things ahead for her and Hooch.