Oh, I love this so much. It’s such a beautiful, touching and wise story about Harry and Severus and about the importance of open, honest communication in a relationship. A truly valuable message, most convincingly presented with wonderful Snarry-specific details, and there’s even a fascinating bus tour to boot! Also, I’ve developed a huge fondness for “second chance” Snarry, and your story is a perfectly proportioned gem: just the right amount of hurt and comfort as well as romance and angst, a bit of humour in some of Severus’ inner thoughts, and a lovely, almost dreamlike, moment of magic. *happy sigh*
I especially liked that you made them share the responsibility for their problems, that they were both guilty for not expressing what was troubling them and equally clueless of what the other thought was obvious. I certainly wouldn’t have been able to pick a side even if I’d wanted to. Instead, my heart ached for both of them.
It was easy to understand why Harry ended up leaving, how he became bitter and resentful, thinking he wasn’t appreciated, always being the one taking the initiative and never hearing a word of encouragement. Similarly, it’s hard to accuse a man like Severus of fearing for the shoe to drop, of not wanting to jinx what they had and of suffering from the uncertainty he’s making worse by remaining silent. Their vicious circle was compellingly written, but I must admit I was glad it was already about to be broken when I learned about its existence. *applauds the structure of your story*
I enjoyed the natural pace and manner in which Severus and Harry’s story unravelled, then started to evolve. I loved all their conversations, the big revelations and their reactions to them, Severus’ bittersweet reminiscences and the thoughts that led him to Harry’s room on the last night of the tour. The other travellers were pleasantly unobtrusive, and the touristy things the group did and the attractions they visited (I’ve had a lot of fun googling them) provided a vivid, appealing backdrop to what was happening between Harry and Severus. And although I was never too worried about the outcome of their journey, it was very emotional to see Severus get a postcard this year. What a lovely ending!
This is the first time I’ve read a story that’s based on my prompt, and it’s been a thrilling experience. Just seeing the header was unaccountably exciting, then there was the anticipation and curiosity that turned into delighted satisfaction as soon as I started reading, realizing that this was going to be exquisite. I know that choosing a particular prompt has nothing to do with whoever submitted it, but nevertheless, thank you!