Hurt/Comfort is a subgenre of fanfiction that is very often used in Snape mentors Harry stories, but in 'Walk the Shadows' you've used it particularly well. There are a couple of really powerful scenes in here that will stay with me for a long time, as Harry is trying to cope with what happened to him and Severus is looking to find a way to help Harry. Harry's hatred towards Snape as a defence mechanism is really well described.
| Title: Chapter 43
| 30 May 2013 5:22 am
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| Reviewer: bluejeans14 on LiveJournal (Anonymous)
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OK, so I managed to read one more chapter and you eased up on the awfulness, so I was able to finish this. And I'm glad. But sheesh girl, you really need to tone down or dilute the frequency of the unremitting pain and suffering and OMG the SCREAMING. Even without all the gory details (thank you), too much.
| Title: Chapter 37
| 30 May 2013 2:11 am
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| Reviewer: bluejeans14 on LiveJournal (Anonymous)
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I've been enjoying this story, zipping along in it. But I have to tell you that I don't know at this point if I can make myself finish it. It's just too much unremitting pain and helplessness for Harry, and I feel worn out by it. Screaming, pain, blood, more screaming... The prospect of continuing is not appealing. And now, from this chapter or the last, you've stacked the deck too much against him. I keep using the phrase "too much," and I wonder if you paced out the pain and horror enough, giving the reader enough respite in between. I'll see if I can force myself to continue, or if I give in to "I don't need this" feelings re my entertainment and relaxation.
I would have thought that Severus would encourage Harry to continue at Hogwarts like normal and say that Harry couldn't hide forever. Also, would the spell really be helpful in potions? Because it would turn superextremely dangerous if he did. I'm glad that Draco isn't a complete prat but I think this chapter left too many questions behind. Anyway, love the story and I can't wait to start on the sequel.
I'm glad that Ron has gotten over Severus turning good and I thought it was really amazing when HE was the one to stop Hermione from blurting out questions when Harry arrived. While this is amazing, and a very sweet end to a story, Harry will have to talk about what has happened sometime, won't he?
I love hearing what Harry is really thinking through his journal--which, I guess, is the point. I like that Severus is trying to be civil to Ron and Hermione and it seems like they just won't have it.
For some reason I had thought that Severus had already admitted to liking 'the boy.' I don't think Severus should be the one to tell Ron and Hermione what had happened just because it is something Harry may need to talk to them about. Also, why didn't Severus mention Draco as one of the tormentors? He better still come to Hogwarts (although, hopefully a little less evil now that Lucius is a squib and OMG I just realized that Voldemort turned on Lucius. Does this mean that he rejects Draco too? Will Draco have to switch sides? Don't I wish.)
Did Harry just cut Lucius' magic to shreds? He can't do magic anymore?! YES! Weird that Harry weakened the White Wizard with hate and pain but weakened the Dark Lord with love and hope. Just something to think about . . .
Man-Who-was-not-Dumbledore, Dumbledore-who-was-not-Dumbledore.How do you think of all of these new proper nouns? It's inspiring. It really is. Wouldn't Severus have felt the throbbing of the dark mark rather than having to unravel the bandage? "Multiple times of coming to consciousness in situations which were less than optimal had taught him not to make big movements or otherwise alert others to the fact that he was awake" I love this line, it both sad and funny that this is the first thing Harry thinks because it would be strange for any other child ever to think this but it's almost normal for Harry.
This chapter had the most amazing, ominous beginning. I especially loved that you mentioned that 'Dumbledore' poisoned Severus so casually. And it killed me that Harry was so close to realizing the truth at the end because'Dumbledore's' words didn't line up but then he went through the floo anyways.! Will Harry get himself out of this one? Because I keep thinking Severus will save him but I can't decide how yet. I hope Harry doesn't become too scarred by this encounter.
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