Unsorted!
The summer after 5th year, Death Eaters find Harry abandoned in the Dursley house and bring him to Voldemort. Will one particular Death Eater give up his position and his hate to save his enemy's child? Eventual Snape mentors Harry fic.
Takes Place: 6th summer
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Snape flavour: None
Tags: Alternate Universe
Categories: Parental Snape > Guardian Snape, Teacher Snape > Trusted Mentor Snape
Membership status: Member
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Reviews by wynnleaf
Rated: 16+
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Warnings: Abusive Dursleys, Neglect, Profanity, Rape, Torture, Violence
Chapters: 43 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 05 Nov 2007 / 23 Jul 2007
Series: Walk the Shadows - Challenges: None
Chapters: 43 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 05 Nov 2007 / 23 Jul 2007
Series: Walk the Shadows - Challenges: None
| Title: Chapter 24: Chapter 24 | 28 Aug 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- Even at this point Snape can't admit that Harry is any more than some sort of responsibility or duty, albeit a rather personal responsibility and duty. He can't yet admit that he has any personal concern for Harry. But even so he goes further than Harry has felt for others. If Dumbledore is right and it's our choices that define us, Snape's choices to protect Harry have exhibited a lot more concern than the choices of others.
| Title: Chapter 26: Chapter 26 | 04 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- Very strong writing. Yes, and cathartic for the reader as well, as I feel we've been waiting for a moment like this.
I'm very interested to see how Harry reacts around others, especially coming off of such an episode. Even more, I'm interested to see how the rest of the staff -- and Lupin if he's there - react to Harry and to Snape. I don't suppose anyone other than Dumbledore has much comprehension of what went on, or what's currently taking place in the dungeons, but several at least must realize something really awful happened to Harry..
| Title: Chapter 27: Chapter 27 | 06 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- I expected Harry to have a difficult time visiting Remus, but didn't expect it to end like that. But Harry's accusation made sense. It's probably good for Harry to be able to say that kind of thing at last.
| Title: Chapter 28: Chapter 28 | 07 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- I was half expecting Lupin to try and get more information out of Snape about what Harry had been through. I'm glad he didn't try that. And Snape's protesting to Lupin that he didn't *care* for Harry was almost funny. Sort of methinks he "doth protest too much" you know?
| Title: Chapter 29: Chapter 29 | 11 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- I was sure something would happen on the visit to Diagon Alley, but didn't necessarily expect it would be this bad. Lucius won't recognize Harry, but he'll think Snape is Remus and might guess about Harry. After all -- Lupin with strange boy? Or maybe not. Anyway, I do hope you're able to get the next chapter out ASAP!
| Title: Chapter 30: Chapter 30 | 12 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- Another great chapter. Thanks for not making us wait long for the update. I do think this is my favorite of your stories.
At least Harry was able to stand up to Lucius, even if he did have quite a reaction to it afterward. And yes, attempting to kill Lucius wasn't a good idea at that point, but I was pleased to see that Harry wanted to fight back, not just retreat inward.
Snape is clearly having a difficult time at this point. Having to go off by himself and recover for a few minutes, at a point where he already had evidence that Harry was going to have some sort of episode, shows us just how hard this is on Snape.
As usual, I love the subtle things you do, even in the midst of actions sequences, that convey so much. The scent of Lucius cologne was one, as was Snape's difficulty dealing with the aftermath.
I have to admit, this particular crisis at this point in the story had surprised me. I guess I was thinking you were moving to greater healing with smaller crisis episodes. The meeting with Lucius (which I did expect ultimately) happened earlier than I'd thought and therefore -- naturally -- was more difficult for Harry to take.
Excellent writing.
| Title: Chapter 31: Chapter 31 | 15 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- I just noticed I hadn't reviewed. This was a particularly good chapter, for all that it's quiet. Even though Harry doesn't seem to be ready to get back into classes, at least we see him recovering a bit from his confrontation with Lucius. And he's able to write about it, even if he has to stop and give way to his emotions for awhile.
I like Madam Phineas. Numerous times writers make Ministry officials, even the child services types, to be either clueless, or too officious, or have all sorts of hidden agendas. Harry needed someone he could trust enough to open up to a bit and your Madam Phineas is believable as that person.
| Title: Chapter 32: Chapter 32 | 19 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- I can understand Harry's pain, and his intense desire to *make* Dumbledore acknowledge it all, especially because he partly blames Dumbledore. And certainly, Dumbledore is partly to blame, and he's not really understanding Harry.
But of course Harry can't lash out with all the power of magic simply because he wants so desperately to make Dumbledore "get" it.
One thing I thought about after DH is that Dumbledore is the leader and he has to make tough decisions, but he seems to me to be removed from the actual effects of his orders. For instance, he helps to plan things Snape will do, but doesn't have to personally face the reality of watching a person he knows, who is trusting him, tortured right in front of him (I'm actually think DH here). I think canon Dumbledore would have been a better leader, perhaps more understanding of those under him, if he'd had to deal with the cruel realities face to face a bit more, rather than just from behind his desk. There's reasons why commanding officers have to experience real war before they get some of those commanding positions. My point is that even though Harry's action was very dangerous and shows how far he has to go, Dumbledore may ultimately be better off for having experienced Harry's memories.
| Title: Chapter 33: Chapter 33 | 20 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- Excellent decision to bring in Minerva to talk with Albus. I really think that helped bring out his sort of "epiphany" about Harry, much better than it he'd been talking to Snape. For Dumbledore to tell Minerva worked quite well and we get to see her taking it in, too.
Superb chapter.
| Title: Chapter 34: Chapter 34 | 23 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: wynnleaf (Signed) |
- Good chapter. I particularly liked Snape starting to wonder if he's competing with the dead Sirius for Harry's affections, and wanting to be clear to Harry that he is *not* trying to "replace" Sirius. And then Harry commenting that Sirius was perhaps not as committed to Harry's wellbeing as Snape is. Very insightful exchange, as regards what it brings out about both of the characters.