|
|
Reviews For The Poor of God
The accident in potions class. You built up to it so well, the suspense was tremendous. Was Harry going to "get" it or not. That he brewed the difficult potion makes it so much worse, and such a potion. Poor Severus, beating up on himself. You keep him perfectly in character even as you humanize him. So much still remains under the surface yet the reader can know about it. Harry too stays low key, no hug fests going on but one sees how these two damaged people are going to be each other's salvation eventually. The simple "you too then?" was pitch perfect and said so much! Not a sentence is wasted in this chapter, from Severus' rambling about his and Hermione's actions over the potions to his guilt with Dumbledore...hmm, I am rambling now. I look forward to more. Arwen
It was a particularly moving chapter. Usually, with a very moving piece of writing, I enjoy re-reading it. In this case, it was also such a very disquieting chapter that I'm finding it difficult to bring myself to read it again (I will, though). Funny, when reading it the first time I found I couldn't put it down. But there is so much intense and unnerving exposure of Harry -- he's made so very vulnerable -- that I feel hesitant to want to experience it again. There's almost the feeling of trespassing on someone's privacy. Author's Response: Dear Wynnleaf: Yeah, it was definitely a weird experience. I only remember bits and pieces of it, but the stuff I do remember if---definitely weird. I...think Snape might have hugged me? Probably I just dreamed that. Um, don't tell Snape. Sincerely, Harry Potter
Re: your (well, Snape's) response to my last review, about Draco. I didn't really mean I thought he'd be part of this story. Not really room for him, is there? :) But just, in general, I'd be interested in reading your version, were you ever moved to write abot him. You know, after you finish *this* story. :) And responding to reviews in character is *brilliant*! Annette Author's Response: You know, I did start a story about Draco right about HBP that I never finished, but I have to admit Draco's never much captured my attention as a character. Probably because everybody else and their grandmothers seemed to be writing about him in over-glamorized and unrealistic ways. Still, since DH, the whole Malfoy family is a lot more interesting to me than they used to be, so who knows?
Harry, I wish I could take you home with me on days when Snape is busy or tired and give you everything you never had. If there's anything Snape isn't capbable of giving you himself, of course. Author's Response: Dear Kim: Um, that's really nice of you, but I'm a little worried that you're talking like you think me and Snape are going to live together from now one. Trust me, we're not, Snape would kill me if Dumbledore tried to make him do anything like that. Sincerely, Harry Potter
So, reading this was rather like walking along a very narrow path towards somewhere you really need to get to, with something nasty (alligators, maybe; or possibly blast-ended skrewts; or Dudley) on one side and a sheer drop on the other. You're pretty sure someone you'd rather not meet is behind you. And every now and then, someone lobs a firecracker at your head. But I mean that in a good way. :) The whole tone and pace of the piece reminds me of Victorian era ghost stories, like the ones by EF Benson, or MR James. There is almost nothing overtly horrible or grotesque, but the sense of unease, of something deeply *wrong* is pervasive, and ultimately more compelling than the bloody, violent excess of the modern era. Snape's reaction to Vernon Dursley's letter, hard upon his understanding of how deeply important his own letters have been to Harry, is well done. One of the more compelling aspects of his character is the struggle between rage and control, and that's in full display, here. And it is deeply touching that he trusts Dumbledore--despite his intimate knowledge of how manipulative the Headmaster can be--to protect him from his own worst impulses. It's a fine little snapshot of a complicated relationship. The conversation where Harry mistakes Snape for Sirius is telling, also, because it highlights what's probably the most hurtful reality of Harry's life. Everyone expects him to be something. Something particular, and often something he *can't control*. He's the Boy Who Lived, he's The Chosen One, he's the only hope against Voldemort. He's a Quidditch star and a Tri-Wizard Champion. He's a James-substitute, both for those who hated James and, perhaps even worse, for those who loved him. He's almost never just Harry, who's sixteen years old and has been valued just because he's inherently valuable as a unique human being, *just because he's Harry*, for only a 10th part of his life. My favorite line in the whole chapter: "Help me, Lily, he thinks desperately, as the boy shudders and dissolves in the circle of his arms." And I was so glad to see Luna at the end, and glad that Snape doesn't even try to send her away. I'm sure this chapter was hard for you to write. In many ways, it was hard for me to read. But worth it. Sincerely, Annette Author's Response: Dear Annette: You aren't the only one who's glad Luna showed up there in the end, I think Snape would have gone spare if he'd had to spend much more time alone with me blubbling all over him. 'Course, I'm not sure anyone could tell the difference between a Snape who'd gone nuts and Snape the way he usually is unless he suddenly started taking points off Slytherin. Anyway, thanks for your support. Nice to be loved for who I am. Not sure why a bunch of people I've never met seem to think they know who I am, but you're all really nice anyway. Sincerely, Harry Potter
Author's Response: Dear Pkrosche, I think you can still get your butt kicked even if you do a good job---everyone said I did a great job with the First Task, but I was pretty sore at the end anyway. Luna's pretty cool, I like her too. Sincerely, Harry Potter
Author's Response: Wow, thanks Keina! That's one of the nicest and...weirdest compliments I've ever had, putting me above bathroom breaks. Sincerely, Harry Potter
Your cunning has reaped magnificent reward. Color me impressed. I believe that would be vermillion, should you search your palette. As to what I truly loved about this chapter (aside from its length) I would have to say the humor, interposed throughout the angst. This line, for instance: "Snape sighs again; Harry begins to think he must be having trouble remembering to breathe regularly," shows that even in the midst of a truly tangled web, Harry, at least, can see the absurdity of their situation. Or maybe it's the hemorrhaging. I must admit, reading these reviews and especially Snape's snarky responses, has been half the fun of the chapter. Also, realizing there are others in the world who know words like amanuensis. Kudos. --Rachel Author's Response: Madam: I hardly need you to tell me that any young harridan capable of ensorceling me in such a way as compels me to answer correspondence on the subjct of my own painful personal affairs possesses qualities that would fit her for my House, always assuming I had not arranged for a mysterious accident to befall her within a week of her sorting. Your forbearance in the matter of pet names is much appreciated. Regards, S. Snape
Well, I enjoyed the chapter, thak you for a long one! I like the conversation in the end especially: "You too then?" he says sleepily. Snape's lip quirks in a faint, sad sort of smile. "Yes, Potter," he says. "Me too." Please update soon! Thank you! Author's Response: Madam: Indubitably, Mr Weasley is a Gryffindor. Whether that observation is a compliment or not, I've no doubt it will be received by such as him, and therefore you have made no enemies. I am glad someone derives pleasure from the notion of Potter being ensconced in my quarters for the forseeable future. Regards, S. Snape
I'm eagerly looking forward to the next installment. Keep up the good work. Author's Response: Madam: It would not be in the best of taste to describe precisely in what manner I reacted to reading Dursley's missive. Rest assured, the matter will be dealth with---decisively. Regards, Severus Snape |
|
Powered by eFiction 3.5 |