loved this

thank you

it's too bad there wasn't any way to say objection witness for the defense (snape) is known to have a pattern of behavior indicating prejudice against the client, including years of verbal abuse in the classroom

why didn't they ask his fucking head of house??

i know why

dumbledore knew snape would paint a picture of harry as irresponsible and reckless and needing strict discipline for his own fucking good in a way that minerva mcgonagall would never stand for

i wonder what mcgonagall thinks of what dumbledore is doing

imagine how mad silver is going to be at the secretary when he eventually finds out that she turned HARRY POTTER away

This fic was incredible. My heart was utterly broken after Harry's trial did not go his way. I was upset with Dumbledore. I was upset with Podmore, who I thought I liked, and then despite being made at Snape I found myself hopeful things would be okay when he said he was going to take Harry.

Then for a good long while any time Snape and Harry had a disagreement or when Dumbledore tried to dote on Harry and Harry would think it was only because he had to I was struck with another paralyzing bout of heartache and tears because no child should ever feel that way. It just felt so unjust. Dumbledore wasn't understanding Harry's need to be reassured that he was loved. Snape was expecting the worst and being an absolute dick about it. Gosh. Harry having those two shirts from the Quidditch Expo and then Snape making him feel bad just tore me up. I had to cry and stare at a ceiling for a while to recompose myself. I was so upset. I was glad he and Dumbledore had a serious talk about the Quidditch Expo to set both of them on a better path. I don't know what I would have done if that had continued for much longer. The trip to the Alleys was much needed.

As it continued into the school year with the dementors I loved seeing the differences from the book, like the thestrals instead of hippogriffs. I'm a glutton for hurt/comfort so all of Harry's contact with the dementors and him having tough lessons with Lupin was such a great tool for getting Harry to get close to Snape. I was waiting, and waiting, and waiting for the hug and when it finally came after the citations I was just, ahh 😆, so pleased. What a relief. And then as Silver said they'd been preparing for decades or more for this eventuality I was finally feeling lighter because it felt like there would be justice for Harry and for the fae folk.

Harry running away from school because of the adoption suggestion was a surprise and I was so sure Sirius would be at the house, so when he wasn't there,  I felt just as disappointed as Harry. It was a relief when Albus turned up and guessed the password. I was so happy for another actual hug from Snape when the returned and that McGonogall was there too. I do not often get so invested in OCs but all of these characters were so well written and incorporated. All the legalese and business dealings felt very real as well, though I have no idea on the accuracy, nor do I truly think it matters. This version of Harry was very compelling and had me reading into the early hours of the morning three nights in a row. Incredible story!

Oh! And random but my favorite line was from a few chapters back when Snape quoted the legal piece of paper Podmore had given him about not being able to keep him from work or educational opportunities. That had me rolling for a good minute because it was absolutely something he would remember and bring back up. Thank you so much for this absolute joy of a story.