Name: Renacera (Signed) · Date: 13 Apr 2019 12:59 AM · For: After.

Hi Maggie!

This story was wonderful! I rarely read AUs, but I'm really glad I found this one. I really like the Rebuilding time period, and seeing a story directly after the final battle is rare.

I think you've done a wonderful job with Harry's characterization in this story. I really value stories that delve into the PTSD and trauma that the characters are facing after the war. People sometimes forget that they were children fighting that war, and the effects are probably monumentous for all of them. Harry's discomfort and guilt in this were so realistic to me.

The changes you've made in who survived the battle are great! It always crushed me that both Tonks and Lupin died. So I'm happy to see them alive here. :)  In a Rebuilding story I wrote, I saved Fred because I just couldn't cope with him being gone. If you continue this series, I'd love to keep reading and see who else lives/dies.

Finally, I just have to specifically compliment your ability to capture the emotions of this scene. I mentioned Harry's guilt and all, but I think the actual descriptions of the setting somehow also show the weight of what's happened and the difficulty everyone is going through after the battle.

Really well done!

Best,
Emily

Name: facingthenorthwind (Signed) · Date: 20 Jan 2019 01:58 AM · For: After.

Hello, I'm here for menagerie! I don't think I've ever read a fic set immediately post-DH, and wow, I love how you've approached this! Harry is, of course, so deeply scarred by what happened and a few hours' sleep isn't going to help at all -- I love that he keeps struggling with what's real and what's not. My fave bit so far is that you don't name the person who's hugging him -- that's how little he cares about it, how little attention he's paying, just going through the motions until it's over and he can leave. 

 

Even the bit that's happy is heartbreaking, possibly because I know in canon it doesn't happen -- he's so relieved to see Remus, and that hurts me in my heart place. But at least here Remus lives! (How could you give Remus the gift of life but not Fred or Colin? Rude.) He has so few certainties and things to cling to now that I'm glad he has a parental figure like Remus. 

 

The way you've characterised Remus here is so accurate to DH!Remus (who feels very different, imo, to POA!Remus, but that's a rant for another time :P ) -- he's trying to block Harry's view of the devastation feels VERY like the way he turns up at Grimmauld before they set off on the camping trip, just kind of blatantly ignoring all the consequences that would come from that decision. As does the absurdity of telling Teddy the good news -- I kind of wish Harry had given in and been cruel, but I GUESS it's a good thing he didn't.

 

A wonderful fic! 

Name: Dojh167 (Signed) · Date: 18 Aug 2018 12:28 AM · For: After.

Quodpot - match 2

 

I was just accidentally read a story showing Colin Creevey dying, and I am here to gladly accept your better AU please.

 

I don’t know if I’ve ever read any of your work before, but I can tell from just the first couple paragraph that you’re a good writer, and I’ll keep an eye out for more of your stories.

 

Part of me is like “Harry, why so sad” knowing that he didn’t lose as any people as in canon, but of course he went through something really difficult either way. At least this way he has Remus to be there for him <3

 

Whaaaat Colin is dead here too?? I want my money back.

 

I’m actually really surprised you left Fred dead. When I saw the concept for this story I assume he’d be saved for sure.

 

The exchange of Lupin offering to let Harry stay with them reminds me of the similar awkward exchange between Harry and Sirius in Prisoner of Azkaban (Is Sirius still dead? So many deaths to check).

 

There are all sorts of levels of heartbreaking here. How deeply Harry had wanted to live with the Weasleys. How much he feels like that is not an option now that Fred is dead.

 

Oh, and I see this is part of a series as well, though this is the only chapter up so far. I’m really curious what more you have planned. I may forgive you for keeping Colin dead so long as Lavender is alive.

 

Good luck with the rest of the story!

 

Sam.

Name: javu (Signed) · Date: 31 Jul 2018 11:11 AM · For: After.

I feel like you got Harry's voice, something I think a lot of authors struggle with. Keep it up! Are you going to write more?