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Hi! Here on Melanie's recommendation to spread some love and kindness!
Okay, so I have to start with this: I absolutely love epistolary fiction, and so this first chapter has made me smile massively already. I thought you used the letter device so well to tell the story and keep us informed of how time is passing and the events that are unfolding, but it did so much more than that. I think what really struck me from the start was that your characterisation through these letters was so wonderful. It was immediately clear who was writing the letters and who they were to - your characterisation of both Sirius and Remus was so strong in this chapter that I don't think I'd have even needed the greetings and sign-offs to tell which letter was which.
It was so fascinating to read these letters which discussed events that take place in the books, but meant that we got to see them from an entirely different perspective. Reading the exchanges between Sirius and Remus on these events made me think about them really differently, and I loved the fact that we got to see Sirius's thoughts much more honestly when he communicated them to Remus than when he talks to Harry in the books, because he doesn't want to worry his godson. It was also really interesting to see the way that he actually questioned his sanity quite openly to Remus and wrote about the effect that Azkaban had had on him. I think a lot of people ignore that when they consider his character (and it's certainly not addressed properly in the books) but it makes sense he'd feel able to open up to his oldest friend (maybe more than friend?).
The friendship that you captured between the two of them was brilliant as well. I loved the way that they were both able to share old memories (I loved the detail about the Marauders Map and how they made it - I've always wondered about that!) and even little sentences that they repeated to each other showed so clearly how long they've been friends and how close they were, because they have an understanding that's on the same level. It was great to see that they were able to essentially pick up where they left off years ago, because the forgiveness and apologies had already gone before, and they're so grateful to have each other again. I'm looking forward to seeing that friendship grow as events go on.
(Also, slightly unrelated, but this has made me wonder why Harry never bothered to write to Remus, the poor man, who just gets stuck alone and isolated from society when he's not at Hogwarts. Remus looked out for him as much - if not more - than Sirius ever did. Come on, Harry!)
The tone of this by the end showed how serious events are becoming, and it's really interesting that both of them can clearly see the signs of war approaching again because they lived through it last time. Their contrasting attitudes and thoughts about the right way to deal with it were interesting to read and, I imagine, might cause more conflict in the future too!
I really enjoyed this, hopefully I'll get the chance to come back soon and read some more!
Sian :)
Hey there!
I'm here to drop off a review for the CDMC - Round 3 event! Congratulations on your nomination for the FROGs!
I loved this chapter so much! The way you expressed what was going on between Remus and Sirius was so beautiful and sad and tender and frustrating and just so many things! I love the ease with which they converse and the snarky banter that flies back and forth between them. It's really very endearing.
I absolutely adore the fact that Moony never really believed that Sirius betrayed James and Lily. The fact that he's so open about it in his letters makes me really love this version you've written. I never understand it when people write him as having believed Sirius guilty.
I also really liked seeing them reflect on their regrets in regards to past actions, to how they handled Peter, all of it. I think it makes sense that they would reflect and reminisce. You write it in a way that feels so very natural and easy. It seems just like I would imagine them writing.
The way they compared Harry, Ron, and Hermione to the Marauders was also really sweet. I can definitely see the parallels, although they're right that they are definitely their own people too. Either way, I love the affection that Remus and Sirius show towards them.
The epistolary format is one of my absolute favorite ways of writing a story and I think you used it perfectly here. It flowed nicely and it showed jumps in time really effectively. I'm excited to see if that continues on in further chapters.
Good job!
~Kaitlin
Hey there! :)
This got nominated for Best Romance for the FROGS this year, so I’m checking it out! I love a good epistolary fic, so upon opening chapter one and seeing that it’s a series of letters, I immediately fell in love with this story. This is such a unique, cool, fresh take on Remus x Sirius, and it’s done when they’re adults, too, to boot. The placement of this opening chapter (at least) as following the events of Prisoner of Azkaban and into Goblet of Fire from the perspectives of Sirius and Remus as these very outside and distant observers is actually really cool and I was very excited to see what all you mentioned in terms of canon information. You did such a great job with bringing in the relevant canon information, especially when it came to what Harry himself shared with Sirius in letters with him or what could be inferred from Rita Skeeter’s so-called “articles” on the Triwizard Tournament in the Daily Prophet. The constant jabs at her journalistic writing and integrity are great, by the way! They clearly have strong opinions about her work, along with strong opinions about the Ministry’s heavy involvement in the Triwizard Tournament especially considering the chaos of the Quidditch World Cup over the summer.
I think what my favorite part of this letter exchange is is the way that Remus and Sirius continue to invite the other for a drink or something similar, not caring to hide their feelings towards each other anymore, not at this stage in their lives nor after what they’ve seen. What makes this even more indicative of their relationship is all of the little quips and things that they both (Sirius, mostly) put into their letters, like the fetish bit. Those made me chuckle a lot while reading this, even though it does also cover some pretty heavy material at the same time. I also caught the dates of the October/beginning of November letters from the pair too, but if there were other important dates, I likely missed them. Regardless, I can tell how much thought you put into choosing how much time passes between each letter, but also what has happened in Harry’s life and around the world at the same time, so it all connects perfectly.
You’ve done a great job starting this, and I’ll be sure to come back for future chapters! :)
~Madi
CMDC Round 3
Hi! I’m here for CMDC Round 3 :D
Epistolary stories are so fun—and this is an interesting way to take a look at Sirius and Remus’s relationship. They know each other so well that they can each read between the lines whenever they send these letters back and forth. It seems very Sirius that, while he might start out trying to write things in code and be circumspect, he would soon drop that and just outright say what he thinks. I’m impressed that none of these letters were intercepted—it would have been bad for everyone.
I thought you did a nice job writing from each characters’ perspective. Moony sounded very much like himself—especially when he’s blaming himself for things that are not his fault. And Padfoot sounded very sure of himself and wore his feelings on his sleeve. I particularly liked when he was expressing his frustration (and displeasure) with Dumbledore for letting Harry participate in the Triwizard Tournament.
The end of the chapter with Moony warning Padfoot to stay out of harms way tugged at my heartstrings.
Nice work!
Yours,
Noelle
AN EPISTOLARY STORY, I AM SO DELIGHTED.
I really, really love your style of writing. It’s certainly stylized beyond colloquial speech, but not to the degree that it’s inconceivable that either Sirius or Remus could be writing these words, and that’s the kind of balance that I adore in these kinds of stories! I think this format of storytelling works so well, especially given the way you were able to showcase the sheer magical gift of your writing ability -- I found myself utterly enchanted by the occasional quirks of humor and the frequent sentences of such beauty and simplicity (for instance: “We're very good at this persevering business. Let's neither one of us forget it”).
The letter exchanges began so charmingly! It felt almost like Sirius was nervous and hesitant about sending off the first letter to Remus, so he made sure to begin with a shared anecdote to warm Remus’s heart (which I’m sure was not necessary, but it definitely warmed MY heart so I am grateful :P). How cute is it, though, that Sirius’s ridiculous attention span is still a subject of Remus’s teasing? How cute is it that Sirius called Remus “brilliant” every chance he gets? EXTREMELY HEARTWARMINGLY CUTE, THAT’S WHAT. I also loved the little bit of worldbuilding that you slipped in regarding owls and the Marauder’s Map!! I feel like you answered age-old questions that has plagued the HP fandom for ages, killing two birds with one stone; it never occurred to me that owls’ honing senses had a charm, or that the same thing could be applied to the Marauder’s Map! What a clever solution to that problem omg, I love it so much. <3
As the letters became longer and more tense, I felt my worry starting to rise. Even though I know what happens canonically, that they’re safe (for the time being), I CAN’T HELP BUT WORRY. You write Remus and Sirius’s anxieties too well (in the best of ways :P), so every time they fret about Harry, or try to play off their own struggles in these letters, I want to wail and clutch at my heart in the most dramatic of fashions haha. I don’t know how the remainder of this story will play out, whether it will be in an epistolary format throughout, but I really hope that they can meet sooner rather than later -- I hope they can soon reach a point when they no longer need to send each other letters!
Something that was very interesting was the tension regarding Dumbledore -- they both clearly do not like him that much. I feel like Sirius’s ‘erased’ parts of his letters were filled with ranting swears against Dumbledore, which I think is a fair sentiment. I also became sadder every single time Remus mentioned that Dumbledore wasn’t really responding to his letters; it seems like Dumbledore’s more receptive towards Sirius? But I wonder why? Remus is the one who needs the most support sigh.
I want these two to be together!! <3
I love this first chapter sooo much omg. <3
Eva
Hey!
Congratulations on your nomination for the frogs. I really liked this piece so far. I love the narrative that you've chosen with the letters between the two men. I think it was really beautifully played, it seemed quite understated in their letters considering it's a romance between but I can tell that you're teasing that relationship that they had which I really like that slow-burn style between them. I'm really interesting to see in future chapters that romantic connection explored more.
I think you're very good at using this narration style because you've crafted all these little moments and details in the letters which real letters obviously have. there is a prior relationship between the two that the audience doesn't have any idea about but you're using those letters to getting those little things in so the reader can get more of an idea who they are. There is something quite loving between the two, i feel like a lot seems to just be bubbling above the surface in this chapter.
I think you've got some subtle characterization for Remus in here like how he doesn't like being 'fussed' over because I think he isn't really use to people caring about him or he doesn't want people too because he doesn't feel like he deserve it. I think that's where a romantic connection is formed with Sirius that Sirius is showing that he cares. Remus needs that even if he is pushing against Sirius. It's an interesting dynamic between the two. I can't wait to see how you're going to develop these two further. good job.
Abbi xx
Here for CMDC Round 3!
The repartee here in the beginning is just delicious, a nice change from the previous chapter now that they’ve properly reunited, but still very much in sync with the tone that’s been established in this story.
“As Gryffindors go, I'd say I'm solidly middling.”
^Solid. Brings me so much joy.
And then it gives way to this painful contemplation of the fact that they’ve both regained this happiness just in time for it to be threatened by war, and all of your observations about that, told through their thoughts and words, are so on the nose.
“I made it my singular mission in life to see if I could make you break the sound barrier.”
^Solid gold.
Gorgeous ending. I feel I’ve used that word to describe this fic several times along the way, but it really is. It’s a beautiful, bittersweet meditation and a compelling romance. I’ll read a Wolfstar and enjoy it, but I was never attached to the ship -- but this story is enough to make me believe in it.
Melanie
Here for CMDC Round 3!
The way this chapter starts off is just stellar, pitch-perfect. The nostalgia, the yearning, the pensiveness, the humbleness. The way you’ve captured the image and feeling of this man living a life of quiet routine even though there is hardly anything normal about him or what he’s going through. I have such a good image in my mind of his cabin and its environs, and his daily routine. Love the idea of a wizard driving an old car that occasionally needs a magical jump-start.
The jagged rocks beneath his feet hosted the remains of their abandoned innocence, shirked off or dashed and left behind. How little those shared vulnerabilities had come to matter in a few short years. Remus, who had spent his adolescence hiding one secret or another, now stood the most put together of the four. Dreams pronounced to these craggy shores had never been realized, not by any one of them.
^Hey, quick question, did you give yourself a good pat on the back after writing those lines? Completely sincere question; I hope you did, because that entire thing is gorgeous.
Madness, but measured: wanting to show the wizarding world what Harry Potter could do, that he would not be taken down.
^This is quite a thought! It never occurred to me that Dumbledore’s decision not to find a way to get Harry out of the Tournament -- separately or additionally to simply “It’s the rules and it’s binding” -- might have been a conscious decision of strategy, to build public confidence in Harry!
Your descriptions are so nice, just enough without being overdone -- both as to setting and characters and their actions. Here’s one great example I liked, capturing Sirius’s manner and body language so well: “Sirius slouched in his chair, one elbow rested on the table, his feet splain out in front of him. It was a familiar pose: an exhausted variant on affected carelessness, intended to conceal his emotional state.”
I was engaged and enthralled throughout this entire discussion between Sirius and Remus about recent events, Voldemort, Dumbledore, etc. Your dialogue is so natural. And your characterizations of them seem spot-on. I got a very good feel for Remus’s characterization in the beginning of the chapter and it suits him very well. And then Sirius’s anger and bitterness over what Harry is being subjected to, over Harry’s bond with Molly that he should have been able to have with Sirius, etc. -- so palpable, and it really makes Sirius shine here. For any faults he may have, one of the best things about Sirius was always his unreserved love for his friends and for Harry.
Then the dialogue transitions so nicely into their discussion of their past and how they each suspected each other, and your writing is so beautiful and natural and complete that I feel I really have a grasp of that entire story and their respective regrets and guilt.
"What we falsely believed under the duress of war does not matter to me. I am sorry; Merlin, I am so sorry for it. But we were victims, both of us."
^This is yet another gorgeous sentiment, perfectly phrased.
This last scene here is just stunning, so tender and heartwarming and real, and it’s all the better because of the build up to it, because what’s been established here is an enduring friendship and trust and respect, which I think is sexier than anything else.
“Just have me on the table, Moony, I can't handle your care.”
^THAT is a hell of a line!
Melanie
Here for CMDC Round 3!
I’m liking the epistolary nature of this chapter to introduce us to this story and the relationship between these characters at this point in time.
I love that their personalities and cheekiness shine through their letters from the very beginning, and find myself happy to see that they can fall back into some kind of familiarity so soon after having been reunited at the end of POA. Their banter, inside jokes, and “remember when” suggest a strong friendship that has reemerged following Remus learning of Sirius’s innocence (and I realize that in this story they are/ have been/ will be more than friends, but it’s always seemed to me that a strong romantic relationship is based on friendship).
There are so many things in here that are just so genuinely funny, and I fear having to just copy and paste everything in this review. Love them both ending their first letters with “I’d worry but you’d only flay me for it.” And that you directly confronted this weird business of owls miraculously knowing where to find the recipients of letters -- always wondered about that myself.
“Horses next, perish the thought” -- that had me rolling. As well as “Sorry about your chicken mate, it’s an emergency.”
“Prongs Jr” -- oh, my heart. I mean, it’s so simple, but I love the idea of them referring to him like that between themselves.
I really adored Sirius’s November 23rd letter. You’ve fleshed him out so well just right there as a shrewd, intelligent, mature, self-aware person.
Even though we know this story is Wolfstar, I feel like you’re being oblique in this chapter about where they are in terms of a romantic relationship at this point, which I like. At first it seems like maybe something that’s in the past and hasn’t been revisited, or hasn’t happened yet, and they’re corresponding as mates only, but then we see a few glimpses here are there, like, “I might step clean through the fireplace at the sight of you,” and, “I have never in 24 years been able to finally change my mind about you” -- which is just a beautiful sentiment, honestly, romantic or not.
Thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to this story and look forward to reading on!
Melanie
First, excellent description of both the location of Remus’s cottage (shack?) and his personal condition. Great little tidbits (like the 1965 Citroen and tea as an indulgence) to help create the scene. It makes perfect sense that he picked a place to live near those happy memories.
The paragraph about trusting and immediately banishing any thoughts of mistrust really impressed upon me and helps explain my confusion about how they just seemed to pick up where they left off thirteen years ago. Again a testament to their friendship and both of their abilities to see beyond the pain.
It was painful to realize how little correspondence Remus had with the “real world” when he’s getting his information from the Prophet. Honestly, it angers me a bit that Dumbledore would keep him so much out of the loop but it’s not unexpected either.
Loved the possibilities of the manacles-again, Remus giving logical explanations and Sirius trying to hint at something more fun.
I love the theory about Harry’s dementor memory actually being Voldemort’s. It makes perfect sense! I recall, at some point, thinking, he can actually remember that from 15 months old, so this just fits in perfectly-very original idea.
The Dumbledore bashing was also done very well. Although, I’ve heard the arguments before, you brought up some good points: 1. The possibilities of the blood bond being broken (which makes sense to me) and 2. The residual collateral damage that Dumbledore didn’t predict by allowing Harry to continue in the tournament.
The line about Remus needing to break from the pack was particularly thoughtful. You’ve played him well as the constant peacemaker, unwilling to branch beyond, constantly trusting the hand that feeds him (in this case Dumbledore.) He probably does need some shaking up so he can consider all possible motives of the characters.
Great job, I look forward to the next chapter.
Hi I’m here for the CMDC, round #3.
I like the introduction via epistolary format, but what I particularly like is how parts of it are about lots of little nothings that add up to something. With the comments about researching in the library and charming the map, it felt like they fell right back into the Marauder Days. The relaxed style is definitely of two old friends and their personalities and how they interact (banter) jump right out within the first letter or two. Noting the date, I assume this could be the first letter since that fateful night, which if so, I was surprised how quickly they did fall back into old routines. There was no letter to reintroduce the friendship after a 13 year hiatus of guilt etc. Perhaps it is just a testament to the strength of their friendship not that all has been revealed.
I also like, not just the friendship banter but the genuine concern for each, from Mooney lecturing him to get more sun to telling him to stop worrying (for he did survive over a decade with Padfoot there.) I can just see Moony rolling his eyes as he reads some of the letters, but a small smile creeping up on his face. There is a nice balance in the letters from Padfoot’s overemotional concerns and desire for instant action to Mooney’s more calm and logical thought process to any dilemma.
Great job on the first chapter. I look forward to the rest.
Hello again!
Wow, I really enjoyed this chapter! It might be my favourite one so far. I love seeing Remus and Sirius like this, so familiar with each other even after all that time and distance, although there's still understandably some underlying tension. Once again, I very much loved the way you characterized both of them. It definitely rang true to me that Sirius would be full of energy after sex and Remus would be sleepy, haha. I think the details like that that you have scattered all throughout this chapter really bring both of them to life in a way that I find so wonderful!
Also, can I just say that you get big big props from me for mentioning the AIDS crisis? There really is such a prominent timeline overlap but I feel like it basically never comes up. It's a brief mention but I very much caught it and appreciated it.
I feel like I don't even know what to say in this review - it was just all so good! The moments from their past that they were reminiscing on... I loved the story of Sirius and his motorbike. You wrote all of it so beautifully. Your prose is just completely gorgeous. I could go on about it at length. It just flows so well and creates such vivid mental images! And the stories from their past that you picked for them to reminisce on did an amazing job of showing who these two characters are, where they're coming from and what they are to each other, what they have been to each other.
I loved this chapter, I hope there will be another one up soon! Absolutely fantastic work <3 thank you for sharing.
-Kayla
SO fun fact remember how I was kudosing all your stucky fics on ao3? I like to download fics as epubs and read them on my phone, right, and then go back and kudos them, and I was like 60% of the way through tides of swansea when emily posted her status about a review swap for this fic and I was like "well I may as well I guess" so technically I've read the first two thirds of this before but WHATEVER this is such a beautiful fic I'm not even mad.
"They don't seem much worse for the wear" YOU BROKE HIS LEG, SIRIUS
"unless it was all an act just to have an excuse to call me brilliant." I'm yelling, this is so cute!!! God, boys, help,,,
"There's no one with less to lose than me." ouch this hurts!!
Also, I live for a very healthy suspicion and distrust of Dumbledore
"Imagine if I tried to tell you where to go for the winter! (Go somewhere warm, for Merlin's sake.)" I'm so soft, help
"Couldn't impose on you, though I was tempted." HE HAS BEEN BEGGING YOU TO IMPOSE THIS ENTIRE TIME, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING, OH MY GODDDDD
"Azkaban would kill you, please stay gone" please, newsbypostcard, I cannot take this emotional terrorising, I'm so,,,,,,,,,,
"Incidentally I read an article in the Prophet today that reiterated reading someone else's mail remains highly illegal. I know how you like to keep up on British wizarding laws." is remus saying this because of possible censors reading their correspondence? I asked Kayla and she said that there was a hint that someone HAD read some of their correspondence, but I clearly missed it, woops.
"A short letter, under the circumstances — I am days away but did not receive your letter for weeks. I can't tell on what end the delay." is this the hint, maybe? Hmmm
"You know it's been fourteen years? I don't know why that's significant. We were 21 when it happened and it's been two-thirds that again. Certainly didn't expect I'd live this long, but there's a first time for everything." I cry all the time, don't mind me
"I planted my old homestead in our mail as proof of interception but the offer was not false." hmmm still very confused about this! I'm sure the fault is mine, not yours -- clearly I am not smart enough for the delicacies of this fic. xD I am enjoying it IMMENSELY though, as you… may have gathered so far.
And the last letter is so ominous!! I'm clearly not up enough on my GoF (I…. End up rereading OotP often, not to mention the wolfstar parts of PoA, but not so much GoF for some reason), so I'm not sure what it means but again, my failing, not yours.
I love this fic so much!!! It's just got so many beautiful turns of phrase, and their voices are so distinct and perfect, and the letters are wonderful and I'm so glad there are two more chapters, aaah. All I can hope is that we do see them in Grimmauld, a poor attempt at happiness but happiness nonetheless. I love how comfortable they are with each other, even after all these years -- and the way you showed the progression of time, how they both got rather short around the anniversary of the Potters' death, and their theories about Moody etc. They both just!!! Love each other so much!!!! I'm gonna die. Emily probably wanted me to write a proper review instead of like, just copy and pasting half the fic and incoherently yelling, sorry Emily. Anyway, onto the next chapter!
Hello again!
It took me longer than I wanted to get back to this story, but here I am - and boy am I glad! This second chapter was just absolutely fantastic. I'm really, really impressed with your prose, it's beautiful and it flows so well!
I found the opening section of this chapter to be really moving, as Remus reflected on the summers the Marauders had spent in Swansea and how their lives hadn't gone the way they'd wanted them to. I think it set the rest of the chapter up really well and established where Remus is at emotionally.
I loved the rising intensity between Sirius and Remus from the moment that Sirius showed up at the door. I adore the way that you characterized both of them. This line about Sirius in particular really stood out to me: "It was a familiar pose: an exhausted variant on affected carelessness, intended to conceal his emotional state." It just fit very well with how I've always imagined him. His attitude towards Dumbledore too was totally in line with my own headcanon (and my own feelings about Dumbledore tbqh). And I enjoyed how Remus was sort of the voice of reason, pulling Sirius back from the more extreme precipices he was going towards re: the Dumbledore situation, while still making it clear that he was very much on Sirius's side and wasn't questioning/doubting his love for Harry.
There were just so many little details and moments in this that I adored, and I could just go on and on and on listing them, but that would be an exceptionally long review XP suffice it to say that I'm just SO taken with how you portrayed these two characters and their relationship.
Also, in love with the note this chapter ended on. Very much looking forward to chapter 3!
'Til next time!
-Kayla
Why hello there!
I must say, I'm pretty thrilled to see a new wolfstar on hpft that's not by me or facingthenorthwind! I was excited to read this and it did not disappoint.
You've got a lot going on here that I really, really enjoyed. There was a wonderful sort of tenderness underlying in almost every letter sent between the two of them. The care they both felt for each other was so obvious even when they weren't explicitly stating it. And I loved that they were teasing each other and taking little jabs at each other, that there was enough of a level of comfort between them that they could do that even with everything that had happened.
There were little character details that I thought were just brilliant, like how Remus kept telling Sirius not to fuss over him and Sirius telling him that he was going to do it anyway. I really felt like I could recognize both of them so well even though this was written in a style that I'm not really used to. I also loved the protectiveness towards Harry that Sirius was expressing all throughout this first chapter. It's weird but I sometimes feel like he's undervalued as a godfather? So I'm glad you showed that part of his character.
I could start telling you all the moments I loved in this chapter, but that would turn into a really really long review! Suffice it to say, I was really impressed by how you balanced moments of wit and levity with moments of anger, of longing, of frustration and sadness. There was such a wonderful mood/air to this first chapter. I'm excited to read the second!
-Kayla
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