Dear Heart, I just got back home mere hours ago. What a gift to find waiting for me! I don't know where to begin. This is breathtaking.
Your writing is so visual, I can see every moment you describe. And what descriptions:
focusing on pulling his own magic to the surface, to be drawn from him as blood for a transfusion.
Stunning! How can I list all of the things that I adore about this? I'm so thrilled you ran with the legilimency angle, and so, so, so moved by the interaction between the two, the vulnerable trust in Dumbledore and the curt desperation in Snape. The idea of a binding ritual replenishing Dumbledore's magic with Snapes's own feels so right between them, and this -
rational self commented that he hoped Voldemort didn't summon him soon, as it would take him several days to regain the energies he'd given to Albus. Snape's Occlumency would be a dike wall with a leak, and the Dark Lord's probing would be enough for it to crumble in a torrent of damning knowledge.
- underscores beautifully the depth of Snape's loyalty, and the dangers he continually faces.
The end of the scene, with Snape alone, drained, and at last unconscious, is a telling portrait of his suffering -- for that matter, of his entire life, with the cost he pays hidden from the view of most eyes.
In the end, though, this is what undid me:
"Severus," Albus said softly, the acceptance in his voice cutting Snape to the quick. More than ever before, he loathed the Headmaster for sending him out, again and again, and for trusting him. He hated Albus' steadfast belief that Severus would, at all costs, execute what commands had been given to him.
Because, in that, Albus was correct.
"This war doesn't need you as a martyr," Severus seethed, his knuckles white where he clasped his hands tightly in his lap.
"All loyalty involves sacrifice."
Gah!!! *holds you tightly* Um... gah!!! I would explain in detail how this is absolutely perfect in every possible way, but parts of my heart and head exploded immediately upon reading it. :) Snape hating Dumbledore's humble acceptance of what was needed, hating him for his trust... gah!
And the implications of "This war doesn't need you as a martyr" -- dare I hear an emphasis on the word "you"? -- feels a bit like ominous foreshadowing for Book Seven as well as the end of Book Six. ::shudders:: Your stories "hurt so good," as John Cougar Mellencamp says.
The end is so elegant and spare, yet loaded with so much meaning (a Thevina trademark, no?). You, my dear, rule. I cannot thank you enough for this amazing gift.
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I just got back home mere hours ago. What a gift to find waiting for me! I don't know where to begin. This is breathtaking.
Your writing is so visual, I can see every moment you describe. And what descriptions:
focusing on pulling his own magic to the surface, to be drawn from him as blood for a transfusion.
Stunning! How can I list all of the things that I adore about this? I'm so thrilled you ran with the legilimency angle, and so, so, so moved by the interaction between the two, the vulnerable trust in Dumbledore and the curt desperation in Snape. The idea of a binding ritual replenishing Dumbledore's magic with Snapes's own feels so right between them, and this -
rational self commented that he hoped Voldemort didn't summon him soon, as it would take him several days to regain the energies he'd given to Albus. Snape's Occlumency would be a dike wall with a leak, and the Dark Lord's probing would be enough for it to crumble in a torrent of damning knowledge.
- underscores beautifully the depth of Snape's loyalty, and the dangers he continually faces.
The end of the scene, with Snape alone, drained, and at last unconscious, is a telling portrait of his suffering -- for that matter, of his entire life, with the cost he pays hidden from the view of most eyes.
In the end, though, this is what undid me:
"Severus," Albus said softly, the acceptance in his voice cutting Snape to the quick. More than ever before, he loathed the Headmaster for sending him out, again and again, and for trusting him. He hated Albus' steadfast belief that Severus would, at all costs, execute what commands had been given to him.
Because, in that, Albus was correct.
"This war doesn't need you as a martyr," Severus seethed, his knuckles white where he clasped his hands tightly in his lap.
"All loyalty involves sacrifice."
Gah!!! *holds you tightly* Um... gah!!! I would explain in detail how this is absolutely perfect in every possible way, but parts of my heart and head exploded immediately upon reading it. :) Snape hating Dumbledore's humble acceptance of what was needed, hating him for his trust... gah!
And the implications of "This war doesn't need you as a martyr" -- dare I hear an emphasis on the word "you"? -- feels a bit like ominous foreshadowing for Book Seven as well as the end of Book Six. ::shudders:: Your stories "hurt so good," as John Cougar Mellencamp says.
The end is so elegant and spare, yet loaded with so much meaning (a Thevina trademark, no?). You, my dear, rule. I cannot thank you enough for this amazing gift.
Thank you.