Net-Fic Review: Strange Empathy (Harry Potter)

[kerravonsen]

Title: Strange Empathy
Universe: Harry Potter

Author: BlackEyedGirl
Size: 259K 31266 words
Tags: Novella, AU, Jossed, Reconciliation, Friendship, World Building
Characters: Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy
Ranking: Good
Review: http://www.katspace.org/reviews/netfic/Author/BlackEyedGirl#Title_StrangeEmpathy

Summary:Sometimes a few words are all it takes to change how you think of someone. And sometimes the people you thought could never understand are the only ones who can. AU, Post-OOTP.

In this AU story set after OOTP, Harry turns over a new leaf, and he and Snape have a fresh start. I love the characterisation of Harry here; more mature, forthright in standing up for what is right even if it costs him, but still with a troubled heart inside. Snape is sardonic, but not hateful. And once he and Harry start trusting each other, we have an adult and a young man interacting, not a greasy git and a resentful brat. Or perhaps I should say, two resentful brats. And then we have Draco, who decides that self-preservation isn't well-served by following in his father's footsteps.

Other things that stand out about this story are: a) the creative way that Harry comes up with to combat bullying b) the use of self-transfiguration as disguise c) the interesting extension of Occulmency which Harry discovers.

So... what do you think?

Comments

[fred_mouse]

Just wanted to comment (before I wander off to read the story and never come back to give my opinion) that I generally read your reviews, and sometimes go off to read the story (but only when you say nice things about them) but never do I remember to come back and give comment, for which I feel bad, but have not found a way to deal with, as reading fic wipes my long term remembering to do things.

[kerravonsen]

as reading fic wipes my long term remembering to do things
(laughs)
Ah, we are all frail.

Thanks for reassuring me that people are actually reading these and finding them useful.