(#) am12 2007-07-10
You seem to be gradually giving Harry back some of his humanity, his compassion, his belonging to society... all that he gave up in the first chapter. It won't be a quick process, but it seems to be moving along.
This is of course leads to the problem of Narcissa. (aside: the nc-17 stuff is completely unnecessary, you know.) I can't see her fitting in, as is, in a redeemed Harry. You could kill her off I suppose. She could have some sort of repentance of her own. Of course, how will Harry react if/when he catches her drugging herself? Hmm. Or a more interesting situation might be her encountering Sirius some time. That could lead to fireworks. Especially if it comes out that she knew something of Pettigrew. It might drive home to Harry how he is still "dancing with the devil" with his dalliances with her.
Another huge, huge, unresolved plot is the Potters. After getting off on the wrong foot with James, they've been kind of shoved into the background of the story. Harry isn't letting himself get to know them. Is he afraid? Probably a little. I have no idea where that part of the plot could or should go.
Thanks for sharing, it's an intriguing A/U.
Author's response
Yes, Harry is starting to recover some of the emotional depth that he had to shunt aside in order to destroy Voldemort in his old world, the question is whether or not Voldemort will play a hand in this one and cause him to lose it again.
And the NC-17 stuff may not be necessary but it is fun. Besides, it shows how the physical expression can promote and encourage the emotional, but not always. The NC aspects of Harry and Nercissa's relationship will become vital in the last half of the story as Voldemort does become a player in Harry's life once again.
Harry's initial interaction with his father points to his own feelings that he will never be able to shed the mantle of being Dark in his old world or this one.
Thanks for reading.
BJH