I definitely loved the way you gave us a look inside Justin and Filius and both rang true. -wry grin- I loved the way things "just happened" to bring Luna and Justin together and how deeply and quickly they bonded. I'm certain Michael Cormer never expected that response from a Hufflepuff. Filius definitely seems to be awakening a part of him he's left sleeping for some time and I suspect 'most everyone, Severus especially, had forgotten about it; 'twas thoughtful of Filius to give Severus one free lesson as a going away present.
I loved the depiction of Madame Bones and the auror team making such a professional effort; it's what I'd expect from a no-nonsense person like her. I expect Albus is going to be rather upset but not in the position to do much (though I suspect he'd like to take Severus out of the picture completely before he spills too much) and that's going to add to the pain when he falls.
The initial scene where Hermione and Daphne are realizing just how much they've bonded was good for defining them and I loved the discussion about the "fractured Harry". That "I'll clear my calendar" line should sent shivers through the Dursleys, no matter where they were; they won't like what's coming to them at all.
Author's response
- As I see it, like most guys in new relationships, Justin is just hanging on for dear life, trying desperately to figure out how he got here.
- Filius was a machine in his younger life (I was tempted to give him a 'quiet man' backstory where he accidentally killed a friend in a exhibition duel but that seemed a bit cliche.) At some point he lost the fire that drove him to prove himself and settled into the quiet life of a teacher, picking up his wand occasionally to demonstrate to arrogant young turks that they aren't as good as they think they are. Snape's actions offended Filius deeply. He didn't go looking for trouble, he allowed the Aurors to do their job, but he suspected that they would underestimate Snape. When they did, he stopped the man from escaping. He's a little ashamed that he enjoyed it so much, but willing to live with it.
- I see Amelia and her hand picked Aurors as being what most cops try to be.
Hermione and Daphne are becoming more relaxed with each other, and besides (in my experience) women enjoy discussing just how messed up their men are. These two just happen to share said man and know him considerably better than most women know their men.