What do you think?
Rate this book


3576 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2016
Alternate Universe based on prompt 'What if Sirius hadn't run away to somewhere sunny after escaping Hogwarts but stayed and tried to make Harry's wish of a home come true?' Covers alternative 4th Year/Goblet of Fire and therefore does not follow canon religiously.
Pairings: Harry/Hermione is the main pairing. All others are surprises so read at your own risk - although I will say there are a number which follow canon.
Tropes/Cliches/Fanon: Independent!Sirius, Manipulative-but-well-meaning!Dumbledore. Plays with fanon concepts of Ancient and Noble Houses, Potter wealth and status, Super!Harry.
Content warning of references to child abuse (neglect, emotional - Harry; physical, emotional - Sirius) in early parts, references and discussion of grooming and rape/dub-con/sexual contact by an adult with a minor (not Harry) in the last two parts of the fic. Please consider your personal triggers and keep yourself safe. Character deaths abound.
It's definitely worth the time for any HP fic-reader to read this post-3rd-year-thru-pre-5th-year epic AU, decisive boss battle[s] included. (Well, unless you passionately believe either Snape or Dumbledore made no mistakes.) I kept my final comment (addressed to the author) spoiler-free, so I'll share it here.
*****
I've just spent the last several days scarcely able to put this story down. It's one of the very BEST Potterverse AUs I've read, in fact one of the best FICS I've read. You developed rich, balanced characterizations (including a number of Gryfferins, Gryffvenclaws, and Slythindors, so to speak), with both *growth* and range for all the protagonists, from grief to joy, rage to compassion, self-reflection, and love, faith, and friendship in many forms. Your Ancient and Noble Houses, Family Magic, rituals, and origins headcanons are consistent, cohesively well-conceived, often unique, and well-deployed in both short and longer scales. You plotted MAGNIFICENTLY, with cleverness and tension, legal schemes and physical deeds, surprises and satisfaction, and respect for "everything has a price." You had me reaching for tissues more than once, but leave the tale in a warm, hopeful place. I won't be rereading this epic as *often* as I do some shorter favorites, but I'm quite sure this won't be my only read. BIG kudos, and appreciation. 👏👏👏👏👏👏