Team AU: 9. Reparo in time saves nine.

[hdcup_mod]

Title: Montague and Capulet
Team: AU
Author: joanwilder
Prompt: 9. Reparo in time saves nine.
Wordcount: 20,000+
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Character death of original (non-canon) characters.
Summary: Harry and Draco live in peace together at Grimmauld Place, but it's taken a hard lesson, taught to them by their children, to get them there.
Author's Note: My

Comments

[smirking_muse]

This was really beautiful. I was very hesitant to get into it, because frankly, I find the whole Romeo and Juliet thing to be way overdone (it just doesn’t make sense to me. Even after love is gone, there’s still others and a reason to live- but that has nothing to do with your story). This was both a wonderful twist on the traditional story AND on JKR’s story as well. I really like the style you’ve used- the internal, reflective monologue. It worked so incredibly well during your story.

I could see the hate building between their children- you did such a wonderful job of describing it all. The remorse they both felt after was so palpable, and I think, more touching and heart wrenching than the deaths themselves (I didn’t know the girls well enough to mourn them). When someone commented about how alike the two were- I thought about how easily that could’ve applied to Harry and Draco too. As Harry remarked, there were many places for what ifs and where things could have gone differently- we could spend forever wondering. I think that was very poignant and really came across in your story. How regrets and what ifs are pointless, because what has happened has happened- no matter how much you wish it could have ended differently, the fact is that it didn’t. I think the real lesson there that is even if you use that to grieve, eventually you must accept it and move on. Correct your mistakes as best you can and really ensure that you can improve what you can in the future.

And how well did our boys learn this lesson? Well, I would say they did a remarkable job. Their slow friendship was incredible. I like that we didn’t get perspectives on anyone else but the two of them- we didn’t hear much about their ex-wives or anyone else. Your story was remarkably well-focused. It was also very engaging and sucked me in until I had finished it. I loved watching them heal together, mourn together, struggle together, and eventually, change the problems that had led to the horrible past. I do think the girls would have been proud of them- I merely wish that they could have seen it all for themselves.

Their slowly building relationship was incredible. They had so much to overcome that I think it was perfect at the pace it went- and beautiful in the way it came together by the end. There was so much emotion and love that it was palpable. They discovered what others have known all along- they are so similar that had they not had prejudice, they would have been great friends (lovers). This is the lesson of Romeo and Juliet, and I think you’ve continued it here very well, but I think your other lessons are much more poignant. I was so happy when they finally got together, but it felt sobering overall- it wasn’t a jump up and down kind of happy, but maybe a more mature and refined happiness as they discovered truths and each other.

This is a really beautiful story, and I am so glad you took the time to write it. Your characterisations were marvellous, and I think you've implanted many important lessons here. Very well done!

[joanwilder]

Yes, not Romeo and Juliet, but Montague and Capulet, which is an entirely different sort of drama. I'm glad you liked the POV; I thought it important for it to be first person, as grief is mostly an interior thing, and chose Harry because he's more 'in my head' than Draco.

You're absolutely right about the hatred between their children. How often do we see this in real life as well? A parent is a hero, as Harry said, so the onus on them to be careful what they teach, especially by attitude and unintentional example.

I chose to alternate the history of what'd happened with the girls with Harry and Draco's present tense relationship because I wanted to show how something good can be born out of something so terribly bad. I did it slowly, because these things take time, especially between these two, I think. But as in real life, such a shock to the system as these two had really would almost 'restart' their hearts, so to speak, to be able to see things more clearly than they'd ever been able to do before, so far as each other was concerned.

Thank you so much for reading, and since I have the opportunity, I'd like to thank you for being such a faithful commenter for the entire fest. This is what it's really all about, I think--not so much who wins, but that all of us engage and read/view and encourage every single World Cup participant who's created. And you comments here are so very appreciated.

[adores_draco]

I really admire your reviews, Smirking Muse. They're always thoughtful, analytical, kind and encouraging. You really go deep into the story, think about it and then always manage to say something amazing and interesting about the fic or artwork in a nice way. Reading your comments is quite captivating.

If I'm ever able to write anything worth publishing I'd like you to be the first to review it. :)

[smirking_muse]

*Blushes* Thanks very much! I'm very touched by your comment- it's lovely to hear my reviews are helpful. *Hugs you* I would be happy to review your future publications for you! :)