Snarry rec: If You Are Prepared - Cybele (*sobs*)

[reikokatsura]

 This is precisely why I do not read character-death. No, let me re-phrase that. This is precisely why I tell myself not to read fics that host character death (but sometimes end up reading them anyway). "If You Are Prepared" by cybele [two novel-length stories and one novella] is exactly how things would have gone in DH if it had been Snarry and Harry hadn't returned from the dead (plus a few interesting character/plot twists). The story is amazing-- heart-wrenching, bitter, darkly humorous, captivating, real, and just utterly enchanting. The characters are portrayed wonderfully-- I dare to say they are far better than JKR could ever hope to portray them. But maybe I'm only saying that because I'm still stunned (and bursting into tears) by the ending of such an incredible, powerful series. The reading was just as painful as it was enjoyable. Harry and Snape's relationship was ideal; exactly as I always thought it should be. The plot was intense, the characters were remarkable, the angst and tension was suffocating, and it just made for an incredibly special read. I don't think I'm going to be re-reading the story for a very, very long time... but only because I doubt the imprint it left on me will fade any time soon (and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to make it through the first chapter without sobbing again).

Now, I'm going to go take a nap and hopefully this massive headache I have, (caused by endless crying) and the hollowness I feel in my chest, will go away.

I highly, highly, highly recommend this fic. There's a character death, yes (and quite a few), but it's so unbelievably worth the read.

... god, I'm crying again.