The Measure of a Man

[gilpin25]

Title: The Measure of a Man
Author: gilpin25
Summary: I’m sixteen years old and I’m in love with a girl who thinks I’m an arrogant, bullying toerag, and I don’t know how to change her mind as everything I do just makes it worse. James Potter, who usually has all the answers, has none for this... (James/Lily)
Rating: R
Warnings: Language; violence
Prompts

Comments

[chiara_515]

I am going to add to the broken record here about your awesome characterization! I particularly love the "lightbulb" moment when James realizes that it is dislike that he sees in Euan's expression, and what a profound effect that has on him. I cannot stand Snape himself, but I adore him in a literary sense, and I love how you have continued the depth and complexity of his character here. I love the idea that he wanted to beat James one-on-one in a "fair" fight, and I like to think that maybe he hates himself even more for not getting rid of his friends and beating James for real? (P.S. - I think you should write the Agony Aunt column... ;) )

[gilpin25]

Broken records are more than welcome when they're being so complimentary! Thank you - I very much wanted to have a go at writing James, to try and explain the sometimes contradictory glimpses and opinions we get of him in canon. I rather liked the idea of him suddenly being shocked by the discovery that Lily has a point, and he isn't as universally admired as he assumes, and that, to his credit, he decides to do something about it.

It seemed rather appropriate that Snape would be the one to 'help' him get there. Like you, I rather loathe him, but he's a wonderfully complex character, and I hoped it would seem reasonable that not only would he never trust James in the first place, but would also want to beat him alone and not in those circumstances. His own, warped, version of honour, lol. And, oh, yes, I'm sure he hates himself even more for not taking the opportunity while it was there, espcially if he now has to watch Lily starting to be friendly to James...

P.S. - I think you should write the Agony Aunt column... ;) )I was

[bratanimus]

Oh, I'm so glad I finally, finally read this!! Your James is pitch perfect, a real young man coming to terms with himself and what, perhaps, might need changing. I love how his eyes continue to open throughout this story; the moment when he realizes he heard a note of dislike in Euan's voice was spectacular

[gilpin25]

Thank you very much

[moocow33]

wow, absolutely love this fic
I'm completely flabbergasted as to what else to say, but your way with words and james' introspective monologue was awesome.

[gilpin25]

Aw, thank you very much for such a nice comment! This was one of my favourite stories to write (it mostly behaved itself, lol) and, though I wasn't too sure about James as the main character/narrator at the start, I grew to love being in his head. So it's lovely when someone enjoys reading it.

Thanks again! :)