*does the dance of new fic*

[rj_anderson]

I learned the steps from lizbee, I'm still not sure I've got 'em all down... is it two steps to the left and then kick, or kick - step to the left - step to the right?

Anyway, since I have zero patience these days when it comes to submitting to FA or SQ (though I'm sure I'll get around to both eventually), you can find my latest, hot-off-the-press HP story here:

Cold Water
Remus Lupin's private interview with an old schoolmate results in some painful but necessary soul-searching, and some surprising discoveries for both parties. Set after the events of OotP.

And do please let me know what you think. Yes, even if you don't like it. Just do me the favour of telling me why so I'll know better next time.

P.S. If you loathe and detest FF.net, you can also find the story at my personal web site.

Comments

[kalinalea.livejournal.com]

Wonderful, Rebecca! I don't quite know how to put this, but about half-way through I thought, "Oh please don't turn this into fluff." I should have known better, of course, it being you, but somehow, I just couldn't have stood it if Lupin and Snape had worked everything out in the space of a short story. I found them both to be so in character - and in post-OotP character, too - and I particularly enjoyed seeing Remus struggling with his less-than-loyal feelings toward his dead friends. He is uncomfortable because in the midst of all of this loss he's suddenly seeing things from Snape's point of view, and yet it's too little too late for him and Snape to ever become friends - and it's also too late for him to ever resolve his issues with Sirius, James, and Peter. Remus Lupin is a living tragedy in so many ways.

I confess I didn't see the D&L link coming, but I think you made it work, and I think D&L stands up well in spite of new canon. Again, poor Remus; Snape has someone, while Lupin is so alone.

And of course, your writing always makes me sigh with pleasure. Tight, graceful, with every word perfectly chosen. I enjoyed this vignette thoroughly.

[rj-anderson.livejournal.com]

"Oh please don't turn this into fluff."

LOL. I agree with you, it would have stretched credulity to the breaking point if Snape and Remus had worked out all their differences in one short fic! I can't imagine they'll ever be friends, but I like to think they might achieve detente, and even perhaps a degree of mutual respect, one of these days...

Thanks very much for all your kind comments.