Oh! This is so realistic and awkward and heartbreaking! Scorpius is so -- ugh, it makes me sad how much he convinces himself this is enough. And Harry is so Harry -- determined and brave and ready to do the right thing.
There are times in fuck-or-die scenarios when I think, "but now the other character (or both characters) are really into it; this made them see how they can be together even after the situation." But I didn't feel that way here -- and I think it's a real strength of your fic. I don't see Harry as pining for Scorpius, or wanting a relationship with him -- I think he'll remember it as a little bittersweet, because there were moments of pleasure in it, but primarily there were those feelings of "he's a student" "he's too young" "he's my son's age." There are -- I don't want to say father/son moments precisely, but Harry has a real sense of stewardship, of taking care of this person, that don't have any real romantic tinge to them. And actually, I found that really moving -- though I think it is, in the end, sad for Scorpius. Not that I think he should automatically get Harry because he wants him, but meh. First times, you know?
And I loved the very very brief glimpse we got of Al and Harry together -- they're so obviously close and loving, and Harry ruffling Al's hair! ♥ It's such a genuine, adoring relationship -- it throws relief on all the hindrances to any kind of real lasting connection between Scorpius and Harry. And of course it makes a nice contrast to poor Scorpius and Draco, who seems not to have any feelings at all to his son.
James was great fun here too -- I totally see him as brash and overconfident as a teenager, and I could see him finding "The Potters" amusing, and liking that it works to his advantage.
One interesting thing about the ending and consequences -- I don't think Harry would seek out or want Scorpius, but Scorpius obviously has a very emotionally charged attachment to Harry being his first. And telling Rose -- I just can't help thinking there are some scenarios in which that would end SO BADLY. I'm assuming Harry is still married here, and even if he's not -- it's an intriguing bit of not-closure you've included here.
no subject
There are times in fuck-or-die scenarios when I think, "but now the other character (or both characters) are really into it; this made them see how they can be together even after the situation." But I didn't feel that way here -- and I think it's a real strength of your fic. I don't see Harry as pining for Scorpius, or wanting a relationship with him -- I think he'll remember it as a little bittersweet, because there were moments of pleasure in it, but primarily there were those feelings of "he's a student" "he's too young" "he's my son's age." There are -- I don't want to say father/son moments precisely, but Harry has a real sense of stewardship, of taking care of this person, that don't have any real romantic tinge to them. And actually, I found that really moving -- though I think it is, in the end, sad for Scorpius. Not that I think he should automatically get Harry because he wants him, but meh. First times, you know?
And I loved the very very brief glimpse we got of Al and Harry together -- they're so obviously close and loving, and Harry ruffling Al's hair! ♥ It's such a genuine, adoring relationship -- it throws relief on all the hindrances to any kind of real lasting connection between Scorpius and Harry. And of course it makes a nice contrast to poor Scorpius and Draco, who seems not to have any feelings at all to his son.
James was great fun here too -- I totally see him as brash and overconfident as a teenager, and I could see him finding "The Potters" amusing, and liking that it works to his advantage.
One interesting thing about the ending and consequences -- I don't think Harry would seek out or want Scorpius, but Scorpius obviously has a very emotionally charged attachment to Harry being his first. And telling Rose -- I just can't help thinking there are some scenarios in which that would end SO BADLY. I'm assuming Harry is still married here, and even if he's not -- it's an intriguing bit of not-closure you've included here.
Great work!