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snarry_reader's Journal
Title: Learning
Author: Spark of Chaos
Rating: NC17
Category: Angst
Author's Warnings: pre-HBP! This fic was conceived, started and almost finished long before HBP made it into existence. Thus the plot developments taking place in Book 6 are largely ignored.
Story Link: Here
Author’s Livejournal:
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spark_of_chaosSummary: Dumbledore's dead, and the war is hanging above a chasm of uncertainty. A teacher and a student, as they have always been. But in what discipline?
Reviewer: Gaycrow
"Learning" is written in first person narrative by Harry, which takes a little while to get used to. Before long, however, the narrative relaxes, and the story becomes so gripping it’s hard to stop reading. It becomes a matter of wanting to see what happens to Harry, but not wanting the story to end.
After Dumbledore dies, the Order of the Phoenix decides that Harry needs to be trained for battle. Who better to teach him than Snape? Harry describes himself as "an angry 23-year old, who was probably considered more than a boy, but who was still kept away from important decisions and who was left feeling rather useless as a result." The prospect of being trained by somebody he totally hates doesn't help things at all. Snape isn’t particularly thrilled to be involved either.
Twelve months of intensive mental, physical and magical training follow. Harry is inevitably drawn to his harsh taskmaster. Snape is never nice, although he does occasionally show compassion. The possibility that deep down he might have feelings for Harry is hinted at, but it appears he will never show those feelings. Harry's use of Parseltongue throughout the story, and the effect it has on Snape, is an extra bonus for those who like this magical ability.
Spark of Chaos has written a long, intense and powerful story. Torture is involved, but is handled in a way that doesn't drag the reader down. Although Harry suffers relentlessly, he's never broken. He retains his strength of character and Gryffindor obstinacy. He needs both of these traits when he finally comes up against Voldemort. His courage and obstinacy also come to the fore when he meets with Snape, back in the corridors of Hogwarts at midnight, weeks afer his ordeal is over. Their exchange here is a highlight for me. What follows is a satisfying end to a compelling, absorbing story - Harry and the reader both finally get their reward.