Author’s Summary: Rather than allowing Harry to stay at Diagon Alley after he blew up Aunt Marge, the Ministry sends Harry back to the Dursleys. Harry returns to school after a terrible summer, to find that he’s not the only one with this kind of secret. A student has been killed by his family. New screening measures are put into place by the Ministry: Every student must be given a medical exam and interview to look for child abuse. With Dumbledore facing an inquiry, Snape is entrusted with the task of making sure EVERYONE receives one.
Rating: 16 +
Warnings for: Violence, Self-harm, Suicide themes, Child Abuse, Character Death, AU.
Why You Should Read: Reading this story is like lying underneath a cold, clear winter sky. All at once you want to take shelter from the winter chill, retreat to a comforting cup of safe, predictable hot cocoa, and, strangely enough, to stay, and stare at the mesmerizing stars until you fall asleep to their glow.
It’s like that.
The themes are dark, gritty, and hard to swallow. But the words themselves are majestic.
I read it in literally two sittings, and both went late into the night. All 43 chapters, done in two days. And then I found myself wishing that there were more. Then I set off to read everything else this Paganaidd has ever written.
(It’s also like that.)
Digging for the Bones is about the aftermath of trauma and loss. Paganaidd writes with the wisdom of one who has walked many others through the healing process, and her intelligent, compassionate perspective consistently shines through the story’s dark events.
Plot wise, Digging for the Bones contains all of the classic elements of a good Snape-and-Harry mentor/guardian tale: Snape as healer, a good Occulus Patrernus potion, heartwarming scenes between two unlikely characters, a brilliant Snape-and-Lily friendship.
Having spent a lot of time reading through the potionsandsnitches archive, I (mostly) wasn’t shocked by the plot. And still, I was drawn into the process, comforted by the hope of redemption, and mesmerized by the writing.
Go read it. Go. That’s all I have to say.
A Note of Caution: Please be cautious about reading this if you are currently depressed. Do NOT read it if you have thoughts of self-harm. There are a LOT of dark disturbing images throughout the entire story so far, so please be careful with yourselves as you read.
Overall: Four thoughtful chocolate frogs (out of five)
Read it here.
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Ameri’s Note: If you or anyone you know is dealing with depression or self-harm, here are some helpful resources:
Information about depression
Suicide Prevention Hotlines (USA)
You are not alone!
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R.I.P. Mink Stacatto
❤
The Magic Word 