This fic keeps me coming back to read it again and again, and I think that a lot of the reason is that it focuses not on Harry using foreknowledge to win a war, but to build up his friends. His combat experience and magical power are minor points when his real quest is to help Ron find self-confidence, teach Neville how brave he really is, support Hermione's drive to excel, protect Luna from bullying, and above all, befriend Ginny at the first opportunity instead of waiting for years. Because of this, it doesn't feel like Harry is overpowered and steam rolling all his problems with future knowledge, because there aren't five minute fixes for people. It's really heartwarming to see Harry really look out for his friends that way.
At the same time, when Harry is using his knowledge to steer events, the story handles the ripple effects well. Some actions have surprisingly little effect, making him wonder if fate is immutable, while other times he's blindsided by a difference that he can't explain. In my experience, few stories put as much effort into balancing this properly.
The characterisation of Snape sometimes seems off, which I attribute to the story starting before book 7. But the biggest problem is simply that it's unfinished :).
A Peggy Sue that focuses on relationships
This fic keeps me coming back to read it again and again, and I think that a lot of the reason is that it focuses not on Harry using foreknowledge to win a war, but to build up his friends. His combat experience and magical power are minor points when his real quest is to help Ron find self-confidence, teach Neville how brave he really is, support Hermione's drive to excel, protect Luna from bullying, and above all, befriend Ginny at the first opportunity instead of waiting for years. Because of this, it doesn't feel like Harry is overpowered and steam rolling all his problems with future knowledge, because there aren't five minute fixes for people. It's really heartwarming to see Harry really look out for his friends that way.
At the same time, when Harry is using his knowledge to steer events, the story handles the ripple effects well. Some actions have surprisingly little effect, making him wonder if fate is immutable, while other times he's blindsided by a difference that he can't explain. In my experience, few stories put as much effort into balancing this properly.
The characterisation of Snape sometimes seems off, which I attribute to the story starting before book 7. But the biggest problem is simply that it's unfinished :).