This is so sad, and absolutely beautifully written. The ending is brilliant, but my favourite line is 'Two cluttered notes ring out, a B and C, and a layer of dust collects on her fingers to show for it long after the sound's rung out.' I'm not entirely sure why, maybe something to do with the musician in me, but also I think it's symbolic how the dust remains after the sound is gone; something of a metaphor for life, perhaps.

love love love this. it's atmospheric and sad - the dust motif is wonderful. & Dumbledore's line, "for the greater good," is so calculating and haunting and resonant and perfect. I love the idea that maybe he hasn't really changed that much...

This story sort of took my breath away- absolutely fantastic. You did an amazing job with the character and the imagery!

Wow, this was so dark and haunting. I loved your Emmeline so much, and your Dumbledore... Chilling. Brilliant work )

I love closing lines. If they're pulled off correctly, they're so DRAMATIC. Thought-provoking, like yours was ) "and they say that I've gone made this summer" I loved it. You write sinister scenes very well, and I liked how you characterised Dumbledore with the negative imagery. He still felt like Dumbledore, but a more mercenary one.

Wow. This is super powerful, and I REALLY enjoy it. It's so interesting to see Dumbledore as this slightly scary character calling out hits on people. And, as pretty much always, you do your main character so much justice. I really, really enjoyed this.

Superb work, mon amie! )

Whoa. I love how you can't quite tell if this is in Emmeline's head or it's really happening, and the pink shirt that doesn't go with her hair, and Dumbledore and the greater good...what a beautiful piece.

Riona

Wow! This is a little creepy - I don't want to think Dumbledore is capabale of that, but I know that he probably is. Sigh. I love the "she adds this to her list of regrets," the repetition of "they say she's gone mad this summer." You show Emmeline's changing view of Dumbledore beautifully.

whoa. why have i not read this before? this has impact, like really good drabble/short-fic pieces should, because it leaves me longing to know more about your version of Emmeline~ what's led her to become a recluse this summer, most of all. i wasn't sure why the Order would have been given from 'the portrait', though- the only portrait i can think of is the one that appears after Dumbledore dies in the headmaster office, but this would be just-pre-HBP while that appears at the end... anyway, love the imagery here with the dusty piano, and the absolutely chilling- and quite possible- scenario of Dumbledore allowing Snape to give up Amelia and Emmeline for the greater good. nicely original and very poignant :)

Loved, loved loved the interaction between the two, love how she's lost faith in Dumbledore so drastically. Brilliant.

Great fic! Your writing style is beautiful, and I love that you took two seemingly random characters and put them together. The bit about why Emmeline calls Dumbledore professor is really nice, and I love the piano.

Thanks for teh great oneshot!

-Crescent

I cannot believe this has only 4 reviews! It is so beautiful. I was in the mood for something short, hence why I picked this to read, but you have captured so much in so few words, I love it. It did confuse me slightly, but I think that's the style, and it just accentuates her madness. I love the way you use detail - the pink shirt, the description of Dumbledore, even just mentioning that the two notes were B anc C. Beautiful.

Whoa, Once again you've blown me away. The thought that Dumbledore sacrificed the lives of people to insure that Snape's cover be kept is disturbingly intelligent. I love how much character you still managed to give her in such a short piece. Magnificent work.

The end broke my heart :(

But this was beautifully written, and a nice insight on Emmeline Vance. She's distinct and memorable in this piece with a strong personality.

Great job, and I'm going to favorite this fic.

Fantastic. That only one other person has reviewed is criminal, because this is beautiful.