who's sneaking now?

The utterly glorious hoggywartyxmas is over . . . woe is me. For it was an extraordinary pleasure -- an honour -- to take part in this fest. I owe it much of my inner stability over the past weeks. Every single contribution I have had the pleasure to encounter thus far has been a delight, and although I am not quite caught up, I am positive that further gems await me. therealsnape, I cannot thank you enough for hosting such an unforgettable party, for letting me in at all, and for all of your patience and kindness towards me. Here's to Hoggywarty 2012!

Right now, I'm studiously ignoring the reveals: since the posts themselves are still anonymous, this should be possible for a bit longer. There are a number of fabulous stories that I began to read over this past weekend (on my phone, unfortunately) which I would like to complete and review without the additional distraction. I also have a few recs (hopefully not too late). These should have gone up this weekend, but instead of going home to books and computer like a rational person, I lingered in the city for as long as possible.

The Insomniacs Social Club is a delightful and delicious portrait of those characters I like to think of as the shamefully overlooked: Filius, Sybill, Septima, Aurora and, my favourite of the bunch, Mr. Filch. These otherwise neglected characters are given fascinating histories and quirks and colour in a very few deft strokes and under a brilliant premise: They all gather informally and sort of unconsciously at night, when unable to sleep (see the title of the story). I think I have an idea who wrote this, because there is only one person I know who can write Filch this brilliantly: as the most serious of the group, in a way, as their reluctant chaperone or parent. Each character is wonderful, though, particularly Aurora and (I never thought I would be saying this) Sybill. Yes, Sybill.

The Circle is witty and thought-provoking and wonderful and contains Minerva's ironic notes about great witches in history. I don't want to spoil the story, but there is a certain timelessness about this that is achieved both through the continuity of the stories of past (and present witches) told in the notes and the outer frame of the story, which is about Minerva's present and how she herself belongs to that lineage and heritage through her actions. I'm pretty sure I know who wrote this as well, because there is only one person I can think of who writes such clear, beautifully direct prose and understands German Quidditch this well *g*.

And ack, so much for remaining unrevealed -- the names are going up already. I'd better stop while I'm still ahead . . .

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