Robin4

Author at http://www.fanfiction.net/u/22909/Robin4.

Grim Dawn (Harry Potter)

Reviewed by Kathryn A on 12th February 2012 (1)
Tags: Novella, AU Divergent Timeline, Sirius-finds-Harry, Third Year
Characters: Harry Potter, Sirius Black
(235K, 35567 words)

Summary: Prior to Harry's third year, he leaves the Dursleys, desperate to escape. But before the Knight Bus can stumble upon him, he encounters someone far different, and his world begins to change.

I've read other stories where Sirius manages to get to Harry first, but usually it was years earlier. This one is much closer to canon, and yet from one incident, history goes on a very different path.

This is really well written. The characterisations of Harry, Sirius and Remus in particular are very well done. But even Moody gets to be more well-rounded than he was in canon. This isn't fast-moving; instead, it is full of tension as people search and wait and snap at each other, and wonder what has gone wrong. Things aren't easy for anyone; but it is all worth it in the end.