I feel bad because I'm too tired to add anything valuable in terms of commenting, but I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your take on Rosmerta immensely - I love it when such "important" minor characters become fleshed out. I loved the way you portrayed her as both strong and independent as well as a bit... resigned? (no that's not at all the word I'm searching for, but it won't come to me). She knows everyone believes her to be the bar maid and nobody sees her as someone whose opinion is, in fact, valuable, simply because nobody knows her and her story and what she's gone through well enough to appreciate her advice.

Also, the way you wove in the stories of these other five very different women is really impressive, as each stands on it own quite... perfectly. Each of them is speaking with her own, unique voice, and I guess this must have been quite difficult to accomplish. Lily's story was probably the one that got to me the most, simply because of what we know happens that very night.

As to the sexism - it didn't stand out to me as much as it did to others. I think there are enough examples in canon to justify your take on the Wizarding world.

Ha, well, I don't even know whether that made any sense, and I honestly doubt it did. Anyway this was a great read and will immediately go to the "favorites" section of my memories.