Eliezer Yudkowsky

told them you weren't to know,"

saw my whole future life stretching out in front of me, and I couldn't stand it

wrung her hands

She seemed to be on the verge of tears

the slightest shred of respect

his mother gave him a reassuring kiss

was utterly convinced

The pacing of the story is that of serial fiction, i.e., that of a TV show running for a predetermined number of seasons, whose episodes are individually plotted but with an overall arc building to a final conclusion.

All science mentioned is real science. But please keep in mind that, beyond the realm of science, the views of the characters may not be those of the author. Not everything the protagonist does is a lesson in wisdom

and advice offered by darker characters may be untrustworthy or dangerously double

This is the living-room of the house occupied by the eminent Professor Michael Verres-Evans, and his wife, Mrs. Petunia Evans-Verres, and their adopted son, Harry James Potter-Evans-Verres.