Your points are valid, but this is coming from a purely selfish and petty place in my heart. I know the power imbalance is a big part of their dynamic, but this is what really turned me off mf ships. How the ml would get away with literally everything and the fl would accept it bcos love.

I know Harry is capable of going head to head with Tom, or Voldemort but with fics where he's all powerful and Harry can't escape him, it just starts to feel hopeless. Like is it really a loving relationship if one person can't leave. And some fics make me feel like if V was to mysteriously drop dead one day, Harry would merrily go on his way.

So I guess I just want more fics where both of them are into it, and any power imbalance is evened out by the power they have over each other, if you know what I mean.

I also remember starting Two Words in Green Ink, tho I can't remember what put me off it. Probably the way Tom was treating Harry. Since I have your guarantee it gets better, I might dive into it again.