I so meant to do this before the reveal. Really I did. Better late than never, right?

When I have been stuck on the many things I am writing, I have been reading some at bigbangblackout (yes, there are many fabulous stories there I've yet to read properly), reading some fantastic stuff at hd_career_fair, and have come across a couple of great things at ownficfest. Hmm, maybe there is a pattern here that could tell me why I'm not getting my own writing done.

Anyway, some recs:

Light as Iron, Singed as Pearl by snegurochka_lee, NC-17.

I think this was the first thing I read at this fest and, OMG, what a way to begin. I love this fic. Draco is the owner of an elite BDSM club. Harry is the Ministry's post-war Reconciliation and Reconstruction Commissioner. This means that Draco gets to call Harry Commissioner throughout the fic, which is ridiculously hot. I would characterize the interactions between Harry and Draco as D/s not BDSM, and the exploration of that dynamic is absolutely brilliant—subtle, interesting, and totally sexy. The description of the emotions and needs of both characters is really compelling. The final, scorchingly hot, sex scene explores what D/s means in a non-stereotypical way that I loved so, so much. There is also a fabulous OC named Phoebe, on whom I have a giant crush. I clicked on this not meaning to read something right then, just looking, mmm-hmmm, but once I started, I had NO choice but to finish it.

Go read this, really do. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Small Blessings, by oldenuf2nb, R.

After the war, Harry opens an orphanage with the help of a surprising friend. When he adopts an infant left on his doorstep, he has no idea what fate has in store for him.

This is such a lovely story. The summary tells you what Harry does. Draco is the designer of an elite line of men's lounge wear. This means there are lots of pretty descriptions of him… He had been the playboy of the wizarding world, estranged from his family. He returns to England and has no idea what fate has in store for him, either. This is sweet and schmoopy, but not without substance. The building attraction between Harry and Draco is completely delicious and both characters are believable as more mature, slightly mellowed versions of their teen selves. There are some great OCs in this as well, and a wonderful Pansy.

If you are in the mood for a suck-you-in, romantic story, this is for you.

When the Clocks Stopped, by vaysh11, NC-17

When the clocks stop the past gets its chance to catch up.

This is a creative, fast-paced story. Harry is a member of a Curse Breaker team—lead by Sirius Black! Draco is a renowned Arithmancy expert who has made some important discoveries about time. I can't do the complexity and creativity of the plot justice. It is exciting and intricate. The physicists and science-and-time-space-continuum-minded people on the flist will have to suspend your disbelief. The author acknowledges that the science is made up. The UST between Harry and Draco is fabulous, as is the get together. An interesting, different kind of a read.

*warning for sadness at the end*

There are others on my list to rec and to read, so more later. The masterlist for this fest is incredible and I don't think you could go wrong by just looking through it and clicking on anything that catches your eye.

Don't forget to leave the authors/artists some love.

p.s. I will be in need of a beta for a 5k fic later this weekend. It is with someone for content now, but I would love someone for a second look and SPAG. Anyone available and willing? I would be so thankful. :)

Hiya everyone. I've been scarce around these parts lately because of the busy, busy, busy. Also have been trying to get a little more sleep--thought I might improve my brain function.

magnetic_pole wrote me an absolutely lovely ficlet. It is Remus and Sirius for the prompt, "friendship." It is subtle and sweet and gentle and totally captures the dynamic of them communicating perfectly with each other through basically just knowing and caring about each other so well. Go and read it and leave her a comment. It is called Do You Remember Alan Mackenzie

I am slowly, very slowly, reading the bigbangblackout stories. There are so many wonderful ones there. Don't forget to go and check out the archive. There is such a variety and people worked so very hard. I have had a sum total of about an hour to read over the last week, so have failed at making much headway through the list!


Oooh, did I mention that I was invited to join Daily Deviant? How cool (and sort of terrifying) is that?? That means I have added two to the fic deadlines about which I am currently fretting. It also means that it has become a good thing that two of my upcoming assignments will not be porn. I'll need to save up.

And finally, elizassecret:
"

YAY! springtime_gen has started posting. I'll admit I have not had time to read a story yet, but I will soon.

But...my gift was already posted!! And it is beyond wonderful. It is a comic featuring a squishable MWPP. It is beautifully colored and sweet and funny. Go check it out and leave the artist some love. Go!

Spring Fever

hp_springsmut only has one more day until the reveals! If you have any time, get over there and do some reading while they are still anon. I went back and scoured some of the earlier ones I had missed and found, among others, this:

Starry in the time of our darkness
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Neville/Fleur
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Following the deaths of their loved ones, intrigue and the ghosts of the past bring Neville and Fleur together.
Warnings: Character death (before the story starts).
Word Count: 9,000
Author's Notes: This is epilogue-compliant, but interview canon is largely ignored. The title is from 'For the Fallen' by Laurence Binyon; a verse of this poem is quoted in the story.

There are so many interesting, creative plots at this fest, and this is one of them. There is a completely unique mystery. I don't want to say too much because half the enjoyment of reading it was the constant, "what the hell happened?" in my head. The 9,000 words move along quickly. The grown up, mature Neville and Fleur characterizations are wonderful. The developing romance is lovely and believable. Read it, go on! I don't forget to leave the author some feedback.

my past recs were Here and Here.

And, if anyone who doesn't already know has a guess as to which one I wrote, I love to hear it!

hp_springsmut is still going strong. There's every rare pair you can imagine, and some you can't! There are some really wonderful stories and art there—stories of just over 1,000 words to 31,000 words. There m/m slash, femslash, and het. In short, there should be something for everyone!

I have not read nearly everything. I just can't keep up. But it is lots of fun to scan the community and just try something you'd never think to try. Give something new a shot. Read a couple of sections or the first couple of thousand words and see. If you care enough to finish it, leave the writer or artist a comment.

Here's one:

Hunter and Game
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Snape/Fleur
Summary: Severus Snape used to think that he was the only spy capable of working against the Dark Lord. He was wrong.
Warnings: Implied infidelity (re: Bill/Fleur), although that isn't the focus of the story. DH-compliant. I assume that Fleur was 17, and thus of age, in GoF.
Word Count: 12,800

The author notes that the request called for this pairing to be, "taken seriously." Here is another marvelous rare pair that I would never had imagined, but the author totally made it work. The story is canon-compliant and is a Fleur you've never imagined. Well, maybe you have, but I hadn't. It is written in a backwards timeline, spanning a few years. The structure made it feel mysterious and urgent—I was anxious to find out how it started and watch the story work its way back. There was lovely writing and many moments that made my heart clench. I didn't mean to read this one when I looked at it (it was past my bedtime), but I couldn't stop reading it. Go on, give it a try!


And here's my gift:

The Ward
Title: The Ward
Rating: Hard R
Pairing(s): Harry/Charlie
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Harry is going blind. Ron and Hermione need to find the Grangers. They ask Charlie to stay with Harry while they're gone.
Warnings: *Suggestion of Character Death*
Word Count: ~9,000

It is a very creative take on Harry's life and is well-written. There is a romantic, dreamy sex scene and a lovely Charlie. This is a set up for the pairing and a plot I would never have imagined. So, so creative. I'll add to the warnings, religious/Christian themes that might not be everyone's cuppa.

There's also a Hermione/Gabrielle with a really creative plot, a Neville/Teddy with a fabulous Neville, and many, many others. There's just about a week left in the fest, so peruse while they're still anon!

So hp_springsmut is in full swing. After just over a week of posting, there are many gems. I haven't read everything and I'd love to hear what some of you all think. Here are a few I've enjoyed so far:

I Got Life, Brother
Dean/Seamus; rated R; Seventh Year at Hogwarts was not what Seamus expected: Snape in charge, Death Eaters teaching classes, and Dean missing. How can he find his way when he's feeling so very lost?; about 2,000 words.

A really lovely friendship story featuring wonderful a Seamus, a loveable Dean and fabulous cameos from Ginny, Luna, and Neville.

Stakeout
Harry/Teddy, with various others mentioned and a voyeuristic Albus Severus; rated NC-17; It's funny what a bloke can find out if he just keeps his eyes open. Funny, and disturbingly hot, too.; 4,372 words.

Funny and disturbingly hot about says it all! This is fast paced and very tight. Albus is hilarious and quite wrong, in a good way. This story is really well put together and I loved the lack of sentimentality in Albus. (See, if I had written this--well, the bit about the Serious Talk about the Relationship? That's probably what I would have written. You'll see. Made me laugh at myself.)

Alone
Crabbe/Goyle (that's right); rated hard R; Greg has always been alone until Vince is there. The Room of Requirement changes this.; 2,255 words.

Yes, Crabbe and Goyle—as three dimensional characters. This was listed as dark!fic. I would absolutely say it is angsty, but not too dark for me. It is beautifully written and actually makes you feel for Gregory Goyle.

I'll try and give some of the longer ones my attention and have a post of those soon. In the meantime, take a look at these and if you enjoy, leave the writer a quick, "I enjoyed this."

Back to writing springtime_gen!

Have you read this??

By snegurochka_lee for smutty_claus

Three Men Who (Probably) Never Shagged Hermione Granger rated NC-17

This is so much fun. It is Charlie/Hermione, Oliver/Hermione, Cedric/Hermione—and you figure out which ones are imagined and which happened! There is some wonderful banter between a foul-mouthed Charlie, a foul-mouthed Oliver, and a proper Cedric. It is Hermione and Ron's wedding reception and some of the guests cannot stop thinking about their fantasies (about the Hermione, not the Ron). Anyway, it is a quick read and is totally sexy and charming, with just a touch of melancholy at the end. I loved this Charlie, so you get the Charlie icon.

And how about this?

By shes_gone for hp_yule_balls

59 Days rated NC-17

This is an adorable, totally sexy-sweet Harry/Ron—yes, you read the pairing I am rec'ing right. They are awkward and obtuse and both totally in awe of the fact that this is happening. There are some just lovely exchanges and some really nicely done sex scenes.

Go ahead and take a look, and don't forget to leave the authors some feedback.

I got fic!! My gift over at hp_yule_balls was posted: Beyond Layers. It is Minerva/Poppy and it is a sweet and slightly bitter slice of life story. It has an AU feel because they are living in the Muggle world, but is not an AU—you'll see. The relationship is established and tender. The sex is lovely and hot. The author rated it R, but I would definitely give it an NC-17. Go read it and leave a comment!!

Someone did this lovely thing:

This story has been rec'ed at



rec'd my  hp_holidaygen entry, A Certain Light at The Golder Seeker RecLetter.

Whoever you are, thank you. You made my day. 

In my continuing quest to procrastinate on remix, I bring some recs:

From hp_springsmut:

Let There Be Morning by a_merry_chase, with bonus art by ericahpfa (link at the fic)

ETA: Try this link: http://asylums.insanejournal.com/hp_springsmut/15596.html

Rating: NC-17

Pairings: James/Remus, implied James/Lily/Remus

Summary: Unexpected events have brought the world crashing down around James Potter's shoulders, and putting the pieces back together means facing up to his own mistakes.

With an interesting structure, some very vivid imagery, and really nicely done emotions (and a sweet ending), this story is unique and interesting. Here’s a sample:

James didn't want to think about why it felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. He'd lost too much of himself in too short a time, he'd done things he'd never imagined himself doing, or even wanting to do. Something inside his heart had been shattered by the events of the last month, and the resulting shards sliced their way cruelly inward as he listened to Remus dismiss everything that had happened as nothing more than momentary weakness.




Scorpius Malfoy’s Very Bad Week by snegurochka_lee

ETA: try this link: http://asylums.insanejournal.com/hp_springsmut/29178.html

Rating: NC-17

Pairing(s): Scorpius/James Jr./Teddy and permutations. Hints of background Harry/Draco


Summary: The company of Gryffindors was bad enough. The company of naked Gryffindors – a Potter and a werewolf spawn, no less, and totally unasked for, thank you very much – was outrageous. The company of naked, muscled Gryffindors claiming a sodding Muggle prophecy device had foretold his seduction was just too much to take. All things considered, Scorpius Malfoy really was having a very, very bad week.

This is a story that I thought I’d just click to see, hmm, could be interesting. Well, I couldn’t stop reading. It features a delightful James Jr, just loved him. He is brave, and sweet, and sexy as hell. Scorpius was, as I think I said in my original comment, “cunning and bumbling at the same time,” and so in need of James’ – good thing he knows it. Enter Teddy, protective, and loving, and also, sexy as hell. This is just so much fun.



From phoenix_flies

So He Knows by gryffindor_j

Prompt #125: Harry's relationship with Teddy-Harry is not yet 18 when he becomes the boy's godfather. What do they do to spend time together as Teddy grows up?

Pairing: Not a pairing but mostly just Harry and Teddy with appearances by others.

Rating: G

Word Count: 6900

Summary: Snippets of Teddy and Harry together.

The author’s summary, “Snippets of Teddy and Harry together,” is technically true, but doesn’t quite do it justice. This is the story of Teddy and Harry’s relationship from when Teddy was an infant until he was a young man. There are sweet moments, sad moments, and funny moments. Harry is a lovely godfather to Teddy, and in the end, Teddy helps Harry to let go of some long-held guilt.




I still have much reading and viewing of art to do at both of these, and from what I've seen, there's a lot of great stuff - so check out both fests. Okay, now back to writing remix.

O Tannenbaum by elsane on LJ
Remus/Sirius, James/Lily, Peter, rated PG
Summary: Christmas holidays at the Potters', seventh year, and walking into the woods to find a Christmas tree is not going so well this time around. Features Marauders variously cold, cranky, and closeted, enchanted mittens, and a great quantity of snow.
This is thoughtful and well-written, with vivid imagery, a little bit of melancholy, a little bit of sweetness, and the perfect tree. 

Rainstorms by such_heights on LJ
Padma/Luna, rated PG-13
Summary: The first time Padma noticed Luna Lovegood, really noticed her, she was standing outside in the pouring rain.
Luna is delightful, Padma is charming and if this story had cheeks I'd pinch them. It is a well-done, romantic get-together fic that is very easy on the eyes.