![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
There's a video out there, of a young Iranian woman dying. I don't know if you've seen it, and I'm not going to link to it here, but ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
liz_marcs has a link to it in her most recent post. I debated about watching it, torn between the warnings of its gruesomeness, a reluctance to be voyeuristic, and my instinct that I wanted to watch it to drive home for myself the reality and brutality of what's happening right now in that country. Finally, I clicked.
I cannot say I recommend viewing the video if you've managed to avoid it thus far. Watching someone die a violent death, close up, uncensored, unscripted, is SO vastly different from seeing it on a television show or movie. It's not even the same as seeing death on the news, which generally shows pictures of people *already* dead, or blurs faces. No, this video is absolutely visceral, 27 seconds of the human condition that reminded me not only of how quickly a life can end, but also that those of us far removed from the violence, hatred, oppression running rampant around the world cannot afford to turn a blind eye. If nothing else, watching this video made me FEEL. Feel disgust, at what humans can do to each other. Feel fear, at how little life is worth to some people. Feel pain, at the anguish of the man in the video with Neda who I think is her father. Feel anger, at the government of Iran and others of their ilk who are trying to take the non-violent protests and incite them into something more. Feel sadness, that a 16-year-old died in the street, in front of her family, watching her future cut short in front of their eyes. Who knows what good she might have done had she lived?
When I tried to talk to my boyfriend about this this morning, he asked me why I watched it, something I found difficult to articulate verbally (hence this post). And then he rather summarily dismissed the whole thing. At first I was really put off by his attitude. But we kept talking and I was reminded that this man has been a combat media in Iraq. He has seen people die IN HIS ARMS during war. Death is ALREADY real to him, ugly and inevitable. It's not that he doesn't value her life, or understand the senselessness of her death. It's that he hasn't been insulated from death the way I have. Does this make him less compassionate? It seems so on the surface, but I would argue in many ways, he is far more cognizant of what happens "out there" in the real world than I am.
Ultimately, I wanted to post about this for two reasons. The first is to honor the life I watched end. Giving that life my respect was the least I could do in response. And the second reason is that, and I have said this before, it is easy to live my own life in ignorant bliss of the suffering of others. It's easy for you to do the same. But we CANNOT. Even if there is nothing we can actually do, simply watching and knowing what happens to others in our human community is valuable in and of itself. It keeps us conscious of what we have that others don't. It makes us aware that as relatively free people, we are so very fortunate. It drives us to take action when we can, to help people in need. It keeps us real.
The flower in my icon is for Neda--irises mean faith, hope and wisdom, so it seemed particularly appropriate. May Neda rest in peace, and may all the witnesses to her death the world over keep her close to their hearts.
liz_marcs has a link to it in her most recent post. I debated about watching it, torn between the warnings of its gruesomeness, a reluctance to be voyeuristic, and my instinct that I wanted to watch it to drive home for myself the reality and brutality of what's happening right now in that country. Finally, I clicked.I cannot say I recommend viewing the video if you've managed to avoid it thus far. Watching someone die a violent death, close up, uncensored, unscripted, is SO vastly different from seeing it on a television show or movie. It's not even the same as seeing death on the news, which generally shows pictures of people *already* dead, or blurs faces. No, this video is absolutely visceral, 27 seconds of the human condition that reminded me not only of how quickly a life can end, but also that those of us far removed from the violence, hatred, oppression running rampant around the world cannot afford to turn a blind eye. If nothing else, watching this video made me FEEL. Feel disgust, at what humans can do to each other. Feel fear, at how little life is worth to some people. Feel pain, at the anguish of the man in the video with Neda who I think is her father. Feel anger, at the government of Iran and others of their ilk who are trying to take the non-violent protests and incite them into something more. Feel sadness, that a 16-year-old died in the street, in front of her family, watching her future cut short in front of their eyes. Who knows what good she might have done had she lived?
When I tried to talk to my boyfriend about this this morning, he asked me why I watched it, something I found difficult to articulate verbally (hence this post). And then he rather summarily dismissed the whole thing. At first I was really put off by his attitude. But we kept talking and I was reminded that this man has been a combat media in Iraq. He has seen people die IN HIS ARMS during war. Death is ALREADY real to him, ugly and inevitable. It's not that he doesn't value her life, or understand the senselessness of her death. It's that he hasn't been insulated from death the way I have. Does this make him less compassionate? It seems so on the surface, but I would argue in many ways, he is far more cognizant of what happens "out there" in the real world than I am.
Ultimately, I wanted to post about this for two reasons. The first is to honor the life I watched end. Giving that life my respect was the least I could do in response. And the second reason is that, and I have said this before, it is easy to live my own life in ignorant bliss of the suffering of others. It's easy for you to do the same. But we CANNOT. Even if there is nothing we can actually do, simply watching and knowing what happens to others in our human community is valuable in and of itself. It keeps us conscious of what we have that others don't. It makes us aware that as relatively free people, we are so very fortunate. It drives us to take action when we can, to help people in need. It keeps us real.
The flower in my icon is for Neda--irises mean faith, hope and wisdom, so it seemed particularly appropriate. May Neda rest in peace, and may all the witnesses to her death the world over keep her close to their hearts.
HP fic recs
Dec. 16th, 2008 11:19 amI've been storing up lots more links since my last rec post in late September. I can't give you everything because...well, it would be too much! But I've picked out some winners for your reading pleasure. There might be a couple of fandom classics in here, but since I don't find fics that way, I wouldn't know. Hopefully at least a few will be new to you.
Please keep in mind that I am not what I would call a high-brow fanfic reader. Sometimes I enjoy stories that don't have the best writing, or perfect spelling, because they hit a chord with me, push a kink button, or have a particularly interesting plot idea. I try to comment on those recs specifically, indicating potential drawbacks, so you know if I'm offering one up that may have topical, grammatical, or other issues.
( all recs are under this cut, in no particular order, and story links open in a new window. enjoy! )
Please keep in mind that I am not what I would call a high-brow fanfic reader. Sometimes I enjoy stories that don't have the best writing, or perfect spelling, because they hit a chord with me, push a kink button, or have a particularly interesting plot idea. I try to comment on those recs specifically, indicating potential drawbacks, so you know if I'm offering one up that may have topical, grammatical, or other issues.
( all recs are under this cut, in no particular order, and story links open in a new window. enjoy! )
HP fic recs
Sep. 26th, 2008 01:20 pmI am almost done with my romp through the entire skyehawke.com Harry Potter archive, and it has led me to some great (and not so great!) fic, on that site as well as elsewhere. Below are more recommendations, in order by pairing except for the author rec at the end. Hope you enjoy them--if you read one and like it, do let me know. All links open in a new window.
The Soul Adores, by Maeglin Yedi, 41,003 words, Harry/Tom, Harry/Severus. This is an intriguing look at what happens when Harry connects with the Tom in the Horcrux locket, much like the way Ginny connected with the Tom in the diary. Only worse. Obsession, sex and danger mix in this fairly dark story about how we don't like to let go of things (or people), even when we know they're bad for us.
Scratch by Aucta Sinistra, 85,397 words, Harry/Snape (epilogue to Scratch also available). Special tutoring over the summer turns out to be rather lusty, and gets everyone in trouble. Fun, sexy read, co-starring a very cute stray cat.
Quid Pro Quo also by Aucta Sinistra (who actually has quite a few stories at skyehawke and you should probably read them all), 27,944 words, Harry/Snape. Harry is cursed and comes to Snape for the cure. Lots of unresolved sexual tension, wheeee!
Conduits of Sorcery by penumbra, 73,198 words, Harry/Snape post-War. Harry returns to Hogwarts as the Ministry of Magic's representative overseeing the Triwazard Tournament. Snape is...civil at least, but when they end up having to work together to figure how who is trying to cause trouble at the tournament, a real friendship develops and then something more.
Dark Chocolate and its sequel White Chocolate, by Dianann, 45,507 and 87,456 words respectively, Harry/Snape. I hesitate to recommend these two stories because they are, for lack of a better word, a bit overwrought. However, I think that the plot is interesting enough, particularly in the second story, to override that concern. Basically, in the first story Harry, who broke Voldemort's neck at the end of 6th year, is duped--you'll know it's coming in the first chapter anyway, so it's not really a spoiler. In the second story, he comes back to his old life, reluctantly, to face Voldemort yet again. There is a good deal of over the top emotion in both fics, but especially in White Chocolate there is also some terrific plot action, as well as redemption for all regarding what happened in the first fic. It's not an entirely believable or true to character set of fics, but enjoyable nonetheless.
On One's Knees by pir8fancier, 34,145 words, Harry/Draco post-War. Draco is out of Azkaban but in bad shape, Harry is in training as a healer at St. Mungos. Their paths cross and Harry ends up taking Draco in. The aftermath of war is not pretty, but sometimes one person's compassion can make all the difference. A wonderful, angry love story.
Hit the Floor by lilysunshine, 30,778 words, Harry/Draco. The Order decides that Harry needs to learn Dark Magic. The two logical choices to train him? Snape and Draco. To avoid Voldemort's interference or knowledge of this activity, the three go to America, where they stay in complete isolation for months. It's intense, and Draco and Harry reach...new understandings. Ron's a little histronic in this fic, which is the only sour note, but he's not around much so don't let that worry you.
The Secret's In the Telling by Sakuri, 149,111 words, Harry/Draco. Draco is bit by Lupin and becomes a werewolf...interesting twist? Harry turns out to be his mate. It's a good story with lots of plot and action, made even better by a particularly excellent characterization of Hermione.
The Corresponding Emotion by calliope, 22,750 words, Harry/Ron, Ron/Draco. Harry and Ron are together, then suddenly they're not. Ron travels to America to try and get him back, and instead finds himself falling for, of all people, Draco Malfoy. A bit silly, but still a very sweet read, with a side plot of intrigue in which Malfoy may or may not be up to no good.
Needfire by areola and melisande88, 192,423 words (it's a long one!) and het, Hermione/Snape. Although don't let that deter you if you're a slash lover, it's an intricate and emotional story. Snape is a druid who wants to cleanse his soul, Hermione discovers him performing an ancient ritual and wants to learn what's what. Turns out she's a little broken and could use some soul cleansing herself. Snape takes her on as his apprentice in secret, and things spiral out of control from there. One positive thing--they hatch a plot to protect Hogwarts from Voldemort. POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE TRIGGERS. Please avoid if that is not good for you.
Author Rec:sam_storyteller
There are several epic-length HP stories, a bunch of shorter ones, as well as a smattering of Torchwood, Dr. Who, and other fandom fics to be found at this livejournal. I highly recommend Amid My Solitude, a fantastic Remus/Tonks fic, and Three Galleons, a crazy but believable Snape/Hermione/Remus. Cartographer's Craft is very clever story in which 16-yr-old Sirius pops out of the Marauder's Map at the beginning of the 7th year era, participates in the Horcrux hunt, and becomes the love of Harry's life. It's really long and satisfying, and I particularly enjoyed how all the characters overlayed their experiences with 'older' Sirius before he died onto their interactions with 'young' Sirius. Finally, even though it is unfinished, I suggest reading the entire Stealing Harry AU series, which changes Rowling's course of events because Sirius and Remus take Harry away from the Dursley's at age 8. It was clearly intended to be a 7-book series, yet the author only completed through year two; with year three still a WIP since mid-2007. But it's still a great read.
The Soul Adores, by Maeglin Yedi, 41,003 words, Harry/Tom, Harry/Severus. This is an intriguing look at what happens when Harry connects with the Tom in the Horcrux locket, much like the way Ginny connected with the Tom in the diary. Only worse. Obsession, sex and danger mix in this fairly dark story about how we don't like to let go of things (or people), even when we know they're bad for us.
Scratch by Aucta Sinistra, 85,397 words, Harry/Snape (epilogue to Scratch also available). Special tutoring over the summer turns out to be rather lusty, and gets everyone in trouble. Fun, sexy read, co-starring a very cute stray cat.
Quid Pro Quo also by Aucta Sinistra (who actually has quite a few stories at skyehawke and you should probably read them all), 27,944 words, Harry/Snape. Harry is cursed and comes to Snape for the cure. Lots of unresolved sexual tension, wheeee!
Conduits of Sorcery by penumbra, 73,198 words, Harry/Snape post-War. Harry returns to Hogwarts as the Ministry of Magic's representative overseeing the Triwazard Tournament. Snape is...civil at least, but when they end up having to work together to figure how who is trying to cause trouble at the tournament, a real friendship develops and then something more.
Dark Chocolate and its sequel White Chocolate, by Dianann, 45,507 and 87,456 words respectively, Harry/Snape. I hesitate to recommend these two stories because they are, for lack of a better word, a bit overwrought. However, I think that the plot is interesting enough, particularly in the second story, to override that concern. Basically, in the first story Harry, who broke Voldemort's neck at the end of 6th year, is duped--you'll know it's coming in the first chapter anyway, so it's not really a spoiler. In the second story, he comes back to his old life, reluctantly, to face Voldemort yet again. There is a good deal of over the top emotion in both fics, but especially in White Chocolate there is also some terrific plot action, as well as redemption for all regarding what happened in the first fic. It's not an entirely believable or true to character set of fics, but enjoyable nonetheless.
On One's Knees by pir8fancier, 34,145 words, Harry/Draco post-War. Draco is out of Azkaban but in bad shape, Harry is in training as a healer at St. Mungos. Their paths cross and Harry ends up taking Draco in. The aftermath of war is not pretty, but sometimes one person's compassion can make all the difference. A wonderful, angry love story.
Hit the Floor by lilysunshine, 30,778 words, Harry/Draco. The Order decides that Harry needs to learn Dark Magic. The two logical choices to train him? Snape and Draco. To avoid Voldemort's interference or knowledge of this activity, the three go to America, where they stay in complete isolation for months. It's intense, and Draco and Harry reach...new understandings. Ron's a little histronic in this fic, which is the only sour note, but he's not around much so don't let that worry you.
The Secret's In the Telling by Sakuri, 149,111 words, Harry/Draco. Draco is bit by Lupin and becomes a werewolf...interesting twist? Harry turns out to be his mate. It's a good story with lots of plot and action, made even better by a particularly excellent characterization of Hermione.
The Corresponding Emotion by calliope, 22,750 words, Harry/Ron, Ron/Draco. Harry and Ron are together, then suddenly they're not. Ron travels to America to try and get him back, and instead finds himself falling for, of all people, Draco Malfoy. A bit silly, but still a very sweet read, with a side plot of intrigue in which Malfoy may or may not be up to no good.
Needfire by areola and melisande88, 192,423 words (it's a long one!) and het, Hermione/Snape. Although don't let that deter you if you're a slash lover, it's an intricate and emotional story. Snape is a druid who wants to cleanse his soul, Hermione discovers him performing an ancient ritual and wants to learn what's what. Turns out she's a little broken and could use some soul cleansing herself. Snape takes her on as his apprentice in secret, and things spiral out of control from there. One positive thing--they hatch a plot to protect Hogwarts from Voldemort. POSSIBLE CHILD ABUSE TRIGGERS. Please avoid if that is not good for you.
Author Rec:
sam_storytellerThere are several epic-length HP stories, a bunch of shorter ones, as well as a smattering of Torchwood, Dr. Who, and other fandom fics to be found at this livejournal. I highly recommend Amid My Solitude, a fantastic Remus/Tonks fic, and Three Galleons, a crazy but believable Snape/Hermione/Remus. Cartographer's Craft is very clever story in which 16-yr-old Sirius pops out of the Marauder's Map at the beginning of the 7th year era, participates in the Horcrux hunt, and becomes the love of Harry's life. It's really long and satisfying, and I particularly enjoyed how all the characters overlayed their experiences with 'older' Sirius before he died onto their interactions with 'young' Sirius. Finally, even though it is unfinished, I suggest reading the entire Stealing Harry AU series, which changes Rowling's course of events because Sirius and Remus take Harry away from the Dursley's at age 8. It was clearly intended to be a 7-book series, yet the author only completed through year two; with year three still a WIP since mid-2007. But it's still a great read.
For eight years now, I have been conflicted about my patriotism and love of the country where I was born. I've felt as though my faith in the United States of America as a fair and righteous world leader has been shaken, and rightly so. As a nation, we have carried ourselves poorly both domestically and abroad. We've been led by someone who has chosen his *own* beliefs as the basis for governorship, rather than the fundamentals of the Constitution and a *collective* common sense of what is right and wrong.
And it's been painful to me, because I've always considered myself fortunate to be born here. Lucky, to have the kind of opportunity being American affords in so many ways, from access to clean water, to a PhD at Harvard, and 800 cereal choices at the food store. Lucky, to be in a country where neighbors help neighbors, people get second chances, and have the right to say what they want about anything they want, and worship however they choose.
But even if those opportunities still exist, what do they mean if we're the world's biggest bully? What do they mean if people who love each other can't get married? What do they mean if I can no longer have a private conversation? What do they mean if I can't make a choice about whether or not I want to bear children? What do they mean if I end up in a detention center offshore for two years with no access to legal aid? What do they mean when oil companies post record profits while families are choosing between gas and groceries? What do they mean if I can't afford to buy medication for my sick mother, or sick child, or myself?
I watched history tonight, beyond the basic "first African-American" bit, which is powerful in its own right, but only half the story. Obama's speech revealed things I already knew, and some things I did not. He is a smart man, a man with pride, yet one who underneath all that polish and rhetoric still has what seems to be a genuine heart. A man with promise, a man who loves his kids, a man who could actually be our next President, and serve in that office with dignity and grace and intelligence and fervor.
Barak Obama may not have all the answers. He is not a god, or a miracle worker. He's no doubt made mistakes in his life, which we are likely to hear about if the Republicans can dig them up. And his ideas are BIG, meaning they'll be tough and expensive to actually implement. I understand all that, as well as the fact that when he's elected, he'll have no magic wand to wave, making everything better overnight. But he believes in the future, he brings me hope for my struggling country, and I look forward to voting for him in November.
And it's been painful to me, because I've always considered myself fortunate to be born here. Lucky, to have the kind of opportunity being American affords in so many ways, from access to clean water, to a PhD at Harvard, and 800 cereal choices at the food store. Lucky, to be in a country where neighbors help neighbors, people get second chances, and have the right to say what they want about anything they want, and worship however they choose.
But even if those opportunities still exist, what do they mean if we're the world's biggest bully? What do they mean if people who love each other can't get married? What do they mean if I can no longer have a private conversation? What do they mean if I can't make a choice about whether or not I want to bear children? What do they mean if I end up in a detention center offshore for two years with no access to legal aid? What do they mean when oil companies post record profits while families are choosing between gas and groceries? What do they mean if I can't afford to buy medication for my sick mother, or sick child, or myself?
I watched history tonight, beyond the basic "first African-American" bit, which is powerful in its own right, but only half the story. Obama's speech revealed things I already knew, and some things I did not. He is a smart man, a man with pride, yet one who underneath all that polish and rhetoric still has what seems to be a genuine heart. A man with promise, a man who loves his kids, a man who could actually be our next President, and serve in that office with dignity and grace and intelligence and fervor.
Barak Obama may not have all the answers. He is not a god, or a miracle worker. He's no doubt made mistakes in his life, which we are likely to hear about if the Republicans can dig them up. And his ideas are BIG, meaning they'll be tough and expensive to actually implement. I understand all that, as well as the fact that when he's elected, he'll have no magic wand to wave, making everything better overnight. But he believes in the future, he brings me hope for my struggling country, and I look forward to voting for him in November.
the fic you go back to again and again
Jul. 30th, 2008 02:20 pmFor some reason, I'm on my third reading (over the last year) of this very entertaining fic called The Veela Enigma, by jennavere. A Harry/Draco story, and although it's mostly ridiculous, I get so much enjoyment from it. It's especially great on a day like today when I am completely out of sorts, feeling unwell both mentally and physically. This is not a deep, bittersweet and/or emotionally stirring fic, but it's fun! I give you the following tidbit for amusement purposes, and possible motivation to check out the whole thing, assuming you can tolerate some rather flowery writing.
ETA: I've noticed as I keep reading that the fic gets more and more silly as the chapters go on, as is often the case with such things. Lap-sitting, "baby" endearments...it's quite the gay veela romp.
ETA: I've noticed as I keep reading that the fic gets more and more silly as the chapters go on, as is often the case with such things. Lap-sitting, "baby" endearments...it's quite the gay veela romp.
After Lucius finally came around, and Draco had explained things to him at least three times, an uncomfortable silence filled the room.
Finally, Lucius broke it. "So I'm a quarter veela?"
Draco nodded. "Yes, Dad."
"And your mother's got some veela in her too?"
"Yes, Dad."
"So you've got active veela powers?"
"Yes, Dad."
"And you're in love with Harry Potter?"
"Yes, Dad."
"I see." Lucius appeared to be thinking things over.
Dumbledore was actually smiling. "Well, this is wonderful news!" he said happily, the twinkle restored in his eyes.
The other three occupants of the room looked at him like he was mad. Dumbledore beamed sagely at them.
"All the charges will be dropped now," he explained. "You can't possibly fault a veela in that situation for defending its mate. It explains everything."
"Oh yes, everything is explained," Lucius said in an undertone. "Except the part where I've got a gay veela for a son."
"HEY!" said Draco indignantly.
"Oh sorry, Draco. I forgot the part where my gay veela son is in love with the brat who landed me in prison and stole my House Elf."
"Dad, really," Draco said irritably. "You're such a drama queen. And you wonder why I'm gay."
Harry made a noise that sounded suspiciously like a repressed snort of laughter.
Lucius was not impressed. "Fine, well, now that we've cleared all this up," he said in a haughty tone of voice that was just like his son's. "I'll just be off. The Dark Lord is going to want to hear about this before it's splashed all over the papers. And I'll contact our Law Wizard, Draco, and get these charges dropped."
He turned to Harry menacingly. "And you, Potter," he said in a scary, evil voice. "You be good to my gay veela son, or I'll come after you and everyone you care about and shred them into tiny, bloody pieces."
"Aw, I haven't had a death threat from you in so long," Harry sighed dramatically. "It's just like old times, eh, Lucius?"
Lucius muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like "teenagers."
Harry Potter fic recs
Jun. 10th, 2008 04:21 pmI have read literally hundreds of Harry Potter fandom fics over the last few months, as I am making my way slowly through the entire skyehawke.com archive (caveat is that stories have to be completed and at least 10k words, give or take, unless the premise is irresistible). This is my first attempt at sharing some of the better ones. There are standard pairings here, plus unusual ones because those stories are real gems. All links will open in a new window--please read the story warnings/author notes too in case I didn't mention something that might bother you.
- The If Sieve by Crawfords Lover, Draco/Harry, seventh-year Hogwarts fic, 36,684 words. Draco spends some time in a "what if" sieve, trying to figure out which pivotal moment in his long, painful history with Harry Potter might have turned things around had it gone differently. It's a great series of AU possibilities, as well as a current narrative. The last chapter will put a smile on your face even though it's open-ended.
- The Venice Job by Nishizono Shinkji, Auror!Harry/Auror!Draco, post-war, 25,923 words. This is a very silly story about an undercover job in which still!rivals Harry and Draco have to chase down some criminals in Venice, Italy while posing as a gay couple. The laughs and the sex make it a very worthwhile read.
- Redeem Me by Samael, Harry/Draco, late Hogwarts, 242,988 words. I am of two minds about recommending this, because it's not the greatest fic ever written, and there is some OOC/woobie!Draco stuff. However, it's long and plotty with some interesting unique ideas, so I'm throwing it in here for those of you always in search of an epic read that is not full of really bad writing! If you like it, or conversely if you're not sure you want to read it, click on the author's name on that page, she has a bunch of other, shorter stories you can try first, all of a similar quality/style.
- An amazingly complex and rewarding story where Draco and Severus do the only thing they can think of to stop the Dark Lord, and end up living their lives literally before their time. They also have some very hot sex. Infinite Shadow of the Soul by Femme, Draco/Severus, 56,638 words.
- The Fields of St. Herve by Arsenic, Draco/Remus, post-War, 34,843 words. This is a beautiful, haunting story with an unusual but entirely believable pairing, great plot, and slow, bittersweet romance. I can't recommend it enough. I'm not sure what made me click on it, as I don't generally read anything involving Maurauders, but I'm so glad I did.
- Same author, another usual pairing: Hermione/Severus (het!het!het!), 35,435 words. Collateral. Hermione is severely injured after being in the company of Bellatrix Lestrange. She and Snape work together towards a cure, and Arsenic does a fantastic job of weaving them into a couple. There are solid appearances by Harry, Draco, and the rest of the cast too. Warning (besides the het) this story is a little dark, but does not have an unpleasant ending.
- Since I recommended one story where Severus helps Hermione, I thought I might suggest one where she helps him. Numb by firefly124 is about the aftermath of Snape getting bit by Nagini; his healing process and how Hermione saves the day and shows him the beauty of
sexlove. It's a fairly serious fic, but has some lighter moments and the characters are really well-drawn. 19,099 words. - A Sad State of Affairs by r_grajoy. Ron/Draco, post-war, 10,451 words. Voldemort has been dead two months, and Ron suddenly finds himself stuck with Malfoy as a roommate, courtsey of Kingsley. Something about a 'safe place', but after a week of avoiding each other, Ron is bored out of his mind. His way of drawing Draco out, and their subsequent dance towards civility and beyond, makes for a terrific read.
- Black, In the Smothering Dark, by faireweather (103,856 words), which is followed by a WIP called The Hush of War, last updated in March '08. However, you can read the story I linked to without needing to continue on to the second fic. Black, In the Smothering Dark is a Harry/Draco pre-slash fic, so no sex really. However, there is a fascinating premise in this where Harry communicates regularly with Voldemort and they develop something of a relationship themselves, trying to find common ground. Tom Riddle is still 'evil', and Harry is still 'good', but this story takes them someplace I haven't seen before and it's pretty interesting. Also, Sirius never died, so there's an interesting twist regarding him too. Don't worry about the first few paragraphs of mistreatment at the hands of the Dursleys if that's not your thing, the story moves on from there pretty quickly.
So, I actually wrote something today. I know, it's been a year and a half. Do not faint! ladycat777 gave me the following SGA prompt: John being kind of sappy and love and hating himself for it and wanting to be nice to Rodney. What came out is a bit longer than a drabble, with no real plot or smut, but I gives it to you anyway! She said it was worthy of its own post (originally it was in comments); I am not so sure lol =)
( John/Rodney SGA pre-season 4 fic thingy in here )
ladycat777 gave me the following SGA prompt: John being kind of sappy and love and hating himself for it and wanting to be nice to Rodney. What came out is a bit longer than a drabble, with no real plot or smut, but I gives it to you anyway! She said it was worthy of its own post (originally it was in comments); I am not so sure lol =)( John/Rodney SGA pre-season 4 fic thingy in here )
ficlet originally posted to ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
fall_for_sx, re-posted here for archiving purposes
Title: Moving Right Along
Author: aimeelicious
Rating: NC-17 for sex & language
Summary: A little post-Chosen Spike/Xander porn; wordcount 1,335.
Notes: Many thanks to the incomparable entrenous88 for the most valuable beta. Anything good here is a direct reflection of her influence, anything bad is mine alone. This will be cross-posted to my own journal just for memory/posterity purposes in a week or two.
Disclaimer: These guys don't belong to me. I am sad.
( Spike shed his duster, leaving it on the floor, and threw his messy shirt into the corner. Kicked off his boots too, and took a header onto the bed closest to the door, only rolling over when he remembered he was missing his chance to watch Harris strip. Unfortunately, the star of that show was down to his jeans already, just like Spike, so the best part was over. )
fall_for_sx, re-posted here for archiving purposesTitle: Moving Right Along
Author: aimeelicious
Rating: NC-17 for sex & language
Summary: A little post-Chosen Spike/Xander porn; wordcount 1,335.
Notes: Many thanks to the incomparable entrenous88 for the most valuable beta. Anything good here is a direct reflection of her influence, anything bad is mine alone. This will be cross-posted to my own journal just for memory/posterity purposes in a week or two.
Disclaimer: These guys don't belong to me. I am sad.
( Spike shed his duster, leaving it on the floor, and threw his messy shirt into the corner. Kicked off his boots too, and took a header onto the bed closest to the door, only rolling over when he remembered he was missing his chance to watch Harris strip. Unfortunately, the star of that show was down to his jeans already, just like Spike, so the best part was over. )
Kilts & Killing Time, part 2
Apr. 17th, 2006 04:06 pmTitle: Kilts & Killing Time (2/5)
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Rating: Adult
Summary: Past lives, warring clans in Scotland, forbidden kilt love, etc etc.
Warnings: Well, there might be char death of a sort. But not the kind you need to avoid the story for. Trust me here.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Any of them.
prologue here
part 1 here
( Kilts & Killing Time - part 2 )
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Rating: Adult
Summary: Past lives, warring clans in Scotland, forbidden kilt love, etc etc.
Warnings: Well, there might be char death of a sort. But not the kind you need to avoid the story for. Trust me here.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Any of them.
prologue here
part 1 here
( Kilts & Killing Time - part 2 )
(no subject)
Mar. 14th, 2006 02:34 pmTitle: Kilts & Killing Time (1/5)
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Rating: Adult
Summary: Past lives, warring clans in Scotland, forbidden kilt love, etc etc.
Warnings: Well, there might be char death of a sort. But not the kind you need to avoid the story for. Trust me here.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Any of them.
Prologue here
( Kilts & Killing Time - part 1 )
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Rating: Adult
Summary: Past lives, warring clans in Scotland, forbidden kilt love, etc etc.
Warnings: Well, there might be char death of a sort. But not the kind you need to avoid the story for. Trust me here.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Any of them.
Prologue here
( Kilts & Killing Time - part 1 )
Scottish Ficathon
Mar. 13th, 2006 12:22 pmWell. A month late and a dollar short, but here we go. The prologue for my Scottish Ficathon story--I have come to the conclusion, and you will too, that I am not a particularly good author. But I plow forward anyway!! Enjoy!
Title: Kilts & Killing Time - Prologue (.5/5)
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Rating: Adult
Summary: Past lives, warring clans in Scotland, forbidden kilt love, etc etc.
Warnings: Well, there might be char death of a sort. But not the kind you need to avoid the story for. Trust me here.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Any of them.
ladycat777 was kind enough to read this over for me before I posted. All errors will be mine.
( Kilts & Killing Time )
Title: Kilts & Killing Time - Prologue (.5/5)
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Rating: Adult
Summary: Past lives, warring clans in Scotland, forbidden kilt love, etc etc.
Warnings: Well, there might be char death of a sort. But not the kind you need to avoid the story for. Trust me here.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. Any of them.
ladycat777 was kind enough to read this over for me before I posted. All errors will be mine.( Kilts & Killing Time )
Schmangst-a-thon entry
Jul. 11th, 2005 11:22 amHerein lies the first chapter of my two-days late entry for the SchmangstFicAthon. It will be three chapters total, all coming out today.
( The request )
( The (brief) fic notes )
( Chapter I )
ETA: Chapter II is now up here.
ETA2: Chapter III is now up here.
Fic is complete. I have changed the title, but it's still the same story, just fyi. =)
( The request )
( The (brief) fic notes )
( Chapter I )
ETA: Chapter II is now up here.
ETA2: Chapter III is now up here.
Fic is complete. I have changed the title, but it's still the same story, just fyi. =)
This one's for entrenous88, who asked for William, shortly after being turned, watching Angelus jerk off.
( Toll )
ETA: I am trying to make all my fic posts public...not that I expect pimpage (!), but if you are ever so moved, it will be available to everyone. /psa
entrenous88, who asked for William, shortly after being turned, watching Angelus jerk off.( Toll )
ETA: I am trying to make all my fic posts public...not that I expect pimpage (!), but if you are ever so moved, it will be available to everyone. /psa
Grace, chapter 15
May. 13th, 2005 11:20 pmThanks for all the support and encouragement to continue this story. My contribution to the Yinathon:
Title: Grace
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Overall Rating: naughty to naughtier, I'd say.
Warnings: none, really. Post-Chosen, no planned mention of AtS season 5
Chapters 1-14: here
Gently beta'd bymoosesal, but any and all mistakes are my own. And of course, no profit to be found here either.
A brief review of where we left off: Oz just confronted the person who broke into his house (and disturbed the post-coital glow), turning part-wolf to do it. Xander is worried. Paddy is at school.
( Chapter 15 )
Title: Grace
Pairing: Oz/Xander
Overall Rating: naughty to naughtier, I'd say.
Warnings: none, really. Post-Chosen, no planned mention of AtS season 5
Chapters 1-14: here
Gently beta'd by
moosesal, but any and all mistakes are my own. And of course, no profit to be found here either.A brief review of where we left off: Oz just confronted the person who broke into his house (and disturbed the post-coital glow), turning part-wolf to do it. Xander is worried. Paddy is at school.
( Chapter 15 )
Friendship ficathon entry
May. 1st, 2005 10:13 pmI wrote for pepperlandgirl4. Her request was Spike and Wesley. Prompts included: Post-NFA, minor angst, The Hyperion, Wilco's Passenger Side (song). Please do NOT include: Buffy, pining over Buffy. I have to admit, I did not manage to include the Wilco lyrics. My sincere apologies, I do hope you're okay with how it worked out.
Title: Paranormal Physics
Pairing: Spike, Wesley as friends
Rating: NTP (no toddlers please)
Warnings: post-NFA
Summary: What Spike does after the big battle in the alley. More dialog & character stuff than plot. 1,966 words.
( Spike lay on the narrow bed, staring up at the ceiling. It looked a lot like the one he'd stared at last week, and the week before that. Pretty much every room in this godforsaken hotel seemed to have the same flaking plaster and water stains, but he tried to think of moving every few days as entertainment. Of course, if he was honest with himself, he was really just waiting for Wesley to show up again. )
pepperlandgirl4. Her request was Spike and Wesley. Prompts included: Post-NFA, minor angst, The Hyperion, Wilco's Passenger Side (song). Please do NOT include: Buffy, pining over Buffy. I have to admit, I did not manage to include the Wilco lyrics. My sincere apologies, I do hope you're okay with how it worked out.Title: Paranormal Physics
Pairing: Spike, Wesley as friends
Rating: NTP (no toddlers please)
Warnings: post-NFA
Summary: What Spike does after the big battle in the alley. More dialog & character stuff than plot. 1,966 words.
( Spike lay on the narrow bed, staring up at the ceiling. It looked a lot like the one he'd stared at last week, and the week before that. Pretty much every room in this godforsaken hotel seemed to have the same flaking plaster and water stains, but he tried to think of moving every few days as entertainment. Of course, if he was honest with himself, he was really just waiting for Wesley to show up again. )
