(no subject)
Title:Draco in Darkness
Author: Debbie/Plumeria
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 9 chapters, probably in the 25,000 word area. I didn't count.
Warnings: None that I can think of and I don't think the author listed any on her various sites.
Summary: From the author: Following an accident in his seventh year, Draco loses his eyesight. At first he completely withdraws, avoiding any hint of pity, as well as any assistance; he is determined to succeed on his own. But after Harry elbows his way into Draco's dark world, both boys find themselves in a strange new friendship, and they each learn new ways to see each other … and themselves.
Why I loved it: I loved Draco in this especially. I am hearing-impaired, and have a special fondness for stories where disabilities are handled realistically while still allowing the disabled person to be a whole, real person and not overshadowed by their disability. Draco is blind, but the blindness does not define him. The author does a beautiful job of telling us the difficulties of Draco's blindness in terms of his day to day life, while still allowing Draco to be a strong person who shuns help and doesn't want to be helpless. The build-up of attraction between him and Harry is slow and wonderful, and there's a heart-wrenching bit near the end where all seems lost. The magical devices that help Draco cope with being blind are wonderfully described, and there's a scene where Harry and Draco fly on Harry's broom that is one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever read. Don't let the low rating fool you, either -- there is some very sensual content involving using one's hands to "see" a person's face.
Also, as a bonus, in the version of the story that I've linked you to there is artwork linked within the story, which is lovely to look at while reading the scenes.
Excerpt(optional):
Smack! The little ball hit Draco's palm so hard he almost dropped it. He stared at his hand for one frozen moment in shock. Was it true? Was he really seeing those little wings beat against his grasp? Yes!
It took but a millisecond to process the truth; as soon as it passed, he moved to rub it in - a gesture he'd wanted to make for six long years.
He turned to look behind him; seeing the Gryffindor's stunned expression was worth all the years he'd worn a similar face. "Lose something?" he gloated, waving the Snitch in the air. Stunned surprise turned to fury, and Draco basked in his moment of triumph; then Harry's face twisted unexpectedly into a new look. Fear. Fear?
"Look out!" the dark-haired boy cried, just as Draco felt the back of his head crack into something hard. Pain reverberated through his skull and down his spine; the Snitch slipped from his fingers.
And the last thing he saw, before darkness overcame him, was Harry Potter reaching out to grab him as he fell.
Author: Debbie/Plumeria
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 9 chapters, probably in the 25,000 word area. I didn't count.
Warnings: None that I can think of and I don't think the author listed any on her various sites.
Summary: From the author: Following an accident in his seventh year, Draco loses his eyesight. At first he completely withdraws, avoiding any hint of pity, as well as any assistance; he is determined to succeed on his own. But after Harry elbows his way into Draco's dark world, both boys find themselves in a strange new friendship, and they each learn new ways to see each other … and themselves.
Why I loved it: I loved Draco in this especially. I am hearing-impaired, and have a special fondness for stories where disabilities are handled realistically while still allowing the disabled person to be a whole, real person and not overshadowed by their disability. Draco is blind, but the blindness does not define him. The author does a beautiful job of telling us the difficulties of Draco's blindness in terms of his day to day life, while still allowing Draco to be a strong person who shuns help and doesn't want to be helpless. The build-up of attraction between him and Harry is slow and wonderful, and there's a heart-wrenching bit near the end where all seems lost. The magical devices that help Draco cope with being blind are wonderfully described, and there's a scene where Harry and Draco fly on Harry's broom that is one of the most beautiful scenes I've ever read. Don't let the low rating fool you, either -- there is some very sensual content involving using one's hands to "see" a person's face.
Also, as a bonus, in the version of the story that I've linked you to there is artwork linked within the story, which is lovely to look at while reading the scenes.
Excerpt(optional):
Smack! The little ball hit Draco's palm so hard he almost dropped it. He stared at his hand for one frozen moment in shock. Was it true? Was he really seeing those little wings beat against his grasp? Yes!
It took but a millisecond to process the truth; as soon as it passed, he moved to rub it in - a gesture he'd wanted to make for six long years.
He turned to look behind him; seeing the Gryffindor's stunned expression was worth all the years he'd worn a similar face. "Lose something?" he gloated, waving the Snitch in the air. Stunned surprise turned to fury, and Draco basked in his moment of triumph; then Harry's face twisted unexpectedly into a new look. Fear. Fear?
"Look out!" the dark-haired boy cried, just as Draco felt the back of his head crack into something hard. Pain reverberated through his skull and down his spine; the Snitch slipped from his fingers.
And the last thing he saw, before darkness overcame him, was Harry Potter reaching out to grab him as he fell.