At Childhood's End - Team Fanon

[hdcup_mod]

Title: At Childhood's End
Team: Fanon
Author: mahoganyhandle
Prompt: The Magician
Wordcount: ~38k
Rating: PG
Warnings:
Summary: When Harry comes across a fallen branch of an elder tree and accidentally bonds with it, his life changes beyond his wildest imaginings.
Author's Note: Magician: Immanent, spiritual, and Mercurial transmutation from potential to

Comments

[tomatoe18]

*takes a deep breath and exhales slowly* Here goes...

Insanely good, this one. Very original, I must say, since I had yet to come across a fic where either Harry or Draco is this type of magical creature, or being, as you stated in the story. It's also admittedly complicated. The magical theories in this story gave me a lot to ponder about. I might have to re-read through some parts, though, because most of the things you wrote are quite -shall I say- philosophical? And I haven't been able to wrap my mind completely around them. But I enjoy the challenge of trying to understand these so-called theories; I do love fics that make me think. (Oh and you make me want to actually OWN a copy of Hogwarts: A History so I can find out more about these things... XD;;)

I'm impressed with how you worked out the underlying interconnectivity between the characters. Every single thing that a person says and every single person in the story have a part in revealing the answer to Harry bit by bit. Sometimes the information comes slowly to me as a reader whereas at another time it jumps out of the blue in what seems to be a normal conversation between friends (like in the scene where Dean tells Harry about staging a protest against the Parkinson's organic grocery).

I am also in awe of the subtleties that lie in the background stories and settings, such as Ollivander's messy habit, Severus' painting in Harry's home and the way Harry and his friends interact with each other (particularly the whole Ginny & Michael thing). My favorite bit, though, would have to be the black sister wands. Three of them, you say? Reminds me of another trio of Black sisters. (And speaking of wands, I absolutely love the geekiness Harry shows for wands!) It's just amazing how you managed to weave them seamlessly into the story and it ends up being richer.

As far as Harry and Draco goes, I'm touched at how they explore their -if I may say so- 'inadvertent' bond. The way they want to protect one another tugged at my heartstrings and although they were not physically available to each other for most of the fic, their souls and their spirits definitely were and this is what makes them special. (Terry Boot and the DRCC's interferences in trying to make Harry see and understand that his magical bonding is valid are amusing, too. For some reason, I laughed a lot whenever a letter from him came to Harry.) The last line is perfect but!!! I couldn't help but wish you'd elaborate on how Harry finally rescued Draco. Don't get me wrong, I like the ending a lot, but I want to know more about the process of Harry fulfilling his promise to Draco.

Speaking of the ending, maybe some people might want more action (i.e. a real kiss) happening between the two but I like how you did it. Exactly this way. Leaves more to the imagination. My imagination certainly ran wild after that. *laughs*

This is a very intense piece of fiction but the occasional outbursts of humors were entertaining. (I got turned into a puddle of uncontrollable mirth for the better part of 10 minutes at Draco's "but I am made of awesome, so I am the exception to the rule"!) I have a lot more to say about it but maybe this commentary has run too long. Suffice to say once again that this is a ridiculously good fic. Thank you and congratulations for completing it. :)

[mahoganyhandle]

[tomatoe18]

It left you speechless? *twitches nervously* I hope it was in a good way and it wasn't annoying in any kind. :P

Will you please let us all know if you do post this somewhere else? Do you post fics in your journal? If yes, then perhaps I could friend you? Apologies if I come across as overzealous but your fic is *that* good. *sighs*

Thanks for responding! :)