Promising, But Then... [Draco/Hermione - NC-17]

[hp_emomod]

Author: anon_drarry
Title: Promising, But Then…
Prompt: #71 Submitted by: scarletladyy
Pairing: Draco/Hermione
Rating: NC17
Warnings: drug use, dub-con, dark!Draco Highlight to reveal: [
mild bloodplay, character death]
Word Count: ~9,800
Summary: Sometimes, it’s as if he forgets that he is Draco Malfoy, pureblood pariah and brewer of illicit potions, and that I am

Comments

[luna_plath]

This was so beautiful. I don't even normally read Draco/Hermione stories but I saw this rec'ed on crack_broom and decided to check it out. You write in such a clear, heartbreaking way, and Hermione's situation is so tangible and emotionally gripping. I'd always pictured Harry as the one to maybe develop something like a substance addiction, but your description of addict-Hermione is very true to circumstance. But I think that's what made this fic so great for me--the fact that Hermione was not what I was expecting, but that it was so convincing and compelling at the same time.

Even though this fic ends with character death, it still seems kind of peaceful, like it's what she's been looking for the whole time. A reprieve. Also, your descriptions of Bonnie Blu was really interesting, especially the part about the color framing her vision. The scene where Draco is dosing her was so intense my joints were practically clanging. (It's just something about needles that makes me suddenly very aware of my anatomy, and when I read your descriptions of the characters shooting up it really grabbed me).

I also liked that the way Draco got back at her wass through emotions, through "loving" mannerisms. A lot of writers wouldn't have thought of the situation in this way, and I appreciated that their conflict was more psychological. It added so much depth to the story.

Your characterization of Hermione was probably the most impressive element of this fic. The description makes her sound OOC, but the fact that you created a way for this plotline to work, and work well, is why I find this story so remarkable. Thank you for writing this and sharing it on LJ. Even though this pairing is not my usual fair I highly enjoyed it. Well done. Saving to memories.

[sashaminx]

:DDD <- Lol. If you couldn't guess already, your comment made me very happy! I wasn't sure that readers would be able to identify with the situation, but you did. And so wonderfully too.

The scenario really needed a convincing back story to go along with their interactions or it just would have been too hard to swallow - addict!Hermione seems such a stretch :P She had to have given up on life to pull that one off! Draco, on the other hand - he can be such a nasty bastard, but he's not all that. I think he was harbouring feelings for Hermy in the end, and the fact that she barely acknowledged him pissed him off enough to develop the serum. Silly sod. It killed her in the end.

Thanks soooo much for letting me know you read, and liked the fic. It's the best inspiration to keep writing! :)