February Recs Challenge, Day 29!! (HP Fic)
Today I had to do the type of work function that requires networking, trying to convince strangers how great my company is, and standing around in uncomfortable shoes. I am good at none of these things. But now it is over -- happy Friday to me and to everyone! I have lit candles all over the living room, wrapped myself in a blanket, and put up my achy feet. Life is good.
In other news, we have come to the end of recs month. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and leave feedback! I'll post the master list of everything tomorrow, and then I'm going to take at least a day off from spamming you all, I promise. :-)
In the Land of Dragons by Anonymous
Pairing: Charlie/Draco
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: DH-based, but not EWE-compliant; I'm sure I can say it veers into AU territory.
Summary: Charlie's job has changed from dragon-keeper to dragon-hunter in the apocalyptic aftermath of the war.
My Comments:
I had a few other fics percolating in my mind for my last rec of the month, but I read this one the other night and enjoyed it immensely. It's a nice long one-shot, and the author takes a while to get to the romance because she's busy developing a wonderfully original plot involving dragons, a bomb at the Ministry, and the intersection of the magical and muggle worlds.
The romance, when it does enter the picture, makes my fangirl heart very happy indeed. This isn't a first time fic, nor is it quite an established relationship fic either; the physical chemistry between Charlie and Draco leaps off the page, but emotionally things are initially a bit ambiguous (which I love). And the ending...*sighs and swoons*
Excerpt:
"Lieutenant Downer was assigned to my unit today," he informed the grey sliver contemplating him. Malfoy's eye widened a little, before narrowing. Charlie noticed that his hands were gripping the side of the table, not too tightly, but tight enough. Malfoy had always had such a reaction to Harry, and it pleased Charlie no end that now he was the one able to rile Malfoy in such a manner.
It felt a little like teasing a dragon. Malfoy disliked any mention of Lieutenant Downer, no matter how much Charlie tried to reassure him that Downer was of little interest to him.
"Oh, really?" Malfoy's voice was very calm, almost pleasant. He moved so suddenly that Charlie had to take a step back to let him pass; under that smell of smoke and metal, he thought he could detect Malfoy's soap and sweat. "That must have been nice for you to see him again. You've worked with him before, right?"
Malfoy stirred each concoction once, with that particular authority that Charlie had seen on Professor Snape, before ending the Constant Flame spells under the cauldrons. He stepped back and ran a hand through the bright, smooth hair, all the way down to the black strip of cloth he was using as a tie, pushing it so that it rolled down to the end of his hair; he took the strip and placed it carefully in a pocket of his robes.
"Yes, I have. It was nice, as far as pursuing a terribly miserable creature who completely disagrees with what you're trying to do," Charlie said brightly. "Downer and I, we're fairly friendly, he's a decent bloke, for a Muggle and all--"
Malfoy whirled, a dervish painted in dark-green and pale skin, eyes alight. He flung himself at Charlie, who caught him easily, kissing him as fiercely as Malfoy was doing it to him...
If you enjoy, please leave the author some feedback. :-)
*slumps* And I'm done...with two hours to spare!
In other news, we have come to the end of recs month. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read and leave feedback! I'll post the master list of everything tomorrow, and then I'm going to take at least a day off from spamming you all, I promise. :-)
In the Land of Dragons by Anonymous
Pairing: Charlie/Draco
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: DH-based, but not EWE-compliant; I'm sure I can say it veers into AU territory.
Summary: Charlie's job has changed from dragon-keeper to dragon-hunter in the apocalyptic aftermath of the war.
My Comments:
I had a few other fics percolating in my mind for my last rec of the month, but I read this one the other night and enjoyed it immensely. It's a nice long one-shot, and the author takes a while to get to the romance because she's busy developing a wonderfully original plot involving dragons, a bomb at the Ministry, and the intersection of the magical and muggle worlds.
The romance, when it does enter the picture, makes my fangirl heart very happy indeed. This isn't a first time fic, nor is it quite an established relationship fic either; the physical chemistry between Charlie and Draco leaps off the page, but emotionally things are initially a bit ambiguous (which I love). And the ending...*sighs and swoons*
Excerpt:
"Lieutenant Downer was assigned to my unit today," he informed the grey sliver contemplating him. Malfoy's eye widened a little, before narrowing. Charlie noticed that his hands were gripping the side of the table, not too tightly, but tight enough. Malfoy had always had such a reaction to Harry, and it pleased Charlie no end that now he was the one able to rile Malfoy in such a manner.
It felt a little like teasing a dragon. Malfoy disliked any mention of Lieutenant Downer, no matter how much Charlie tried to reassure him that Downer was of little interest to him.
"Oh, really?" Malfoy's voice was very calm, almost pleasant. He moved so suddenly that Charlie had to take a step back to let him pass; under that smell of smoke and metal, he thought he could detect Malfoy's soap and sweat. "That must have been nice for you to see him again. You've worked with him before, right?"
Malfoy stirred each concoction once, with that particular authority that Charlie had seen on Professor Snape, before ending the Constant Flame spells under the cauldrons. He stepped back and ran a hand through the bright, smooth hair, all the way down to the black strip of cloth he was using as a tie, pushing it so that it rolled down to the end of his hair; he took the strip and placed it carefully in a pocket of his robes.
"Yes, I have. It was nice, as far as pursuing a terribly miserable creature who completely disagrees with what you're trying to do," Charlie said brightly. "Downer and I, we're fairly friendly, he's a decent bloke, for a Muggle and all--"
Malfoy whirled, a dervish painted in dark-green and pale skin, eyes alight. He flung himself at Charlie, who caught him easily, kissing him as fiercely as Malfoy was doing it to him...
If you enjoy, please leave the author some feedback. :-)
*slumps* And I'm done...with two hours to spare!