Comments | shadowfiction: THE OPPOSITE OF WAR (PG) BY IAMSHADOW

shadowfiction

THE OPPOSITE OF WAR (PG) BY IAMSHADOW

Apr 25, 2008 21:12

Title: The Opposite of War
Author: iamshadowShip: Gen, not even a friendship fic (though there are hints of potential ( Read more... )

gen, gift!fic, pg

Comments 32

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shadowfiction April 25 2008, 11:53:43 UTC

Thank you!

I think if they did eventually become friends, it would take quite a while, but for now, they're willing to try working together. And Neville will be a much more forgiving employer than many in the wizarding world would be of Draco's arrogance and snobbery.

Though Draco's always tormented Neville in the past, I think the fact that they're both Purebloods will make a difference. Draco never mocked Neville for being poor, like he did the Weasleys. Though they're not as wealthy as the Malfoys, I think the Longbottoms are still 'comfortable', and have a heritage that's respectable. So Draco doesn't have to overcome the issue of working for someone who's of mixed blood or low birth, and seeing Neville doing something he excels at is going to make him rethink his opinion that Neville's rubbish at everything. He's already seen the greenhouse, and that's begun to chip away at that misconception.

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shadowfiction April 25 2008, 12:31:02 UTC

*giggles*

I just can't shut up!

secretsolitaire April 25 2008, 12:03:37 UTC

Oh, I love Neville! This kindness seems so in character for him.

shadowfiction April 25 2008, 12:42:01 UTC

Well, it's not a kindness so much as a practicality, but he is being more forgiving than most people would be. The War helped him let go of a lot of his insecurities. I think Augusta finally seeing him as being his own person with his own talents, and not a failure, helped immensely.

With Draco, he knows where he stands. They've had a far from amicable relationship up until this point, but the power balance has well and truly shifted. Neville is confident, more assertive, and a decorated hero. He knows his own strengths and what he's capable of, after the last year at Hogwarts fighting in the internal resistance, and standing up to Voldemort himself.

mrsquizzical April 25 2008, 12:05:42 UTC

oh neville!!! he is perfection.

mild in the face of sarcasm. compassionate in the face of suffering, but calling bullshit when he sees it.

and great draco!

shadowfiction April 25 2008, 12:56:12 UTC

I'm glad you liked my Neville! He's a pretty unflappable guy, but that doesn't mean he's just going to eat up whatever Draco dishes out. I think that being raised by Augusta (who speaks her mind - see Ch23, OotP!) Neville would call a spade a spade, and wouldn't have much time for people who are manipulative, whereas Draco learnt that sort of approach at his mother's breast. I don't even think it's a conscious thing, most of the time; it's just how he thinks.

This was my first time writing Draco, besides a little!Draco drabble called Brocade that I wrote for the NYE drabble challenge. It was fun trying to get into his head in a post-Battle world, and portray him as vulnerable, but not contrite and not even very likable ( ... )

star54kar April 25 2008, 12:40:11 UTC

Love it!

I'm running out the door to work, so I don't really have time to say much more, but yeah, so much love:)

shadowfiction April 25 2008, 12:57:28 UTC

*squishes you*

Don't be late!

ms_worplesdon April 25 2008, 14:58:46 UTC

Oh wow, just WOW!!! Thank you so much!!!!!

“You are a blithering idiot,” Draco said, before he could help himself.

“Apparently,” Longbottom agreed mildly. “Do you want to see the greenhouses?”

So IC it hurts. What a great idea! And that it's Neville doing this makes it effortlessly funny. Since he's worth two of Draco, after all. Every insult would just roll right off his back and I can see Draco down the road still being a snarky bastard, but Neville knows it's some bizarre form of teasing affection.

“You did all this yourself? Without magic?” Draco asked, disbelievingly.

*nods* I love that you included that point. His ignorance of the way muggles do things must know no bounds, and I can see the potential to develop a grudging respect for muggle methods.

“I haven’t a wand,” Draco admitted. “Potter never returned mine, and I’m not allowed to buy one.”

*flails* So this is your setup for later!

“Just because people deserve second chances doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences,” Longbottom said softly.You really set up a possible ( ... )

shadowfiction April 25 2008, 15:42:15 UTC

You're welcome! Happy birthday!

Every insult would just roll right off his back and I can see Draco down the road still being a snarky bastard, but Neville knows it's some bizarre form of teasing affection.

I think when Draco gets grouchy, Neville's actually going to find his insults and snark amusing. That's not to say Draco won't ever say something that hurts Neville, because he will, at some point, but Neville's nowhere near as vulnerable as he used to be. The last couple of years have hardened him; the reign of Snape and the Carrows in particular. After being tortured for speaking your mind, a petty jibe just doesn't have the same impact.

His ignorance of the way muggles do things must know no bounds, and I can see the potential to develop a grudging respect for muggle methods.Draco's been very sheltered and has lived a very privileged existence up until the last year of the War. He's never had to do anything for himself; everything has been bought with money or influence, or has been done for him by House Elves. Actually ( ... )