A Dark Place in Time - Team Canon

[hdcup_mod]

Title: A Dark Place in Time
Team: Canon
Author: cutecoati
Prompt: The Empress
Wordcount: ~ 9000
Rating: PG
Warnings: EWE
Summary: What on earth was her son thinking, falling for Harry Potter of all people, Narcissa wonders. But after the death of her husband, she finds him useful in many, and sometimes surprising, regards.
Author's Note: Many thanks to

Comments

[switch_heart]

Wow...Just...Amazing.
This story highlights the very depths of grief and what it can do to a family even as outwardly cold and calculating as the Malfoys.
Lucius was characterized brilliantly, showing the extreme differences between Draco's father, and Lucius Malfoy. Narcissa's pain was almost tangible throughout each scene, bringing tears to my eyes that I was hoping throughout the entire story that she would shed as well.
Extremely well done mystery author.

[cutecoati]

Thank you so much! ♥

I just love the Malfoys - such a bunch of arrogant twits, and yet they're so much family!

I'm so glad that you liked the different perceptions the character had of Lucius!

[shoeboxer4life]

What a fascinating peak into the Malfoys, and into Harry and Draco's relationship, as well. I thought they were very canon: Harry's somewhat bumbling nature, but clear when it matters, and Draco angry and sensitive. Gosh, they're so canon I don't rightly know how they stay together. But your story isn't about why they fell in love; it's about a make or break moment in the relationship. I adored Narcissa's memories. I think you would do well to write more about this Lucius and Narcissa. Ever consider doing a story on the Black sisters? I'm dying to read a good one (know of any?) and I think you'd do well to write it.

[cutecoati]

Thank you so much!

And I'm particularly glad you thought my boys were canon! IMO, they really are very different in their disposition which would make their relationship a very difficult one, one which they have to work on ceaselessly - but then, I also think that, if they do so, it could be very a gratifying and happy one too *clings to OTP*

Ohhh, the Black sisters! Actually, I'd love to do a story on them! *ponders* (For a terrific Bellatrix, check out melusinahp's fics, no one writes Bella like she does!)

[biffes]

I really liked Narcissa's POV, the glimpses into the H/D moments, and the title, which is excellent. Great insight into the life and behaviour of aristocrats.
I also think that your Lucius is perfectly canon, and I'd love to read more about him. "because I love you, you obnoxious girl" - sounds like the Lucius we know:)
Narcissa clearly loves her son, the occasional consoling touches making this even more evident. Superb characterization, though I can't imagine Draco calling Narcissa "Mum". I like how Harry tries to be understanding and supportive of Draco in his own fumbling way.
I agree that Lucius' death must be a grievous and extremely significant time for the Malfoys. Well done.

[cutecoati]

Aw, thank you so much! *beams at you*

I had to struggle hard to NOT turn it into a mere Lucius/Narcissa fic ;D

Interesting that you mention it - I was quite unsure whether I should have Draco call Narcissa "Mum"! But then I remembered that he called Lucius "Dad" in OotP, and I've always imagined his relationship with his mother being somewhat, well, not closer, but less defined by awe and adoration, so I figured he might...

[nonajf]

Oh. The grief of the end of a love affair juxtaposed with the beginning of Draco's and Harry's. I don't think I've read a story where Lucius dies that makes so very clear Narcissa's loss. Her emotions and the funeral experience were so true to life that it took me right back to my own experiences.

Beautifully done.

[cutecoati]

Thank you so much! ♥ I'm so glad my story rang true to you!

I think that Lucius's death must be a devastating blow to both Narcissa and Draco - however arrogant twits the Malfoys may be, they're definitely a close-knit family.

[romaine24]

I absolutely ♥ this story. Your Narcissa is incredible and I especially adored her visit to Harry at his office. The glimpses we got of h/d from her perspective were fascinating. Yes, they fought and she thought Harry beneath her and her son, until she witnessed the brief moments of tenderness between them and recognised it as what she had just lost. *sniffle*

[cutecoati]

Aw, thank you so much, dear! ♥

I was quite unsure whether her - so definitely biased - POV would work at all, and I'm so happy that it rang true to you! (and she'll be one hell of a mother-in-law, poor Harry ;)