2012-01-03

ishtar79: (Default)
2012-01-03 12:14 pm

HP and more Yuletide recs

Happy Apocalypse Year 2012, everybody!

-The traditional thing for this time of year would do some new year’s resolutions, but I’m currently going through such a self-examination/existential crisis in RL, any post I made would come off as incredibly navel-gazing and/or whiny. So I’m keeping it brief and simple:
RL goals: Get out of current rut/achieve complete and radical status quo changes by the summer at the latest. Oh, and quit smoking and go the gym more, obviously.

Fandom goals: Comment more and write that crackfic I promised [personal profile] ariadneelda under the influence of much tequila (which, as far as “questionable decisions I’ve made under the influence of tequila”, isn’t even in the top 20)

-At the rate my “to read” bookmark folder is growing, I might have caught up with all the fest by the year 2018, or something. Why so many fandoms, self? I was hoping to do most of my Yuletide recs before the reveal, but now see this was a pipe dream.

First off, some HP recs:

On License by Anonymous Harry/Draco, Draco/Astoria, Harry/Ginny (NC-17, ~57,000 words)

An unusual premise, involving Draco being placed under a new program under the supervision of Auror Harry Potter after being released from Azkaban. The details Draco’s crime are very gradually and grudgingly revealed, by a Draco that’s at his most distrustful and bitter, contrasted with Harry’s maturity and competence (though the impulsive streak is still there!). The rest of the cast are brilliant as well, and Scorpius is particular is a delight!

Riches and Wonders by Anonymous Harry/Draco, Harry/Ginny, Draco/Astoria (NC-17, ~9000 words)

So this story pretty much encapsulates why I adore infidelity!fic. You won’t find any justifications, romanticizing, or vilification of spouses here-neither Harry or Draco are particularly torn up over their actions. In fact, I found Harry’s attitude in equal parts fascinating and offputting at times (which of course made it even hotter).

The Boy Who Only Lived Twice by Anonymous Harry/Draco (NC-17, ~56,000 words)

This was so much fun to read! I love the idea of Harry as an Unspeakable (and completely agree with this story’s take that regardless of what he claims to want, deep down he’s an adrenaline junkie who’d never be satisfied with a normal life), and the secret identities, conspiracy-filled plots and general feel of a fast-paced, witty spy novel.

Take the Air by Anonymous Harry/Draco (NC-17, ~50,000 words)

My personal favourite. Aurors Harry and Draco are forced to cooperate on a case, and definitely start off on the wrong foot. And yes, the premise is hardly unique to H/D fic, but the execution is flawless. I couldn’t even begin to list all the things I loved about this fic: the gradually changing dynamic between the pair, attention to detail when it comes to magic, the equally well-portrayed background canon character (Narcissa is brilliant in this!) and engaging OCs, just…everything about it.

An Inconvenient Wedding by Anonymous Draco/Hermione, Scorpius/Lily (NC-17, ~19,000 words)

Probably the best take on the pairing I’ve read in ages. The unexpected engagement of Scorpius and Lily throws a wrench into Draco and Hermione’s illicit affair. This story’s got it all: a well-handled infidelity plot (this year has been good for one of my favourite tropes), a fantastic portrayal of both Draco and Hermione and the rest of the cast (I loved Rose in this), and sex that feels completely real while being scorchingly hot.

Yuletide fic:

Once Upon A Time, The Good Wife, The Wire, The Borgias )