featherxquill

YOU GUYS. I seriously fail at life. So somehow, yesterday, I managed to miss a chunk of my flist somehow? IDEK. But that chunk of flist was the chunk of flist in which my

hoggywartyxmas gift was posted, and now I feel like a complete arse for a) leaving my writer wondering what the hell was going on for like a whole day, and b) not reading this ABSOLUTELY AMAZING STORY sjsgjsghsggss IMMEDIATELY.

Seriously. I can't even. This story has just about EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED, and I command you to all go and read it RIGHT THIS VERY SECOND OKAY?

Spinsters on a Sunday Morning
Irma Pince/Minerva McGonagall, with bonus Rita Skeeter :D | Light R | The headmistress is retiring, and Rita Skeeter is sent to interview her. Oh, how she looks forward to that.

Seriously I don't think I can write a coherent rec for this without writing a five paragraph essay like my review comment, but it's just, gah. There is snarky, vain Rita, there is realistic age depiction and older women being sexual beings, there is complicated emotion and people realising slowly how much they mean to each other. There is discussion of the power of words and language, and queer representation (or lackthereof) in wizarding media. There is just. So much. Awesome. In this. Story.

Even if you never read femslash, or older women, go and read this story. Because I want to give this Mystery Author unicorns and puppies, but comments from people who totally wouldn't usually read this but omg it really works is maybe something I can manage, so go :).

Here are some more Yuletide recs! Before I get on with that, though, let me point you all in the direction of this list of Yuletide stories, and this one from Yuletide Madness. All of these stories have no comments, so if you've got some time, go take a look and see if you know any of these fandoms, have a read and drop the author a comment or kudos (I think you have to have an AO3 login to comment, but you don't to leave Kudos).

Now, on to the recs:

The Care and Feeding of Your M
James Bond (Movies) | M, Moneypenny, Q, Gen | (an incomplete list, in the process of being compiled by Miss Jane Moneypenny)

If I could put this one in big flashing lights, I would. This story is so awesome. Fic about M makes me all sorts of happy, all the time, and this one increases the Awesome Woman factor by having it told through the eyes of Miss Moneypenny. Here are these two strong women, being awesome and competent and owning the boys club of MI6, working together, understanding each other. Love.

God Save the King (And Other Animals)
Blackadder | Blackadder, Baldrick, Bob, Melchett, George, Gen | When Private Baldrick bursts in with incredible news, Blackadder is skeptical. This is, in large part, because Private Baldrick is always wrong.

This story could be an episode. Funny and clever, and full of wonderfully Blackadder-y sarcasm.

Patience is a Virtue
Downton Abbey | Anna, Sybil Crawley, Gwen (Downton Abbey), Edith Crawley | Anna/Bates, Sybil/Gwen | After the outbreak of World War One, Sybil Crawley is eager to volunteer at a hospital. Edith is eager to find a husband while Anna struggles with her feelings for John Bates. When part of the family and staff remove to London, it provides opportunities and frustrations in equal measure, with new acquaintances formed and old friendships rekindled. Largely gen with some Anna/Bates and Sybil/Gwen.

This is a lovely, longish read that takes the time to really flesh out these characters and their relationships, and also explores London during the war and how it impacts on them.

The pretty one
Gosford Park | Jane Wilson, Lizzie Croft, William McCordle | Jane Wilson/William McCordle, Lizzie Croft/William McCordle | Lizzie Parks was the sensible sister, and Jane was the pretty one.

A wonderful exploration of the sisters' relationship, and the story of what happened to them both in their factory days.

Masks Upon Masks
Kick-Ass | Mindy "Hit Girl" Macready, Sergeant Marcus Williams, OMC | She knows what Mindy wants. She knows what Hit-Girl wants. She has no idea what the middle even is anymore.

A fabulous coming-of-age story for Mindy/Hit Girl, coming to terms with her father's death and growing up, struggling to be 'normal' but also figure out who she is.

Gardens Are Not Made by Singing
Law and Order: SVU | John Munch, Odafin Tutuola, slashy gen | The radical nature of potatoes, compost and John Munch.

A fantastic Munch, with all his contradictions and nuances, great SVU team banter, and a funny and insightful exploration of Fin and Munch's relationship.

Feel it in Your Fingers (Five Questions on the Nature of Love)
Love Actually | Joanna, Bernard, Peter, Tony, Aurelia | Het, Gen, Queer, Asexual | Love is all around us, so let the feelings show.

I love this story for the unusual perspectives it gives us. It's such a joy to hear from the minor, less explored or cut from the film altogether characters.

Bang and Burn
RED | Ivan Simanov/Victoria Winslow, Teen+ | Bang and Burn (n): spy slang for demolition and sabotage operations. A tale of Victoria and Ivan's first meeting.

Fun and sexy! Victoria is so the boss :D. A totally believable scenario for their first meeting.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, or a wonderful Saturday, if you don't celebrate. Boxing Day is drawing to a close for me, now, and I just woke from my post-lunch afternoon nap. Had one both days. Whee.

Pumpkin pie was a hit! My brother especially was dubious because omg pumpkin as desert, but everyone really enjoyed it! Including me. Yummy!

I received, among my loot, a copy of Judi Dench's 'And Furthermore', 'The Fry Chronicles', and 'Room'. You can tell I'm a reader - my gift pile always looks like BOOKS and a few other things (this year, perfume! Three bottles from different people!). Also, gift cards from Dad so I can go shopping :D.

In fandom news,

hoggywartyxmas has started posting, and everything so far has been a winner! Go check out, and I will do some more specific recs later. Christmas chat was fun, too - it was great to 'meet' you all 'properly'! :D

Also,

snape_ldws Secret Santas have been posted, and my gift is amazing!

Here Comes Santa Claus by

albalark
Rita/Severus | R, bondage | What Rita wants, Rita gets.

Eeee! One of my OTPs! And Rita in a sexy Santa costume, and ahsghsggsfhsjsh YAY!

Go check out the comm for all the other drabbles, including my own, which is Minerva/Severus.

Also also, there's Yuletide!

Here is my gift, which is made of awesome! A fabulous look at the life of one of my favourite characters:

Life's Work
Wheel of Time - Robert Jordan | Verin Mathwin, Gen | Verin worked for a long time to gather all she knew, and kept her secrets until the hour of her death.

And here are a few recs from my first bit of reading:

Alternates
Back to the Future | George McFly, Marty McFly, Gen | Marty's life isn't at all like how he left it.

A wonderful exploration of Marty having to live with the changes in his family and his life, post-canon.

Practical, and Magic
Bedknobs and Broomsticks | Carrie, Eglantine Price, Emelius Brown, Gen | Carrie thought that Miss Price was simply the most wonderful lady in the world.

Pitch-perfect Carrie voice, and a wonderful depiction of her relationship with Eglantine, and how it shapes her view of the world and her role in it.

I'm a Free Bitch
Bad Romance (Music Video) | Lady Gaga, Original character, Mature Gen | Racquel was sent to the Haus by her parents to become the perfect girl. But she came out a Monster.

A wonderful story with a dystopian sci-fi feel that tells a chilling story about the world depicted in the video.

Shades of Bittersweet
Beauty and the Beast - Disney | Various Characters, Gen | What if Belle married Gaston? A series of vignettes set ten years after Gaston's ultimatum.

This story is a wonderfully written and desperately sad alternative to the happy ever after.

For a Bit of Colored Ribbon
Downton Abbey | Various characters, Gen | Some of the ways war comes to Downton.

A wonderful continuation of the series and exploration of the way war affects its characters.

So there's a few for you, but I have barely scratched the surface of the 2000+ fics (!!!) posted this year. Go check out the Complete list of fandoms for the main collection. If the archive is overloaded, there's also the static list, but you do have to go back to the main site to leave comments.

Go scroll through the famdom list for anything that takes your fancy. I'll be flailing around for days, yet. :)

Look at this fucking cat. Seriously, look at him. Do you think it's possible that any other animal, anywhere, could be this comfortable? I don't.

( Obscenely comfortable cat )

In other news, both my

hoggywartyxmas and

yuletide fics are complete! The latter has been submitted but is still having the final touches put on it with the help of my beta. I am so pleased that we can now edit after submission, omg ILU AO3.

In other, other news, have a rec. I've seen this recc'd all over the shop, and rightly so, but if you've yet to take a look at it, go and do so now:

Right nor Wrong by Anon | Severus/Minerva with Filch POV | Adult | In Greek mythology, Argus the guardian of Io is sometimes said to have a hundred eyes. In the wizarding world, Argus the caretaker of Hogwarts has only two eyes, but he sees a great deal all the same.

This story is fabulous. The author's Filch voice is amazing, and he's been fleshed out into a funny, insightful, still-snarky and multi-layered character. The other characters in the story are painted beautifully through Argus' eyes - the author captures Snape's unattractiveness but also his powerful magnetism, as well as Minerva's intelligence, humanity and temper. Umbridge is also wonderfully rendered, and this story features one of the best cat names in the history of ever :D. Highly recommended.

First, a pimp:

If anyone needs to buy stocking stuffers for the holidays, or just a pressie for themselves, check out

thistlerose's Etsy story Oh Dinosaurs for some of the cutest earrings/necklaces/cell phone pendants going. I bought some for myself a few months ago, and modelled them in this post. Love. Go check it out.

Second, a rec:

I think, with all the holiday fests that have started posting and the general flail surrounding them, some stories that are written outside of fests tend to get overlooked. And so I wanted to share with you all this wonderful story I read last week:

Especially in the Month of June by

bribitribbit | PG, Neville gen | Six-year-old Neville Longbottom learns about his parents.

This story is absolutely gorgeous, and so very sad. Neville's six-year-old voice is amazing. The author captures his limited but profound understanding of things in an incredibly realistic way. This story also features an Augusta who is full of strength and fragility all at once. I love stories about Neville's relationship with his grandmother, and here we see it rendered beautifully.

I have about 25 tabs open of fics to read, some from weeks ago, all suffering from my need to write my own. But today I read two of them, both of which are brilliant, and you should all go and read them now.

To Bring Him Home by

trixy_sky
Minerva/Severus, Rated T | In the immediate aftermath of the battle, Minerva remembers the Slytherins who fought and died, and makes a silent resolve to a man she once knew: to bring him home.

The best way I can think to describe this piece is heavy. Both the story and the language that this author uses have a weight to them - this is something that wants remembering. It's beautiful, and sad, and explores unexpected things: places in the castle we may not before have considered, ideas and understandings its characters had never before considered. Absolutely gorgeous.

Any Colour You Like by Anon at

hp_darkfest
Tom Riddle, Albus Dumbledore | Dumbledore's version of the orphanage visit isn't the only one.

This is an exploration of both Tom's character that is chilling and humanising at once, but what I love most about it is the way it paints Dumbledore as someone whose actions, words and decisions were deeply flawed. A brilliant examination of character for both of them.

Well, what are you waiting for? Go read!

So I thought I'd update with an actual update today, instead of the needs-posting meme entry. Maybe I'll do the meme later (if I need the procrastination), or tomorrow. Or something.

I've been applying for jobs, but not so many last week as the week before, and not yet this week. Spent this morning taking my car over for service/rego check (argh, ngh, two new tyres and rear brake pads waaaah my wallet), then borrowing my mother's car to run a few errands. One of which was picking up the new Wheel of Time novel.

I HAS ME A COPY OF TOWERS OF MIDNIGHT, BITCHES. Once I crack the cover, don't expect to see me until I'm done.

This morning when I woke up, there was a comment in my inbox that told me that An Interesting and Difficult Woman has been nominated for a Deathly Hallows Award! :D :D :D Thank you to whoever it was that nominated it!

I am still catching up over at

minerva_fest, and I'm also reading at

hp_darkfest, which started posting on Halloween and has had some killers already so far. Seriously, guys, you all need to go and read this one:

The Road To Hell | Ginny/Harry, Kingsley | R | Harry and Ginny are young and in love, but can they escape the scars that the War has left behind?

THIS FIC. I CAN'T. Omg, seriously. The summary doesn't give anything away, here, doesn't even begin to talk about what is happening here, but trust me that this story is deeply, deeply unsettling and brilliantly written. I don't want to give away what unfolds as you read it, but just go. Now. Why are you still here?

On a completely different note, watch this. Made by a guy called Colin, based on cartoons from Hyperbole and a Half:

You guys! Yuletide fandom nominations are open! Even if you're only thinking about participating, I urge you to go and nominate the fandoms you would be interested in requesting if you do sign up, because if you don't, you may not be able to choose them.

My nominations this year are (at the moment, at least, I may change at least one before nominations close):
Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Downton Abbey
James Bond: Casino Royale Universe (2006-)
Painted Lady
RPF - 20th-21st c Politics
Shrek

And speaking of exciting fic-y things, you all need to go and read this:

The Thermodynamics of the Moka Pot | Part I and Part II | Minerva McGonagall, Rolanda Hooch, Amelia Bones | R | Minerva McGonagall may be able to bend the laws of physics, but where there is steam, there will always be pressure. The question is what to do about it

This story is such a joy to read. The author captures the voices of all three characters in a way that shows their attitudes, similarities and differences beautifully. The dialogue between all of them just crackles, and the scenery is gorgeous - from the sensory beauty of summers in Europe to the tense political atmosphere of the story's setting - the summer between GoF and OotP. It is also a fascinating exploration of love, gender and sexuality - a real treat. Go and read it now.

And for something completely different, also take a look at this hilarious art:

A is for Awkward by someoldcat | Poppy/Severus | NC-17 | While taking care of Severus during his long convalescence after surviving Nagini's attack, Madam Pomfrey decides he's in need of a thorough examination. Things go pear shaped from there.

Every year, I plan early on to rec fics as they are posted, so that I will not become completely overawed by the awesome and then post none. And guess what? Every year I don't get around to it until right at the end, and then sometimes I totally miss reveals and have to post them after. And this year is no exception. Only this year I haven't missed reveals, so yay.

Anyway, here are a handful of Beholder recs. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the things I loved, either. If you haven't yet, I encourage everyone to check out the Anonymous Masterlist and be a bit adventurous. There are some fantastic stories this year (as there are every year), and one of the things I find most enjoyable about Beholder is the chance to see so many characters and pairings I love represented, but also the chance to step outside my comfort zone a little. I reckon everyone should read one story they wouldn't normally for every two they would. I'll do my recs the same way.

Two I Would:

The News Today (Morning Edition)
Rating: PG-13/light R
Pairings: Molly Weasley/Arthur Weasley, Minerva McGonagall/Arabella Figg, Augusta Longbottom/Alastor Moody
Word Count: 6,900
Summary: Tell it as you see it. Expose the bastards for what they are and if everyone, on every side, hates you, you are probably doing a fine job.

Three very different pairings, three separate stories, all tied together beautifully with the theme of a news story and the feel of world stretched taut with the feel of war. Each of these pairings is beautifully done, and there is a marvellous cast of supporting characters to enjoy as well. Rich, sensual and beautiful.

Steps to the Lightening Struck Tower
Rating: R
Pairing: Severus Snape/Sybill Trelawney
Word Count: ~ 9,270 words
Warnings: None
Summary: Everybody meant well, even Dumbledore, in opposing Voldemort's schemes, but Fate is a malicious entity and Divination its ally.

I think I've only seen this pairing once before, and in that instance it was 'Severus and Sybill are about to die so decide to sleep together because why not'. That fic was fun, but oh, this one is magnificent. It treats Sybill with such dignity and respect, making her not a laughable figure but a fully realised, intelligent woman who simple lacks belief in her own abilities. It explores, too, the idea I have had of Sybill for a long time that she is not a fraud at all, she simply can't see past the big, dark, dramatic things in her predictions to grasp the subtleties. And Snape is brilliant. Clever and analytical and fully aware that he is being used by Dumbledore as thoroughly as he is being used by Voldemort. Also features a depiction of manipulative Dumbledore in a way that is scarily canon.

One I Wouldn't:

The Conjugal State
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Argus Filch/Severus Snape
Word Count: ~6700
Warnings: V. mild dub-con (forced bonding, magical compulsion), Domesticity
Summary: In which Albus Dumbledore makes an error, Severus Snape is certainly not married, and Argus Filch is the happiest man in the world.

I very nearly skipped this one. Forced-bonding is such a tired fandom cliche, and the pairing didn't interest me terribly. And then I read a rec myself and went off to read it, and boy, I am so glad I did. This fic takes something that has become a tired fandom cliche and turns it on its head, makes it hilarious and, although you'd never imagine it from the pairing, even sweet. All while keeping the characters completely IC. As an added bonus, Filch's attempts at being a good 'wife' - including abominable cooking - reminded me a little bit of Baldrick of Blackadder fame, which, combined with Snape's snarkiness, added an extra layer of awesome to an already funny, clever story.

Two I Would:

Conjunction
Rating: General
Pairings: Irma/Sinistra, Pansy/Luna.
Summary: One fine summer everything falls into place.

This is a stunning piece of art. Really, it blew my mind. I spent ages looking at it, and every time I click back there I do it all over again, just to take in the details all over again. This is everything art should be. Stunningly beautiful, full of rich detail and also so full of character. I can really tell who these women are when I look at this picture, and that is the best sort of fanart, IMO.

But Can She Do Maths?
Rating: R
Pairings: Minerva McGonagall/Viktor Krum
Word Count: Around 5700
Warnings: Nerdy math references!
Summary: Viktor Krum needs a date. Where's Hermione Granger when you need her?

God, I love me some older woman/younger man, and this scratched the itch brilliantly. Nevermind that Viktor is nearly forty in this. Actually, I think that made it even better. Viktor is wonderfully cerebral and socially awkward, and Minerva decidedly less so, but the coming together of minds and bodies in this story is marvellous. Add in an absolutely perfect Myrtle, and you have a fic that is a thorough joy to read!

One I Wouldn't:

The rest of the mornings in the world
Rating: R
Pairings: Horace Slughorn/Cornelius Fudge
Word Count: ~5,500
Summary: After the Battle of Hogwarts, Horace finds an opportunity to repay a favour to an old friend.

I never would have thought I could feel sympathy for Cornelius Fudge. Never would have thought I could be brought to care for him. But wow, did I do both, reading this fic. This is everything that I love about Beholder - not just that it's a celebration of the characters I usually love but the rest of fandom doesn't so much, but that it can make me see characters I never thought twice about in completely new ways. This is a beautiful story of two wounded old men, and how they make each other whole again.

--

So yes. A handful, plus one. In the nick of time before the reveals. If you haven't yet, seriously, go and have a read. It's truly an amazing fest.

Current Music: Mika - The Boy Who Knew Too Much

OMG you guys, my Beholder gift was posted today, and it's amazing! It's Rita/Irma ansdghsfshfshsgdhjs YAYE! ♥

You have NO IDEA how long I have been wanting to read Rita/Irma (well,

norwegianne and

velmaneuwirth, you probably do), but seriously you guys, I have wanted to see them written together for EVER.

And now they are, in a gift especially for me! And there is snark, and hot sexing, and emerald green heels and a deliciously aggressive Irma!

Also, there is Muriel! With Ollivander and Xeno Lovegood, and glee! And one awesome bookstore owner who seriously needs his own fanfic series *g*

Go read it, you guys, and give the author some much deserved love :D.

The Madmen, the Scarecrow and the Milkmaid | NC-17 | Rita Skeeter/Irma Pince; Aunt Muriel/Mr. Ollivander/Xenophilius Lovegood (mentioned)

What are you waiting for? Go read!

I've read a lot of great fic lately, mostly because of other people's recs, so when I read this awesome story today, I thought I'd repay the favour to my flist :). Go and read this one, it's a gem!

Title: Why Must I Chase the Cat?
Author:

ozma_katiebell
Pairing: Sirius Black/Minerva McGonagall
Rating: R
Summary: Azkaban has seriously messed with Sirius' metabolism. Unfortunately, someone just stole the warmest spot in the house. Damned felines.

The Sirius headvoice in this one is wonderful, funny and sarcastic, and Minerva is perfectly feline and wonderful. There is also fabulous dialogue and snark.

I've been meaning to write a recs post for like, a week now, but I apparently fail. I wanted to do it before the reveals happened, but I kept procrastinating and then they happened. So, recs anyway, just with names attached. These are certainly not all the fics I liked from this fest, just some of my absolute favourites. My fic will be posted in a separate post.

The Backalley Annual Cocksucking Contest by

woldy | R | Rita Skeeter/Erato Zabini | It wasn't anything as simple as sex appeal; if I had to put my finger on it I'd say they had charisma. And a talent for c*cks*cking, of course

My wonderful gift! It's nothing like I'd have expected, but it's really awesome. Woldy did a great job of writing something I'd never have asked for because I'd never have thought of it or how awesome it would be. Wonderful character voices and a great style and more than a little cracky. Lots of fun! :D

Such is the Flare Through by

scytheandroses | PG | Rufus Scrimgeour/Rita Skeeter | The press has been at it again, revealing Ministry secrets. Auror Rufus Scrimgeour has just about had it with the whole lot of them, particularly with the harpy known as Rita Skeeter. Unfortunately for Rufus, Or, in which Rufus has further issues with women.

Okay, so I knew who wrote this as soon as I read it, and I squee'd like a... well, squeeing thing, because OMG MUAHAHAHA yes she totally wrote Rita/Rufus, and it was AWESOME. Her Rufus voice is perfect and unparalleled and she picks out all of the infuriating things abour RIta that also make her sexy and awesome. And I don't know how a PG fic could be so hot, but it IS. Mmm power.

Two by

miraielle | R | Minerva McGonagall/Septima Vector | There is a week until professors return, and Hogwarts will not wake.

I am in awe of this story. The language is so incredibly beautiful. I don't know if the author intended it this way, but it's sort of like this is told from the castle's perspective. Hogwarts is certainly a character in it, and it paints the human characters and the pairing in a beautiful, haunting way.

Tangled Webs by

snapesgirl_62 | NC-17 | Poppy Pomfrey/Rabastan Lestrange; Rabastan/Evan Rosier, implied Rabastan/Severus, Rabastan/Rodolphus | Rabastan Lestrange must marry to satisfy his family obligations. Rab decides to be old fashioned with his courting and learns a few things about friendship.

This is absolutely wonderful. Poppy is one of my favourite 'has very few lines in canon' characters, and it's always fantastic to see her brought to such vivid life. Here she is a bluestocking, an intelligent, no-nonsense woman who is nonetheless charmed by Rabastan. The dialogue in this fic is great, and so are the imaginative details about pureblood ideologies and wizarding politics.

Playing for Keeps by

vissy | R | Eileen/Severus (Eileen/Tobias) | Eileen Snape, former Captain of the Hogwarts Gobstones Team, is losing her marbles.

More than any other fic I read in this fest, this one has stayed with me. It's not a light read, but it hits hard in the most amazing way. I think it works so well because it's so vividly written - the mother/son relationship is so real and full of colour and the every day interactions of British Muggle life, and then the entire thing is ripped apart and turned on its head in a way you just have to read and be awed by.

In RL:

My parents bought a house today. Or, you know, agreed to buy one. We went to see it this afternoon, and it's lovely. Really lovely. Split-level with a sunken loungeroom, huge bedrooms, a big rumpus room downstairs, green backyard (small, but we don't need a big one). So, providing everything goes right and we can sell our place, we'll be moving! I'm trying not to get too excited until it's certain, but the prospect of being able to decorate a whole new bedroom and the downstairs room, which will be a space for my brother and I so I want it to look like US rather than the parentals, is quite exciting. It's only about five minutes from where we live now, too, which is nice.

In Fandom:

Fic rec! This is wonderful, and you should all go and read it.

Title: Source
Author:

holyfant
Pairing: Arthur/Rita
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Infedility
Summary: Rita Skeeter knows how to handle her sources.

Source.

Oh, Yuletide is so awesome! I'm so glad I played! Didn't have time to do any Madness fics, like I would have liked to, but the annoying bit of Madness not starting until very late on the 23rd for me, and then Christmas busy-ness happening a day earlier than for others, and yeah. No time. But still, it was a lot of fun, and I have been very busy reading, and still have about a thousand tabs open of stories I want to read.

Have some recs. First one is MIIIINE, ALL MINE, and it is made of awesome and glee.

The Chronicles of Riddick

Send Away for a Perfect World

Featuring Kyra and the Lord Marshal and Aereon being all mysterious and awesome, and you should all go and read it yay.

3rd Rock From the Sun

Mission Report

It has Sally/Albright! OMG sksjygdkudefkawyetwyetdwyt111! And it has humour and awesome as well.

Aladdin

A Friend Like Me

Abu. Heartbreaking and beautiful.

Gosford Park

Carpe Diem

Mary/Robert. Sort of. Reflective. And wonderful.

The Remains of the Day

More Mary/Robert. Set during the war, vivid and real and wonderfully researched and bittersweet and amazing.

Sometimes on the Rarest Nights

This one, I think, is my favourite of the GP entries. A series of letters from Ivor Novello to Mabel Nesbitt, and the voice is perfect and the characterisations are wonderful, and it also is impressively researched and just magnificent.

James Bond: Casino Royale

Better Days

Bond/M!!!11 ajsgkdgasdg. This is just gorgeous and evocative and poignant, and the pairing! OMG the pairing. Love.

Love Actually

As You Mean to Go On

A continuation of a number of the stories. All the characters here are so fleshed out and real, and it's very fitting and in keeping with the mood of the film.

Mary Poppins

Wind in the East

Oh, this is beautiful. Bittersweet and beautifully rounded characters and a very interesting take on Mary and Bert's history and relationship.

A Room With a View

Romanza

Charlotte Bartlett/Eleanor Lavish. Absolutely lovely and sensory and beautiful.

Whew! *runs out of breath* As you can see, I'm only through 'R'. I still have lots to read, so hopefully more recs to follow. :D

My Secret Santa wrote me Rita/Snape for

smutty_claus, and it's amazing and brilliant and omfg I'm so happy!

Title: A Chronicle of a Selection of Rita Skeeter's Conquests, or, Confessions of a Quick Quotes Quill
Pairing: Rita Skeeter/Severus Snape
Summary: She and Severus have a history, though, and while he probably doesn't exactly hate her, she's pretty sure he wouldn't take too kindly to her slipping into his room, beetle-shaped, and transforming back into herself in his bed and slipping her clothes off and pushing them under a pillow and waiting for him to come and fuck her.
Rating: hard R
Warnings: Momentarily underage (Severus is seventeen in one scene)

Read it Here

It's just brilliant. They're both so real and disappointed and sort of lonely and slightly angsty but kind of connected at the same time, and it's all grey and beautiful and everything I could hope for and you should all go and read it right now. ♥

I meant to do this before the reveals went up, but then I might have missed one or two that hadn't been posted yet, and that wouldn't have done!

Here are some of my favourites from the exchange. The masterlist can be found here.

By the Numbers | Minerva McGonagall/Rufus Scrimgeour | PG-13 | by

dbassassin

This one was written for me, and it is fabulous. Human, consistent and believable. Two complicated characters with complicated emotions.

A Game of Fox and Houds | Rita/Snape | NC-17 | by

djinnj

ajsgsjgshs. Rita/Snape at it's finest. Both of them are cunning and clever and snarky, and there is awesome verbal sparring and hot as hell mirror!sex and wall!sex, and gah.

Birthday Girl | Rosmerta/Various | NC-17 | by

shocfix

Sweet and sad and powerful. Switches between POVs from Rosmerta to many of the men she's been with, and the voices of them all are wonderful.

The Art and Science of Change | Minerva/Snape | 18+ | by

atdelphi

Fabulous piece. It has a wonderful sense of place in a way that is fable-like, as well as brilliant characters. Minerva is wonderfully imagined, and Severus certainly makes his presence felt despite not being present as his usual self.

Breaking the Seal | Petunia/Percy | NC-17 eventually, but the fic is long and mostly not about sex | by

florahart

This is, first and foremost, a brilliant character piece. Petunia is wonderful - grey, imperfect, detached - and this story is about her growth and change. A fantastic supporting cast - Augusta Longbottom, Arabella Figg, Filius Flitwick. Percy is great, and the romantic relationship is beautiful - together they're funny, uncertain, gentle, fragile. Go read it.

There are many others I could also link to, but if I kept going I'd probably link to like 80% of the fest, so I'll leave it at that. Beholder was a fantastic fest to read and participate in, and I hope it happens again next year! :D

Three Rita fics written the last month! This makes Angie a bouncy little fangirl. They're all awesome, and you should run and read them.

Publishable News | Gen | PG | by

inkvoices

A fun, humorous piece. I love the snarky Rita headvoice.

Onychophilia | Rita/Cedric | NC-17 | by

ldymusyc

ahdsgshsgjs;jkl. This fic is amazing. Cedric has fingernail fetish, and it's HOT, and REAL, and the characterisation and sexual tension is just amazing.

ldymusyc seems to have reached into my brain and picked out everything I love in a Rita characterisation and put it into a fic.

Everything Old is New Again | Rita/Gilderoy | NC-17 | Anonymous

This fic is hilarious, and narcissistic as only this pairing could be, hot, and altogether surprising and wonderful. Go read it now.

Go forth and read!

I'm a bit YAY right now.

Firstly.

A. Thank all of you lovely people who wished me a happy birthday! I had a great day, and a big chocolate cake, and it was rather cool. I knew in advance that I couldn't possibly hope to beat last year's birthday (Judi Dench liek omg, and then shopping at Harrods with

princesslucia and eating La Duree macaroons and wandering up and down Charing Cross Rd), so I didn't try, but it was still very awesome.

Also, I got ( these flowers, which I am putting behind a cut because I have no idea how large the picture is )

They're really awesome.

B. I am not going to let myself get excited until I have flights booked and passport and visa in hand, but I think I shall be coming over to your neck of the woods (your = a great many people on my flist). My Dad has agreed to pay for the flight (as the 21st gift), and I shall hopefully be visiting

ooh_blah_blah (and maybe

doesnotlikethis and/or

dfmovieman?) in Seattle in the summer! Hopefully, the money will extend to allow me to go and stay a few days with

cocohufflepuffs and

chibitoaster who will be visiting together for the release of DH. I wish I could stay for a YEAR, and visit about 463553 more of you, but your country is freakin' huge, and my uni break (and my wallet) will only let me do so much.

*flails a bit, despite resolve not to get excited yet*

C. Also, a few recs:

So Much Potential by

florahart. Rita/um, a beetle. This is the BEST sort of crack. Nearly killed me. Go read.

Barking At The Moon by

rinsbane. Petunia/Snape. This is an absolutely amazing piece of writing. Powerful and understated, beautiful and heart-wrenching. Even if you've never read/considered the pairing, go and take a look.

I'm sure there was more I wanted to say. Gah. I can't think of it now. Oh, well, that'll do

Current Mood: energetic

FUCK. Go and read this NOW.

That is an ORDER.

The Illegal Animagus Subjugation Front
Author:

bartzina13
Rita/Hermione, NC-17

This is ALL KINDS of kinky. And OMGSOVERYHOT *dies*

Current Mood: restless

Honestly, ladies (and the few lads on my flist). I think I'm in love with

shaggydogstail.

READ.

Such A Good Boy
PG. McGonagall/Cedric

AND it's companion:

Such A Good Boy (Professional Misconduct Remix)
PG. McGonagall/Cedric, implied past McGonagall/Sirius.

AND there is a new community dedicated to celebrating Minerva!

quinquatrus *pimps it even though it is not quite finished, by the look of it* Talk of a Minerva under the mistletoe Christmastime ficathon. ZOMGlove

*flails*

Okay, I'll try and get back to being sane now.

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Entries tagged with fic rec

YOU GUYS. OMG.

More Yuletide Recs!

All Things Christmassy!

Various and Sundry

A Pimp and a Rec

Two fic recs

Two faced drama rebellion

Woo! Exciting!

Beholder Recs

ZOMG

Rec!

So, Beholder...

Well, yay (I hope!)

Some Yuletide Recs

OMG flaily hands