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beholder_mod (beholder_mod) wrote in hp_beholder,
@ 2008-04-25 16:27:00

Entry tags:

albus dumbledore, art, fic, het, horace slughorn, minerva mcgonagall, severus snape, slash

FIC and ART: 'The Problem With Memories' for alwaysasnapefan
Recipient: alwaysasnapefan
Author: purplefluffycat
Artist: purplefluffycat
Title: The Problem With Memories
Rating: Fic - NC17, although much of the story rates lower. Illustration - PG-13/soft R
Warnings: (Canon) character death, Illustration (embedded within the story): nudity (although no naughty bits are visible...)
Pairings: Horace Slughorn/Albus Dumbledore, with background Severus Snape/Minerva McGonagall
Word Count: About 20,000
Summary: Horace's relationship with Albus has never been straightforward; he has always been left at once ecstatic, confused and hurt to the bone. As the two friends become reacquainted during one of the wizarding world's most trying years, what, this time, might play out differently? How might memories of times past impact upon the future, and what secrets might come to the surface? Set during 'The Half Blood Prince.'
Author's Notes: I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to explore some of the many possibilities for this rich pairing. I hope, alwaysasnapefan, that this story pleases you - I have tried to keep a fair amount of happiness and humour here, despite the fact that the characters seemed determined to be angsty! ;-) Thanks also to the mod for such a superb and original exchange!

***
Click here to read 'The Problem With Memories'

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alwaysasnapefan
2008-04-25 09:30 pm UTC (link)

Let me first of all say that this is a pairing I really enjoy thinking about, but have never actually read before.

I bet Dumbledore could really fall in love with how Hedonistic Horace is. And Slughorn could really fall in love with how shadowed Dumbledore truly is.

and it was almost with a sense of triumphant defeat that Horace flew once more into the Dumbledore web; a plump, juicy fly that wants to feel nothing more than the colourful intensity of it's own demise.
Perfect irony here! That Slughorn, the spider with the webs in Harry's eyes, is the fly to Albus's own spider-osity. Wonderful.

Your Slughorn is so alluring. I just love him.

Such daftness was probably just caused by indigestion, anyway
HEE!

although Horace had never been sure what chemicals might have to do with the process.
I just really love some of these lines in the narration. They're just so cute and clever.

and I drew myself up to my full height and said, 'Actually, I intend to write the book about it!'"
*squee*

There was one time when I think you asked your parents to send over five truckles of Stilton, just to prove to the Gauls that they weren't the only one's who could make cheese."
THIS IS ANOTHER THING DUMBLEDORE WOULD SOOOO SAY!!!! I'm freaking out here.

The picture of auburn!Albus. I just love auburn!Albus and to have had that picture for so long, oh, Sluggy. Him talking to the picture is such a raw, beautiful moment.

He harrumphed in embarrassment and retrieved a silk handkerchief to mop somewhat ineffectually at the dampness in his eyes and mustache before extinguishing the light and nestling down to try to sleep.
AWW!

It's a tradition among Muggles - one that I have always been rather partial to
That's true! Look at Fawkes!

"Um, Sluggy? I'm terribly sorry to have to ask, but there are a few patches that I can't quite reach... Nothing to make a maiden blush - I promise - but it's terribly awkward, what with this hand being a bit off-colour at the moment..."
*SQUEALS* He called him Sluggy and said "nothing to make a maiden blush". Your Albus wins!

by the beautiful shape of Albus' calf muscles
I'm sorry I'm doing so much copy and pasting, but, God, this is so goooooooood. I just love all the descriptions of Albus's body. He does sound beautiful.

- oh no - he had to stay soddingly gorgeously fuckable past the age of a hundred, just to make the point.
TEEHEE!

to Horace's dismay - a lean stomach with defined abdominal muscles. - The sort sported by young Quidditch jocks that old queens fantasize about running stubby fingers over, feeling the firm mounds and clefts under the skin between ragged breaths...
*MELTS* The way you write is so wonderful. Your talent for description makes me hot!

But I agree with Slughorn – it has to be a glamour, doesn't it? Either way, it's extremely hot.

You're so good with the sexual tension.

Everyone was making a real effort - Sybill was saner than usual, Filius had decorated beautifully, Hagrid had brushed his beard, and Severus was even being civil.
Hee!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

alwaysasnapefan
2008-04-25 09:30 pm UTC (link)

I like the Snape/Minerva pairing, too. They make a cute, staunch couple, and it adds to the fact she got so mad at him in DH, you know?

OOOOOOOOOO! I JUST LOVE THE WAY HE REJECTED HIM!

And then I cried a little more and tried to console myself with crystallized pineapple.”
*heart breaks*

He couldn't finish off your sentences; you didn't wake him from a nap with hippogriff finger-puppets on his back; you never plaited his mustache while he snoozed on the beach, and he had never brought you sherbet lemons on your birthday.
Oh GOD how sweet!

I'm crying, aww!

Poor Albus, too! This fic is so, so good so far oh thank you, thank you, thank you! When Albus was telling him about Gellert, I had as little idea as to where he was headed with it as Horace – you're so good. Your Minerva is so wonderful. All of your characters are.

but I do wish I had your body, Sluggy."
Oh holy crap. Holy crap. Hottest line ever.

The way they speak is so sexy during a sex scene. And then the way he got all self-conscious and Albus got all insistent. They are so perfect!

"You're round and soft and lovely. Simply edible, in fact, and I can't wait to have my wicked way with you!"
OH MY GOD HE KISSED HIS STOMACH AND HE SAID THAT; I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU CAN'T WAIT TO SEE WHO YOU ARE THIS IS AWESOME.

"This tummy of yours is a precious artefact, you know, my dear. Every ounce is composed of something expensive."
*pants*

He calls him Alby!

What a gorgeous picture!! The colors, the expressions, their naked bodies lying together, staring at each other, wishing they could stay there forever. I love the curtains on the bed and the headboard. It's all so lovely.

I love Minerva's description of how Severus was in their relationship.

WHAT AN AWESOME ENDING!

Thank you so much, so, so much, mystery author! What an emotional journey. And possibly the hottest fic I've ever read. You really pushed the right buttons!

Thanks again!

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	beholder_mod 2008-04-26 12:57 am UTC (link)
	Hi. Mod here. Just in case you didn't see the illustration (apparently there was a problem with the coding); you should be able to see one now if you go back and take another look at your gift fic (although you may have to hit refresh to get it to appear. Let me know if you don't see it, okay? (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	alwaysasnapefan 2008-04-26 02:57 am UTC (link)
	I saw it earlier and I still see it now. It's lovely. I talked about it in one of my huuuuuuuge comments. (Got a little excited!) (Reply to this) (Parent)

purplefluffycat
2008-05-13 10:51 pm UTC (link)

Wow! Thank you so much for probably the longest and loveliest comment I have ever received! :-)

I'm sooooooo pleased that you liked the fic :-D In any fest - but perhaps particularly one that focuses on 'unloved' characters - it can be difficult to write something that the giftee is really going to like, and I'm both thrilled and relieved that this seems to have hit the spot.

It was so much fun to write, too! I had been thinking about Horace/Albus for a little while in any case, so thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to put my ideas into practice; it was great to receive your prompts.

It seems that our tastes in characters overlap somewhat, so I'd like to add you to my friends list, if I may? It would be lovely to 'talk' with you some more :-)

PurpleFluffyCat x

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	alwaysasnapefan 2008-05-13 10:56 pm UTC (link)
	Yes, yes! Friend me! (Reply to this) (Parent)

	A note to the mod (Anonymous) 2008-04-26 12:16 am UTC (link)
	Hi there, An illustration is mentioned in the header info, but for some reason no picture is visible here - I've tried looking on both Firefox and Internet Explorer, to no avail... Am I missing something obvious, or might there be a bug somewhere? (Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: A note to the mod bethbethbeth 2008-04-26 12:21 am UTC (link)
	Did you see the link for the story? The illustration is there if you follow that link, because it's actually part of the story. :) (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: A note to the mod (Anonymous) 2008-04-26 12:37 am UTC (link)
	Did you see the link for the story? Oh yes - and I'm halfway through reading it :-) It's just that there's no picture visible on my screen at all - just lots of lovely text... (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: A note to the mod beholder_mod 2008-04-26 12:42 am UTC (link)
	How very odd. And you've looked all the way through the story? Because it's shown up perfectly on the three computers I checked it on today, which all use different ISPs. I will investigate! (Reply to this) (Parent)

	Re: A note to the mod beholder_mod 2008-04-26 12:55 am UTC (link)
	There...that should be sorted! Sorry for the confusion. (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: A note to the mod (Anonymous) 2008-04-26 01:06 am UTC (link)
	Yay! I see picture now - thank you :-) (Reply to this) (Parent)

plaid_slytherin
2008-04-26 12:19 am UTC (link)

My goodness, this was absolutely fantastic! I'd been following this exchange, but I *never* expected anyone to write my favorite pairing, but, oh, someone did and it was marvelous! I'll try to be as coherent as I can.

It's so hard to pick my favorite bits. I loved how introspective (and angsty!) Horace was throughout the piece; it made me really feel for him. I loved how you've fleshed out his background; it's something those of us who write him have to do, and I thought it was all completely believable. And of course, the sex was so hot, I can't even put it into words. I loved how insecure Horace was and just the way the two connected. (I definitely read that scene more than once...)

This is the line that really made me melt: Albus returned the embrace, seeming to almost burrow into Horace's comforting touch. "I shall do my very best to... my love. My only love."

Also, I cried when Albus died, even though I knew it was coming; it's a testament to how well you were able to connect the reader to Horace in the story.

And of course, the end was perfect. :) The whole thing just made me all warm and fuzzy inside. Great job! Can't wait to find out who you are. :)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

purplefluffycat
2008-05-13 10:58 pm UTC (link)

Thank you so much for your lovely and detailed comment! :-)

I'm glad you liked Horace's background here, and the way his 'inner workings' were portrayed. Also, it's nice to know that the death scene worked on an emotional level - but sorry for the tears! *passes tissues*

And of course, the end was perfect. :)

Thanks! After all of that angst I couldn't bear not to give them a happy ending - and given the set-up of the HP universe, afterlife-fluff seemed just about plausible...

Can't wait to find out who you are. :)

Ha ha! Well, we've 'met' already, so maybe it's an anticlimax. ;-)

PurpleFluffyCat x

(Reply to this) (Parent)

venturous
2008-04-26 05:32 pm UTC (link)

my reading queue is so jammed a' moment, I have set this aside until later, but I had to crow about the ART! Sluggy/Dumbles what a delight! I love how magical and happy they look, and surrounded by the splendid bed and draperies, from the aeriel perspective, it's just wonderful. Over and over I am touched deeply by how the submissions to this fest brilliantly accomplish it's mission: to give the over-looked characters some much needed loving. As a woman of a certain age, and size, I really appreciate a celebration of sexual affection for older, lumpier wizards!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	purplefluffycat 2008-05-13 11:01 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you very much! I'm really pleased to know that you liked the picture :-) I definitely agree with you about what a good thing the 'mission' of this fest is, too! PurpleFluffyCat x (Reply to this) (Parent)

	atdelphi 2008-04-26 10:46 pm UTC (link)
	Oh, wow - all of my favourite characters in one fantastic story. Thank you for this, Mystery Author! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	purplefluffycat 2008-05-13 11:02 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you very much! (By chance, these four are my favourites, too :-) ) ...and thank you again for my delightful Severus/Minerva! PurpleFluffyCat x (Reply to this) (Parent)

	sweetmelodykiss 2008-04-29 12:52 am UTC (link)
	That was a really amazing story and the artwork devine. Excellent! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	purplefluffycat 2008-05-13 11:03 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you so much - I'm really pleased that you enjoyed it :-) PurpleFluffyCat x (Reply to this) (Parent)

	florence_craye 2008-04-30 04:09 pm UTC (link)
	Excellent piece! I love how you've fleshed out (no pun intended) Slughorn's personality and his past. I can definitely see this happening with them, and I love the ending. wistful sigh Snape/McGonagall is great, too! And the art... squee! I really enjoyed this fic. (Reply to this) (Thread)

purplefluffycat
2008-05-13 11:06 pm UTC (link)

Thank you very much! I'm particularly pleased that you liked the backstory I created for Sluggy here, and his 'inner workings'.

I love the ending. *wistful sigh*

I couldn't bear not to give them a happy ending given all of the angst that came before - and in the context of the HP universe, afterlife-fluff seemed just about plausible...

It's nice to know that the picture caused a 'squee,' too :-)

PurpleFluffyCat x

(Reply to this) (Parent)

lyras
2008-05-01 12:22 pm UTC (link)

I love Slughorn's viewpoint, full of apt details that make him feel very real. And Albus calling him "Sluggy" makes me smile, but again it strikes me as completely true.

Most of all, though, in Horace's opinion, Albus was spectacular.

I just love the fact that Horace has this huge crush on Albus. It's really sweet! Also, I really like his musings on the Minerva/Severus affair.

Horace felt both old and infirm, and young and naive.

Just lovely. And ooh, I love the way you've woven the Felix Felicis in here.

Your Slughorn is so very sweet - I love the observation about how on the rare occasions when sex has been available, he's been the one in charge, and now he's all shy because he isn't.

The illustration is lovely! And completely bears out Horace's view of Albus's body. *g*

I love the way you timed it, too, so that the sexual climax comes just before the emotional one. And awww, for a happy afterlife ending!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

purplefluffycat
2008-05-13 11:15 pm UTC (link)

Thank you very much for your lovely and detailed comment!

It's really nice to see that several facets of the story came through as intended - the way that Sluggy does indeed have crush on Albus, the use of the Felix Felicis, and Sluggy's attitude to sex. Also I'm pleased to hear that the timing of the fic worked from your perspective - and after all that angst I couldn't bear not to give them a happy afterlife! *g*

PurpleFluffyCat x

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	alwaysasnapefan 2008-05-01 05:31 pm UTC (link)
	Okay, couldn't help reading it again today and, wow, just, wow, it's so freaking incredible. GAHHHH I love it. It's so absolutely scorching, the way Albus loves his body. Thank you again, truly. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	purplefluffycat 2008-05-13 10:52 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you again! ;-) PurpleFluffyCat x (Reply to this) (Parent)

andromakhe
2008-06-03 04:12 pm UTC (link)

I read this primarily for the Snape/McGonagall, because it's still my OTP. I just conveniently gloss over what Minerva was in DH.

Anyway, I adored the fluffy ending. I don't know why so many in the fandom despise fluff. I personally enjoy it.

Albus/Horace is very believable. I loved that line about how Horace's stomach was made of expensive things and was an artifact. Made me chuckle.

I've bookmarked this story and will put it on my recs list. I think it's a must-read.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	purplefluffycat 2008-06-03 05:11 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you for reading and commenting! I like SS/MM too, and I'm glad you liked the ending I gave them here :-) It's also nice to know that the Albus/Horace dynamic was believable, and I'm really excited to hear that you think this is rec-worthy; thanks very much! PurpleFluffyCat x (Reply to this) (Parent)

anguis_1
2008-06-04 03:58 pm UTC (link)

Wow--what a story! I finally got around to finishing it.
I love your deliciously well-crafted turns of phrase, Minerva and Severus' relationship, and the way everything insinuated itself into the cracks in canon to form a rather seamlessly integrated depiction of all the things Harry didn't see. And, of course, you had my undivided attention in your descriptions of Slughorn.

I also appreciate your portrayal of Slughorn--painfully human in all his little flaws and foibles (as well as his strengths), but not irredeemably self-centred or creepy as some authors write him.

"I sometimes wish that I could just stop it all and settle down and get really comfortable and really fat and have someone to share it all with..."
Awww... (Ah well, at least there's the afterlife to look forward to!)

And, last but certainly not least, your picture: the sweeping curves of Slughorn's body juxtaposed with Dumbledore's spare frame provide quite a contrast, and I think that's the most awesome bed I have ever seen.

All-in-all, a lovely contribution to this exchange.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

purplefluffycat
2008-06-09 06:38 pm UTC (link)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed comment :-)

and the way everything insinuated itself into the cracks in canon to form a rather seamlessly integrated depiction of all the things Harry didn't see.

I'm ever so pleased to read this, because that sense of 'missing scenes' from canon was exactly what I was aiming for! *grins*

I'm glad to know that Sluggy caught your attention here, and it's nice to know that this portrayal of him struck a chord with you. I quite agree that he's a character who's human-ness can speak volumes, and I think it's rather a shame that he's often shown as just one-dimensional and creepy. *pets Sluggy*

Also, thanks for your comments about the drawing - I definitely want a bed like that, too!

It seems we have quite a bit in common as regards taste in fic and under-appreciated characters - would you mind if I added you to my friends-list?

PurpleFluffyCat x

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	anguis_1 2008-06-16 04:43 pm UTC (link)
	It seems we have quite a bit in common as regards taste in fic and under-appreciated characters I've been noticing that as well. would you mind if I added you to my friends-list? Please do! (Reply to this) (Parent)