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Beth H ([info]bethbethbeth) wrote in [info]hp_beholder,
@ 2009-04-25 11:59:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:beholder 2009, draco malfoy, fic, het, rita skeeter

FIC: "Apart" for ldymusyc
Recipient: [info]ldymusyc
Author/Artist: [info]featherxquill
Title: Apart
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Draco Malfoy/Rita Skeeter
Word Count: 15,418
Summary: After the war, Draco doesn't know who he is apart from the mark on his arm. Rita is unlike anyone he's ever known and her difference aids him in discovery.
Author's Notes: Many thanks to my beta, and also to our wonderful Mod for her patience with my Epic Deadline Fail when this fic grew a mind of its own. Hope you like it, [info]ldymusyc!

***

"Apart"


(Don't forget to return to this post to leave feedback for the author!)

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[info]ldymusyc
2009-04-25 11:51 am UTC (link)
*laughing* So this is the second Draco/Rita I've received in an exchange in the past six months. Now I'm wondering if there's a trend starting somewhere. XD

Okay, I honestly opened a file so that I could make notes as I read, but that idea got lost before I was even a third of the way in. I wasn't willing to change screens long enough to type.

These points are random, bear with me.

-- THANK YOU for the description of the Malfoys as landowners holding a responsibility to their estates. This is an idea I've toyed with for a long time, and I really appreciate seeing it.

-- Draco's work at the kitchen, OMG XDXDXD I love, love his pride when people like what he's done and his growing interest in the whole cooking process. It's fantastic.

-- The sex? Hawt. Let's just get that out of the way right now. Hawt. I love the juxtaposition of Draco's inexperience against Rita's experience, and I especially appreciate that you made his own abilities a process of learning and practicing a skill.

-- Rita's a Slytherin. MWAHAHAHA, yes. Naturally. Could it be any other choice? There's no other way to go.

-- I'll be honest, I was horribly afraid throughout that Rita was doing this whole thing simply to screw with him and that would not have made me happy at all, but you avoided breaking my heart, thnx. :)

-- Hopes for a happy ending for Draco! YAYYYYYYYYY. I don't think there's a person who's talked to me for ten minutes who doesn't know he's my favorite character, so I get all sorts of protective over him. The man needs options, needs a future, needs a shot at a happy ending, and you've allowed for that here, so thank you.

I haven't had enough coffee to do the coding (and I'd have to hate myself for it anyway), so just imagine that the following is written in great big sparkly script font, perhaps with a few blinkies and a fanfare midi file.

Thank you.

I'm really, really looking forward to the reveal here, because if you've written anything else, I have to hunt it down. XD

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 01:36 am UTC

[info]vivien529
2009-04-25 02:55 pm UTC (link)
...Wow.

I normally don't enjoy Draco fics, and I am not a huge fan of Rita. I was intrigued by the combination, though, and I decided to take a chance.

I am so glad I did.

I loved this depiction of Draco. It was realistic and true to his character, and yay for him getting the chance to be himself and not simply another heir to the same tired Malfoy life. I adored your Rita. Slytherin to the core, and, again, extended from canon in an excellent way.

This was also very hot. That is always an extra-added bonus. :)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 01:58 am UTC

[info]injustice_worth
2009-04-26 01:55 am UTC (link)
Friggin' vultures. >:O

No, but for reals... That was a hella good read. The style was... Fuck. Not crisp, but clear, colorful. And the episodic sort of form whatever worked very nicely. Almost a sort of journalism (speaking of the not-strictly-facts sort, of course, so much as the 'god, that sounds nice' sort) feel, chronicling him like that. Which is also win. And now for responses that happened throughout...

"...he's tempted to tell her to sod off just to feel the vulgarity roll over his tongue, but she's the first person who isn't family, law enforcement or someone he's working with to speak more than two words to him in weeks." <-- See, it's things like THAT. Lacing in the sense of entrapment without flat-out SMACKING with it. Because, goddamn, it isn't screaming HEY LOOK AT ME but it hits, and was a definite moment of 'oh, shit, man' for Draco. Because, what the hell, feeling something that sounds almost like gratitude for this vulture-lady? Aws.

And, damn, I am liking your Draco. So fucking... careful. Correct. Learning how to make it in the world that'd like to skullfuck him thrice over, and to which he knows damned well he's been shall we say unkind. The consciousness there, that's what it is.

The feeling free and sending Skeeter an owl juxtaposition is... interesting. And possibly more than a bit unsettling. And interesting.

OH GOD LOOKS LIKE MOTHER WARNING BELL WATCH OUT DRACO

"He feels fluid, in between, like who he is is being formed by other people's speculation and opinions." <-- Love, love, friggin' LOVE that line. And the questions surrounding it. Though, god, the POWER that gives Ms. Skeeter... O_o Nice. FAVORITE LINE MOMENT. Right here, right now.

"Draco glances at her from where he lies in bed and smiles at the ceiling, because those were the gilded halls of his childhood and he enjoys having spotless memories torn to shreds." <-- Also. That. Yes.

Ohhh, and Bellatrix, and the sense of walls beginning to close in again... and, ohhh-kay, yes. Nicely done. Bringing it all together, the pieces that have been hanging around all along... And rock on for Draco's not-completely-fucking-shattered response, as well. The boy's been doing some learning. It's kind of fantastic. The, what, capacity for change?

Anyway. Much enjoyment. Much rock. And thumbs the hell up.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:01 am UTC

[info]emiime
2009-04-26 02:26 am UTC (link)
I'm kind of in love with you right now, mystery author.

I don't read Malfoy fic. Ever. And I don't read a lot of het. But I was doing Quibbler Report tonight and I thought (especially considering the length) that I'd just skim the first bits of this and see if it seemed worth reccing.

And then I found myself helplessly sucked in to the world you have created here and loving it. God help me, I loved this. I loved Draco. Loved Rita. Loved the cooking scenes, the sex scenes, the locations you created, the ending, ohh, the ending. Such hope in so few words.

Looking back over this ridiculous review, I realize that the first bit is probably far from ego-boosting, but I really want you to know what you've done to make me read this fic. I do not, as a general rule, read Malfoy fic. Like, ever. And look what you have done. You're awesome. I'm so glad it was my night to do Quibbler Report.

I'm off to rec this on my journal.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:03 am UTC

[info]inspired_ideas
2009-04-26 03:42 am UTC (link)
Ah, my favorite Rita back story and an amazing Draco. Very well done, indeed.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:04 am UTC

[info]humbuggirl
2009-04-26 04:17 am UTC (link)
I suspect you may have already had someone tell you this, but this really isn't a pairing that I would normally read. I'm hear on a rec and I'm glad that I decided to listen to them. You did a brilliant job of making their relationship a believable and I love the paced way that you introduced Rita's history. It was very nicely done. Thanks for sharing!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:06 am UTC

[info]catsintheattic
2009-04-26 05:11 am UTC (link)
I'm completely in love with your Draco. He has matured, he reflects, and he is still a Slytherin. I can see your Draco directly coming from the end of the books (sans epilogue). &hearts

Your style is wonderful. I like the clipped counting off of the events.

Liked the glimpses of Narcissa, how she was clinging to the past, honouring Bella and ignoring Andromeda, ignoring Lucius's drinking, too.

Your take on Malfoy history was interesting, I see them in a similar way, coming from a tradition of landowners.

I liked to watch Draco during the interview, how he didn't fully trust Skeeter and how much pressure he felt, but also how his beliefs had changed. At Hogwarts, he was so utterly shunned and alone that I wanted to hug him. I liked that you didn't play on his misery, but simply let his situation speak for itself.

All Draco knows is that he's finally doing something, something that is entirely his. - just perfect.

As is this: He shrugs his robe off and loosens his belt and it feels seedy and out of character but he loves it. No one would expect him to do something like this.

I see how Draco would need to do something that is solely his own deed, to make a fresh start on his own terms in addition to the terms of wizarding society.

Close up and looking down at her, he can see that her body isn't perfect, that her belly is soft and rounded above her knickers and her skin is looser in places, like his mother's, but then he glances again at the ragged scars on his chest and thinks of the fine ones like chandelier shards on his cheeks and knows he isn't perfect either. The war has marked him as age has marked her and they're both flawed.

There is so much appeal in this passage. It's the perfect reason for them to come together like this. I love Draco's ability to appreciate the loss and turn it into something worthy.

You handled the sex scene just wonderful, the dynamic between them highly erotic and realistic at once.

I liked Rita's lightness with Draco, the way she made it easy for him without lying to him. I never liked her in canon, and I'm grateful that you made me see her in a different light.

I liked how the experience between Draco and Rita spread out into the rest of Draco's life, how he was able to learn and see the world in a fresh way, and find his own way to contribute.

Can't demand in front of Rita because she shrinks him down to size and now that he's standing in front of her he doesn't feel angry anymore, just strange and fragile. - &hearts &hearts &hearts

There was so much complexity in their relationship, particularly in the end, with Rita seeing that it was about to end while Draco was yet too determined not to acknowledge the finality. To grow up further he had to see her as a whole person, not just as the idol he had made up.

The ending was perfect. So much hope and not a bit of sappiness. I love this Draco, and I wish him lots of happy years. Draco is by far my favourite character, and I love when a writer gives him the complexity and future he deserves.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm so glad that I found your story and took the time to read it. :-)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:08 pm UTC

[info]heather11483
2009-04-26 07:04 am UTC (link)
Holy crap, this was fantastic. You have one of the best Dracos I've ever read, and I just love how you made everything work.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:09 pm UTC

[info]littleblackbow
2009-04-26 07:19 am UTC (link)
*sigh* Where do I begin?

Well, the fic is amazing, for starters. And yes, the ideas are great, and the plot is wonderful and subtle and the details of Draco's reactions are brilliant.

But I honestly believe this is the best-paced fic I've read in AGES. The flow is absolutely perfect, and not only are there no snags at all, it moves through at a pace that feels so natural.

It's also following the #1 rule of short stories: Everything is important, nothing is unnecessary. You've got everything you need in there. Every word and sentence is absolutely essential to the story.

And on a more personal note, I love the idea of balance in Draco's life. I also like the fact that he never confronts Rita about his aunt, or asks her about her past. It's as if they're both just going on from where they are, and that's it.

You've really outdone yourself this time. Really. I honestly think this is some of the best writing I've ever read from you.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:11 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]littleblackbow, 2009-05-17 02:55 pm UTC

[info]ktoth04
2009-04-26 07:22 am UTC (link)
This is sooo awesome. I was worried about the Draco/Rita but it was quite good! And the cooking is adorable :D

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:11 pm UTC

(Anonymous)
2009-04-26 11:32 am UTC (link)
So wonderful. I love your Draco -- growing up and rebuilding his life. Beautiful job! Thanks for sharing.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:11 pm UTC

[info]emmessann
2009-04-26 12:33 pm UTC (link)
Wow. Turns out I love Draco -- and Rita -- when they're written this well. Not many fics can give such a believable and satisfying depiction of *growth*. I love seeing Draco's horizons expanding in such a gradual, believable way.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:12 pm UTC

(Anonymous)
2009-04-26 02:12 pm UTC (link)
This was so so so so so soooooo good. <3333

lespiritderue

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:12 pm UTC

[info]miramiraficfic
2009-04-27 11:46 am UTC (link)
I don't know why I'm having trouble putting how amazing this story is into words. (Maybe 'cause [info]ldymusyc already used most of 'em. Not that I'm complaining; it is her gift, after all.) The characterization, the details in description and backstory, the glimpse at the post-war world, your choice of possible career for Draco - 15,000 words hardly seems like enough time to spend with these Malfoys and Rita, and yet I can't think how you'd cram in more. Very well done.

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(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:29 pm UTC

[info]why_me_why_not
2009-04-27 09:52 pm UTC (link)
OH DRACO!

This was simply a breathtaking and heartwrenching read. Draco is totally my favorite, and I love how you've portrayed him here. Excellent, excellent job! <3

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:30 pm UTC

[info]melusinahp
2009-04-28 08:45 am UTC (link)
Wonderful, so great. I loved every bit of this. It's so rare to see an older woman written as strong, sexual and powerful. Rita was fantastic, very in canon, but you made me like her. And Draco's journey was so believable. I was hooked all the way through.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:34 pm UTC

[info]ariadneelda
2009-04-28 05:08 pm UTC (link)
I thought I'd check this out because the pairing was so intriguing and I got sucked in immediately. Wow, what a wonderful read! I absolutely loved your style. Gorgeous. And it felt maybe familiar? Gah, I don't know! :)

I loved that the story was centred around Draco, and your Draco, his character development, was wonderful. I loved Rita too, all the little bits about her character and backstory you gave us (and Draco), and how you kept things ambiguous about her and her motives. And the ending! I loved how you ended the story on a melancholic yet very hopeful note. And the imagery throughout, your descriptions were so vivid and just beautiful. Wonderful, wonderful story!

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(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-17 02:36 pm UTC
(no subject) - [info]ariadneelda, 2009-05-17 03:02 pm UTC

[info]oddnari
2009-04-29 01:48 am UTC (link)
Mmm, I love the idea of chef!Draco. I liked how you wrote Rita - I always found her interesting but your exploration of her character illuminated her in an excellent manner.

I found your Narcissa to be the most interesting character. I was rather taken aback at seeing that she still subscribes to Pureblood-superiority notions (fault all fanfic portraying her as neutral towards Muggles, I suppose) and that she finds it tough to subsume those notions to her *un*conditional love for Draco. But I realised that's entirely a possibility - that Narcissa is SO set in her principles that she is resistant to change. I am glad you gave us this strikingly different portrayal to work with. In my opinion, it was very educating and I realise that Narcissa can be written in just about any way and it would still feel right. Like yours did.

Sorry, I think I sounded very rambly, but I hope you get the gist of what I was so badly trying to explain.

I'll be reccing this on my LJ.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-18 05:42 am UTC

[info]faire_weather
2009-05-02 07:55 pm UTC (link)
Ahh! I loved it! I was hesitant to try it because I usually find cross-gen off-putting, but the pairing was intriguing, and I'm glad I tried it! I've always liked Rita's character, even if I found her personality repugnant, but here, she's the same person as in the books, and yet I love her. I love Draco here, too. He's very true to himself, but I like to see him grow in a natural, unhurried way.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-18 05:44 am UTC

[info]secretsolitaire
2009-05-02 11:30 pm UTC (link)
Here on [info]emiime's rec and quite glad I clicked. You write Draco so beautifully here, and Rita is a wonderfully multi-layered character as well. Great work, mystery author!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-18 05:44 am UTC

[info]lal111
2009-05-03 11:31 am UTC (link)
Dear author!
Thank you very much for this wonderful story. It's so IC that I practically see it happening. It's sad but full of hope. A new beginning that I liked.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-18 05:44 am UTC

[info]vissy
2009-05-05 01:25 am UTC (link)
That was great! Sexy, intriguing and moving, and how you managed all that with a pairing like Draco/Rita, I don't know, but it really worked.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-18 05:45 am UTC

[info]lyras
2009-05-06 06:38 pm UTC (link)
Ooh, so interesting. I love this pairing, and you really pulled the best out of it here. I loved your multi-faceted Malfoys.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-18 05:45 am UTC

[info]elizassecret
2009-05-14 02:09 am UTC (link)
This was really wonderful. You wrote this relationship so beautifully. I love seeing Draco find his way here, and I love that he recognizes what he has gained from his relationship with Rita, even as he is a bit disillusioned by discovering what she has hidden from him.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

(no subject) - [info]featherxquill, 2009-05-18 05:46 am UTC

[info]therealsnape
2011-11-13 07:10 pm UTC (link)
This story is fabulous; thank you for pointing me here!

I've already left a rave review on my LJ. Just let me add that I admire intensely how you pull of the present tense telling of the story. It sucks one right into Draco's mind, and your Draco is interesting enough that I actually want to be there.

I've read it breathlessly from start to finish and loved every bit. Brilliant.

(Reply to this)

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