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beholder_mod (beholder_mod) wrote in hp_beholder,
@ 2011-04-13 15:02:00

Entry tags:

beholder_2011, femslash, fic, hermione granger, millicent bulstrode, rating:pg

FIC: "Reap What You Sew" for leela_cat
Recipient: leela_cat
Author/Artist: alisanne
Title: Reap What You Sew
Rating: PG
Pairings: Millicent Bulstrode/Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley/Pansy Parkinson, Severus Snape/Harry Potter
Word Count: +/-12,200
Warnings/Content Information (Highlight to View): *None*.
Summary: When an old school nemesis re-enters Millicent’s life it gives her the opportunity to prove herself that she never thought she’d receive.
Author's/Artist's Notes: Many thanks to the mod for the opportunity to participate in this wonderful fest! Leela_Cat, you mentioned an interest in wizarding life and traditions, friendships and relationships. I hope this suits!

"Reap What You Sew"

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

(Post a new comment)

	irena_candy 2011-04-13 09:29 pm UTC (link)
	A very nice pairing, and I really like the idea of Millicent Bulstrode as a seamstress. The line about having to "get your own Gryffindor" made me chuckle! (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 04:42 pm UTC

vividzephyr
2011-04-13 09:30 pm UTC (link)

Oh my! This was really fabulous! I loved Millicent here and the idea of her as a dressmaker rather like The House of Eliott was so charming. I could totally imagine her doing beautiful designs in secret while she's under Madam Malkin's thumb. It was wonderful seeing Hermione and Millicent meet again and how Hermione fell for Millicent and influenced her decision to finally start out on her own. The relationship between the two was really sweet!

I also LOVED the side Snarry, Viktor (yay, Viktor!) as Millicent's friend, and Ron's shyness and feelings towards Pansy. I especially loved the mirror scene with Ron and the ending. Really beautifully done! :D

(Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 04:49 pm UTC

vividzephyr, 2011-06-02 07:55 am UTC

	woldy 2011-04-13 09:41 pm UTC (link)
	Great fun! I enjoyed the side pairings, and how Parvarti is won over by Millicent's dressmaking skills. I guess Hermione is her creative muse :-) (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 04:51 pm UTC

	lash_larue 2011-04-13 11:01 pm UTC (link)
	I thoroughly enjoyed this! I loved the personalities that you gave them all, the insecurities, the tentativeness. I'm sure Millicent will make Draco and Pansy a fortune. A most entertaining read, thnk you. L (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 05:14 pm UTC

atdelphi
2011-04-13 11:35 pm UTC (link)

Oh, this is marvellous. :-D I too have a real weakness for stories that elaborate on life and traditions in the wizarding world, and this story is full of so many wonderful and believable details. I love this Mililcent, and her relationship with Hermione is so sweet. The supporting cast are great too - I would absolutely watch this as a romantic comedy sequel to the film franchise. *g*

(Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 05:27 pm UTC

	snapesgirl 2011-04-14 01:29 am UTC (link)
	This was fantastic! I love how you've given Millicent such a vibrant personality. It's nice to see her paired up with Hermione. I've not considered them together, yet you have made them believable as a couple. (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 05:31 pm UTC

snapesgirl, 2011-05-31 11:13 pm UTC

	synn 2011-04-14 01:52 am UTC (link)
	Very nice! I really enjoyed the way both hermione and millicent were a mix of hesitancy and confidence - very real : D (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 05:32 pm UTC

leela_cat
2011-04-14 03:06 am UTC (link)

This is a wonderful gift. A lovely romance between two women who have so many of the same insecurities and strengths and clearly want to support each other.

I adore your Millicent. I love that she's a couturier and is more talented than Malkin. She handled Parvati's rudeness so very well at the beginning -- secure when she's in her domain and yet insecure (social anxiety *beams*) when taken into a place crowded with strangers and expectations. Her tattoo was a great touch (among so many others), because it's so different from the ones normally seen in fanfic. And this:

“It’s to remind me that I am strong enough to be my own person, follow my own path.”

Yes, so many times, yes. She's getting there and yet the reminder is such a perfectly needed touch.

Hermione is so much the same. Very much in charge and secure when she's around books and the Ministry, but such a curious and believable combination of hesitant and courageous around Millicent and dresses and intimate relationships. Standing up for Millicent in the shop because that's what she does. Oblivious too; not understanding why Millicent got so upset with her comment about Snape and Harry taking the attention from them. And this is so totally her:

“If I hurt her, I’ll hex myself.”

I could go on forever about the details that made me smile happily: that this is placed inside a populated wizarding world, Hermione's office window (and her moods, especially the last one *grins*), the charms on the dresses that Millicent creates.

Thank you so very much.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 05:41 pm UTC

	fancypantsdylan 2011-04-14 08:51 am UTC (link)
	An unexpected pairing but I totally loved it :) Very sweet and romantic. (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 05:59 pm UTC

tetleythesecond
2011-04-14 12:09 pm UTC (link)

Oooooh, this is fab! I tremendously enjoyed all of it ... the story, the characters, the smooth flow of your writing, and the pockets in the evening dress! Your supporting characters are a lot of fun, from the friends (such a perfectly Ronaldy Ron *g*) to Madam Malkin and the party guests. And I really love your Millicent -- with the life she's carved out for herself, the insecurities that never go away, the friendship with Viktor, and her way of dealing with Parvati's prejudice.

Did I mention pockets in the evening dress?

Great job!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:05 pm UTC

alwaysasnapefan
2011-04-14 11:00 pm UTC (link)

Millicent smiled, savouring the look of shock on her face. “Yes. You’re Parvati Patil. You were in my year at Hogwarts. Gryffindor if I recall correctly.” Not many people outside of Slytherin House knew that Millicent had an excellent memory for faces and names, and Millicent liked it that way. It’s always good when people underestimate me.”
This is so Slytheriny!

Between Millicent getting all flustered hearing Hermione's name and Hermione thinking she looks good...oh gosh, I am so hooked already.

Hermione tried to reconcile the girl she remembered with this self-possessed woman in front of her.
A beautiful line.

Which was how she ended up clad in only knickers and bra, with Bulstrode draping cloth over body her while Parvati was measured by Madam Malkin herself.
HA. I really love how Hermione was understanding and Milicent was annoyed but civil about the fact Parvati was being a bit of a dick.

What must it be like to have no one ever believe you?
FFFFFFFFFFFF!

I really love the line about how Hermione would look good in anything. This tension is awesome.

“Actually, I think my dress will surprise you.”
...I like how this line reflects you know, that Millicent could surprise her, surprise both of them, anyone.

weaving protections into every seam
I love this. Oddly protective sounding, even though it's probably standard procedure.

I LOVE the bit where she worries Hermione might not like it. And I like that she didn't get to see it on her.

I like the character of Madam Malkin, ha. She's really interesting.

I love that Hermione puts on her grandmother's jewelry. That's so characteristic.

I WANT A DRESS WITH POCKETS. Ones big enough for reference books. Ha, the verb "slipped" makes putting reference books in one's dress pockets seem so normal. :-D

I love that she got too into her new job to pay much attention to Harry or Ron.

“Yeah, well, the only thing I know is that after that I’m never going camping again,” Harry muttered. “Even if a new Dark wizard shows up.”
THIS. It's so Harry.

The comment made Hermione see red for a moment. “Will you stop calling her that?” she said. “She showed you her arm; what will it take for you to leave her alone?”
Oh man. Her reaction is so hot. Ha, someone needed to tell Parvati off, for sure.

The feeling of pride that she could be both clever and attractive was heady
Oh god, this is so in-character.

“Eet seems I try to kees women who like women.”
Oh Viktor. MAN, he is cute here.

Ron trying to look down Pansy's shirt.

“Yes.” Granger’s breathing quickened and, inadvertently, Millicent’s hand slid around her waist, holding her in place. “In a heartbeat.”
Oh. Oh I am so in love.

I love the bit about Hermione being pleased with what she chose. Their closeness with that kiss was so amazing.

Hermione teasing Ron about seducing his mirror.

so you’ll need a formal dress--” She grinned. “I’m guessing that won’t be too much of a problem for you, though.”
HA. Oh, I love this.

Accepting the note, Granger glanced at it for a long moment as if memorising it.
It is so in-character for her to want to be prepared.

“I can’t believe you’re not going to tell me who your date is.” Pansy inspected her own reflection in the mirror. “If you weren’t so good at sewing, I’d be angry with you.
LOL I am already going to like your Pansy.

“I don’t ask men out.”
...Yeah, I love her.

Ha, a reference to the cat thing, to the cat itself!

“Merlin, I have breasts!”
This line forever.

“You had them before.”
Pfft!

“Hermione, you sly thing, you,” she said. “You’re dating Bulstrode? You know what this means, don’t you?”

Hermione’s hand tightened on Millicent’s. “Er-- no?”

“You’re going to be the best-dressed witch in the Ministry!” Parvati was pouting.
This fic is so hilarious. I don't even.

Pushing past her, Hermione said, “If I hurt her, I’ll hex myself.”
That is awesome.

“It’s very....neat. Shall we mess it up a bit?”
HA.

What an awesome little fic. Really loved Hermione and Millicent in this!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:14 pm UTC

	ex_lilyseyes671 2011-04-15 02:17 am UTC (link)
	I loved this! From the lovely Snarry side-pairing to the fabulous Pansy! And that Hermione could find love in a strong character like Millicent was just wonderful! Simply lovely! (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:18 pm UTC

	kinky_kneazle 2011-04-15 10:36 am UTC (link)
	This was wonderful and exactly what I needed today! Millicent is so beautifully rendered in this, a complete person built from the barest glimpses in canon. She's strong yet still vulnerable and a little unsure of her abilities. Hermione is beautiful, with her own insecurities and they're just lovely together. WEll done, Mystery Author! (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:23 pm UTC

	gingertart50 2011-04-15 12:57 pm UTC (link)
	I loved this! Your characters are excellent, I enjoyed the gentle humour and wit in this, and the way that the characters have grown up but are still themselvs. Well done! (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:28 pm UTC

	meri_oddities 2011-04-17 03:00 pm UTC (link)
	This works very well. I enjoyed the story a lot. Millicent and Hermione so work. Well done. (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:29 pm UTC

	shadowycat 2011-04-17 07:02 pm UTC (link)
	This was wonderful! Once I started reading I just couldn't stop until it was over...then I wanted more. Your characters all felt very real, and the story flowed beautifully. I really adored your Millicent and found myself liking Hermione much more than I usually do. Really excellent job! :D (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:34 pm UTC

	winterwitch 2011-04-19 12:09 am UTC (link)
	Oohh, such a wonderful story! I really loved the characterisations with all their complexity, and the side pairings as well. Everything just works perfectly. ♥ the invisible pockets! (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:35 pm UTC

	kelly_chambliss 2011-04-19 06:03 pm UTC (link)
	I really like seamstress Millie and the way you show how the post-war tensions still inform the wizarding world. You create a nice, full world, with everyone well-characterized, even the walk-ons (Madam M and her cigarette -- ha). I wish I could get one of Millicent's dresses (love her rune tattoo). (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:53 pm UTC

therealsnape
2011-04-20 12:07 pm UTC (link)

What a fabulous romance! I love Millicent, the life she's made for herself, and the dresses. (Would you please let her know I'll invest willingly, too, especially if she makes me something for Diacon?)

Snape is still spot-on Snape, and I adored the whole backstory, the Slytherin friendships, the post-war atmosphere with all the feelings of discomfort that are still around.

Great job!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 06:59 pm UTC

	hurathixet 2011-04-21 03:36 pm UTC (link)
	Yay!!! That was just excellent. Hermione's conscience certainly does lead her to interesting places! And femslash FTW. (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 07:00 pm UTC

	(Anonymous) 2011-04-28 06:30 am UTC (link)
	Sweet, happy romance and pretty dresses! Done so that it is not utter fluff or boring happy families! Oh, yay: I found this really quite gratifying :) (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 07:01 pm UTC

	psyfic 2011-05-13 04:32 pm UTC (link)
	Oh, I do like talented, but vulnerable Millicent and crusading Gryffindor Hermione. :-) Very much enjoyed, and will be reccing. (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 07:01 pm UTC

	angela_snape 2011-05-22 06:59 pm UTC (link)
	I am so glad I finally had a chance to read this! It was a lovely story, and I want one of those magic-pocket dresses!! Truly wonderful! (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 07:06 pm UTC

	juniperus 2011-05-27 10:49 pm UTC (link)
	Ah, my secret love for Millie Bulstrode is rekindled--this is so sweet and romantic, the interactions between she and Hermione so genuine... and interjected Snape!snark! FTW! Fantastic story, delightful!! <3 (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-05-31 07:11 pm UTC

	megriggs 2011-05-31 11:39 pm UTC (link)
	Well written story--very sweet how they got together. I really like what you did with both these characters. Thanks for sharing. (Reply to this) (Thread)

alisanne, 2011-06-01 12:13 am UTC