InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Malibu!"

hdcup_mod (hdcup_mod) wrote in hd_worldcup,
@ 2008-04-16 13:34:00

Entry tags:

fic, nc-17, prompt: the empress, round i, team epilogue

How Do You Mend a Broken Heart -- Team Epilogue
Title: How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?
Team: Team Epilogue
Author: mahaliem
Prompt: Empress
Wordcount: 26,532
Rating: Mature
Warnings: Language, sexual situations
Summary: In order to keep custody of his children, Draco needs to find a spouse that will shore up the Malfoy family's tattered reputation. But what starts off as a means to an end gets more complicated when Draco's target reawakens feelings in him that he hasn't had in a long while, and Draco starts to feel alive for the first time since his wife's death.
Author's Note Empress Prompt—Parenting, Nurturing, New Love, New Life.

Thank you to my betas—M, N, O, and fellow team members, with an extra-special note of gratitude to M.

How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?

Poll #1404
Open to: All, results viewable to: None

# Is the author/artist true to their team? Yes/No vote ("yes" is worth 2 points, "no" is worth 0)

How well did the author/artist use their Prompt? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)

How much did you like this story/art overall? 1 to 9 (1 being the least)

For a description of teams, please see our FAQ.

(Post a new comment)

goddessriss
2008-04-16 06:31 pm UTC (link)

I really enjoyed this story. It was fresh, entertaining, funny and had a decent plot, too. The characterization was good - I particularly liked Draco as a dad. The way he talked to his tribe was funny and real, as was his struggle to be a good dad after the death of his wife. His grief at Astoria's death was well described but not angsty; I particularly liked the way he described himself as not over her yet, 'but for the first time I feel as if I want to be'. The Gringotts interludes were fun too - giving Draco a taste of danger far removed from his family life. Harry was great, too, obviously uneasy with using Draco the way he did, yet unable to help falling in love with him. (And why not? Just confirms that he and I have good taste...) His verbal sparring with Lucius at the end was perfect.
I could go on...but I'm sure I'm boring everyone now. It was great. Nuff said.

(Reply to this)

angelbabecj
2008-04-18 12:56 am UTC (link)

I loved this so much. I spent so much of my time trying to laugh very quietly so as not to disturb everyone else in the house.

I wonder how long it was before Harry told Draco he'd made up Ron's injury?! Hermione got to slap Draco again too, which is one of the parts of the books I love. I could go on like this for quite a while, but I should go to bed instead.

Brilliant, just brilliant :D

(Reply to this)

	fandomlurker 2008-04-20 07:49 am UTC (link)
	Hilarious, esp. Ron's head injury and Molly's threat. I can't believe Draco had so many children -- heh, he's become a Weasley. I liked how Harry (and the Wizengamot) could emphasize with him that it's not easy being a parent but he tries his best. (Reply to this)

	sivullinen 2008-04-20 10:46 am UTC (link)
	This is JUST the type of fic I love!! ♥___♥ (Reply to this)

lalaith_niniel
2008-04-22 04:24 am UTC (link)

My first reaction to the story was, whoever wrote this is brilliant.

So, whoever you are, you're brilliant!

I loved the little bits of information: George giving Draco's children a discount, the screaming rocks (I could really use one of those some times), Hermione and her badges. I do worry for the generation of Hogwarts' students that have to suffer under Trelawney though, that was just cruel; you did make up for it with McGonagall as Minister though, that made my night.

This was a great story full of laughs, smirks, and a plot that I thoroughly enjoyed.

(Reply to this)

leela_cat
2008-04-22 03:25 pm UTC (link)

A story that makes me smile was just what I needed when I read this one. I liked that they were both manipulating each other, and that there wasn't a dramatic "omg you used me" blow-up between them.

But mostly I loved Draco's children and the ways he interacted with them. You did a very nice job of showing a man who loved his wife and loves his kids, and yet is overwhelmed by them at the same time. And how Harry defends Draco at the trial by being completely honest and supportive at the same time.

(Reply to this)

	eynhashofet 2008-04-23 06:08 pm UTC (link)
	Funny, sweet,and charming. Very, very well done. Thanks! Peace, Bubba (Reply to this)

	ships_harry 2008-05-10 04:45 pm UTC (link)
	Really loved this - Draco with all the kids (SO MANY KIDS), the way they interacted... the Gringott's challenges were an awesome extra layer, and the main plot - I enjoyed this story without reservation :). (Reply to this)