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Tweak says, "We don't need rings or vows..."

The Porn Santa (smutmas_mod) wrote in merry_smutmas,
@ 2007-12-30 00:00:00

Entry tags:

fic, severus/harry

Merry Smutmas, svartalfur!

To: svartalfur
From: themostepotente

Title: The Beginning of Be Mine
Rating: NC-17
Pairings: Snape/Harry, past implied Harry/Ginny and Snape/Regulus
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the smut.
Summary: Harry embarks on a strange journey to a place where all things, even second chances, are possible.
Warnings: Post-war AU, angst, humour, desk sex, rimming, character death (not Snape's and not Harry's), happy/hopeful ending
Author's notes: Anders, you have been a big supporter of my work, so I wanted to do something special for you. I hope this meets with your approval. Merry Smutmas, darling! It was an absolute pleasure writing this for you! Huge thanks to my betas who shall remain nameless for now.

( The Beginning of Be Mine )

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	schemingreader 2007-12-30 12:51 pm UTC (link)
	I laughed at a lot of things in this fic, but especially the sex scenes, which were remarkably light and funny. Your Snape characterization is really hilarious and enjoyable. (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 05:35 pm UTC

svartalfur
2007-12-30 01:05 pm UTC (link)

OMG, I'm absolutely stunned. What did I do to deserve such a perfect, gorgeous, brilliant, fantabulous gift? Thank you so much, mystery author! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Spoilers ahead. Highlight if you want to read: *So, where do I start? First of all, the way you described Ginny's breaking up with Harry, the normality of it all, the greyness of their world (and the peculiarities of their past love life *g*). I loved how it led Harry on a journey to Simon Harrington-Croft's (wonderful name) bookstore to the circus. Harry in a bookstore is just so odd, and his reading of Faust leading him to the circus where he's granted a second life, how perfect is that?

I loved that the alternate reality wasn't perfect, and how Harry had to find his way first. Regulus and Remus, the apothecary, Crane - with all the little details and the backstories you managed to bring everything to life. What a fantastic world. Eileen's sacrifice, what a heart-breaking story, brilliantly told.

The sex. Snape's prick (you know me very well!), the urgency, Snape's possessiveness, the fact that it isn't all roses afterwards - perfection. Harry in the cave, Trelawney's Haruspicy - Your talent to combine spooky elements with humour and romance, wow, just wow.

And then the ending. Me (even if "me" looks better than I *g*) getting an autographed copy of Snape's memoirs - how absolutely wonderful is that! *hugs*

And then all the wonderful banter. Draco and Mr Fuzzems, I love them. I simply have to quote:

"Let's have the bear back, Draco," Regulus said, extending a hand. "Before Teddy notices it missing."

Draco tossed the bear over to Regulus, pouting. "Bareback? Where have I heard that before?"

"What do you call the thing between the dick and the arsehole?"

Snape's glance shifted from Draco to Harry. "The coffee table."

"Out," Harry replied snidely. "What's it matter to you?"

"My cock's not going to suck itself."

Harry shoved Mr Fuzzems at Snape. "This'll keep you busy."

Mr Fuzzems, who had taken up residence on the pillow beside Snape, was batted off the bed with a vicious backhand. It growled at Snape before waddling off on stubby legs in pursuit of its rolling eye.

This was absolutely perfect! So much love! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 06:41 pm UTC

	josan 2007-12-30 03:09 pm UTC (link)
	I adored Mr Fuzzems...the concept of the Mirror, the polyjuice, the relationsip between Regulus and Remus, and Harry...poor Harry, finally finding the one he loves in an AU! Snape was Snape to a T. Great read. (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 05:38 pm UTC

	nehalenia 2007-12-30 06:11 pm UTC (link)
	Just lovely, and so hot and funny. I rec'd this in my journal. Great story with happy ending for everyone. Also, Mr. Fuzzems rocked! :D (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 05:43 pm UTC

venivincere
2007-12-30 09:32 pm UTC (link)

Yes! Soooo many things about this fic are appealing -- I love the idea of Harry as a snake charmer, and the mirrormancy is intriguing. Coupled with the 'imbalance that needs to be restored' concept, it's very appealing.

I love the name Malavar Crane. He's got some choice lines, but this is the scene where he gives himself away, and where I was so very hooked that I couldn't stop reading. I think it might have been the wittiest scene in the whole story:

"Harry," Regulus laughed. "This is Malavar Crane. Grouchy ol' bugger and business partner. You remember Harry Potter, don't you, Mal?"

Crane regarded Harry with a look of irritation. "Well, well, as I live and breathe. Your rock undergoing renovations, Potter?"

Harry narrowed his eyes. Who was this prick bastard? "Why? Were you evicted from your gutter?"

"This is my Apothecary," Crane hissed. "You'd do well to watch your tongue, boy."

"Okay, that's enough, you two," Regulus interceded. "Harry, I need a word alone with Malavar. Will you excuse us?"

Harry nodded, ripping the paper crown from his head as he left. The door closed with a slam. He walked about halfway down the hall to make his departure convincing, silencing his steps before returning. Slipping the Cloak over his head, he pressed an ear to the door.

"Have you and Lupin gone completely mad bringing Potter here? Have you any idea the attention he'll attract?"

"Oh, relax, Mal--"

"I thought I told you never to call me that."

"Fine. Malavar."

"And for God's sake, Black. Check the door!"

At the sound of footsteps, Harry moved away from the door, pressing up against the opposite wall. Regulus opened the door a crack and checked the hall, deciding it safe to talk again. The door closed, and Harry resumed his eavesdropping.

"Shall we discuss the real reason you're angry?"

"If you want to play house with the wolf and his cub, that's your decision."

"Jealousy is such an ugly emotion."

"I'm hardly jealous, Black."

"Seriously, though, isn't it about time you ended the sexual sabbatical? I mean, how long has it been?"

"That's none of your business."

"It is, really. We have to deal with your unpleasantness on a day to day basis."

"We? Are you with child?"

"Very funny. Me and the rest of your pestle-swinging chain gang. You've reduced most of the lads to thumb-sucking, pants-wetting stutterers."

"Untrue."

"I'm not going to argue the point anymore. It's one of the reasons we didn't work out."

"Really? And here I thought it was your roving eyes."

"And stop firing the employees without consulting me. You wouldn't have a cauldron to piss in--"

"Salazar's scrote, how long are you going to keep hanging that over my head? As to your personnel choices, I'll stop firing them when one of them proves a challenge."

"Can I quote you on that?"

"Fine, the next incompetent you hire may stay indefinitely. But don't blame me when the place is burnt to the ground."

There was a thunderous roar down the hallway as loud as a hippogriff stampede. Harry only barely managed to escape detection. The fool called Middleton opened the office door without knocking, barrelling into Crane.

"Sirs," Middleton cried. "We have a problem that requires your immediate attention."

Crane pushed past Middleton, snarling. "Way to lock the door, Black."

Harry followed, slipping out of the Cloak unnoticed to join Remus. Outside, a huge crowd was milling; admirers and press alike. Middleton was fired on the merits of messenger alone. Now, the Apothecary was short two employees.

Remus, who had been peeling an apple, just shook his head. "Once a celebrity, always a celebrity. I wonder who leaked Harry's whereabouts?"

"I suppose you think this will be good for business, Black?" Crane interjected, the vein at his temple throbbing.

"Mmm, no. Not unless I do this."

"Do what?" Crane spat.

"This," Regulus said. He tossed Harry some old robes. "You start tomorrow."

Excellent work, mystery author! I'm going to rec it in my journal.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 05:42 pm UTC

bridgetmkennitt
2007-12-30 09:49 pm UTC (link)

I think I'm in love! *swoons*

I've read some delightful stories during the holiday but I think this one goes straight to top. I can barely begin to describe how much I adore this or the details that causes me to squee in delight (I'll go ahead and say all). There wasn't a minuscule moment where I was half hearted even a tiny portion while reading this story.

I have no clue who you are (though I am jealous of your writing skills as well as equally jealous that I was not the lucky person to have been gifted said skills!), but as soon as the reveals are up, consider this part of my recs.

Thank you.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 05:45 pm UTC

	ex_modernlov612 2007-12-31 01:35 am UTC (link)
	I liked this a lot! I love alternate universes within the HP world. This one was so much fun! I loved Regulus's character. And Hermione's reaction to seeing Harry was perfect. I really liked your take on Snape, too. And his relationship with Harry was adorable in all it's oddities (the silent dinners... love it!). (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 05:47 pm UTC

	zephyr_macabee 2007-12-31 02:45 am UTC (link)
	Whew, you had me worried there just before Harry found Harry. I didn't see how you were going to pull a happy ending out, but you did. (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 06:45 pm UTC

	ausmac 2007-12-31 02:46 am UTC (link)
	Fabulous story, enjoyed it very much. (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 06:48 pm UTC

	hambares 2007-12-31 05:08 am UTC (link)
	There were so many things to love in this work! The alternate realities were amzingly done, and how you solved the Ginny problem - I am stunned. That worked so well. loves (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 06:50 pm UTC

	xylodemon 2007-12-31 07:13 am UTC (link)
	This is so, so fabulous. I loved everything about it, including Mr Fuzzems. Especially Mr Fuzzems. ♥ (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 06:52 pm UTC

	snarry_fan7 2007-12-31 07:24 am UTC (link)
	Magnificent work! I love the complexity and Harry making a new life with Snape and the other Harry going off to Ginny. Mr. Fuzzems was most amusing as well, lol. Well done!~Sophia (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 06:54 pm UTC

Oh, shit, I did it again

perverse_idyll
2007-12-31 08:21 am UTC (link)

This is delightful - a fantastic zigzag of plot and jumble of marvelously drawn characters and magical embellishments and rough sex and the absolutely best damn dialogue. And such a foul-mouthed, give-no-quarter, intensely charismatic Snape.

There's so much to love about this story, partly because it's so inventive - Harry floundering about in an arseholish way as his marriage falls apart, Trelawney at the circus, the clever resolution of the dead-Snape issue - because of course he might still be alive in an alternate universe! The moment he opens his mouth it's clear who he is, the voice is so stamped with his flamboyantly harsh personality. I love the welcome Hermione gives the prodigal Harry, and then the introduction to the apothecary's crew of nutters and incompetents. Regulus is a charmer, and I salute you for including his silver arm and the reason for it - plus it makes me wonder what kinds of hijinks Reg and Remus get up to when Teddy's asleep. All the magical details and Harry's apprenticeship in cauldrons and ingredients are fascinating. I really enjoyed how ferocious and uncompromising Severus is and yet how his few friends rally around nonetheless and try to protect him. The scene where the polyjuice wears off is very well-described and disturbing, and once it segues into Eileen's story and Snape's resurrection, it gets darker and spookier and even more poignant. The ritual is intense, and the enormity of Eileen's sacrifice horrifying and austere - she takes on her son's thankless death and consigns herself to nothingness. When blood leaks from Snape's nose and Harry runs out the door, I wanted to smack him. Good thing he redeems himself later.

The courtship between Harry and Severus is spot-on, I think - utterly unsentimental, with Harry impetuous and horny and grateful, Snape possessive and crude and unwilling to trust. Lots of chemistry here, and the verbal sparring is half the pleasure. I could read your dialogue for days.

"Settle a quick argument?" Draco asked.

Snape rolled his eyes. "Proceed."

"What do you call the thing between the dick and the arsehole?"

Snape's glance shifted from Draco to Harry. "The coffee table."

"I don't get it," Draco shrugged as Regulus and Remus escorted him out.

Bwahaha! Draco, you idiot.

But you also killed me with those offhand, unexpected moments that wrenched my heart. These lines, for example:

It was quite possibly the most perfect start to a perfect day. And then Snape's hand trembled uncontrollably in Harry's.

Ow. Oh, Severus. Luckily Harry is still Harry and therefore constitutionally incapable of not sticking his nose in where it doesn't belong, especially when it's Snape's business.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

Oh, shit, I did it again pt. 2 -

perverse_idyll, 2007-12-31 08:34 am UTC

Re: Oh, shit, I did it again pt. 2 -

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 06:58 pm UTC

ariadneelda
2007-12-31 12:54 pm UTC (link)

I've been trying to finish this since yesterday and I kept getting interrupted dammit. What an awesome story! The complex, brilliant plot, all the wonderful magical details - it's evident you put a lot of thought and work into this. Wow. I loved your Harry. Such an infuriating but lovable cheeky brat. ;-) And your Snape was perfect! LOVED him. And the dialogue! And the humour! Awesome. I enjoyed this so very much! I have a strong suspicion who you might be, secret Santa, and can't wait to find out if I'm right or wrong. :-)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 07:02 pm UTC

ariadneelda, 2008-01-06 08:02 pm UTC

	snegurochka_lee 2008-01-01 03:30 pm UTC (link)
	Very enjoyable story! I liked Remus/Regulus very much, and Harry's anger at Ginny's adultery at the beginning. Snake charmer, ha! I don't read much Snarry, but this was very nicely done, and I liked the alternate reality scenario. :)) (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 07:06 pm UTC

ziasudra
2008-01-01 04:31 pm UTC (link)

What an original, engaging story! I was wondering how Harry was ever going to go back to his own universe and readjust to life after experiencing everything on the other side... but turns out he didn't have to! Alternate!Harry will love Ginny and eventually fit into his new life, I'm sure, and it's great knowing that this Harry has chosen to stay beyond the mirror and to continue a life with Snape.

I love Regulus/Remus. As well as Mr. Fuzzems. Actually, I love all the little details and cameos, no matter how brief. Thanks, I enjoyed this very much.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 07:09 pm UTC

ships_harry
2008-01-01 06:43 pm UTC (link)

Harry runs away to join the circus? Fabulous. I really enjoyed the presence of Trelawney, both times; great to see good use out of a minor character. Travel between alternative universes is something I really like, and through a mirror, even; classic, with the added interest using Erised to give it more meaning. Definitely cool :). Fun to see Harry cramming for potions, too, and the sex was mm, very very nice indeed. Love the banter. Excellent banter.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 07:12 pm UTC

	celandineb 2008-01-02 05:13 am UTC (link)
	Fascinating alternate reality idea; I loved Remus/Regulus (and was curious about Sirius's fate), and giggled at snarky dominant Snape! (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 07:15 pm UTC

r_grayjoy
2008-01-02 07:51 am UTC (link)

A grab bag of impressions/stuff that I really liked about this upon first reading:

The idea of Harry-as-snake-charmer is incredibly witty, and something about the circus setting early on provides a sort of Something Wicked This Way Comes atmosphere and sets the stage for the entire piece somehow.

As I was reading, I was so incredibly frustrated with Harry not telling anyone in the mirror world what he'd experienced... but that's utterly in character for Harry, innit? He really is a bit secretive by nature, and often keeps things to himself. He does have some Slytherin leanings ~~despite what JKR might say~~, and that's one way that it shows.

Crane is obviously Snape from the get-go, and I like that Harry spots it right away. Although Harry can be one-track minded and oblivious to things he doesn't want to see, he's not an idiot, and moron!Harry is an overused cliche`. But at the same time, Snape is more cunning, and you've allowed him to stay a few steps ahead, which is also great.

Your Snape here is intriguing. He's snarky and hard, his defenses are constantly up... yet through Harry, we can see that he's a man with a lot of insecurities who feels deeply.

I think my favorite part of the entire thing might be the banter between Harry, Draco, Remus, and Regulus. Especially the snark between Harry and Draco, and then Snape coming in and settling it with three words. Heh.

Oh, also? I like that, in the end, Harry does the "right" thing (more or less) without doing the foolishly heroic thing. It seems as though he learned a thing or two from his experiences during the war. Nice.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 08:10 pm UTC

randomlysane
2008-01-02 06:27 pm UTC (link)

A very well-rounded story and perfectly in-character, including Luna. I like that Harry stayed in this new reality, knowing that both he and his other self would be happier with the trade. Harry was persistently in Snape's personal space, though what usually would spell disaster for most couples actually worked in thier favour. I like that Harry was secretive and cheeky, both are qualities that I saw in the books and I'm glad you carried them over here. You also had an interesting, and new, way of using Snape's mother to save him from death. And the whole concept around Malavar Crane was very inventive. I like the way you played with magic in this: the circus and snake-charming, the mirrormancy, Trelawney's creepy ways of fortune-telling, the polyjuice use, the concept of the inbalance Harry caused and its fix, all of it. You did a really great job with this!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 08:12 pm UTC

kennahijja
2008-01-02 07:13 pm UTC (link)

Yay, I loved this, and I'm anything but a fan of 'moving to alternate realities to escape' plotlines usually. But this was absolutely delicious. Regulus, wow! Snape's alter ego, double wow! At first (having downloaded only the story without header information) I had no clue whether it would end up being H/S, H/D or H/L, so the guessing game was double fun.

But the Snapishness of Mr Crane was evident very quickly, and I loved to see Harry's potions obsession (and the way Snape didn't let the poor boy breathe in between work).

The romance, when it comes, is wonderful in its fragility, with Snape skittish about commitment and publicity, and Harry hell-bent on restoring his name because it's the right thing to do (so, so Harry!). I was so very glad to see Snape relent in the end ('cause he's the type who could throw away a good thing for pride's sake).

I laughed my head of at
when Harry deigned to start a conversation he was met with a look that would singe a Chinese Fireball's whiskers.

Though as much as I liked this fic, I think I hate you for siccing the most aggressive plot bunny on me I've seen in ages, with
Your first and only marriage was to Voldemort.
Brilliant, brilliant line!

Wonderful fic, too :). Thanks so much for writing this!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 08:14 pm UTC

	feastonmyheart 2008-01-02 08:20 pm UTC (link)
	Lovely story, thanks so much for writing it. :) (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 08:15 pm UTC

ms_katonic
2008-01-03 10:30 pm UTC (link)

Wow, what an original and readable story! I love AU stories, and this is one of the better ones. I especially love the need for balance between the universes, and how one Harry couldn't handle family life and was lost without Snape, and the other couldn't cope without Ginny, and how they got to swap. I hope the other Harry made it back to her and managed to sort things out.

Wonderful story - thank you so much!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-06 08:17 pm UTC

ciel_vert
2008-01-04 04:50 pm UTC (link)

I loved this! I especially enjoyed your characterizations of Harry and Severus. One thing I really loved about this fic, was the unique way in which it was constructed. It was written almost like a "Simpsons" episode, where we start with something really interesting (Harry turning into Simon, joining the circus), but it doesn't end up being the plot of the story, just a really fascinating way of getting us to the actual plot (Harry and Severus). I mean that as a huge compliment, so I hope I've explained myself well enough that you'll take it that way! Anyway, really amazing writing! :)

(Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-07 01:36 am UTC

ciel_vert, 2008-01-07 04:11 pm UTC

	secretsolitaire 2008-01-05 04:35 am UTC (link)
	What a wonderful read! Intriguing plot, a marvelously IC Snape and some great secondary characters (Remus/Regulus -- hunh!). :-) (Reply to this) (Thread)

themostepotente, 2008-01-07 01:38 am UTC

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