leni_jess has left us. She died yesterday from the complications of a heart attack. Leni is one of my oldest fandom friends, a wonderful, supportive person, and I can't say how much I'm going to miss her.

My thoughts go to her sister and brother, Anne and Russell.

A message from Leni's family can be found here.

Yes, you can only choose one. :)

Who would Kingsley choose if these were the only options he had? Please feel free to elaborate at length below.

Poll #1841247
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 10

Kingsley and ? (And I'd love it if you'd elaborate on why/why not.)

*laughs of self*

I had a total Kurt Vonnegut morning. In the sense that every single thing made sense, but seen as a whole it didn't. Living the post-modern before breakfast is not recommendable.

First I managed to semi-explode a few eggs in the micro. I usually cook eggs in a Chinese bowl with a lid on, works well, but not so much when the eggs are on top of a creamy lentil soup. Okay, so cleaning a bit before sitting down to eat soup (and eggs). With chopsticks. Back to fetch a spoon. Managed to sit down and tilt the coffee cup a bit without noticing until I put my hand in the coffee. Tried to wipe up the coffee with a tissue that was too small in one hand while holding the full bowl of soup in the other. Spilling soup. Mopping up again with larger amount of tissues.

What can I say: Poo-tee-weet! Not much breakfast of champions about this. Le sigh. I hope my brain starts working a bit better today, otherwise I'm fucked and will have to resort to twelve hours of SIMming.

Thank you, all of you, for your condolences and hugs yesterday. *hugs f-list* Apologies for not replying to all of you in the post.

And now to something more pleasurable: hp_beholder is still running, and the recently posted fics could do with readers and comments, not least because there are really good fic out there with characters that would usually make you run screaming in the opposite direction. Which is a shame, for some of those fics are brilliant.

First, The Magpie and the Rat, a really interesting take on a love story between two of the most despicable characters in HP (Death Eaters not included). Mundungus/Peter. It describes so well Peter's insecurities which Mundungus helps him forget. It is, despite the characters, a very sweet story, featuring well-written characters: characters who both know that they are not exactly wanted, but who finds beauty in each other. Please, give it a try. Unloved characters need love too.
Author's summary: ...Peter looked across the room again, to the short, dark man in the grubby raincoat sitting alone at the table there, and caught him watching their group again. The man looked away quickly...

A second lovely story with decidedly unloved (for a reason) characters is Amycus/Peter in the brilliant Bravery and Ambition. It's a longer story with so many little details and angles... Magic. Teenage experiments of various kinds. Slytherin scheming. A full range of interesting secondary characters to build an interesting world.
Author's summary: Amycus Carrow falls for a promising Gryffindor named Peter Pettigrew and discovers that bravery and ambition are rarer than he'd thought.

Also, I need to mention the quiet love story I received, A Hand, Outstretched. It's Viktor/Percy and the pairing, one I really hadn't given much thought before this fic and the other Percy/Viktor posted in this year's Beholder, works remarkably well. A broken Percy shows up in Charlie's dragon reserve. Viktor, comfortable with himself and what he does, has left Quidditch for the dragons. Great pairing, really.

Finally it came. My beloved uncle, the one who started this avalanche, so to speak, of people in my family dying, died this morning at a hospice in Copenhagen. He lived more than a year longer than the doctors expected, even at best. Most of the time he was well, considering. He was only 72. Far too early. My poor aunt. They loved each other so much.

My mother's friend through sixty years died yesterday.

Six people since last New Year.

*sighs*

(Yes, I'm fine, but sad.)

Oh, guys, you need to see/listen to this... The Copenhagen Philharmonics doing a flash mob in the metro... It's absolutely adorable.

A quick fly-by-rec:

Author: Anonymous for now - @ hp_beholder
Title: Choosing the Wizard(Ollivander/Hagrid; PG) is a gem. It's an absolutely stunningly good and well-developed love story. Ollivander is not well after the war, feeling guilty and useless. Hagrid and Luna (a brilliant, in-character Luna, showing precisely why Luna is so adorably clever) come to the rescue. It's a quiet, bitter-sweet story about love and redemption. I think this might be the best piece in this year's hp_beholder yet. Hagrid's characterisation--a honest, loyal, caring man--is perfect.
Author's Summary: Garrick Ollivander is a lost soul after everyone leaves Muriel’s house to go fight in the Battle of Hogwarts. How will he fit back into a world where he feels responsible for handing Voldemort the ultimate deadly weapon?

While we're at the fest-pimping, hp_diversity is having a mini-fest (at least one person of colour, minimum 300 words). Kingsley needs moar love, people! The prompts are up for grabs; (self)posting 22th-27th May. Over a hundred delicious prompts to choose from.

Recs from hp_beholder - all by anonymous (for now) authors/artists...

Title: The Garage (Arthur/Kingsley)
Author's summary: "Kingsley corners Arthur for a private moment in the garage."
Why you should read this: A short and to the point PWP. Not so much to say other than it's delicious and Arthur/Kingsley works really well.

Title: Courtship of a Common Man (Percy/Viktor)
Author's summary: "Percy's so tired of nothing being right or perfect in the world that he's just about given up. Thank goodness Viktor doesn't believe in giving up."
Why you should read this: It's a smooth fic. Wonderful flow, great love story, sweet and quiet. A feel-good read. Good characterisation.

Title: Steady as She Goes (Arabella Figg/Snape)
Author's summary:
Why you should read this: This is a really good take on a backstory for Mrs Figg. It's long, 30K, but it is definitely worth the read, if nothing else, then for the take on how it is to be born into the wizarding world without magic. But it's also a love story, and indeed an unusual pairing. Interesting read.

Title: Avarice, Regret and a Spoonful of Courage (Slughorn/Dumbledore)
Author's summary: "A glimpse of the relationship between Albus Dumbledore and Horace Slughorn."
Why you should read this: Slughorn's voice. It's as simple as that. It's perfect. A brilliant little fic with IC characters and the bittersweet canon end.

Title: Safe in Your Arms (ART! Minerva/Severus)
Why you should see this: It's a simple, but beautiful piece of art. Tenderness and love. Very well done.

The last two fics have been recced a hundred times already but for a reason. If you haven't read them yet, they are both worth your time, well-written, interesting takes on the pairings: The Chelmsford List (Shunpike/Mundungus) and Amorous Birds of Prey (Minerva/Severus).

Poll #1837084
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 10

Kingsley/who? (add as many as you like)

Kingsley's secret kink?

Kingsley's secret and very embarrasing kink?

Kingsley was in...

Kingsley is hotter than anything alive

Yay, that was fun. Not. A group of young people has been running around here in my street all day, you know sort of... being stupid but not doing anything. Called the police to tell them that it probably was a good idea to drive by once or twice.

Half an hour ago the young men set fire to a shed that is placed up against the outer wall of my flat and in another building across. The fire brigade HADN'T been notified about the fire outside my building before I rang and told them. Not fun. Not fun at all.

All I can say is that I certainly need to clean the windows tomorrow.

No, actually I can also say that this could have gone very wrong if the building had caught fire. Christ, how stupid people can be.

And no more editing before the police and the fire brigade disappear... *le sigh*

Oh, yesterday Google decided for me that I'd much rather have their new butt-ugly useless Gmail design than the old one. So they removed the ability to revert to the old. Yay. Or no yay. I so need to take time to work on moving my stuff away from Google.

But I pwned them! MUAHAHAHAHA!For those who wants the even-older-old Gmail interface, this link takes you back to the HTML-based design of the olden days: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/jprbslmwrqe4/?f=1

Also, this lovely little video describes the creepy stalker-ness of Google's recent changes. With humour.

Oh, Google, now you've done it. This is the end of our relationship, despite our five happy years together.

Dark deeds are done in the night, I see. All my docs except a few have been "upgraded" to the new Google doc version which is very much a downgrade. I want my full width docs back, arseholes! I do not want to be forced to use your fugly "new" whitespace-loving crap. Christ, your designers are even worse than LJ's Russian overlord, and that says a lot. I'm so used to writing stuff in G-docs full width that I don't even have to use the word count feature. I want it baaaaack!

So, that's it. I can't write in your stupid pre-formats. What a good thing that Zoho Writer makes it possible to actually format MY docs the way I want them, and not the way you think I should format them.

Also, the lovely thing about Zoho Writer, is that I'll be the customer, not the product (Yes, there's a free version, too). Now, if only Zoho had a feature that made it possible to bulk import 400+ of G-docs...

Writing-OTP for the future has to be Zoho/Startpage. Perhaps its time to change my email too, getting rid of Google entirely... *sighs*

Look at your LJ-cuts. Then go to news and tell LJ you do not want them. (Unless you do, but I doubt it. They are the exact shape of FAIL!)

ETA: For those of you using Stylish or CSS, there is a hack here to get rid of the damned scissors:

http://news.livejournal.com/141929.html?thread=100620137#t100620137

If you're a total n00b, but want to get rid of the fugly scissors, you copy the piece of code from the link, you go here, copy the four lines of code into the box that says

"Custom stylesheet" (Beneath the one that says Custom Stylesheet URL)

...and hit save. That should do it.

Dear X

YOU ARE DOING IT AGAIN! DON'T TRY AND PRETEND THAT YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING, ATTEMPTING TO PUSH THE PLOT IN THE DIRECTION YOU WANTED IN THE FIRST PLACE! [/Capslock screaming]

X, get back in line, or I swear I'll give you to the Giant Squid or Mundungus Fletcher. Or both. You wouldn't like that, now, would you?

Oh. To Dolores Umbridge, then?

Good. I thought so.

No love,

SL

So, I'm writing. This is how it goes when I write: I plot the plot, I tell the characters what to do, and they do it, or else... Let's just say that plot and characters are Imperio'ed to do my bidding when I write.

Usually I have Inner muse!Oliver going on about things and fic happens, cheered on by Oliver. (Yes, for some odd reason that eludes me, Snapelike is channelling Ollie Wood. Makes sense, right? No, I thought so. Doesn't to me, either. But this is how it has been for the last four years.)

Only not this time. I'm writing. But my main characters have for the first time flat out refused to do what I want them to and insist on going in a totally other direction than I planned. Oliver, on the other hand, has decided that Marcus Flint Quidditch is more important than my fic and has disappeared entirely, which of course could be a sign that I'm not as stark raving mad as the above might indicate. So now I'm thinking of rearranging a longish, quite complicated plot/fic to accommodate the idiots, that is if I can't talk them into doing what I planned. Not that it will make the fic worse, though. It might even be better. Perhaps. Le sigh!

My question is: what do you do when characters/plots/bunnies/writing go astray? Go with the flow, whip them into shape or something else entirely?

Title: In Silence from My Shore
Pairing: Kingsley Shacklebolt/Percy Weasley
Rating: Strong R
Word count: ~1,750
Prompt: "There's a room in the Ministry of Magic that only appears when people are seeking a location for an illicit sexual encounter."
Content: Infidelity; not between pairing - if you squint there might be a happy end lurking somewhere.
Summary: Percy is longing for freedom. Caught in a dead marriage, duty keeps him in his place, although he betrays his wife and his heart in the process. Kingsley realises that the only escape from this dead water is yet another betrayal.
Author's Notes: To Virgil for the inspiration.

( In Silence from My Shore )

1. Why is it that Hogwarts students from, let's say, Birmingham or Manchester or Newcastle or wherever, have to go all the way to London to take the Hogwarts Express all the way back through Birmingham, Manchester and Newcastle to get to Hogwarts? This does in no possible logical way make sense.

2. I just realised that the person from the Trio closest to becoming an evil witch/wizard is actually Hermione. That woman seriously lacks morals when it comes to hexing people.

3. Beta, anyone? It's long and I won't reveal too much here. Some of it is finished and the rest will be done in the upcoming week or two, so if you're able to help there is fic to read already. Mostly plot coherence and "you can't say that in English"-beta. PM or mail at snapelike at gmail dot com for more info on pairings and such.

4. A rec: Go read this lovely 3K Percy/Oliver-fic over at hp_getlucky! It is a sweet story about a sneaky Oliver who gets the man he wants. It's a quiet, sweet love-story, a delightful romance. *cuddles fic madly* It's a real feel-good fic, and the pairing is lovely.
Title: On the Flip of a Coin.
Author: curiouslyfic
Summary/Prompt: "Oliver, no one decides their life’s path on the whim of a coin flip. It just isn’t sensible."/Percy always believed in making his own Luck. So what happens when Oliver Wood and his stupid coin get the best of him?

Title: The Breton Bracelet
Pairing(s): Percy/Kingsley, Percy/Neville, Percy/Terence Higgs, Marcus/Oliver, Percy/Roger Davies, Percy/Marcus Flint, Percy/Adrian Pucey, Percy/Marcus/Oliver.
Prompt: One Christmas Luna gives Percy a strange bracelet she got from one of her many trips around the world. Not wanting to be rude Percy puts it on and immediately he sees his luck change. All the men he had ever fancied are suddenly clamouring to get a piece of him, and Percy finds himself having a hard time choosing.
Word Count: 10,500
Rating: NC-17
Warning(s): Nope.
Notes: Thanks to S for beta.
Summary: The annual Christmas party at the Ministry for Magic turns out quite extraordinary for Percy Weasley. A charmed bracelet makes Percy's wishes come true. More than attracted to some of the men attending, Percy has to find out exactly what it is he wants, preferably before things get out of hand. However, fate and luck have joined to give Percy a real surprise...

(The Breton Bracelet ) - over at hp_getlucky

Title: Onion Tears
Pairing: Marcus Flint/Oliver Wood, implied Oliver/Charlie and Oliver/Katie
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Adultery
Summary: There is always a point in a ruined relationship when one just knows it is over, when one knows that there are no remains of love left to salvage.
Author's Notes: For inspiration, to Carol Ann Duffy and Kate Bush.

( Onion Tears )

The anonymous fic masterlist is here. There are so many great fics so please leave a comment for the author to tell them that you appreciate their work.

Never by Anonymous @ dysfuncentine
Author's summary: Their affair has been going on for two years now, and Severus and Minerva believe that they understand each other completely.
Why you should read this: Painful lack of communication. Each POV is beautifully executed and make a great read with both characters spot on IC.

Variation on a One-Night Stand by Anonymous @ dysfuncentine
Author's summary: Shortly after the events of Half-Blood Prince, Narcissa comes to Snape looking for a one-night stand and finds something else instead.
Why you should read this: A perfect description of how it is to love when one's spouse is no longer the man he once was. Again, spot on characterisation.

Never Hearts and Flowers by Anonymous @ dysfuncentine
Author's summary: Rita Skeeter loves flowers, but no one has ever sent her any.
Why you should read this: A short study of how being a successful, powerful woman is little compatible with love and romance. Poor Rita...

Tingle by Anonymous @ dysfuncentine
Author's summary: When Lily's around, no one pays much attention to Petunia.
Why you should read this: Insightful view into Petunia's youth, into how it feels always to be second. The story is Sirius/Petunia and in the context their encounter makes very much sense. Brilliantly written.

Like Incendio by Anonymous @ dysfuncentine
Author's summary: Some things probably shouldn’t be spoken aloud.
Why you should read this: I love this short fic. My love might be slightly coloured by the fact that Potter is my least favourite character and that I love, adore and admire Neville excessively. The story offers a truly nasty and drunk Harry who's bothered by his destiny and a lovely Neville who knows how to handle the idiot. Looking back at all the brief instances in canon where Potter acts like a total brat, this isn't as OOC as it might appear. Gen-fic, btw.

Thanks also to the lovely demarafis and inamac for even more dragons. *kisses*

( 3x100 Charlie/Draco Drabbles, Loosely Connected )

Today is Charlie-writing day to celebrate the lovely blue dragons that are flapping around LJ! <3

So, deslea, torino10154, alisanne, lore (and the anonymous gifter, if you want) gimme a prompt (just a few words), a pairing (or none), and I'll write you a 100-words Charlie drabble.

*runs back to drag around furniture in the Slytherin common room*

dysfuncentine has started posting and to me it was a bit of an experiment writing for the fest. I'm not very much into the unhappy relationships and no happy endings, but first I had fun writing and secondly I thought I should go read some, and I realised that I enjoy the screwed up takes on relationships and love very much as long as I know I can expect something that is not the usual happiness. There are other interesting aspects in such plots, I admit.

So here are the first two recs. I suspect more, for the quality is very high in general.

Title: Cochineal by ?
Pairing: Narcissa Malfoy/Rita Skeeter
Summary/Excerpt: "Narcissa Malfoy, isn't it? Congratulations on the wedding, I've read all about it and it looked fabulous." Her accent is a somewhat whiny East End, and Narcissa fights the urge to draw back: she has always been slightly uncomfortable around the lower classes.
Why you should read this: This is not a pr0n fic, even if there is sex. It is a brilliant little character study, portraying both the ladies, their ambition and what drives them, spot on. It describes how Slytherin moral and power together make such an interesting combination. The fic is very well written, good, clear language and precise characterisation.

Title: Passion is Passion by ?
Pairing: Ginny/Pansy
Summary/Excerpt: Ginny needs her passport renewed, Pansy is not inclined to be helpful.
Why you should read this: The winner and the loser. Pansy, having a tiny slice of power over Ginny, revels in the abuse of her position--a position which allows her to be on top for a while. That is until Ginny has had it. The anger, bitterness and contempt mingling with the arousing exchange and transition of power and submission into sex is very well done. The fic mostly consists of brilliantly written dialogue, spiced up with a bit of dominant hate-sex. Even if fem-slash and passionate hate-dominance-sex is not your thing, give it a try, if nothing else for the interaction between the two women. Passion indeed, but not the sweet, fluffy kind.

Please leave a comment for the author--we all love comments--if nothing else, then at least an "I enjoyed it" or "Thanks for a good read" (If you like it, obviously). Even a brief comment might make the author's day. :)

A drabble for torino10154 <3

Late to the Party

When Severus was in a bad mood, Harry wished he had somewhere else to go.

Usually Harry knew why Severus was angry with him. He'd be informed. Loudly. Today, however, Severus was colder than ice. Harry looked at the calendar on the kitchen wall. 15th February. At least he hadn't forgotten Severus' birthday.

Then it hit him. He found his robe, fumbling for the package he'd hidden.

He went into Severus' study, placing the small gift on the desk. 'You watch too many romance soaps,' Harry said.

'So?' Severus snapped and ripped the paper off the box eagerly.