Some Recs, Some Rambling

[seedee]

Finally, I have some time to post George-centric recs that have been collecting dust in my rec folder forever.


I Visit These Mountains With Frequency, George/Remus, 3,700 words, PG-13
Written by ladytelemachus
The members of the Potterwatch team push their luck, and find something a little bit like home in a cabin in the woods. Snapshots from a winter spent bringing hope to the airwaves.
Warnings: One instance of bad language. Implicit sex. Copious amounts of angst.

This is haunting and real. The story works on all levels. It's complex, beautifully told, and makes the pairing seem a natural progression. There's something very dark hanging over the story, and it influences everything from the narrative to the dialogue, to the way the people are portrayed. It's very powerful.
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Back and Forth (And Forth and Back), Gen, 2,200 words, PG
Written by l3petitemort
Summary: The logical thing, then, is to separate them.
Warnings: Canon character death. Angst.

This is a very effective comparison between two scenes. One takes place when the twins were very young; the second one is happening after the war. The first one - seemingly innocent - is used to portray the horror of the second. I love the way this is handled.
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Five Ways George was Different From Fred, Gen, 2,800 words, PG-13
Written by mugglemama
Summary: George was not completely identical to Fred

I'm a sucker for those kinds of stories, even though it's not really a story, more like a very lovely list - that is told like a story. It's light-hearted and fun and a great way to spend a few minutes.
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Only As the Hollow Men, George/Remus, George/Draco, 5,700 words, R
Written by wwmrsweasleydo
Summary: The loss of his ear leaves George feeling incomplete and empty. He's not the only one feeling that way. Men can look for solace in each other.
Warnings: Cigarettes, alcohol, vomit, scars, canon character deaths, oral sex, cross-gen (30/19, 20/18)

I started reading this story. Then I stopped. Then I started again. Then I stopped. Then I came back to it. Eventually, I just gave it a go despite the somewhat rough start. I'm glad I did. It's not a happy story, but a hopeful one. The characters seem very real. I adored that the author didn't bother with explanations or excuses but put all the effort in keeping the reader inside the characters' heads and let them see it through their eyes.
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Leave Out All the Rest, Gen with some George/Luna, 80,000 (not kidding), R
Written by annafugazzi
Summary: Nobody expected the year after Fred's death would be easy. But nobody expected George would have to lose so much, just to live through it. Or: George is doing his best to make his way after the war and Fred's death. Everyone is trying to help, and he wishes they would just stop. Especially Fred.
Warnings: Angst, suicide issues, and occasional inappropriate humour.

Heed the warnings, and take them seriously. This is a long tale about George's life after Fred's death. It goes into the details, which is painful at times, but always well worth it. I love the huge number of characters. Each one is lovingly developed and described. I had the chance to beta this story, so I watched it develop, and I'm especially impressed not only by the dialogue, but even more so by how different the narrative voice is depending on the point of view. It's a great story, and it's made even better by glimpses we get of the past.

I'm waiting for the sequel where we see Molly's suspicion come true... *pokes the author with a stick*



On a personal note, I've been thinking about dropping out of a fest I signed up for.

I'm halfway through the story; I have another three weeks left; it feels like it could become something good, and yet... I don't know.

I can't bring myself to write anything fannish at the moment. It almost feels like it's time to move on. My sense of obligation will hopefully save me from leaving the project unfinished. On the other hand, I don't want to finish if I can't give it the dedication it deserves.

Comments

[secretsolitaire.livejournal.com]

Hadn't seen Back and Forth, and it was gorgeous -- thanks for the rec!

[vanseedee.livejournal.com]

Very welcome. It's such a lovely story.

[katmarajade.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Hope you figure out what do do about the fest-- that's quite the predicament. Obligation v. Need to just get out. I hope you won't leave fandom writing forever-- that would be sad! You write such lovely things. But we all need a break sometimes, even a long one.

I haven't yet read Leave Out All the Rest-- I've been meaning to! But trying to find a chance to sit down and read 80k has been hard and I've heard it's amazing and want to give it the attention it deserves. It looks completely wonderful and I'm very excited about it!