Azoth by faire_weather (aka zeitgeistic)

[capitu]

Title: Azoth
Author: faire_weather aka zeitgeistic
Rating: NC 17
Word Count: 88,700
Summary: Now that Harry is back at Hogwarts with Hermione for eighth year, he realises that something’s missing from his life, and it either has to do with Ron, his boggart, Snape, or Malfoy. Furthermore, what, exactly, does it mean when one’s life is defined by the desire to simultaneously impress and annoy a portrait? Harry has no idea; he’s too busy trying not to be in love with Malfoy to care.

There's so much to be said about this story. Part of me want to say Read It! What are you waiting for! But another part of me wants to gush endlessly about it, so I'll try for middle ground. ^^

This story as I see it, is about finding yourself; it's about Harry finding himself, knowing himself and accepting himself. It's about changes and accepting those changes, too. And these changes for Harry begin with a Boggart and the Mirror or Erised, both showing him the same thing: himself.

That is the catalyst for Harry, (and it feels so right to use such a term for this fic!) because this makes Harry to look into himself, to make his life take an unexpected turn and discover his joy, his passion, now that there are no Dark Lords or Prophesises looming in his future, it is now when he decided to challenge himself for himself, and embrace the unexpected. He decides to become a Potions Master, and it's crazy and brilliant.

There's so much self-discovery for Harry. And Draco, Draco becomes part of everything for Harry, his biggest joy and challenge, and at times even his biggest regret.

There's such a transformation from the boy who started on the story, who didn't know what to do with his life, to the man happy and fulfilled he was at the end. It's such a pleasure to read, such an amazing ride of growth. It's going to make you fall in love with Harry all over, and Draco, and Snape, and the creation of Potions and what it means for them.

This story is unexpected. I know you're probably expecting something great from what you've heard, but it's going to surprise you anyway. And if you're thinking, 'wow, nearly 90K, that's long!' This fic is so entertaining, so much fun and engaging you're going to read and read and read and before you know it's about to be over, with your heart all over the pages wondering where all the time went.

Comments

[firethesound]

I am dying to read this, I just haven't had time yet! ::flails::

[capitu]

Oh, first chance you have, you must! I mean it when I say that fic flies by. It's amazing. :D

[eidheann_writes]

It is so worth it. Even on the mumble mumble reread.

[capitu]

Forever favourite. <3 *nods*

[vaysh]

I went the easy way out in my rec for this amazing story, and just said "Read it. Now!" :) Thank you for putting into words what I was unable to say. YES, it is about Harry discovering who he can be in a post-Voldemort world, and it's wholly unexpected and still totally plausible what kind of Harry J. Potter he discovers. I would have probably made of mesh of it, had I tried because OMG, this story is so much about being in love, too. And it is, both at a literary and a - dare I say scientific? - level about the magic of potion-making - awesomely done, potion-making being both a metaphor/plot device and well, I understood quite a bit about chemistry having read this. ;) ♥

[capitu]

I wanted to go on and on with the rec and at the same time say nothing at all but READ THIS. :D

YES! You're absolutely right, about this. It's about being in loved, too. How vulnerable it makes you, and the crazy things you do for love and the things you put yourself because of it.

And the Potion making! I had these moments of Oohh along with Harry, and boy, I just can't say this enough, I love how smart and hard working Harry was here. I loved it how he was written. And the chemestry, well! Yep, I got you about that, too! ;))

This story should have a big, huge sign that says "Read Me" on the back. :D *nods*

[lzay-niight.livejournal.com]

I did like this story, but not in the level most are. I think you really have to be aware of science involved in this story, or it just pure gibberish when they speak of it. Like pressing the mute button on your Tv, when they go in dept. I definitely was not in that frame of mind (My academic brain usually turns off when I read fanfiction).

Other then that, yeah it was a pretty good read. Though I did felt that the career path Draco and Harry choose was a bit...not weird, but like they were trying to hard to be different. I probably would have accepted it better if they had better reasons for choosing their path.

Overall, I would recommend the story. But warn to have science in mind, or most of the stuff mentioned would just go right over the head. >_>

[capitu]

I loved the story, including the science involved. I mean, yes, I suppose there is a lot about chemistry and potion making, but I personally didn't feel it went over my head. It is complex, that is true, but I thought it fit with the story telling. I didn't think there were parts purely about theoretic knowledge that were overwhelming, to me, that is. :D

As for the career paths they chose, I agree they were trying to be different, but I also think they were trying to prove themselves, and honouring people who marked their lives in a very deep way as well, you know? :-)

[(Anonymous)]

This is the first time I've commented on anything you've recced, solely because I just didn't feel a need to.

But jesus did you do the right thing by reccing this.

[capitu]

I'm glad you approve. :) The story is epic!

[(Anonymous)]

It's beyond epic. Words can't even describe this. I went into this almost not reading because it was Ron/Lavendar and I'm a big fan of "off screen" Ron/Hermione. But I read it anyways and...it was amazing. I think some people didn't get it or like it because it was too "sciencey" for them. Some of the concepts were definitely a bit complex, but a good story is never simple.

Thank you again for reccing this!

[capitu]

You're absolutely welcome. :)

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