A Thousand Beautiful Things by geoviki

[capitu]

Title: A Thousand Beautiful Things
Author: geoviki
Rating: R
Word Count: 104,000 Approx.
Summary: Draco Malfoy struggles with changed fortunes, shifted alliances, an ugly war, and an unusual spell, with the help of a concerned professor, an insightful house-elf, and an unexpected Gryffindor friend.
Content/Warning(s): Canon divergence (AU) after OotP.

I cannot believe I hadn't recced this before, because it's really amazing and definitely one of my favourites.

It's an AU after Order of the Phoenix, in which Draco is a spy for the Order and starts training with Snape for when the time comes. It's not linear, because the story starts when the war is over and won and Draco's facing Lucius's death.

It has different POVs, and all brilliant. We got to see the development of Dean and Draco's friendship after the war (Dean is so, so awesome! But so is Seamus!), after Draco saved Dean and Seamus, we get Draco's POV and even Snape's POV. It's very complex and rich in characterisations.

The heart of it is, we learn that back when Harry and Draco were at Hogwarts, before the war broke, Lucius cast a spell on Harry that would trigger after his death. This spell would make Harry every evening to insult and abuse his friends (verbally) until exhaustion, and if left alone he'd be a danger to himself. Draco witnessed Lucius casting the spell, but during the war, and even after the war, dealing with the Ministry and the aftermath - because even though he was cleared as an ally of the Light, people still don't trust a Malfoy - he forgot, and it’s not until Dean mentions Harry's having a hard that he remembers, sees the effect of Lucius's curse first hand, and he's faced with a choice. He could break the spell, but he could also lose everything, for to break the spell he needs to make a Vow of Silence.

It's fantastic, this fic. The way Draco is there for Harry through these 'cursed' evenings, the way he see the story (past and present) unfold, the way Draco changes with time, friendships made, and Harry's growing need for Draco, it's all so very good, man! Read it if you haven't, and you know, if have, read it again because it's truly brilliant. :D

Tagged both War!Fic and EWE because it jumps in time)

Comments

[besamislabios]

I clearly remember reading this, it was one of the first novel length h/d fic I read in the hp fandom. Such a classic and so beautiful. :)

[capitu]

I recently re-read and I remembered all these little things I loved and adored the first time and so much more! It's beautiful indeed. :)

[vaysh]

*seconding* The whole concept about Lucius' spell is so cracky, and Geoviki turned it into this angst beautiful fic that says so much about the war and what the war did to Harry and Draco. It's why is fanfiction - amazing originality combined with a firm grasp on canon and a playfulness that no published book can ever maintain.

[capitu]

Oh, the way you said it! I add that in the rec and say "what she said!" :)

[vaysh]

Correct my typos if you do, okay? :) :)

[gracerene]

Yay rec! I was wondering when I'd see this one pop up here. :D

[capitu]

I was taking my time re-reading it. :)

[mommyconk.livejournal.com]

I love this story. I can't remember the name, and I do not have time for awhile to reread this, but I loved Draco's house elf. And the sequels are great, too.

[capitu]

Ohh, you mean Sully. She's absolutely a darling with her

"Sully is not serving Malfoy Manor."

And how she taught this to Draco. Yes. She's brilliant. :)

[shadowfireflame.livejournal.com]

Oh, great rec. One of my all-time favorites!

[capitu]

It's wonderful! :D

[marang48.livejournal.com]

This is the story that hooked me to h/d fics, way back when it was hailed as one of best 25 h/d classic fics in a survey.

Same goes for its' sequel- Delicate Sound of Thunder.

Great writing, with an original plot.

[capitu]

Ooh, I think I remember that list! I think I also made my way through and might even be where I first heard of. ^^ I don't think I have read the sequel (s?), but hey, goals! XD

<3

[frnklymrshnkly.livejournal.com]

Ah! I adore this story. I feel like it's one of those special Drarry gems. Draco's vow causes me infinite feelings. Such spectacular plotting and characterisations. I think a re-read may be in order... :D

[capitu]

I know, I think this fic in a way has a special place in all our hearts. :) I was happy to re-read it after all this time, loved it all over again.

[geoviki.livejournal.com]

Wow, what a wonderful feeling you've given me! Thank you so much. I sometimes wonder if it even holds up after the actual ending of the book, and if anyone finds it entertaining these days. So I'm very grateful that you and these readers think it's still okay. *mwaah!*

[capitu]

:) As you can see, this story forever holds a special place in our hearts. Thank you for sharing it with us. <3