hackthis_archive ([personal profile] hackthis_archive) wrote2004-12-11 12:43 pm

Not For all the Love in the World - Thousandth Man-verse. Neville/Theodore

After I posted 'A Nott Don't Come for Free' [livejournal.com profile] jonem inquired what my plan was for Thousandth Man-verse and how it was going to end and that actually got me thinking about the end. Before, the end had only been a vague place in the distance, but after some random conversing with [livejournal.com profile] circe_tigana, I have seen the end, and lo, it is coming in two more large sections. I think closure will suit us all nicely. Cookies don't count though, and since before my holiday I told [livejournal.com profile] dorrie6 that I would write her a wee piece with snow in it, I had to deliver.

So this is for her and [livejournal.com profile] plumsnickety, who has created so many lovely icons, including the one here, for this universe.

Thousandth Man-verse
Not For all the Love in the World





Large, puffy flakes of whiteness fall all around them in flurries. It is the sort of snow that accumulates rather than melting on impact, and the grey Scotland sky is clear; the air crisp with fine visibility.

It's a plain description for a beautiful tableau, but it gets the point across, which is what matters since Theodore is not given to purple-prose and gross embellishments. He does not care for great metaphors and comparisons.

He does not claim to be simple -- but he likes his life to be simple and straight-forward. Of course, he would also like for the war to be over and done with in the flash of a wand and Unforgivable curse -- but he is not expecting it to be so.

There is a great difference between what Theodore wants and what he expects

The packed snow crunches loudly under the weight of his feet, and the biting cold makes his eyes water and his nose run. Beside him Blaise prattles -- actually Blaise has never been given to prattling, he is making conversation, attempting to keep Theodore's mind off what is approaching -- but it is all for naught.

In an ideal world, Theodore would be flanked by Blaise and Neville right now, and his gloved hand would be brushing against Neville's hand with every step closer to their destination. Neville's checks would be flushed with the cold, and he would be talking animated about plants or plans for their eventual summer holiday in Nice.

Blaise would roll his eyes in irritation and whisper something in Theodore's ear in French. Theodore would smirk, shake his head, and make a point of brushing shoulders with Neville as they continued onward in their journey. He has promised to teach Neville French while they are on holiday -- while they are all on holiday -- and he is grateful to Blaise for agreeing to come with them, eventually.

Theodore knows that Blaise does not approve of Neville -- but he makes an attempt to be civil when he must and that is enough for now.

Theodore will turn his head slightly when Neville hooks two of their fingers together, because they do not hold hands, but this link works well for them.

Every now and then they will stop to adjust their cloaks and robes against the elements. Theodore will tighten Neville's scarf and brush the snow off of his shoulders, and Blaise will knock the flakes out of Theodore's hair.

All around them the snow will continue to fall, and they will walk on until they reach their destination. Wherever that is.

This, however, is not an ideal world, and Theodore makes a grab for Blaise's arm when his footing falters on a slippery patch.

He is supported by Blaise's hand over on his, and the castle is a dark grey citadel in the distance as they move from class to class, motivated to quickness by the cold.

Theodore's haste is further provoked by the figures approaching intently; his vision sharp and focussed between the falling snow.

He can make out Granger's frizzy brown hair trying to escape from underneath her hat, and Potter's haphazard perambulations are well-known to all.

They are of no consequence to Theodore since he only has eyes for that burgundy coat he would know anywhere, and he makes a point of looking forward and not to the side as Neville walks closer in the company of other Gryffindors.

There are snowflakes sitting in Neville's hair. Tiny, white specks that sit on top of the spiky, brown bristles, and his cheeks are bright pink with the colour. Neville is wearing the gloves that Theodore bought for him during the winter holiday, and Theodore does his best not to notice the way Neville's tongue flickers out to wet his lips. He finds himself he biting back a grimace when Blaise's hold on his forearm tightens significantly.

He ignores Granger's appraising gaze and Potter's glare, refusing to let his steps falter when all he really wants to do is push Neville down in the nearest snowdrift and snog him senseless.

Theodore wants to grab Neville by the lapels of the hideous coat and lick at his cold chapped lips until Neville is whimpering against him and Theodore's tongue is buried in Neville's warm, wet mouth.

Theodore wants -- a lot of things.

Instead he shakes free of Blaise's death grip and lets his hands fall to his sides. As the two groups draw closer, the Gryffindors close ranks, and it's only in passing that Theodore feels Neville's hand brush against his.

And as the two factions pass, Theodore's chest is filled with a warmth that not even the frigid weather can touch. He has no name for the sensation, but he thinks it's a lot like being kissed by Neville Longbottom.



-end-

+ Unbeta'd because it is Saturday and everybody needs a 303. Err, a break.
+ Title from the song by The Killers. The Thrills. There are too many bands that start with 'The' and have double 'l's. And none of them are that good.




I am attempting to find a hook for my [livejournal.com profile] yuletide story. I know what I want to write, but I can't seem to find the proper hook. Damn!

[identity profile] violentviolethp.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 12:58 pm (UTC)(link)
This makes me happy. I haven't been good about commenting, but I've really enjoyed all of the different parts of you Thousandth Man-verse. As much as I don't want it to come to an end, I can't wait to see the eventual resolution. Thank you for the frequent, awesome updates.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you for reading, I'm glad you're enjoying it :)

[identity profile] violentviolethp.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 12:59 pm (UTC)(link)
And I meant "your" Thousandth Man-verse. I have to start reading posts before I hit the "Post Comment" button. Sorry.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
No worries, It happens to me all the time. I am a perennial example of the fingers and the brain operating independently.
varadia: (Default)

[personal profile] varadia 2004-12-11 01:16 pm (UTC)(link)
I just thought I should mention that I absolutely adore the Thousandth Man-verse. It is currently my happy place.

*blissful sigh*

The characterizations are just so solid and quirky and great.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:43 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad you're enjoying it! :)

[identity profile] fivil.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 01:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh god, this was so sweet and adorable. Warms my insides like Theodore's. Just shows the entire Blaise/Theodore/Neville thing as it is and the complicity of it and

Theodore wants -- a lot of things.
...sort of summarizes it. Wonderful.

By the way, I always thought I'd feel a bit sad when this whole thing would be brought to its conclusion but right now I'm only intrigued and looking forward to reading the end.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:44 pm (UTC)(link)
By the way, I always thought I'd feel a bit sad when this whole thing would be brought to its conclusion but right now I'm only intrigued and looking forward to reading the end.

Me too! *snerk*

[identity profile] circe-tigana.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 01:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh!

Oh!

When you said sweetness, I didn't know it would cut into me like this!

Just fucking gorgeous. Oh. Oh, yes!

Gosh, this made me happy and sad and a million things in between!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I said it would be sweet :D

[identity profile] teaspoon.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 01:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Circe said it - "fucking gorgeous" pretty much sums it all up. Wow.

Really, really well-done. In awe, as always.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
What would I do without you lot? Factions it is! I actually realised that was wrong, went in to edit it, edited something else, and forgot about that altogether. Yes, I am very focussed, why do you ask?

[identity profile] seedyapartment.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 01:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Everything you write in this verse slays me, but this is wonderful and adorable.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:45 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you :)

[identity profile] thermidor.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 01:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Fabulous, as usual.

And I can empathise on needing a hook for yultide story as I am looking for one myself.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I have found my [livejournal.com profile] yuletide hook, thank Mordred. Now to write the blasted thing. ::rolls eyes:: Every year this happens, why do I keep signing up? Ah, because I'm a masochist! It's obvious.
aidenfire: (Default)

[personal profile] aidenfire 2004-12-11 02:06 pm (UTC)(link)
Wow. Just absolutely lovely. Wonderful.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:57 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you :)

[identity profile] roisinmachine.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 03:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Haphzard perambulations are now my best friend.

Lovely stuff.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:58 pm (UTC)(link)
This is a rather quirky phrase, no? I quite like it.

[identity profile] joannablack.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 05:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Not for all the love in the world is a thrills song, isn't it? I haven't read it the story yet, but I am pretty durn sure it's not a killer's song. It's on Let's Bottle Bohemia, yeah? Or am I smoking crack?

[identity profile] joannablack.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 05:41 pm (UTC)(link)
And now that I've read it. Oh man, I love it. It makes me all misty-eyed.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:59 pm (UTC)(link)
I confess I haven't the foggiest idea, they all sort of seem the same to me. I only picked this title because I quite liked all the fairy lights in the video :)

[identity profile] dorrie6.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 05:54 pm (UTC)(link)
I don't even know what to say. This is the most gloriously beautiful thing, and I think I might cry.

He has no name for the sensation, but he thinks it's a lot like being kissed by Neville Longbottom.

That just killed me. It really did. I don't know if you'd remember- I can't see how you would, but the very first HP fic I ever wrote was this longish H/D fic (Contingency), in which Harry had previously been involved with Neville. The first thing Harry says to Draco after Draco has molested him out of the blue is "You kiss like Neville Longbottom." I always had this idea that there was something very special about that, and that Neville had one of those kisses someone would never forget, and would compare all subsequent kisses to.

Anyway. I have no idea why I've gone on so about this. But I am in love with this ficlet. I really am. It is more than I ever hoped for when you mentioned a fic with snow. It is so beautiful, and perfectly captures the state of Neville and Theodore, and what it is to have to keep something secret like that. I'm just. I can't get over it. I really can't.

<3

Thank you for this.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 01:03 pm (UTC)(link)
That just killed me. It really did. I don't know if you'd remember- I can't see how you would, but the very first HP fic I ever wrote was this longish H/D fic (Contingency), in which Harry had previously been involved with Neville. The first thing Harry says to Draco after Draco has molested him out of the blue is "You kiss like Neville Longbottom." I always had this idea that there was something very special about that, and that Neville had one of those kisses someone would never forget, and would compare all subsequent kisses to.

I have read that story, and I think it's lovely you know :) And i'm very pleased you liked this, I didn't want you to think I'd forgotten about it.

Sweet, but with nutritional value...

[identity profile] askmehow.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 06:40 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, this was just the thing I needed befor going to bed. Hot and sweet and perfect.

And as the two factions pass...
I loved this fragment because, depsite the tenderness of the piece, you don't ignore the fact that war is coming, or that the Gryffindors and Slytherins still mistrust each other and their ideological stances, fighting Voldemort be-damned.

*points at icon* I mean it.

Re: Sweet, but with nutritional value...

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this, thank you :) Also, your icon is v cute.
ext_1227: (Default)

[identity profile] veryshortlist.livejournal.com 2004-12-11 10:06 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry that I haven't reviewed before. I really should have, as this whole universe has me seriously hooked. This story is one of the few that I make time for while I'm really busy with school.

I love your characterization of Theodore. He's sensible, but not boring, and is a typical Slytherin, without being showy and annoying. There are a million reasons, why I love this series, really.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 02:52 pm (UTC)(link)
It's never too late for feedback! And I'm glad you're enjoying this. You're very kind, thank you :)

[identity profile] flrouk.livejournal.com 2004-12-12 05:14 am (UTC)(link)
This is just lovely.

<3<3<3

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 02:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you :)

[identity profile] schubert-snow.livejournal.com 2004-12-12 06:11 am (UTC)(link)
Your whole Thousandth Man thing makes me so happy, yet so sad! I'm thrilled that you've written a piece including snow. As you can tell from my username, I enjoy the snow very much. Beautiful imagery.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 02:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you, you're very kind!

[identity profile] jonem.livejournal.com 2004-12-12 10:45 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, lovely. I needed something like this to get me back in the festive mood after today. Nothing kills off a Christmassy vibe like Christmas shopping. Shut up, Cliff Richard.

I'm feeling all snuggly and happy now, as I always do after one of your TM fics. I'm glad you've decided where you're going with these plotlines, although (naturally) part of me is going

Fingers crossed over here for a fitting ending to a wonderful series. I'm not going to be able to read a fic involving Blaise or Theodore in future (should one exist :-( ) without thinking of your characterizations. You define them for me. <33

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 02:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Nothing kills off a Christmassy vibe like Christmas shopping. Shut up, Cliff Richard.

Darling, you must look on the bright side. It could've been Cilla Black. Or Bob the Builder. *again*

I am glad you're still enjoying this though, that makes me tremendously pleased.
ext_2705: (Default)

[identity profile] zoniduck.livejournal.com 2004-12-12 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Gorgeous. Just absofuckinglutely gorgeous. I really couldn't love this 'verse any more than I do, at least not without seriously embarassing myself. BTW, I rec'd the Thousandth Man 'verse stories in my LJ on Friday. I'm rather sad to hear that there are only two more installments to come. You've made Neville, Theodore, Blaise, and their extended families my favorite characters in the HP world.

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 02:59 pm (UTC)(link)
You're very kind to recc the series, and I'm so pleased you've enjoyed it so much. Thank you :)

[identity profile] serialkarma.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 09:13 am (UTC)(link)
awww. So pretty and...wintry. Lovely, sweetie!

[identity profile] hackthis.livejournal.com 2004-12-13 12:59 pm (UTC)(link)
:D

[identity profile] plumsnickety.livejournal.com 2004-12-20 04:19 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, how I craved snowfic today. I love the lines drawn between Blaise, Theodore and Neville. I'm always left loving T&N, but wanting to huggle Blaise to death. It's things like this that are making me want to defect from Ravenclaw. :)

[identity profile] moonystone.livejournal.com 2006-04-22 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
Beautiful, just like the snowy weather described. He's in loooove *sighs*